Before the Oscar nominations, before the directorial debuts, and long before he was a household name, Bradley Cooper was just another student navigating the cobblestone streets of Georgetown. It was the mid-90s: an era of oversized sweaters, late-night study sessions in Lauinger Library, and the constant search for a place that felt like home. For Cooper, a Georgetown University Class of 1996 English major with a penchant for the arts, that home-away-from-home was often found at a cozy table inside Peacock Cafe.
Established in 1991 by brothers Maziar and Shahab Farivar, Peacock Cafe was just finding its wings when Cooper arrived on campus. In those early years, the cafe was a modest but vibrant operation on Prospect Street, offering a sanctuary for students who craved something more than cafeteria fare. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the atmosphere. It was a place where you could debate the merits of Milton’s Paradise Lost over a cup of espresso or plan a Nomadic Theatre rehearsal while tucked away in a quiet corner.
Many alumni from that era remember seeing a young Bradley: likely with a script in hand or chatting with classmates, enjoying the hospitality that has become our hallmark.
While he may have been waiting tables at Crepizza on N Street (3220 N Street NW) to make ends meet, Peacock Cafe was where he came to eat and unwind. There’s something special about a restaurant that sees you through your formative years. We’ve watched thousands of freshmen walk through our doors with their parents, wide-eyed and nervous, only to return four years later as graduates, celebrating at those very same tables. It’s an honor to be a part of that journey, and for a future A-lister like Cooper, Peacock was a foundational piece of his Georgetown experience.
Since 1991, Peacock Cafe has been one of the beloved restaurants in georgetown, welcoming students, locals, and families to Prospect Street with warm service and food worth coming back for.
That is what makes Peacock timeless: it is not just a meal, but part of the Georgetown experience. Today, it is still a favorite for fine dining georgetown dc, brunch, and special occasions.
Stop by Peacock Cafe and be part of the tradition.
