Best Historic Restaurants in Penn Quarter

63 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

1. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.4

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 171 times today

Walking distance to many of DC’s historic landmarks, Founding Farmers & Distillers offers a diverse menu including dishes inspired by nearby Chinatown and cocktails featuring our in-house distillery, Founding Spirits. Open 365 days a year, our team is passionate about crafting dishes & drinks from scratch with high-quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers we know and trust. Join us for breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekday happy hour, decadent weekend Farmers Market Buffet Brunch, or grab a cup of house-roasted coffee and breakfast treat from our First Bake Cafe. Majority owned by American family farmers, including the more than 50,000 farmers of the North Dakota Farmers Union, our restaurant is guided by a very simple principal: we see and share everything Through The Eyes Of The Farmer.™ We actively care about our guests, our communities, the planet, and the next generation. This all comes together in our everyday

A photo of District Bites at District E restaurant

2. District Bites at District E

4.3

Awesome(56)

Price: Moderate

• American • Penn Quarter

Booked 9 times today

District Bites is a full service bar and restaurant, featuring a scratch made menu made from local ingredients, on premise restaurant for District E Powered by Ticketmaster. Centrally located in the historic Chinatown neighborhood of downtown Washington, D.C., District E Powered by Ticketmaster, is located adjacent to Capital One Arena, the home arena for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals. District E Powered by Ticketmaster is the flagship venue for esports and entertainment on the east coast, and offers a unique and immersive experience for esports as well as fans of events at Capital One Arena.

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29541)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 429 times today

Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington, DC's oldest saloon and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Situated in the heart of the city, just steps from The White House, this historic landmark offers a timeless blend of classic American cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. Old Ebbitt Grill promises a memorable visit filled with a warm ambiance and a seasonal menu spanning from freshly shucked oysters to house-made pastas and perfectly prepared steaks & chops. From the Rooftop Terrace to the Atrium or Cabinet Room, Ebbitt's private dining spaces are ideal for celebrations ranging from small and intimate to grand and stylish.

4. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(238)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 22 times today

Located in historic Blagden Alley in D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood since 2015, The Dabney continues to pay tribute to the wonderful farmers, watermen, and purveyors of the mid-Atlantic region whom provide some of the best and most unique products in the country. We celebrate these ingredients by preparing them in a large wood burning hearth which is the centerpiece of our open kitchen. The current dining room experience is an 8-course tasting menu honoring the Mid-Atlantic's bounty. We offer an additional 3-course experience at our bar and bar area tables. Walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy the bar area as well.The Dabney has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2017, James Beard Foundation Best Chef Mid-Atlantic for Chef Jeremiah Langhorne in 2018, and Washingtonian Magazine's #1 restaurant in 2023. At this time we are unable to accommodate severe allium and dairy allergies as well as vegan and vegetarian diets.

5. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11744)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 172 times today

The Hamilton, located in downtown Washington, DC, is a vibrant restaurant known for its diverse American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Showcasing an expansive menu that includes fresh seafood, savory steaks, and inventive sushi, it caters to a wide range of tastes. The Hamilton also features an impressive bar with handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list. With its spacious dining areas and a music venue hosting live music performances, The Hamilton offers a unique dining experience that blends culinary excellence with entertainment. Across the street from the Treasury building, the W Hotel, and the Willard Hotel.

6. Tabard Inn

4.7

Exceptional(3735)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 69 times today

Since our early days as a tea room, we’ve been a respite for locals and visitors alike, offering a haven for conversation and memorable cuisine. The tradition continues as our culinary team has curated an inventive and elevated menu through New American cuisine while paying homage to the beloved dishes that have been served at the Tabard Inn for years. Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir came to the Tabard in 2023, bringing with him experience from various fine dining restaurants around D.C. such as minibar by José Andrés, Cranes, Revelers Hour, as well as Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, MD. He also shares the Tabard's longstanding commitment to sourcing ingredients locally. Join us for a meal on our covered patio or one of our intimate dining rooms. Or enjoy drinks and light fare in our historic fireplace lounge, where you can enjoy our creative cocktails! A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home.

A photo of Ocean Prime - Washington D.C. restaurant

7. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

4.8

Exceptional(4305)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 64 times today

Located in the historic Colorado Building at 1341 G Street NW and just steps away from the White House,Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended.Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. We ask for attire that is both polished and suited to our restaurant.THANK YOU FOR NOT WEARING: Clothing emitting excessive marijuana odor Excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language or graphics Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed.

8. Petite Cerise

4.8

Exceptional(118)

Price: Expensive

• French • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 49 times today

Part neighborhood café, part energetic bistro, Petite Cerise is located in a bright and lively historic corner space in Shaw/Mount Vernon Triangle. Petite Cerise features separate à la carte menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. In addition, Petite Cerise has a Coffee Counter open Tuesday - Friday opening at 8am serving classic coffee and espresso preparations, housemade pastries, and other breakfast items to go or sit down.Dinner offers both an à la carte menu along with a Prix Fixe option. The focus in the evening is to craft unique and innovative dishes utilizing the very best ingredients within the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond skillfully prepared through a French lens.If you decide to join us for a morning coffee, quick mid-day bite, stretch out your lunch over a glass of wine, or gather with friends for an indulgent and creative dinner, we invite you here to celebrate and enjoy.

A photo of Willard Peacock Alley Tea restaurant

9. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

4.6

Exceptional(834)

Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, amongst the elegant sounds of the harp, Willard's traditional Afternoon Tea offers a tempting array of savory sandwiches, decadent pastries, and teas.Afternoon Tea at Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with two seatings available at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.Afternoon Tea makes for an elegant way to celebrate a special occasion. Contact willardtea@ihg.com for more information for groups of ten and more.All specialty menus and any modifications must be requested at the time of the booking or at least 48 hours before your reservation via phone

A photo of The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

10. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.8

Exceptional(1067)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Located in downtown DC, just four blocks from the White House, breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served under The Jefferson’s historic skylight in The Greenhouse. Natural light streams from above, creating an airy atmosphere that complements the light, fresh and energizing fare on our seasonal menus.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Richardvip
Washington, D.C. Area •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our meals and experience were EXCELLENT. My wife's meal of scallops, our guest's salmon and my shrimp/pasta (Diavalo) were WONDERFUL, as were the calamari and drinks we had before they arrived. While the entrance was a crush of people trying to check in and get seated, the atmosphere was lively and comfortable. The Hamilton is always a great experience but this was a first time for my wife and our guest to have dinner there and they loved it! Our server was good and attentive and wasn't a constant shadow to us either. A good time was had by all!
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The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
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4.7
M
Melissa
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing anniversary experience. The food, service, atmosphere, attention to detail—all so special!
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The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
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4.7
M
Maria
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This restaurant has great ambiance, food, drinks, and staff. While the farm to table aspect is impressive itself, the fact that they make their own spirits is an added bonus. I had the G&T Fizz, recommended by our waiter Lucas, and it was excellent. Lucas was attentive and knowledgeable making the overall experience 10 out of 10.
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Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: ChinatownPrice: Moderate• American• Mount Vernon Square
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4.4
J
J.P.
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was kind, professional and had a great knowledge of the menu. She was very quick to attend to us and make our team feel comfortable. Would recommend her and this restaurant any day to anyone.
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Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
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4.8
T
Tia
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
THE CRAB DIP 💯👍🤗 THANKS SWEET TIA SATISFIED PATRON
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District Bites at District EPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Quarter
•
4.3

Best Historic Restaurants in Penn Quarter

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63 restaurants available nearby

1. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

2. District Bites at District E

3. Old Ebbitt Grill

4. The Dabney

5. The Hamilton

6. Tabard Inn

7. Ocean Prime - Washington D.C.

8. Petite Cerise

9. Willard Peacock Alley Tea

10. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

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