Washington Hospitality. History Inspired.
Catering
at George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Welcome to the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
George Washington once described his home as a “well resorted tavern” because “scarcely any strangers who are going from north to south, or from south to north do not spend a day or two at it.” General Washington demonstrated a kind of hospitality one guest described as “the genteelest manner.”
Protected and preserved for more than 160 years by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, Mount Vernon’s staff and volunteers continue to carry on “Washington hospitality,” welcoming all guests that come through our gates.
Our dedicated catering team offer a variety of options for groups of all sizes and budgets. Whether you and your guests are here for a private event, military ceremony or a Mount Vernon leadership or educational program, our services are tailored to provide a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests.
“Ladies, the Home of Washington is in your charge; see to it that you keep it the Home of Washington. Let no irreverent hand change it; no vandal hands desecrate it with the fingers of progress!”
- Ann Pamela Cunningham, 1874 Founder of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
Our Menu
We are a full-service caterer. The dishes listed here are just a sampling of what we can create—our catering team is happy to work with you to design a menu that perfectly complements your vision.
Our Staff
All events catered by the Mount Vernon Inn include our professional staff of supervisors, chefs, servers and bartenders. Our servers wear uniforms; catering fees and gratuity are included in all proposa ls.
Equipment
We provide tables, chairs, linens, china and glassware for all catered events, and we are happy to work with you to achieve your desired look and style. Rental and service fees are included in all proposals.
*Our menu options are produced in a facility where nuts, dairy, shellfish, gluten and soy are present.
Breakfast
Set the tone for a productive and enjoyable morning with our thoughtfully curated continental breakfast offerings. Designed for meetings, presentations, or team-building programs, our Mount Vernon-inspired breakfasts and coffee service provide a delicious variety of menus that energize and inspire.
Simple Offerings
Scrambled Eggs
Fluffy, light and perfectly seasoned
Ham, Sausage or Turkey Bacon
Savory and tender meats full of flavor
Potatoes
Crispy, seasoned potatoes
Biscuits & Gravy
Soft, flaky biscuits topped with a rich, creamy sausage gravy
Assorted Bagels & Pastries
A variety of bagels served with cream cheese and freshly baked pastries
Yogurt & Granola
Creamy, tangy yogurt topped with crunchy granola
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits
Waffles
Light, airy waffles served with syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream
Breakfast Casseroles
Ham & Cheddar
A hearty blend of tender ham and sharp cheddar, baked to perfection
Bacon & Cheddar
Crispy bacon combined with melted cheddar
Tomato & Mozzarella
A fresh, Mediterranean-inspired casserole with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella
Feta & Spinach
Fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese
Lunch Buffets
Our lunch buffets are designed to provide your team with a satisfying and flavorful meal. Our buffets can be customized to fit your dietary needs and offer an array of Washingtoninspired dishes and something for everyone to enjoy, whether they’re looking for light options or heartier fare.
Light & Delicious
Grilled Steak or Shrimp
Grilled and seated to perfection, offering savory and flavorful bites
Chicken Florentine
Tender chicken breasts delicately sautéed and paired with a rich, creamy sauce
Garden Salad
Fresh vibrant mix of seasonal greens and fresh vegetables
Ham & Turkey Sandwiches
Premium sliced ham and turkey topped with crisp lettuce, tomatoes on freshly baked bread
Vegetable Wrap
A colorful assortment of fresh season vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla
House Made Chips
Lightly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp
Fruit Salad
A refreshing medley of ripe fruit featuring seasonal berries, melon and citrus
Orzo Salad
A flavorful combination of tender orzo pasta mixed with fresh herbs, vegetables and light vinaigrette
Garden Pesto Salad
A vibrant blend of fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, and mozzarella, all tossed with a fragrant and herby pesto dressing
Brownies
Soft and dense with a deep, chocolate flavor
Cookies
Golden-brown and irresistibly chewy
Flourless Chocolate Cake
A velvety, rich cake made with pure chocolate and just the right touch of sweetness
Washington Hospitality
“The General’s house is open to poor travellers as well as rich; he gives diet and lodging to all that come that way.”
- Charles Varlo, Englishman
“He [General Washington] keeps an excellent table and a stranger, let him be of what Country or nation, he will always meet with a most hospitable reception at it.”
- Nicholas Cresswell, Englishman
Snack & Beverage Stations
We offer a balance of healthy and indulgent treats with our snack and beverage stations that are designed to fuel both body and mind.
Healthy & Fresh
Trail Mix & Granola
A delicious, customizable blend of nuts, dried fruit, and seeds
Granola & Yogurt
Creamy Greek yogurt paired with a variety of toppings, including our house-made granola, fresh berries, dried fruits, and honey
Protein Bars & Energy Snacks
A selection of protein-packed bars in flavors like chocolate peanut butter, berry almond, and oatmeal raisin
Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Platters
Sweet Treats
Freshly Baked Cookies
A variety of flavors, including classic chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and macadamia
Decadent Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies made with high-quality chocolate
Refreshments
Freshly Brewed Coffee & Tea:
A selection of robust coffee (regular and decaf), a variety of teas (herbal, black, and green), and all the fixings (milk, cream, sugar, sweeteners)
Assorted Drinks
Water and assorted soft drinks, providing a variety of refreshing options for all preferences
The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
Host a daytime or evening event in one of our iconic rooms at the charming Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. We offer a variety of flexible spaces to suit your needs. The classic atmosphere and historic charm will elevate any occasion including weddings, birthday celebrations and private company events.
Mount Vernon proudly supports the brave men and women of our military. Hold a dignified military ceremony on the grounds of the estate or in the Sunken Garden, adjacent to the restaurant. From formal military functions to intimate ceremonies, our venues provide a distinguished setting that echoes the legacy of American leadership, and honors tradition and service.
Our catering team collaborates with you on every detail of your event, including customized floor plans and guest seating.
Click here to see an event floorplan.
Receptions
Our receptions offer a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres, thoughtfully curated to elevate your event. Each bite-sized creation is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering a range of flavors that reflect the history and character of Mount Vernon. Our menu is designed to cater to all tastes.
Savory & Sweet
Shrimp Cocktail
Succulent shrimp served chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce
Swedish Meatballs
Savory, tender meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce
Coconut Shrimp
Crispy, golden shrimp coated in a sweet coconut crust
Vegetable Crudité
Fresh, crisp seasonal vegetables served with a tangy dipping sauce
Grit & Corn Fritters
Golden, crispy fritters with the perfect balance of grits and corn
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Crackers
Creamy and spicy buffalo chicken dip, served with crunchy crackers
Spiced Chicken Canapés
Bite-sized canapés topped with spiced chicken
Chicken Satay
Tender skewers of grilled chicken, marinated in a savory peanut sauce
Caprese Skewers
A delightful mix of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze
Imported Cheese and Fruit Display
A carefully curated selection of gourmet cheeses paired with fresh, seasonal fruit
Spinach Garlic Feta Puffs
Flaky pastry puffs filled with a savory spinach, garlic, and feta filling
Sesame Seared Tuna Display
Thinly sliced tuna, seared to perfection and served with a flavorful dipping sauce
Strawberry and/or Pecan Brie Bites
Creamy brie cheese topped with sweet strawberries or pecans, wrapped in pastry
Garlic & Blue Cheese Crostini
Crispy crostini topped with a rich blend of garlic and blue cheese
Avocado & Pineapple Crostini
A tropical twist with creamy avocado and sweet pineapple atop crisp crostini
Smoked Gouda Arancini with Red Pepper Coulis
Crispy, golden-fried rice balls filled with smoky gouda cheese, paired with a tangy red pepper coulis
Beef Carpaccio Crostini
Delicate slices of raw beef, drizzled with olive oil and topped with arugula and Parmesan on crispy crostini.
Bacon-Wrapped Bourbon Glazed Shrimp
Sweet and smoky bacon wrapped around plump shrimp, glazed with a bourbon-infused sauce
Dinners
Rooted in tradition and inspired by innovation, our dinners feature American cuisine, reviving the rich flavors and techniques of the colonial era. Many of the ingredients are harvested directly from Mount Vernon’s historic gardens. Enjoy our hearty soups, shrimp and grits or scotch collops - receipes that have delighted guests for generations on Washington’s estate.
Click here to view our full menu of lunch and dinner options or request a customized menu proposal.
Colonial Tastes
Roasted Turkey Pot Pie
Fresh mixed vegetables, mushrooms, and roasted turkey served with a fresh buttermilk biscuit.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Creamy rice mixed with sautéed vegetables, Parmesan cheese and mixed herbs
Shrimp and Grits
Jumbo shrimp sauteed in white wine, shallots, garlic, tomato and basil served with George Washington’s Gristmill Grits
Beef Fricassee
Stew of browned beef tenderloin and mixed vegetables with mushrooms served on Yukon mashed potatoes
Scotch Collops
Pan-seared veal scaloppini, cream mushroom sauce over Yukon mashed potatoes & haricots verts
Afternoon Tea & Holiday Gatherings
Following in the footsteps of General and Lady Washington, who graciously welcomed distinguished guests with tea, your event will echo the timeless hospitality of Mount Vernon.
December, a cherished time for family and friends to gather, is made even more memorable with the Mount Vernon Inn’s colonial-inspired meals. Drawing from Martha Washington’s own cookbooks, our culinary team can recreate authentic holiday dishes.
Whether you’re planning an intimate tea or a lavish holiday meal, we will work closely with you to design a unique experience, infused with 18th-century charm and tailored to delight your guests.
Enhancements & Special Selections
Our staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring your event is seamless. We offer numerous cocktail and bar packages designed to fit the budget of your reception or dinner.
Pair your event with a whiskey tasting featuring a variety of bourbon and rye whiskeys. Include Mount Vernon’s whiskey that is producing using 18th century distilling methods and techniques, or chose from our extensive wine lists that feature Virginia wines.
