First off, I am not a Mexican food fan, and I love this place. Mostly because the service is heads and tails above other places in the area, particularly Willie's, where, if you come in later than 10 pm and the bartenders and wait staff just want to hang with their friends, they will barely deign to look at you. My friends and I are trapeze artists across the street so come here a fair amount. I sometimes bring my service dog, and the staff and manager have always made it a point to welcome her verbally and non-verbally (not all places do). They split checks proactively, bring drinks pretty quickly (though sometimes the bar seems a tad understaffed) and are very friendly. Overall, I love the open layout, friendliness of staff and management and surprisingly, as a non-Mexican food fan, the beef empanadas were to die for. Highly recommend for big groups or to just chill with a margarita on the waterfront! read more

I came here with a friend the other day for drinks and a snack. We sat in the bar and had a really nice time. the staff were all really friendly and the food and drinks were great. We had the frozen peach sangria, it was really tasty and different than a regular frozen margarita. We had a snack with our drinks- if you want something to share I definitely recommend the flautas, we will be coming back for these, so good! The manager Sarah was really friendly and even stopped over to ask how everything was. Overall a really good experience, we are looking forward to coming back for brunch!! read more

I would like to comment on the delightful post-Nats Game dining experience I recently had at what is clearly a well-run, budding Mexican establishment in Washington. After being seated, my friend and I were immediately greeted by our very warm and engaging server, Alethea, who upon quickly bringing us our waters and drinks enthusiastically offered us her favorite taco recommendations. Though we'd been excited by it, after checking with the kitchen, she proceeded to inform us that the duck taco special was sold-out but that the steak con kimchi and salmon tacos were her favorites--and they were terrific, especially the latter! We also ordered some appetizers; notable among them was the Chicken Tortilla Soup and Tuna. A manager, Roger, also came by to ask how we were enjoying our meal, and had a distinctively light, air about him (he kind of reminded me of a family friend!). My friend and I will enthusiastically return to Agua 301--we recommend trying many of the cocktails on the menu, specifically the Jalapeno Margarita and Agua Margarita. Christopher read more

Solid spot for drinks and Mexican food. I'd recommend this location if you are going to a baseball game and want to drink somewhere that has happy hour. I tried the plantains and the ceviche. The ceviche was okay but there was not enough lime or citrus so I felt like it was lacking in flavor. The margaritas were strong and the ambiance is nice. I would recommend getting a seat at the bar or outside. The one caveat I have is the bathroom line was always very long so be prepared to wait. read more

We were greeted upon arrival, sat swiftly, and our orders came out timely and were delicious. The only reason I am not giving Agua 301 five stars is because the margarita pitcher we got was not very good and a bit too sour. None the less, our server Julian was great, the manager checked in, and the ambiance was just right. Oh and there churros are a must for dessert, so good ! read more

This restaurant makes me feel sad on the inside. While in a great location, the ambiance is awful. I just came for drinks but they were out of most of their beers on tap. Disappointing. I did get to watch random people salsa dancing outside though while I downed my 3rd choice beer. read more

Guacamole was spectacular, service was fine, Al Pastor tacos were life-affirming. The Ahi Tuna was all right, might not go for it again. I wished they had used a vinaigrette instead of a cream sauce for it. The noise level was incredibly loud, comparable to the Iron Maiden concert that I had attended a month prior. I would suggest some sort of rework of the acoustics. Acoustics aside, we would definitely consider coming here again. read more

We come here fairly often since it has a good menu, is reasonably priced and one of the few (but growing options) near Washington Navy Yard. We have had a few issues with the service, but I have always chalked that up to the fact that we always had a group of 10 of us. I highly recommend the pork belly tacos. Several colleagues who are really picky eaters devoured theirs and raved the rest of the day about the perfectly balanced taco. The last few times we were in they had a half-roasted chicken (think brasa pollo or Peruvian roasted chicken) with mash potatoes for less adventurous eaters. It was definitely good. My favorite item on the menu is the Torta Hamburguesa (grilled ground sirloin and chorizo, fried egg, tomato, avocado, shredded lettuce, refried beans, chipotle mayo). You pretty much have to unhinge your jaw to eat it, and the fried egg will drip down your hands, but it is SOOO good. Haven't tried the drinks menu as I often come at lunch time with coworkers, but plan to come back in the evening to try it. read more

I tend to be really stingy with my 5 star ratings, but here one is. Honestly, I debated between 4 and 5, but I happily rounded up because of the reasonable price. This was just a GREAT meal. We ate here on a Sunday night when everything was quiet and serene. We were seated outside, and warm, fresh chips were brought to us with some nice tomato-y salsa. The chips and salsa were free and delicious; I'll admit that we asked for a second order! This is a big one for me as I feel that too often the free tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants are stale or just bad. These were really nice. For the main, I got two taco orders (each order came with two small tacos: steak with kimchi, baja fish) and MM MM MMed my way right through them. The tacos were small but the fillings were delicious and portioned generously. I truly loved every nite. My husband, meanwhile, still somehow managed to make me jealous with his chicken entree. It was absolutely outstanding, and I asked for multiple tastes and then each time said, "What is that flavor? How did they do that?!" We didn't get drinks or dessert, and so can't speak to that, but between the awesome food, the fine price (we were out for about $45, including tax and tip), and the nice location, I have no doubt that we'll be back. read more

Grabbed drinks here on a Sat. afternoon. Not sure if they were just short staffed that day, but it took a long time to get servied. While the whole waterfront area was packed, the restaurant wasn't that busy. While I enjoyed the tacos, which were quite good especially with the beer, I didn't stay that long since it was easier to order a beer out at the fair that was going on. read more

Agua 301 - Carne Asada con Kimchi - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I wanted to like this place. The service was absolutely horrible. We went during happy hour and when we got our bill, we were charged regular prices! We had to keep asking for corrections on our bill. The food took forever to come out. In some instances, things that were ordered after other items, came out first?! Our water glasses were kept full.....too bad our bellies weren't. The quality of food left a lot to be desired. I ordered nachos and by the time I got them, the chips were soggy from the items that were on them. The nachos that we got with the table (complimentary) wreaked of rancid-smelling oil (as of they were cooked in old oil)....BLEH! read more

I went here for dinner on Nov 5 and I didn't call in advance for a reservation which was a huge mistake because they had a circus going on in the vicinity. The place was packed and we were told they couldn't take anyone because the wait was longer than an hour. The lady who was the hostess didn't even bother looking at her book. Made no attempt to accommodate us and just had the facial expression of annoyance. We decided to sit by the bar area and just eat and have a few drinks. The staff at the bar were not attentive at all. I had to ask for a drink like five times and our order of Baja fish tacos took a long time to come. When it did there were no apologies for how long it took. Another customer ordered nachos to go and she waited over 30 minutes and when she talked to the manager there were no offers of compensation and he just said sorry they were super busy. I found the staff inadequate in this place. Why didn't they staff adequately to accommodate the extra crowd is baffling. Also if you already know it takes a long time for orders then why not let the customers know ahead of time before they take the order to go? The Baja fish taco was just okay. It looked and tasted like it was just hurried up put together. I would not recommend this place on the weekend. My overall experience was horrible and the margarita tasted like it came from a box. read more

Having gone here a few more times: I like the tacos (the fish tacos are surprisingly good, and I'm not much of a fish taco fan). The wait staff is friendly. The prices are reasonable. Their main problem seems to be poor communication between the wait staff and the kitchen. Any special orders or substitutions WILL be forgotten, seemingly without fail. I don't like onions and my friend has that genetic affliction that makes cilantro taste bad (and my pity), and after eight visits I cannot recall a time when we did not send things back because they came out with onions and cilantro anyway. read more

Service, service needs a lot of improvement. Food I did finally get was good. However, asking for anything extra is a 20 min wait. 2 stars was just for the food I actually got to eat and daily happy hour. I can't recommend. read more

I would have given this place 0 stars but that wasn't an option. Made a reservation for 6:45 and came, they sat us outside per our request and we sat and wait and wait and waited, the hostess passed us twice, with the second time addressing that we had not be waited on or served or even asked if we wanted water, and then we continued to wait. Saw several other staff members walk pass us, and even make eye contact and still wasn't served. Really disappointed bc this was my first time coming and was really excited about trying the food bc we heard good things. But wasn't able to even get help to even order a drink. We left and soon after I got an email saying our reservation was cancelled which is hilarious bc when I check in it should have shown in the system I arrived. Bad customer service. Very disappointed. read more

always great food, GREAT service and great experiences! I love their tacos, their margaritas & the atmosphere- I try and always go to new places in DC, but this place is worth going multiple times! read more

I wanted to take my sister visiting from California somewhere with a good view. This place was perfect. My sister grew up here so she has been to Arlington and Georgetown but moved away 25 years ago. She had not seen the transformation that has taken place by the Nat's stadium. I was worried about parking since it was a game day but I was happy to see there was a parking lot for the yards park restaurants for only $2.00 an hour. I made a reservation because I know how crazy places in DC can get for brunch but when we showed up the place was practically empty. It was way too hot and muggy to sit outside but we were directed to a perfect little table for two with the same awesome view as if we were sitting outside. We watched the kayaks and boats in the water and the kids swimming in the little pool below. The service was great! The food was good, not my favorite Mexican place but the peach frozen sangria and the view made up for the not so amazing food. We took our time after lunch to walk around and check out the beautiful scenery in yards park. read more

We just flew in from Scottsdale and we were looking for some good grub. Came across Agua 301 and decided to give it a try. We got three different tacos and drinks on happy hour. Everything was delicious definitely modern Mexican food. We will definitely be eating here again. read more

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First let me say service is slow! With that out of the way and knowing this up front, this is an amazing place for brunch. They do bottomless brunches and the food is amazing. Our visit which is one of many required us to go ask for water while all of the servers were sitting by the computer. After that request the manager came over even though we did not complain. She apologized and was very polite. Our server then became more aware of our table as he was not during most of the visit. Now the food on the other hand is phenomenal. I love it. Everything from the salmon tacos, to the shrimp and grits, and queso is the bomb. I really love this place just wish they could fix the server problem. We will be back, but we always know that service sucks but food is the best! read more

Pretty good for the price. Definitely not authentic but enjoyable. My boyfriend liked it more than me, but he does eat chicken/beef. Our favorite was the Sopa de Marisco, it came with a good amount of seafood for a decent price. We ordered carry out and would definitely come back to dine in the restaurant. read more

There were times during our visit to Agua that I fully expected someone with a camera to jump out and tell us we were being punked. Many reviews before this one clearly explain the negative points so I will just summarize: * The greeter stared at us, the computer, the menus, then the computer, then the menus, then us, for a a ridiculous amount of time before seating us. * We were seated for about 10 minutes before an obvious display of my irritation brought over a manager-type person. She asked if we needed anything. I said, "Yes, we need water, and someone to take our drink and dinner order." She proceeded to explain how she was working in the office, it was shift change, she's just heard the dining room was busy, blah, blah, blah. * When the server who finally took our order came back to say they were out of fish tacos, we realized she had gotten the original order wrong anyway. * We got one drink of three. Then the entrees came. Then the two other drinks. Then the appetizer. * Entrees were the size of appetizers. Far too expensive for the food and service. * The food was pretty good which is the reason they get two stars. I had the carnitas tacos. We shared guacamole. read more

Two friends and I stopped in before a Nats game, and were extremely disappointed in the overpriced, under seasoned, and greasy Mexican food. The best part of the restaurant is its waterfront location. We waited for at least 5 minutes before a host greeted us. the restaurant was nearly empty inside but we were told they were booked for the entire evening. We were able to get a high top table outside that was filthy and wasn't adequately cleaned. Our server was pleasant but we could tell from other diners that ordering drinks wouldn't be wise, given that we only had 30 minutes to eat. We didn't receive our silverware and napkin roll ups until after our appetizers were finished. We ordered 3 different types of tacos, tuna tostadas, and the carnitas sopes. The tuna was overly doused with a chipotle rub, canceling out the flavor of the tuna. The pork carnitas were tender but flavorless and greasy. Each taco was topped with tough, flavorless meats, and the barbacoa was extremely tough and chewy. We spent far too much for a crappy meal without alcohol. read more

My friend had made a reservation for six people and upon arrival my friend and I (who were the first to arrive) asked if we could sit outside. The hostess told us that if you make a reservation you have to sit inside and that outside seating is first come first serve. I asked her why they would punish customers for planning ahead and making a reservation, and Stephanie, the hostess, rudely cut me off and told me to "let her finish her sentence." Well, Kanye, you were not offering any helpful information to fix the situation and you were extremely rude. Also the food was bland and flavorless, the service was awful. We ordered bottomless drinks and they were empty most of the time. We repeatedly had to ask for refills. Miserable experience the only thing that makes it good is the view outside which as I said Stephanie the terrible hostess did everything to try and prevent. read more

Food isn't that great but the view is fantastic and the drinks are heavy. They always have the Nats games on so sit at the bar. The salsa is different, and sorta want breadsticks instead of chips with it. Or pita chips. Those would be better. Yes, pita chips. Also, the little pool for the kids is awesome! read more

The chef here is phenomenal! He is so considerate and has excellent customer service. I have yet to be disappointed. The bar tenders are amazing as well. I eat here often and they are always on point! Kudos to the management for hiring such an amazing staff read more

Agua 301 has the worst service I have had in years. There are too many other options in this area, so I recommend patronizing another restaurant! There were five people in my party, and it took 30 minutes to get a server to order our first round of drinks and another 30 minutes to track down to complain to the manager. The bathrooms are disgusting, and the kitchen filthy. read more

Came here for Happy Hour meeting some friends after work. This is a very causal relaxed chill place. The updated Navy Yard ambiance was very nice! Especially when the sunset hit. Street parking was a nuisance, however once you find one you're in for a treat. Customer service from the staff was excellent. The host was my favorite since he was very welcoming. You can either sit on the patio or inside. I ordered shrimp tacos, they were pretty delicious. My friend order the happy hour wings & she loved the wings and lemon combo. The only disappointment with the wings were NO BLUE CHEESE OR RANCH! The happy hour drinks were good especially for the price. I would recommend this restaurant & definitely returning very soon. read more

This spot is new but I think it will be real hot when baseball season starts. What I like: gratis chips & salsa are spot on. Extensive menu of tequila. Great happy hour specials. Love the tacos. Sleek decor. Great bartenders. Still new, as I said, so not crazy crowded yet. Service is friendly and personal. Let's hope they can handle the crowds of summer. read more

Agua 301 - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food is pretty solid, and if you go for happy hour (only at the bar or "bar area") the prices are good. Fish tacos are amazing, free chips and salsa are very tasty. Service is HORRIBLE. The bartenders hate to leave the safety of the bar and won't come out to take orders, refill water, anything. Multiple times, we were sitting waiting for service 20+ minutes, watching every waiter in the place hanging out by the kitchen or front entry. Come on, management. If bartenders are regularly struggling to tend bar and wait, make some of your other staff take over. read more

Came to Agua301 on a date... We started with the crab guacamole. It was amazing!!!! So we on to get queso. We did not like it at all. Way too cheesy and flavorless. I ordered a peach frozen sangria and my date a patron margarita. Both of our drinks where wayyyy too strong. His was strong and disgustingly salty. I got a 10 oz skirt steak and that was the best thing I've tasted in a while. He got the short ribs with the sautéed spinach and OMG both of our entrees where amazing. I would recommend this place because of the great view food and atmosphere!!! read more

Agua 301 - The 10 oz skirt steak... Was a flavor explosion in my mouth!!! - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The chicken flautas weren't that great and they seem to be a popular dish at this restaurant. I expected a lot more flavor but they were super bland which is disappointing because they looked delicious. :/ read more

Highly recommend. I met the chef who invited me to come eat there. A few weeks later me and my gal pal had lunch there. Amazing! The cocktails are so good, the bar is packed full of fun people. The portions were also huge and I took home what I couldn't eat. read more

Enjoyed trying out Agua 301. We got there about 6:30pm on a Saturday before it got busy. We had our pick of the tables. The salsa and chips were yummy. A little spicy for me but my husband loved the flavor. We tried the Blood Orange Margarita and the Blackberry Caipirinha and found them very tasty. Makes me imagine that warmer weather is on the way. I had the Bistec al Parilla. I love steak and also wanted to try the street corn casserole. The steak was cooked perfectly and the corn was amazing. I could happily just come by to drink and eat the corn. My husband had the Baja Fish Tacos with a side of Yucca Fritas. The tacos had a nice flavor and the yucca fritas give you the taste of fries with a healthy twist. For dessert we had the churros with chocolate sauce. So yummy I almost wanted to lick the chocolate bowl clean. I look forward to going again and trying out the Brunch Menu! read more

Great place... don't understand why so many reviews with 1 star. The location is great, with waterfront views. Service was good... store owner came out to chat with my wife and I for a few minutes about new developments in the SE Waterfront/Barracks Row restaurant scene. As for food, love the Baja fish tacos and the beef barbacoa tacos. My wife had a really good shrimp dish that resembled shrimp and grits. Beverages were great... Modelo Negro with a lime slice along side the Baja fish tacos is a good combination. Food was all well-cooked... Shrimp not gummy, beef barbacoa not overcooked, fish tacos very flavorful. Salsa was unique and tasty and they gave us side dishes of other stuff for the kids. Look forward to going back. read more

This place has really gone downhill in recent months. When they first opened up, it was a fantastic place to get some food and margaritas by the Waterfront. Now, though, the wait staff is terrible, unorganized, and somewhat rude. There is poor communication between the staff and customers and the communication among the staff is not much better. During our two hour bottomless brunch, some of our party received two drinks the whole time. Confusion and lack of service seemed to be perfectly acceptable to the wait staff and I saw zero urgency from the staff to improve our experience while we were there, even after a number of complaints. The food besides the tacos is disappointing at best. They advertise a hangover cure as part of their brunch which is little more than some hard boiled eggs in a bare soup. We never even received our ceviche (though they tried to charge us for it)! This place used to be a great place I'd be happy to recommend as a date or brunch spot by navy yard. Now it's just a a disappointing mess. The view is nice though. read more

I went to this place for happy hour with a couple friends. We sat in the bar area, arrived around 5:30 on a Wednesday and the bar was full. There are a lot of options for drinks and food on the happy hour menu. I got the shredded chicken tacos which were very flavorful. The place is well decorated and I would definitely visit again. Parking may be tough in the area, but it is a great place for after work drinks and they have an outdoor patio. read more

The food was okay... my friend got mussel that wasn't cleaned. Wait is a bit long... (Friday night) not a whole lot of seasoning in the food. Tacos were kind of missing ingredients (imo) best thing was dessert... which was okay still. Just a lot of okay tonight lol better places around here. read more

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Brunch was pretty good! I went in a group with five people and we were recommended the Guacamole de Jaiba as an appetizer which is guac with a solid serving of crabmeat and it did not disappoint. I ate the tacos al pastor (pork belly) and loved my meal. The real star of brunch was Caroline, our server. She did a fantastic job of making sure brunch was truly bottomless. (I got the potent bloody marys which were very spicy as a warning to those cautious of spice.) read more

Excellent brunch experience. Had the steak and eggs that were cooked to perfection. Also had the bottomless mimosa. Eric Michael was an excellent server and very helpful. Highly recommended for brunch! read more

Ashley was our server and HOOKED IT UP.. went during happy hour and got the nachos and a few frozen margaritas THIS PLACE IS A HIDDEN GEM!!