D.C.’s Old Ebbitt Grill

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a day in D.C. with some Minnesota friends. Lunch combined some of our favorites: Friends, Food and History.  Old Ebbitt Grill has been a Washington D.C. watering hole of Presidents and dignitaries since President Grant.  The current location is not the original, but the beer stein collection is.  The bar is a replica of the F Street location and the clock above the entrance was saved from the previous location. The gas lamps look authentic for the period.

Marble floors and staircases, original to the old National Metropolitan Bank next door, grace the restaurant as well.  The whole atmosphere tells the tale of powerful men meeting amid masculine symbols of hunting, strong spirits, fine dining and wealth.

The food is spectacular as well.  Old Ebbitt’s serves the best lump crab cakes I have ever tasted, bar none.  The trout was praiseworthy as well.  Attentive service completed our memorable luncheon.  If you want to dine there, don’t forget reservations…the place was packed on a Tuesday afternoon!

Afterwards, enjoy a walk and take in the White House, Eisenhower Executive office building complex, Washington Monument and some clever D.C. humor.