Martin's Tavern vs. Old Ebbitt Grill

Submitted by futurus196 t3_z6d6re in washingtondc

Hi all, hoping to try one "historic" DC restaurant before I leave next week. I have heard fine things about both. Kinda touristy, just OK food, etc. Which of the two do you think is better for the overall vibe and experience? Any other places I am forgetting? (I think Hamilton is often mentioned as a classic, Clyde's, which I went to for Thanksgiving already, etc... )

Thanks!

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zaphodmonkey t1_iy0u1di wrote

So many other places to go… even getting a cocktail at the off the record bar at the Hay Adams would be better. Or if you’re feeling fancy have dinner at prime rib (similar vibe)

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lightman332 t1_iy0wvxr wrote

Old Ebbitt is a personal favorite, but if you've eaten at Clyde's then you've already basically eaten at the Hamiliton and Old Ebbitt (they're owned by the same group). I would avoid Martin's Tavern tbh, they're not very good.

FWIW here are a few spots that I think you might enjoy:

The Sovereign (Belgian Beer bar) - Georgetown

The Residents Cafe - Dupont

Lucky Buns - Adams Morgan

St. Arnolds on Jefferson - Dupont

Tabbard Inn - Dupont

Also try to hit up an Ethiopian place (Keren or Zenebach)

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NorseTikiBar t1_iy10lrj wrote

Yeah, I honestly would almost recommend going to Dukem to pay respect given the recent news.

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SquishWindow t1_iy0whzv wrote

I would avoid all the places you list, none of them are going to be particularly good (unless you love raw seafood, in which case you can get yourself an enjoyable meal at Old Ebbitt), and I don't think they will feel as special as you hope. Note that the Hamilton isn't even old or classic.

If you want to try DC restaurants that are local institutions and also actually have good food, maybe try Iron Gate, Tabard Inn for brunch, 1789 in Georgetown, Le Diplomate, or Rasika.

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Baloncesto t1_iy0s3ch wrote

I'd say skip the tourist traps. "Touristy, just OK food" doesn't sound like a real attraction to me. I've been to both and both have a 1980s lobbyist sort of vibe. It's the same as Clyde's, in a way.

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insoul8 t1_iy1issh wrote

Both are extremely mediocre.

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IvyGold t1_iy2hnc4 wrote

The late night half-price oysters at Old Ebbitt used to be a regular thing for me. Dunno if they do it anymore.

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Separate-Sentence366 t1_iy4tl5x wrote

Try Off the Record in the basement of the Hay Adams hotel on a busy Thursday evening instead. Depending upon how much of a recreational interest you take in politics, there’s a high probability that you recognize some public figure having a drink.

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