Old Ebbitt Grill

It took over a decade of living in the DC area, but I’ve been to Old Ebbitt Grill twice in the past week or so, & it is…really good! I had the filet mignon with herb butter & steak fries last week, & it was spectacular. (Right alongside the Hamilton filet mignon, which tracks, as they’re both Clyde properties.) Tonight, I had the bacon cheeseburger & it was…okay. (At best.) I was honestly expecting it to be stellar—since the steak is!—but it was kinda dry, & the bacon was a bit crunchy/crispy. The restaurant has been absolutely slammed both times I’ve been, but I’ve been able to find seats for myself & my husband in the back bar area, which is quite lovely, & the service has been good. Also, the artwork throughout the entire restaurant is really impressive. I’d skip the burger, but I’d absolutely have the filet mignon again, & I understand why Old Ebbitt Grill is a DC institution. (&, they have matchbooks, which is always a plus!)

If you’re reading this because you haven’t already been convinced to check out this historic establishment by their rating alone, well then let me tell ya… put it on your list! Great vibe and ambiance, and service was top notch. The porkchop, which I don’t frequently order out, was a solid choice! Thick cut with excellent char yet succulent. The scallion added a touch of sweetness and bite, was a nice touch. The Swiss chard was well balanced and not bitter, bacon chunks added nice flavor and a smoky element but an overly one either. And the “grit cake” had a nice cheesy crust, soft sweet and creamy inside. The mussels were great. Broth was bright, sweet and citrusy. One of my favorite things in life is sopping up mussels broth with a nicely charred crusty piece of bread. And this didn’t disappoint! Bread pudding was a great way to end this amazing experience! It was everything you want in a bread pudding, warm, gooey, and chewy. Look forward to returning to try their well renowned oysters.

Old Ebbitt Grill is a classic D.C. experience — great atmosphere, rich history, and excellent food. The service was friendly and efficient even when busy. The oysters were super fresh and yummy. The overall vibe felt both elegant and welcoming. Perfect spot to relax after exploring the city. I would definitely come back.

My friend and I decided to go here for an early Sunday brunch before heading out of town. I booked a reservation for 9:30am online and we were all set. When we arrived the place was calm. By the time we left, the place was packed and there was a long wait. I highly recommend going a bit early to beat the rush and recommend you make a reservation in advance. We felt fortunate we did both. Food and service here was wonderful. Our server was very attentive and our food came out quickly. The portion sizes were good and everything was very tasty. I can see why this place is popular. I would recommend checking out Old Ebbitt Grill if you are looking for a good brunch spot while in DC.

I’m giving Old Ebbitt Grill three stars overall. The place has a lot going for it, but the experience was inconsistent across two visits, especially considering the price and reputation. The atmosphere and service were generally solid, but the food and seating experience really varied. We ate here on two different days. On the first visit, I ordered a burger cooked medium rare, and it was shockingly dry. Waiting nearly an hour for a burger that came out overcooked was disappointing, especially at this price point. That said, not everything was bad. The meatballs were a great appetizer, the oysters were very good, and those dishes honestly set expectations higher than the burger delivered on. On the second visit, the food was much better. The steak frites with salad was very good, and the peanut butter dessert was amazing, although extremely expensive for what it is. When the kitchen gets it right, the food can be excellent, but the inconsistency is hard to ignore, especially when you’re paying over a hundred dollars. The service overall was decent, probably around four stars. Most of the staff were professional, but there were moments where things slipped. At one point I tried to ask for a refill, and the server walked by without noticing or hearing me. It wasn’t rude, just inattentive, and combined with the long wait times, it added to the frustration. Atmosphere really depends on where you’re seated. On the first day, we sat inside near the front entrance, which felt lively and classic. On the second day, we were seated way in the back, in what felt like an annex or office-building extension. That area was honestly awful. It didn’t feel historic or special at all, and paying around $111 to sit in a dull, unattractive back room really killed the experience. The bathrooms back there also had graffiti inside the stalls, which was surprising and disappointing given the restaurant’s reputation. Parking is another issue. There’s essentially none, even though the restaurant is right across from the White House. That location is great for sightseeing, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of parking and the seating lottery inside. Overall, Old Ebbitt Grill has great potential and some genuinely excellent dishes, but they really need to work on wait times, food consistency, and improving the back sections of the restaurant. When everything lines up, it’s good. When it doesn’t, it feels overpriced and underwhelming for such a famous spot.