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The Wharf: 5-Year Anniversary & Completion Celebration
The Wharf celebrated its five-year anniversary last fall.
Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Wharf, Washington DC

Where to Eat and Drink on D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront

Find a jam-packed assortment of cuisines at the Wharf development and beyond

by Vinciane Ngomsi and Tierney Plumb Updated
View as Map
The Wharf celebrated its five-year anniversary last fall.
| Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Wharf, Washington DC
by Vinciane Ngomsi and Tierney Plumb Updated

Anchored by the oldest open-air fish market in the U.S. to the south and the International Spy Museum to the north, D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront has boomed in recent years with a wealth of drinking and dining options that swing from casual places for happy hour beers or ice cream cones to high-brow options for rooftop Champagne. The Anthem, a 6,000-seat live music venue, is booked almost nightly, which drives traffic to bars and restaurants peppered throughout the Wharf development.

Newer options on-site include a huge waterfront edition of Lucky Buns, Southern-leaning Milk & Honey, Mason’s Lobster, and Bartaco. Other area chains worth a stop include Colada Shop, which recently added a big turquoise-tinged side patio, Toastique, and Surfside. Takeout pizza from Union Pie’s kiosk is also a good weekend call.

Here are 18 essential options for a fancy meal, quick drink, and everything in between.

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Southwest Soda Pop Shop

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This nostalgic, family-owned ice cream parlor commands a loyal following for whimsical waterfront treats like a $5 “chipwich” with a choice of ice cream flavors that include vanilla, chocolate, birthday cake, mint chocolate chip, and butter pecan. Soft serve flavors include vegan mango and raspberry — in addition to traditional vanilla and chocolate — with toppings like brownie chunks, various cereals, sprinkles, and gummy candy. For something else sweet on the Wharf, consider the new Kilwins.

1142 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 981-6999
(202) 981-6999
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 26: A line of patrons snakes outside Sout Timothy Nwachukwu for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Also featured in:

Officina

Copy Link

Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s tri-level Italian complex greets visitors with an airy, European-styled cafe and bar drenched in sunlight. That’s followed by a second-level restaurant serving casual Southern Italian fare and stellar Negronis. Its prized rooftop terrace, dressed with sleek furniture, fire pits, and greenery, woos diners with aperitivos, seasonal cocktails, small bites, and an expansive Champagne list.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
An overhead shot of table full of plates containing sliced steak, pasta, and a salumi tower. Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

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Located in a restored oyster shed steps away from the Maine Avenue fish market, Rappahannock’s menu centers around its celebrated shellfish — right down to vodka and tequila oyster shooters. Other options include ceviche, a burger, seared Outer Banks scallops, and whole branzino.

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 484-0572
(202) 484-0572
The crab cake from Rappahannock Oyster Bar at the Wharf
The crab cake from Rappahannock Oyster Bar at the Wharf
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Fat Fish Rolls & Twists

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Acclaimed sushi chef Lucas Irwin, who’s worked for the likes of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Hawai’i legend Alan Wong, recently took the the reins of fast-casual Fat Fish on the Wharf. He rolls out its sushi program with playful combos like a “Spicy Tuna B.L.T.” with spicy tuna, bacon, lettuce, cucumber, yum-yum sauce, and sliced tomato topping. Some rolls get the torched treatment, and he’s also barrel-aging soy sauce with rosemary.

1 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 240-3057
(202) 240-3057

Also featured in:

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

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Nationally recognized mixologist Todd Thrasher’s massive rum distillery and tiki bar attracts tourists, locals, and service industry-types alike. The multi-level tiki bar and happy hour spot (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays) offers cheeky, frozen rum and Coke in a can, classics like a Zombie or Mai Tai, and an extremely potent T.N.T. Problem Forgetter (bourbon, Thrasher’s spiced rum, overproof rum, apricot liqueur, coconut cream rum, honey, lime). Potomac Distilling Company’s sixth rum release (Relaxed Rum) is aged in barrels for 24 months.

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

The Grill

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This sophisticated surf-and-turf spot from Knead Hospitality + Design sports South Florida vibes. Chef Roberto Santibañez, the culinary lead behind sibling Mexican restaurant Mi Vida nearby, developed a menu of seafood, meat, and veggie plates that sizzle over charcoals and pecan wood on a Barcelona-made Josper Basque Grill. The glitzy venue, which landed on the Wharf right before the pandemic, also features a lengthy wine list housed behind a glass-encased wall and long list of gins and vodkas for customizable martinis. Knead’s worthy Wharf portfolio also includes French-themed Bistro du Jour.

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 916-5996
(202) 916-5996
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

The Brighton

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The Hilton brothers’ Southwest Waterfront bar is home to the biggest wall projection screen at the Wharf. The soaring, two-level space offers excellent game-day grub like wings and burgers, along with lobster rolls, BLTs, and sleeper hits like chicken (or veggie) curry.

949 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 735-5398
(202) 735-5398

Also featured in:

Cantina Bambina

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The two-story successor to dearly missed dock bar Cantina Marina is perched right on the water. Head upstairs to the open-air bar slinging Mexican beers, margaritas, a handful of packaged snacks, and $6 Truly seltzers on game day. Its Pearl Street Warehouse partner does live shows a few nights a week. And

960 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Also featured in:

ilili Restaurant DC

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Resembling an upscale wonderland, guests are treated to opulent decor flown in directly from the Middle East while dining on Lebanese, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine. Whether in attendance for weekend brunch or dinner, there are plenty of cold and warm meze to satisfy various appetites.

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 918-7766
(202) 918-7766

Also featured in:

Grazie Grazie

Copy Link

Taylor Gourmet founder Casey Patten launched a second act with this Philadelphia-style sandwich shop in 2019. The tiny store has quickly amassed a devoted following for fried chicken cutlets, cheesesteaks built with grass-fed beef and Cooper sharp provolone, and sporadic pan pizza pop-ups with help from local restaurants.

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 216-2999
(202) 216-2999
A Philly Special cheesesteak from Grazie Grazie shows off layers of grass-fed beef, Cooper sharp provolone, lettuce, red onion, and tomato on a golden roll
A Philly Special cheesesteak from Grazie Grazie
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Del Mar

Copy Link

Fabio Trabocchi’s celebration of Spanish seafood fare takes up two stories along the Potomac. Its lavish dinner menu includes a seafood tower for up to four ($255), a selection of cured meats, tapas and grilled protein from branzino to veal.

791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 588-7272
(202) 588-7272

Also featured in:

Kaliwa

Copy Link

Chef Cathal Armstrong and Meshelle Armstrong pay homage to Southeast and East Asian cuisines with a mix of Korean, Thai, and the Philippine dishes at this upscale restaurant. Find staples like lumpia and more creative options like adobo brisket sandwiches. Grilled delights include marinated short ribs with Korean ssamjang and a section of rice and noodle dishes like khao pat (Thai fried rice with chicken, fried egg, and holy basil).

751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 516-4739
(202) 516-4739

Also featured in:

Kirwan’s on the Wharf

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This relatively new addition to the D.C. Irish pub scene is one of the more laid-back, casual options in the Wharf development. It’s known for potent Irish whiskey cocktails, $8 Guinness pours, and beer-battered fish and chips. The owners also run Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub In Arlington.

749 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 554-3818
(202) 554-3818
Kirwan’s owner Mark Kirwan
Mark Kirwan/Kirwan’s

Also featured in:

Whiskey Charlie

Copy Link

The Canopy hotel’s 10th-floor rooftop bar is a scenic spot to sip margaritas, mules, frozen orange crushes, and local draft beers to go along with finger foods like tuna poke, wings, and baked pimento dip. The sprawling setup overlooks bobbing boats below. An outdoor rooftop deck dotted with soft seating complements an indoor lounge dubbed the Cabin.

975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 730-2402
(202) 730-2402

Also featured in:

Hank's Oyster Bar (Multiple locations)

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Chef Jamie Leeds’s local group of timeless seafood restaurants added a fitting location right on the water in 2017. Hank’s serves East and West coast oysters and local favorites like Eastern Shore crab dip and seasonal soft shell crabs. The brand’s beloved lobster rolls are a go-to order here.

701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 817-3055
(202) 817-3055

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf

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The luxury 131-room hotel on the Wharf opened last fall with a collection of three dining establishments led by executive chef and W alum Barry Koslow. That includes Latin-leaning Flora Flora, a dreamy indoor-outdoor restaurant overlooking a pool deck; Moonraker, a luxe rooftop lounge serving sushi and Japanese spirits; and Bar Pendry, a lobby-level cocktail den decked out in gold and navy decor.

655 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 843-1111
(202) 843-1111

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

Copy Link

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant modeled after hit Fox cooking competition opened its doors along the Wharf’s Phase 2 in January. Signature dishes featured on the show like beef Wellington and lobster risotto adorn the menu, but there are alternatives like braised short rib and crispy skin salmon to choose from. Just a few steps from Hell’s Kitchen is his fast-casual ode to fish and chips. Plates of the English staple start at $15 with combo plates of both cod and chicken and surf-and-turf sandwiches wrapped in naan.

652 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 558-4450
(202) 558-4450

Also featured in:

The Point D.C.

Copy Link

This anticipated seafood spot and wood-burning grill on the Buzzard Point waterfront opened in spring 2021 with seafood dishes that swing from simple (peel-and-eat shrimp) to novel; order the buttery, savory doughnuts that have been lightened up with potato starch, piped full of crab dip, and dusted in Old Bay seasoning. Diners can also enjoy salmon, tuna, and hamachi at a newly added sushi bar. The picturesque venture outfitted with fire pits comes from family-owned Fish & Fire Food Group (Nick’s Riverside Grill, Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, The Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse).

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 948-2522
(202) 948-2522
The point’s savory doughnuts are stuffed with crab dip and coated in Old Bay
The point’s savory doughnuts are stuffed with crab dip and coated in Old Bay
John Rorapaugh/Leading DC

Also featured in:

More in Maps

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Southwest Soda Pop Shop

1142 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

This nostalgic, family-owned ice cream parlor commands a loyal following for whimsical waterfront treats like a $5 “chipwich” with a choice of ice cream flavors that include vanilla, chocolate, birthday cake, mint chocolate chip, and butter pecan. Soft serve flavors include vegan mango and raspberry — in addition to traditional vanilla and chocolate — with toppings like brownie chunks, various cereals, sprinkles, and gummy candy. For something else sweet on the Wharf, consider the new Kilwins.

1142 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 981-6999
(202) 981-6999
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 26: A line of patrons snakes outside Sout Timothy Nwachukwu for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Officina

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s tri-level Italian complex greets visitors with an airy, European-styled cafe and bar drenched in sunlight. That’s followed by a second-level restaurant serving casual Southern Italian fare and stellar Negronis. Its prized rooftop terrace, dressed with sleek furniture, fire pits, and greenery, woos diners with aperitivos, seasonal cocktails, small bites, and an expansive Champagne list.

1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 747-5222
(202) 747-5222
An overhead shot of table full of plates containing sliced steak, pasta, and a salumi tower. Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Located in a restored oyster shed steps away from the Maine Avenue fish market, Rappahannock’s menu centers around its celebrated shellfish — right down to vodka and tequila oyster shooters. Other options include ceviche, a burger, seared Outer Banks scallops, and whole branzino.

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 484-0572
(202) 484-0572
The crab cake from Rappahannock Oyster Bar at the Wharf
The crab cake from Rappahannock Oyster Bar at the Wharf
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Fat Fish Rolls & Twists

1 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Acclaimed sushi chef Lucas Irwin, who’s worked for the likes of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Hawai’i legend Alan Wong, recently took the the reins of fast-casual Fat Fish on the Wharf. He rolls out its sushi program with playful combos like a “Spicy Tuna B.L.T.” with spicy tuna, bacon, lettuce, cucumber, yum-yum sauce, and sliced tomato topping. Some rolls get the torched treatment, and he’s also barrel-aging soy sauce with rosemary.

1 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 240-3057
(202) 240-3057

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Nationally recognized mixologist Todd Thrasher’s massive rum distillery and tiki bar attracts tourists, locals, and service industry-types alike. The multi-level tiki bar and happy hour spot (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays) offers cheeky, frozen rum and Coke in a can, classics like a Zombie or Mai Tai, and an extremely potent T.N.T. Problem Forgetter (bourbon, Thrasher’s spiced rum, overproof rum, apricot liqueur, coconut cream rum, honey, lime). Potomac Distilling Company’s sixth rum release (Relaxed Rum) is aged in barrels for 24 months.

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 900-4786
(202) 900-4786
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

The Grill

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

This sophisticated surf-and-turf spot from Knead Hospitality + Design sports South Florida vibes. Chef Roberto Santibañez, the culinary lead behind sibling Mexican restaurant Mi Vida nearby, developed a menu of seafood, meat, and veggie plates that sizzle over charcoals and pecan wood on a Barcelona-made Josper Basque Grill. The glitzy venue, which landed on the Wharf right before the pandemic, also features a lengthy wine list housed behind a glass-encased wall and long list of gins and vodkas for customizable martinis. Knead’s worthy Wharf portfolio also includes French-themed Bistro du Jour.

99 Market Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 916-5996
(202) 916-5996
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

The Brighton

949 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The Hilton brothers’ Southwest Waterfront bar is home to the biggest wall projection screen at the Wharf. The soaring, two-level space offers excellent game-day grub like wings and burgers, along with lobster rolls, BLTs, and sleeper hits like chicken (or veggie) curry.

949 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 735-5398
(202) 735-5398

Cantina Bambina

960 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The two-story successor to dearly missed dock bar Cantina Marina is perched right on the water. Head upstairs to the open-air bar slinging Mexican beers, margaritas, a handful of packaged snacks, and $6 Truly seltzers on game day. Its Pearl Street Warehouse partner does live shows a few nights a week. And

960 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

ilili Restaurant DC

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Resembling an upscale wonderland, guests are treated to opulent decor flown in directly from the Middle East while dining on Lebanese, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine. Whether in attendance for weekend brunch or dinner, there are plenty of cold and warm meze to satisfy various appetites.

100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 918-7766
(202) 918-7766

Grazie Grazie

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Taylor Gourmet founder Casey Patten launched a second act with this Philadelphia-style sandwich shop in 2019. The tiny store has quickly amassed a devoted following for fried chicken cutlets, cheesesteaks built with grass-fed beef and Cooper sharp provolone, and sporadic pan pizza pop-ups with help from local restaurants.

85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 216-2999
(202) 216-2999
A Philly Special cheesesteak from Grazie Grazie shows off layers of grass-fed beef, Cooper sharp provolone, lettuce, red onion, and tomato on a golden roll
A Philly Special cheesesteak from Grazie Grazie
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Del Mar

791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Fabio Trabocchi’s celebration of Spanish seafood fare takes up two stories along the Potomac. Its lavish dinner menu includes a seafood tower for up to four ($255), a selection of cured meats, tapas and grilled protein from branzino to veal.

791 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 588-7272
(202) 588-7272

Kaliwa

751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Chef Cathal Armstrong and Meshelle Armstrong pay homage to Southeast and East Asian cuisines with a mix of Korean, Thai, and the Philippine dishes at this upscale restaurant. Find staples like lumpia and more creative options like adobo brisket sandwiches. Grilled delights include marinated short ribs with Korean ssamjang and a section of rice and noodle dishes like khao pat (Thai fried rice with chicken, fried egg, and holy basil).

751 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 516-4739
(202) 516-4739

Kirwan’s on the Wharf

749 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

This relatively new addition to the D.C. Irish pub scene is one of the more laid-back, casual options in the Wharf development. It’s known for potent Irish whiskey cocktails, $8 Guinness pours, and beer-battered fish and chips. The owners also run Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub In Arlington.

749 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 554-3818
(202) 554-3818
Kirwan’s owner Mark Kirwan
Mark Kirwan/Kirwan’s

Whiskey Charlie

975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The Canopy hotel’s 10th-floor rooftop bar is a scenic spot to sip margaritas, mules, frozen orange crushes, and local draft beers to go along with finger foods like tuna poke, wings, and baked pimento dip. The sprawling setup overlooks bobbing boats below. An outdoor rooftop deck dotted with soft seating complements an indoor lounge dubbed the Cabin.

975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 730-2402
(202) 730-2402

Hank's Oyster Bar (Multiple locations)

701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Chef Jamie Leeds’s local group of timeless seafood restaurants added a fitting location right on the water in 2017. Hank’s serves East and West coast oysters and local favorites like Eastern Shore crab dip and seasonal soft shell crabs. The brand’s beloved lobster rolls are a go-to order here.

701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 817-3055
(202) 817-3055

Related Maps

Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf

655 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024

The luxury 131-room hotel on the Wharf opened last fall with a collection of three dining establishments led by executive chef and W alum Barry Koslow. That includes Latin-leaning Flora Flora, a dreamy indoor-outdoor restaurant overlooking a pool deck; Moonraker, a luxe rooftop lounge serving sushi and Japanese spirits; and Bar Pendry, a lobby-level cocktail den decked out in gold and navy decor.

655 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 843-1111
(202) 843-1111

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen

652 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant modeled after hit Fox cooking competition opened its doors along the Wharf’s Phase 2 in January. Signature dishes featured on the show like beef Wellington and lobster risotto adorn the menu, but there are alternatives like braised short rib and crispy skin salmon to choose from. Just a few steps from Hell’s Kitchen is his fast-casual ode to fish and chips. Plates of the English staple start at $15 with combo plates of both cod and chicken and surf-and-turf sandwiches wrapped in naan.

652 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 558-4450
(202) 558-4450

The Point D.C.

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024

This anticipated seafood spot and wood-burning grill on the Buzzard Point waterfront opened in spring 2021 with seafood dishes that swing from simple (peel-and-eat shrimp) to novel; order the buttery, savory doughnuts that have been lightened up with potato starch, piped full of crab dip, and dusted in Old Bay seasoning. Diners can also enjoy salmon, tuna, and hamachi at a newly added sushi bar. The picturesque venture outfitted with fire pits comes from family-owned Fish & Fire Food Group (Nick’s Riverside Grill, Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place, The Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse).

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 948-2522
(202) 948-2522
The point’s savory doughnuts are stuffed with crab dip and coated in Old Bay
The point’s savory doughnuts are stuffed with crab dip and coated in Old Bay
John Rorapaugh/Leading DC

Related Maps