Old Ebbitt Grill: Where food meets history
A true Washington institution, almost as old as some of the monuments and buildings around town, Old Ebbitt Grill, a stone's throw from the Treasury Department and White House, on 15th Street, N.W., between Pennsylvania and New York avenues, continues to draw politicians and pundits, locals and tourists. They all want to hang around with a stiff drink and a good meal the same way Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Teddy Roosevelt once did.
Opened in 1856 as a boarding house by William E. Ebbitt, it soon became Washington's first saloon, moving around to different locations including the site of the current National Press Club. In 1983, it had partnered with Clyde's restaurant and settled in its current location across from the White House, taking with it antique beer steins, a walrus head supposedly from Teddy Roosevelt, and an antique clock over the revolving door.
The restaurant itself is huge – four bars and several dining rooms, some of which can be rented out for private events. Each are decorated in a Victorian style with mahogany and velvet booths, and bars made up of marble, brass and beveled glass. Commissioned paintings by Northeast artists cover the walls, illustrating American scenes and people.
Old Ebbitt's Oyster Bar is the most famous and rated the best in Washington, and Old Ebbitt annually hosts Oyster Riot, an all-you-can-eat and drink event featuring award-winning oysters and wine. Tickets cost about $120 and sell out within minutes.
It's always bustling inside Old Ebbitt, and waiters treat everyone like they're VIPs. The after-work crowd takes on politics around the bars, given the restaurant's prime location not just near the White House and Treasury, but many other agencies and special interests (e.g., U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO). You're guaranteed to recognize someone, either a famous person or a friend.
On the dinner menu, everything is worth trying. Made up of rich, traditionally high-end American food in large portions, there's nothing fused or trendy here. If you only have one opportunity, then the crab cakes are almost a must, as are the oysters. Brunch is another popular time of day, featuring many of the dinner items in smaller portion sizes. Most of the items lean towards seafood, with ribs and steaks punctuating the rest of the menu. Food is hearty and filling, designed to satify the bellies of politicians being wined and dined by lobbyists. Our founding fathers would be so proud.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: This is tourist season, so call ahead for reservations if you can! And expect to be inundated on the inside and outside with people of all types and cultures.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
