Old Ebbitt Grill

The Old Ebbitt first opened in 1856 as a boarding house, and over the years its more illustrious guests have included Presidents Grant, Johnson, Cleveland and Teddy Roosevelt. Just a block from the White House, it’s a popular place for the power lunch (in the main dining room, that is, not in the atrium). The two bars—one at the back, one at the front—are always packed, usually with men who ensure that no nubile young thing has to pay for her own drinks.