Little Tavern Locations

Little Tavern Shops was founded in 1927 in Louisville, Kentucky by Missouri native Harry F. Duncan. The first location in Washington DC opened in 1928 and the first in Baltimore, MD opened in 1930, expanding into the Maryland and Virginia suburbs in the later 1930s. Little Tavern officially relocated their operation to Washington DC in 1941 and the last Louisville location closed in the early 1950s after operating in isolation for a decade. The company continued building new Little Tavern locations in the 1930s tudor cottage mold into the mid 1970s. In 1980. Duncan sold the chain to Gerald Wedren, who set about revitalizing the chain, restoring several of the original locations and opened a number of new ones in less traditional storefront locations, shopping centers and malls. Losing market share to fast food and losing locations to development, the chain went from roughly 36 locations in 1980 to 22 eight years later.  In 1988, Wedren, along with his parters, Senator Howard Metzenbaum and Barbara Bonner (operating as GEW inc.) sold to Roger W. Kisiel and Joseph R. O’Brien, Fuddruckers franchisees operating under the name Atlantic Restaurant Ventures, Inc..  O’Brien and Kisiel had plans to re-vamp the menu and image of Little Tavern. Amid allegations of fraud relating to the sale in 1988, Little Tavern closed in 1991. Several locations were bought by former employee Alfred Wroy, with one new location opened, and run until the last closed in 2008. The trademark was bought by James Cumbest who has so far unsuccessfully tried to license the name to franchisees since 2009.

Before opening the first Little Tavern, Harry Duncan operated a chain of hamburger restaurants in St. Louis, MO. Described as “Baby Beef” shops, I have so far been unable to find any secondary confirmation of that name beyond articles quoting a single interview given by Duncan in the 1970s, and have been unable to find any addresses or photographs.

Baby Beef shop no 1. – unknown address, St. Louis, MO. Opened Feb 14, 1925
Baby Beef Shop no. 2 – unknown address, St Louis, MO.  Opened 1925-1926
Baby Beef Shop no. 3 – unknown address, St Louis, MO.  Opened 1925-1926
Baby Beef Shop no. 4 – unknown address, St Louis, MO.  Opened 1925-1926
Baby Beef Shop no. 5 – unknown address, St Louis, MO.  Opened 1925-1926

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 1
510 West Broadway Louisville, KY
Opened March 24, 1927, closed c. 1950
The building was demolished by 1955. The Al J. Schneider Co building, later known as the Bank of Louisville building, was built on the site in 1960.
louisville-no-1
Company photo from 1930s Little Tavern publication, courtesy Larry Collier.

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 2
414 E Broadway, Louisville, KY
Opened October 8, 1927, closed 1941
Bought by James and Donna Spellman,who operated it as the Little Manor System Restaurant for 32 years.
louisville-no-2
Caufield & Shook photo, commissioned by Harry F. Duncan of Little Tavern in 1928. ULPA CS 097019 Courtesy the collection of the University of Louisville.

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 3
652 S 18th St, Louisville, KY
Opened Dec 22, 1927, closed 1941
Operated in 1942 by former Little Tavern employee Leonard Higdon as Little Castle Hamburgers No. 2
Operated in 1946 by Charles R. Melven as the Castle Inn no. 1
Enlarged in 1958, operated by Mary H. Sines as Mary’s Grill
Operated in 1972 as Bar B Q King
Operated in 1980 by James Johnson as The Country Pit
louisville-no-3
Image Courtesy Larry Collier

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 4
2120 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY
Opened March 24, 1928, closed August 1935
Purchased by Herman A. Parris, a former employee of Little Tavern, in 1935 and reopened as White House Shop no. 1. Remodeled in late 1930s-early 1940s.
louisville-no-4
Image courtesy Greg Parris

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 5
417 W. Chestnut, Louisville, KY
Opened May 17, 1928, closed 1943-1944
Bought in 1944 by William Adkins
Operating as Eddie L. Rivers Restaurant in 1946
1951 George Karras, owner
1952 Operating as the Dagwood Grill
1957 Operating as Dandee Hamburgers No. 2 (there was another Dandee Hamburgers at 454 S. 5th)
1965 Operating as Pattie’s Grill
louisville-no-5
Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 1
814 E Street NW, Washington DC
Opened October 30, 1928. Closed September 12, 1945

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 2
3701 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington DC
Opened February 12, 1929, new backbar 1953
no-2-charlene-clark
Caufield & Shook photo, commissioned by Harry F. Duncan of Little Tavern c.1929. Courtesy Charlene Clark

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 3
3031 14th St. NW, Washington DC
Opened August 14, 1929. Closed January 27, 1941

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 4
1490 H. St NE, Washington DC
Opened December 3, 1929, remodeled October 1937. Closed November 13, 1942

Louisville Little Tavern Shop No. 6
129 S. 2nd St., Louisville, KY
Opened May 15, 1930, Closed 1932
1933- Liberty Barber Shop
1934, 1937 – L.K. Diefenbach Restaurant
1941- Snack Sandwich Shop
1946 – Robert O’Banion Lunch
1952- Kidd’s Grill
1958 – Chuck’s Quick Lunch
louisville-no-6
Caufield & Shook photo, commissioned by Harry F. Duncan of Little Tavern in 1930. ULPA CS 111433. Courtesy the collection of the University of Louisville.

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 1
1/2 East Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD
Originally built in castle style, remodeled into tudor cottage style
Opened June 2, 1930, lost Lease April 1981
Demolished early 1980s
01
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 5
2104 14th St. NW Washington DC
Opened June 19, 1930. Closed July 15, 1940
no-5-lois-smith
Photo courtesy Lois Smith

The Hamburger Grill
1221 U Street, NW
Opened January 3, 1933, closed 1935
Referenced in 1933 “The Afro American”

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 2
433 Merryman Lane, Baltimore, MD (Greenmount Ave, 32nd St.)
Originally built in “White Castle” style, original architecture visible at right. Still standing
02
Photo copyright Doug Hansen, used with permission

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 3
908 W. 36th St. Baltimore MD
Opened Jan 29, 1931, closed January 31, 1946, still standing
The first Little Tavern to be built in tudor style
03
Photo copyright Michael G. Stewart/ dinerhunter.com

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 4
506 E 25th St, Baltimore, MD
Opened March 21, 1931, Closed 1932 due to lease problem
Bought c.1932 by Joshua Thomas Gillelan and remodeled. Has been operating as the Stone Tavern since the 1930s
04
Photo copyright Michael G. Stewart/ dinerhunter.com

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 6
630 North Capitol St. NW, Washington DC
Opened May 6, 1931, Restored 1983, Demolished 1988.
no-6-greg
Little Tavern company photo, c.1931-1934. Courtesy Greg Parris

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 5
523 Conkling Street, Baltimore, MD
Opened August 1, 1931. Closed early 1990s.
Demolished in 2003
dinerhunterdotcom-01
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 7
1344 G St. NW, Washington DC
Opened December 23, 1931, Remodeled July 29, 1940, new backbar 1956
no-7-robby-delius
Photo courtesy Robby Delius

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 8
1211 H St. NW, Washington DC
Moved to 1309 New York Ave, Washington DC in 1936. Moved (streets renumbered?) to 1251 New York Ave, Washington DC c.1956.
Opened March 22, 1932. New backbar 1956. Closed April 11, 1969. Demolished 1972.
no-8-larry-collier
1936 Little Tavern company photo.  Courtesy Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 9
5100 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened December 3, 1932
Washington DC office before shifting to Silver Spring
no-9-larry-collier
1936 Little Tavern company photo.  Courtesy Larry Collier

The Baltimore Grill / Little Tavern Tap Room
Opened Jan 13, 1934. Closed May 30, 1940
Served liquor, opened shortly after repeal of prohibition. Possibly a store front location

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 10
318 14th St. SW Washington DC
Opened February 1, 1934
Moved 80 feet in 1936 to accommodate construction of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Annex. Closed February 16, 1938
no-10-decatur-daily-review
1936 Little Tavern Shops company photo, courtesy Larry Collier, courtesy Scott Stone.

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 11
Unclear whether the address was 1409 K Street NW or 133-1/2 B street SE
Opened September 15, 1934, closed April 21, 1958

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 12
718 H St. NE, Washington DC
Opened November 11, 1935, remodeled 1940
no-12
photo copyright Michael G. Stewart / dinerhunter.com

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 13
Opened December 12, 1935, closed June 29, 1944
427 Florida Ave. NE, Washington DC
EPSON MFP image
photo courtesy Lois Smith

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 6
208 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore, MD.
Opened Jan 2, 1936, closed December 24, 1950

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 14
Opened April 9, 1936
3333 M. Street NW, Washington DC
Restored/renovated 2004, with a large section at rear demolished
no-14
Photo copyright Michael G. Stewart

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 7
519 East 25th Street, Baltimore MD
Opened April 11, 1936
Filming location for “Dawn Davenport, Career Girl” scene of the John Waters movie, “Female Trouble”. Still standing.
07
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 15
1200 Good Hope Road SE, Washington DC
Opened July 1, 1936

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 16
1110 H St. NW, Washington DC
Opened November 11, 1936
no-16

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 17
2628 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened December 31, 1936, Closed November 28, 1972, demolished to build the Woodley Park-Zoo / Adams Morgan Metro station
no-17-larry-collier
c.1936 Little Tavern company photo, courtesy Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 18
1708 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened February 4, 1937. Relocated?
Demolished by 1972.

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 19
1326 New York Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened February 9, 1937, Closed February 1, 1967

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 8
923 West North Ave, Baltimore, MD
Opened March 9, 1937, burned out September 9, 1968
Closed 1988. Entire area has been demolished and redeveloped
08
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 9
3200 W. Belvedere Ave. Baltimore, MD
Opened late 1937
Across from Pimlico race track. Harry F. Duncan, founder of Little Tavern, was a major fan of horse racing and opened shops both here and down from the Laurel race track. After a day of losing big at the horse track in May of 1954 with his friends J. Edgar Hoover, Clyde Tolson and Theodore McKeldin,  Duncan had his limo stop at this location and told the Baltimore offices to “leave the pickles off the hamburgers for a few days until I get even”.
Dismantled around 2014
09
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 20
655 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Opened January 6, 1938, Closed April 15, 1977
no-20
Photo copyright Spencer Stewart / dinerhunter.com

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 10
2002 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD
Opened early 1938
e-20th-st-google-maps
googlemaps, 2016

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 21
1301 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened April 12, 1938
no-21
Mid 1960s Little Tavern company photo. (c) from the collection of Spencer Stewart

Silver Spring Little Tavern Shop no. 1
8230 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD
Opened July 2,1938, demolished 2003
silver-spring-no-1
Photo copyright dinerhunter.com / Michael G. Stewart

Laurel
115 Washington Blvd, Laurel, MD.
Opened March 16, 1939, closed 2009, now operating as the Laurel Tavern, with original recipe Little Tavern hamburgers
laurel
Photo copyright dinerhunter.com / Michael G. Stewart

Annapolis Little Tavern Shop No. 1
84 West Street, Annapolis, MD
Opened May 6, 1937

Bethesda Little Tavern Shop No. 2
8100 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD
Built June 6, 1961, Restored 1983.
bethesda-1

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 13
115 West Baltimore St. Baltimore MD
Opened April 30, 1940

College Park
7413 Baltimore Ave College Park, MD
Opened March 1, 1938. closed early 1990s, operated as a Toddle House, JD’s Roadhouse, demolished 2015
college-park
Photo 2005, copyright dinerhunter.com / Spencer Stewart

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 22
33-1/2 Independence Ave. NW, Washington DC
Opened January 16, 1941, closed May 21, 1962
no-22
c.1940, Library of Congress James M. Good Collection, Lot 12013-JJ-2, number G-2302X

Alexandria
828 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia
Opened August 31, 1940. Closed early 1990s.
1993- Friendly Tavern
1994- Hogs on the Hill
1995 – Jerry’s Subs
2005- Merry’s Subs Pizza
2008- Asian Wok Cafe
alexandria
Photo copyright dinerhunter.com / Michael G. Stewart

Towson Little Tavern Shop no. 1
516 York Road, Towson, MD
Opened April 11, 1940
Closed c.1987
Home of the Baltimore regional headquarters
17
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Clarendon
3125 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA
Opened January 11, 1940
arlington
Photo copyright dinerhunter.com / Michael G. Stewart

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 12
2001 East Monument St, Baltimore, MD
Opened March 13, 1940. Partially demolished/converted to a Burger King in 2007
11
Photo (c), collection of Spencer Stewart

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 23
3968 Minnesota Ave. NE, Washington DC
Opened June 24, 1948, closed March 9, 1978
no-23
collection of Spencer Stewart

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 24
2537 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington DC
Opened 1948. Demolished 2013
no-24-susan-hormuth
Photo copyright Susan Hormuth, used with permission

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 25
504 13th St. NW, Washington DC
Opened January 18, 1949, closed February 28, 1972
LT Spencer Stewart
Photo collection of Spencer Stewart

Glen Burnie
24 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie, MD
Storefront location, uniquely adapted to match company architecture
Opened September 25, 1951, demolished in 1981 for urban renewal project
15
Little Tavern company photo.  Collection of Spencer Stewart

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 26
2716 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington DC
Opened April 2, 1957, demolished 2014
no-26
collection of Spencer Stewart

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 11
35 East North Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Opened March 8, 1938
10
Photo courtesy Rick Smith

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 15
1 East North Ave, Baltimore, MD
Opened December 17, 1963

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 14
300 East Baltimore St. Baltimore MD
Opened December 17, 1963
Closed early 1990s
the-block
Movie Still- “Diner”, 1982, Barry Levinson

Rosslyn
1312 Lee Highway, Rosslyn, VA
Opened April 16, 1940

Lyon Village
3110 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA
Opened September 29, 1964
arlington-3
Photo from before it was heavily remodeled here.

There was a location in Rosslyn VA.

Annapolis Little Tavern Shop No. 2
135 Main Street, Annapolis, Maryland
Opened September 17, 1957
Demolished 1972-1973
annapolis

Washington Little Tavern Shop No. 27
530 Morse St. NE Washington DC
Opened Marcy 21, 1963
no-27-john-baeder
Photo (c) John Baeder, used with permission

Wheaton
11143 Viers Mill Road and Grandview Avenue, Wheaton, MD
Opened December 16, 1958. Demolished 2003
wheaton
c. 1997 photo courtesy Tom Williams

Bethesda Little Tavern Shop No. 1
7317 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD moved to 4620 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD in 1963
Opened June 7, 1938, Demolished 1970s
bethesda-2

Towson Little Tavern Shop no. 2
1513 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD
Opened December 17, 1963
16
c.1964 Little Tavern company photo. Collection of Larry Collier

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 16
10 Park Ave Baltimore, MD
Opened June 3, 1965.
Sold to the owners of the Lighthouse Restaurant in 1987
13
Photo courtesy the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Catalog No. BGE.41194. Taken July 01, 1965 for Baltimore Gas & Electric Company

Baltimore Little Tavern Shop No. 17
5809 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD
Opened 1965 or later

Essex
100 block Back River Neck Road, Essex, MD
Opened November 14,1974, closed after 1990.

Silver Spring Little Tavern no. 2
900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, MD
Opened January 24, 1974, Demolished 2008
Photobucket

3515 Eastern Ave Baltimore, MD
Storefront location, formerly a White Coffee Pot restaurant, going back to the 1930s. Opened as a Little Tavern c.1980, closed 2007
3512-eastern-ave-google-maps
Google maps streetview, 2007

10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD
The Mall in Columbia
Opened Sept 20, 1982, closed late 1980s

6414 Holabird Ave Baltimore, MD 21224
Exiting building, formerly a sandwich shop
At the time of its opening, it was the 13th operating in the Baltimore area.
Opened April 1983. Closed 2008, the last operating Little Tavern.
14
2002. Creative Commons license. Photo by wikipedia user Munch10

2601 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA. Converted from an Ollie’s Trolley to a Little Tavern in late 1983/ early 1984. Virginia No. 4.arlington-2

201 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD
Light Street Pavilion, second floor, Harborplace, Inner Harbor.
Opened 1984

2419 Frederick Ave., Baltimore MD
Westside Shopping Center
Opened 1985

Club LT, a large, upmarket retro themed diner
The Shops at National Place
529 14th St. NW Washington DC
Opened 1987

7801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Maryland
Opened 1990s, Closed 2002/2003
ocean-city

102 thoughts on “Little Tavern Locations

  1. I could provide a photo of the Wheaton, MD shop (Viers Mill/Grandview/Reedie), taken in the spring pf 1997.

  2. Pingback: Little Tavern updates « Diner Hunter

  3. Pingback: Little Tavern updates « Diner Hunter

  4. Dinerman, I may have gotten lost in the list, but I think you missed two in northern Virginia. There was one in Old Town Alexandria (that’s now a Jerry’s) at the upper end where the GW Parkway becomes Washington Street. I’m not sure from the address if you caught the one in Arlington (Rosslyn/Spout run section) next the to pawn shop; I think it is a photo store, although I haven’t checked lately.

    Good detective work!

  5. Back in the last century I was a student at the University of MD in College Park. They had a bizarre meal system that would frequently result in one’s being left for a period of days without enough ‘points’ left in one’s account to eat at one of the dining halls. As impoverished students, we became very familiar with the Little Tavern on Rt. 1. I recall at the time that the burgers were sold by the “little bag”…”big bag”…”jumbo bag” etc….to denote a bag of 3, 6, 12 or whatever hamburgers. At that time they were also marketing the burgers with a “deluxe” designation. Those of us in the know NEVER used that terminology. We would order a “big bag with the Little tavern salad bar”….That meant that you wanted the burgers with a pickle, onions, and a leaf of lettuce….

  6. This is great! I am he grandson of Robert F. McFadden, Sr. who was the president of Club LT and cousin of Harry Duncan. I miss those little burgers and would love them to make a comeback. I still have a bunch of the old Little Tavern shwag around my house.

    • I am amazed this site has slipped by me for so long! I am the true Little Poster boy! I am from the generation that preceeded the french fries, hot dogs, xhicken sandwiches and so on. the real LT never would have tolerated such nonsense!

      I grew up in Chevy Chase & went to B-CC Hi (’73). I can remember skipping classes with a couple of friends to hit “Club LT” (that really is what we called it) around the corner from the MCP Station. I always had 6 small with cheese & mustard/ketchup. I know every Little Tavern regular remembers the third squeeze bottle which contained mustard and ketchup already mixed.

      Also, remember how the cheese was applied? For the sake of those who forgot or didn’t like cheese, it was like this – the cheese (about 1/2 slice) was tossed on the grill to melt. Just as it melted, the cook used the roll to “mop” the gooey cheese off the grill and re-assembled the burger! I was literally drooling by the time I got my bag!

      I still make small LT cheeseburgers fairly often and they taste exactly as the originals. One of my friends from those B-CC days stops here at least a couple times a year for them and agrees! I was born in ’54 and never remember any McCormick spices being used at any of the LTs in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Laurel, Georgetown, or elsewhere. It was only salt and pepper. Period. Also, the re-hydrated onion was always (to the best of my excellent memory) pressed into the still sphere shaped burgers by hand and once salt, pepper and onions were added, the spatula was used to flatten the meat.

      Finally, the biggest secret to making the burgers just like the origuinals is the cooking of the meat. If this is wrong, nothing will fix the burgers!

      I have searched for LT collectibles for years with little success. I drove countless miles over the years to be disappointed over and over again. I am now disabled with severe arthritis and can no longer physically take the long drives in search of a neon sign or any LT collectibles. Maybe I will have better luck online! At least I still get to enjoy the great taste of my favotite cheeseburger!

      I hope this great site continues to attract Club LT fans, it is really great!

      Michael

      • Michael: I was born in D C in 32 and very remember the Little Taverns. 10 cents or 3 for a quarter. I went to Coolidge H S and G W univ. I live in Silver Spring and would like to talk to you. My phone # is 301-598-9747. I have an L T toothpick holder. It very ofd plastic and is in Excellent condition and I would like to sell it. P;ease give me a call or an e-mail, Thanks, George Pearlman

      • Sorry about your disability but you need not worry about making trips to look for Little Taverns. They are all gone. The last one closed in Laurel Md. in 2010. I had my last 1/2 dozen death balls there the month before they closed.

      • The Laurel location (although now operating under the name “Laurel Tavern”, did bring back the burgers, by the original 1930s recipe. They’re much better than the re-worked recipe ones used in the final days of the chain.

      • Michael, I see that someone is supposed to be opening in Balto area but I cannot find out where. Do you know? Sorry to hear about your illness. Where ctually are you located? If I can talk you into an ivitation I might be able to visit you for a taste of a burger you say is a good copy.

        Bill Franklin

    • Hi, I recall meeting your dad along with Harry Duncan and a man named George Mathis. My dad was a regional manager for the company and spoke highly of everyone. I also worked there for awhile while attending college. I have such fond memories of the iconic restaurants.

      • I knew Mr Mcfadden, Mr Duncan and Mr Mathieson very well. I worked with Little Tavern and got to know quite a few of the managers and the supervisors. It was the best time I ever had in my working career. I do hope they come back. It will be nice to see the signs again and the food. Oh so good. I used to watch them make the mustard too. Fun times

    • Hi Bob,
      I’m Ross Smith. The Son of Eddie Smith who was the Head Supervisor of LT for 43 years. I new your grandfather and worked at many of the shops.

  7. I was born in Washington, and my dad introduced me to LT burgers when I was quite young- he worked for Greyhound, and there was a LT by the old Greyhound garage on N.Y. Ave.

    In later years, I often imbibed in LT culinary delights in Georgetown- not on Wisc. Ave., but the one sort of in an alley on around 30th (?) St.

    Little Tavern’s had good burgers and good coffee at a fair price- what’s not to like?

    The photo of store #13, Balt. #2 is absolutely gorgeous. The images of the architectural monstrosities that were once these quaint and aesthetically-pleasing buildings are discouraging, to say the least. Now I know why my grandfather bragged about Packards.

    Little Tavern joins a long list of defunct Washington landmarks. Thanks for the memories.

      • Barb, I dream of LT coming back. Are you serious about any coming back, if so where and when?

      • So far it’s been over five years since the current owners of the name were supposed to open new locations. Nothing has come of it, other than a website that plagiarizes some of its content from my site, and a run of mugs, which appear to have been sold off on ebay to cut losses.

  8. Pingback: Little Taverns of Baltimore – 1964 | Diner Hunter

  9. Hi Little Tavern Lovers!
    I just purchased a “LT Toothpick Holder” at an action here in Pa. Does anyone have any info on it? It is inn the shape of the LT resturant and made of lucite. (It’s done in the orginal green& white with brown trim. The roof has the “Little Tavern” loogo on the very top and on the peak of the roof it says :Little Tavern Shops” 1927 1947 20th Anniversary. It slides open to hold toothpicks…inside we found a silver lapel pin that has “BAMA Little Tavern Shops” Any info would be appreciated. I grew up in the DC area and remember eating LT Burgers….YUMMY!!

    • I also have a Little Tavern toothpick holder. It is open and does not have a sliding top but everything else is there. It is very old plastic and is in very good condition. I would like to sell it and anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Please call me at 301-598=9747. I live in Silver Spring Md. My e-mail address is gngpearlman@yahoo.com Thanks, George Pearlman.

  10. It was so refreshing to find my old late night haunt-Little Tavern after work late at night-weekends only, when I was in high school. This was in “downtown” Bethesda, Md. on Wisconsin Ave.
    I was back there a week ago found the place was still there except for the price increase. It was 25 cents each then and 30 cents with cheese. Next time I come back to Bethesda, Md. I’ll make sure that my young children get a chance to enjoy my childhood junk food and I hope that Little Tavern will survive when they grow up with their kids.
    Unfortunately, where I live now Houston, Tx., people don’t know Little Tavern hamburgers but do know White Castle!

  11. Former Little Tavern? Now Tarbouch
    3110 Lee Highway
    Arlington, VA
    Yes, I am sorry to say that this place used to be a Little Tavern. Probably the last bag of burgers I ever purchased was from this location.

  12. I saw no mention of it here but I believe there was a LT on Back River Neck Road in Essex, MD 21221 until the late 70’s or early 80’s near Contry Ridge Shopping Center.

  13. I seem to recall a Little Tavern in Arlington Va. (Clarendon). It sat across the street from Penny’s, which is now a Metro Stop. It was on Wilson Blvd as I remember, but the picture I see, doesn’t match my recollection of this Tavern. Were there 2 locations on Wilson Blvd.?
    After shopping at Penny’s, we would often stop and pick up a bag or 2 of those famous little burgers.

    • In the early ’40s we would walk in to Clarendon on Saturday afternoons to see a movie at the Ashton Theater, and the LT was just across the street. I ate there a number of times, and the burgers were very good! It would be great if the chain would reopen. McD’s wouldn’t stand a chance!

    • Hi, I worked at that Little Tavern in Clarendon while going to college manh years ago. It was the only one on Wilson Blvd. There was a second one on Lee Highway near Spout Run and I worked at that one also. Yes, good food at a great price. My dad was a regional manager for them.

  14. I grew-up in Silver Spring 1960’s and our group would finish up the weekend nights with a trip to the LT on Georgia Ave. We would buy them by the bag, eat them up and head home. Too sleep with a full stomach of burgers. WOW
    My dads store was located at 634 N. Capitol Street. Right next door to the LT and across the street from DC Post Office. I am looking for a picture that would show my dads store and the little Tavern if anybody has a picture of that LT I would love to see it. ALSO I have an old LT walking stick and a plastic model of a Little Tavern I picked up at their headquarters many years ago. Looking at them sure brings back memories.
    Jack Adams

    • I don’t have a photo of the N. Capitol Street Little Tavern, or Jack’s dad’s shop, but I have a picture in my head. I ate there several times when I came home through Union Station. Took my daughter to a Nats game and found my way by dead-reckoning, but couldn’t recognize anything at the top of North Capitol. How it looked is how my mind believes it still is.

    • Jack,
      good day to you.If you are talking about the little store to the right of Little Tavern on North Capitol St, I remember it well. I remodeled the little tavern after it caught fire in the early 80’s and did maintenance on it until the DC Government closed it. I used to visit the store and talk with the owner and of course buy stuff. I do have a picture of the Little Tavern after I remodeled it. If you ever get this reply and can get back to me I will try to find it and get it to you.

  15. I was a regular at the Little Tavern on Georgia Avenue in the early 1970’s . Central delivery was just behind it . I moved to Houston and jus three years ago returned to the area . Thank you for preserving one of the few GOOD time places I had when I worked in the area !

  16. Little tavern was always our last stop after a night of running the roads as a teen in Wheaton Md. back in 1967-69. My parents would get them for the 5 of us for dinner. One night as a teen 3 of us went in to see how many we ea. could eat. I downed 9 and another guy ate over 12. He just did make it outside before he lost it. I do remember it was a bad idea eating them before a date due to the blast of gas that later followed. After getting out military and moved to N.Va. I found myself hittin’ the Tavern again. Good ole days.

  17. I liked the recent comment calling for the return of the Little Taverns. What I would really love to see is an investor who could go around and buy up all the remaining stores, restore them, and make them into the latest thing to do–maybe add wine. I have such fond memories of the one in Clarendon.

    • Bill, I saw a little tavern coffee cup for sale on ebay. It didn’t look quite the same, so I asked the seller the question. Apparently Little Tavern.Com is bringing back the name, first store now in progress on the Pulaski Highway in Baltimore. They are going for malls and stand alone stores. Will they taste the same? Who knows, but a place to remember

      • They’ve been working on the “comeback” for seven years now and have yet to open a single location. Don’t hold your breath.

      • I hope this is Terry??? Thank you for the update. I do hope to see another Little Tavern (or a White Tower) in our area. It was a disaster for me when the Broning Hwy store closed. I had to pass by that store every night on my way home from work so I treated myself regularly. Then, after a long interval I stopped by again and the store was still there but the burgers were not the Little Tavern sliders. That was how I learned that the store was no longer a Little Tavern. I’d love to see someone open a franchise, I d have no trouble traveling 50 miles for a “bag full.” Pulaski Hwy is very convenient for me. I hope it’s true. I don’t see them opening in a mall, I have written many mall contracts and they are so expensive that I doubt that the store could sell enough burgers to pay the rent.

        I did buy a Little Tavern coffee cup several years ago on the Internet but it has disappeared. A friend of mine was using it when he got busted for a DWI and the cup was in his van. The van was towed and I never saw the cup again. We came this close to losing our friendship over it.

        I hope this forwards to your location. In the future please sign your mail to me and give me an e-mail address if you would.

        Bill

    • Bill,
      I did see a cup for sale on ebay. It has a simillar design to the original, but it is a replacement. It was offered by Littletavern.com. I emailed them and they were the ones who responded about the store on the Pulaski highway either started or in the process of starting. They said stay tuned. It was exciting to me when I heard they were coming back. I spent many years working with the original owners, doing maintenance on the shops in the MD, DC Va area. The closest I got to Baltimore was Laurel. I did do one job in Baltimore, but can’t even begin to remember where it was. Close to the Inner Harbor, I think. It was saddening when the owners sold. Well, the memories do live on, and hopefully they will make their return. If you get this post, I think it will give you my email address. If not, leave a note and I will get it to you
      Thanks
      Terry

      • Bill,
        You can send your reply to my email at cbcontractors@mail.com. Enjoy the memories you have. I think Little Tavern left a little piece of itself in everyone who visited and enjoyed their food
        Terry

  18. I have a friend who has a Little Taven in his back yard in what he calls The Neon Garden. As the name suggests he has a collection of neon signs too!

  19. You are correct about the LT on Lee Highway in Arlington. That Torbash place used to be a tavern. They remodeled, but part of the old building remains. It was the place I bought my last bag at in ’92 or ’93.

  20. Pingback: Ruins of Ancient Washington | NotionsCapital

  21. No mention of the Little Tavern Hamburger establishment once located in Glen Burnie, Md –off of Delaware Avenue, cross street DrumPoint Ave.

  22. The most fondest memories growing up was Little Tavern, the last location I ever found was on Browning Hwy. Near the old GM plant. A large piece of me died when they closed, I loved them so much I had them at my wedding reception.
    I don’t know how, but one day I will open one up again, exact replica of my last piece of hraven, it sounds pitiful but may it rest in peace and God bless the founder Mr Duncan he made me very happy along with many other people.

  23. I want a BAG NOW ! I live in Baltimore and will travel a fair drive to get some burgers for the wife and myself HELP !!!!

  24. Growing up near Wheaton in the mid 50s, we would frequent the LT there, burgers were 5¢. Then in HS we would go to the one on M Street after partying in Georgetown. The last bag I remember buying was in the 80s from a location in Arlington – I think. Man, I love and miss those burgers!

    • Yeah, me too! Lots of fond memories, working with the employees was always a great time, knowing the owners was a pleasure. They are on the way back, starting in Baltimore, but the burgers oh! the burgers!!!

  25. There was a location in Eudowood/Towson area on Joppa Road. it is now a Papa Johns (across the street from Guitar Center). We use to ride our bikes there for burgers. Right up the street was a Polock Johnny’s. Two epic food places so close…

  26. I hope this is Terry??? Thank you for the update. I do hope to see another Little Tavern (or a White Tower) in our area. It was a disaster for me when the Broning Hwy store closed. I had to pass by that store every night on my way home from work so I treated myself regularly. Then, after a long interval I stopped by again and the store was still there but the burgers were not the Little Tavern sliders. That was how I learned that the store was no longer a Little Tavern. I’d love to see someone open a franchise, I’d have no trouble traveling 50 miles for a “bag full.” Pulaski Hwy is very convenient for me. I hope it’s true. I don’t see them opening in a mall, I have written many mall contracts and they are so expensive that I doubt that the store could sell enough burgers to pay the rent.

    I did buy a Little Tavern coffee cup several years ago on the Internet but it has disappeared. A friend of mine was using it when he got busted for a DWI and the cup was in his van. The van was towed and I never saw the cup again. We came this close to losing our friendship over it.

    I hope this forwards to your location. In the future please sign your mail to me and give me an e-mail address if you would.
    Bill

  27. I just ate at a place called Osman and Joes Kitchen at 4700 Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest Washington this morning. It certainly looked to me like an old LT to me but when I asked the waitress if that was so, she said no. Do you know if it was an old LT?

  28. I was born in DC and my father was a District Manager for LT. I have a few items that he gave me, one being a pewter stein which I passed to his grandson. I also have some of his service award pins. I would go to LT late night after having partying in Georgetown and that’s all I’m saying about that.

  29. The Little Tavern in College Park MD has been vacant for many years and now is likely going to be demolished by the new owners, the University of Maryland College Park Foundation who are not forthcoming as to alternative plans other than expanding an existing parking lot.

  30. What an amazing collection of these Little Taverns. Always loved the architecture and the concept way more than the humid little burgers in their moist packages though. Georgetown Little Tavern lasted a long while.

    • Hi, I worked at that Little Tavern in Clarendon while going to college manh years ago. It was the only one on Wilson Blvd. There was a second one on Lee Highway near Spout Run and I worked at that one also. Yes, good food at a great price. My dad was a regional manager for them.

  31. My aunt, Julia Frances Corder, used to work at a Little Tavern in 1944-45. It was located at 3rd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. One night, my uncle, Edward Humphries Corder, and me drove a combined distance of approximately 150 miles (from my home in Amissville, VA to that Little Tavern and back) just to get hamburgers and coffee !! That was back in the early 1950s. I would love to find a photo of that Little Tavern to place in my autobiography . Ahhh… the memories!!

    • I, too, am looking for a photo of the Little Tavern whose address became 655 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E., and later was operated between the 1990’s and 2014 as the L’il Pub. My parents lived on C Street S.E., and following their elopement at ages 17 and 18, walked 1/2 mile to this Little Tavern to celebrate their wedding. He was a sailor who had just returned home. We celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past Sunday.

      • Joanne…..There is a photo(s) of the Little Tavern at 655 Pennsylvania Ave. It is posted in the “Little Tavern Locations”.

      • Hi Joanne,
        Do you remember the layout inside that Little Tavern at 655 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. ? In my mind, the counter ran the width of the interior (as opposed to running along a side wall). Seems as though it had about 8 stools or so. I don’t remember any booths/tables. What is your recollection? Also, even the smallest buildings seemed to be quite long (depth-wise). I suppose that space behind the restaurant itself housed the kitchen and provided storage space for foodstuffs, etc. I don’t remember a restroom, although there must have been one in the back for the workers

  32. Can remember eating the delicious burgers at times when I lived at 907 H Street NW Washington DC . As I remember there were several of the restaurants in the area .It was 1959 and I am pretty sure it was 10¢ each for the burgers,man I thought I hit the jackpot , yummy !

  33. I live in the Silver Spring area and I remember little taverns also in Laurel Maryland I went to both of them and I love them please please please bring Little Tavern back they had the best hamburgers please bring them back

  34. I went to the Laurel Maryland location now known as Laurel Tavern Donuts on Friday afternoon, Dec. 2nd, 2016. They close at 4pm. A bag of 9 burgers is $9.99. They have one table with three chairs.
    The domain name littletavern.com is currently for sale.

  35. Loved the Little Tavern restaurants. My aunt Julia worked at the one located at 3rd and Pennsylvania avenue in D.C. Does anyone remember that particular restaurant? Anyone have a photo of it ? If so, please let me hear from you.
    Bob Corder

    • My parents married as young teens in 1946 in a civil ceremony. They were frequent visitors to the 3rd and Pennsylvania avenue location. And, in fact, following their wedding ceremony they went there and ate burgers!

      • I haven’t been to this site for quite some time, so I just now saw your posting. I would love to see/have a photo of that Little Tavern. If you run across one, please e-mail me at : rcorder91@aol.com. Thanks for replying to my earlier posting!
        Bob Corder
        Midlothian, VA

  36. Thanks Joanne for verifying the location of that Little Tavern (3rd & Pennsylvania). I was fairly certain that was the correct location, so now I’m 100% certain! That’s a nice story about your parents. Too bad they didn’t take a photo standing in front of it !! 🙂

  37. my mother use to be the manager of the little tavern on back river neck road in essex.i didn’t see a picture of that store here.

    • It’s on the list, but I’ve been unable to find any confirmed photos of it. If you have a shot, I’d love to see it!

  38. hi I went to the one on rockcreek and sharman ave n.w. we use to walk from park rd in the snow for 5 bags best burgers in town……

  39. My wife and I were talking about the good old days mostly about Little Tavern Hamburgers. We were saying that it would be nice if some builder would bring back some of those shops. The food was the best ever. Does anyone else agree with us. It would also bring back some of our history.

  40. Just purchased a property with what looks to be a white castle or little kastle on it would you be able to identify if it was one or the other if I sent pictures?? Also on the side it has stamped Ablah Construction

  41. Hi,
    found this site because there’s a LT that’s being moved. It’s at the corner of 6th and Morse Sts NE in Washington, DC. Just west of Gaulledet U. It was a Subway until a while ago then it closed and I may remember it being a Little Tavern, but that’s been a while too . The whole area is being redeveloped. BUT, I didn’t see a picture of this LT in the photos above.

    • No. 27, toward the bottom of the page, pictured during its operational heyday. It was one of the last Little Taverns built.

  42. Did the Little Tavern restaurants of the 1940s-1950s era serve anything other than burgers and coffee? Of all the postings on this site, no one has mentioned any other foods having been served there. Thanks for all the memories posted!

Leave a reply to Ed Shaver Cancel reply