Old Ebbitt Grill

Description:

• You won't find this place listed among the city's best culinary establishments, but you can bet it's included in every tour book. It's an institution. The original Old Ebbitt was established in 1856, around the corner at 14th and F streets. The Grill moved to this location in 1980, bringing much of the old place with it. Among its artifacts are animal trophies bagged by Teddy Roosevelt, and Alexander Hamilton's wooden bears -- one with a secret compartment in which it's said he hid whiskey bottles from his wife. The Old Ebbitt is attractive in a fusty sort of way, with Persian rugs strewn upon worn oak floors, beveled mirrors, flickering gaslights, etched-glass panels, and paintings of Washington scenes. The long, dark mahogany Old Bar area emphasizes the men's saloon ambience.

  Tourists and office people fill the Ebbitt during the day, but flirting singles take it over at night. You'll generally have to wait for a table if you don't reserve ahead. The waiters are friendly and professional in a programmed sort of way; service could be faster. Menus change daily but always include certain favorites: burgers, trout Parmesan (Virginia trout dipped in egg batter and Parmesan cheese, flash fried), crab cakes, and oysters -- Old Ebbitt's raw bar is its saving grace when all else fails. Aside from the fresh oysters, the tastiest dishes are usually the seasonal ones; fresh ingredients make all the difference.

• © Frommer's 2013