Old Ebbitt Grill
Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
Old Ebbitt Grill is rated 4.6 / 5 from 20,499 Google reviews and sits about 1.7 km (21 min walk) from L'Enfant Plaza station.
General overview
About Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill is a historic and popular American restaurant near the White House in downtown Washington, DC. It is known for its Victorian-style interior, oysters, burgers, traditional American dishes, cocktails, and long association with Washington political and cultural life. No admission ticket is required; guests pay for food and drinks.
- Historic Washington restaurant dating to the 19th century
- Convenient location near the White House, National Mall, and Ford’s Theatre
- Distinctive Victorian interior with ornate bars, woodwork, and memorabilia
- Popular for oysters, burgers, crab cakes, steaks, brunch, and classic cocktails
- Often busy with tourists, office workers, and political visitors
Things to do here
Dine in the historic restaurant
Enjoy American cuisine in Old Ebbitt Grill’s ornate Victorian-style dining rooms and bar areas.
Oyster bar
The restaurant is well known for its oyster selection and raw-bar offerings, subject to availability.
Classic Washington atmosphere
Experience a landmark-style restaurant associated with the city’s political, journalistic, and social scene.
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner
The restaurant traditionally serves multiple meal periods, including breakfast and weekend brunch, though schedules can change.
Cocktails and bar dining
The central and surrounding bar areas are popular for drinks, appetizers, and informal meals.
Allow extra time for downtown traffic and security conditions near the White House. The restaurant is centrally located and generally convenient from Metro stations, including Metro Center and Federal Triangle.
Reservations are advisable for dinner, weekend brunch, larger groups, and preferred seating. Walk-ins may be possible, especially at the bar, but waits can be substantial.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Old Ebbitt Grill is about 1.7 km (~21 min walk) from L'Enfant Plaza station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Places to visit · 5 min walk
★ 4.6
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Places to visit · 10 min walk
★ 4.8
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Places to visit · 14 min walk
★ 4.8
National Mall
Places to visit · 15 min walk
★ 4.8
JW Marriott Washington, DC
Hotels · 19 min walk
★ 4.4
Zaytinya
Restaurants · 19 min walk
★ 4.5
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Old Ebbitt Grill from L'Enfant Plaza station?
Old Ebbitt Grill is about 1719 m (roughly 21 min walk) from L'Enfant Plaza station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Old Ebbitt Grill rated?
Old Ebbitt Grill has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 20,499 reviews.
What's near Old Ebbitt Grill?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Is Old Ebbitt Grill wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Old Ebbitt Grill: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Old Ebbitt Grill?
Google lists these parking options near Old Ebbitt Grill: paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Old Ebbitt Grill good for children?
Yes — Google lists Old Ebbitt Grill as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Old Ebbitt Grill?
Google does not list Old Ebbitt Grill as allowing dogs.
Does Old Ebbitt Grill have outdoor seating?
Google does not list Old Ebbitt Grill as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a ticket to visit Old Ebbitt Grill?
No. It is a restaurant, not a ticketed attraction. You can enter to dine or inquire about seating, subject to capacity and restaurant policies.
Should I make a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for dinner, weekends, larger parties, and peak tourist periods. Bar seating or walk-in dining may be available but is not guaranteed.
What food is Old Ebbitt Grill known for?
It is particularly associated with oysters and other seafood, burgers, crab cakes, steaks, traditional American entrées, brunch, and cocktails.
How close is it to the White House?
It is a short walk from the White House and is also close to Ford’s Theatre, the National Mall, museums, and downtown offices.
Is Old Ebbitt Grill suitable for children?
Generally yes. It is a family-friendly restaurant during regular dining hours, although the bar atmosphere becomes more prominent later in the evening.
Can I visit just for a drink?
Usually, bar and lounge seating may be available for drinks and small plates, subject to capacity and age restrictions for alcohol service.
What are the nearest Metro stations?
Metro Center and Federal Triangle are commonly used stations for reaching the restaurant, with the exact best route depending on the rail line and service conditions.
Does the restaurant have a dress code?
A formal dress code is not generally known; neat casual or business-casual clothing is appropriate, particularly for dinner.
Are menu prices fixed?
No. Prices vary by item and can change. Review the current menu and pricing on the official website or with the restaurant before ordering.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.