Best Raw Bar in DC??

[csabo]

Looking for a place that offers choices in oysters searved fresh, clean and ice cold. Fancy decor not a requirement but a extra points for a nice mignonette.

[homesmax]

I second Hanks! Their oysters are delicious, there's a wide selection of East and West coasters, and a great mignonette. Bonus: the food is really yummy, if you're in the market for sides/entree/etc....

[beauxgoris]

I thought that Hank's was so-so. Not great, not awful.

[homesmax]

what did you order?

[beauxgoris]

^^Oysters - also had the mac 'n cheese.

[chicken kabob]

Blacksalt?

[Elyssa]

I've always liked the offerings at Hank's Oyster Bar.

I have also enjoyed the oysters at Legal's Seafood in Gallery Place/Chinatown. I know its a chain but its high quality. Many times when I am going to see a movie I will grab a Sam Adams, some oysters, and a cesar salad at the Legal's bar before or after the show. It thrills my Boston heart :)

[DanielK]

I'm a big fan of both Sea Catch in Georgetown and Old Ebbitt Grill. Not only do they both have a good selection, they both have great happy hour pricing on raw bar items (and drinks to match).

[flavrmeistr]

I like J.Paul's, but I haven't been there in a while.

[Jacey]

what is the Ebbitt grill and Clyde's happy hour specials (food/drink & cost)? Their websites for that are not working.

[DanielK]

I had to dig for a while, but here's what I found on the Clydes website. Half off is an amazing deal - try one of the Orca platters with a friend or group. They have never listed prices on their website.

OYSTER HAPPY HOUR
Join us for Oyster Happy Hour, during which all raw bar items are half off.

Clyde's at Mark Center
Monday through Friday, 4:00 -- 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM to midnight.

Old Ebbitt Grill
Monday through Thursday, 3:00 -- 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Clyde's of Gallery Place
Sunday through Thursday, 3:00 -- 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Tower Oaks Lodge
Monday through Thursday, 4:00 PM -- 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM -- 12:30 AM.

[caphil07]

The Orca platter at the Ebbitt is maybe the best deal in town:

-One 1 1/2 pound chilled lobster
-12 crab claws
-12 oysters (raw)
-12 claws (raw)
-12 shrimp (gigantic - size of your palm)

During the happy hour, I believe this entire plate costs around $45. Even without the orca platter, Ebbitt is the best place in town for Oysters. Good selection, always very fresh, and the half off happy hour is one of the best deals in town. I would gravitate to the back bar if you are looking to avoid a lot of tourist traffic.

[DanielK]

Also note that different places in the Clyde's chain seem to have different rules about where you can get the 1/2-off raw bar - some require that you actually sit in the bar to get the special, and others do not. Ask before assuming...

[humblegourmand]

Second this notion. Ebbitt's stuff is always extremely fresh, and if you head left from the front door, the Corner Bar is less crowded with tourists. The shrimp have the best flavor of any jumbos I've ever tried. With plenty of horseradish and cocktail sauce.... yum.