Drinkers Are Delighted With Mission Navy Yard As a Pregame Spot

Budding chain Mission’s new Navy Yard location rushed to open in time for Major League Baseball’s All-Star game on Saturday, July 14 with a limited menu, with plans to unveil its full lineup throughout August under executive chef Roberto Hernández’s watch.

The two-story Mexican restaurant (1221 Van Street SE), co-founded by Fritz Brogan and Reed Landry (Mission Dupont Circle, Hawthorne), features four bars — one which claims to be D.C.’s longest — with 16 draft lines at each: 10 for beer, three for wine and prosecco, and three for margaritas and cocktails. One is exclusive to the new Mission location: DC Brau’s “Dos” beer, brewed specifically for the new restaurant.

Read on to hear what customers are saying, just a few weeks in:

The No Wait News: Facebooker Jack Maher says “even with a packed house, you have space plenty of space to breathe. Drinks were quick, bartenders were affable, and for an added bonus, they don’t use plastic cups nor straws so they are pro sea turtle.” Facebooker user Sophie Zeigler calls it a “beautiful space, no wait for drinks, plenty of restrooms, and most importantly -- there were toppings on each and every chip of my nachos. No naked chips.” [Facebook]

The Good and Bad Bites News: Facebook user Steve Dahlgren says “the carafe of margaritas was a good deal. The shrimp tacos need an upgrade. The frito pie is great.” Yelper Victoria B. says “margaritas are on tap and super strong ... nachos are okay, quite filling but an extra $5 for protein is absurd. The quesadillas are good too but protein is an additional $5 for as well.” [Facebook, Yelp]

The DL on the Design News: Yelper Alexandra G. says “This place is HUGE. Every time I thought we had found the end, it kept going. There are four distinct rooms on the top floor. The first (and largest) appears to be a bar only area. The other three areas vary in privacy ... Along the top floor are many small balconies. This is where we spent a majority of our evening, since the weather was amazing.” Instagram user @wdaviesphotography notes “There is no shortage on bar space and there is even a private dining area (very cool). The decor also is a mixup of industrial moderanism with very south of the boarder charm.” And Instagrammer @the.localist.dc calls Mission “enormous and gorgeous.” [Yelp, Instagram]

The Party On News: Yelper Loyal L. and her friend co-hosted their birthday party there, and “called ... just two days in advance and they were able/happy to accommodate our group of about 30 people. There was no charge for the space and they have great happy hour pricing. They set aside the perfect amount of space for us upstairs (including outdoor space we weren’t able to use due to the pouring rain) and even made a little sign wishing us a happy birthday.” And Louis A., who hosted a party during opening weekend, says “the space is beautiful, the drinks and food amazing and the staff perfectly hospitable.” [Yelp]

The Game Day News: Yelper Ellen F. says “service at the bar was super slow and it gets packed on game days/when there is concerts/events going on. Margs are good but don’t get the strawberry one. Tacos a little plain, but great guacamole. Mission is also a fun night time spot, but again gets crowded/may have to wait in line.” But Paul D. experienced “great service, great food, really great margaritas. A must for a drink before or after the game. Especially recommend the churros!” [Yelp]