Seafood

[kkak97]

Looking for good Seafood in DC. I'd like to avoid McCormick & Schmicks and anything else that is a chain. Something with a nice view would be a great bonus.

Also, we'll be staying in Arlington and would prefer a short cab ride to the Capital Hill area, Downtown, or Georgetown.

Thanks in advance.

[Elyssa]

If you are interested in going to Georgetown you should certainly consider Hook. At the moment it's one of my favorite restaurants in DC. I think the crudo appetizers are a lot of fun, the preperation of the fish is simple yet delicious and the sustainable seafood focus is a worthy cause. Plus if you make a reservation, request a table near the open kitchen so you can watch all the action.

I haven't been to a lot of the higher end seafood restaurants. But for moderatly priced seafood with a New England bend I really like Hank's Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle. I grew up in a beach community outside of Boston and whenever I get a hankering for my childhood favorites like fried seafood, oysters and lobster rolls I head over the Hank's. Their fish specials are really good as well. (And their meat and two is surprisingly tasty for a fish restaurant).

[Hal Laurent]

Does Hank's have soft-shell clams? Either steamers or fried belly clams?

[JAC13]

I agree w/Hook and BlackSalt but would also like to add Pesce and Hanks Oyster Bar to the list (both in Dupont). You can't really go wrong w/any of those. Enjoy your visit!

[Dakota Guy]

I agree. My third and fourth choices !

[cleveland park]

I love Pesce, but keep in mind that they serve no meat there, or I haven´t seen it on the menu the times i´ve been.

[JAC13]

Actually, they do now- not a huge selection but I think just your basic steak. It is a recent change I think.

[Dakota Guy]

The two best in the DC area: Hook (Georgetown) and Black Salt (NW of Gerogetown).

[ktmoomau]

Agreed.

[dacwdc]

I've been to BlackSalt 3 times in 2 months (including last night). Crazy good stuff... you need to reserve a table at least 2 - 3 weeks out or you can sit in the cafe area near the bar (on a first come, first serve basis but the host monitors the list to ensure you don't have to be a vulture ready to spring when someone gets up). Here's my tip - if you go to BlackSalt, pick your protien - I'd sugget a whole fish - from the front of the restaurant and tell the server to ask the chef to go for it. It was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Simple prep, but layer on layer of flavors and little treasures on the plate with my grilled fish. Awesome. And save room for the butterscotch 'thing' - for dessert. Awesome.

Amen to avoiding M&S and other chains.

[sundancer 10225]

Is there non seafood to be had if accompanied by someone allergic to seafood?

[KWynn]

Not much at BlackSalt. We went with my sister (not allergic, but a non-seafood eater nonetheless) and I called in advance to confirm. The one item that they had on the menu was a NY Strip Steak. No problem, she eats red meat. But when we got there they took the NY Strip off and replaced it with a Ribeye. This is a much different, tougher cut of meat, especially if it's the ONLY option on the menu. It was quite a disappointment, especially since I confirmed a day or two beforehand and they assured me that NY Strip would be an option!