The Monocle's 50th anniversary party

Friends of the Monocle enjoy Mark Russell's piano show

It was a momentous night for one of Capitol Hill's landmark establishments Wednesday, as The Monocle restaurant celebrated 50 years in business.

Founded in 1960 by Connie and Helen Valanos, it was easy to see on Wednesday why it's easily the most beloved eatery on Capitol Hill.

Political comedian and pianist Mark Russell had the crowd doubled over with his comedic songs, among them a TSA-themed re-write of the classic "Don't Fence Me In," titled, "Don't Touch My Junk."

Later, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told the standing-room-only crowd of well-wishers that he first came to the Monocle in 1962, when he was working as a congressional intern.

"My fellow intern, [later counsel to the House Foreign Affairs Committee] Spencer Oliver and I used to come here for lunch," Hoyer said, "because Spencer's dad [lawyer Spencer Oliver] had a tab at The Monocle, and that was just about the best thing ever, as I recall.

"This is an extraordinary landmark for anyone who's worked in the Capitol."

Hoyer also thanked Monocle founder Connie Valanos, prompting the 92 year-old patron to look up and quip, "And who are you?"

— Report and photographs by Christina Wilkie

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) has the crowd in stitches

Monocle founder Connie Valanos and his son, current owner John Valanos

Longtime Monocle Maitre'd Nick Selimos and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.)

Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.) and entertainer Mark Russell share a laugh

Former Rep. Ronald Sarasin (R-Conn.), CEO of the Capitol Historical Society

Rep. David Reichert (R-Wash.)

Former Interior Sec. Dirk Kempthorne