Madsen Pirie

The Hawk and Dove occupies a warm place in my recollections of my time on Capitol Hill.  Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue, a short walk away from the Congressional Office building in which I worked, the Hawk ‘n’ Dove (as it styles itself) was a lunchtime and early evening refuge.  It served a limited range of foods, simply presented, of which the Hawkburger was a particularly delicious offering.  Its popularity derived from its drinks and ambience, rather than its food.

It was the time of Watergate and the Vietnam War, and the Hawk welcomed all sides of the political disputes of the day.  Those protesting the Vietnam War were just as welcome as those advocating an escalation of US firepower there.  It was not the sort of high-powered DC eating-place where deals are made between power-brokers; the Hawk was mostly frequented by junior staff and interns.  It was packed at lunch and busy at close of business, and you could sometimes pick up some good gossip and tittle-tattle.  It even featured in an episode of West Wing.  I’m glad to see it back, and will certainly pay a visit when I next head Washington way.

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