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EXPLORE D.C. | | | | | | | 7750 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda,
MD
20814
301-652-6278 | | | | | Description: BETHESDA. The speakeasy aesthetics set a cool scene at this large, well-received establishment. Seafood is the highlight, but it's more than grilled filets (although those offered are delicious, encrusted with coriander and pistachios). Oysters are tempting broiled or fried, and the cod branade fritters are downright addictive. Mains include black pepper and fennel-crusted tuna, seafood stew, organic salmon and seared sea scallops with Swiss shard. From the wood-fired grill, dandies like filet mignon, Berkshire pork chop and loin of Shenandoah lamb are available for landlubbers.
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| 4883 MacArthur Blvd NW
Washington,
DC
20007
202-342-9101 | | | | | Description: THE PALISADES. Founded by Jeff and Barbara Black, this market-restaurant eschews fanfare, much to the delight of the affluent neighborhood folks who deem themselves regulars. Once you've made your way past the spectacular array of fresh fish and seafood displayed on the retail end, you'll find friendly waitstaff eager to welcome you to your cozy booth or table. From there, the tough choices start: Will it be fried Ipswich clams or braised baby octopus? Mahi-mahi with polenta or French bourride? You really can't go wrong.
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| 1401 K St NW
Washington,
DC
20005-3401
202-216-5988 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. Into people-watching? DC Coast's wall of windows overlooks busy 14th Street. As the name suggests, seafood is the specialty. Chef Jeff Tunks is famous for his Chinese-style smoked lobster, and pan-roasted rockfish with polenta cake and lobster corn broth. Popular terrene dishes include grilled NY strip with andouille hash, and marinated free-range chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled ramps. Portions are sizable, and the ambience is bright and lively. As for finding the place: Keep an eye out for the mermaid marking the entrance to this Beaux Arts-style dining room. METRO: McPherson Square
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| 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington,
DC
20006
202-296-7700 | | | | | Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. This two-story establishment grants guests the option of dining casually in the downstairs area or more formally upstairs. The menu features a number of seafood standards, including roasted cod with crab imperial and Virginia ham spoonbread, and monkfish wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon. Other tempting choices are braised lamb shank with gigante beans, or grilled chicken with polenta, sun-dried tomatoes and mixed mushrooms. Be sure to leave room for dessert because Kinkead's will win you over with chocolate dacquoise, pecan carrot cake and a trio of crème brûlées. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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| McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant Downtown1652 K St NW
Washington,
DC
20006-2801
202-861-2233 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. Elegant and clubby, McCormick & Schmick's has built its solid reputation on fish and shellfish drawn from local and Pacific waters. Start off with oysters on the half shell or oyster stew, and then consider Dungeness crab, parmesan-crusted flounder, seared yellowfin tuna, or sauteed sea scallops. Pastas and steaks also find a place. The well-attended bar boasts an incredibly popular happy hour, and business folks relish its tasty fare and shoeshine service. Business casual dress. Reservations strongly recommended. METRO: Farragut North or Farragut West
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| 1201 F St NW
Washington,
DC
20004
202-347-2277 | | | | | Description: DOWNTOWN. This large dining room feels like a masculine, clubby steakhouse, but it's really a seafood restaurant. The interior boasts red leather booths, curving architectural details, and globe lamps. The menu is packed with all manner of treats salmon, haddock, sea bass, rockfish, oysters, tuna, and more. Knowledgeable servers can advise you about the day's specials, which can be grilled, broiled, or Cajun-spiced. Smart casual dress. Reservations recommended.
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| 1811 Columbia Rd NW
Washington,
DC
20009
202-234-6218 | | | | | Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. Perry's location in the hip Adams-Morgan neighborhood means that it can be a little wilder than most places, and Sunday brunch proves it. The menu offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, including pastries, eggs, waffles, quiche, and savory appetizers. However, most people come for the drag shows, where cross-dressing performers in evening gowns mingle with those looking for apple jelly. The atmosphere is lively, and shows are a lot of fun. If you're sensitive to teasing, go early though. Not many diners escape without a jab or two. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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| 2016 P St NW
Washington,
DC
20036
202-466-3474 | | | | | Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Pesce, a fresh fish market and café run by chefs Roberto Donna and Jean-Louis Palladin, ensures that guests receive only the best, both in service and cuisine. Specials change frequently and feature impeccably fresh seafood flown in from multiple locations. Among the great options are Carolina shrimp, grilled monkfish, soft-shell crabs, and oysters on the half shell. The menu changes constantly, based on what's fresh and seasonal. Dress is business casual to casual. Dinner often requires a wait. METRO: Dupont Circle
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| Sea Catch Restaurant and Raw Bar1054 31st St NW
Washington,
DC
20007-4403
202-337-8855 | | | | | Description: GEORGETOWN. Sheathed in stone, brick, and weathered wood, this restaurant's interior is eminently comfortable; nautical accents provide easy evidence of the house specialty. Led by head chef Jeff Shively, who eschews fried or breaded seafood, the restaurant insists on fresh fish and shellfish. It's known for Gulf shrimp, soft-shell crabs, and fabulous crab cakes, and the white-marble raw bar offers oysters, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Entrees range from grilled marinated squid to Virginia rainbow trout, mahi mahi, and lobster. Plus, landlubbers appreciate items like the Argentinian beef tenderloin. Casual to business casual dress. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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| 119 King St
Alexandria,
VA
22314
703-836-2836 | | | | | Description: Special occasions become even more elegant when celebrated at this posh restaurant, which has offered fine seafood for 30 years. The historic building dates to 1790, and much of its brick-and-beam interior has been preserved. Maine lobster, served whole, is a specialty, as are local soft-shell crabs and perfectly cooked steaks. Other creative dishes include shrimp and scallop au gratin in garlic butter. Only a block from the river, the sophisticated bar is a great place to meet friends. Reservations suggested. Business casual attire.
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