Old Ebbitt Grill

I went, for the second time, to the Old E. This place still has a cigarette machine in the downstairs (next to the ATM, after going down some DC-style eroded marble steps) and has a fair number of paintings of naked women, DC landscapes featuring flags, and similar, as well as a bar decorated with various deceased animal components. It is owned by the Clyde’s people, and was a fine choice for a pre-theatre dinner. Like the musical we were seeing (Phantom), it is successfully kitschy. Service was great, and it is a good place, just not my kind of place.

In a great location, just near the White House (and the Washington Hotel), OEG has great food and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. Think: slurping oysters and smoking cigars with nefarious “Tammany Hall” type politicians while shoving your thumbs into your suspenders and laughing at all the suckers.

The decor is all gas-lamp and mahogany, and the food is great. Go after 11PM and those oysters are half-priced… enjoy them with a mean martini at the beautiful bar. Best of all, the bartenders are really friendly.

The downsides to this place: it’s expensive, and always crowded as hell. You had better make a reservation, but count on the fact that it will still take you close to two hours to be seated when it’s busy.