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Rappahannock Oyster Bar

3.5 (400 reviews)
Open • 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Rappahannock Oyster Bar Photos

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RAPPAHANNOCK OYSTER BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Classy
Upscale
Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Rappahannock Oyster Bar

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Corinne J.

Visited with friends mid-week last week around 6:30pm for dinner and was blown away by the service. Our bartender Bary was a genius mixologist and crafted the best cocktails I've had in a very long time. Food service was also super attentive and kind. The bar area was a decently large space perfect for dining inside after a long day. We were lucky enough to have come before the rain and had great views as the sun set. The food was fresh, flavorful, and we loved everything we had. Ceviche, octopus, and muscles were spectacular but loved the fresh oysters too (clearly since I forgot a photo). Will absolutely be back for custom cocktails and great service.

Tuna tartare
Shawn H.

Stopped into Rappahannock Oyster Bar with a girlfriend before an event. We wanted something light, so I went with the tuna tartare. Fresh, flavorful, and exactly what I needed to hold me over without feeling heavy. We chose to sit at the bar, and while the food impressed, the service didn't quite match. The bartenders spent most of their time chatting with a regular, which meant we were waiting longer than I'd like for refills or attention. Still, the quality of the dish makes it worth another visit. Next time I'll probably grab a table instead of bar seating to get the full experience.

Sauvignon Blanc
Wendy K.

Great server. Excellent experience. Beautiful space and views. Food was ok. Very disappointed with the crab cake. Wine and menu selection was broad.

Jenni G.

Drink was 10/10. Food was pretty good. Happy hour didn't have too much options. Service was good. The ambiance was nice but smaller than I expected.

Forbidden Zone
Erica W.

Really good birthday dinner! I'm pretty good with a vibe next to the water while enjoying seafood. Our bartender/server was very accommodating and made sure I was happy during our visit. We started with the grilled octopus, 6 raw oysters & 6 rockefeller - atleast an 8 across the board - everything was pretty standard. The crabcakes, thai lettuce wraps, combo baskets and Branzino get two thumbs up for flavor and portions. For cocktails, I wasn't a huge fan of the Forbidden Zone and Summer in Dogtown because the mezcal was overpowering but the Seasonal Sangria (Peach) was perfect! Although the weather was terrible, we had a few minutes of calm to enjoy the scene and our food without chaos. I would definitely consider this a top choice for a view and vibes.

Jumbo Lump Crabcake 7/30/25
Jim P.

I went through all the one star reviews before stopping in here. I thought they were all pretty petty. Most of the people that left reviews with one star only had one to very few reviews and it just seemed like it was a case or Red Ass! So glad I came in. I brought my wife and adult son. We had a dozen oysters (4 of each) , they were all fantastic. We the shared the Tuna Tartare and Lump Crabcake. Both were bomb! Check out my pics. Also, I had the Branzino. No lie, best I ever had. It's a full fish with just the right amount of add ons (sno peas, mushrooms, lemon, Red Fresno peppers, and some micro greens) in my opinion (also the bartender) the best entree on the wharf. Get it, you won't be disappointed. The inside seating is good for small groups at the bar, but there is no room for large groups. Fortunately, there is an outside patio , but when it's HAF outside and humid, it's a no go for me. Side note the Sauvignon Blanc was top tier and paired well with all the above. I will be definitely be back! Cheers

Oysters & Martinis
Matt H.

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in DC. As I come to DC from NYC frequently , there's one place that my trip to DC r is not complete without and that's Rappahanock Oyster Bar. During the summer and warmer months, sitting at the bar and sipping a dirty martini while noshing on some oysters is the absolute perfect afternoon experience. We've come for dinner, we've come for lunch and we've come for just oysters and cocktails and we've never been disappointed. The food is always great and there is never a complaint. The service is always super friendly and casual and the ambience couldn't be better. Whether you want to come and sit for a longer dinner, just want to grab some oysters at the oyster bar or are just looking for a casual place to hang out for some drinks. This place is the place to go. I can't wait for my next trip to Rappahanock.

Scallop Carpaccio ~ 20 Pickled Red & White Grapes, Purple Ninja Radish Crispy Shallots, Red Yuzo Kosho Vinaigrette
Gloria M.

This is an interesting dish... I don't think the grapes and onions and radishes all pair that well together, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this dish. Also tried the oysters, they were on the large side and good, no complaints. Service was good for it being a busy afternoon. The bathrooms were a disaster: beware!

Seasonal sangria - white peach
Karina E.

My sister and I visited for lunch during a weekday and were immediately seated under the covered patio. It was a hot day but the space was breezy and shaded. Our server, Barry, was friendly, attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered the seasonal sangria which was so refreshing on the hot day; I loved it! I especially loved the butter garlic sauce that came with the mussels that I ordered. My sister's tuna tartare was also really good, but I think they should offer a different type of vehicle to eat the tartare with. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Barry also created a tequila lemon drop for my sister with elderflower(?) that she really enjoyed. Overall we had great service and good food.

Victoria L.

Really great fresh seafood. Great ambiance outside. Great service. If you're in the area and have time to stop for lunch or dinner it's probably one of the best options on The Warf.

Ceasar salad
Ashley S.

A solid oysters experience on The Wharf. Happy hour is the place to be here, as they do $2 oysters and $1.50 clams. They also have a nice selection of fresh salads and other seafood dishes. I haven't had it, but the whole branding looks delicious. The one drawback for me: I prefer West Coast oysters, and you'll only find East Coast / Virginia oysters here.

Pauline D.

So I spent the end of the summer visiting here and enjoyed it. We would air in the bar area which is open area when warm. Get some drinks and oysters, plus oyster shooters. Definitely recommend visiting for that experience alone. We've been around looking for ones we like better.

Mocha Crème Brûlée
Rich S.

You get what you pay for Food I have been here three times now with my parents, son and daughter. We have gotten the shrimp poboy twice, the burger twice, oysters each time and the shrimp salad once. We have also always gotten whatever flavor of Crème Brûlée was on the menu. The burger was one of the best I have ever had. They have recently changed it and it isn't quite as good as before but the quality and flavor of the meat is top notch. The sauce they put on it is also excellent. The oysters are some of the best if not the best I've ever had very fresh tasing not fishy or too salty like many I have had on the gulf coast. The shrimp poboy was dressed differently than I am use to in Louisiana but it was a great change up. The shrimp are huge and flavorful. Overall one of the best shrimp poboys I've had and I've had a lot of great ones. The Crème Brûlée was one of the best restaurant deserts I have had anywhere. I prefer the Mocha over the Matcha but for someone who normally despises Matcha I was shocked how much I liked it (my daughter loves matcha and she couldn't get enough). The salad and charred oysters my parents got were also very good. Overall everything we have had has always been top quality. Service The wait staff are always friendly, quick and helpful. Never had a bad experience here. Ambiance We have always sat under the covered porch. It is right on the water and has a beautiful view. You feel the breeze come through (they also have fans in the summer and heaters in the winter). There is also indoor seating if you prefer. Overall very pleasant place to eat. Price This is my only knock on the restaurant. Last time I was there we ordered 1 burger, 1 dessert, 2 oysters and water and the bill was $50. The burger alone is $24. I knew that it was expensive after the frost trip and I still have gone back twice but this is definitely a special occasion kind of place for us but since we aren't in DC often that is fine. I'm not going to say something is or is not worth it for you just know this is high end not a midrange place to eat. With all of that said it is 5* for me. We love the food and I would go back whenever I am here so long as it is a small party. I would not however bring the whole family of 5 simply because of the price tag.

Crème broule

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ZOOZ Cocktail Garden

3.7(114 reviews)
0.4 mi

Zooz at the Wharf had an intimate looking ambiance. Flowers were on the wall posts, and dimly lit…read more I spotted a DJ booth in the corner, so I bet this place gets club-ish later in the night. The chicken teriyaki stole the show. It packed a ton of flavor with a little kick of heat at the end. It came with fried rice and broccolini. My only wish? More broccolini and less rice. The broccolini tasted great, and I wanted more of it. The surf and turf sat on top of a mayo-based sauce. It tasted good, but the crab cake had some filler in it The Wharf garages are pricey . If you can, try to luck out with a street spot in the nearby neighborhood or catch an uber. Overall, Zooz was a cool spot and the teriyaki dish is worth coming back for. I plan to return for a later night to catch that DJ in action.

We had such a fun night at ZOOZ for their comedy night, and it was such a great addition to The…read moreWharf! The host, Uncle Ant, did a great job keeping the energy up. There was a great lineup of comedians, Myss Brown Sugga went last and was outrageous and hysterical! I love that they are taking the comedy night to the next level. Starting with the next show (August 26) it's becoming Comedy Competition, with a different lineup for each show. Guests will vote for their favorite comedians, with cash prizes for the winners, plus half-off wine (yassssss). ZOOZ has a really sexy, cool cocktail-garden atmosphere that makes it a great place for a night out. Our server was very good, the food was good, and the cocktails were excellent. And the location at The Wharf is perfect--you can make a whole evening of it by grabbing dinner and drinks, catching the comedy show, then walking along the river, enjoying the swings on the pier, and taking in everything else the Wharf has to offer. We're definitely looking forward to coming back for the next show!!

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Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf - Roasted chicken

Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf

3.7(1.2k reviews)
0.3 mi
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First time at Hank's Oyster Bar in the Wharf in DC. Restaurant is a relaxed place right on the…read morewaterfront with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is seafood focused but also includes burgers, pasta, and more. I had the crab cake sandwich with Old Bay seasoned fries. The crab cake was filled with crabmeat and little filler. It had a nice mayo sauce and the perfect potato roll that hold the crab cake. I'd give the crab cake a 4 out of 5 and would love to try the dinner. My partner had the Mac and cheese which was homemade with a sharp cheese flavor and broil perfectly on top. Hank's is a great little stop if you're on the DC wharf. I'll be back when I'm in town.

Very solid and enjoyable dinner spot on the wharf…read more Dozen mixed oysters (9.5/10) were super fresh, briny and delicious. Crab cake sandwich (8/10): tender, enjoyable but not revelatory. Hushpuppies: (9.5/10) piping hot, light, poppable. They were a hit! Chili carrots (9/10): damn good for a side of baby carrots: warm, sweet with just a touch of heat. Brussels sprouts (9.5/10): they do them right: nice char, well seasoned, packed with flavor. BBQ Oysters: 10/10: gigantic! Some of the biggest oysters I've ever seen, cheesy, with a nice broil. Served 6 to a plate. Service was friendly if a bit inattentive, because it was quite busy. We were glad to get a table outside on the patio to enjoy the views of the water and the warm weather (before all of the Canadian fire smoke came down). Very enjoyable dinner spot.

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Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf - Crab Cake Sandwich

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Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar

4.2(2.4k reviews)
2.1 mi•Logan Circle
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Going to Barcelona Wine Bar has been the most fantastic exhilarating nights I have enjoyed in my…read morepast 52 years of life. My husband Dave and I go almost every month and the food and drinks are fantastic! I will say this restaurant draws a very young audience, but nonetheless we are always down to boogie. My favorites have been the goats whipped cheese, flank steak, patatas bravas, and the empanadas! And the drinks to absolutely die for! I always start Dave and I off with a pitcher of sangria, red of course, but he's not too keen on the fruity drinks so he always gets a beer. Overall experience is a 10000/10 am definitely going back next month. Xoxo Kathy!

One of my favorite go-to spots whenever I'm in DC! Barcelona never disappoints. The food is always…read morefresh, flavorful, and phenomenal, and the ambiance is top-tier. Plus, you never know who you might see while you're there! They also have a great Happy Hour with a really nice selection of food and drinks. Now, I've never been a gimlet girl, but after trying their Richmond Gimlet, my palate was officially expanded! A gimlet is now one of my favorite cocktails. The unfortunate part is that everybody can't make a GOOD gimlet, even though it seems like such a simple cocktail. Barcelona definitely gets it right! If you're looking for good music, a great crowd, delicious food, and even better drinks, definitely check out Barcelona. It's always a vibe!

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Barcelona Wine Bar - Indoor

Indoor

Barcelona Wine Bar
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Free State - Hazy IPA

Free State

4.3(151 reviews)
1.3 mi
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Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

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Free State - Spiked chocolate

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Sixty Vines

Sixty Vines

4.4(248 reviews)
1.8 mi•Foggy Bottom
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High energy- bright vibe with modern ambience. Exceptional service everywhere you turn. Good food,…read morefun atmosphere for some good time with friends and family. Venue: Ginormous - and yet it was packed. Huge bar downstairs and there's one in the rooftop as well. Modern- I just loved all the furniture there and lounge area by the waiting area is so chic and very smart idea. Food: we just ordered pizza and large charcuterie board. Margarita Pizza was good- simple yet full of flavor with almost perfect dough (and good priced.) Charcuterie board was simple yet well prepared. Loved the honey comb that complimented the soft cheese we ordered. Had some wine flights and went very well with what we ordered. Service: the manager helped us in the beginning - and came back to check up on us -just said everything how this place is under a great management. The servers from the lounge to the table were all exceptional and very helpful. You guys rock! Price: very fair price for what it delivers Yes- I'm coming back again for more but with more people now!

Like other locations, the open vignoble aesthetic is breezy and inviting. My favorite place is…read moreprobably the well appointed restroom with resinous scented candles! The service was good. Trained but not very experienced. So the setting was good for an enjoyable meal. The gluten-free fried zucchini appetizer was delicious as usual. I prefer fried foods to stay crispy; the added sweet peppers affected it, no biggie. The charred golden beets were also tasty. The gluten-free (Vegan without modification) mushroom pizza was full of flavor. Many varieties of mushrooms and vegetables. Didn't get the combination of cheeses requested so some toppings fell off. Some also fell in my mouth, haha. The pork chop was brined and grilled. Very flavorful down to the bone. Also enjoyed especially the Rosé Grenache and beverages. No photographic evidence of this meal, alas, but I recommend this restaurant and location for gluten-free dining.

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Sixty Vines
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Amelie - Mussels

Amelie

4.2(103 reviews)
1.8 mi•Logan Circle, Downtown

Amelie had been on my radar for some time and I finally stopped by on a recent Monday around 7:15…read morePM. The place was busy, but not packed, and I got a table without a reservation. I tried the Beef Tartare ($19) which came with a quail egg and sunchoke chips on top, a small side salad, and a large bread basket. The tartare was good and the bread was great. For an entree, the Trout à la Grenobloise ($33) was great. It came with mashed potatoes, green beans, almonds, and caper-lemon-brown butter sauce. It was a really nicely cooked piece of fish. The restaurant was larger and the decor more modern than I expected. I also didn't realize it was part of a small chain, with locations in NYC and SF. Service was a little slow at first, but then fine. Overall, a nice, classic French meal.

Vibey and French, un peu on the loud side. The waitstaff and hostess were very friendly and most…read moreseemed to be native-French speakers which added to the overall experience. Expansive wine selection--we went with the chilled Gamay and loved it. One of our party got an Alsatian beer which he enjoyed. The escargot with their puff-pastry hats were good but not astoundingly so. The French onion soup was very good with a generous cheese topping but slightly under flavored. Mushroom soup was yummy although bland to look at. Steak frites and roasted chicken were nice but the ravioles left me wanting something more. Would go back and have drinks, apps, and deserts but maybe skip the entrees!

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Amelie
Amelie - Goat cheese ball and baguette.

Goat cheese ball and baguette.

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Rappahannock Oyster Bar - seafood - Updated October 2026

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