If you know anything about me you know I enjoy beautiful aesthetics, great food and people watching. The ability to spot VIP’s in Washington, DC, is one of my superpowers. It’s a gift.

Old Ebbitt Grill, located down the street from the White House, fits the bill. When I lived in the city back in the 2010’s, I would occasionally pass this establishment on my way to the White House to sight see or take in a garden tour. I was able to eat there a few times with friends but for the most part I stuck with Tortilla Coast (#rip) or Good Stuff on a typical day. I recall being shocked during my first visit to the tony eatery that there were sizable paintings of scantily clad women on the walls. 

The last time I ate at Old Ebbitt, a friend of mine got tickets to tour the White House at Christmas. As a lover of all things political and American history, I jumped at the chance and booked a flight to the city (after finding the perfect dress of course).

As we were trying to figure out where we would eat post tour, we had several options which were in close proximity. I was trying not to traipse around the city in my leopard print, Franco Sarto pumps. The trip took place during the pandemic restrictions so we had limited options and wanted to go to a place that had a decent menu. 

We made reservations and were able to get in before our time. I love the overall decor and feel of the restaurant. The plush, deep hunter green, pin cushion seating and exquisite paintings combined with dark, polished wood accents give an overall sense of elegance and refinement. We were actually seated in the well lit atrium at the rear of the venue which has more of a modern feel. 

As per the level of the establishment, the servers are excellent and unobtrusive. I decided to go with the Pork Chop. It was an excellent choice!  It had perfect grill lines and was as tasty as it looked. The presentation was Instagram worthy as well. I would go there again and order the exact same thing. It is probably in my top five pork chops I’ve had across the country. As I said, I’m serious about pork chops. Some of my favorites are at Haliewa Joe’s on Oahu, Bavette’s Bar & Beouf in Chicago, The Hare and The Hound in Landrum (SC) and Select in Greer (SC). 

This eatery is a DC classic. It is famous for the power lunches that have happened on its premises You might even see the president of the United States dining at Old Ebbitt. Of course, you probably won’t be able to get very close to a VIP but it is cool to eat at a place where you might see some of DC’s most notable movers and shakers. Also, the food is excellent. I approve this message.