Gadsby's Tavern Museum occupies two adjoining buildings at the corner of Royal and Cameron Streets: a 1785 tavern and a 1792 hotel, both restored to their late 18th-century appearance. John Gadsby ran the establishment at its peak, when it was one of the finest taverns in the young republic — a place where merchants, politicians, and army officers gathered to eat, drink, and conduct business.
The museum's guided tours cover the history of tavern life in the 18th century, the role of Alexandria as a commercial hub, and the building's distinguished guest list, which included Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The ice well in the basement — an unusual cold-storage feature — is particularly interesting. An adjoining restaurant, also named Gadsby's Tavern, serves colonial-inspired food in the historic dining rooms.