If you're heading to The Wharf, here are four restaurants not to miss, plus a couple fast-casual spots if you’re just looking for a quick bite!
Since its opening this past fall, The Wharf has established itself as a dining and event destination. Here are some of our favorite restaurants to surface ...
Kirwan’s Irish Pub
749 Wharf Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024 [gallery type="rectangular" ids="6592,6593"] Kirwan’s Irish Pub was started by an Irishman and a former employee of Guinness, so you know this place is legit! Just by stepping into the bar (with its strategic touches in décor), you’ll recognize right away that you’ve come to a classic Irish pub. There are three bars within the restaurant, and all are cozy and unique in their own way. If you want to be in the natural light (for day drinking, of course) and in the middle of all the action (you know, if you want everyone to see your super-cute outfit), then the main front bar is for you. If you want to cozy up and have a romantic or private conversation, then you should check out the smaller bar in the back of the first floor, which also boasts a large and very warm fireplace. And there’s also the third bar upstairs, which is much less crowded -- a perfect spot to relax and stretch out with your friends. The thing that makes Kirwan’s Irish Pub so popular is its cozy and comfortable vibe and playful ambience. You'll feel right at home in one of their comfy booths. As their motto goes, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.” And with the lively atmosphere, that’s exactly what it feels like.Hank’s Oyster Bar
701 Wharf Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024 [gallery type="rectangular" ids="6594,6595"] Hank’s Oyster Bar has been a classic in the Dupont Circle and Eastern Market neighborhoods, and now it has debuted at the Wharf as well. You can sit at one of the tables in the open-concept dining room, or grab a seat at either the oyster bar or main bar. The space is very airy and bright and boasts a large patio facing the water during the warmer months. Enjoy fresh oysters to start and then move on to tons of delicious seafood options -- like the lobster bisque, seared sea scallops, or crabcake dinner.Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi
791 Wharf Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024 [gallery type="rectangular" ids="6597,6596"] Del Mar is the latest culinary creation of the Trabocchis in Washington, D.C. The cuisine is focused on the coastal flavors of Spain and celebrates the wife’s (Maria Trabocchi) Mallorcan heritage. The menu “includes tapas, raw bar, charcoal grilled fish, seafood stews, and a variety of rice dishes (yes, paella)!”Begin your dinner with a charcuturie or cheese board and then move on to the wide selection of raw bar, cold, and hot tapas. Tapas that make the favorite list are Vieras con Trufa (scallops with black truffles) and Andalusian Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic). If you’re with a group, order one of the seafood paellas to share. The restaurant itself makes you feel like you’re on the coast of Spain. Décor in various shades of blue, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows that face the Potomac River, make this place divine.Pearl Street Warehouse
33 Pearl Street Southwest, Washington, D.C., 20024 [gallery type="rectangular" ids="6598,6599"] If you like beer and music in one setting, Pearl Street Warehouse is the place. The venue prides itself on the way its small space makes listening to music an intimate experience, and you’re never too far from a performer. Most of the music is a mix of country, bluegrass, soul, and rhythm and blues. You can check out the lineup of shows here. The beer selection is extensive and pairs perfectly with the All-American fare. You can choose between a selection of sandwiches and salads, and during the performance there will be an assortment of snacks on the menu. You can view the full menu here.
And if you’re not looking for a sit-down dinner or drink, but just want to grab something to eat in a quick and casual environment, check out the newly-opened Taylor Gourmet for delicious deli sandwiches and hoagies, or Shake Shack for a mouthwatering burger and crinkle-cut fries.
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Have you tried any of these restaurants at The Wharf yet? Let us know in the comments below!
