People from all over the world flock to DC for its history. They visit the monuments and the memorials, the government buildings, and the cemeteries. But one place that you might not expect history is an incredible restaurant. That’s what you find at the Old Ebbitt Grill, which is known as the oldest saloon in Washington DC. This amazing restaurant has been serving Washingtonians incredible meals for 160 years!
The Old Ebbitt Grill was founded in 1856 by William E. Ebbitt. The legend has it that William Ebbitt opened a boarding house and opened the saloon as part of the house.
The boarding house was once home to President McKinley when he was a member of Congress. Also, according to legend, Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren Harding visited the Old Ebbitt Saloon for a drink at the bar.
The Saloon moved several locations but by the 1920s, it had been turned into the Old Ebbitt Grill and was located on F Street.
In the 1970s, the Old Ebbitt Grill had fallen on hard times. The owners of the Clyde’s Group had just opened the original Clyde’s in Georgetown
and ended up purchasing the restaurant for $11,200.
In 1983, the restaurant was moved to 15th Street NW where it has remained.
Today the Old Ebbitt is a stunning display of history and gorgeous decor. There are many priceless antiques and memorabilia on display in the restaurant.
The animal heads surrounding the bar are rumored to have been bagged by Teddy Roosevelt and the wooden bears were supposedly imported by Alexander Hamilton.
The restaurant is worth exploring for its beauty, art, and history. The marble staircase was salvaged from the old National Metropolitan Bank and there are antique chandeliers and fixtures in the Main Dining room.
The Old Ebbitt Grill is definitely worth stopping in for to enjoy the incredible menu, relax with a good drink and take in the scenery. It is truly a testament to the ever-changing nature of the city and the resilience of the district.
The Old Ebbitt is located at 675 15th Street, NW. They are open from 7:30 am - 1:00 am during the week and 8:30 am to 1:00 am on weekends. The bar remains open until 2 am on weekdays and until 3 am on the weekends.
We recommend the oysters. In fact, we added them to our list of 13 dishes to eat in Washington DC before you die!
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