If not the Old Ebbitt...?

[tsunami]

I just said "yes" to dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill without checking Chowhound first and now I'm regretting it.
Any recommendations for places in the neighborhood that are less noisy and less bland without breaking the bank?
Thanks!

[MakingSense]

Old Ebbitt should never be considered a regrettable choice for a good meal with friends. Far from "bland," the food is fresh and local and they change the menu to incorporate seasonal specialties from the Chesapeake Bay region. There are other trendier and hipper places around, but few where you can dependably find good rockfish, trout, or a classic local-style crabcake done right. They also usually have Chincoteagues among their selection of oysters. OEG is one of the places I take out of town guests who ask for local seafood which is getting harder and harder to find in town except for places offering crabcake sandwiches like CF Folks or Market Lunch.
Appreciate it for what it is. Good fresh local food, simply and well prepared, at reasonable prices, in a pleasant atmosphere. There's a reason why locals have been flocking to this place since 1856 in its various incarnations and locations. Just because the tourist find it as well is no reason to write it off.
If you want glitz, go someplace else. There will likely be tourists there too.

[Steve]

If the purpose of Chowhound is to sniff out great food no matter what the style, from chili dogs to haute cuisine, then Old Ebbitt's only contribution to this discussion should be the raw bar. After that, it is corporate casual food -part of the Clyde's restaurant system- that every tourist coming into DC has already found without the help of Chowhound.

However, this does bring up a real problem: what if you are limited to eating in a very particular area and that seems to be the only reasonably priced alternative? This often happens downtown.

How I solve this problem sometimes is by eating in a more expensive restaurant where I can 'cheat' the menu. Brasserie Beck and Central are two places I can think of where I cen eat for the same price (or less) as Old Ebbitt's but each much better.

For example, the potato gratin with pork belly at BB is only $11 and is enough for a meal. If I want to go really wild, I'd add the brussel sprouts and the liver parfait. This is food to make you go WOW. At Central, The faux gras and rillettes appetizer is very rich. Two people sharing that and a couple of their side vegetables (the macaroni and cheese and all their vegetables are excellent) will wind up paying $14 per person, and will eat food from a great chef that Old Ebbitt could not possibly produce.

[cocoagirl]

I would hesitate to link all the Clyde's together. Yes it is a chain- but I have found a very wide range of quality going form Clyde's to Clyde's. And not all of them have a raw bar. Of all of the Clyde's -OEG is in my mind the best- atmosphere, food and oysters- I was in the Georgetown location on Saturday and the food is very average- but a fun crowd. Gallery PLace has the worst mixed drinks. Tower Oaks- well I can't get past the decor- yuck.

[Lowbar]

You must have far greater restraint than I do Steve. I've never left BB without spending more than 2x what I typically spend for dinner at Old Ebbitt. But maybe my appetite (for both food and belgian beer) is too big, while delicious, I don't see how the Pork Belly app could actually fill a full grown person up. Personally I like both.

[Bill on Capitol Hill]

Count me as another fan. Very good burgers, oysters-oysters-oysters, and I've had a really nice piece of liver there.

[howmanycupsinaquart]

Have to agree. Good ol' Ebbit!

I had a scallop salad there that was great.

[LucindaLC]

I got married there! Yes at the Old Ebbitt. DH and I had a small wedding (40 people) and they were great. We were downstairs in the Cabinet room and everyone was so kind, food fantastic too! After the vows etc, and the harpist left we all went upstairs to the bar and had a few drinks. It was fun! They were easy to work with and eveytime we showed up for a meeting or tasting we saw someone famous. I love it there and yes "She isn' t the newest girl at the party" but they are consistent.

[JAC13]

I guess I am in the minority here but I have eaten all over the city and Old Ebbitt still remains and old stand-by. Yes, it is what it is (not the most exciting girl to come to the party) but the food is solid and dependable and the service is always good (ask for Johnny P. and you will be treated very well). I was just there last night actually and my and my SO shared the crab cakes (always my go-to there) and the salmon (beautifully cooked w/lentils and a beet vinagrette). I don't think you should be so eager to change your reservations- you will find negative reviews on practically every restaurant on here.

[katecm]

Agreed. If it's your one special night in DC, it's not the right place, but it isn't a wasted night. Also, if you enjoy a raw bar, it's actually one of DC's best.

[Hilary C]

I love the oyster bar at Old Ebbitt, especially the one around the long front bar and to the right, behind it...Joe Varallo is the best oyster-shucker/bartender, and remembers everyone with a warm smile and some great chat...I am from Pennsylvania, but whenever I am in DC, I head for OE to see Joe and find out what he recommends for oysters...

[curiousgeo]

I also like the Old Ebbitt Grill, solid food, good service and reasonably priced. Sure it is nothing spectacular cuisine wise, but you could do a lot worse. Steaks, parmesan trout and oysters are usually dependable there.

[Meg]

I could be way off base, but I think Bistro D'Oc is not too far away (across from Ford's theater). It's an authentic Languedoc French gem. Great value and cozy environment.