The Beltway sniper attacks of fall 2002 did not affect business, which continued to hold steady through February 2003, a time of high alert and anxiety. The atmosphere here is unlike any other that I've ever been at. [13] Blanchard's daughter, Jane Farnham, inherited the property on June 10, 1850, after his death. Out drinks were great. [63], The restaurant had little reputation by 1969, and was primarily known for its pork chops, seafood, and steaks, and as one of the few D.C. restaurants to serve dinner until 12:30 A.M.[65] In July 1969, Old Ebbitt Grill was one of 171 firms in the city cited for non-payment of taxes. ", "Reality Check: US Restaurateurs Say Cons Sent Mostly Static. [122], Due to security restrictions in 2004, Old Ebbitt Grill was nearly prevented from its traditional practice of selling coffee and hot chocolate to spectators watching the inaugural parade, in this case for the landmark election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The food was delicious. Anything goes at the Ebbitt. "Lunch at the 'Power Section'. Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. After Lofstrand's death in 1955, the restaurant was purchased by Peter Bechas in 1961. [9] Smith joined the two houses into a single unit, and named them "Frenchman's Hotel" because he employed a French immigrant as the manager of the facility. Casual. Freedom. So, it is whatever you would like. [83] Developer Morris Cafritz, who purchased the Keith-Albee Building and Rhodes' Tavern in 1956, wanted to tear down the entire half-block to construct a new office building.[84]. Shutt's plans had changed somewhat in the intervening nine months. [99] Instead, the basement contained a large private dining room. Washington DC. It was widely considered the most luxurious restaurant in the city when it opened. A jury could not reach agreement on the charges in December 1913,[47] but the charges were not dismissed until September 1914. City of Rockville Historic District Commission. Before placing your order, please inform your server if you have a food allergy or dietary need. The organization behind D.C.'s overturned Initiative 77 plans to hold similar strikes across the country this week. But when auction proceeds fell short of the lien on the property, bidding began again, but this time on the entire contents. Washington DC Tourism . The 1427 F Street NW location was demolished in 1983 during redevelopment, and Old Ebbitt Grill moved into its current quarters at 675 15th Street NW. [104] Old Ebbitt began hanging posters in the lobby of current theatrical performances. Reynolds discovered the document in North's files during a meeting with North in his White House office. "'WWR' and Ford: Celebrating a Union. It opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House Hotel. Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. Join Our Newsletter. "At Clyde's, Treat Yourself to a Good Lunch and Cause. Reynolds smuggled the document out of North's office and took it to a luncheon meeting at Old Ebbitt with Attorney General Edwin Meese. "Failures Eat Into Restaurant Community. Sculptures by John Dreyfuss adorn the Atrium Dining Room. The food is very good and the service is always fabulous! Alekseyev and Humphrey met at Old Ebbitt Grill in December 1976. $ 25 OEG. Our dress is casualwe welcome you in a tuxedo, jeans, a business suit, shorts or a cocktail dress. [58] Anders R. Lofstrand, Sr. was the proprietor. In 1907, John Helmus, who oversaw the serving staff and bar for 39 years, died. Date night with hubby was saved. ", Horwitz, Sari. "A Q&A With John Laytham, CEO of Clyde's Restaurant Group. Sat, Sun 9:00 am2:00 am, https://www.ebbitt.com?y_source=1_MzcwMzY3MTctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=/, AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa. An exterior scene was shown and then Clint Eastwood and John Mahoney were shown sitting at Grant's Bar inside. Make Restaurant Reservations. Street parking is limited. "The Bacon-and-Eggs Brigade. Please note, that the Cabinet Room is located on the lower level of the restaurant down a flight of stairs and is not handicap accessible. [34][35] Over the next two years, Burch and Gibbs completely refurnished all the rooms, adding new furniture and Belgian carpets, re-papered or added painted frescoes to the ceilings, and installed new furniture in the hallways. Waitress rushed us out because her shift was ending and she wanted her tip- charged an additional service fee because of restaurant had expenses??? Old Ebbitt Grill: If only there was a dress code. Clyde's Restaurant Group spent $4.4 million constructing and outfitting the interior. The Atrium Dining Room contains a large marble fountain, and is open to the atrium in the center of Metropolitan Square. ", Commanding General of the United States Army, List of the oldest restaurants in the United States. Is there a corkage fee? [48], The renovations were not enough. MonFri 8:00 am2:00 am Old Ebbitt Grill did not close its doors at 1427 F Street until September 12, 1983. ", Romano, Carlin and Mastrangelo, Joseph. The Ebbitt Room | Cape May Restaurant at the Virginia Hotel book hotel the ebbitt room 25 JACKSON STREET, CAPE MAY, NJ 08204 (609) 884-5700 Elevated Seaside Cocktails & Cuisine Discover our award-winning restaurant located in the heart of historic Cape May, New Jersey. [13] Willard converted the boarding house into a hotel. [71] Among the items they purchased were a 200-year-old clock which used carved wooden gears for its mechanism, a carved wooden grizzly bear once owned by Alexander Hamilton, crystal decanters dating to 1575, and stuffed boar's head, swordfish, alligator, and walrus head. His revival of Sweet Charity, which he choreographed, had just debuted at the National Theatre. ", Singletary, Michelle. The new restaurant was immediately popular. Daily Oyster & Raw Bar Happy Hour. [75] By 1977, Washington Post food critic Donald Dresden was praising the restaurants bacon cheeseburgers and innovative menu items: "Imitators are still trying to top Clyde's and the Ebbitt's bacon cheeseburgers and the disc-shaped deep-fried potatoes that come withbut they'll have to keep trying still. Music was provided by Federal Jazz Commission, a traditional "classic" jazz band which made music indoors and out. I visited The Old Ebitt Grill for the first time and really enjoyed the food, friendly service, and atmosphere. Grant's Bar, named for American Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, features a ceiling mural by Carol Loeb. The women's caf was moved into the basement, where it occupied a portion of the old restaurant. Mrs. Shutt eventually turned the hotel over to Augustus Gumpert. He also planned to add a women-only restaurant to the lobby, at a time when many public facilities excluded women. The restaurant donated about 14,000 oysters a week to the alliance in 2010. [128] In 2010, after the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, comedian Stephen Colbert hosted a Comedy Central after-party at Old Ebbitt Grill. [38] He conducted extensive renovations to the exterior of the hotel in 1895. ", Tuck, Lon. Ebbitt Express is located in the Atrium Dining Room. The place looks nice so I see some people dress up as well. [117] Shortly after the oyster bar reopened, Old Ebbitt Grill lost its long-time chef, Juan Bosio. We love: meatballs, cheese sampler, oysters, chicken & waffles, & eggs Benedict. Great old bar! See all 2,626 photos taken at Old Ebbitt Grill by 46,116 visitors. Today the Victorian interior evokes Washington saloons at the turn of the century. [19] The dining room was two stories high, with floor to ceiling windows, white marble floor, white painted walls, and a fresco on the ceiling. [30] Rear Admiral John Lee Davis also lived and died there. Old Ebbitt Grill. [76] The restaurant featured bare, unpolished wood flooring throughout, with a fern bar on the second floor. Phone +1 202-347-4800. Join them for weekend brunch until 4:00 pm, weekday breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 am, or late-night bites after 11 pm. Located just two blocks from the White House, this historic venue sits right in the middle of all of the history and character Washington, D.C. has to offer. 202-347-4800. [22][33] In November 1889, Caleb Willard hired Henry C. Burch and Charles E. Gibbs, both veteran hotel managers in the city, to run Ebbitt House. We do not have elevator access to the room; it is accessible via stairs only. Back waiters were required to have excellent physical strength and good balance. For many years as part of Ebbitt House, the bar/restaurant had no stand-alone name or identity. We appreciate your support and understanding. "Remarks of John B. Larner Before the Society March 10, 1902, in Exhibiting An Old Photograph of the South-East Corner of 14th and F Streets. I don't think there was a drop on our plates. On June 6, 1970, the IRS announced that it was giving the Ebbitt's owners 10 days to pay the business's $10,995.15 tax bill dating back to 1965. ", Sugarman, Carole. Filet was perfectly cooked and clam chowder was divine. The Home of Handmade Fresh Pasta. I asked them when we went and they said, everything from a tux to shorts and a t shirt. Not to be missed when in Washington DC. Old Ebbitt Grill is a must when visiting Washington DC! [54] Demolition of the building began at 1:00 P.M. on January 6, 1926, as National Press Club President Henry L. Sweinhart ceremoniously removed a brick from the existing building. The Cabinet room can accommodate events from 5-75 guests. Guests dined at tables set with tablecloths imported from Scotland, using Haviland & Co. Limoges porcelain china, silver-handled knives and forks manufactured by Reed & Barton, and Bohemian glassware. Nitrogen gas is pumped through a valve in the replacement cork to prevent oxidation. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. [91] The architectural firm of Andrews & Chatelain designed the interior. The house marked the northeast corner of Murder Bay. In 1977, developer Oliver T. Carr proposed tearing down the entire block between F and G streets NW and 14th and 15th streets NW and constructing a 12-story hotel and office building complex to be called Metropolitan Square. [62], Anders Lofstrand, Sr. died in 1955, and in April 1961 Old Ebbitt Grill was sold to Peter Bechas,[63] the former head waiter at the Willard Hotel from 1955 to 1958. In an alcove near the bar and foyer, paintings by Kamil Kubik show the Ebbitt at its prior F Street location. Determining which establishment is the oldest bar in Washington, D.C., is complex. Unfortunately, many artifacts were beyond preserving and unable to weather the 1983 move around the corner. ", Joynt, Carol Ross. [27] Chief Justice of the United States Salmon P. Chase lived there while working in the capital and died there in October 1886. ", McCombs, Phil and Oman, Anne H. "$40 Million Mall Is Planned. Great service. [6][7] Crawford's daughter, Sarah, married Richard Forrest, one of the first eight clerks appointed in 1801 by Thomas Jefferson in the United States Department of State. [78] Humphreys had already been identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was facing prosecution for his actions. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. The three carved glass panels separating the Main Bar from the Main Dining Room were done by Charles B. Shefts, who carved the mirrors and windows as well. The Cabinet Room features six paintings of game birds by Australian-born (and longtime Georgetown resident) Robin Hill, one of the worlds most distinguished bird painters and artists. Make a reservation!! This is our 2nd time at Old Ebbitt Grill and we tried some new items on the menu. In 1976, Vladimir I. Alekseyev, a reporter for the Soviet Union's news agency, TASS, contacted United States Information Agency employee Ronald L. Humphreywho was already acting as a spy for the North Vietnamese government. From the feel, though, it's a sort of business casual. National health campaigns against high cholesterol had reduced demand for foods heavy in eggs. "Thinking About Drapes In Case It's Curtains For Madam Speaker. Benjamin Ogle was the maternal grandfather of. Attentive but not overbearing. Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th St NW, Washington DC, DC 20005-5702 (National Mall) +1 202-347-4800 Website E-mail Improve this listing Get food delivered Order online Ranked #9 of 3,485 Restaurants in Washington DC 13,049 Reviews Certificate of Excellence Price range: $10 - $40 Cuisines: American, Seafood More restaurant details Becky D ", Fears, Darryl. The restaurant established a procedure for an independent laboratory to test its oysters for the bacteria prior to consumption. Last day in DC and the food was fantastic! The Tombs Beer Mug. [42] Shutt said it was his intention to move all the stores occupying the 14th Street side of the building to the south side, and to add a large caf in its place. the Old Ebbitt Grill has been a . NW Northwest Dr. Silver Spring, MD. The restaurant hired Robert McGowan, formerly a chef at Sardi's in New York City.[118]. However, the diversion of funds to the Contras was not yet exposed. Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable. [130] After a slow summer, business at the restaurant had slowed so much that sales were steady compared to 2011. [2] Richard Forrest died in 1828,[5] and Sarah died in 1832. [143] To help the Shell Recycling Alliance, Old Ebbitt Grill introduced a new element to its Oyster Riot, a Saturday afternoon event known as "Matinee Riot." [32] From the late 1860s until the 1910s, it was considered "Army and Navy Headquarters" because of the number of military personnel who lived there and the large number of veterans' meetings held there. [28] His close friend, Representative and later President James A. Garfield, visited McKinley often in the hotel. Only Tao Asian Bistro in Las Vegas with $64.6 million in revenues and Joe's Stone Crab in Miami, with $35.3 million in revenues, ranked higher. Fantastic food, great ambiance, and fantastic food. Actually, good is too light a word to describe the oldest and most historic saloon in town. Please call Jordan Hammes at 202.552.5000 Private party contact All were delicious! Booked our trip and flights to DC based on this reservation and they ran out of oysters! "Can Rhodes Tavern Be Resolved? [133], Old Ebbitt Grill said in December 2012 that it was already booked for a private event for the second inauguration of Barack Obama. Food and service were excellent. "Staff, Patrons Toast Old Ebbitt's Demise As They Await Its Rebirth on 15th Street. The Omelet Room did not make the transition to the new location. Between the moves and its history, the Old Ebbitt has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. In 2007, the event sold every ticket in 38 minutes.[140]. The building which later was owned by William E. Ebbitt was located on the southeast corner of F Street NW and 14th Street NW in the city of Washington, D.C. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Ronny was excellent and everything was outstanding. The office space was enlarged. ", Zito, Tort. Our server, Mattie, was personable and professional, making our experience even better. Great spot!! Old Ebbitt serves a diverse menu including seafood, steaks, and pasta. Steps away from the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is the perfect location for your next event. [72][73] Clyde's and Old Ebbitt Grill shared the same menus, which lowered costs and led to improved training for kitchen staff. It began using the name "New Ebbitt Caf" in November 1910. ", Richman, Phyllis C. "Star Service Up on the Roof. Peck, p. 25-26; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 74. [89] The walls were paneled in mahogany and the ceilings decorated with murals and stencils. The antique clock over the revolving door at the entrance is an heirloom from the previous location, and the marble staircase with an iron-spindled rail was salvaged from the old National Metropolitan Bank next door. Our waitress was amazing! IN BUSINESS. Attendance was so large, the party spilled out into the street. 2001. [2][3] The four parcels lay west-to-east along 14th Street. "A Keen Taste for Touring. "High-Level Iran Cover-Up Shown in Testimony, Documents. [119] Over the next two weeks, the restaurant lost half its business, which normally ran 2,000 customers a day, most of them politicians and businesspeople. [138], The first Oyster Riot was held in October 1995 to promote Old Ebbitt Grill's oyster bar. Historic bar and restaurant in Washington, D.C. "A Bash to Call Its Own. [45], The hotel continued to decline. The restaurant was sold at a tax sale in June 1970, and was purchased by Clyde's Restaurant Group. Smith. We were late for our reservation (about 20 minutes late). This place is fabulous! "Landmark Passes As Ebbitt House Doors Are Closed. The Oyster Bar features an array of exceptional oysters and winning wines from the annual Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition. [64] Bechas' ownership of the restaurant was marred by repeated tax problems. The long bar still sported mounted game animal trophies overhead, the fixtures were of marble or brass, and the curtains of lace. Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. [89] 1427 F Street NW was demolished in early December 1983. [85] No legislation was enacted, however. ", "Peter G. Bechas, Area Restaurant Owner. If you are looking for something specific, we can help you calculate what you are seeking, through a website that we consult at www.calorieking.com for approximate nutritional information. . [9][10], In 1856, William E. Ebbitt purchased Frenchman's Hotel from Smith, turned it into a boarding house, and renamed it Ebbitt House. A plaque referencing this film is on the wall in Grant's Bar.[144]. Please call Megan Kilby at 202.552.5000. ", Schulte, Brigid. the view Photos of Old Ebbitt Grill address location 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-4800 ebbitt.com COMMENTS 8885 reviews of Old Ebbitt Grill "There is nothing negative I can say about the Old Ebbitt Grille, it is just that good. Through Agoda.com's secure on-line booking form, reservations are made easy for hotels in the neighborhood of Old Ebbitt Grill. While you can go to any restaurant in America and be greeted with . "Scientists Use a Warm Bath to Get Oysters in the Mood. It first opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House Hotel. Highly recommend and very kid-friendly. Steps away from the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is the perfect location for your next event. The prices were right. [125], By 2008, however, Old Ebbitt Grill's reviews had improved. [50] The media reported the restaurant's name as "Ebbitt's Grill"[57] and "Old Ebbitt Grill". Established in 1856, it was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt and is still a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers.Its Beaux-Arts . Really enjoyed our brunch here and our server Jade was fantastic! . [10][13] Exactly a year later, Craney sold the property to Caleb C. Willard, brother of Willard Hotel owner Henry A. We were casual, shorts, tees and sneakers, Anyone remember the rum based Old Fashioned they used to make? Saw a few nice t-shirts, and a few suits and dresses. What is the process of requesting a donation? Old Ebbitt Grill. Choreographer and director Bob Fosse was preparing to host a party at Old Ebbitt Grill when he collapsed outside the restaurant and died of a heart attack on September 23, 1987. [22] Prohibition began in the District of Columbia on November 1, 1917. Across from the White House, Old Ebbitt serves American Cuisine, and See more 28,036 people like this 31,676 people follow this 416,125 people checked in here [4] Presidents Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren G. Harding all drank in the bar there. Stuart Davidson (1922 - 2001) and John Laytham (1944-2019), owners of a newer Washington institution, Clyde's of Georgetown, expressed an interest in buying the Ebbitt's collection of antique beer steins to display at Clyde's. ", Kessler, Pamela. Business was good for many years, but by the end of the 1960s, the Ebbitt was in hock. In 2010, Old Ebbitt Grill joined the Shell Recycling Alliance, a project of the Oyster Recovery Partnership, anonprofit helping to restore oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. [105], President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush met the singer and actor Sting at Old Ebbitt Grill in September 1989 after his Washington debut in the title role in Three Penny Opera. "City Allows Demolition of Historic Tavern. Alex Kapranos, lead singer for the Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, included an entry on Old Ebbitt Grill in his 2006 book, Sound Bites: Eating on Tour With Franz Ferdinand. The busy atmosphere, he argued, was not conducive to a positive dining experience. [86] There was little opposition to the demolition of most of the block, which included the Old Ebbitt Grill site. Assistant Attorney General Charles J. Cooper, a young appointee in the Office of Legal Counsel, also at the lunch, said the memo was a "bomb. ", Sietsema, Tom. $ 7 CRG. The Corner Bar is decorated with paintings by Claiborne D. Gregory, Jr., and carved waterfowl decoys by numerous artists. A fire broke out in the kitchen on August 12, 1913, doing extensive damage. The entrees were reasonably priced. ", "2 Sentenced to Jail Term As Viet Spies. The wooden crossbeams on the 10-foot ceilings are accented by a style of pinstripe stenciling popular at the turn of the century. A must if your in the DC area! [46] Three months later, city officials accused Shutt of selling liquor in the bar to underage children. Old Ebbitt Grill is open for breakfast (weekdays), brunch (weekends) lunch and dinner, and even offers a late-night menu. Menus; About About; Hours & Location; Employee Assistance Fund; Press; Oysters Place smelled and seated in boot that moved everytime person behind you moved. Old Ebbitt Grill is rated 4.8 stars by 26074 OpenTable diners. The Cabinet room can accommodate events from 5-75 guests. Opened in 1856, it stands a few years older than the Ford's Theater, and similar to Ford's has had all manner of political personages, past and present, pass through its doors. The downtown saloon has remained in the The food was excellent. Best crab cakes anywhere. $ 25 Rabbit Skins. ", Zibart, Eve. ", There was a family connection between Ebbitt House and the Willard Hotel. Stuart Davidson (1922 - 2001) and John Laytham (1944-2019), owners of a newer Washington institution, Clyde's of Georgetown, expressed an interest in buying the Ebbitt's collection of antique beer steins to display at Clyde's. [135], In July 2019, Clyde's Restaurant Group was acquired by Graham Holdings.[136]. The restaurant, called "cheerful and sunny" by the Washington Post, fronted onto 14th Street NW, was lit with crystal chandeliers, and could seat up to 225 people. The Hotel disti Old Ebbitt Grill created a popular annual event known as the Oyster Riot in 1995. The food and service were outstanding. Steps away from the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is the perfect location for your next event. An oil painting by Peter Egeli replicates one of Mathew Brady's famous Civil War photographs of Grant. It felt pricey, but we splurged on drinks, apps, and dessert. At breakfast, the waiters wore brown cutaway jackets, vests, and pants with a gold stripe, while in the evening they changed into black tuxedos. YEARS. We have reluctantly chosen to implement a separate 3.75% fee or 2023 with the hope that it can be eliminated in the future as conditions improve. Email donations@clydes.com. [115], Old Ebbitt Grill's oyster bar closed in 1992 after diners fell ill from eating raw oysters infected with the deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. [33] What was known as the "New Ebbitt Caf" opened in November 1910. Established in 1856, it was a favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt and is still a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers.Its Beaux-Arts facade, mahogany and velvet booths and . - See 12,996 traveler reviews, 2,999 candid photos, and great deals for Washington DC, DC, at Tripadvisor. ", Reel, Monte. The atmosphere here is unlike any other that I've ever been at. Absolutely loved our experience at the famous Old Ebbitt! Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. ", Dempsey, Mike. May be the best service Ive ever had. Very good food and love the historic feel. OLD EBBITT GRILL BLT Virginia beefsteak tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, bacon, mayonnaise, toasted country white bread.16.99 CHICKEN #1 grilled chicken breast, bacon, Muenster, sesame seed bun.16.99 BUFFALO CHICKEN spicy slaw, hot pepper mayo, blue cheese crumbles, potato roll.16.99 CHESAPEAKE BAY BLUE CATFISH SANDWICH It has also been the site of parties hosted by famous actors and singers. Old Ebbitt Grill does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. "Stuart C. Davidson, 78, Owner of Legendary Washington Bar. "The NRN 50 All-American Icons: Old Ebbitt Grill. "Cruvinet: It's Like Wine on Tap. I think it had a nut bitters in it. ", Ward, Alex. [129], In January 2012, Clyde's Restaurant Group chief executive officer John Laytham claimed that Old Ebbitt Grill was the third or fourth highest grossing restaurant in the country. Care is taken to avoid cross-contact, however, our kitchen is not completely gluten-free. Parking garages are available in our building on both G and F Streets. The menu served buffet-style included Blue Point oysters, green sea turtle, Kennebec River salmon, mutton, chicken, hominy fritters, stewed diamondback terrapin, canvasback duck, English pheasant, and a variety of vegetables, fruits, cheese, crackers, nuts, pies, and puddings. [39], Ebbitt House slowly declined. To watch diners pour in every night by the taxi- and busload, you might guess this was a tourist trap, a place that trades hard on its history as the cherished watering hole of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, and Harding. The choice of accommodation near Old Ebbitt Grill greatly varies from luxurious hotels to affordable guesthouses. [80] In 1979, Washington Post restaurant reviewer Lon Tuck noted that Old Ebbitt's Omelet Room was one of the most famous locations in the city. Martin, Douglas. Old Ebbitt Grill, ranked #5, brings in the most annual sales in DC: more than $32 million. The historic restaurant was founded in 1856, originally as a boarding house, and later became known as Washington's first saloon. 675 15th St. NW (F St. NW) Washington, DC 20005. It is Washington's oldest bar and restaurant, and is owned by Clyde's Restaurant Group. "The Raw Truth About Shellfish. A new head chef and assistant chefs had already been hired. Old Ebbitt intended to close its doors in April 1983 and reopen a few weeks later in the new location in May. [111] The Washington Post's Phyllis Richman claimed the combination of superb hamburgers with seasonal foods such as fresh Alaskan halibut, corn on the cob in the summer, and locally grown vegetables and berries, was what drew customers.