Washington DC Spotlight: Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill: Washington’s Oldest Saloon

Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856, holds the distinction of being Washington D.C.’s oldest saloon. Located just steps from the White House and across the street from the Treasury Building, it is an iconic gathering spot for politicians, journalists, celebrities, and tourists alike.

What Makes It Unique?

• Historic Atmosphere and Décor: The interior evokes a spectacular turn-of-the-century Victorian saloon. The restaurant has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia over the years.

  • Highlights include: an antique clock over the revolving door, mahogany bars, marble staircases salvaged from a neighboring bank, and an eclectic collection of animal heads (reputedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt) and decorative wooden bears said to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton.

  • Paintings by Kamil Kubik show the restaurant at its prior F Street location.

• Proximity to Power: Its prime location makes it a frequent, unofficial clubhouse for people involved in government and media. It is often cited as a place where deals are made and stories are broken, though it is equally beloved by locals and tourists.

• The Raw Bar: Old Ebbitt Grill is renowned for its Oyster Bar, featuring an expansive, high-quality selection of oysters. The volume of seafood they move helps ensure its freshness, making the half-price oyster happy hour a huge draw.

📜 History

The establishment’s lineage dates back to 1856 when William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house.

• Ebbitt House: The original establishment, known as Ebbitt House, was a hotel and boarding house that hosted a “Who’s Who” of American history, including Presidents William McKinley (during his tenure in Congress) and Ulysses S. Grant.

• Relocation and Crisis: The original Ebbitt House was torn down in 1926 to make way for the National Press Club building, and the restaurant—saving its décor—reopened nearby. Its darkest days came in 1970 when the IRS shut it down for back taxes.

• Saved by the Steins: Owners of the successful Clyde’s in Georgetown, Stuart Davidson and John Laytham, bought the failing restaurant at auction for its historic artifacts, including its valuable beer stein collection and the mahogany bar.

• Modern Era: Purchased by the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, the Old Ebbitt Grill reopened in 1970 and was eventually moved to its current, much larger location on 15th Street NW in 1983.

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items and Customer Feedback

The menu offers a broad range of American and seafood dishes, appealing to diverse crowds. Customers consistently praise the quality, consistency, and classic ambiance.

📅 Significant Events

The most significant annual event is the Oyster Riot®:

• The Oyster Riot: An annual food and wine event held every year on the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving.

  • It is an all-inclusive party where hundreds of people enjoy thousands of oysters and sample gold medal winners from the International Wines for Oysters Competition.

  • The event also represents a significant commitment to the sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay through its partnership with the Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP).

• Everyday History: While not a single event, the grill’s most significant ongoing role is as an unofficial hub of Washington life, witnessing countless political meetings, celebrations, and key moments in the lives of capital denizens.

📍 Contact Information