Quick answer: Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, D.C.’s oldest saloon, founded in 1856 and located at 675 15th St NW, a block from the White House. It’s known for its raw bar and oysters, prime rib, and crab cakes, with entrées running roughly $20–$56 and a 4.6-star Google rating from over 18,500 reviews. It’s open daily from breakfast through late night, takes reservations, and is family-friendly with a casual-upscale dress code.
Old Ebbitt Grill is more than just a restaurant it’s a Washington, DC institution with a documented history dating back to 1856. What began as an unnamed restaurant inside a boarding house has evolved into one of the most recognizable dining rooms in the capital. This guide covers the full 2026 menu with prices, verified history, practical visiting information, and answers to the questions people ask most often before booking a table.
Old Ebbitt Grill – Official Website
That’s ebbitt.com — it has their current menu, hours, and reservation booking. Want me to swap this into the “visit the official website here” line in the article file so it’s an actual clickable link instead of placeholder text?
Why Trust This Guide?
This guide draws on the restaurant’s official site (ebbitt.com), Wikipedia’s sourced entry on Old Ebbitt Grill, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and hospitality-industry listings (OpenTable, Tripadvisor, Time Out DC), cross-checked for consistency. Menu items and prices reflect the categories published by the restaurant as of 2025–2026 because restaurants adjust pricing seasonally; always verify current prices against the official menu link below before you order or plan a budget for a group.
Old Ebbitt Grill’s Real History (Verified)
The founding-year claim (1856) is consistent across the restaurant’s own “About Us” page, Wikipedia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and multiple hospitality outlets, which strengthens confidence in it beyond a single source.
- 1856: Innkeeper William E. Ebbitt purchased a boarding house, likely near present-day Chinatown, and ran a saloon alongside it. Congressman (later President) William McKinley reportedly lived there, and Presidents Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, T. Roosevelt, and Harding are said to have visited the bar.
- Early 1900s: The operation relocated to what is now the National Press Building at 14th and F Streets NW.
- 1926: After the original Ebbitt House was demolished, the business took on the standalone name “Old Ebbitt Grill” at 1427 F Street NW.
- 1970: Following a federal tax lien, the restaurant and its contents were sold at auction for $11,200 to Stuart Davidson and John Laytham, owners of Clyde’s of Georgetown — the origin of today’s Clyde’s Restaurant Group ownership.
- 1983: The restaurant moved to its current Beaux-Arts building at 675 15th Street NW, following a roughly $4.4 million buildout.
- Today: Clyde’s Restaurant Group (a subsidiary of Graham Holdings) still owns Old Ebbitt Grill, which seats about 398 guests and is widely cited as Washington’s oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant.
The animal heads mounted above the main bar are said (per restaurant lore, not verified record) to have been shot by Theodore Roosevelt, and the decorative wooden bears are rumored to have been imported by Alexander Hamilton — charming details, but treated here as legend rather than fact, consistent with how the restaurant itself frames them.
Old Ebbitt Grill By the Numbers
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1856 (170 years old as of 2026) |
| Current location since | 1983 |
| Seating capacity | ~398 |
| Google rating | 4.6 / 5 from 18,581+ reviews |
| Typical price range | $30–$50 per person |
| Hours | 8 AM–2 AM daily |
| Oyster Happy Hour | Daily, 3–5 PM and 11 PM–1 AM |
| Distance to White House | Roughly 2 blocks / a 3–4 minute walk |
Old Ebbitt Grill Menu With Prices (2026)
1. Breakfast Menu
Small Plates
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk Biscuits (V) | Whipped butter, strawberry jam | $6.99 |
| Plain Bagel (V) | Whipped cream cheese | $3.99 |
| Granola Bowl (V) | Low-fat Greek yogurt, fresh berries, sliced almonds, honey drizzle | $9.99 |
| Classic Oatmeal (V) | Brown sugar, golden raisins | $9.99 |
| Grapefruit Brulee (GF)(V) | Burnt sugar | $7.99 |
Sides
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Toast (V) | $2.99 |
| Bacon (GF) | $3.99 |
| Sausage (GF) | $6.99 |
| Turkey Sausage (GF) | $6.99 |
| Cheese Grits (GF)(V) | $6.99 |
| Seasonal Fruit (GF)(V) | $5.99 |
| Home Fries (GF)(V) | $6.99 |
Breakfast Entrées
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs Chesapeake | Jumbo lump crab cakes, two poached eggs, English muffin, Old Bay hollandaise, home fries | $27.99 |
| Eggs Benedict | Canadian bacon, two poached eggs, English muffin, hollandaise, home fries | $19.99 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | Two eggs over medium, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayonnaise, griddled brioche, home fries | $18.99 |
| Belgian Waffle (V) | Fresh berries, whipped cream, Vermont maple syrup, choice of protein | $18.99 |
| Buttermilk Pancakes (V) | Vermont maple syrup, whipped butter, choice of protein | $19.99 |
| Corned Beef Hash | Three poached eggs, country white toast | $19.99 |
| Asparagus Frittata (V) | Scallion, arugula, Pecorino Romano, lemon vinaigrette | $19.99 |
| Brioche French Toast | NC strawberries, whipped cream, maple syrup, choice of protein | $18.99 |
| Steak & Eggs | 8-oz Cedar River Farms NY strip, two eggs any style, Béarnaise, home fries | $32.99 |
| The Statesman | Two eggs any style, biscuit, choice of side, choice of protein | $20.99 |
| The Old Town City Hall | Three eggs any style, two pancakes, choice of side, choice of protein | $21.99 |
| Smoked Salmon Bagel | Gem lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, dill cream cheese, capers, egg, toasted bagel | $19.99 |
Omelets
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hot & Famous (GF) | Chili, cheddar, sour cream, scallions, home fries | $19.99 |
| Mushroom & Spinach (GF)(V) | Jasper Hill Farms cheese, caramelized onions, hollandaise, home fries | $19.99 |
| Ham & Cheese (GF) | Smoked ham, Jasper Hill Farms cheese, home fries | $19.99 |
Beverages
| Cold | Price | Hot | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple, Tomato, Grapefruit Juice | $5.99 each | Clyde’s Blend Coffee | Locally roasted, Quartermaine Coffee Roasters, MD | $4.79 |
| Iced Tea | $4.79 | Espresso | Single shot | $4.79 |
| Double Espresso | Two shots | $5.29 | ||
| Cappuccino | Espresso, steamed milk, foam | $5.29 | ||
| Hot Tea | English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green, Chamomile | $4.79 |
📝 Note: A 20% gratuity is added to parties of 6 or more; this is at the guest’s discretion and can be adjusted upon request.
2. Lunch and Dinner Menu
Starters
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Oyster Deviled Eggs | Bread & butter pickle relish, celery hearts, herbs, smoked paprika | $12.99 |
| Point Judith RI Calamari | Pickled cherry peppers, watercress, remoulade | $16.99 |
| American Farmhouse Cheese Sampler | Membrillo, pickled red onions, honey walnuts, walnut-raisin bread | $22.99 |
| — Bay Blue (Point Reyes, CA) | Firm cow’s milk cheese | — |
| — Grayson (Meadow Creek Dairy, VA) | Semi-soft cow’s milk cheese | — |
| — Margie Clothbound Cheddar (Redhead Creamery, MN) | Crumbly cow’s milk cheese | — |
| Meatballs | Creamy polenta, pomodoro, Pecorino Romano, crostini | $16.99 |
| Oysters Rockefeller (GF) | Spinach, watercress, garlic-herb butter, Parmesan | $17.99 |
| Hollander Maine Mussels | Sauvignon blanc, Dijon, crushed red pepper, lemon, herbs, crostini | $20.99 |
| Classic Hummus (V) | Marinated chickpeas, cucumbers, olive oil, warm pita | $15.99 |
| Crab & Artichoke Dip | Baguette, lemon | $18.99 |
| Buffalo Chicken Wings (GF) | Blue cheese dressing, celery | $16.99 |
| Extra Sauces | — | $0.59 |
| New England Clam Chowder | Celery, potatoes, bacon, cream | $10.99 |
| Chicken Posole Verde Soup | Tomatillos, white hominy, jalapeños, cilantro, lime, cabbage slaw | $10.99 |
| Clyde’s Chili (GF) | Add-ons: cheddar/onions/sour cream $0.59 each | $9.99 |
Entrées
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cake (single) | French fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon | $27.99 |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cake (double) | Same as above | $47.99 |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cake (sandwich) | Same as above | $27.99 |
| Faroe Island Salmon | Carrot-ginger purée, French lentil ragout, gem lettuce, shaved carrots, pistachio dukkah | $29.99 |
| Trout Parmesan | Parmesan crusted, roasted potatoes, green beans, hollandaise | $26.99 |
| Bell & Evans Half Chicken (GF) | Spring onion purée, farro, sugar snap peas, rainbow carrots, Maitake mushrooms, brown butter jus | $31.99 |
| New England Scallops & Beluga Lentils | Beets two ways, chicories, pistachios, citronette | $35.99 |
| Bacon-Horseradish Glazed Meatloaf | Whipped Yukon gold potatoes, Swiss chard, cremini mushrooms, bordelaise | $23.99 |
| Steak Frites (GF) | 8-oz NY strip, fries, watercress, shallot-Dijon cream sauce | $33.99 |
| Linz Heritage Angus Ribeye (GF) | 16-oz boneless, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, Béarnaise butter, steak sauce | $55.99 |
| Linz Heritage Angus Filet Mignon (GF) | 8-oz, potato pavé, broccolini, cipollini onion, steak sauce, garlic butter | $52.99 |
| Leidy’s Duroc Pork Chop (GF) | Cheddar grits soufflé, bacon-braised Swiss chard, red chimichurri | $34.99 |
| Alaskan Halibut | Yukon gold potatoes, Vidalia onions, asparagus, spring herb beurre blanc | $34.99 |
House-Made Pastas
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Fettuccine | Spinach, Maitake mushrooms, whipped lemon ricotta, poached egg, garlic breadcrumbs, Grana Padano | $23.99 |
| Chicken & Broccolini Orecchiette | House-made chicken “sausage,” lemon, Pecorino Romano | $25.99 |
| Spicy Sausage Garganelli | Sausage ragù, San Marzano tomatoes, Tuscan kale, Pecorino Romano | $25.99 |
| Shrimp Spaghettini | Heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, white wine-lemon butter, chili-garlic gremolata | $27.99 |
Greens & Grains
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Market Salad (GF)(V) | Arcadian lettuce, carrots, snap peas, radish, celery, scallions, mint, almonds, honey-yogurt-poppyseed dressing | $15.99 |
| Caesar Salad | Grana Padano, croutons | $15.99 |
| Mixed Greens Salad (V) | Power 4 lettuce blend, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, croutons, sunflower seeds, lemon-basil vinaigrette | $11.99 |
| Grilled Chicken & Ancient Grains Salad (GF) | Baby gem, watercress, asparagus, snap peas, ancient grains, carrots, balsamic vinaigrette, pistachios, Pecorino Romano | $23.99 |
| Falafel Bowl (V) | Hummus, quinoa tabbouleh, tahini, pickled red onions, fattoush salad, lemon-sumac vinaigrette | $21.99 |
| Faroe Island Salmon Niçoise Salad (GF) | Potatoes, haricot vert, soft-boiled egg, baby greens, tomatoes, olives, Dijon vinaigrette | $27.99 |
| Grilled Steak Salad (GF) | 6-oz sirloin, little gem lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, buttermilk goddess dressing | $27.99 |
| Fried Chicken Rice Bowl | Honey sriracha chicken breast, egg, bacon, apples, watercress, pickled cucumbers, scallions | $23.99 |
Burgers & Sandwiches — served with french fries, fruit, mixed greens, or Caesar salad. Add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or chili for $0.59 each; gluten-free bread +$1.99
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OEG Classic Burger | Choice of American, Swiss, blue, cheddar, pepper Jack, or Muenster | $18.99 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Same cheese options | $20.99 |
| Oyster Riot Burger | 7-oz burger, fried oysters, bistro sauce, iceberg, tomato, pickled onions, horseradish, sesame bun | $21.99 |
| Walter’s Favorite | Hot pastrami, Muenster, coleslaw, Thousand Island, pumpernickel | $21.99 |
| Reuben | First-cut corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, Thousand Island, toasted rye | $22.99 |
| Roast Turkey | Avocado, alfalfa sprouts, pickled red onions, provolone, chili aïoli, multigrain | $18.99 |
| Lentil-Quinoa Patty Melt (V) | Toasted rye, bistro sauce, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions | $19.99 |
| Chicken #1 | Grilled chicken breast, bacon, Muenster, sesame bun | $19.99 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | Carolina gold BBQ, pickle slaw, spicy mayo, sesame bun | $19.99 |
3. Brunch Menu
Brunch shares most starters, greens, and burgers/sandwiches with the lunch/dinner menu above. Brunch-specific entrées include:
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs Benedict (Traditional) | Two poached eggs, English muffin, brunch potatoes, hollandaise, Canadian bacon | $19.99 |
| Eggs Chesapeake | Crab cakes, Old Bay, hollandaise | $27.99 |
| Shrimp & Grits (GF) | Cheese grits, andouille sausage, crystal-tomato broth | $24.99 |
| Corned Beef Hash | Three poached eggs, country white toast | $19.99 |
| Steak & Eggs (GF) | 8-oz NY strip, brunch potatoes, two eggs any style, Béarnaise | $32.99 |
| Brioche French Toast (V) | Cinnamon & sugar, candied pecans, maple syrup, choice of protein | $18.99 |
| Chicken & Waffles | Buttermilk fried chicken thighs, whipped butter, smoked maple syrup | $20.99 |
4. Raw Bar
Today’s Oysters (rotating selection; typical picks below)
| Item | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Katama Bay, Fortune, Pink Moon, Savage Blonde, Thatch Island, Wellfleet | Crassostrea virginica (GF) | $3.99 each / $22.99 half dozen / $41.99 dozen |
Raw Bar Platters
| Item | Description | Regular | Happy Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oysters Royale (GF) | 12 oysters with Italian White Sturgeon caviar | $117.99 | $99.99 |
| The Poseidon (GF) | Caviar, crabmeat salad, 24 oysters, 18 jumbo shrimp, 12 littleneck clams | $269.99 | $243.99 |
| The Orca (GF) | Crabmeat salad, 24 oysters, 18 jumbo shrimp, 6 littleneck clams | $181.99 | $164.99 |
| The Neptune (GF) | 24 oysters, 12 jumbo shrimp, 12 littleneck clams | $136.99 | $124.99 |
| The Walrus (GF) | 12 oysters, 6 jumbo shrimp, 6 littleneck clams | $66.99 | $55.99 |
Ebbitt Oyster Happy Hour — daily, 3–5 PM & 11 PM–1 AM: oysters $15.99/half dozen, $27.99/dozen.
More From the Raw Bar
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Little Neck Clams (GF) | $10.99 half dozen / $19.99 dozen |
| Jumbo Shrimp (GF) | $4.59 each |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Dijonnaise | $21.99 |
Tinned Seafood ($5 off conservas, $10 off caviar during Oyster Happy Hour)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Calvisius Italian White Sturgeon Caviar | $96.00 |
| Calvisius White Sturgeon Caviar (onyx beads) | $84.00 |
| Anchovies, Olasagasti / Spain (6.7 oz) | $17.00 |
| Stuffed Squid, Lucas / Portugal (4 oz) | $18.00 |
| Sardines, Gueyu Mar / Spain (5.3 oz) | $25.00 |
| Mackerel, Pinhais / Portugal (4.2 oz) | $18.00 |
| Tuna Ventresca, Olasagasti / Spain (4.2 oz) | $25.00 |
| Tuna, Tenorio / Portugal (4.2 oz), 2 styles | $20.00 each |
5. Kids Menu
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pasta (red sauce or butter & Parmesan) | $9.99 |
| Chicken Tenders | $9.99 |
| Mac & Cheese | $9.99 |
| Hamburger / Cheeseburger | $9.99 |
| Mini Cheese Pizza | $9.99 |
6. Desserts & Coffee
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp | Vanilla bean ice cream | $11.99 |
| Peanut Butter Pie | Roasted peanut-chocolate chip crust, peanut butter mousse | $12.99 |
| Crème Brûlée | Caramelized sugar | $11.99 |
| Bourbon-Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding | Salted caramel, vanilla ice cream | $11.99 |
| Key Lime Pie | Whipped cream, raspberry coulis, lime zest | $11.99 |
| Carrot Cake | Pecans, whipped cream cheese frosting, pineapple-rum-raisin glaze | $11.99 |
| Flourless Chocolate Torte | Salted caramel, candied hazelnuts, whipped cream | $11.99 |
| Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae | Vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream | $12.99 |
| Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream & Sorbet | 1 scoop $3.59 / 3 scoops | $3.59 / $8.99 |
| Vanilla Bean Pavlova | Lemon curd, orange-infused blueberries | $10.99 |
| Strawberry Shortcake | House-made shortcake, whipped cream | $10.99 |
| Cappuccino / Espresso | — | $3.99 each |
The 3 Signature Dishes That Define Old Ebbitt Grill
- Oysters and raw selections — Old Ebbitt is best known for its raw bar, served on the half shell with rotating regional selections, backed by a daily happy hour.
- Classic American fare — Prime rib, crab cakes, and fish and chips remain the most-ordered dishes, built from higher-end ingredient sourcing (Cedar River Farms beef, Linz Heritage Angus, Jasper Hill Farms cheese).
- Seasonal specials — The kitchen rotates specials with the seasons, so the “greens & grains” and pasta sections in particular change more often than the core menu.
Location, Accessibility & Practical Info
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Google Rating | 4.6 / 5 (18,581+ reviews) |
| Price Range | $30–$50 per person |
| Cuisine | American |
| Phone | +1 202-347-4800 |
| Address | 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA |
| Hours | 8 AM–2 AM daily |
| Services | Dine-in, drive-through pickup, no-contact delivery |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | Yes |
| Website | For the current Old Ebbitt Grill menu with prices, visit the official website here. |
Old Ebbitt Grill sits roughly two blocks from the White House and the National Mall, is reachable by Metro (Metro Center and McPherson Square stations are both a short walk away), and is generally best visited with a reservation, especially for dinner and weekend brunch, since walk-in waits are common at a restaurant this well-reviewed.
For parking, downtown DC street parking is limited on weekdays; several paid garages sit within a block or two of the restaurant.
Ordering, Delivery & Takeout
- Order online through the restaurant’s official website for pickup or delivery.
- Takeout-friendly menu — most signature dishes, including crab cakes and burgers, travel well.
- Delivery partners — the restaurant works with third-party delivery services in the DC metro area.
Hosting Events at Old Ebbitt Grill
- Private dining rooms, including the Rooftop Terrace, Atrium, and Cabinet Room, for meetings, celebrations, and events of varying size.
- Corporate and government events — long a preferred venue for Washington’s political and media community, including a notable 1986 lunch meeting during the Iran-Contra affair.
- Holidays and milestones — the historic dining rooms are frequently booked for holiday parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Old Ebbitt Grill known for?
Its raw bar and oysters, prime rib, and crab cakes — classic American fare with a gourmet finish, served in a Victorian-style dining room a short walk from the White House.
Is Old Ebbitt Grill really the oldest restaurant in DC?
Yes. It’s documented as Washington’s oldest continuously operating saloon and restaurant, tracing back to 1856, though it has changed location several times and didn’t take the “Old Ebbitt Grill” name until 1926.
Do I need a reservation?
It’s recommended, particularly for dinner and weekend brunch; Old Ebbitt is one of DC’s most-booked tables and walk-in waits are common at peak hours.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual is encouraged the atmosphere is casual but slightly upscale.
What are the most popular dishes?
Oysters from the raw bar, the crab cakes, and prime rib are the most frequently ordered items, according to the restaurant and multiple dining guides.
Is Old Ebbitt Grill family-friendly?
Yes — it has a dedicated kids’ menu and welcomes guests of all ages.
How much does a meal cost at Old Ebbitt Grill?
Typical per-person spend runs $30–$50, though raw bar platters and steaks can push a dinner check higher, and breakfast/lunch items generally run $10–$30.
When is oyster happy hour?
Daily from 3–5 PM and again from 11 PM–1 AM, with half-price-style oyster deals during those windows.
Conclusion
Old Ebbitt Grill is more than a place to eat it’s a documented piece of Washington, DC’s history and dining scene, with 170 years of continuous operation, a location steps from the White House, and a menu that pairs raw-bar classics with a modern, seasonally driven kitchen. Whether you’re planning a casual meal, a private event, or a first taste of DC’s political-dining tradition, confirming your reservation and checking the latest menu pricing beforehand will make the visit smoother.
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