1889 Prime Steakhouse is celebrating its third anniversary with the addition of a new executive chef, Joe Rumberger.
Since opening in 2023, 1889 Prime Steakhouse has earned a reputation for serving premium steaks, fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and exceptional wine, according to a news release from the steakhouse.
Now, as the restaurant enters its fourth year, 1889 Prime Steakhouse says Rumberger will lead the culinary program with a vision that honors the steakhouse’s foundation while elevating it through seasonality, local partnerships and world-class technique.
“Three years ago, we set out to create more than just a restaurant — we wanted to create a place where people celebrate life’s most important moments,” Drew MacEwen, owner and managing partner of 1889 Prime Steakhouse, said in the release. “The support from our guests and our community has made that possible. Bringing Chef Joe to lead our restaurant is an investment in our future and in our commitment to delivering one of the finest dining experiences in Washington.”
Rumberger has been cooking professionally since 1999, beginning his culinary journey in his neighborhood pizzeria in Seattle. After earning his culinary arts degree from The Art Institute of Seattle in 2002, Rumberger honed his craft in several of Seattle’s premier kitchens before relocating to Washington, D.C. in 2007 to further his career.
There, he held leadership positions at Restaurant Nora, America’s first certified organic restaurant, serving as Sous Chef before joining acclaimed Chef Fabio Trabocchi at the Michelin-starred Fiola.
In 2013, Rumberger embraced an opportunity to relocate to his ancestral homeland of Ireland, where he became the executive chef at Fallon & Bryne in Dublin. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned recognition from both The Irish Times and The Sunday Business Post, further establishing his reputation for refined, ingredient-driven cuisine.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the team at 1889 Prime,” Rumberger said in the release. “This region produces some of the finest beef, seafood, and artisan products anywhere in the country. My passion has always been working directly with local farmers and ranchers to create food that tells the story of where we live. Together, we’re building a steakhouse experience that celebrates the Pacific Northwest while delivering the timeless quality and hospitality guests expect from a premier steakhouse.”
Guests can expect an evolving menu featuring seasonal ingredients, elevated presentations, and thoughtful collaborations with many of the region's top ranchers, farmers, fishers, and artisan producers. While honoring the classics that have become synonymous with 1889 Prime, Rumberger will introduce fresh culinary perspectives that reflect his extensive international experience and passion for local sourcing.
Throughout the month of August, 1889 Prime Steakhouse will commemorate its third anniversary with special menu features, behind-the-scenes content, employee spotlights, and celebrations that honor the people who have made the restaurant’s success possible.
“This anniversary is really about gratitude,” MacEwen said. “We’re grateful for our guests, our incredible team, and our community. Welcoming Chef Joe at this moment gives us the opportunity to celebrate where we’ve been while looking ahead to an exciting future.”
