For years I have driven by and walked past Washington’s legendary Old Ebbitt Grill – located on 15th Street NW – just across from the Treasury Department. This week, I made my first foray inside, and I was blown away! What a gorgeous and wonderful place to dine. I have to thank my friend, Gerry Wood, for making me aware of The Ebbitt’s wonders. Knowing that I was going to be in D.C. for a few days of meetings, Gerry made the drive from Salisbury, Maryland so that we could meet for dinner and conversation.
“Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. 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 bars set in marble, brass and beveled glass are Washington at its finest, and The Oyster Bar at Old Ebbitt is D.C.'s most famous.”
Because we were dining early, our waiter made us aware of a serendipitous reality that we had been unaware of when we booked our reservation. The hour between 5:00-6:00 is deemed “Oyster Hour” at The Ebbitt, and everything on the raw bar menu is half-price during that hour!
The Ebbitt serves more meals each year than any other restaurant in the U.S., yet it manages, with its many separate dining rooms and bars, to maintain a very intimate and comfortable atmosphere. Its setting across from the Department of the Treasury is, indeed, a propos, since this place is clearly a National Treasure to those of us who appreciate fine dining with a touch of class.
So, I am pleased to add the Old Ebbitt Grille to the exclusive White Rhino’s Favorite Links From A-Z: O = Old Ebbitt Grill.
http://ebbitt.com/
Thanks, Gerry.
Enjoy!
Al
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Dear Al:
You surely travel in the right circles. I spent over three years living in the "DC" area attending The Johns Hopkins University's center for advanced political study on Massachusetts Avenue. My fellows were very "connected" folk from Congress, the CIA and the FBI. They squired me to a number of places in the capitol. While the "Old Ebbitt Grill" was one of our stops and deserves the rave review you delivered, there is another national treasure not far away.
Sam & Harry's on 19th Street, between M & N, is another spot where those in the know "belly up." In addition to a great wine list they have the best mashed potatoes.
Consider, "DC" is a very trangent location and people are moving in and out of the area every few days. Hence, a place where you can get the kind of comfort that MASHED POTATOES provide, particularly at the center of the free world, makes Sam and Harry's a must visit for lunch or dinner when in "DC."
Thank you for sharing your experience at the "Old Ebbitt." I can't wait to get back to the area.
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