It was my first time ever to visit Washington D.C recently. I went all around the town visiting all the historic sites. I started off my day at the Washington Monument and then to the National WWII Memorial, followed by he Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Korean War Veterans Memorial, Tidal Basin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Tidal Basin. After such an exciting time see all the historic sights, it seemed rather appropriate for me to dine at historic place as well, Old Ebbitt Grill.

Old Ebbitt Grill is definitely a historic restaurant. It is the oldest restaurant in Washington D.C. It was established in 1856. The original Old Ebbitt Grill was a saloon and boarding house named Ebbitt House Hotel.

Ever since it opened it has been a place frequented by politicians such as Presidents McKinley, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding and George H.W. Bush.

Walking in one can can instantly feel the history and culture of Washington D.C. There is a Victorian interior with mahogany wood all around, beveled glass separating the bar areas and  velvet booths and marble, brass bar sets. Some of the original decorations from 1856 are still there such as antique beer steins and an antique clock over the revolving door. There is even a walrus head that was supposedly caught by Teddy Roosevelt still present.

The menu itself has a historic photograph of old Washington D.C.

As for the food, one can find a menu that caters to the classic American saloon palate. There is an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients. One can find the freshest salads, pastas, seafood and meat items.

Their raw bar is one of the most popular in the city. Folks can enjoy platters of iced clams, crab claws, shrimp and a variety of oysters

A popular item on the menu is their  Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes that come with corn and tomato Chesapeake and Tom’s potatoes.

Being so close to Maryland, Old Ebbitt Grill’s crab cakes are very much like the authentic Maryland style crab cakes. It consists of almost all lump meat with almost no filler added. There is plenty of crab flavor.

My chosen entree for this occasion was their Frittata.

With smoked ham, Yukon Gold potatoes, Vidalia onion bulbs, cheddar cheese and sour cream, this entree was perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch! I loved this egg dish. The texture was very fluffy. The smoked ham really enhanced the flavor of the frittata.

From the variety of their food that is classically American to the location of this place (across from the Treasury and steps away from the White House) to the amazing history of Old Ebbitt Grill, it is not surprising this is a favorite for locals and tourists.

For more smiles, please my recent Yelp review on Old Ebitt Grill.