Two weeks into the pandemic, Trusty’s co-owner Mark Menard knew he had to keep going for himself and his employees. The day before the shutdown he and his employees shared a round with the core regulars and then the world shut down. As soon as the District allowed restaurants to open on an extremely limited basis, Menard immediately started to brainstorm. He is an affable guy with a cheerful twinkle in his eye and a can-do attitude, so he got right to work. The genius idea? Bike delivery! Trusty’s burgers at home warmed bellies all across the Hill– so much, that they were forced to edit their service area from the whole of Capitol Hill to only Hill East (heartbreaking).
But that is just a small sample of the magic that is Trusty’s, which celebrated 20 years of operation on July 5, 2025. From their happily mismatched rainbow tiles to the oil cans repurposed as lamps, from their aggressively cheerful thumb up to the little school bus bar upstairs, Trusty’s is the kind of bar where everyone feels comfortable and comforted.
When Trusty’s opened its doors in the summer of 2005, both Washington and Hill East were vastly different. Jenkins Row wouldn’t be built for another three years, opening in 2008. The Blackbird Apartments wouldn’t happen for another 15 years– New York Pizza reigned quietly, staring at Trusty’s from the south side of the street. But most importantly, the Montreal Expos had just gotten themselves a Star-Spangled makeover and they were holding court at RFK stadium, just one metro stop from Trusty’s. What started as a friendly spot for baseball and soccer fans to either pregame or celebrate/commiserate after the game slowly became a beloved third place for neighbors, and after a few years and some quick thinking and can-do attitude, a music and event space.
So it is with a lot of love and gratitude that we send a happiest of birthday’s wish to Trusty’s, and to Mark and Mike and everyone who helps make this special place even more special. Pop by anytime this weekend, but make sure you drop in for a band line-up on Sunday, July 13, from 1-6 p.m. and say hello to current and former bartenders and staff. It’ll be a family affair and if you’ve ever been to Trusty’s, you’re part of the family.
If you go:
What: Trusty’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: This whole weekend, but especially July 13, 1-6 p.m.
Where: 1420 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, less than one block from Potomac Avenue Metro Station
Why: Because third places like Trusty’s are what makes Capitol Hill special