Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill stands as a historic Washington D.C. landmark, a place where presidents have dined since the eighteen hundreds. I arrived with high hopes for the legendary cream of crab, ready to test if this venerable saloon could rival Maryland’s finest. The atmosphere is steeped in history, promising a culinary adventure that has endured for over a century. While the building itself boasts an impressive legacy dating back to 1856, my mission was strictly soup-focused, seeking that perfect balance of brine and butter that defines the genre.

Unfortunately, the menu held no cream of crab, so I pivoted to their clam chowder. It was a solid, comforting bowl with distinct clams swimming in a rich broth. The texture was pleasant, and the flavor profile was genuinely good, offering a satisfying alternative when the star ingredient is absent. I even enjoyed a pretty decent fish sandwich to round out the meal. Despite the four-mile trek from the Navy Yard, the experience was memorable, if not exactly what I had planned. It turns out that while you won’t be disappointed by the history or the food, you also won’t find that specific crab soup here.