Best Historic Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Fraiche

Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Columbia Heights

Fraiche (French for Fresh) is a fresh take on culinary fusion with inspiration from multiple cultures (including French, Cajun/Southern American, and Caribbean). This is also a fresh take on the historic architecture of the venue, which was once a theater. Fraiche is designed to be a non-pretentious culinary destination with a nod to upscale dining without the stuffiness. The menu is constructed in a way that takes approachable and recognizable food and elevates it, with no flavor left behind! Since the beginning of time, food has brought people together and that is our ultimate goal with this concept.

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

4.8

Exceptional(29719)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 321 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.

3. The Dabney

4.7

Exceptional(265)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Shaw

Booked 16 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.

4. Tabard Inn

4.6

Exceptional(3792)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Dupont Circle

Booked 25 times today

Christmas Eve is dinner will be a curated $92/per person prix fixe. Large parties of 6+ will be invited to our family friendly, buffet-style seating. Parties of 1-5 will be served a la carte in our main dining rooms. 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. A DC institution since 1922, we look forward to offering our guests all the comforts of a home away from home. 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.

5. The Hamilton

4.7

Exceptional(11844)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 183 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. Chez Billy Sud

4.8

Exceptional(2968)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Georgetown

Booked 52 times today

Welcome to Chez Billy Sud, your classic neighborhood French bistro in the heart of historic Georgetown! We accept reservations for dinner on a rolling 30 day basis. Reservations can be made for parties up to 6 guests for bistro dining. Our private dining room can be reserved for large parties (7-16 guests) by contacting our event coordinator at cbsud.events@gmail.com. Depending on the weather, our patio is available on a first-come basis. Please check with your host upon arrival for patio seating.Our Bar à Vin (located right next door) is open for dinner and drinks 7 days a week and requires no reservations. Please visit our website ChezBillySud.com or check us out on Instagram @ChezBillySud.We look to hosting you!

A photo of Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown restaurant

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

4.3

Awesome(10358)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mount Vernon Square

Booked 137 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 The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC restaurant

8. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

4.7

Exceptional(1084)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 12 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.

9. Iron Gate

4.6

Exceptional(3006)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Dupont Circle

Booked 14 times today

Iron Gate, located near Dupont Circle, stands as one of the district’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and is split between a sumptuous dining room, a wisteria covered patio and a handsomely enclosed carriageway that houses the bar.Chef Anthony Chittum, a native of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and his team have revitalized the space with a menu that takes inspiration for the cuisines of Greece, Sicily, Sardinian and Southern Italy, interpreting those traditions and techniques using the finest products and seasonal ingredients of the Mid-Atlantic.Iron Gate also serves as an idyllic oasis for fine private events both large and small, so please consider us when planning your next fête, we'd love to have you as our guests.

10. 1789 Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(6306)

Price: Expensive

• American • Georgetown

Booked 23 times today

1789 is a historic fine dining restaurant and bar located in the heart of Georgetown with a charming and elegant atmosphere. Known for its elevated American cuisine, 1789 offers a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The restaurant's culinary team is dedicated to creating dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. In addition to an exceptional menu, 1789 also boasts an extensive wine list featuring a wide selection of domestic and international wines. With its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and warm ambiance, 1789 Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the nation's capital.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cynthia
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Christmas Eve dinner at OEG is a 24-year tradition for my daughter and me. As always, the food was awesome. My daughter and I were quite surprised and disappointed by the lackluster greeting and overall experience when we walked in. The word "dismissive" comes to mind. Because our previous experiences were fabulous, I will look at this visit as a "one-off" one. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!!!
More info
Old Ebbitt GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.8
P
Paul
Washington, D.C. Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The restaurant, bar and lounge areas spread out across multiple rooms / terraces / levels so it is a really intimate and fun layout. Excellent service and value. Price for classic drinks skewed a tad high in my opinion. I'll try and catch a happy hour sometime and the jazz performances.
More info
Tabard InnPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Dupont Circle
•
4.6
C
C.VIP
Las Vegas •109 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were greeted with a big smile at the front stand and promptly seated. This vibrant spot featured fresh, well-prepared sushi and an array of American and Italian selections. Every dish we selected was excellent. Though the place was packed and the noise level was predictably high, I had requested a quiet table when reserving and we were seated in a private booth complete with a door and coat hooks - the closest thing to our own dining room. The star of the evening was was our server Brian S. He was cheerful, informative, professional, welcoming, and everything one wants to insure a good experience when dining out. Kudos to The Hamilton - everyone got everything right!
More info
The HamiltonPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.7
N
NicoleVIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA •36 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 22, 2024
This was a great experience. From the time we walked in until we left the staff were considerably, attentive, and extremely nice. The energy is inviting. The open kitchen was a nice addition to the experience filling the room with warmth. The menu was clearly designed with deep thought and intention. Would highly recommended.
More info
The DabneyPrice: Very Expensive• American• Shaw
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Best Historic Restaurants in Columbia Heights / Brightwood

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

65 restaurants available nearby

1. Fraiche

2. Old Ebbitt Grill

3. The Dabney

4. Tabard Inn

5. The Hamilton

6. Chez Billy Sud

7. Founding Farmers & Distillers DC: Chinatown

8. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson, DC

9. Iron Gate

10. 1789 Restaurant

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable