1. Old Ebbitt Grill
Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt is the oldest restaurant in the city and was technically DC’s first saloon. The restaurant has moved locations several times over the decades but in 1970, the Clyde’s Group bought the restaurant and it has been in its current location near the White House since 1983. It’s a classic DC restaurant serving delicious American fare and amazing seafood.
2. Occidental Grill and Seafood Restaurant
Occidental Grill was built in 1906 by Henry Willard and has been a favorite spot of some of Washington’s most famous residents and visitors including President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Robert Frost and many, many more.
3. Tabard Inn Restaurant
The Tabard Inn opened in 1922 as a guest house and restaurant. This elegant and cozy restaurant is known for its phenomenal brunch and great menu. The donuts are a must-try item.
4. Martin’s Tavern
Established in 1933, Martin’s Tavern is a Georgetown Landmark. Sit at booth 6 where the Trumans sat or grab a table at Table 12 where President George W. Bush and his family used to dine. You can even sit in the very same booth that President John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie. Also, order anything on the menu because it is all delicious.
5. Osman & Joe’s Steak n Egg Kitchen
This Tenleytown neighborhood breakfast spot is mostly just known as "Steak’n’Egg" to the neighborhood. This 24-hour diner has been serving delicious steak and eggs (and many other meals) since 1934. It’s the quintessential old-school diner complete with excellent food and good coffee.
6. Florida Avenue Grill
Florida Avenue Grill is the "oldest soul food restaurant in the world." Since 1944, Florida Avenue Grill has been serving some of the most flavorful and tasty homestyle food in the district.
7. Ben’s Chili Bowl
If you have heard of DC, you have heard of Ben’s Chili Bowl. It’s that simple. Since 1959, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving delicious chili, half smokes and hot dogs to DC visitors, locals and famous faces, alike.
8. The Monocle Restaurant
The Monocle has been a Capitol Hill hangout for lawmakers since 1960. Reserve a table for dinner and catch a glimpse of a senator or a group of lobbyist and enjoy some of the best steaks in all of DC.
9. Mama Ayesha’s
Mama Ayesha’s oepned in 1960 and it serves the best authentic Middle Eastern food in the city. The original owner, Mama Ayesha herself, operated 24 farms in the Middle East before moving to DC to cook in the Syrian Embassy.
10. 1789 Restaurant
The building 1789 is located in has been around since 1789 but the restaurant opened in 1962. Since then it has been the scene of many a delicious dinner for Washington elite and politicians. The downstairs bar, The Tombs, is a Georgetown University haunt that was featured in the film St. Elmo’s Fire.
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