Alright y'all, here we go with another episode of Just How Food Goes While I was in Washington, D.C., I had to make a stop at Jessie Taylor Seafood on The Wharf because I kept hearing about how fresh their seafood was. And let me tell y'all... it definitely lived up to the hype. This place is an experience all by itself. There are different stations depending on what you're ordering, so at first I was a little confused , but once I figured it out, everything moved pretty smoothly. The staff was patient, answered my questions, and helped me figure out exactly what I wanted. I decided to order three fresh oysters and a half-pound of shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, and I was so excited because I absolutely LOVE seafood. The oysters? 10/10. Fresh, clean, and exactly what I hoped they'd be. Every bite reminded me why I love oysters so much. The shrimp were another highlight. They were a really nice size, perfectly seasoned with Old Bay, and paired perfectly with a little butter and lemon. They were simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. I also got to sit outside with some amazing people while everyone compared what they ordered. We had everything from red snapper and whiting to flounder, fries, sweet potato fries, and macaroni salad on the table. It was fun hearing everyone's opinions while we all rated our meals together. Those are the moments that make food even more enjoyable. If I had one small critique, it would be the fries. They weren't my favorite, but honestly, I came for the seafood, and that's exactly what delivered. My overall rating: 9/10. Fresh seafood, a fun atmosphere, beautiful waterfront views, and great company made this one of my favorite food stops during my trip to Washington, D.C. Thank you, Jessie Taylor Seafood, for an experience I'll definitely remember. I can't wait to come back and try even more of the menu. That's Just How Life Goes... and of course, Just How Food Goes. read more

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This review is for the cooked portion of the food. If you love seafood, they have a bunch of cooked shrimp, crab, soups available and people stand around or go to benches a few more blocks down to eat. Lots of take out as well. Be ready to get messy! I've been at this seafood market for many many markets. Since it's been revamped, prices have gone up. There were smaller stalls that also shut down as a result. So it only leaves Jessie Taylor's standing. The soups were good but I would've loved much more crab in my New England chowder. My partner got a corn on the cob and shrimp and the clam chowder. All were tasty and salty! read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a gloomy Saturday, and because of the rain I stopped at a spot I normally don't visit since it was the closest option. I went up to a vendor and spoke to a young guy working there, but he just looked at me and didn't respond. I even asked, "Did I do something to you? Do you know me?" He mumbled something and walked away. What made the moment even sadder to me was that he was the only brown-skinned worker there, and as another brown-skinned person, it hurt feeling ignored and unwelcome by someone who looked like me. I understand everyone has off days and there are times people may not feel like coming to work, but when working with the public, customer service should still matter. A simple greeting and basic respect can really change a customer's experience. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

If you visit DC and do not check this place and the Wharf District out, your trip might not be complete. It's fun, and for seafood lovers, it reminds us that the capital has more than politics to offer. Just fresh seafood of all kinds, cooked to order. Pick a standing table and eat, right on the Potomac riverbank. The prices are a bit higher, but for the experience, tourists can afford. We had the Maryland Crab Soup, New England Clam Chowder (best ever!) and 1lb of Jumbo Shrimp ($26/lb) before hoping on the Water Taxi nearby for a sightseeing tour to Georgetown and back. I wish they build a hand washing station and have a few vending machines for beverages, then this will be a modernized seafood spot operated since 1939. read more

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BLUF: vibe here is awesome. Huge selection of fresh fish and seafood with option of having them steam crabs and prawns right there for you. They also offered lobster bisque and clam chowder. I had high expectations for the clam chowder and it fell short. Loaded with clams and potatoes but the base was missing the chowder creaminess. Still a great little hangout on the pier with hightop tables to stand and enjoy. read more

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Listen... every time I go to DC, I have to swing by Jesse Taylor Seafood for some cooked blue crabs. It's just a must! Now I'm not even gonna lie--the prices have definitely gone up a bit. The extra large crabs were $109 a dozen, so I grabbed a half dozen... and BABY... when I tell you those crabs did NOT disappoint!! They were BIG, heavy, and FULL! Not the prettiest things either--rusty, ugly little shells--but don't let that fool you. Honeyyyy, they were sweet, juicy, and packed with meat! I absolutely indulged with zero regrets. And let's talk about that butter I ordered on the side... whew! That just took everything over the top. Shoutout to the guys at Jesse Taylor--they did their thing! Great crabs, great flavor, and always worth the stop when I'm in the area. I'll definitely be back... even if it's just once a year! If you're nearby, go ahead and check them out--they're worth it, for real. read more

The wharf and standup outdoor fish monger and dining area along the Potomac River has been my DC staple and one-of-a-kind option for Maryland blue crab. I have literally stopped here to kick off 90% my trips to DC! Admittedly, The Wharf has changed A-LOT over the years, the fishermen and their shops have been squeezed and paired down in an increasingly valuable and trendy commercial area. There used to be Captain White's Seafood City, but Jessie Taylor is still holding on strong and serving up hot seasoned crab on demand! The crabs are always delicious and depending on the season the price will vary, but it's always worth it! You can order males and/or female crabs from small to extra large. I go for large males typically. Order ahead by phone at least 45 minutes in advance and even longer on busy Sundays, else you will wait as they make everything to order! Ask for heavy seasoning that's basically their own "Old Bay" spicy blend they'll toss on the hot cooked crabs. I always get a side of jumbo steamed shrimp and lobster bisque. Plus vinegar and cocktail sauce for dipping! These photos are highlights of delicious crab feasts enjoyed in my hotel room over the years! read more

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We've been coming to this fish market for years, every holiday we stop by to pick up salmon and occasionally other seafood. The prices have become mind-blowing. The smallest salmon we can usually get is around 7-8 lbs, and this year the price jumped nearly 40% from last year. They used to offer a military discount, but it was inconsistent. I was shopping with my mom, who's a spouse dependent, and another woman who was active duty, and neither of them received a discount on their purchases except my mom was able to get 10% off on the salmon. The quality is still good, but the rising prices and lack of consistency definitely make the experience less enjoyable. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Looove this fish market on the wharf! The quality is fresh and the fish and seafood is good! I think the market price is better than the other restaurants on the strip! There's something about eating fresh shrimp, crabs, fish, oysters, etc on the dock! They have standing and sitting areas near by! I love the steamed shrimp, and the lobster bisque, and the crabs and oysters are sooo GOOD! read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Clam chowder and shrimp, ask for old bay on the side, not on top - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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JESSIE TAYLOR SEAFOOD is one of the fresh seafood stalls at The Wharf DC. I asked 3 of the seafood stall vendors if they sell cooked seafood before one pointed me to Jessie Taylor. Short Story: Great place to eat seafood and their oysters are bomb! I would definitely come back. There are multiple lines! I had to line up in front of the oyster shucker to get raw oysters who very clearly said "oysters only!". I got lucky and he gave me all the condiments (lemon wedges and cocktail sauce) because if he didn't take a liking to you, he won't - like the lady who got her oysters and did get the cocktail sauce. She came back, looked at the sauce rack, couldn't find cocktail sauce, and asked the shucker and he just straight up told the lady "no sauce" then proceeded to include cocktail sauce in my bag (I was two customers later). The clam chowder came with saltine. They had both New England clam chowder and Baltimore Ordered some shrimp with cajun spices and that shrimp was boiled in plain water so the meat itself was tasteless but the cajun spice they showered on top saved the dish. The corn on the cob is very tasty. Depending on who is manning the line, it could go fast or slow. We were 3rd in line for the chowder before we realized the oyster line was separate so we split up. I ended up 5th in line for the oyster shucking and I still ended up getting and finishing my order before the rest of my party got their soup, shrimp and corn - even though those food just need to be scooped into containers. Even the other workers were asking the guy manning the line "you need help?" but he was getting offended with the offers... and the customer line was getting longer. There are stand-up tables in the wharf. Good enough for me. Public bathroom is available towards the newer-sparklier section of The Wharf. read more

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I feel like you have to go to the wharf and try their food one time. It's super fresh and you can even place an order to take home with you. Watching everyone beat their crab and enjoy the day made for good people watching. Go grab some food walk around and enjoy. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service 3/5 -- Crabs: 10/10. Waiting in the Sahara: 0/10. Normally, this spot is my go-to crab kingdom. I come, I conquer, I crack shells in peace. But this time? I felt like I aged an entire presidency waiting for my crabs to steam. The crabs were amazing, as always sweet, juicy, seasoned like someone's grandma still works in the back, but I had to earn them like it was a rite of passage. One full hour in a line that moved slower than a DMV on lunch break. In the blazing sun. No shade. No breeze. Just me, my patience on life support, and my hunger morphing into a personality disorder. Apparently, the steamers were moving at glacial speed and they had to reroute operations to some "back station," which felt like code for "we're winging it, y'all." Not sure if it was the 4th of July chaos or Mercury in retrograde, but something was off. Bottom line: the crabs slapped, but the wait nearly broke my spirit. If you come, bring sunscreen, a fold-out chair, and maybe a life coach. read more

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Absolutely delicious! The servers are fantastic, more so the people that suggest the best food and things to eat. In addition to that, extra servings of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. Being on the water, surrounded by seafood, what a treat. Really creates an aesthetic seafood environment experience. Really enjoyed the ambiance and atmosphere as well. read more

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The fried shrimp platter is my absolute favorite!!!!!! The shrimp is so fresh and flavorful. They give you about 2 dozen large / jumbo shrimp and 2 sides. I always get double fries. It is very filling! Takes me 2 days to finish. The staff is always nice and it usually takes about 10 or so minutes after ordering your food. I will always visit here when ai spend a day at the Wharf. read more

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Delicious shrimp and crab legs! Good food and everyone was nice . The soups are good too. Loved that they steamed the crab legs for me there def going back read more

Pre ordered 2 dozen live crabs and bought 6 more live at the location. Paid $375 dollars and 6 were dead. I should have inspected them before paying. What a ripoff this place is. read more

The. New England had a respectable number of clams in it and the lobster bisque had no lobster. Should've gone w the crab as crab and New England were the more prominent ones. Wanted to get the fresh seafood but I was afraid it wouldn't be that great on my long trip back and I already brought too much food back to my friend's beforehand. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Cooked seafood section - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is my favorite place in Washington DC in the Wharf. This is my second time going there to get the crabs, crabs already been cooked, but they heat it up for you, and I usually get 6. I think it was $12 for 6 but they always give you extra, so I pay for 6 crabs but end up with 8. There's a lot of seating in the Wharf area, so you can eat it there instead of taking it back to the hotel where it can smell bad. There's just a lot of seating along the Wharf, and it's one of my favorite things to do in Washington DC. Would definitely come back anytime I'm there, the best blue crabs read more

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We have been buying crabs from these guys for decades but they really let us down today. Called ahead and ordered 2 1/2 dozen extra large males. They were ready on time. Paid $270. That is $9 per crab. Got them home and were shocked at how small and light they were. It would be a stretch to call them medium. Not even remotely close to extra large. If you don't have extra large just tell me but don't sell me small crabs and charge me for extra large. After bad experiences at Captain Pells now don't know where to go and not be cheated. read more

Do better JT. From 59 to 109 a dozen because it's a holiday weekend?? We have too much history for yall to do me like that. I need a"native card" so yall treat me with love and consistency. My feelings are hurt today read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Today's prices! - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been going to D.C's wharf since I was a little girl. It brings back memories of my family coming here to buy bushels of crabs. Although it's not how it once was; this place is still very nostalgic and worth visiting. I ordered 6 large female crabs and 1/2 pound of jumbo shrimp. Both were so delicious and fresh. Nothing beats MD blue crabs. Prices were pretty reasonable and the staff were very nice and accommodating. FYI, they can reheat the crabs if you plan on eating right away. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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While in DC for a conference, some colleagues wanted to introduce my partner and I to the abundant seafood that Jessie's has to offer. They know we loved our crabs and oysters so we were able to get a bunch of crab to gorge down on. The service is solid and like any other fish market, it the place screams of casual vibes. The crab was a good deal and it made our stomachs happy. Definitely recommend giving this place a try if you're into fresh and affordable seafood. read more

Wow. Best $13 I spent and even got a few extra. I'm new to eating blue crab but this place is a go to if you want to enjoy delicacies by the water. The Wharf is beautiful and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend! read more

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We liked the clam chowder a lot, but the crab chowder not so much. If I was blind tasting it, I'd say it's a tomato based vegetable stock. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The crabs were delicious! Fast service!! We were able to order our fresh caught fish, got it cleaned, and grab crabs pretty fast. There were very long lines for live crabs, so we opted for the already steamed and seasoned crabs. The crab attendant gave us soooooo many crabs! Great pricing, friendly service and very much an exciting experience! Have an idea of what you want to order before it's your turn. It will help them serve you faster. Don't be shy yell out that order!! lol The selection of fish was amazing. They also offered different sizing for most of the fish. We ordered 2 large snappers, 6 small. The small were more like medium. Similar to the size fish we usually get at Sam's or Costco! The large was huge! It was also Father's Day, I planned cooking my husband's favorite and wanted to also make a large snapper for his dad. They loved it. I suggest you get there early, if you can. We parked a few blocks away, the garage was insanely packed. We rode scooters over. The weather was pretty hot, the market is outside. Lots of people walking around. This could be a great date idea as well, ride scooters, go grab some ice cream from the boardwalk area or a fresh lemonade, walk over to Jessie Taylor's.... Ride your scooters back and head home to enjoy your items! I know we crushed the crabs, had some beers and shots. Started on our fish for dinner. It was a very nice Father's Day according to my husband. read more

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I used to love visiting The Wharf, but lately it seems to have lost some of its charm--and unfortunately, so has Jessie Seafood. I typically frequent its competitor that moved out of the Wharf, but stopped by today out of convenience. Prices are about the same as elsewhere, but the overall experience felt a bit off. The staff seemed noticeably grumpier despite it not being a busy day. The crabs also appeared less fresh--more dead than alive--and on the smaller side. That said, the surrounding area is still vibing. It's a nice spot to visit, walk around, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. Even if the seafood didn't quite hit the mark this time, the Wharf itself still offers a pleasant outing, without its seafood past and charm. read more

If you like fresh seafood in a no-frills setting, This is it! There are several stalls selling fresh uncooked fish & shellfish to bring home on one side. The other side had stalls selling steamed crab, steamed peel & eat shrimp, freshly shucked oysters & clams. There's also a fry shack at the far end with the usual fried seafood plates. The gentleman who prepared our clams & oysters carefully selected choice ones to shuck in front of us. If you wanted cocktail sauce, you were out of luck. The clams & oysters came with plenty of lemon. There's also hot sauce available. There aren't any seats...just several bar height tables in the center of the open market where everyone gathers to feast on their seafood choices. This makes for a fun & unique experience! read more

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This is a fun, delicious seafood market in the DC area! We love fresh seafood and love seeing and visiting the various fish mongers here! Believe it or not, there are tons of photo ops the way the fish are displayed! It's very organized and well laid out and everything is packed on fresh ice. We love oysters, shrimp, and fish! Last time we were here we enjoyed freshly shucked raw oysters. They sell everything from crabs, crawfish, trout, cod, flounder, whiting, red snapper (one of my favorites!), ocean perch, tuna steaks, salmon steaks, and swordfish steaks, trout, mullet, mackerel, various oysters, mussels and both bay and sea scallops (sea scallops are another huge favorite!), and more! As others have said, one side is fresh seafood, and the other side is for steaming - meaning, you purchase what you want fresh, and walk a few steps to have it steamed. Think of Publix steaming your shrimp for example, and you'll get the visual. If you like seafood, do visit Jessie Taylor Seafood! read more

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This is the freshest seafood I've had in the area and at the lowest price. On my most recent visit, I had crab legs, shrimp, craw fish and a lobster and was shocked how low the price was. The snow crab legs were so fresh they didn't need seasoning or butter--they tasted like the ocean in solid form. I highly recommend this place all the time! I love this spot and want to give it a 5 so bad but there is no seating available and the parking for a grab-and-go meal/groceries can be miserable. read more

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Great experience! Amazing staff. Bring cash to tip. Got the live crabs fresh steamed! Bring napkins because they didn't have any. I do wish there was seating. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Crab - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fresh tasting seafood at very affordable prices! Had 1/2 lb of Jumbo Shrimp cooked fresh with generous sprinkle of spicy ole bay seasoning and 2 bowls of one of the best New England Clam chowders I've ever tasted all for $22. Located in the Wharf area. No soft drinks or water to buy but there is a nearby shop that sells various drinks. Appears there are separate lines for crabs and lobster, another for shrimp and chowders and a 3rd for fresh shucked oysters. This is one place I would return to time and time again. Warning, no sit down service but there are several stand up tables you can eat from. read more

Oooo the wharf is a gem! Was very grateful to be able to stop by here to get the freshest of the fresh seafood. Was able to get crabs and shrimp. The gentlemen here was kind and helpful. They have a well organized system too to make sure you get the right selection and style of cook for you. The selection of fresh seafood were breathtaking and exciting. Everything was also affordable and were good portions. Actually felt like we got more for our buck. And 10x better than just going to a seafood restaurant. read more

Pretty hard to beat the market quality in this area. They also have prepared foods and it can be fun to go for lunch on a nice day. I'm still chasing my beloved fried clams in the DMV, but I recently had a fried scallop platter that was delicious. read more

There's no place in D.C. like Jessie Taylor Seafood. A family owned business for decades, they have taken over all the barges at the Fish Market, the country's oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market. Located at The Wharf, all the market's barges sell all types of seafood, locally and from other parts of the East Coast. They also sell ready-to-eat items like steamer shrimp and several soups. There are tables nearby to enjoy your food. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Babe surprised me by booking a room at the Wharf so I was not expecting to indulge in crabs being that we already had brunch. As we were walking the aromas were calling my name so I couldn't pass it up. I ordered a dozen of medium female crabs for us to share and I'm pretty sure we were given more than a dozen. It was a nice day so we stood up at the provided tables and bussed those crabs down. I've been craving some crabs and let's just say that my craving has been fulfilled. read more

I called ahead and was told by a woman the price was $95 for a half bushel of medium crabs. When I arrived, they tried to charge me $125. I told them that was not the price I was quoted when I called. He accused me of LYING. I asked him to call out the female workers to prove that I was told $95. The 2 female workers came out and one admitted that I was told $95 on the phone! The man, Matt, did not apologize, but rather said to me' I don't like YOUR KIND ( I'm a black female). You're evil, we don't need your money and don't come back. The cashier had already charged my card $95 and refused to void the transaction. Of course, I did not want to do business with them, though my family has been buying crabs from them for decades. I did not have my phone with me to record the confrontation. It was witnessed by their staff and other customers. I am truly, truly shocked and appalled at this overtly racist attack by the owner of a business that we have patronized for 2 geneerations. It is my hope that other Black people and non-Blacks who believe in respect and dignity for all people will take note and consider whether this is a business where you should spend your money. They're the only remaining live crab vendor at the wharf. Yet, it is better to have none than to retain a prejudiced and onery business operator. read more

Stopped by here for lunch today. I could pass up fresh seafood. The guys working the booth made it a point to mention how tired they are and how hard they work lifting crates of crabs all day multiple times. The crabs are already cooked and then are steamed with old bay sprinkled on top. The shrimp is also precooked and sits on a warming tray. This is also prepared with old bay sprinkled on top and served. The overall taste was basic. The shrimp was better with the cocktail sauce than the crab. The price is reasonable. I would go back for more shrimp but would pass on the crab. read more

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Location: Jessie Taylor Seafood, 1100 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024 Time: 2:30 PM Date: June 12, 2025 Today, due to road closures, we decided to go get crabs in preparation for my birthday on Saturday. First off, my husband and I felt as if no one wanted to serve us, but we continued to try to get someone's attention. Keep in mind, there were only four people standing there to be served. As people made up their minds, a gentleman eventually gestured to serve us after helping one person before us. We decided on the extra-large male crabs, priced at $210 for a half bushel. Needless to say, I chose to get live crabs instead of having them cooked for several reasons: 1. For sanitary reasons--no matter the steam. 2. Because I was concerned our crabs might be switched out for smaller ones by an unknown cook and resold since whey were not being cooked at the place purchase. Please note that the Caucasian gentleman who helped us never placed our crabs on a scale to verify the correct weight for a half bushel. Once we got home and began washing and cleaning the crabs, we noticed that we only had 28 crabs in total. A dozen is 12--so what happened? I believe Jessie Taylor owes me some more crabs. We are never going to be that couple who argues with anyone. Lesson learned. As a food critic, customer service observer, and discrimination advocate, I would rather post my experience and let you decide what's best for you. As for us, Jessie Taylor Seafood receives a 1 out of 10 for failing to comply with the number or weight requirements for a half bushel of crabs. Should Jessie Taylor need photo proof we would be happy to comply. Never again read more

I literally stood in the rain for this fish. It was so delicious & fresh it was seasoned very well. I purchased the whitening combo with fries. The fries was crunchy I also purchase a half /half it wasn't overly sweet everything was so good. Even in the rain I had a good day at the wharf highly recommend. If you want crab, shrimp oysters, fish, lobster or any kinda seafood cooked or raw they have it all. read more

Jessie Taylor Seafood - Best in the dmv for seafood - Seafood Markets Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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It's the last of the fresh fish mongers that's still in operation. I miss the bustling, old wharf, with a unique culture all its own. It was hard to witness the downsizing of the Municipal Fish Market of DC so that the revitalization plan for the SW waterfront could be carried out, but that's what happened. I've been shopping here for 25 years. And for the most part, Jessie has provided good value. He sells a nice selection of fish and shellfish, plus cooked seafood dishes and various sides. I've been purchasing catfish, trout, red snapper, sea bass, Atlantic salmon and shrimp regularly. Actually, truth be told, there's no Jessie. "The Jessie Taylor" was the name of the first boat that the Evans Family of Smith Island, MD used when they began selling fresh fish at the DC wharf, back in 1939, and the name stuck. When you buy from here, you're supporting a DMV business. Many independent restaurants, particularly mom & pop places, supply their fish needs from this spot. The wind can still blow in your face and a few seagulls will be your friend while you wait for your purchase to be cleaned (done for a reasonable fee). Just ensure that your fresh fish is put into the basket, at the end of the stall, by the water. Thanks to the Evans Family for hanging in there. read more

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