FoodPrint-Washington D.C.: Old Ebbitt Grill

Restaurant:
Old Ebbitt Grill

Address:
675 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20005
b/t N G st & N F St

Category:
American

Average:
$30/person

Review:
During my short visit to Washington, DC in the long weekend of 4th of July, Old Ebbitt Grill was the restaurant that really impressed me. As we finished touring Smithonians and National Mall, the second most reviewed restaurant was located 5 minutes walking distance away. So there was no reason to miss this restaurant during the tour. 

Due to its extreme popularity, we had to wait in line for an hour and a half to get a table. It would be much better if we had a reservation. Even though the front door of Old Ebbitt Grill is crowded, hostess was polite and had a very accurate estimate of our waiting time, which was quite pleasing.

The appetizer we got was their famous Oyster. We ordered a dozen and since they offered three different kinds, we decided to have four of each kind: Indian Creek, Irish Point, and Wellfleet. With the oyster, they provided red wine vinegar and Tabasco sauce. Based on my preference, Tabasco sauce goes better with raw oysters. In terms of the different tastes between three kinds of oyster, to be honest, I can't really tell the difference between "sweet taste with a slight briny finish" and "briny with a crisp finish". I admit I am not a professional gourmet. Instead, I am just a person who likes the taste of ocean. Oysters in Old Ebbitt Gril are fresh and I can taste the slight hint of sea water in my mouth. This is enough to make me happy.

After appetizer, Summer Chicken Fettuccini was served as my main dish. This is the one dish that made me think that the restaurant worths its two hour waiting. Fettuccine itself was flawless, with a fairly chewy taste. Chicken scallopini was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. However, it was the special sauce with a slightly sour taste that created the great match between chicken and fettuccine. 

In general, this is a very impressive restaurant and it definitely worths a two hour wait. It has a lovely dining environment and delicious food with reasonable price. If you are planning to visit DC, you should not miss it.