Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf — Restaurant in Washington

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hank's Oyster Bar at The Wharf DC, and I must say it was a fantastic experience. I am thrilled to write this 5-star review!

First and foremost, the service at Hank's Oyster Bar was incredibly fast. From the moment I walked in, I was promptly seated and attended to by the friendly staff. They were efficient and attentive, ensuring that my dining experience was smooth and enjoyable.

The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the made-to-order fresh seafood. I opted for the fish & chips for lunch, and it exceeded my expectations. The fish was perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was accompanied by a side of deliciously seasoned fries, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

The bar at Hank's Oyster Bar was decent, offering a variety of refreshing beverages to complement the seafood dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cocktail or beer, they have something to satisfy every palate.

Being an oyster lover, I couldn't resist trying their fresh oysters, and I was not disappointed. The oysters were incredibly fresh, served on a bed of ice, and bursting with flavor. It was a true delight for seafood enthusiasts.

The staff at Hank's Oyster Bar were not only engaging but also knowledgeable about the menu. They were happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions I had, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The outdoor seating area was another highlight. It provided a lovely ambiance, especially during pleasant weather. It was a great option for enjoying a meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings of The Wharf DC.

Hank's Oyster Bar is popular among both locals and tourists, and it's easy to see why. During the lunch hour, the restaurant experienced waves of customers, indicating its popularity and reputation for serving exceptional seafood.

Lastly, I was impressed by the generous portion size of the fish & chips and the fish sandwich. Both dishes featured thick pieces of Cod, which added to the overall satisfaction of the meal.

Hank's Oyster Bar at The Wharf DC deserves every bit of its 5-star rating. With fast service, made-to-order fresh seafood, a decent bar, fresh oysters, engaging staff, outdoor seating, and its popularity among locals and tourists, it is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. I highly recommend trying their fish & chips or any other delightful seafood options...

I was looking for some seafood on the wharf, & this place nailed it. I was alone in town, & working a convention, so I really enjoyed the vibe in this section of town. Hank's seemed to call out my name as I wandered past in search of dinner. I sat at the bar, & was greeted by a very nice bartender named Bethany. She was quick, professional, & thorough. I wanted to try several different items on the menu, so I relied on her advice as I ordered. This created the need for her to jump back & forth between the other patrons & I, but she handled the extra attention with ease. Her timing was perfect. Now, on to the food. Most of what I ordered was done on her advice. I started off with an Athletic Brewing Run Wild (NA) IPA, ($8). It was clean, hoppy & delicious, the perfect match for the fare to come. The fried oysters, ($17) arrived first. Crispy, hot & juicy, these morsels of goodness disappeared quickly. I dipped them in the tartar sauce provided, & added a bit of tabasco to kick up the heat a bit. Next to arrive were the steamed PEI mussels, ($21), served in a flavorful slightly tangy broth with bits of veggies, & tomatoes, accompanied by 3 slightly charred baguette slices for dipping, this dish was wonderful. I was really on a roll by now, & Bethany was on top of things as the bar filled up with hungry customers. The crab cake, ($19), was ordered & arrived just as the mussels were cleared away, keeping the flow of the meal on pace with my appetite. This little 2-3 oz cake was superb, full of tender lump crabmeat, with just enough binder to add the right touch of balance & flavor. I loved it! I needed to slow down at this point so I got the cold peel & eat shrimp, ($17), & enjoyed these as I watched the football game on the big screen above, & chatted a little bit with my neighbors. I finished things off with the clam chowder, ($12). It was one of the best I'v ever tasted, & I've tasted quite a few bowls of clam chowder in my 66 years on earth. It was a bit herbaceous, creamy, & the clams were very tender. I don't know how they pulled that off, but they weren't the least bit chewy or rubbery. I powered the bowl down, & settled up on the check, leaving Bethany a healthy gratuity. I give Hanks my highest recommendation. It was certainly worth the $100 I paid...

For starters, Hank's has always been a great go to restaurant for seafood in the DC area, especially oysters. Last night I found myself having to find a location for a late dinner for an out of town guest after 9p. To my surprise I found the location at The Wharf was open until 11p which worked great time wise.

After getting there at 9:30 (and parking in the underground parking which was super convenient), my party of 2 was seated right away. I enjoyed the margarita of the day which I think was mango and strawberry (don't remember) but it was great! Then had the popcorn shrimp and calamari and the hog island style BBQ oysters for starters. These were all very delicious especially the popcorn shrimp and calamari which were delivered hot and fresh. I also had a half dozen of their proprietary salty Wolfe oysters from the Chesapeake which were a nice size and the salty brine was divine.

I wanted to try so many other starters but didn't want to get too full that I wouldn't have space to eat my entree. There were a lot of great options for entrees to select from. The seafood fettuccine grabbed my attention the most but I was not sure because it had scallops in it. To my delight my waiter, Brandon, said that I can have it removed. The fettucine was so tasty and creamy and the shrimp was so huge, almost a two biter (probably, but I'm greedy lol). Great job on the recommendation and service Brandon!

My only two complaints are: 1) this location does not serve desserts (due to kitchen size I believe) but I was treated to some chunks of chocolate as a treat and 2) the parking was really expensive ($29 for a couple of hours) which is no fault to the restaurant as it shares the garage with all the other venues and amenities at The Wharf. Definitely...