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It's a definite do not order the fried fish platter. Two of my party ordered fried fish we agreed it wasn't good. The grease seemed dirty. O the other person with me had steamed shrimp from the other side which was good; thus the reason for two stars. Service was a miss;
I visited here after coming in from out of town. I had been looking for a place to get some really good crab, and this was one of the top establishments that I kept finding. When I arrived, I noticed that it was an outdoor seafood market where I could order food to have it cooked there. I ordered a dozen of crab and I had them steamed and seasoned. It didn't take long at all to order and receive my food and it came out extremely fresh and extremely hot. The crab was delicious, especially with the added butter on the side. I will say the butter was a little pricey, considering the size that you receive however, it was really good with the crab. I would definitely return on my next trip and potentially try some shrimp or crawfish. The seafood was really fresh and I wish that I was able to take some back with me, but I was flying.
Third time stopping at Jessie Taylor Seafood at The Wharf and as usual it was a great meal. I got a little over 2 lbs of the jumbo crab legs for $48, and they were excellent. The crab was meaty, flavorful, and much easier to eat than smaller crab legs. plenty of big pieces of meat without having to do a ton of work to get them out. Highly recommend!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1 month ago
This area was not too busy when I went but it did take quiet a while for our crabs to be ready. I don't recommend I'm your in a hurry. The staff were super kind. The crabs were for fresh. I highly recommend you try the crawfish. The views of the water was very refreshing. There are cocktail tables for you to eat at. read more
2 months ago
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
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
5 days ago
It's a definite do not order the fried fish platter. Two of my party ordered fried fish we agreed it wasn't good. The grease seemed dirty. O the other person with me had steamed shrimp from the other side which was good; thus the reason for two stars. Service was a miss; read more
17 days ago
I visited here after coming in from out of town. I had been looking for a place to get some really good crab, and this was one of the top establishments that I kept finding. When I arrived, I noticed that it was an outdoor seafood market where I could order food to have it cooked there. I ordered a dozen of crab and I had them steamed and seasoned. It didn't take long at all to order and receive my food and it came out extremely fresh and extremely hot. The crab was delicious, especially with the added butter on the side. I will say the butter was a little pricey, considering the size that you receive however, it was really good with the crab. I would definitely return on my next trip and potentially try some shrimp or crawfish. The seafood was really fresh and I wish that I was able to take some back with me, but I was flying. read more
8 days ago
Third time stopping at Jessie Taylor Seafood at The Wharf and as usual it was a great meal. I got a little over 2 lbs of the jumbo crab legs for $48, and they were excellent. The crab was meaty, flavorful, and much easier to eat than smaller crab legs. plenty of big pieces of meat without having to do a ton of work to get them out. Highly recommend! read more
5 months ago
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
4 months ago
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
2 days ago
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
9 months ago
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
5 months ago
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 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
9 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
10 months ago
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
15 days ago
10 months ago
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
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
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
3 months ago
3 months ago
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
10 months ago
2 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
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
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
1 year ago
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
6 months ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
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
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More info about Jessie Taylor Seafood
1100 Maine Ave SW
Washington, DC 20024
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(202) 554-4173
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https://www.jessietaylorseafooddc.com
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Do they have a price list of all fish and seafood online?
No. A lot of their items are Market Price and change daily and/or during the day.
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Jessie Taylor Seafood - seafoodmarkets - Updated September 2026
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