Business Audit Series- How to Run a Successful Restaurant

Restaurant Review: Old Ebbitt Grill – A Family-Friendly DC Institution

As a business strategist and a mom of two energetic little ones (a feisty four-year-old and a fearless 15-month-old), finding restaurants that accommodate families while still delivering excellent food and service can feel like hunting for unicorns. During our recent trip to Washington, DC, we decided to try the historic Old Ebbitt Grill—a restaurant my husband had been wanting to visit for quite some time—and I’m thrilled to share my complete business audit of this DC landmark.

The Business Audit Framework

In my professional business audits, I focus on five key areas:

1. Client Experience
2. Quality of Product/Service
3. Added Value (or Competitive Advantage)
4. Logistics (Location, Atmosphere)
5. Client ROI (Is it worth the money?)

Let me break down how Old Ebbitt Grill performed in each category.

Client Experience: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As any parent knows, the waiting period before being seated can be the most stressful part of dining out with young children. Despite arriving about 45 minutes before our 3:30 PM reservation, Old Ebbitt Grill accommodated us after just a 15-20 minute wait, which was impressive considering how busy they were at lunch/brunch time.

The staff was incredibly accommodating with our stroller and high chair needs. As a mom, I’m always anxious about my children disturbing other diners or encountering unkind reactions from staff or other patrons. The quick seating and understanding staff immediately put us at ease, setting a positive tone for our entire meal.

Quality of Product: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I first opened the menu, I was both impressed and slightly concerned by the extensive selection. In my experience, restaurants with huge menus often sacrifice quality. However, Old Ebbitt Grill completely defied this expectation.

We ordered burgers and steak, and I can confidently say the burger was fantastic—absolutely delicious. The kitchen managed to maintain exceptional quality despite offering such a diverse menu. They’ve mastered the difficult balance of variety and consistent excellence.

Added Value: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The restaurant truly shines in creating a family-friendly experience without compromising its upscale appeal. They provided crayons, kids’ menus with activities, and all the necessary child accommodations. This attention to detail meant we parents could actually enjoy our meal in peace—a rare luxury!

This added value demonstrates smart business strategy. By accommodating families well, they’re creating loyal customers who will return year after year. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied parents are invaluable marketing.

Logistics (Location & Atmosphere): 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Old Ebbitt Grill boasts a central location in DC, making it convenient for tourists and locals alike. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance—it’s a high-end restaurant that doesn’t feel pretentious. The classic grill restaurant ambiance is elevated by the exceptional client experience.

What impressed me most was how they’ve created a space where you can order caviar or a cheeseburger and feel equally comfortable with either choice. This versatility is rare and incredibly well-executed.

Client ROI: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Was it worth the money? Absolutely. There’s no price too high for parents to be able to eat in peace, have a relaxing drink, and enjoy quality food while their children are comfortable and entertained. The overall experience—from the service to the food quality to the family-friendly touches—delivered exceptional value.

Final Thoughts

Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill has clearly stood the test of time for good reason. It’s a solid business that has mastered the art of providing an exceptional dining experience for a diverse clientele, including families with young children.

While there’s always room for improvement in any business, this restaurant excels in all five audit categories. If you’re visiting Washington, DC—especially with children—I highly recommend making a reservation at Old Ebbitt Grill. You won’t be disappointed.

As a business strategist, I’m always looking to work with different types of businesses to help them reach to the next level. If you’re interested in creating a solid plan to scale or are thinking of transitioning from corporate to your own business, or simply looking for a strategic consultation, feel free to get in touch with us via below!