Washington DC boasts many historic dining establishments that preserve its legacy while offering unforgettable culinary experiences, from Old Ebbitt Grill, the city’s original saloon established in 1856, to U Street landmark Ben’s Chili Bowl which has attracted celebrities and politicians for generations.
Discover these restaurants that have contributed to Washington’s rich culinary traditions and history.
Old Ebbitt Grill
Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest dining saloon. Situated across from the White House and offering American Cuisine, its four bars include Old Bar which displays mounted game trophies; Grant’s Bar towards the back features an oil painting replicating one of Mathew Brady’s iconic Civil War photographs of Ulysses S. Grant; and Old Bar with game mounts on display.
Clyde’s Restaurant Group owns and operates this high-grossing independent restaurant. Their menu offers familiar classics as well as chef-selected specials such as rockfish, halibut and lobster.
Atmospherically, this restaurant is filled with history and tradition, inviting patrons to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails among antique steins, stuffed bear heads, letters from Buffalo Bill Cody himself, friendly and helpful staff and their knowledge of local history.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben & Virginia Ali Restaurant soon after their marriage in 1958, when U Street was known as Black Broadway; an area filled with theaters, jazz clubs, restaurants and more to serve a growing black community with plenty of disposable income. At that time, Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole would often stop by after performing at local clubs.
Stepping inside the restaurant is like entering an idyllic time capsule, complete with vintage counter stools and original white formica bars from its opening year of 1952. Walls adorn themselves with photos of famous patrons such as Cornel West and Denzel Washington; Barack Obama even visited prior to being inaugurated president in 2009.
Ben’s menu at Ben’s includes signature dishes like half smokes, chili con carne and the family’s secret chili sauce – but the heart and soul of Ben’s is its food, which brings people together regardless of race. Their chili con carne offers robust spices with rich, meaty undertones for a satisfying dining experience.
The Jockey Club
Those unfamiliar with The Jockey Club may not realize it is an organization involved with and responsible for regulating horse-racing activities across the nation, serving as well as registering Thoroughbred horses since its founding. Their American Stud Book records their descendants.
The Jockey Club provides competitive rates and is conveniently situated on the Las Vegas Strip, making it an attractive option for travelers who would rather forego casino hotels. Rooms feature earthy neutral tones with subtle horse paintings adorning each room – an inviting combination.
Deke Castleman has owned The Jockey Club timeshare property since the 1970s. As one of Las Vegas’ premier timeshare properties, The Jockey Club stands out as a prime location. Indeed, Cosmopolitan constructed their towers atop The Jockey Club. Since its construction on top of The Jockey Club was completed by construction of its towers atop The Jockey Club itself in 1995. Through the years the property has undergone major upgrades; including major suite renovations in January 2011 that featured new flat screen TV’s, over the range microwaves, in room safes and more – making The Jockey Club the perfect location in which to relax after visiting Las Vegas!
Tabard Inn
Tabard Inn is an ornate maze of halls, staircases and parlor-like rooms filled with antique furnishings and eclectic works of art – providing an old-world charm combined with contemporary cuisine. Their menu ranges from bacon-wrapped quail with basil pesto shrimp ravioli to seared scallops served over rice noodles with shiitake mushrooms; chef David Craig showcases his culinary prowess by creating exquisite wild mushroom tagliarini and pearly polenta dishes that highlight his talent.
If this antique boutique hotel on an historic street could speak, its walls would tell tales of luncheons, debutante parties and DC socialites from its infancy until now – most importantly with regards to women who have overseen its management for 98 years; Adrianna Hopkins takes a look at those remarkable women running this historic landmark today.
