Old Ebbitt Grill
American restaurant · Downtown
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68694744/2005_ebbitt_inauguration__2_.0.jpg "Old Ebbitt Grill by Doug Mills/For Old Ebbitt Grill")
![Old Ebbitt Grill by Old Ebbitt Grill [official photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62482296/orcaplatter.0.0.jpg "Old Ebbitt Grill by Old Ebbitt Grill [official photo]")
Highlights
Iconic tavern known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American fare
Iconic tavern known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American fare
"This is one of those quintessentially classic restaurants — and it’s the oldest on the list. Old Ebbitt Grill opened in 1856, when Franklin Pierce occupied the White House (which is right around the corner). The restaurant is home to a famed raw bar happy hour and is known for events like its annual Oyster Riot." - Tierney Plumb
"Families making the rounds downtown can show off this iconic D.C. restaurant to the whole family. A kids’ menu that comes with crayons includes the usual suspects (chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, pizza), and occasionally more interesting fare like fish and snack plates. Reserve a seat online." - Emily Venezky
"D.C.’s oldest restaurant is a tourist favorite and is family-friendly to boot. But locals know the best time to visit is during the raw bar happy hour." - Tierney Plumb
"Mentioned as a notable, walkable restaurant option near the National Mall and included among tourist-area dining staples." - Eater Staff
"Old Ebbitt Grill is one of DC’s most storied saloons, packed with old-school charm and still drawing crowds today, over 150 years after its opening in 1856. It’s moved around a bit over the years and the exact original location is a mystery, but what’s clear is its longstanding VIP appeal—President McKinley was such a fan he reportedly lived there during his Congressional days. Presidents Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, and Roosevelt all stopped in, basically making it the Studio 54 of 19th- and 20th-century Washington. Go for classic American fare like sirloin steaks, New England clam chowder, and chicken and waffles." - omnia saed, tristiana hinton
