A hundred yards from the White House, this 152-year-old institution has been a favorite of several Presidents. We hope they ordered the oysters—they’re some of the best in town. Multitiered raw-bar platters—with a selection of cool, creamy oysters as well as littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp, crab claws, and lobster—are fun for sharing, even more so during the early-bird and late-night happy hours when most raw-bar items are half price. The historic saloon is also dependable for its wings, crab-and-artichoke dip, crab-cake sandwich, and cheese plate.
-March, 2008
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
