Old ebbitt’s charm
a washington tradition since 1856 …
(Disclosure: A personal favorite - a recommendation, not a paid endorsement)
Yum!
Cold water oysters (Kusshi from Stellar Bay, British Columbia - small, slightly briny with a wonderfully sweet finish), a glass of cool, crisp White Burgundy (Puligny-Montrachet from Côte de Beaune), and a hot loaf of French bread!
It can't get better than that on a hot day, miles after walking the National Mall. Seeing Washington as only a tourist can. Witnessing White House staff mingling with pursuing knowledgeable Capitol Hill staff and experienced K Street lobbyists who know this is the place to be seen and heard in the nation's capital.
“The Old Ebbitt Grill, between moves and its history, has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. Along the way, the restaurant acquired Beer steins, animal heads (reputedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt) and wooden bears said to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton for his private bar. ”
Next, you sample a Kale Caesar salad with shaved Kale, Pecorino Romano cheese, garlic croutons, and a healthy sprinkling of black pepper, of course. The clean-up is Maine Day Boat Scallops, replete with cauliflower puree, farro, Tuscan kale, cauliflower, mushroom medley, brown butter, and lemon preserves, and your dining pleasure is nearly complete.
Save, perhaps, that you chase the main course with a Creme Brule with raspberries and a final Maccallan 18-year-old Scotch, and heaven is knocking on your doorstep!
I first discovered the Old Ebbitt Grill as a young Congressional staffer in 1979. The restaurant was in a different location, around the corner from the current establishment. It is well-appointed and presents a warm and inviting environment stocked with every drink imaginable at its luxurious wooden bar. The old building was four stories, brick, and much narrower than the present establishment, with a broader footprint and fewer floors to navigate.
Innkeeper William E. Ebbitt established the bar in a boarding house on the outskirts of what is today Chinatown. Founded in 1856, President McKinley is said to have lived in Old Ebbitt's residence during his tenure in Congress, and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren Harding "supposedly refreshed themselves at its stand-around bar."
I guess I was in good company!
A tax lien, a fire, and a few other sundry events led to the Grill being relocated to its current stake in the ground at 675 15th Street NW in the old Beaux-Arts building that was once the old B. F. Keith's Theater around the corner from the White House.
If you can enjoy the Old Ebbitt, pay particular attention to the antique clock over the revolving door at the restaurant's entrance. It is reported to be an heirloom from the previous Old Ebbitt location I mentioned, as is the marble staircase with an iron-spindled rail that was said to have been salvaged from the old National Metropolitan Bank next door.
From the Old Ebbitt's website, there is this excellent description that I love and remember: "The mahogany Old Bar is a copy of the bar at the F Street location, which had rotted beyond repair. In an alcove near the bar and foyer, paintings by Kamil Kubik show the Ebbitt at its prior F Street location. The three carved glass panels separating the Old Bar from the Main Dining Room were done by Charles B. Shefts, who also carved the mirrors and windows. The panels depict the Treasury, the Capitol, and the White House."
Thomas Snapshot: Old Ebbitt grill
Founded: 1856
Location: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website: www.ebbitt.com
Reservations: www.opentable.com or call 202.347.4800
No matter your party affiliation or evening mood, the Old Ebbitt Grill has a little bit of everything available for you and your party. From gas chandeliers to old Chesapeake murals to a famous Matthew Brady photograph mural of General Grant, the Old Ebbitt has just the right environment for you!
Dine with them. You will love the experience! Washington, much like it was in the 19th century. Tell them Ole Ben sent you!