The Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C.
Since the 1850s, the name Ebbitt has been synonymous with deal making.
As the story goes, in 1856 William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house near the edge of what is now Washington, D.C.’s Chinatown. The business venture doubled as a saloon and soon attracted many of the city’s most notable characters.
Presidents McKinley, Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, Harding, and Teddy Roosevelt are all said to have graced its bar for a drink—or in some cases, many drinks.
Since then, the location and ownership of what is now known as Old Ebbitt Grill has changed—after a series of moves, including an auction for $11,200 in 1970, the restaurant and bar now sits just around the corner from the White House on 15th Street N.W.—but its reputation as a place of political business has stayed the same.
photo by: Eric Wittman/Flickr/CC BY ND 2.0
The stuffed animal heads on the wall above the main bar are said to have been shot by Teddy Roosevelt.
Congressmen, lobbyists, journalists, and other Washington power brokers still frequent its back bars and tables to discuss terms or promote policies over a cocktail and a plate of oysters
Another thing that hasn’t changed is the joint’s charm. The current location opened in 1983, but the combination of old-school artifacts—like antique furniture from a New York Central Railroad dining car and historic gas chandeliers and fixtures—mixed with its Victorian styling and Beaux-Arts architecture make you feel like you’re walking through a Washington watering hole at the turn of the 20th century.
photo by: Phil Roeder/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Oysters are one of the Old Ebbitt Grill's main attractions.
Location: 675 15th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 a.m.
You’re Having: A Gin Rickey (a lot like a gin and tonic) and a dozen oysters.
Insider’s Tip: There are several bars to choose from at the Old Ebbitt. I prefer the Corner Bar, to the left of the foyer. It’s got a cozy, hunting club-type feel to it. It's perfect for an afternoon drink.
Best Yelp Review: "Literally across the street from the White House - we were absolutely amazed by this place. Went with a few friends for dinner on a Friday night and the service and food were outstanding. We had reservations and were seated right away—even though the place was absolutely swamped. All of the cocktails we had were delicious (especially their pumpkin cocktail)."—Demetria C.
