While most of the world was figuring out how to use a dial-up modem or obsessing over the latest grunge record, two brothers in Georgetown were doing something a little more grounded. In 1991, Maziar and Shahab Farivar opened the doors to what would eventually become a local legend: Peacock Cafe.
Can you believe it’s been over three decades? While Georgetown has seen shops come and go, fashions fade, and the political landscape shift a dozen times over, Peacock Cafe has remained the steady, rhythmic heartbeat of Prospect Street. We’ve seen it all since 1991, and if these walls could talk, they’d have enough stories to fill a library: or at least a very long, very entertaining happy hour.
From Six Seats to a Georgetown Institution
Here’s a little secret we love to tell: we didn't start with the sprawling, lively dining room you see today. Back in '91, we were a tiny deli with exactly six seats. We didn't even have a real stove! We served hand-tossed salads and gourmet sandwiches on paper plates because, quite frankly, we couldn't afford the real stuff yet.
Maziar and Shahab used to joke that they’d place their parents in the window seats just to make the place look busy. It worked. People started noticing that "colorful as a peacock" spirit, and soon enough, those six seats turned into sixty, then a full-service restaurant that redefined fine dining in the district. We were doing healthy, thoughtfully prepared food way before "farm-to-table" was a buzzword and serving gourmet coffee long before there was a green mermaid on every corner.
The Brothers Behind the Magic
The soul of Peacock Cafe has always been the partnership between the Farivar brothers. Shahab is the quintessential host: the face of the front-of-house who remembers your name, your favorite table, and exactly how you like your martini. Then there’s Maziar, our master chef, who turned his culinary passion into a menu that balances sophisticated American cuisine with delicate, saffron-scented nods to their heritage.
It’s that combination of warm, attentive service and consistently delicious food that keeps people coming back. We’ve always believed that dining shouldn't feel like a transaction; it should feel like an invitation into someone’s home. That’s why we never rush you. Whether you’re here for a quick power lunch or a long, wine-soaked Sunday brunch, the table is yours.
Where the "Inside the Beltway" Crowd Relaxes
One of the most frequent questions we get is, "Who was that at the corner table?"
We have a bit of a reputation for being a magnet for the city’s most influential figures. It’s not uncommon to see a Supreme Court Justice tucked into a booth or a world-renowned chef like Jose Andres stopping by for a bite. We’ve had the honor of hosting everyone from Nancy Pelosi to international sports icons.
But here’s the thing: at Peacock, a celebrity is treated just like a Georgetown local. Whether it's Tom Wilson of the Capitals celebrating a win, Wayne Rooney bringing in the team for a luncheon, or Paul Pierce grabbing a meal, the vibe remains the same: upscale yet grounded. We’ve even had world-class DJs like Tiesto stop by. Isn't it cool how a small deli grew into a place where the world’s movers and shakers feel at home?
Sumptuous Flavors and Saffron Scents
Of course, you don’t stay in business for 30 years just because people like the atmosphere. You have to deliver on the plate. Maziar’s kitchen is a place where tradition meets a contemporary "upgrade."
Take our signature filet mignon, for instance. It’s sumptuous, tender, and served with a rich mushroom sauce that has become a staple for our regulars. Or consider our Bistro Burger with gorgonzola: a dish that proves high-quality cuisine doesn't have to be pretentious.
We love to play with aromas. You might catch the scent of a saffron-scented rice dish or a highly aromatic herb crust drifting from the kitchen. It’s these sensory details that elevate a meal from "good" to "unforgettable." And because we’ve been here since 1991, we’ve perfected the art of consistency. You know that when you order your favorite dish today, it will taste exactly as delicious as it did five years ago.
More Than a Meal: Your Special Moments
Over the decades, we realized that we aren't just selling food; we're hosting life's biggest milestones. How many Georgetown University graduations have we celebrated? Thousands. We’ve seen students walk in as freshmen with their parents and leave four years later as graduates, celebrating at the very same table.
Our private dining and special event capabilities have become a cornerstone of what we do. From intimate wine parties and breakfast meetings to full-scale wedding receptions and proms, we take pride in being the backdrop for your everlasting memories. We have heard you: you want a space that feels exclusive but welcoming, and we are more than happy to partner with you to make your event perfect.
Whether it’s a milestone birthday or a corporate gathering, our team handles every detail with that signature Peacock warmth. We don't just set the table; we set the stage for your story.
A Heart for the Community
Our longevity in Georgetown has given us a deep sense of gratitude. We don't just exist in this community; we are of this community. That’s why programs like Meals of Hope are so important to us. During times of uncertainty, it was our honor to give back to the city that has given us so much for 30+ years.
Supporting our neighbors is part of our DNA. We’ve seen the kids who used to come in for weekend brunch grow up to bring their own children to Peacock Cafe. That’s the kind of legacy you can’t buy: it’s something you build, one meal at a time, one year at a time.
Cheers to the Next 30 Years
As we look back on 30 years and 30,000 stories (give or take!), we are filled with a sense of pride. We are proud of our heritage, proud of our staff: many of whom have been with us for decades: and most importantly, proud to be your go-to spot in DC.
So, what’s next? More innovation, more "twists" on your favorite classics, and the same unwavering commitment to high-quality cuisine at a reasonable price.
Whether you’re a regular who has been with us since the paper plate days or a first-timer looking for the best brunch in Georgetown, we welcome you. Come in, grab a drink, and stay a while. Order as many as you want! After all, you’re part of the family now.
Here’s to the memories we’ve made and the ones we’re about to create. See you at the Cafe!
