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    El Rey

    3.6 (20 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

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    EL REY ATMOSPHERE

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    Samone J.

    Waterfront restaurant? Don't mind if I dooooo! Ok this spot is a vibe, especially before a game! The indoor and outdoor space can't be beat. Awesome for small or large groups, just go! We kept it light with salt and pepper calamari, crispy cod tacos, nacho, a coke, and a HH margarita! Our favorite bites were the tacos and nachos, we didn't loveeeee the calamari and so wouldn't order again if we return (oh we willlll be back!) They take orders using an app, so be prepared for that! All in all, a cool experience!

    Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos.
    Michael B.

    The good, great new location right on the water. I didn't love the vibe though. The service is minimalist. Order from your seat using your phone and so interaction with any service staff is pretty limited. They bring your drinks and food, but don't really check on you other than that. The chips, salsa and guacamole are a nice starter. Shared tacos with friends and so we could try different meats. Tried the al pastor and carne asada tacos. Both tacos had plenty of meat unlike some previous reviews. They had good flavor, but being a Tex-Mex snob, I felt they didn't quite live up to my expectations. It's worth a try, but maybe not even the best tacos around Navy Yard.

    Spencer D.

    My best Mexican spot in the neighbourhood, and in the best location. The good: service here was rapid. They use qr code ordering which I am not always thrilled with but the kitchen and servers were on top of their game with every order while we were there. The food was also great, I have not been thrilled with some of the other Mexican options in Navy Yard and was thrilled that this spot has opened up. The dining area is also a great evening hangout with a covered patio overlooking the river. The mediocre: I got nothing to complain about all fire. They even let me bring my dog! The bad: my only complaint is that this place is not closer to my apartment. See you at happy hour!!

    Cherry Limeade
    Larry M.

    I can definitely vouch for this spots tacos!! I've been here before, just their spot Uptown. I had no idea they were also at the Navy Yard!?! You know what that means right? Time to get some tacos!! Let's GO!! . Where I am: @elrey_dc . Location Reviewed: 79 Lotomac Ave., S.E. Washington D.C. . Items Reviewed: STAMP!! Their Cherry Limeade ($9 with cherry juice, lime juice, & soda water). Refreshing, sweet but sour!! STAMP!! Their Chips & Queso Chorizo ($13 with tortilla chips, melted queso, & chorizo). Get this!! Cheesy, a zing in that chorizo, I could eat a bucket of this!! I added guac for $6 too...STAMP! LIKE THAT! Their Elote Frito ($13 Cheesy sweet corn fritters, chipotle mayo, & Tajin). Sweet, savory, corny!! Round fried cornbread!! STAMP!! Their Chicken Quesadilla ($16 with grilled chicken, Oaxaca cheese, sour cream, pickled onions, salad, & lime creama in a flour tortilla). Juicy chicken, well seasoned, flour tortillas hit different to me!! The Tacos *2 per order* Their Hamburguesa Tacos ($15 with club sauce, shrettuce, American cheese, & pickles). Surprisingly tasty!! A we made burger in a tortilla!! LIKE THAT! Their Carne Asada Tacos ($14 with grilled flank steak, charred scallion salsa, queso fresco, & cilantro). Well seasoned steak, with that charred scallion taste!! STAMP!! Their Crispy Cod Tacos ($14 Masa fried with shaved cabbage, curtido, lime crema, & hot sauce). Beer battered Cod, crispy, & spicy!! STAMP!! Their Churros ($9 with cinnamon , sugar, & ancho chili chocolate sauce). The chocolate had heat to it!! . Customer Service: On Point. . Parking: Rough on the street, but it's paid garages everywhere. . Recommendations: Get that Quesadilla, & try that hamburger taco!! . Accessibility: It's wheelchair friendly, & it's differently abled persons friendly. 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews

    Taquitos
    Lynne R.

    I love a good happy hour and had been wanting to try El Rey before a Nationals game and it finally worked out this week. You can't beat the beautiful location overlooking the river. They have a nice outdoor seating area but we were hot and decided to eat inside in the A/C. We were shocked when the place was empty at 5:30 pm but realized that people were not eating out because of the federal occupation of DC. Very sad that businesses like this are being harmed... Anyway, we were given a lovely booth and quickly ordered traditional margaritas. I really loved mine, sweet, sour and nice and strong. We stuck to the happy hour menu for food and ordered the chicken tinga taquitos and the elote frito. We got two orders of the taquitos, which came 3 per order. They were packed with chicken and crispy, topped with onions, shredded lettuce, and a delicious crema (I could've used more of that, it was so good!). We shared the frito, which were four little corn fritters. Very tasty and moist. This was plenty of food to satisfy us. We had to have a second round of margs (definitely feeling happy at this point!) and couldn't resist the Dulce Churros for dessert. There was a long delay before the churros came out so our wonderful server, Mary, comped us for them. I have to say I wasn't sure about the chili chocolate sauce they came with but it was mighty tasty! Highly recommend. We really enjoyed our time at El Rey. We definitely want to go back.

    Food
    Tania R.

    I don't really eat pork and for this location to have chicken alpastor it has to be my fav spot . The waiter was so amazing. The manager was definitely welcoming us with a great smile . The tacos are 10/10 . I enjoyed my experience here !

    Carne Asada taco w/ Llama de la Llama (spicy margarita)
    Tyler H.

    The front dining area of El Rey is vibrant and inviting, setting the tone for a cozy and fun dinner experience. I had the carne asada taco, which was delicious -- the hot sauce added a nice extra kick. I paired it with chips and salsa and a refreshing cocktail, all of which hit the spot. Service was quick and smooth with no issues at all. I'll definitely be back!

    Happy hour nachos! Reaaallly good!
    Chancia M.

    Great customer service, great food, great happy hour, and best of all a great view! I definitely recommend for happy hour, you get a lot for the price.

    Cod tacos
    Victor R.

    This place is pretty good in a nice day like today its 80 out and I sat outside with the breeze coming off the water. The food was good. You had to order from the code on the table. Which was cool. Be a nice spot for a hapoy hour. The food was like small like a tapas though. It was worth it.

    Mango basil marg

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    1 year ago

    Food and Service was great. I got the short ribs and ate off the platter for days. The portions were huge.

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    ZOOZ Cocktail Garden - Gyoza ($15) - they are smaller than you can imagine

    ZOOZ Cocktail Garden

    3.7(110 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    If you're looking for a place in DC where the energy is unmatched, the music is flawless, and the…read moreentire vibe feels like an experience, not just a night out, then ZOOZ is it. From the moment you walk in, you're stepping into a visually stunning space that blends luxury with a lively, social atmosphere. The décor is bold and immersive, but what really sets this place apart is the music. Every track felt intentional, perfectly curated, and honestly some of the best I've heard at any venue in DC. It's the kind of place where you catch yourself staying longer than planned because the vibe just doesn't miss. The crowd is vibrant, the energy is high, and everything flows effortlessly from the drinks to the overall experience. Whether you're out for a celebration, a night with friends, or just want to elevate your weekend, ZOOZ delivers on every level. DC has a lot of spots, but very few truly stand out. This is one of them. I'll absolutely be back.

    The vibe, music, and atmosphere started off strong, but unfortunately, the experience went left…read morebecause of the way the table minimum was handled. About 30 minutes after we were seated and had already ordered drinks and food, our waitress came back and told us we had to spend a minimum of $350 for two people to keep the table. That is something that should have been clearly communicated by the host before seating us, not after we were already settled in and spending money. What made it even more frustrating was the inconsistency. I asked the people sitting next to us if they had been told the same thing, and they had not. A few minutes later, I heard staff telling someone else that the minimum was $300 for two people. So not only was the policy disclosed late, it also seemed unclear or unevenly applied. I have no problem with table minimums when they are communicated upfront; I can make my decision based on clear Ts and Cs. What I do have a problem with is surprise spending requirements after guests are seated and have already ordered. That feels less like hospitality and more like a hustle. In the end, I elected to close out and leave. The food was mid at best (not saying that because of my experience) and the drinks were fine. Overall experience was overshadowed by the shiesty staff and management. Had they handled me differently, I would have spent double or triple that. They won't get another red cent from me.

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    ZOOZ Cocktail Garden
    ZOOZ Cocktail Garden
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    Rappahannock Oyster Bar - Oysters

    Rappahannock Oyster Bar

    3.4(395 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Visited with friends mid-week last week around 6:30pm for dinner and was blown away by the service…read more Our bartender Bary was a genius mixologist and crafted the best cocktails I've had in a very long time. Food service was also super attentive and kind. The bar area was a decently large space perfect for dining inside after a long day. We were lucky enough to have come before the rain and had great views as the sun set. The food was fresh, flavorful, and we loved everything we had. Ceviche, octopus, and muscles were spectacular but loved the fresh oysters too (clearly since I forgot a photo). Will absolutely be back for custom cocktails and great service.

    While waiting for our boat to be prepared, me and my friends decided to stop in the oyster bar for…read moresome oysters to refresh ourselves and get a break from the blistering sun. Long story short the host that was present on Sunday, July 5 was absolutely condescending, rude, and obviously attempting to make us feel uncomfortable. He repeatedly told my friends we need to be paying customers to use the restroom after I informed him. I am a he had a very nasty passive aggressivetone while taking my order to which I absolutely notice he did not give any of other patrons. Although the oysters were delicious, I will not be returning to this location due to this person who went out of his way to make me and my uncomfortable in this establishment.

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    Seafood Tower

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    Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf - Roasted chicken

    Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf

    3.7(1.2k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Visiting Virginia for a few days and luckily, our hosts took us to Hank's because they're…read morepet-friendly. My husband and I are not seafood fans but I had to try. Our group ordered 18 $ oysters, the pulpa, the scallops and the fish & chips. The oysters were fresh so I had several. I even surprised myself. We got a special treat from Alexander, our bartender. He and everyone else are amazing. Would love to come back someday.

    Hank's Oyster Bar I…read morevisited with a party of eight, which included four kids, a baby, and three adults. The restaurant was extremely busy, with the line out the door, so I understand it was a hectic day. However, the service was exceptionally slow. It took over 30 minutes for our order to even be entered into the system, and we waited about an hour for our food, including the appetizers. Our server, Brandon, started off okay after we were seated, but as the evening went on, he seemed distracted and less attentive to our table. With a large group that included children and a baby, we definitely needed more communication and support. The standout of the evening was the management team, especially Brandy. She was truly all hands on deck and went above and beyond to assist us. She was kind, customer-focused, and worked hard to address concerns and make sure guests felt taken care of. She honestly provided the best service we received during our visit. The food had several highlights. The char-grilled octopus was delicious and my first time trying it. The salad was top tier, and the shrimp fettuccine was probably one of the best dishes on the menu. The deviled eggs were good but could use a little more seasoning. The fish sandwich needed more sauce, and the fries and shrimp po' boy were both enjoyable, especially with extra sauce. One thing I didn't appreciate was the layout and accessibility of the restaurant. The space felt overcrowded, and the tables were packed very tightly together. As we were leaving, I had my son in his stroller and there wasn't enough room to comfortably get through. I was disappointed that our server didn't offer to help adjust the table or create a path for us to exit. I also noticed there weren't ramps that would make it easier for strollers or guests with mobility challenges to navigate the space. Improving accessibility and spacing would make a huge difference in the overall experience. Overall, the food and Brandy's exceptional customer service were the highlights of the visit. However, the long wait times, overcrowded seating, and accessibility concerns kept this from being a higher-rated experience.

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    Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf
    Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf - Grilled Branzino with lemon caper sauce over broccolini

    Grilled Branzino with lemon caper sauce over broccolini

    Hank’s Oyster Bar on the Wharf - Diet Coke

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    Free State - Hazy IPA

    Free State

    4.3(149 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Not to be confused with Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro (though many also call it Arthur…read moreWheeler Spirits haha), this place is located just off of the main street in chinatown, and it's surprisingly lowkey. It's a basement bar with a bit of a dive vibe, but it's hard to ignore the nautical, blue crab theme throughout. Turns out that one of the owners is a Marylander, which is cool to see reflected in the decor in a place in dc, even though it is next door. They have a happy hour and they have a great variety of drinks in general. It's bring-your-own-food (BYOF) and there are a bunch of delicious looking Asian spots nearby, including upstairs. It didn't start getting crowded until closer to 10, which, as I said, is surprising for this part of town to me. Everywhere in Chinatown is not going to be packed and busy, and this place is here to remind you of that. Stop by if you're looking for a more chill vibe. Staff are pretty cool.

    Free State is perfect for a chill bar in the Downtown area. It's exactly the kind of place you want…read moreto share a few drinks and be able to hear the person in front of you. I had a delicious orange crush drink and my friend had a sangria. The bartenders are extremely chill and nice; they only come up when you need it which is nice for good conversation. I'll easily be back when I want to catch up with friends without a speaker blaring in our ears. Great place to introduce to more people!

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    Free State - Spiked chocolate

    Spiked chocolate

    Free State - Bar

    Bar

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    Sixty Vines

    Sixty Vines

    4.4(229 reviews)
    3.1 miFoggy Bottom
    $$$

    We went to sixty vines on the recommendation of someone in our party who apparently has been to…read moreseveral other locations and could not say enough good things about it, and I can see why! The food was fantastic, everyone had a great time finding fantastic wines on the wine list, and the service was fantastic! We went on a fairly balmy night in DC, and they had a lot of the space opened to the outside and it was absolutely lovely. It is a beautiful, well-designed space. Thank you, Sixty Vines for a great experience!

    I came here in search of a delicious frosé after hearing it was one of the best spots for one to…read moreand it definitely lived up to the hype. They also make an excellent Hugo Spritz. The space is large, bright, and airy, with plenty of seating and beautiful natural light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Our waitress, Kelsey (I believe that was her name), was friendly, attentive, and personable, which made the experience even better. The drink menu offers an impressive selection of wines and cocktails, so there's something for just about everyone. The food was equally enjoyable. We ordered one of the charcuterie boards, which was generous and satisfying, and I appreciated that the menu features plenty of shareable dishes that are perfect for groups or a casual outing. Overall, it's a great spot for drinks, light bites, and catching up with friends. I'd happily return.

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    Sixty Vines
    Sixty Vines
    Sixty Vines

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    El Rey - mexican - Updated July 2026

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