Food was DELICIOUS!!!! Started off with the Oyster Rockaefller. Main course was the Crab Cakes. Would describe as a heck out a lotta crab with a little bit of cake! Num, num,num,num,num!!!, Sides were the burnt broccoli and Mac & Chesse! Both delicious! Dessert was the Apple Crisp and Creme Brûlée! Both delicious! Service was great! Wished I took pictures because review doesn't do the food justice! Highly recommend if visiting Washington, DC!!! read more

Was my first trip to Washington DC found this restaurant on the way to see the white house. Great location and very beautiful and old school style interior of this restaurant, very professional and elegant staff. We sat at the bar and ordered some appetizers with my mom and girlfriend, the quality of the food was very good, we had oysters rockfeler, clam chowders and mac and cheese. All the dishes were amazing in special oysters rockfeler, definitely a must try! Service was good too! Bartender and barback did great job, I could see that management cares there about quality of service and guests satisfaction. read more

My girlfriend and i went to DC for a few days, i suggested that we visit Old Ebbitt Grill; we had an afternoon reservation, the food was great if they don't ask if you have any food allergies, please let them know off the ripp. It was very quiet when we got there , the aesthetics was warm and welcoming, drinks dem bad, entree, side everything was bussin, 10/10 would recommend. read more

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Amazing food! Omg! The steak was so juicy and the compound better made it a 10/10. Everything was amazing! read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Ribeye - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was not expecting such a positive experience so late at night. So many people had raved about this restaurant and I was quite impressed. While waiting on my partner I was able to engage in casual conversations with the employees in the greeting area. They were very welcoming. Our server was very prompt and nice despite it being later in the night. My partner and I ordered different items to share. Everything was served fresh and was delicious. read more

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Excellent restaurant and great for work or client dinners! The ambiance and food were great! This is a historic establishment and was started in 1856 as a saloon and has housed several Presidents and it is right across from the White House. This is a must try when in DC! You definitely need a reservation here and we came here at 5pm and this place was packed. The decor inside is very classy and it has several nice bars and I do plan on coming back again to experience one of the bars. We were a party of 6 and were seated by the back bar area. We ordered a bunch of appetizers and everything was great and I really liked the Rockefeller oysters. I ordered the crab cake and that was really tasty. They are known for this dish, so make sure you get this when you come here! We also ordered some desserts and I liked everything too! I'd definitely come back here and I can see why it's so popular! Food and ambiance were perfect! read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Crab cake - you have to get this - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I made a reservation for a late breakfast and once we arrived, we were seated by the registers which was fine. The server that helped us was very friendly when taking our order. We went with the jumbo chesapeake from their breakfast menu. I had specifically come during breakfast hours as I wanted to try their crab cakes without anything extra. The chesapeake came with 2 crabcakes on top of English muffins and covered with hollandaise sauce. It also came with a side of home fries. We also decided to order the grapefruit brulee on the slide. Those crab cakes were absolutely delicious and I would return just for them. The jumbo lump crab meat used in the crabcakes were sweet, plump and quite large pieces. It was definitely one of my favorite dishes from my DC trip. The home fries needed ketchup to amp up their flavor. The grapefruit brulee was super disappointing. For some reason I had mistakenly thought it would be like a creme brulee but nope it was just a giant grapefruit with caramelized sugar on top. So I paid $9 for a grapefruit and some sugar. The grapefruit was so sour and bitter that I had to force myself to finish it as it was just so unpleasant to eat. I don't even know why it's on the menu because it's just not a good dish. Bathrooms were clean but you could definitely tell it was a bit aged. For such a well known and old establishment, I was expecting the bathrooms to maintain a higher standard like how Rockefeller Center maintains their bathrooms. The toilet paper wasn't even in the holder and just placed on top of the bathroom stall doors. Next to the bathrooms, they have a private dining room probably for events and special guests. read more

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Old Ebbitt Grill is my go-to spot for date night and steak night. There's something special about being so close to the White House -- the location alone gives the evening a classic DC energy that feels timeless and a little romantic. This is the kind of place that's perfect for dates: warm, intimate, and effortlessly polished. The steaks are consistently on point -- well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, and deeply satisfying. It's comfort food with character, which is exactly why I keep coming back. I love that Old Ebbitt manages to feel historic and lively at the same time. Whether it's a planned night out or a spontaneous dinner, it always delivers a reliable, elevated experience. If you're looking for a classic DC restaurant that's ideal for date night, great conversation, and a solid steak, Old Ebbitt never disappoints. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great spot for a quick beer! Sat at one of the bars because the wait for a table was incredibly long so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. The bartenders were very friendly and attentive. The artwork is amazing and the vibes are fun! I wasn't fully hungry but I still ordered food to get the full experience. The steak was perfectly cooked and paid very well with the chimichurri sauce. However, the Mac and cheese was very disappointing.. super bland and lacked flavor, I don't recommend ordering it. read more

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The burger was cooked well and flavorful. The bun was tasty. Fries were well executed. The shrimp and grits were ok. Shrimp was fresh and tasty. I think there was too much sauce which overpowered the grits but overall a nice bite. Kids menu was decent too. Great ambiance. Would try again. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Shrimp and grits - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest restaurant in DC and is visited by locals and tourists alike. They do take reservations on open table which I highly recommend making. We were here at 10:30pm on December 30 - holiday time yes but also kind of random and the place was packed. We were sat at a cute 2 person booth and the holiday decorations were lovely. My boyfriend and I each got a drink (cocktail and a wine) and ordered burgers. The food and ambiance were great but the service was lacking which is why I removed a star. We barely saw our waiter and I would have ordered another drink if he had actually come by and saw I was out. For this restaurant they had a ton of staff around and I would think would have checked on us at least once. Overall though a nice evening. read more

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Quintessential DC dining experience! This restaurant is a five-star experience in terms of vibes, food quality, and overall experience. While our server was a little low energy, he was attentive and professional. We enjoyed all of the dishes and loved how we could have a table conversation in our booth without yelling, while enjoying the lively hub-bub around us. Will plan to return every time we're in DC! read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Strawberry Shortcake - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We arrived for an early reservation. We were immediately seated and our waiter Charlie greeted us and made us fell welcomed. He rinded us about the history of the restaurant. He introduced us to Kenny who also made us feel important. But they treated everyone around us with respect and kindness. The food was excellent. Perfectly cooked and at a reasonable price. Truly a wonderful experience. This is why we always make this a stop when we are in DC! read more

Food, Service and Ambiance was amazing. I will definitely visit again when in the DMV.

I went here for a date night on a Friday and it was packed! We had a reservation so getting seated was quick and easy The service as well as the drinks were amazing. I got the salmon which was good but not great. My date got the pork chop which I tasted and was very tasty I enjoyed this place for sure! read more

Really delicious meal! Excellent ambiance & crowd. Elegant energy. Kind service. They made it work for us to be seated at a table because I don't prefer a bar. 5 minute wait on a busy Tuesday evening! There were a couple sophisticated families with their young children entering to dine at 10pm. It's truly an interesting place. The steak was delicious. The salmon was delicious. The curry lentil soup was amazing! The complimentary bread was ok to me excellent to him. The velvet booths are lovely and accompanied by coat racks! This is when I knew we were at my kind of establishment. Go, enjoy!!! read more

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Had a great festive dinner here! A dc institution for good reason. Seated in a booth with a perfect window view of the White House, we started off with delicious eggnogs and ice cold oysters. Best raw oysters I've had, sweet, clean and briny. The steak frites was solid and paired nicely with the shallot Dijon cream sauce and crispy hot fries. The meatloaf is also a surprise hitter and was rich and flavorful. - a star bc it did take a while for our entrees to come out but nothing a good convo couldn't distract from read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Steak Frites and Bacon-Horseradish Glazed Meatloaf - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ambience, service, and food are great. Thank goodness no senators present, instead nice people. read more

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Old Ebbitt Grill is one of those DC staples that never misses. I've been coming for work lunches and dinners for years, but this time it was a girls night with my work bestie and it was exactly the right choice. Service was sharp. Our server kept water glasses full, checked in without hovering, and made ordering drinks and the next course easy. The scallops with risotto were the star. Flavorful, well-cooked, and just the right portion even for my smaller appetite. You never know who you'll see here, but somehow everyone settles in like they belong. It's classic DC energy without the stuffiness. I left happy and I'll be back again soon. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had come here many years ago and always had a fond memory of it so I was excited to come back again. Last time I came was for drinks, which were really good and this time we came for brunch. The restaurant was decked out for the holidays, which is always really nice to see. Great food, our waiter was wonderful, and it's a great place to have a very DC experience since it's so close to all the monuments and the White House. It was my sister-in-law's birthday so they came out with a cake and candle for her, which was really nice. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - French toast with bacon - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This spot was recommended by my friend so I booked a table to celebrate my bfs bday. We had reservations for 6pm but checked in early and they had a table for us. Since we were hungry and finished doing all of our tours and attractions for the day, we checked in at 5:15 and was seated within 10 mins. My bf got the chicken sandwich and i got the scallops dish. He enjoyed his sandwich. The slaw had a good tangy kick to it. He appreciated the white meat in chicken sandwich. I got the scallops with rainbow cauliflower and rice. It was so flavorful. Both dishes were great. Ambiance was nice too. We were seated in the back where it was a bit more quiet. It was a great way to end our day with a good meal. read more

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Old Ebbitt Grill was highly recommended by literally everyone I asked about foodie spots in DC. AND BOYYYYYYY.... IT DID US GOOD! We visited twice while in town. The first time was with 9 people, including kids. We had a reservation so getting rested was fairly easy. Unfortunately we were sat in the "new" part of the restaurant, so personally, it took away from the experience a bit. BUT! The food was just divine! We ordered a TON! Raw oysters, oysters Rockefeller (best I've ever had, and I've had a lot!), a few different tin fishes, burgers, more seafood and the meatloaf. Oh the meatloaf! I would swim in that sauce if I could. The service was great! They even catered to our picky kid. Which is difficult to do. As I said, we went back again, but just five of us. We sat near the bar, which helped bring some of that old school feel I missed the first time. Food was just as good as the first time though. I even went back for the oysters and oysters Rockefeller. We will be back when in DC because I am still dreaming about their food. Thanks OEG! read more

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While visiting Washington D.C., I mentioned crab cakes to a friend and she decided we had to come here for lunch. I'm happy we did. We ordered the fried green tomato and the crab and artichoke dip for appetizers. The crab and artichoke dip was delicious along with the bread they provided. The table ordered the crab cake sandwich, fried chicken rice bowl and the crab cake classic. Everything was delicious! The food tasted fresh and it felt that how the food is prepared matters. Our server was charismatic and she was fabulous! It was lunch time on a Monday and it wasI mentioned crab cakes to a friend and she decided we had to come here for lunch. I'm happy we did. We ordered the fried green tomato and the crab and artichoke dip for appetizers. The crab and artichoke dip was delicious along with the bread they provided. The table ordered the crab cake sandwich, fried chicken rice bowl and the crab cake classic. Everything was delicious! The food tasted fresh and it felt that how the food is prepared matters. Our server was charismatic and she was fabulous! It was lunch time on a Monday and it seemed busy, although we were seated within 10 minutes. Great environment and food to grab a bite. read more

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We celebrated my 28th birthday at Old Ebbitt tonight. Will probably be our last time coming here. We made reservations 2 weeks ago in preparation. The young man, Andrew, who sat us down was very kind. He told us that it was happy hour and to enjoy the oysters. He also wished me a happy birthday. The waitress who took care of us (very kind and fun) didn't acknowledge we were celebrating anything, so I guess the message didn't get passed through from seating to her. She also said he was wrong and happy hour ended at 5, so all items were full price. We started with cocktails and oysters. Every oyster had copious amounts of shell in it, so every oyster I had I was pulling out chunks of shells from them. They also spilled the mignonette across half of them, and not being a fan of vinegar and liking my oysters as they come, this was pretty disappointing. We ordered the blackberry avocado salad, which was very good. We then ordered a New York strip and ribeye. My fiancé's came out wonderful, but mine came out room temp along with room temp bearnaise, as well as the Mac & cheese being room temp as well. Once sent back, they brought it back out heated up, and someone from the kitchen staff stood over me and said "Well, how about now?" with attitude. I told him it was hot, but once he walked off I realized they kept the bearnaise. After noticing, I asked our waitress if she could get me another. She brought out a new one, but now it was a refrigerator cold sauce and coagulated. After all of this, we were done and just wanted to finish up and go. For $300+ overall, we could have eaten at numerous other restaurants across DC with a far better experience. While the staff was kind (no ding on them), management needs to coordinate a smoother communication regarding reservations made for celebrations. I've eaten at most steakhouses in DC for special occasions, and my business will be staying at Capital Grille. They're a fraction of the cost, with better quality food, and a higher level of service when it comes to celebrating a special night. Happy we ate at DC's oldest saloon and to say that we finally tried it, but I think this is a one and done dinner. Can't recommend Old Ebbitt to anyone visiting unless you'd like to see the ambiance. For the same ambiance, honestly just go to Capital Grille down the street read more

We love stopping by Old Ebbitt when we are in DC. Yes, it's busy and loud, but you'll find a seat with a little patience and the vibe is worth it! Bartenders are extremely friendly and attentive and the food is good with generous portions. I especially enjoy the zucchini chips and clam chowder. We also had the fried calamari which was very tasty and a huge serving. Not super conducive to talking to your group much, but its simply a fun time. read more

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Great historic spot right next to the White House. It gets very busy so make sure to have a reservation. The food and drinks are delicious and typically come with large portions. You never know who you may see sitting next to you! read more

We really enjoyed the food and atmosphere here. The place was crowded at 4pm, and no tables were available so we just sat at the bar. I recall they said there are four bars or something like that. Food and drinks were amazing I was super impressed with the bartenders being so personable. Definitely recommend for food and drink drinks. They also have TVs around the place so you can watch different sports events. We sat at the bar to the right. We didn't have a reservation. I highly recommend reserving a table in advance if you want a sit down meal. I had the crab cakes and they had two options for how to make them. I picked traditional style. So delicious! Full of crab. I also loved the fries that that came with it. The value for the food to dollar was exceptional! read more

Even though the government is shut down, DC is bustling with folks at conferences and meetings. Old Ebbitt Grill was overflowing with people on a Monday night when I arrived with a friend for dinner. We went at around 6pm and are glad we went as early as we did -- without a reservation we only waited about 5 minutes and then got a seat. The place is LOUD. I can't imagine what it's like on a Friday or Saturday night for a happy hour, but just the two of us, it was difficult for us to hear each other. Drinks: They have a pretty good bar selection and variety of brands, which was nice. Food: My friend got a burger and enjoyed it; I ordered the Cobb salad, which was different from other Cobb salads I've had in the past. There was a variety of greens that included bitter greens and radishes (neither of which is typically used in a Cobb salad), which I didn't enjoy. The chicken was delicious, though. For dessert, we each had an overpriced scoop of Haagen Dazs ice cream, which was delicious but dude -- one scoop for the price of a pint. Our server was lovely, but it was super crowded so we did need to ask for a few things several times. So overall just an okay experience for us. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Cobb Salad -- ish. - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We arrived early for our reservation. We waited maybe 5 minutes and then we were seated while we waited for other guests to our party. That was nice. We were able to look at the menu and order drinks while we waited. We were seated outside the restaurant in a business building atrium. I saw mixed reviews. Some like it others don't. I personally did not mind it. It was definitely quieter out there versus inside the restaurant. Seating was very comfortable. Our waiter was fantastic. He was friendly and knowledgeable. He was always available if we needed anything. Our waiter and other staff made sure our plates were cleared and our table remained clean. The food was not only ascetically pleasing but delicious! The plates were beautifully. My daughter raved about her steak and it was perfectly cooked. I enjoyed the fried green tomatoes. My son's turkey sandwich stole the show. It was well put together and all the flavors just melded together. Overall out visit was fantastic and will remain on the list of places to visit when in the area. PARKING: street parking. read more

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By far my favorite restaurant in all of DC... Not only is the food always really fresh and consistent, the service is always up to par. The ambience can fit either a fancy or a special occasion or it could be a casual event. There's a reason why they've been open since the 1800s I love this place. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Spring pasta with salmon - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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For me, it always comes down to the service. I appreciate establishments with history, and I'm sure being a bartender here is a very coveted job, and somewhat prestigious- but why not have these roles and be kind, funny, interesting...this place has snobby and pretentious. We sat at the bar, ordered drinks, oyster shooters...all good. My husband asked the bartender about the oysters and size...to which the gentleman rolled his eyes and gave the "they are oysters so medium maybe some smaller, bigger" Helpful. We seed our own oysters in the PNW so we have questions when trying ones from various efforts, this gentleman had zero interest in discussing. After drinks and oysters it was time for dinner! We kept trying to get his attention to order dinner and when he finally engaged with us he pointed to the three drinks he was making and said "It's going to be awhile, I'm busy." And we said no problem we will take the check. It wasn't that we had to wait, it was the delivery. The whole vibe is they are doing you a favor letting you be there, and the food and drinks aren't good enough to warrant that energy, come on! Some touristy spots are worth the crowd, and the wait. This is not one of them. I could go on, the two gentleman were rude to everyone. The guy next to me ordered his drink three times, they just never made it. He left too. And the couple next to him, the wife was in an argument with one of the bartenders about her food. Instead of placating her, the customer, he argued with her...very bizarre. Good news is we found an amazing restaurant we wouldn't have found if we hadn't left, and we ate there the next two nights! Also want to note the government is shutdown, so things aren't as busy as they usually are, so on a Monday at 7pm it was surprising to have this experience. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If you're looking for the quintessential Washington D.C. experience, Old Ebbitt Grill is the undisputed heavyweight champion. Located just steps from the White House, walking in feels like stepping into a living museum where the mahogany is dark, the lighting is moody, and the power lunches never ended. The Legacy Established in 1856, it holds the title of Washington's oldest saloon. While it has moved locations over the decades, the history has followed it. This isn't just a tourist trap; it's a place where Presidents McKinley, Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harding famously refreshed themselves. You can practically feel the ghosts of political deals being made in the velvet-lined booths. The Raw Bar & Accolades There is a reason Old Ebbitt is consistently ranked as one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the country and a perennial TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice winner. Their Raw Bar is the main event. The Oyster Riot: Their annual celebration is legendary, but the daily selection is just as impressive. Freshness: The oysters are pristine, cold, and shucked with surgical precision. Pro Tip: If you can swing it, hit the Late Night Happy Hour for a seafood tower that feels like a steal in a city this expensive. The Food: Crab Cake Heaven While the menu covers all the American classics, the Crab Cakes are the stars of the show. Quality: They are "all killer, no filler"--massive lumps of sweet Maryland blue crab with just enough seasoning to let the meat shine. The Vibe: Paired with a classic cocktail (try the Gin Rickey) and their house-made coleslaw, it's a meal that justifies the hype. The Verdict: Is it "touristy"? Yes. But unlike many historic spots, Old Ebbitt actually delivers on the food and service. Whether you're a local lobbyist or a first-time visitor, it remains a must-visit for the atmosphere alone. Tip: Ask to be seated in the Main Dining Room or the Corner Bar to get the full "hunting club" aesthetic. Avoid the atrium/lobby seating if you want the authentic, dark-wood experience! By the way, to unlock the full functionality of all Apps, enable Gemini Apps Activity. read more

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This ended up being my favorite meal of our vacation. Our waitress was incredibly helpful throughout. We started with the Bloody Mary, which had the perfect amount of heat and came with huge, impressive shrimp. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and the filet had that ideal crust with a perfect medium center. Their crab cakes were outstanding--the crab was delicate and full of flavor. The mac and cheese was also excellent. I only wish we had been able to dine here a few more times. read more

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It has become a place to visit every time we come to DC. So glad to have tried it. Their espresso martinis are delightful -- you'll wanna have more than one! Their pastas are so good! You must have one pasta dish when you visit. As silly as it may sound, their bread and butter is so good, you'll want to have it with everything else you order (save some to scarpetta after you're done with your pasta). I've visited DC twice this summer, and both times I've made sure to go to the Old Ebbitt. Visiting again this fall, and you know I will stop here again for an espresso martinis, some fantastic pasta, and bread. read more

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We came here for our first night dinner in DC. I was fortunate enough to get a reservation after a last minute cancellation. This is an iconic and historic restaurant dating back to when to the 1800's. The restaurant itself was definitely busy with a bustling atmosphere. Everything we ordered was excellent. The ribeye was so tender I could cut it with a butter knife. And the meatloaf with the mashed potato was so good. A definite must try for anyone visiting DC. read more

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My cousins took me to Old Ebbitt Grill for my birthday dinner. I hadnt been there in close to 15 years so it'd been a minute but Im so glad we went. We had an amazing experience. Amazing food and amazing service, made for an amazing night! Our server, I believe his name was Charlie gave us great recommendations and he was extremely attentive. I ordered a crab dip as our appetizer. For my meal I ordered the Steak frites, minus the fries, I got mac and cheese instead and I added a crab cake Ala carte. Can we get a standing ovation for the chimichurri sauce Since I ate so much bread last night, I had more than half of my steak to go. Im currently eating it alongside 2 fried eggs and a hash brown for breakfast! Its even better the next day. Old Ebbitt grill is exactly who he thinks he is! If you're on the fence, go and treat yourself!! read more

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Good food, great ambiance, but overpriced. Had a hamburger and salad w/ a beer. That set us back $50! Once is enough, not a repeat situation. read more

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I came here on a whim after landing from a long flight from San Francisco, and it was one of the few places still open past midnight. I had no idea what to expect, so I was genuinely surprised by how incredible the meal was. I kept it simple with oysters on the half shell and salmon, and both were honestly some of the best I've had in a long time. The oysters were unbelievably fresh, sweet, clean, and briny in the best way. And the salmon was cooked perfectly. Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender in the center, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Coming from a city with no shortage of great seafood, I was very pleasantly surprised. Service was very friendly but quick at the same time which I loved. Thank you for saving my late-night meal after a long day of travel. I'll definitely remember this place. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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DC must. One of the classics. Lots of shareable items to choose from. Service was not great but not bad either. Ambience is popping read more

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This is a pretty good restaurant. The food is amazing and it's a great place to go for brunch or even dinner. Ambience is great. The service was pretty fast. I would definitely recommend coming here either solo or with the group. read more

Old Ebbitt Grill - Menu - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia