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The Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters rockefeller, whole lobster. and blue crab “Imperial”

Where to Splurge on Seafood Towers Around D.C.

D.C. loves to shell out for fancy shellfish

by Tierney Plumb and Gabe Hiatt Updated Jan 23, 2020, 2:09pm EST

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The Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters rockefeller, whole lobster. and blue crab “Imperial”

| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

by Tierney Plumb and Gabe Hiatt Updated Jan 23, 2020, 2:09pm EST

D.C. diners love to indulge, whether it be to impress a client, celebrate a special occasion, or just to flex. Shelling out big bucks for towering, multi-plate seafood platters from a raw bar is one of the best ways to splurge, especially considering local riches of oysters, clams, and other seafood. One of D.C.’s signature towers sank late in 2019, when Whaley’s closed in Navy Yard.

Here are 16 picks for some of the top towers around town:

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PassionFish (Multiple Locations)

At Jeff Tunks’s seafood-obsessed restaurant, choose between the "Big Daddy," with eight oysters, eight clams, eight prawns, crab cocktail, and a whole lobster, for $79, or the "Mini Me" version for $42.

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7187 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815

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Invite #BigDaddy over to the table tonight. #seafoodtower
Posted by PassionFish Bethesda on Friday, November 8, 2019

A Rake's Progress

The menu changes frequently at this Chesapeake-focused, wood-burning restaurant at the top level of the converted church that house the Line hotel. But a board of Tidewater hams and a local seafood tower are signature components. A winter listing ($68) includes a dozen oysters, tuna crudo, smoked rockfish dip, and raw rockfish in the raw.

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1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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View this post on Instagram

we’re #openatsix most days, including today. tomorrow (October 23), we’ll be closed for a private event. whenever you make it up the steps and past the mirror, we’re glad to see you here. photo by @ulteriorepicure. #52seasonsayear #onlyeverlocal #midatlanticwaters

A post shared by A Rake's Progress (@arakesprogressdc) on Oct 22, 2018 at 12:20pm PDT

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The Imperial

This huge, super chic offshoot of Jack Rose in Adams Morgan has a raw bar to pair with vintage spirits and a cocktail menu full of low-proof and “cobblered” drinks. An Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters Rockefeller, a whole lobster, and blue crab Imperial.

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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The Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters rockefeller, whole lobster. and blue crab “Imperial” — The $144 Imperial tower

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Randy's Prime Seafood & Steaks

The namesake steakhouse for Great American Restaurants patriarch Randy Norton emphasizes the finer things: wagyu steaks, highly rated wines, and seafood on ice. Iced presentations range from a $37 platter to a $79 tower and a $128 “triple decker. The latter comes with 18 oysters, nine local Chincoteague, Virginia, clams, nine shrimp, mussels, tuna tartare, a 1-pound Maine lobster, blood orange mignonette and Grand Marnier aioli.

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

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The bar at Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks has a bigger selection of spirits than most GAR restaurants. — The bar at Randy’s Prime

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Le Diplomate

For $160, get a stunning selection of East Coast oysters, West Coast oysters, Belon oysters, steamed BlueBay mussels, whole lobster cocktail, Domestic Snow crab, Alaskan king crab, Razor clams with curry vinaigrette and apple, Old bay dusted prawns, Jumbo lump crab, Hamachi crudo with cider reduction, Salmon tartare, littleneck clams, and top neck clams. It’s all served with red wine mignonette, cocktail sauce, and French cocktail sauce. Customers can also buy the petit plateau, aimed at serving up to three people, for $85.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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A $140 seafood tower from Le Diplomate

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Hank's Oyster Bar (Multiple locations)

The plateaus at Hank’s vary by location, but the always-hopping location right off 17th Street NW offers one with oysters, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, mussels escabeche, and chilled, steamed lobster in small ($49) and large ($89) sizes. Visitors with large appetites should proceed to order the lobster roll.

1624 Q St NW #100, Washington, DC 20009

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King Street Oyster Bar

NoMa’s new raw bar serves a “Mermaid Tower” ($74) with enough shellfish for two to four people. It piles on lobster cocktail, jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, middleneck clams, king crab legs, and jumbo lump crab.

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Seafood at King Street Oyster

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Bourbon Steak DC

Bourbon Steak's tower is a bounty of local and American seafood that changes depending on the season and the market. A typical tower might include tuna tartare, scallop ceviche, mussels, shrimp, lobster, oysters, and clams. Sauces include Champagne mignonette and a gin-spiked cocktail sauce. There’s a tasting option for $68 and a signature option for $162.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Claudia's

The Latin-leaning, scene-y downtown destination adorns “the Tower” with oysters, shrimp, lobster, jumbo lump crab, and ceviche. Dates can split a $110 medium tower (for two to three). There’s also a large option ($180) for four to six.

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1020 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

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First Bite - Claudia’s

BLT Steak

Seal a business deal at lunch or dinner over a platter of oysters, littleneck clams, crab claws, shrimp, mussels, and a half-lobster ($69 for two, $103 for three).

1625 I Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

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Fiola Mare

The glamorous Georgetown waterfront mainstay presents a plateau (ideal for one or two people) overflowing with East and West Coast oysters, clams, mussels, head-on prawns, langoustines, tuna tartare, and ceviche for $95. A bigger option for three to four diners ($150) brings lobster, sea urchin, and Alaskan king crab to the plate. Spanish-themed sister spot Del Mar on the Wharf also has an “Ibiza Seafood Tower” for $75.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

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View this post on Instagram

We're already dreaming about Brunch this weekend . . . . (photo: @gregpowers)

A post shared by Fiola Mare (@fiolamaredc) on Jan 31, 2019 at 1:32pm PST

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Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

"The Whale" at this packed power spot includes Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and shrimp and scallop ceviche. It’s a steal, at just $26.95.

750 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Old Ebbitt Grill

This big-ticket Orca Platter comes stocked with one 1-pound lobster, six Jonah crab claws, six clams, 24 oysters, and 12 shrimp for $164.99.. Pro tip: the two-tiered platter drops in price during Old Ebbit's Oyster Hour. It's half off between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the deal extends to 2 a.m.

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Mastro's Steakhouse

Options on this dramatically presented platter include chilled king crab legs, oysters, crab claws, and shrimp, all basking in a cloud of nitrogen smoke. The price varies depending on selected seafood.

600 13th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Rappahannock Oyster Bar

This recent addition to the Southwest Waterfront, located in a restored oyster shed steps away from the Maine Avenue fish market, has two seafood tower options. The Maine Ave ($50) comes with six oysters, four middleneck clams, tuna tartare, a seasonal crudo, smoked blue catfish, and shrimp cocktail. The Cadillac ($95) doubles up on portions.

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Posted by Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Wharf on Friday, November 30, 2018

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The Salt Line

Navy Yard’s acclaimed seafood spot loads up towers with oysters, clams, lobster, crab, shrimp, chef Kyle Bailey’s seafood charcuterie, and other “daily goodies” and accoutrements. “The Kraken” serves two to three ($100), and “the Leviathan” ($155) serves four to six. The brand, backed by longtime Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, expands to Ballston this year.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

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PassionFish (Multiple Locations)

7187 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815

At Jeff Tunks’s seafood-obsessed restaurant, choose between the "Big Daddy," with eight oysters, eight clams, eight prawns, crab cocktail, and a whole lobster, for $79, or the "Mini Me" version for $42.

Open in Google Maps

7187 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815

Visit Website

Invite #BigDaddy over to the table tonight. #seafoodtower
Posted by PassionFish Bethesda on Friday, November 8, 2019

A Rake's Progress

1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The menu changes frequently at this Chesapeake-focused, wood-burning restaurant at the top level of the converted church that house the Line hotel. But a board of Tidewater hams and a local seafood tower are signature components. A winter listing ($68) includes a dozen oysters, tuna crudo, smoked rockfish dip, and raw rockfish in the raw.

Open in Google Maps

1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

we’re #openatsix most days, including today. tomorrow (October 23), we’ll be closed for a private event. whenever you make it up the steps and past the mirror, we’re glad to see you here. photo by @ulteriorepicure. #52seasonsayear #onlyeverlocal #midatlanticwaters

A post shared by A Rake's Progress (@arakesprogressdc) on Oct 22, 2018 at 12:20pm PDT

The Imperial

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This huge, super chic offshoot of Jack Rose in Adams Morgan has a raw bar to pair with vintage spirits and a cocktail menu full of low-proof and “cobblered” drinks. An Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters Rockefeller, a whole lobster, and blue crab Imperial.

2001 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

The Imperial tower ($144) comes with 18 oysters, eight clams, six shrimp, smoked mussels, oysters rockefeller, whole lobster. and blue crab “Imperial” — The $144 Imperial tower

Randy's Prime Seafood & Steaks

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

The namesake steakhouse for Great American Restaurants patriarch Randy Norton emphasizes the finer things: wagyu steaks, highly rated wines, and seafood on ice. Iced presentations range from a $37 platter to a $79 tower and a $128 “triple decker. The latter comes with 18 oysters, nine local Chincoteague, Virginia, clams, nine shrimp, mussels, tuna tartare, a 1-pound Maine lobster, blood orange mignonette and Grand Marnier aioli.

8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182

Visit Website

The bar at Randy’s Prime Seafood & Steaks has a bigger selection of spirits than most GAR restaurants. — The bar at Randy’s Prime

Le Diplomate

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

For $160, get a stunning selection of East Coast oysters, West Coast oysters, Belon oysters, steamed BlueBay mussels, whole lobster cocktail, Domestic Snow crab, Alaskan king crab, Razor clams with curry vinaigrette and apple, Old bay dusted prawns, Jumbo lump crab, Hamachi crudo with cider reduction, Salmon tartare, littleneck clams, and top neck clams. It’s all served with red wine mignonette, cocktail sauce, and French cocktail sauce. Customers can also buy the petit plateau, aimed at serving up to three people, for $85.

1601 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

A $140 seafood tower from Le Diplomate

Hank's Oyster Bar (Multiple locations)

1624 Q St NW #100, Washington, DC 20009

The plateaus at Hank’s vary by location, but the always-hopping location right off 17th Street NW offers one with oysters, shrimp cocktail, ceviche, mussels escabeche, and chilled, steamed lobster in small ($49) and large ($89) sizes. Visitors with large appetites should proceed to order the lobster roll.

1624 Q St NW #100, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

King Street Oyster Bar

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

NoMa’s new raw bar serves a “Mermaid Tower” ($74) with enough shellfish for two to four people. It piles on lobster cocktail, jumbo shrimp, raw oysters, middleneck clams, king crab legs, and jumbo lump crab.

22 M St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Seafood at King Street Oyster

Bourbon Steak DC

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

Bourbon Steak's tower is a bounty of local and American seafood that changes depending on the season and the market. A typical tower might include tuna tartare, scallop ceviche, mussels, shrimp, lobster, oysters, and clams. Sauces include Champagne mignonette and a gin-spiked cocktail sauce. There’s a tasting option for $68 and a signature option for $162.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Claudia's

1020 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

The Latin-leaning, scene-y downtown destination adorns “the Tower” with oysters, shrimp, lobster, jumbo lump crab, and ceviche. Dates can split a $110 medium tower (for two to three). There’s also a large option ($180) for four to six.

Open in Google Maps

1020 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

First Bite - Claudia’s

BLT Steak

1625 I Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Seal a business deal at lunch or dinner over a platter of oysters, littleneck clams, crab claws, shrimp, mussels, and a half-lobster ($69 for two, $103 for three).

1625 I Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006

Visit Website

Fiola Mare

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

The glamorous Georgetown waterfront mainstay presents a plateau (ideal for one or two people) overflowing with East and West Coast oysters, clams, mussels, head-on prawns, langoustines, tuna tartare, and ceviche for $95. A bigger option for three to four diners ($150) brings lobster, sea urchin, and Alaskan king crab to the plate. Spanish-themed sister spot Del Mar on the Wharf also has an “Ibiza Seafood Tower” for $75.

3050 K St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

We're already dreaming about Brunch this weekend . . . . (photo: @gregpowers)

A post shared by Fiola Mare (@fiolamaredc) on Jan 31, 2019 at 1:32pm PST

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

750 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

"The Whale" at this packed power spot includes Alaskan king crab, lobster tail, jumbo shrimp cocktail, and shrimp and scallop ceviche. It’s a steal, at just $26.95.

750 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

This big-ticket Orca Platter comes stocked with one 1-pound lobster, six Jonah crab claws, six clams, 24 oysters, and 12 shrimp for $164.99.. Pro tip: the two-tiered platter drops in price during Old Ebbit's Oyster Hour. It's half off between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the deal extends to 2 a.m.

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

Mastro's Steakhouse

600 13th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Options on this dramatically presented platter include chilled king crab legs, oysters, crab claws, and shrimp, all basking in a cloud of nitrogen smoke. The price varies depending on selected seafood.

600 13th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

Rappahannock Oyster Bar

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

This recent addition to the Southwest Waterfront, located in a restored oyster shed steps away from the Maine Avenue fish market, has two seafood tower options. The Maine Ave ($50) comes with six oysters, four middleneck clams, tuna tartare, a seasonal crudo, smoked blue catfish, and shrimp cocktail. The Cadillac ($95) doubles up on portions.

1150 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

Posted by Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Wharf on Friday, November 30, 2018

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The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard’s acclaimed seafood spot loads up towers with oysters, clams, lobster, crab, shrimp, chef Kyle Bailey’s seafood charcuterie, and other “daily goodies” and accoutrements. “The Kraken” serves two to three ($100), and “the Leviathan” ($155) serves four to six. The brand, backed by longtime Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman, expands to Ballston this year.

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

Related Maps