Anchored by the oldest open-air fish market in the U.S. to the south and the International Spy Museum to the north, D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront has boomed in recent years with a wealth of drinking and dining options that swing from casual places for happy hour beers or ice cream cones to high-brow options for rooftop Champagne. The Anthem, a 6,000-seat live music venue, is booked almost nightly, which drives traffic to bars and restaurants peppered throughout the Wharf’s $3.6 billion, mile-long development.
Newer options in the fold include Southern-leaning Milk & Honey and next-door sibling tavern Makers Union, barbecue pad Kinfolk, Mason’s Lobster, Bartaco, and Greek showpiece Limani. D.C.-born chains worth a stop include Colada Shop, Toastique, and Surfside. Takeout pizza from Union Pie’s kiosk is also a good call, and a huge waterfront edition of Lucky Buns keeps its kitchen open until 1 a.m. on weekends.
A little further off the scenic drag, there’s a destination farmers market on weekends and newcomer Good Company Doughnuts and Cafe.
Come summer, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events, Fourth of July watch parties, and pop-ups along the waterfront stretch (Pixar, for instance, just set up a cute putt-putt course that runs through early August). For more 2024 outdoor draws, go here.
Here are essential options for a fancy meal, quick drink, and everything in between.
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