Old Ebbitt Grill
4.6(20K)google
4.2(12K)yelp
Local LifeHistoryDowntown
Overview
Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington D.C.'s oldest saloon, steeped in political history and located just steps from the White House treasury building. This historic tavern has served numerous U.S. presidents, politicians, and journalists, featuring an opulent Victorian interior adorned with plush velvet booths, antique gas lamps, and mahogany bars. Famous for its world-class raw bar serving fresh oysters, the restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience where classic American upscale tavern fare meets legendary political nostalgia.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeAs D.C.'s oldest saloon, visiting during their legendary 'Oyster Happy Hour' (daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and late-night after 11:00 PM) is highly recommended for discounted raw bar specialties and a classic historic political atmosphere.
Getting ThereTake the Metro Red, Blue, Orange, or Silver lines to the Metro Center station, take the 13th & G Street exit, and walk just one block west to 15th Street NW, located right across from the U.S. Treasury building.
Travel Tips
- Regular pricing is steep, but the legendary Oyster Bar offers massive discounts during specific hours (typically Mon-Thu 3:00 PM–5:00 PM and late-night after 11:00 PM) where raw platters are half off.
- While strict formal wear isn't mandated, this historic political hub discourages overly casual attire like tank tops, flip-flops, or offensive graphic tees. Smart casual clothing is highly recommended.
- If arriving without a reservation, bypass the main host stand and head straight to the large circular bars. These seats are first-come, first-served, offer the full dinner menu, and dodge the main dining room queue.
Reviews
Positive
- As DC's oldest historic saloon, the opulent dark mahogany wood paneling, vintage brass chandeliers, and velvet booths deliver an elite Victorian old-money visual impact.
- The culinary value is legendary; their iconic raw bar serves exceptionally fresh oysters, and the Chesapeake crab cakes and seafood chowders are widely voted as top DC staples.
- Unbeatable political location context just steps from the White House, serving as a historic hub for politicians and journalists, wrapping you in NOLA-meets-DC power-lunch vibes.
- The culinary service speed is phenomenal despite massive tourist crowds; the seasoned waitstaff are highly efficient and charismatic, making dinner logistics seamless.
Heads up
- The walk-in queues are notoriously long and chaotic due to its fame, often forcing guests without advanced online reservations to wait well over an hour for an open table.
- The tavern interior is deafeningly loud and boisterous during peak hours; the tightly packed seating arrangement maximizes capacity but shatters any quiet, private dining ambiance.
- The menu items carry a heavy premium tourist price tag; pricing on cocktails, steaks, and raw samplers is quite steep, and individual portion sizes can be surprisingly modest.
- Due to high volume and high demand, the service pacing can occasionally feel overly rushed, with tables cleared instantly to increase turn-rates, making guests feel pushed to leave.