The Hamilton 🆚 Old Ebbitt Grill

I visited two legendary Washington DC restaurants - the famed "Presidential Canteen" Old Ebbitt Grill and its supposed "alternative" The Hamilton. Reality check: reservations are essential, as both pack crowds even at weekday lunches (we waited 20 minutes at Old Ebbitt despite reservations). Crucial note: The Hamilton and Hamilton's Bar & Grill are different establishments - the real deal is the one accepting reservations on Google! 🍔 The Hamilton 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Dish Rating Highlights Beef Pappardelle 9/10 Handcrafted pasta coated in red wine sauce, braised beef cheeks melting tender Hamilton Burger 8.5/10 Angus patty + runny egg + caramelized onions, toasted brioche bun Seafood Chowder 8/10 Bourbon-infused broth packed with mussels and shrimp Rosemary Chicken 6/10 Dry breast meat, oversalted marinade (server recommendation backfired) 🏛️ Old Ebbitt Grill 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Dish Rating Highlights Dry-aged Steak 8/10 Perfect Maillard reaction on ribeye, surprisingly harmonized with black pepper sauce Legendary Fries 9/10 Duck fat double-fried crispness with seaweed powder umami boost Blue Crab Cake 5/10 Overpowering fishiness even with mustard sauce, Ningbo native misses local crab Pan-seared Salmon 6/10 Oversalted crust masks fish fat aroma, asparagus side dish outshines main 💡 The Ultimate Verdict Choose The Hamilton for flavor: More consistent kitchen execution, calculated culinary risks Choose Old Ebbitt for ambiance: Victorian chandeliers and moose heads create classic DC memories Budget reference: $180 for 3 people with 4 dishes + tip, comparable value Biting into the juicy Hamilton burger revealed this truth: No "Presidential Canteen" glamour can outperform solid cooking technique. White House occupants may change, but a perfectly executed cheeseburger remains eternally loyal. #DCFoodBattle #PresidentialDining #HamiltonEats #AmericanCuisineReview