They insisted on a month-to-month lease, but Gumpert could not come to agreement with his vendors, who required a yearly lease to ensure a steady stream of income. Tearful customers hugged owners Eileen . The new restaurant was immediately popular. This allows a bottle of wine to remain open for up to two weeks without spoiling. [13] On May 16, 1818, Dorsey sold the house to William Blanchard. ", Argetsinger, Amy and Roberts, Roxanne. "Food & Drink: Changing Needs? He also praised the Breakfast Club, a deep-fried ham, French toast, and bacon breakfast sandwich. [59] Lofstrand was a veteran bar and club entrepreneur in the city and in southern Maryland. [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. . Please call Jordan Hammes at 202.552.5000 Private party contact [116] Washington Post food critic Eve Zibart, writing in August 1995, said that its highly polished woodwork, counter facing the ice bed and shuckers, and excellent selection of oysters made it a "first-class raw bar". 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. OLD EBBITT GRILL - 9131 Photos & 9979 Reviews - 675 15th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia - Bars - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Menu - Yelp Old Ebbitt Grill 9979 reviews Claimed $$ Bars, American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch Closed 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) See hours See all 9163 photos Write a review Add photo Save Menu Some 270 employees, or 90% of its staff, are out of work. It began using the name "New Ebbitt Caf" in November 1910. The perfect place for early morning breakfast or post-theater supper. [99] Due to its proximity to the White House, it was a favorite of United States Secret Service personnel as well as tourists. The restaurant hired Robert McGowan, formerly a chef at Sardi's in New York City.[118]. [131], In 2011, The Washington Post listed Old Ebbitt Grill as one of the top three raw bars in the city. "Reopening Day: New Shine for the Old Ebbitt. Sculptures by John Dreyfuss adorn the Atrium Dining Room. Old Ebbitt Grill was Saved by Its Beer Stein Collection [76] The restaurant featured bare, unpolished wood flooring throughout, with a fern bar on the second floor. But it is working to continue giving them 100% of their pay, even as they remain sidelined. It opened as an unnamed restaurant in the Ebbitt House hotel. The house marked the northeast corner of Murder Bay. It's been bought and sold by various individuals and companies. Slovick, Mike. On June 5, 1970, Old Ebbitt Grill was closed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for failure to pay $10,995.15 in taxes going back to 1965. The rest of the time, it serves pretty much whatever purpose a diner has in mind, be it a power breakfast, a business lunch, a bar scene,. The Clyde's Connection. We do not have elevator access to the room; it is accessible via stairs only. ", du Lac, J. The Oyster Bar features an array of exceptional oysters and winning wines from the annual Old Ebbitt Grill International Wines for Oysters Competition. The decor was made more whimsical, however, leading Washington Post architectural critic Wolf Von Eckardt to declare in 1978 that the Grill was "one of the most charming rendezvous on the Eastern Seaboard". Location, The budding Mexican brand unveils a 10,500-square-foot Penn Quarter edition on Friday, April 28, Sign up for the The 1427 F Street NW location was demolished in 1983 during redevelopment, and Old Ebbitt Grill moved into its current quarters at 675 15th Street NW. Each table in the Ebbitt was graced by a blue history card that read: "Many other famous statesmen, naval and military heroes, too numerous to mention here, have been guests of the house.". The restaurant, called "cheerful and sunny" by the Washington Post, fronted onto 14th Street NW, was lit with crystal chandeliers, and could seat up to 225 people. [134], Restaurant Business Magazine reported in October 2014 that Old Ebbitt Grill ranked third in the nation in revenue for 2013. "It was almost like a joke. Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant - Washington, D.C., DC | OpenTable The busy atmosphere, he argued, was not conducive to a positive dining experience. $45.00. Two fire companies had to respond to the blaze, which did $5,000 worth of damage. On the left of the foyer and up the five marble stairs is the Corner Bar. Ebbitt House Hotel was razed in 1925 to make way for the National Press Building, built in 1926. 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. [89] The walls were paneled in mahogany and the ceilings decorated with murals and stencils. Clyde's Restaurant Group bought the Ebbitt, seen along F Street, and reopened it in 1972. Drinks are great, food is good, and if your into oysters, feel free to order up a dozen or so-they . [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. ", "Anders R. Lofstrand, Ex-State Senator, 42. Old Ebbitt Grill, One Of The City's Oldest Restaurants, Is Barely Hanging On | DCist The city's oldest restaurant doesn't see a return to 'normal' happening this year. Old Ebbitt serves a diverse menu including seafood, steaks, and pasta. De Lorenzo's, in Trenton's Chambersburg section, served up old-school and great pizza in equal portions. Stuart Davidson (1922 - 2001) and John Laytham (1944-2019), owners of a newer Washington institution, Clyde's of Georgetown, expressed an interest in buying the Ebbitt's collection of antique beer steins to display at Clyde's. 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. But this is not a typical year, and the coronavirus pandemic has led to staggering financial losses for the legendary D.C. restaurant. The system was invented in 1978, although many different companies make "wine bar systems" today. Old Ebbitt intended to close its doors in April 1983 and reopen a few weeks later in the new location in May. In the 1940s and 50s, Gruning's may well have been North Jersey's most popular ice cream chain. It was completely remodeled by Burch and Gibbs. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington DC - Tripadvisor Care is taken to avoid cross-contact, however, our kitchen is not completely gluten-free. In attendance were Wyatt Cenac, Rosario Dawson, Mick Foley, Tim Meadows, John Oliver, then a Colbert show regular, and Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, the hosts of the MythBusters television series. Full-Time. [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. [40] Caleb Willard, now one of the most famous and wealthiest men in Washington, D.C., died on August 2, 1905. "The Old Ebbitt Grill is not going to continue to be a takeout and delivery-only business.". Today there are a dozen locations across D.C., Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland, including the Tombs, 1789 Restaurant, Hamilton Live, and Clydes of Chevy Chase, Gallery Place, and Mark Center. Tim Steffan, COO of Comstock, says hes had a strong relationship with the Clydes Group dating back to the 1990s.. [127], In 2009, Old Ebbitt Grill had the fourth or fifth-highest volume of restaurant customers in the United States. [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. The results of his sojourn in the capital may be seen in paintings throughout the restaurant. Old Ebbitt became Washington's first known saloon. hide caption. Impressionist works by James Harrington hang throughout the restaurant. As the years passed, it moved to a number of new locations. [2], A three-story house on 14th Street adjacent to Ebbitt House was occupied by the Reed family as well, although by 1864 it had been purchased by Willard, who raised the roof. They got a lot of history and myth for their money. [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." The Atrium Dining Room contains a large marble fountain, and is open to the atrium in the center of Metropolitan Square. "U.S. Order Shuts Old Ebbitt Grill, Claims Owner Owes $11,000 in Tax. [80] In 1979, Washington Post restaurant reviewer Lon Tuck noted that Old Ebbitt's Omelet Room was one of the most famous locations in the city. [28] His close friend, Representative and later President James A. Garfield, visited McKinley often in the hotel. [4] Presidents Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren G. Harding all drank in the bar there. Held at noon, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Menus; About About; Hours & Location; Employee Assistance Fund; Press; Oysters [13] Two single-story buildings south of the Reed home were also built and owned by Reed. [89] 1427 F Street NW was demolished in early December 1983. ", Fears, Darryl. April 23, 2010, p. 7. [125], By 2008, however, Old Ebbitt Grill's reviews had improved. [64] Bechas' ownership of the restaurant was marred by repeated tax problems. Martin, Douglas. [91] The architectural firm of Andrews & Chatelain designed the interior. The design also shows off motifs of Washington D.C. architecture. The United States was barred by the Boland Amendment from supporting the Contras. The panels depict the Treasury, the Capitol, and the White House. [21] The massive chandeliers led the dining room to be called "the Crystal Room. 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 202.347.4800. Craney. The kitchen featured a special charcoal-burning grill, and the wine cellar featured a Cruvinet wine dispensing system. Today, Clyde's Restaurant Group has grown to include 13 properties. 2020 WTOP. After Lofstrand's death in 1955, the restaurant was purchased by Peter Bechas in 1961. The media reported on Old Ebbitt Grill only a few times. But when auction proceeds fell short of the lien on the property, bidding began again, but this time on the entire contents. The restaurant donated about 14,000 oysters a week to the alliance in 2010. The Corner Bar is decorated with paintings by Claiborne D. Gregory, Jr., and carved waterfowl decoys by numerous artists. 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. "Small Space, Big Vision. The new owners refused to renew Gumpert's lease on a yearly basis. mavmav. Rendering by STUDIOS Architecture/Courtesy of The Washington Area Community Investment Fund Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. [104] Old Ebbitt began hanging posters in the lobby of current theatrical performances. Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant - Washington, D.C., DC | OpenTable $25.00. By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, A First-Ever Spinoff of Old Ebbitt Grill Is Coming to Reston, Sign up for the Since 1917, the liquor law had required that alcohol only be consumed while sitting at tables. Company-wide sales for Clyde's Restaurant Group, which operates 12 restaurants in the D.C. area, are down 95%, about what Old Ebbitt is seeing. "Worth Taking a Second Look. Only Tao Asian Bistro in Las Vegas with $64.6 million in revenues and Joe's Stone Crab in Miami, with $35.3 million in revenues, ranked higher. [100] Washington Post food critic Phyllis Richman declared the restaurant's signature hamburger its best entree. As newcomers of the industry are showing their fragility during the pandemic, so too are the stalwarts. Henry, Kate Kearney. "As we learned more about the program, though, we decided that smaller businesses with less resources needed it more. "Staff, Patrons Toast Old Ebbitt's Demise As They Await Its Rebirth on 15th Street. The Old Ebbitt Grill was the first expansion beyond the original Clyde's in Georgetown. [22] Prohibition began in the District of Columbia on November 1, 1917. Old Ebbitt Grill | Washington DC Old Ebbitt Grill. Great atmosphere located close to the White House. Wines, whiskeys, and brandies were served from two large storerooms. . An oil painting behind the bar of a nude reclining near a lily pond was painted about 1900 by Jean-Paul Gervais. And in the last month, it's gone from being one of the most profitable independent restaurants in the country to its current state barely hanging on. "No Rush Yet on Inaugural Tickets and Hotel Rooms. For many years, it has been the restaurant with one of the highest amount of sales in the United States. [113], In 1995, business dropped after Pennsylvania Avenue NW was closed to street traffic and curbside parking was eliminated in front of the restaurant on 15th Street NW for security reasons following the bombing by an American domestic terrorist of the Oklahoma Federal Building. "Scientists Use a Warm Bath to Get Oysters in the Mood. In 1907, John Helmus, who oversaw the serving staff and bar for 39 years, died. Drinking establishments in Washington, D.C. Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles lacking reliable references from October 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The long bar still sported mounted game animal trophies overhead, the fixtures were of marble or brass, and the curtains of lace. The large Howard Chandler Christy painting, "Three Bathers", hangs near the rear of the Main Dining Room. Yes, we offer select gluten-free items and can modify others upon request. Old Ebbitt Grill Closing : Top Picked from our Experts - RecipesChoice [30] Rear Admiral John Lee Davis also lived and died there. Willard. Old Ebbitt Grill donates its used oyster shells to the alliance, which plants baby oysters, known as "spat", on the shells and deposits them in the bay. Southeast, D.C. "The Bacon-and-Eggs Brigade. ", "Ebbitt House Auction Draws Curious Crowd. All Rights Reserved. [72][73] Clyde's and Old Ebbitt Grill shared the same menus, which lowered costs and led to improved training for kitchen staff. ", "Press Club to Start Ebbitt House Razing. The restaurant was sold at a tax sale in June 1970, and was purchased by Clyde's Restaurant Group. Application HDC2010-00507. [38] He conducted extensive renovations to the exterior of the hotel in 1895. 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. Old Ebbitt Grill Gift Card - select any denomination. The women's caf was moved into the basement, where it occupied a portion of the old restaurant. [36] Despite the success of the changes, Gibbs left Ebbitt House in 1893 after purchasing Wormley's Hotel. Benjamin Ogle was the maternal grandfather of. [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). Back waiters were trained to balance plates of food on their arms, so they could get them to tables faster without the need to load and unload trays. Today, no one can pinpoint the houses exact location, but it was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown. Mothers Day is typically the biggest day of the year for us, said John McDonnell, the chief operating officer of Clydes Restaurant Group, which owns the restaurant. Load More Products. The federal program is supposed to give financial assistance to smaller businesses, and McDonnell said his group, which operates a dozen restaurants in the D.C. region, does not really fit into that category. [4] The garden of the houses extended west onto the two empty lots on the corner, and down the hill in the rear almost to Pennsylvania Avenue. Best Oysters in Washington DC - Boss Oyster Gumpert and the new owners both agreed the hotel should close. 675 15th St NW Washington DC 20005. Whitehead, Frank Insco. The treasured D.C. institutions second-ever location, dubbed Ebbitt House, will open at Reston Station in 2025 (1860 Reston Row Plaza, Reston, Virginia). 222 posts. [22][33] In November 1889, Caleb Willard hired Henry C. Burch and Charles E. Gibbs, both veteran hotel managers in the city, to run Ebbitt House. Email donations@clydes.com. On the east side was the now-famous Red Parlor, a gentleman's lounge fitted with rich red and gold draperies, fabric wall coverings, and upholstered furniture. Major General Winfield Scott Hancock,[4] Commanding General of the United States Army William Tecumseh Sherman, and Rear Admiral Samuel Rhoads Franklin all lived there for a time. Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest continuously operating bar in the city. A new rendering of the 8000-series train shows an open gangway that would connect two cars with an open walkway. Our dress is casualwe welcome you in a tuxedo, jeans, a business suit, shorts or a cocktail dress. Nick Iannelli can be heard covering developing and breaking news stories on WTOP. A new head chef and assistant chefs had already been hired. Old Ebbitt Grill, Landmark DC Restaurant, on Life Support - Newsmax Two saloons coexisted there, a Dutch room and an Old English room. ", Pincus, Walter and Morgan, Dan. [41] H.C. Burch died the following year. Bartender was very knowledgeable and accommodating pointing us to the best spots to go in town. "Joining the Night Owls for Dinner. ", There was a family connection between Ebbitt House and the Willard Hotel. [53] However, in November 1925, the owners announced that the building would be razed to make way for the National Press Club Building. [90], Old Ebbitt Grill reopened at 675 15th Street NW in early October 1983. Parking garages are available in our building on both G and F Streets. It reached its darkest days in 1970, when the IRS threatened to close down the floundering restaurant for five years worth of back taxes. [92] The interior decoration was designed to mimic the bar at 1427 F Street, and included the game trophies, some of which were originals, not recreations, and rumored to have been shot by President Theodore Roosevelt. Just go out the 13th and G Streets exit and walk the 2.5 blocks from there. ", Curry, William N. "Tax Evasion in the District Is Punishable By a Wristslap. Old Ebbitt Grill | PureHistory You may bring your own wine for a $25 corkage fee per 750ml bottle (maximum two 750ml bottles per reservation). 4 Reviews. In 2007, the event sold every ticket in 38 minutes.[140]. The nearest Metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson Square. [33] What was known as the "New Ebbitt Caf" opened in November 1910. 515 15th St NW W Washinton, DC, Washington DC, DC 20004-1006. Posted: April 15, 2023. With sales limited to to-go orders during the coronavirus pandemic, revenue at Old Ebbitt Grill has fallen some 95%. I don't have the roadmap yet.". [146], Old Ebbitt Grill is mentioned in the novels Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor,[147] The Outlaws by W.E.B. [77], Old Ebbitt Grill gained notoriety in 1977 as the location where a Soviet spy ring operated. Beyond mulling his own financial future, Lukacs says he's concerned about the restaurant's. Guests dined at tables set with tablecloths imported from Scotland, using Haviland & Co. Limoges porcelain china, silver-handled knives and forks manufactured by Reed & Barton, and Bohemian glassware. [93] Old Ebbitt's famous mahogany bar was not installed in the new location. The etched glass panels separating the Old Bar from the Main Dining Room were created by Charles Shefts. [87] In August 1980, Carr announced that Old Ebbitt Grill would reopen in a corner location near to its old 1427 F Street NW spot. ", Von Eckardt, Wolf. [74] In June 1974, a Washington Post food review declared Old Ebbitt's fare to be "American, plain, and not bad". An air conditioning plant was installed, elevators replaced, sleeping rooms enlarged, and bathrooms added to all sleeping rooms. 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. Clyde's Restaurant Group spent $4.4 million constructing and outfitting the interior. They ended up buying the restaurant instead. [4][18] The hotel had 300 rooms, canopied windows, and an elevator. [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. OLD EBBITT GRILL - 9133 Photos & 9984 Reviews - 675 15th St NW, Washington, District of Columbia - Bars - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Menu - Yelp Restaurants Auto Services Old Ebbitt Grill 9984 reviews Claimed $$ Bars, American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch Edit Closed 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day) See hours See all 9165 photos [120] After First Lady Laura Bush began patronizing the restaurant,[121] business soon returned to normal. Clydes of Reston served its last crab cake at Reston Town Center last spring after a 31-year run, and Ebbitt House marks the brands anticipated return to the area. Additional private and semi-private space may be reserved in our Atrium dining room or rooftop patio. hide caption, April 27, 2023 "The word "Love" is most often defined as a noun, yetwe would all love better if we used it as a verb." [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. Street. The most important step is for the server to be notified at the outstart of the meal about any special needs. The three carved glass panels separating the Main Bar from the Main Dining Room were done by Charles B. Shefts, who carved the mirrors and windows as well. The company is continuing health insurance for any employees who had it prior, and footing the full bill. [4] The same year, Willard purchased Bushrod Reed's property as well. Their website says: Ebbitt Express caters to local workers, shoppers and visitors on the go. "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. The owners of Clyde's acquired the Old Ebbitt in 1970. Between the moves and its history, the Old Ebbitt has amassed a priceless collection of antiques and memorabilia. ", Tuck, Lon. Reynolds smuggled the document out of North's office and took it to a luncheon meeting at Old Ebbitt with Attorney General Edwin Meese. Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic bar and restaurant located at 675 15th Street NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. [69] Davidson and Laytham bid in the tax sale hoping to buy beer steins and the mahogany bar, but ended up with the entire restaurant.
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