From tiny shrimp cocktail appetizers to giant seafood towers, the DMV has plenty of delicious options for anyone craving a bit of the sea. Washington Family Magazine asked locals about their favorite spots to hit when a craving strikes. Here’s what to check out as the summer winds down.
Bethesda Crab House | Bethesda, MD
“As a native Marylander, it’s always been a tradition in my family to capture a piece of beach life by sitting outside at Bethesda Crab House for a night of hardshells. We like corn and hush puppies on the side.”
— Samantha Friedman Kupferberg, Bethesda, MD
Chef Tony’s Fresh Seafood | Rockville, MD
“Chef Tony’s in Rockville is amazing. Upscale Italian scratch kitchen with one of the largest fresh seafood menus I’ve seen.”
— Alison Riddell, Germantown, MD
Joe’s Stone Crab | Washington, D.C.
“Joe Stone Crab in D.C. has the best old-school seafood vibe! If you want to try their stone [crabs] when they’re in season, they are huge, juicy and delicious! They have many other non-seafood options, and the ambience is wonderful. It’s an old bank building.”
— Jennifer Guam, Bethesda, MD
The Grilled Oyster | Gaithersburg, MD
The Grilled Oyster in the Kentlands is fabulous! They are a small, locally owned seafood restaurant. Their menu and cocktails change with the seasons, their servers are always friendly and their food is delicious. (The lobster pasta is a must-try.)
— Hillery Snyder, Gaithersburg, MD
The Salt Line | Ballston (Arlington, VA), Bethesda, MD, and Navy Yard (D.C)
“Specializing in both Maryland and New England fan favorites, The Salt Line has some of the freshest seafood in the DMV. Being from Massachusetts, I was so excited that they had Narragansett Del’s sandy beer and even more thrilled that they turned it into the most delicious slushie in the summer months at their Navy Yard location. Outside of one of the best fisherman’s platters, they have some of the most succulent oysters and even better oyster shooters if you’re feeling adventurous.”
— Anston Perkins, Rockville, MD
More Fresh Favorites
- BlackSalt | Palisades (Northwest D.C.)
- Cordelia Fishbar | Union Market (Southeast D.C.)
- Crab Cab | Alexandria, VA, Capitol Heights, MD
- Hank’s Oyster Bar | Alexandria, VA, Dupont Circle (D.C.), The Wharf (D.C.)
- Ocean Shack Arlington | Arlington, VA
- O’Donnell’s Market | Potomac, MD
- The Wharf Restaurant | Alexandria, VA
Katie Schubert is a native Marylander who actually does not care for Old Bay. Please don’t tell anyone.
