The Absolute Best Oysters in Washington DC

If your passion is seafood, you may feel like you have to hop across the pond to Europe in order to find some truly delicious oysters. However, if you’re living in or visiting District of Columbia, there are plenty of great spots around the city where you can find exceptional oyster dishes. With so many options out there, how do you choose which ones will satisfy your cravings? Read on to discover our pick for the 7 best oyster bar in District of Columbia!

The 7 Best Oyster in District of Columbia

Old Ebbitt Grill

• Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.6 (13676)
• Phone: +1 202-347-4800
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM

  Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• Reviews:
  Headed to Old Ebbitt during the spring for the second time in my life and boy was excited to be back. Sat at the bar this time for a late lunch and some drinks. Bartender was super friendly to us as tourists, helpful with the drink and food menu suggestions, and very attentive. Made everyone at the bar feel like regulars striking up conversations with everyone.

  The drinks were well made and the food was delicious. The overall atmosphere makes you think of all the people who have visited the bar since its existence. Really close to several attractions and easy to walk or bike to. I look forward to visiting for dinner next time I’m in town.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Jesus Popoca (3 months ago)

  There are straightforward American-style food. This restaurant is best known for its huge old-school oyster bar—think lots of dark wood, brass fixtures, and big mirrors. That oysters was fantastic and fresh. We’ve enjoyed also cheese sampler, fried calamari and baked oysters. Everything they do is absolutely delicious. The service was very fast and friendly. We were happy to choose this great restaurant to end our busy day in Washington, D.C.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Natalia Med (5 months ago)

  Loved the experience! Tasted a dozen oysters and each one was more delicious than the other.
  Wine is very fairly priced. Saw it more expensive in some New York wine discount stores.
  The fish was such a huge portion when they split it in two plates we told them that we did not order 2 plates but to our surprise that was a full plate.
  If you get a chance to go to happy hours for oysters don’t hesitate!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Tiberiu Hrihorciuc (10 months ago)

  Make Reservation!
  This place is a must when in DC.
  Freshest seafood , the flavors are so delightful. The preparation is pretty quick, fresh and delicious. The plate sizes are very filling. Service is unexpectedly good , considering how busy and packed the place is.
  Check out the happy hours – particularly for the deal on oysters.

  So glad we got desserts even though we were so stuffed with the main course alone.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Supriya Verma (5 months ago)

  Had an awesome time here as a late night/ early next day stop. The food was quite nice and fairly refined, especially at such a late hour! The atmosphere was popping as well which made it more enjoyable. Service was very friendly and they had great oysters. Fresh complimentary bread never hurts either…

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Aditya Karandikar (7 months ago)

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

• Address: 750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.7 (3860)
• Phone: +1 202-489-0140
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

  Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
• Reviews:
  We had a great time here enjoying delicious food and great service. They offered several kinds of bread and they all tasted good. The stone crab was cold but still very delicious. The tuna is fine but not as fantastic as other cuisines. The only thing I’m not satisfied is the beef, which is medium but still kinda hard to chew and swallow. We didn’t finish that. If we could try all this again, I would definitely save the money for steak and have more stone crabs.

  We two shared two appetizers, one beef entree, one seafood spaghetti and two stone crab legs. The total price before tax and tips is 260+.

  ✭✭✭✭ By Tracy Li (2 months ago)

  We waited quite some time to finally enjoy this local favorite. Service was wonderful and we were seated almost immediately. I enjoyed a Weller bourbon and my wife had a Cosmopolitan before our meal. Rather enjoyed the crackers and cheese before the bread came. My wife had a nice prime rib cut while I had an outstanding Seafood Medley. Key lime pie for dessert was a great way to finish!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Marc Jonescu (4 months ago)

  My, my, my! This is the best restaurant that I have visited. The bar has been set. This is now the restaurant to beat. Everything was amazing. Even the bread served before the meal was delicious ?. This was truly a culinary event. The ambiance was top tier. The staff was exceptional. It was quite a day. Arena Stage to see American Prophet and then this amazing meal. My hat is off to you Joe’s Seafood. A job well done!! I will be back.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By A Layne (4 months ago)

  Amazing food, impeccable service. The ambiance is so relaxing and lovely. A true gem in DC. Oysters Rockefeller was so good, best I have had in years!! The sangria was flavorful and refreshing. We can’t wait to visit on our next trip to DC!!! The chocolate fudge pie was decadent and delicious! This was just 1/2 a slice, more than enough to share!!!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Teresa Simmons (8 months ago)

  We headed to Joe’s on a Friday night – made the reservation maybe a month in advance – they were behind and it took an extra 12-15 mins to get seated. That all said the food is fantastic. Cocktails are awesome, old-fashioned, peach smash, big wine list and the steak is incredible. The shrimp cocktail is awesome. Pie for dessert is a must have. Overall solid experience after the delay. Service was solid but not incredible.

  ✭✭✭✭ By David Brenton (4 months ago)

Hot N Juicy Crawfish

• Address: 2651 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (2603)

Hank’s Oyster Bar

• Address: 701 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (2336)
• Phone: +1 202-817-3055
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

  Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Reviews:
  If I could have given them more stars I definitely would !!! Some of the best oysters I’ve ever had. The atmosphere was greats, good customer service, the staff was so friendly. Toasted with Champs as it’s a great combination with oysters. First place we ate to start of what was a great week. I highly recommend Hank’s Oyster Bar. Of there there is a variety of other great food there with both inside and outdoor seating. We also tried the old bay fries wow, wow and well wow !!! We were not hungry and only went for oysters but so worth it. Cheers to the staff of Hank’s for making a great first impression for our stay in the district.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By World Traveler / Self Proclaimed Foodie (Ren) (4 months ago)

  Hank’s is a DC classic! I’ve typically eaten at the Dupont Circle location but this new wharf location is beautiful even in November!! So I had three happy hour oysters which were scrumptious and I kept my Maryland roots and decided in the crab cake sandwich with the old bay fries. I love when crab cake sandwiches are all jumbo lump crabmeat; the only way to eat crab cakes. The bartender was great and very attentive. She was whipping up drinks like a true professional. I really enjoyed myself and I absolutely loved the ambiance. Let me constructively say, Hank’s is a 5 star place but some items on the menu may disappoint you. The crab cake is terrific but small and the fries are well seasoned but a little crispy almost potato chip like. Maybe the batch was sitting a bit too long…

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Ray Moreno (4 weeks ago)

  Came here for lunch with my friend and we just wanted a nice place to get some oysters and enjoy the outdoors so why not hereeee? Beautiful scenery when you’re able to sit outside. I forget honestly what oysters we ordered but we were very satisfied! I got the chicken sandwich and my friend got the greens and the beets. Food was good! I ordered one of the gin cocktails and it definitely did what it needed To do.
  I have to come back another day for happy hour! So I’m looking forward to that.
  Parking can me tough on the street but there is a lot. And you know I have to talk about the mirror- this place has a nice one so for my ladies who want a photo opp here ya go!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Chelsea Andrews (3 months ago)

  This is a cool restaurant— one thing is the host in the front turned us away bc we were a few minutes before the kitchen closing. We ended up going to the bar anyway and received excellent service. Also a previous time we came the service was not great at the dinning area (granted we are still in a pandemic and everyone is under staffed so we understood). If you come here Id just go to the bar- fast service and fun bar tenders!

  Recommendations: The eastern shore crab dip

  ***Two dishes not pictured that I also highly recommend: the oysters ? (I usually let them pick) and the sea food fettuccine is so GOOD! With scallops, lobster, and shrimp. And they are not light handed on the seafood— so you will have plenty of seafood in your dish. The sauce is so creamy! I never eat pasta but I definitely order this when I go!

  ✭✭✭✭ By Maya Leo (4 months ago)

  Great food! I ordered the crab cake sandwich and some hush puppies. My friend ordered the crab cakes meal

  The cakes were amazing and the fries and hush puppies were decent. Definitely try the cayenne rémoulade sauce

  Service was fine, and the food was well-priced. Location is nice — water and boats right outside

  I intend to return (to a different location) for lunch this week to try a po’ boy

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By David Crow (a month ago)

Ivy City Smokehouse

• Address: 1356 Okie St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (2207)
• Phone: +1 202-529-3300
• Website: Link
• Opening hours:
  Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

  Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

  Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

  Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

  Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

  Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

  Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
• Reviews:
  Best restaurant out of all of my visits to the DMW. I was recommended by a real foodie and this place did not disappoint. I love seafood and they definitely hit the spot! I had the smoked salmon dinner, my friend had the 2 crab cake dinner (worth $50!), and my boyfriend had the southwest bowl (no meat). All very delicious!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Arieian Johnson (2 months ago)

  Whatever else you choose to order, start with the smoked fish sampler. It’s enough for a whole meal for one or as an appetizer for several. Diverse flavors, including candied salmon (a favorite). Diverse crowd, too. Great rooftop spot!

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By Sam Keske (2 months ago)

  Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this place, I couldn’t. The food had no seasoning and the drinks were blah.

  The outside environment has a great vibe! But, everything else was wayyyyy below standards.

  I wouldn’t recommend this place.

  ✭ By Naturally E (6 months ago)

  This is my first time at this spot. Look it was some good food. The only the Lox and bagel is better at another local place but that’s here nor there right now. However the price for the food is amazing. The portion sizes are good enough to fill you up and it had me full. I did try the wings, salmon burger, po boy, and chicken sandwich. This far I’m liking it. So I have to come back for more. The staff was really friendly and the ambience is nice as well. There’s a fire pit outside that people can sit at. Also the parking was not too bad. Remember it’s DC and parking will always be an issue. I’m definitely going to go back and update my review.

  ✭✭✭✭✭ By D P (a year ago)

  Very disappointed with the service at Ivy City. I went to an event and ordered the $15 calamari from their menu, which totaled $24 with the tax and automatic gratuity. It was the skimpiest, driest calamari I have ever had! I expressed my frustration to the bartender, who knew, based on the looks of the calamari, that it was a very tiny amount and didn’t look appetizing. He then went to get me another order and after waiting 15 additional minutes it came out the same. There was more batter than calamari. Very dry and bland. The bartender got the manager Peter who came out and basically said that’s how it comes. I told him I didn’t want it, he took it and never came back. Left no direction on what to do with the bill and didn’t offer anything different.

  My friend also ordered the chicken sandwich which tasted like it was fried in fish oil. It literally tasted like cat fish. We were told they don’t mix chicken and fish, but something wasn’t right because all 3 of my friends said it tasted like fish. So maybe it was mistakenly fried in fish oil, or the oil was very old, but we sent it back from some of their grilled wings which were also very dry and bland.

  One star because the bartender was nice!

  ✭ By Imani (5 months ago)

Fiola Mare

• Address: 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.5 (1638)

The Salt Line

• Address: 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.4 (1608)

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