J.Paul's is a century old establishment located on Georgetown's main strip, a few blocks from Georgetown's university. It kind of reminded me of the same J.Paul's that existed in Lebanon a long time ago... with the same logo I remember. I pushed the door open and walked in. It's a lively place fully booked on a Saturday night.
I asked the manager if this place has or had any franchises around the world and he confirmed that they don't. Maybe the owners back home copied the concept.
With a long wooden bar, individual sofa corners, high tables and chairs, loud music and sport playing on all screens, J.Paul's is a typical American Eatery from the good old days.
My first impression was very bad! The busy waitress didn't smile, barely answered any questions, explained things with an attitude... Our orders took much more time than needed and I ended up cancelling the things I was planning to taste.
It's an old bar indeed but too touristic for my taste and badly managed. You are pushed and treated like a number...
Oysters to start, six of them, good enough and served with red spicy horseradish sauce, vinegar and lemon quarters. With that I got the J.Paul's Amber Ale, from Woodstock VA, brown in color, lightly sparkling, smooth on the nose, a lemony end note and a blunt taste with a soft finish oh hops. I loved it!
The burger followed. It is a good burger indeed! A very fluffy and buttery bun hosting a thick and juicy beef patty, tomatoes, lettuce and cheddar cheese. All it needed was a bit of ketchup and enjoy! It is a yummy burger that has a diner feel with a fine finish - using premium ingredients. The fries that come with it are out of this world! I don't know how they are done, but they feel like tempura potatoes. They are brown and crunchy while the inner is soft and beautifully cooked.
Macaroni and cheese balls, a different version of the normal Mac&Cheese presented with two red sauces. Fried balls stuffed with pasta and melted cheese, a crunchy envelope with a melting heart. Tomato Marmelade on one side and marinara on the other to add flavors. Fast food kind of food!
Second drink for the night: Dogfish Head 60 min IPA from Frederick, MD. Richer than the other, much more aromatic, light colored, smoothly fruity and strongly bitter. That's my kind of beer!
Now I can say that I've tried the famous J.Paul's. I enjoyed my beers, enjoyed the burger but left unattached. I'm not sure this place is worth it.
