![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]")
/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 is a storied DC tavern near the White House serving classic American eats, standout crab cakes, and a celebrated raw bar with lively happy hours.
"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
"D.C.’s oldest restaurant can be relied upon for raw bar staples (the best thing on their menu), martinis, and burgers, and more until 1 a.m. every day of the week, when the kitchen closes (bar stays open till 2 a.m.) — they’re also known for their late night happy hour." - Missy Frederick
"Nah, 8 a.m. isn’t too early to grab a martini and some oysters at the city’s oldest bar (they open at 9 a.m. on weekends)." - Missy Frederick
"Two giant nutcrackers routinely man the door of D.C.’s oldest saloon this time of year. Old Ebbitt depicts its festive facade in a holiday ornament made of solid brass and a 24-karat gold finish. (Fun fact: The nearby White House’s official ornament comes from the same company.) The crown jewel of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, Old Ebbitt oozes holiday cheer with ribbon-wrapped garland, twinkling trees, and free-flowing eggnog. Massive nutcrackers also oversee Clyde’s in Georgetown." - Tierney Plumb
"A place to experience D.C.'s feel with a late-night raw bar." - Nancy DePalma
