The dent in the restaurant's financial situation is "massive," Moran says. $45.00. But it is working to continue giving them 100% of their pay, even as they remain sidelined. Manager Erin Claire has concerns about what reopening might look like, given social-distancing restrictions that may stay in place. [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. [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. ", Nakamura, David and Boschma, Janie. What are my transportation options and is parking available nearby? [44], Shutt took over management of the hotel on May 16, 1910. Oops. 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. Tearful customers hugged owners Eileen . Between April 1961 and April 1970, the restaurant paid its sales tax in only six of 105 months. WashingtonPost.com. "Remarks of John B. Larner Before the Society March 10, 1902, in Exhibiting An Old Photograph of the South-East Corner of 14th and F Streets. ", Dickey, Christopher. Like it is with many restaurants across the city, the bleak reality now facing Old Ebbitt is unprecedented even for a restaurant that predates the telephone. ", du Lac, J. May 1, 2023 Lawmakers proposed making the crumbling structure into a part of a new paved trail connecting Georgetown to the Palisades. It moved into new quarters at 1427 F Street NW. 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. Nick Iannelli | niannelli@wtop.com. Peck, p. 25-26; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 74. [125] The restaurant was also criticized by the newspaper for being too noisy for conversation,[126] and providing bland hamburgers, salads, and breakfast. "He was more proud that day than the day I was born.". Old Ebbitt Grill | Washington, DC Restaurant & Bar [141] Old Ebbitt has long composted its food waste,[142] but oyster shells are not compostable and before 2010 were thrown out as garbage. Street parking is limited. 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. ", Hall, Charles W. "Bob Fosse Dies After Collapsing On D.C. "Stuart C. Davidson, 78, Owner of Legendary Washington Bar. "People often think that Washington never had any good restaurants in the past, and they think it's all happened in the last 10 years," he says. Old Ebbitt Grill, Landmark DC Restaurant, on Life Support - Newsmax [16][17], Willard razed Ebbitt House in 1872, doubled its size, and built a six-story, Second Empire-style hotel with a mansard roof. "Lunch at the 'Power Section'. [13] Two single-story buildings south of the Reed home were also built and owned by Reed. [100] Washington Post food critic Phyllis Richman declared the restaurant's signature hamburger its best entree. [31] William Howard Taft lived there from 1890 to 1892 when he was United States Solicitor General. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is D.C.s oldest saloon and one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the country, pulling in excess of $35 million a year. An oil painting by Peter Egeli replicates one of Mathew Brady's famous Civil War photographs of Grant. [50] The media reported the restaurant's name as "Ebbitt's Grill"[57] and "Old Ebbitt Grill". By 1865, they were used as offices by The Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Evening Post, and other newspapers. Actually, good is too light a word to describe the oldest and most historic saloon in town. Old Ebbitt Grill, One Of The City's Oldest Restaurants, Is Barely That year the Democratic Leadership Council rented the entire restaurant for a private party on Inauguration Day. And so how you open those and try to enforce any sort of 6-foot rule; I don't really know how you would do that," Claire says, who adds that the bars bring in about a third of the restaurant's sales. The large Howard Chandler Christy painting, "Three Bathers", hangs near the rear of the Main Dining Room. [143] To help the Shell Recycling Alliance, Old Ebbitt Grill introduced a new element to its Oyster Riot, a Saturday afternoon event known as "Matinee Riot." It's located in the atrium next to Old Ebbitt Grill. Order food online at Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington DC with Tripadvisor: See 13,094 unbiased reviews of Old Ebbitt Grill, ranked #10 on Tripadvisor among 2,606 restaurants in Washington DC. [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. The Old Ebbitt Grill, located on 15th Street NW across from the Treasury Building, has deep roots in D.C. history. [88], The time frame for closure proved optimistic. "It's not sustainable," Moran says. But in January 2012, De Lo's closed for good. hide caption. Bill Gruning opened the first one, in South Orange, in 1910; stores would . Washington, DC. Between the moves and its history, the Old Ebbitt has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. [35] Willard's estate rented Ebbitt House to George R. Shutt, who had formerly managed the National Hotel at 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. "You unlock that revolving door, and the world comes through," David Moran says. Tipped minimum wage increases in DC, Pedestrian struck and killed on I-295 in DC, Driver injured after tree falls on SUV Saturday night; Wise Rd. Were not running at a rate which is long-term sustainable, McDonnell said. Smith. [13] By 1865, it housed the D.C. offices of the New York Herald. [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. Savage, p. 100-101; Gutheim and Lee, p. 73; Lowry, p. 61-65; Evelyn, Dickson, and Ackerman, p. 63-64. Posted: April 15, 2023. Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest continuously operating bar in the city. "Scientists Use a Warm Bath to Get Oysters in the Mood. Benjamin Ogle was the maternal grandfather of. [37] Burch became the sole manager of the hotel. Old Ebbitt is obviously a very popular restaurant as it's so close to the White House. ", Ward, Alex. He would use the excess funds to supply arms and supplies to the Contras. In a 1972 Washington Star article, the renovated Ebbitt is painted as a bit of a rough-and-tumble downtown spot for cheap eats (corned beef hash and eggs, $2.25) that caters to daytime diners and late-night drinkers. and Butterworth IV, William E. Gutheim, Frederick Albert and Lee, Antoinette Josephine. Today the Victorian interior evokes Washington saloons at the turn of the century. About Us | Old Ebbitt Grill [134], Restaurant Business Magazine reported in October 2014 that Old Ebbitt Grill ranked third in the nation in revenue for 2013. 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. [97], The restaurant also instituted a "back waiter" system. 40 beloved N.J. restaurants that closed too soon - nj.com Grant's Bar, named for American Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant, features a ceiling mural by Carol Loeb. ", "Old Ebbitt Grill Among Top-Grossing Independent Restaurants", "From News To Nightcaps: Washington's Graham Family Buys The Clyde's Group". [49] In 1923, the Willard estate, which had retained ownership since Lucy Willard's death in 1910, decided to sell the hotel. In November 1994, Old Ebbitt Grill reopened its oyster bar to much press attention. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is D.C.'s oldest saloon and one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the country, pulling in excess of $35 million a year. But how we get from today to there? 2020 WTOP. And suddenly, for $11,200, the two partners unexpectedly found themselves owners of a second saloon, the Old Ebbitt Grill. But, as McDonnell noted, the Old Ebbitt Grill is just not built for carryout and casual, fast service. [127], In 2009, Old Ebbitt Grill had the fourth or fifth-highest volume of restaurant customers in the United States. 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. Facing tough competition, the hotel closed in 1925 and was torn down, eventually replaced by the National Press Club building. [109], In the early 1990s, Old Ebbitt Grill was financially one of the best-performing restaurants in the city. He appreciated small touches such as coat hooks near booths and pepper mills on tables and found the staff's honesty about menu choices refreshing. "Let Them Eat Crab Cakes. 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. (202) 347-4800. newsletter, Shaw Ramen Bar Haikan Turns to Tacos Through the Summer, Fast-Casual Rasa Breaks Into Maryland And More Openings, D.C.s Polished New Planta Queen Isnt Your Average Vegan Restaurant, Inside Ellie Bird, a Family-Friendly Cafe for Falls Church, Burger Hit Mlange Calls It Quits at CityVista And More Closings. [135], In July 2019, Clyde's Restaurant Group was acquired by Graham Holdings.[136]. Back waiters were required to have excellent physical strength and good balance. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. You may bring your own birthday cake for a $3 per person outside cake fee. "The Old Ebbitt Grill is not going to continue to be a takeout and delivery-only business.". 2001. The building which later was owned by William E. Ebbitt was located on the southeast corner of F Street NW and 14th Street NW in the city of Washington, D.C. [39], Ebbitt House slowly declined. Staff Report. ", Salmon, Jacqueline. [72][73] Clyde's and Old Ebbitt Grill shared the same menus, which lowered costs and led to improved training for kitchen staff. Report inappropriate content. Moran says he hopes the restaurant will recover within the next six months, and is putting his faith in science and "smart people." Security changes in Washington, D.C., after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks significantly affected Old Ebbitt Grill for a while. DDOT/DDOT [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. An exterior scene was shown and then Clint Eastwood and John Mahoney were shown sitting at Grant's Bar inside. He decided to devote the whole 14th Street side to the restaurant, as well as to renovate the kitchen. [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. Skip to main content 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 202.347.4800 . De Lorenzo's, in Trenton's Chambersburg section, served up old-school and great pizza in equal portions. Reynolds discovered the document in North's files during a meeting with North in his White House office. [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. [61] His son, Anders R. Lofstrand, Jr., invented a machine to wash drinking glasses at Old Ebbitt Grill. Old Ebbitt Grill Navy Collared Polo Shirt. A lot of restaurants come and go very easily," says John DeFerrari, author of Historic Restaurants of Washington D.C.: Capital Eats. In 1926, after the restaurant became incorporated as a stand-alone business, it was known as both "Ebbitt's Grill" and "Old Ebbitt Grill". On his last day before the lockdown, he says his experience with a few regulars was "surreal. [93] Old Ebbitt's famous mahogany bar was not installed in the new location. Main content starts here, tab to start navigating. More. [114] Some of the business was made up by Ebbitt Express, which by December 1997 was serving 600 meals a daytwice as many as projected. [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. At the time, the District of Columbia was not divided into quadrants, and the streets had yet to be described as northwest, southeast, etc. "You don't need to be an economist to figure not everyone is going to survive this. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington DC - Tripadvisor Is there a corkage fee? "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.". [21] The massive chandeliers led the dining room to be called "the Crystal Room. [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. [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. The possibilities include a rooftop terrace, connected to a penthouse space for events. 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. "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. They show we've had good restaurants going back a long time.". [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. [13] On May 16, 1818, Dorsey sold the house to William Blanchard. "Three Bars With Ties to D.C.'s Prohibition Past. A replica was crafted instead. It is Washington's oldest bar and restaurant , and as of 2012 was owned by Clyde's Restaurant Group. It's like, I think the guy said to me, 'What's next? April 23, 2010, p. 7. Griffin, W.E.B. Can I bring my own wine? ", Singletary, Michelle. The restaurant established a procedure for an independent laboratory to test its oysters for the bacteria prior to consumption. [15] Farnham sold her house at auction to Caleb Willard on October 4, 1866, for $74,000. A fire broke out in the kitchen on August 12, 1913, doing extensive damage. 675 15th St NW Washington D.C., DC 20005 Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest dining saloon in Washington. Were doing about 5% of the sales that we typically do, McDonnell said. [73] In February 1980, Carr agreed to preserve the facades of the Keith-Albee and National Metropolitan Bank buildings as part of the Metropolitan Square development. Whitehead, Frank Insco. [4][18] The hotel had 300 rooms, canopied windows, and an elevator. The new owners refused to renew Gumpert's lease on a yearly basis. [14] At that time it was not yet part of the hotel; Willard leased the building to the New York Times for use as office space. Its main claim to fame was its hefty portions and moderate prices.[102]. "It's beyond iconic, man. [41] H.C. Burch died the following year. Load More Products. The Omelet Room did not make the transition to the new location. Location, The budding Mexican brand unveils a 10,500-square-foot Penn Quarter edition on Friday, April 28, Sign up for the "Worth Taking a Second Look. Old Ebbitt Grill did not close its doors at 1427 F Street until September 12, 1983. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to telephone calls. "The Raw Truth About Shellfish. Along the way, the restaurant acquired beer steins, animal heads (reputedly bagged by Teddy Roosevelt) and wooden bears said to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton for his private bar. "A Shell Game for a Cause. Brown, George Rothwell. Lukacs has received some disaster pay from Clyde's and has taken advantage of free meals the restaurant group is offering staff during the pandemic. . The Old Ebbitt Grill, which was originally founded in 1856 and is regarded as D.C.'s oldest restaurant, is famous for serving celebrities, presidents, other dignitaries and scores of. ", Eisen, Jack. Please call Jordan Hammes at 202.552.5000 Private party contact Old Ebbitt Grill Washington, DC's oldest bar, established in 1856. Before placing your order, please inform your server if you have a food allergy or dietary need. Cut-glass flower vases, finger bowls, and water bottles were used for serving. Parking garages are available in our building on both G and F Streets. 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. "The Old Ebbitt Grill is not going to continue to be a takeout and delivery-only business." Since the city mandated all sitdown restaurants close their doors in mid-March, Old Ebbitt Grill has been forced into a takeout-only establishment. [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. [70] The IRS offered the entire restaurant for sale after an auction of individual items failed to raise more than $6,639. April 21, 2023 New renderings of Metro's 8000-series train cars show the transit agency is switching up the trains' seating configuration, moving forward with the open gangway concept. Their website says: Ebbitt Express caters to local workers, shoppers and visitors on the go. [48], The renovations were not enough. Old Ebbitt Grill is mentioned by fictional White House staffer Sam Seaborn in Season 3, Episode 19 of the television show The West Wing[145][circular reference]. ", Davis, Melissa. The business also failed to deposit withholding taxes on employee wages with the city. In the 1920s, when the Ebbitt moved to a converted haberdashery at 1427 F Street NW, they were combined into a single Old Ebbitt Grill. [30] Rear Admiral John Lee Davis also lived and died there. ", Dempsey, Mike. [82] It was one of the few dining places in the city to stay open until 1:00 A.M.[77]. "Thinking About Drapes In Case It's Curtains For Madam Speaker. [45], The hotel continued to decline. in DC remains closed, After more than a half-century in public office, Cardin wont seek reelection in 2024, Summer road trips might not cost you nearly as much as they did last year, Prince George's Co. Public Schools celebrates 'Decision Day' for Class of 2023. The industry trade publication of record said the restaurant had $26.7 million in revenues in 2013, serving 600,000 meals. DC Jazz Festival. By 1970, the Old Ebbitt Grill had fallen on hard times and an auction was held to satisfy a federal tax claim. 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. As demolition proceeded, Old Ebbitt Grill hosted a large party which won notice in The Washington Post. 675 15th St NW Washington DC 20005. The Hotel distinguished itself as the first hotel in Washington to remain open all summer instead of closing when Congress adjourned. [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. [137], Oyster Riot is an annual oyster eating event held at Old Ebbitt Grill each November on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Old Ebbitt Grill 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005 202-347-4800 www.ebbitt.com Old Ebbitt Grill is in a great location, and is a fantastic option if you are looking for a wider variety of food in addition to oysters. During a normal year, Mothers Day Sunday would be a day to look forward to for the Old Ebbitt Grill in Northwest Washington. [83] Developer Morris Cafritz, who purchased the Keith-Albee Building and Rhodes' Tavern in 1956, wanted to tear down the entire half-block to construct a new office building.[84]. Old Ebbitt Grill was featured in the 1993 film In the Line of Fire. 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. Old Ebbitt Grill, the legendary 164-year-old restaurant regarded as D.C.s oldest, is bringing in a small fraction of its normal business and faces a steep uphill climb to survive the pandemic. The etched glass panels separating the Old Bar from the Main Dining Room were created by Charles Shefts. 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. [54] Demolition of the building began at 1:00 P.M. on January 6, 1926, as National Press Club President Henry L. Sweinhart ceremoniously removed a brick from the existing building. And for the last four years, at least 75 federal housing vouchers have gone unused. National health campaigns against high cholesterol had reduced demand for foods heavy in eggs. The mahogany Main Bar is a copy of the bar at the F Street location, which had rotted beyond repair. . In 1970, the Internal Revenue Service closed the restaurant after tax trouble. Courtesy of/Old Ebbitt Grill ", Fears, Darryl. Metro Station near Old Ebbitt Grill - Washington DC Forum "Small Space, Big Vision. $45.00. It opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House hotel. 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. [78] Humphreys had already been identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was facing prosecution for his actions. The restaurant was uprooted one last time when it moved around the corner to its current location. Sculptures by John Dreyfuss adorn the Atrium Dining Room. [91] The architectural firm of Andrews & Chatelain designed the interior. He also praised the Breakfast Club, a deep-fried ham, French toast, and bacon breakfast sandwich. 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 business has changed locations. Our dress is casualwe welcome you in a tuxedo, jeans, a business suit, shorts or a cocktail dress. Old Ebbitt Grill created a popular annual event known as the Oyster Riot in 1995. The wooden crossbeams on the 10-foot ceilings are accented by a style of pinstripe stenciling popular at the turn of the century. Daily Oyster & Raw Bar Happy Hour. The . ", Fehr, Stephen C. and Haggerty, Maryann. The office space was enlarged. hide caption. Freedom. Book now at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C., DC. [43] Lucy Parker Willard, widow of Caleb Willard, died on January 12, 1910. In June 1798, William Crawford obtained title to four parcels of land on the southeast corner of 14th and F streets. [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). They got a lot of history and myth for their money. 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 202.347.4800. [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. In 1977, developer Oliver T. Carr proposed tearing down the entire block between F and G streets NW and 14th and 15th streets NW and constructing a 12-story hotel and office building complex to be called Metropolitan Square. "Good R.O.I. He helped incorporate the Calvert Club, a private gentleman's drinking establishment dedicated to the memory of Leonard Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore in 1914. [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. Davidson is said to have modified the mahogany bar to make seating more comfortable for female guests. In 1827, the Hotel was razed and rebuilt in the same location. hide caption. In 2007, the event sold every ticket in 38 minutes.[140]. Yes, we offer select gluten-free items and can modify others upon request. The foyer and Main Dining Room feature paintings by Kamil Kubik, and in the Oyster Bar hang oil paintings by Peter Egeli and watercolors by J. Robert Burnell. "It's now a symbol of the connection I think between the old Washington and its ways and the new Washington that we have now. ", "Press Club to Start Ebbitt House Razing. You may bring your own wine for a $25 corkage fee per 750ml bottle (maximum two 750ml bottles per reservation). Henry, Kate Kearney. Jason Lukacs, known as "J Luke," has tended bar for 25 years, nearly four of them at Old Ebbitt. The chairs in the dining room are copies of antique Victorian bentwood chairs from a New York Central Railroad dining car, replicated by furniture manufacturer Shelby Williams.