12 Historic Restaurants Still Operating in Their Original Locations

9. Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C. (1856): Political Power Dining

The Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, D.C., has served as the unofficial dining room of American political power since its establishment in 1856, making it one of the capital's most historically significant restaurants. Originally founded by William E. Ebbitt as a boarding house for politicians and government officials, the establishment quickly evolved into a restaurant and saloon that became the preferred gathering place for congressmen, senators, cabinet members, and even presidents. The restaurant's proximity to the White House and other centers of government power made it a natural venue for political discussions, deal-making, and the informal diplomacy that often shapes national policy. Throughout its long history, the Old Ebbitt Grill has hosted an impressive array of political luminaries, including Presidents Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren G. Harding, as well as countless other figures who have shaped American history. The restaurant's interior reflects its political heritage, with dark wood paneling, vintage photographs of political figures, and an atmosphere that evokes the power and tradition of American government. During Prohibition, the Old Ebbitt Grill adapted by becoming a respectable restaurant while maintaining its role as a political gathering place, demonstrating the flexibility and resilience that have characterized its long history. The establishment's survival through the Civil War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, and numerous political scandals and upheavals speaks to its importance as a neutral ground where political adversaries could meet and dine together despite their differences. Today, the Old Ebbitt Grill continues to serve as a meeting place for Washington's political elite, offering traditional American cuisine in an atmosphere steeped in political history and tradition. The restaurant's enduring popularity among politicians, journalists, and lobbyists reflects its unique role as a place where the informal business of government continues to be conducted over meals, making it an essential part of Washington's political ecosystem.