old ebbitt grill dress code
Demolition would include Old Ebbitt Grill and Rhodes' Tavern. "Ebbitt Hotel, Gone, Had Its Beginning in Boarding House. Old Ebbitt Grill doesn't just have to be a traditional lunch or dinner spot. An oyster bar was added to the rear of the restaurant on the main floor. ", Stroup, Sheila. Willard. ! Savage, p. 100-101; Gutheim and Lee, p. 73; Lowry, p. 61-65; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 63-64. Today, no one can pinpoint the houses exact location, but it was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown. In 1994, Clydes Restaurant Group commissioned Nantucket artist James Harrington a self-taught, impressionist painter to capture unofficial Washington. 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. But when auction proceeds fell short of the lien on the property, bidding began again, but this time on the entire contents. Two fire companies had to respond to the blaze, which did $5,000 worth of damage. Clyde's Political T-Shirt. This federal-style room is reminiscent of a downtown club with spirit of the Chesapeake Bay. Sculptures by John Dreyfuss adorn the Atrium Dining Room. Craney. It first opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House Hotel. [110] It spent $17,000 a month on table linens. [94] Within a year, the restaurant was mostly being patronized by yuppies, lawyers, and tourists. Can't wait to go back! Old Ebbitt became Washington's first known saloon. Cruvinet is the name of a company which invented a system for dispensing wine similar to the way beer is dispensed on tap. [33] What was known as the "New Ebbitt Caf" opened in November 1910. Where was the original Old Ebbitt Grill? [13] On May 16, 1818, Dorsey sold the house to William Blanchard. Please call Jordan Hammes at 202.552.5000 Private party contact Also on the north wall opposite the rear booths hangs a large oil painting entitled Three Bathers by American artist Howard Chandler Christy. [15] Farnham sold her house at auction to Caleb Willard on October 4, 1866, for $74,000. With both indoor and outdoor event spaces available, Old Ebbitt . Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. Since 1970, because of its popularity Old Ebbitt Grill has been frequented by numerous politicians, some known for scandals and maneuvering. Not to be out done by the ambience. Filet was perfectly cooked and clam chowder was divine. Old Ebbitt Grill donates its used oyster shells to the alliance, which plants baby oysters, known as "spat", on the shells and deposits them in the bay. The kitchen was renovated. I like their lack of dress code allowing you to turn up in simply shorts and t-shirt if you wish. Old Ebbitt Grill. [99] Due to its proximity to the White House, it was a favorite of United States Secret Service personnel as well as tourists. [22], Ebbitt House and its restaurant were razed in 1926 to make way for the National Press Club building. The prices were right. $ 7 CRG. Attendance was so large, the party spilled out into the street. Fantastic as always! Old Ebbitt Grill has four bars: the Old Bar, which is part of the Main Dining Room and features the mounted game trophies, the Oyster Bar to the right of the entry foyer, Grant's Bar toward the rear of the restaurant adjacent to the Atrium Dining Room, and the Corner Bar up the short steps and to the left of the entry foyer along G Street NW. Meatloaf was delicious. The office space was enlarged. The Cabinet room can accommodate events from 5-75 guests. [82] It was one of the few dining places in the city to stay open until 1:00 A.M.[77]. Opened in 1856, it stands a few years older than the Ford's Theater, and similar to Ford's has had all manner of political personages, past and present, pass through its doors. 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. . The night before, Ebbitt Grill ran out of liquor by 10:45 P.M. The large Howard Chandler Christy painting, "Three Bathers", hangs near the rear of the Main Dining Room. ", "Reality Check: US Restaurateurs Say Consumer Sent Still Stuck. ", Chamberlain, Chris. Cruvinet systems, which can be mobile or installed and can accommodate anywhere from two to 120 bottles, immediately recork a bottle of wine. Learning the history of the Old Ebbitt Grill and experiencing the great food and staff was a highlight of our trip to D.C. . I cant wait to come back again and try more things in the menu. In attendance were Wyatt Cenac, Rosario Dawson, Mick Foley, Tim Meadows, John Oliver, then a Colbert show regular, and Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, the hosts of the MythBusters television series. The food is consistently excellent. "'WWR' and Ford: Celebrating a Union. The organization behind D.C.'s overturned Initiative 77 plans to hold similar strikes across the country this week. The restaurant had seating for 200 at tables and in booths. The United States expelled Alekseyev on February 6, 1977. ", Joynt, Carol Ross. Old Ebbitt Grill DC Parking 0 Results Sort by Distance Last day in DC and the food was fantastic! Just minutes before the curtain rose on the Washington debut of the play, the cast learned that the United States had declared war on Iraq and begun the Gulf War. The house marked the northeast corner of Murder Bay. The restaurant was uprooted one last time when it moved around the corner to its current location. [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. Location Map CONTACT 675 15th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20005 United States (202) 347-4800 https://www.ebbitt.com/ More To Discover hotels activities restaurants shops Viceroy Washington D.C. The mahogany bar was slightly lowered, new HVAC installed, and a general $130,000 refurbishment completed. Old Ebbitt Grill Blue T-Shirt. Best meal we had in DC. This allows a bottle of wine to remain open for up to two weeks without spoiling. "Small Space, Big Vision. Washington Post reporter Pamela Kessler said in 1981, "The restaurant feels like old Philadelphia, rather than a slicker, parvenu Washington". Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. ", Curry, William N. "Tax Evasion in the District Is Punishable By a Wristslap. The atmosphere here is unlike any other that I've ever been at. [127], In 2009, Old Ebbitt Grill had the fourth or fifth-highest volume of restaurant customers in the United States. The Old Ebbitt brigade consists of 300 employees, over 100 of who work in the kitchen directly under Chef Joseph Allen's guidance. By 1970, the Old Ebbitt Grill had fallen on hard times and an auction was held to satisfy a federal tax claim. "Scientists Use a Warm Bath to Get Oysters in the Mood. [113], In 1995, business dropped after Pennsylvania Avenue NW was closed to street traffic and curbside parking was eliminated in front of the restaurant on 15th Street NW for security reasons following the bombing by an American domestic terrorist of the Oklahoma Federal Building. Old Ebbitt Grill is a senior D.C. restaurant. Carr had already negotiated to move the Old Ebbitt Grill to a new location within the new structure. "Out to Dinner and a Show. A plaque referencing this film is on the wall in Grant's Bar.[144]. While you can go to any restaurant in America and be greeted with tacky, store-bought, kitsch . Alekseyev and Humphrey met at Old Ebbitt Grill in December 1976. [107] In 1991, playwright Neil Simon, director Gene Saks and the cast of the play Lost in Yonkers held the opening night after-party on January 17 at Old Ebbitt Grill. [48], The renovations were not enough. The booths had green leather seats and velvet-covered walls, and were separated from one another by etched glass dividers. In July 1992, the Washington Business Journal said the 390-seat Old Ebbitt Grill grossed more money than any other restaurant in the D.C. metropolitan area. To watch diners pour in every night by the taxi- and busload, you might guess this was a tourist trap, a place that trades hard on its history as the cherished watering hole of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, and Harding. [21] The massive chandeliers led the dining room to be called "the Crystal Room. What's the dress code? "A Q&A With John Laytham, CEO of Clyde's Restaurant Group. 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. [19][20] The dining room was in the rear of the hotel, on the site of what used to be Farnham House, which in photographs from the period shows as the last three windows on 14th Street. [61] His son, Anders R. Lofstrand, Jr., invented a machine to wash drinking glasses at Old Ebbitt Grill. Prices on menu were great value! ", Horwitz, Sari. Highly recommend it but make a reservation. Meet some of the people that have made Old Ebbitt such a success. Great food and great people! "[103], In the late 1980s, Old Ebbitt Grill became a popular hangout for actors and crew from the nearby National Theatre and Warner Theatre. 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. He also praised the Breakfast Club, a deep-fried ham, French toast, and bacon breakfast sandwich. The lunch & dinner menus feature appetizers, oysters, entree salads, burgers & sandwiches, entrees, and desserts. [77] Washington Post reporter Pamela Kessler observed in 1981 that its signature dishes included chili, blue cheese and Welsh rarebit hamburgers, quiche Lorraine, a Reuben sandwich, and steaks. [5] In 1833, Bushrod W. Reed relocated to the District of Columbia from Westmoreland County, Virginia, purchased the two easternmost lots from Crawford, and between 1833 and 1836 built a double-wide, four-story, Federal-style building on the corner next to the Crawford homes. Washington, DC 20005. Make Restaurant Reservations. Call (202) 965-1789. $ 25 OEG. [28] His close friend, Representative and later President James A. Garfield, visited McKinley often in the hotel. So happy OEB never misses a beat! Street parking is limited. Located just two blocks from the White House, this historic venue sits right in the middle of all of the history and character Washington, D.C. has to offer. Skip to main content. Background Bars American (Traditional) Full Bar Classy Casual Takes Reservations Offers Takeout Good For Kids Good For Groups Good for Dinner Add your own word. It is Washington's oldest bar and restaurant, and is owned by Clyde's Restaurant Group. The antique clock over the revolving door at the entrance is an heirloom from the previous location, and the marble staircase with an iron-spindled rail was salvaged from the old National Metropolitan Bank next door. ", Von Eckardt, Wolf "Big Stakes In a New City Game. ", Commanding General of the United States Army, List of the oldest restaurants in the United States. 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. Served with your choice french fries, applesauce, or fresh fruit. [69] Davidson and Laytham bid in the tax sale hoping to buy beer steins and the mahogany bar, but ended up with the entire restaurant. [29] McKinley departed from the hotel for his presidential inaugural. A replica was crafted instead. [27] He dined almost nightly with his wife in the restaurant. [51] By this time, the hotel was so run down that the furnishings often went for a fraction of their replacement value, most going for less than a dollar. See all 2,626 photos taken at Old Ebbitt Grill by 46,116 visitors. Peck, p. 25-26; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 74. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. [9][10], In 1856, William E. Ebbitt purchased Frenchman's Hotel from Smith, turned it into a boarding house, and renamed it Ebbitt House. May be the best service Ive ever had. Old Ebbitt Grill. An air conditioning plant was installed, elevators replaced, sleeping rooms enlarged, and bathrooms added to all sleeping rooms. ", Pyatt, Jr., Rudolph A. Food and service were excellent. Join them for weekend brunch until 4:00 pm, weekday breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 am, or late-night bites after 11 pm. Copyright 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved. Please call Jordan Hammes at 202.552.5000 Private party contact [99] Instead, the basement contained a large private dining room. I will definitely return the next time I am in DC. Eggs benedict, mimosas, crabcakes and french toast! "Staff, Patrons Toast Old Ebbitt's Demise As They Await Its Rebirth on 15th Street. 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. On June 6, 1970, the IRS announced that it was giving the Ebbitt's owners 10 days to pay the business's $10,995.15 tax bill dating back to 1965. Assistant Attorney General Charles J. Cooper, a young appointee in the Office of Legal Counsel, also at the lunch, said the memo was a "bomb. [13] Given the numerous newspapers with offices along 14th Street between E and F Streets, the area was nicknamed "Newspaper Row," a name it would hold into the 1930s. [128] In 2010, after the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, comedian Stephen Colbert hosted a Comedy Central after-party at Old Ebbitt Grill. Around the corner from the restaurant on 15th Street NW and across the street from the U.S. Treasury Building stood the nearly block-long Keith-Albee Building designed by noted architect Jules Henri de Sibour and Rhodes' Tavern, the first polling place in the city, the first city town hall, and the place where citizens of the District of Columbia first petitioned Congress for the right to vote. [4] During this time, the boarding house also took in guests from the Willard Hotel. [8] Although it is unclear what happened to the property after Sarah Crawford's death, some time prior to 1856 it was purchased by William J. [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. and Butterworth IV, William E. Gutheim, Frederick Albert and Lee, Antoinette Josephine. [5] William Crawford installed Richard and Sarah Forrest in his houses, and they inherited them upon his death. That year the Democratic Leadership Council rented the entire restaurant for a private party on Inauguration Day. Absolutely loved our experience at the famous Old Ebbitt! The decor was made more whimsical, however, leading Washington Post architectural critic Wolf Von Eckardt to declare in 1978 that the Grill was "one of the most charming rendezvous on the Eastern Seaboard". Price $$$$$. Is there a corkage fee? Between the moves and its history, the Old Ebbitt has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. The place looks nice so I see some people dress up as well. So, it is whatever you would like. The restaurant serves up to 2,000 guests per day in the main dining rooms and private functions can number 1,000 guests per day. Definitely looking forward to going back in the future. Old Ebbitt Grill Ask the community What's the dress code? So, it is whatever you would like. Dress code: Casual: Street address: 675 15th Street NW: City: Washington, D.C. Postal/ZIP Code: 20005: Country: United States . The results of his sojourn in the capital may be seen in paintings throughout the restaurant. Its main claim to fame was its hefty portions and moderate prices.[102]. The Home of Handmade Fresh Pasta. Stuart Davidson (1922 - 2001) and John Laytham (1944-2019), owners of a newer Washington institution, Clyde's of Georgetown, expressed an interest in buying the Ebbitt's collection of antique beer steins to display at Clyde's. Street. From the feel, though, it's a sort of business casual. In 1978, it was one of the few establishments in Washington, D.C., to serve Guinness Stout on tap. Enjoyed a wonderful lunch with 3 friends. YEARS. the view Photos of Old Ebbitt Grill address location 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (202) 347-4800 ebbitt.com COMMENTS Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. Paid parking available in nearby lots - PMI on NY Avenue in between 15th & 14th Streets; LAZ on G Street between 15th and 14th Streets; Metro: Red Line to Metro Center, Orange/Blue to McPherson Square, Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine. 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 . - See 12,996 traveler reviews, 2,999 candid photos, and great deals for Washington DC, DC, at Tripadvisor. ", "Visitors to the Mall Have Plenty of Dining Options While Sightseeing. All were delicious! [58] Anders R. Lofstrand, Sr. was the proprietor. [86] There was little opposition to the demolition of most of the block, which included the Old Ebbitt Grill site. [22][33] In November 1889, Caleb Willard hired Henry C. Burch and Charles E. Gibbs, both veteran hotel managers in the city, to run Ebbitt House. Today, Clyde's Restaurant Group has grown to include 13 properties. ", "Anders R. Lofstrand, Ex-State Senator, 42. "A Bash to Call Its Own. On November 22, Assistant Attorney General William Bradford Reynolds discovered an April 1986 draft memo from North to National Security Advisor John Poindexter, who was at the time also serving as a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy, which suggested that $12 million in Iranian weapons sales be used to help the Contras. Two saloons coexisted there, a Dutch room and an Old English room. [77], Old Ebbitt Grill gained notoriety in 1977 as the location where a Soviet spy ring operated. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington gave Old Ebbitt Grill its Visitors' Choice Award in 2011. Humphrey and his attorney told the FBI about the contact immediately, and Humphrey agreed to act as a double agent. A fire broke out in the kitchen on August 12, 1913, doing extensive damage. The etched glass panels separating the Old Bar from the Main Dining Room were created by Charles Shefts. 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. [71] Among the items they purchased were a 200-year-old clock which used carved wooden gears for its mechanism, a carved wooden grizzly bear once owned by Alexander Hamilton, crystal decanters dating to 1575, and stuffed boar's head, swordfish, alligator, and walrus head. ", Weil, Martin. Downstairs from the entry foyer is the Cabinet Room, a dining room available for private events. [34][35] Over the next two years, Burch and Gibbs completely refurnished all the rooms, adding new furniture and Belgian carpets, re-papered or added painted frescoes to the ceilings, and installed new furniture in the hallways. The business also failed to deposit withholding taxes on employee wages with the city. ", Wheeler, Linda. A series of lawsuits, petitions, and intervention by city and federal officials occurred. While you can go to any restaurant in America and be greeted with . Actually, no tank tops anywhere. In July 1925, The Washington Post reported that Gumpert was constructing a new 10-story, 125-room Ebbitt House hotel at 10th and H Streets NW. [108] After the world premier of the motion picture The River Wild in August 1994 in Washington, D.C., a reception for the stars was held at Old Ebbitt. [44], Shutt took over management of the hotel on May 16, 1910. Phone +1 202-347-4800. The server was very patient with us, went back to the kitchen to ask questions on allergens and cross-contamination, & was very attentive throughout. "To Tan, a Place in the Sun Not Needed. Sat, Sun 9:00 am2:00 am, https://www.ebbitt.com?y_source=1_MzcwMzY3MTctODYwLWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU=/, AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa. [146], Old Ebbitt Grill is mentioned in the novels Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor,[147] The Outlaws by W.E.B. The Tombs Beer Mug. It is Washington's oldest bar and restaurant, and is owned by Clyde's Restaurant Group. Try good oysters rockefeller, crab cakes and grilled prawns. Out drinks were great. The new restaurant was immediately popular. [105], President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush met the singer and actor Sting at Old Ebbitt Grill in September 1989 after his Washington debut in the title role in Three Penny Opera. [13] By 1865, it housed the D.C. offices of the New York Herald. Email donations@clydes.com. Food was perfect and service was good. Music was provided by Federal Jazz Commission, a traditional "classic" jazz band which made music indoors and out. Steps away from the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is the perfect location for your next event. "Court Told Humphrey Reported Soviet Spy Offer. [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. At breakfast, the waiters wore brown cutaway jackets, vests, and pants with a gold stripe, while in the evening they changed into black tuxedos. Old Ebbitt Grill is just steps from The White House and museums in downtown Washington. ", Fehr, Stephen C. and Haggerty, Maryann. [50] Ebbitt House closed to the public at noon on Friday, May 1, 1925, and the furnishings were auctioned off on Tuesday, May 5. [122], Due to security restrictions in 2004, Old Ebbitt Grill was nearly prevented from its traditional practice of selling coffee and hot chocolate to spectators watching the inaugural parade, in this case for the landmark election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The restrooms were moved into the basement so they could be enlarged with lounges. The staff was extremely attentive and made sure my iced tea was consistently refilled. [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. The industry trade publication of record said the restaurant had $26.7 million in revenues in 2013, serving 600,000 meals. Griffin, W.E.B. The sale price was $11,250. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. For many years, it has been the restaurant with one of the highest amount of sales in the United States. I visited The Old Ebitt Grill for the first time and really enjoyed the food, friendly service, and atmosphere. Reynolds discovered the document in North's files during a meeting with North in his White House office. [104] Old Ebbitt began hanging posters in the lobby of current theatrical performances. Paintings of waterfowl hunting by Richmond, Virginia artist Claiborne D. Gregory, Jr. and a museum-quality collection of decoys convey the relaxed and timeless comfort and camaraderie of an Eastern Shore hunt club. [101][102] A 1986 food review in The Washington Post concluded that Old Ebbitt Grill had the worst omelets and pancakes in the city,[97] but the best appetizers. 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. It's super loud and hectic, but you will enjoy every moment once you're seated. Reserve a table at Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington DC on Tripadvisor: See 12,981 unbiased reviews of Old Ebbitt Grill, rated 4.5 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #14 of 2,836 restaurants in Washington DC. "Movies Filmed in Washington: 'In the Line of Fire'." Excellent as alway. [78] Humphreys had already been identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was facing prosecution for his actions. [24] It is well-documented that President Ulysses S. Grant and President Andrew Johnson both dined in the restaurant frequently,[25] as did abolitionist clergyman Henry Ward Beecher. They are open from 7:30 am - 1:00 am during the week and 8:30 am to 1:00 am on weekends. ", "Peter G. Bechas, Area Restaurant Owner. The Omelet Room did not make the transition to the new location. Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. [125], By 2008, however, Old Ebbitt Grill's reviews had improved. It first opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House Hotel. The mahogany Main Bar is a copy of the bar at the F Street location, which had rotted beyond repair. Just behind the Main Dining Room is Grants Bar with its ceiling mural by New Jersey artist Carol Loeb and an artistic rendering by Peter Egeli of the famous Matthew Brady photograph of General Grant. By 1970, the Old Ebbitt Grill had fallen on hard times and an auction was held to satisfy a federal tax claim. Old Ebbitt Grill was the site of a discussion among administration officials hoping to protect President Reagan from fallout related to the IranContra affair of 1986. So, nice casual, not beach bum casual. The restaurant was first threatened with demolition in 1962. We have reluctantly chosen to implement a separate 3.75% fee or 2023 with the hope that it can be eliminated in the future as conditions improve.