Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest continuously operating bar in the city. An oil painting behind the bar of a nude reclining near a lily pond was painted about 1900 by Jean-Paul Gervais. [80] In 1979, Washington Post restaurant reviewer Lon Tuck noted that Old Ebbitt's Omelet Room was one of the most famous locations in the city. It was originally owned and built by David Burns, whose plantation had covered much of the downtown area that would be developed as Washington, D.C. Burns gave Farnham House to his daughter Marcia, who in turn sold it to William H. Dorsey in 1802. 401k retirement plan with generous match - participation and full vesting immediately. Main content starts here, tab to start navigating. The busy atmosphere, he argued, was not conducive to a positive dining experience. Old Ebbitt Grill is well-known for their Oyster Riot. Tim Steffan, COO of Comstock, says hes had a strong relationship with the Clydes Group dating back to the 1990s.. [91] The architectural firm of Andrews & Chatelain designed the interior. But it is working to continue giving them 100% of their pay, even as they remain sidelined. The industry trade publication of record said the restaurant had $26.7 million in revenues in 2013, serving 600,000 meals. You may bring your own wine for a $25 corkage fee per 750ml bottle (maximum two 750ml bottles per reservation). [38] He conducted extensive renovations to the exterior of the hotel in 1895. They show we've had good restaurants going back a long time.". The Oyster Bar features an array of exceptional oysters and winning wines from the annual Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition. All rights reserved. A replica was crafted instead. Clydes, one of the longest-running restaurant groups in the U.S., opened its first restaurant in Georgetown in 1963. That year the Democratic Leadership Council rented the entire restaurant for a private party on Inauguration Day. ", du Lac, J. Impressionist works by James Harrington hang throughout the restaurant. [110] It spent $17,000 a month on table linens. Its main claim to fame was its hefty portions and moderate prices.[102]. Today the Victorian interior evokes Washington saloons at the turn of the century. [97], The restaurant also instituted a "back waiter" system. [85] No legislation was enacted, however. The three carved glass panels separating the Main Bar from the Main Dining Room were done by Charles B. Shefts, who carved the mirrors and windows as well. 675 15th St NW Washington DC 20005. On the left of the foyer and up the five marble stairs is the Corner Bar. In December 1985, Oliver North, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps who was serving as a military aide to the National Security Council, proposed selling the weapons directly to Iran at a $15 million mark-up. ", Sugarman, Carole. Old Ebbitt Grill Navy Collared Polo Shirt. "Failures Eat Into Restaurant Community. Posted: April 15, 2023. Old Ebbitt Grill White Collared Polo Shirt. Manager Erin Claire has concerns about what reopening might look like, given social-distancing restrictions that may stay in place. The 1427 F Street NW location was demolished in 1983 during redevelopment, and Old Ebbitt Grill moved into its current quarters at 675 15th Street NW. [41] H.C. Burch died the following year. schools stay closed for rest of academic year; Hogan offers hope on Phase One of reopening, Northam: Virginias Phase I plan a floor; localities can seek changes, DC passes third coronavirus relief bill, expanding rent increase ban, Coronavirus resources: How to get help and give help during the pandemic, Will lunch out become more expensive? In the decades after a major renovation in 1872, it welcomed many military veterans and politicians, including William McKinley as he prepared for his inauguration. It's been bought and sold by various individuals and companies. President McKinley is said to have lived there during his tenure in Congress, and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Warren Harding supposedly refreshed themselves at its stand-around bar. The media reported on Old Ebbitt Grill only a few times. In the last century-and-a-half, Old Ebbitt has grown from a boarding house to a destination for tourists and politicians alike. newsletter, Inside the Golden Age, an Elegant New Drinking Den for Dupont Circle, The cocktail bar opens with expertly made classics and next-level charcuterie, Nearly 400K Guac Orders Later, Mi Vida Opens Its Third D.C. Two saloons coexisted there, a Dutch room and an Old English room. ", There was a family connection between Ebbitt House and the Willard Hotel. ", Zibart, Eve. ", Tuck, Lon. National health campaigns against high cholesterol had reduced demand for foods heavy in eggs. John Laytham and Stuart Davidson, who owned Clyde's of Georgetown, attended the auction of Old Ebbitt's memorabilia, hoping to snag the restaurant's beer-stein collection. The Clydes classic expands to suburbia in 2025. If you are looking for something specific, we can help you calculate what you are seeking, through a website that we consult at www.calorieking.com for approximate nutritional information. More. 2 Reviews. As a boarding house, the Ebbitt guest list read like a Who's Who of American History. Cruvinet is the name of a company which invented a system for dispensing wine similar to the way beer is dispensed on tap. The Old Ebbitt Grill, located on 15th Street NW across from the Treasury Building, has deep roots in D.C. history. (202) 347-4800. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, A First-Ever Spinoff of Old Ebbitt Grill Is Coming to Reston, Sign up for the Clydes of Reston served its last crab cake at Reston Town Center last spring after a 31-year run, and Ebbitt House marks the brands anticipated return to the area. Peck, p. 25-26; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 74. Please note, that the Cabinet Room is located on the lower level of the restaurant down a flight of stairs and is not handicap accessible. [60] He and his wife, Elizabeth, later purchased Southlawn Farm, which is now a part of the city of Rockville, Maryland, in 1944, and in 1946 built a factory on it. In 1976, Vladimir I. Alekseyev, a reporter for the Soviet Union's news agency, TASS, contacted United States Information Agency employee Ronald L. Humphreywho was already acting as a spy for the North Vietnamese government. [132] Post food reviewer Tom Sietsema, however, had little good to say about the entrees (nearly all of which he found disappointing) and the service (which he found to be tardy and focused more on getting customers to buy more food). Paintings by Kamil Kubik on the north wall depict festive, patriotic scenes near The White House and near the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. I'm J Luke's dad,'" Lukacs says. [45], The hotel continued to decline. "It was almost like a joke. [56], The Ebbitt House bar, its paneling, and decorations were removed before the hotel's demolition and installed at a new location at 1427 F Street NW. April 24, 2023 Amore Eats' co-owner Pei Hsieh was craving Taiwanese cooking when she couldn't visit home during COVID. It reached its darkest days in 1970, when the IRS threatened to close down the floundering restaurant for five years worth of back taxes. ", Hall, Charles W. "Bob Fosse Dies After Collapsing On D.C. DDOT/DDOT Smith. She found the appetizers and salads excellent, but considered the pasta dishes hit-or-miss and disparaged the main entrees. [129], In January 2012, Clyde's Restaurant Group chief executive officer John Laytham claimed that Old Ebbitt Grill was the third or fourth highest grossing restaurant in the country. hide caption. An oil painting by Peter Egeli replicates one of Mathew Brady's famous Civil War photographs of Grant. [74] In June 1974, a Washington Post food review declared Old Ebbitt's fare to be "American, plain, and not bad". WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, Latest coronavirus test results in DC, Maryland and Virginia, DC tourism revenue nose-dives amid pandemic, Downtown DC economy operating at 10% of pre-emergency level, Md. Lukacs remembers visiting Old Ebbitt on the Fourth of July several times as a child. Mrs. Shutt eventually turned the hotel over to Augustus Gumpert. [86] There was little opposition to the demolition of most of the block, which included the Old Ebbitt Grill site. ", McCombs, Phil and Oman, Anne H. "$40 Million Mall Is Planned. 5425 Wisconsin Ave [13] Willard converted the boarding house into a hotel. [135], In July 2019, Clyde's Restaurant Group was acquired by Graham Holdings.[136]. [32] From the late 1860s until the 1910s, it was considered "Army and Navy Headquarters" because of the number of military personnel who lived there and the large number of veterans' meetings held there. The kitchen was renovated. [90], Old Ebbitt Grill reopened at 675 15th Street NW in early October 1983. As the years passed, it moved to a number of new locations. The perfect place for early morning breakfast or post-theater supper. [46] Three months later, city officials accused Shutt of selling liquor in the bar to underage children. The Hotel distinguished itself as the first hotel in Washington to . "Now, if the tables at the Ebbitt are full, as they often are at lunch, shoppers from Garfinckel's down the street and secretaries from nearby federal beehives can join the male chauvinists who like to eat facing long rows of antique steins, stuffed game heads and a little embalmed bear that once reputedly graced the bar of Alexander Hamilton," the article reads. It changed hands a couple times in the following years, eventually becoming a hotel operated by Caleb C. Willard, brother of Willard Hotel proprietors Joseph and Henry. [14], For many years prior to the construction of the Ebbitt House stables in 1872, a large house known as Bull's Head stood at the rear of the hotel. They insisted on a month-to-month lease, but Gumpert could not come to agreement with his vendors, who required a yearly lease to ensure a steady stream of income. Yes, we offer select gluten-free items and can modify others upon request. And for the last four years, at least 75 federal housing vouchers have gone unused. May 1, 2023 Lawmakers proposed making the crumbling structure into a part of a new paved trail connecting Georgetown to the Palisades. "Reopening Day: New Shine for the Old Ebbitt. "It's beyond iconic, man. We just felt it was better to leave that money to the small businesses.. [6][7] Crawford's daughter, Sarah, married Richard Forrest, one of the first eight clerks appointed in 1801 by Thomas Jefferson in the United States Department of State. The Living Room. "Three Bars With Ties to D.C.'s Prohibition Past. "I just really don't foresee it happening to being like, to the old normal. [4] During this time, the boarding house also took in guests from the Willard Hotel. . [40] Caleb Willard, now one of the most famous and wealthiest men in Washington, D.C., died on August 2, 1905. The Ebbitt House opened in 1856 when William E. Ebbitt took over a four-story boarding house at 14th and F streets. Diners sat in high-backed leather chairs. In 2020, two Clydes in Columbia closed, including one that had been around for 45 years. [62], Anders Lofstrand, Sr. died in 1955, and in April 1961 Old Ebbitt Grill was sold to Peter Bechas,[63] the former head waiter at the Willard Hotel from 1955 to 1958. The Clyde's Connection. "Food & Drink: Changing Needs? Their website says: Ebbitt Express caters to local workers, shoppers and visitors on the go. Old Ebbitt Grill Gift Card - select any denomination. White House-adjacent Old Ebbitt Grill, the iconic crown jewel of Clydes Restaurant Group, is expanding for the first time in its centuries-old history. ", "Ebbitt House Auction Draws Curious Crowd. [139] Oyster Riot proved wildly popular. Were not running at a rate which is long-term sustainable, McDonnell said. [124] The restaurant was praised by The Washington Post for being able to accommodate large groups, offering a variety of plain and upscale food, providing friendly service, and having the best raw bar in the city. Delivery & Pickup Options - 9984 reviews of Old Ebbitt Grill "There is nothing negative I can say about the Old Ebbitt Grille, it is just that good. . He decided to devote the whole 14th Street side to the restaurant, as well as to renovate the kitchen. Martin, Douglas. "Worth Taking a Second Look. The hotel was razed and rebuilt in the same location in 1827. "Scientists Use a Warm Bath to Get Oysters in the Mood. [22], Ebbitt House and its restaurant were razed in 1926 to make way for the National Press Club building. [22] Prohibition began in the District of Columbia on November 1, 1917. Clyde's has shut down two of its 12 properties, 1789 and The Tombs (which share a roof) near Georgetown University. A plaque referencing this film is on the wall in Grant's Bar.[144]. The Corner Bar is decorated with paintings by Claiborne D. Gregory, Jr., and carved waterfowl decoys by numerous artists. [4] The garden of the houses extended west onto the two empty lots on the corner, and down the hill in the rear almost to Pennsylvania Avenue. 515 15th St NW W Washinton, DC, Washington DC, DC 20004-1006. "As we learned more about the program, though, we decided that smaller businesses with less resources needed it more. Ebbitt House Hotel was razed in 1925 to make way for the National Press Building, built in 1926. The restaurant was sold at a tax sale in June 1970, and was purchased by Clyde's Restaurant Group. Beginning in 1984, officials in the Reagan administration sought to sell conventional weapons to Iran via Israel in exchange for Iran using its influence to win the release of American hostages being held by Hezbollah and other terrorist groups in Lebanon, which was then in the throes of a civil war. The mahogany bar was slightly lowered, new HVAC installed, and a general $130,000 refurbishment completed. Security changes in Washington, D.C., after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks significantly affected Old Ebbitt Grill for a while. [63], The restaurant had little reputation by 1969, and was primarily known for its pork chops, seafood, and steaks, and as one of the few D.C. restaurants to serve dinner until 12:30 A.M.[65] In July 1969, Old Ebbitt Grill was one of 171 firms in the city cited for non-payment of taxes. [91] In April 2012, sales were still 1 percent ahead of 2011. Bringing its rich history with it, the "new" Old Ebbitt remains a historic landmark. The Iran-Contra affair was exposed by the press on November 3, 1986, and on November 13, President Reagan publicly admitted that an arms-for-hostages deal existed. ", Eisen, Jack. Post food critic Tom Sietsema continued to laud the friendly service. [33] What was known as the "New Ebbitt Caf" opened in November 1910. [2][3] The four parcels lay west-to-east along 14th Street. "Stuart C. Davidson, 78, Owner of Legendary Washington Bar. [81] Its trademark omelets were the "Old Ebbitt", made with sharp cheddar cheese and Bermuda onions, and another made with chili and served with a garden salad with Roquefort blue cheese dressing. The nearest Metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson Square. ", Dickey, Christopher. A fire broke out in the kitchen on August 12, 1913, doing extensive damage. Tearful customers hugged owners Eileen . [123], In 2003, Old Ebbitt Grill was busiest on weekends in the spring, when high school student tourist business was at its highest in the city. One reason for that is the fact that Clydes Restaurant Group decided not to apply for the Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to businesses. The long bar still sported mounted game animal trophies overhead, the fixtures were of marble or brass, and the curtains of lace. Griffin, W.E.B. [115], Old Ebbitt Grill's oyster bar closed in 1992 after diners fell ill from eating raw oysters infected with the deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. The Beltway sniper attacks of fall 2002 did not affect business, which continued to hold steady through February 2003, a time of high alert and anxiety. [93] Old Ebbitt's famous mahogany bar was not installed in the new location. [137], Oyster Riot is an annual oyster eating event held at Old Ebbitt Grill each November on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Ebbitt is obviously a high volume and very large full-service restaurant and thats the category thats suffering the most right now.. The bar and restaurant in the. [2] He joined the Ebbitt and Reed properties into a single unit enclosing a 4-foot (1.2m) wide alley between the two and built bathrooms with oval windows in the space above. [94] Within a year, the restaurant was mostly being patronized by yuppies, lawyers, and tourists. The restaurant said it would lease 13,492 square feet (1,253.4m2) of space on two levels, with the bar, main restaurant, and oyster bar on the main level. [68] Clyde's was founded in 1963 by Davidson, then an investment banker, after new legislation made it legal to serve liquor to patrons standing at bars. "[22] The paneled bar[4] was reached by passing through the lobby and down a flight of stairs into the basement. Over time, only the "Old Ebbitt Grill" name was used. The Old Ebbitt Grill was the first expansion beyond the original Clyde's in Georgetown. The Cabinet Room features six paintings of game birds by Australian-born (and longtime Georgetown resident) Robin Hill, one of the worlds most distinguished bird painters and artists. [75] By 1977, Washington Post food critic Donald Dresden was praising the restaurants bacon cheeseburgers and innovative menu items: "Imitators are still trying to top Clyde's and the Ebbitt's bacon cheeseburgers and the disc-shaped deep-fried potatoes that come withbut they'll have to keep trying still. Henry, Kate Kearney. Around the corner from the Main Bar is the famous Oyster Bar, featuring paintings by marine artist Peter Egeli and Chesapeake Bay watercolor-ist J. Robert Burnell. Washington Post reporter Pamela Kessler said in 1981, "The restaurant feels like old Philadelphia, rather than a slicker, parvenu Washington". [125] The restaurant was also criticized by the newspaper for being too noisy for conversation,[126] and providing bland hamburgers, salads, and breakfast. "You walk up and down any street in D.C., I'd say more than half of these restaurants and bars that are there won't even be there when this is over.". ", Kramer, Joan. They ended up buying the restaurant instead. Alex Kapranos, lead singer for the Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, included an entry on Old Ebbitt Grill in his 2006 book, Sound Bites: Eating on Tour With Franz Ferdinand. We have made updates. 2001. "Small Space, Big Vision. The restaurant, called "cheerful and sunny" by the Washington Post, fronted onto 14th Street NW, was lit with crystal chandeliers, and could seat up to 225 people. "Landmark Passes As Ebbitt House Doors Are Closed. Courtesy of/Old Ebbitt Grill In 1800, Crawford built two four-story Federal-style houses on the two easternmost parcels of this property. It has also been the site of parties hosted by famous actors and singers. ", Sietsema, Tom. Is there a corkage fee? The Hotel distinguished itself as the first hotel in Washington to remain open all summer instead of closing when Congress adjourned. Facing tough competition, the hotel closed in 1925 and was torn down, eventually replaced by the National Press Club building. Rendering by STUDIOS Architecture/Courtesy of The Washington Area Community Investment Fund Although originally a four-hour, all-you-can eat and drink event held on one day, by 2011 Oyster Riot had expanded to a three-day event held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. ", Before Old Ebbitt Grill moved to its current home on 15th Street NW in 1983, it was known as a rough-and-tumble spot for lunching locals and late-night diners on F Street, seen here in the late '60s. Determining which establishment is the oldest bar in Washington, D.C., is complex. "'WWR' and Ford: Celebrating a Union. Residents On What Black Love Means To Them, This gas station restaurant is serving some of the D.C. region's best Taiwanese food, Metro's 8000 series trains will have more room for bikes and strollers, Anacostia Arts Center redevelopment comes into focus with $2 million boost, Some face homelessness when leaving foster care, despite D.C. having housing vouchers. 600 14th St NW The Hamilton, Washington DC, DC 20005-2008. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Old Ebbitt serves a diverse menu including seafood, steaks, and pasta. As demolition proceeded, Old Ebbitt Grill hosted a large party which won notice in The Washington Post. It's like, I think the guy said to me, 'What's next? Griz Dwight at. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night dining daily, and weekend brunch. While Prohibition lasted, Ebbitt Grill was known as part of "Rum Row"former bars in an area bounded by 13th and 14th streets NW and E and F streets NW which continued to sell alcohol furtively. With sales limited to to-go orders during the coronavirus pandemic, revenue at Old Ebbitt Grill has fallen some 95%. Meet some of the people that have made Old Ebbitt such a success. Wines, whiskeys, and brandies were served from two large storerooms. Nitrogen gas is pumped through a valve in the replacement cork to prevent oxidation. In 2007, the event sold every ticket in 38 minutes.[140]. Also on the north wall opposite the rear booths hangs a large oil painting entitled Three Bathers by American artist Howard Chandler Christy. [119] Over the next two weeks, the restaurant lost half its business, which normally ran 2,000 customers a day, most of them politicians and businesspeople. In 1907, John Helmus, who oversaw the serving staff and bar for 39 years, died. [61] His son, Anders R. Lofstrand, Jr., invented a machine to wash drinking glasses at Old Ebbitt Grill. "Treasury's Losing Regal Old Friend. Street parking is limited. [2], A three-story house on 14th Street adjacent to Ebbitt House was occupied by the Reed family as well, although by 1864 it had been purchased by Willard, who raised the roof. Humphrey and his attorney told the FBI about the contact immediately, and Humphrey agreed to act as a double agent. Were doing about 5% of the sales that we typically do, McDonnell said. Yes. In 1978, it was one of the few establishments in Washington, D.C., to serve Guinness Stout on tap. ", Wheeler, Linda. The new restaurant was immediately popular. "No Rush Yet on Inaugural Tickets and Hotel Rooms. Some 270 employees, or 90% of its staff, are out of work. It's also collecting public donations for an employee assistance fund and is partnering with Martha's Table and another restaurant group to provide meals to local families. ", "Reality Check: US Restaurateurs Say Consumer Sent Still Stuck. Washington, DC. "Movies Filmed in Washington: 'In the Line of Fire'." He helped incorporate the Calvert Club, a private gentleman's drinking establishment dedicated to the memory of Leonard Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore in 1914. Book now at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C., DC. ", "Peter G. Bechas, Area Restaurant Owner. Choreographer and director Bob Fosse was preparing to host a party at Old Ebbitt Grill when he collapsed outside the restaurant and died of a heart attack on September 23, 1987. 19 reviews. [112] In May 1994, Old Ebbitt Grill added a take-out service, Ebbitt Express, in the atrium section of its restaurant. ", Bucklin, Randolph E. "Old Ebbitt to Be Moved Next Door. [138], The first Oyster Riot was held in October 1995 to promote Old Ebbitt Grill's oyster bar. The wooden crossbeams on the 10-foot ceilings are accented by a style of pinstripe stenciling popular at the turn of the century. ", Larner, John B. (202) 347-4800. . "City Allows Demolition of Historic Tavern. [11][12] On September 1, 1863, Ebbitt sold the boarding house to his son-in-law, Albert H. Old Ebbitt Grill was demolished in 1983 during redevelopment of the site. Staff Report. OLD EBBITT GRILL - 9131 Photos & 9979 Reviews - 675 15th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia - Bars - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Menu - Yelp Old Ebbitt Grill 9979 reviews Claimed $$ Bars, American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch Closed 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) See hours See all 9163 photos Write a review Add photo Save Menu Comstocks sprawling, 80-acre mixed-use development near Metros Wiehle-Reston East Station is home to regional headquarters for titans like Google, Spotify, and Rolls-Royce of America, alongside restaurants like Founding Farmers and Davios Northern Italian Steakhouse with more on the way. [59] Lofstrand was a veteran bar and club entrepreneur in the city and in southern Maryland. ", Irwin, Neil and Hedgpeth, Dana. You may not bring corkage for a wine that is currently on our list (producer, wine, and vintage).