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The revitalization of DC’s historic Southwest & The Wharf neighborhood has led to one of the city’s hottest destinations for dining, shopping and entertainment – all on the water.
The Anthem solves the age-old problem prominent rockers and hot hip-hop stars face when performing in DC: What’s bigger than the legendary 9:30 Club but more intimate than an arena? The answer is the acoustically optimized, 6,000-seat concert hall operated by I.M.P. (of 9:30 Club fame). See who’s coming soon.
The Wharf has essentially its own dining scene unto itself, showcasing award-winning chefs, fast-casual favorites and much more. The culinary creations of Fabio Trabocchi are no secret, but the toque behind Fiola brings Spanish fare – specifically coastal dishes native to Mallorca – to DC’s waterfront with Del Mar. There's also La Vie, a stunning and sleek restaurant with fantastic waterfront views from its alfresco terrace. Sophisticated Mediterranean vibes abound and mains like the handmade lobster ravioli are an immediate fan favorite. If you’re looking to pair a guacamole and margarita-fueled fiesta with Instagram-worthy waterfront views, then the 400-seat Mi Vida is the place for you. Nearby, chef Cathal Armstrong and his wife, Meshelle specialize in Filipino, Thai and Korean cuisines at Kaliwa, a lively 185-seat restaurant that pairs river views with eclectic Asian cooking. And what would waterfront dining be without oysters? Slurp down bivalves at local favorites Hank’s Oyster Bar and Rappahannock Oyster Bar. But that’s not all – check out more dining destinations at The Wharf.
Jessie Taylor Seafood
The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States, dating back to 1805. The market remains an iconic DC destination for hungry locals and savvy visitors seeking fresh fish, crabs and cooked seafood. Through the centuries, this gem has featured an ever-changing array of vendors and eateries, including produce vendors, oyster boats, bait and tackle shops and lumber distributors. A quintessential place to start is Jessie Taylor Seafood, which has been serving seafarers and wayfarers of all sorts since 1939.
A stroll down the cobblestone-lined Pearl Street will lead you straight to Pearl Street Warehouse, The Wharf’s cozy venue channeling the Americana vibes of legendary music halls around the country. Get up close and personal with your favorite rock, country or blues artist, where every seat is a front-row seat and you’re never more 25 feet from the stage. The harmonious pairings of classic all-American diner fare, craft brews and cocktails make a trip to The Pearl a musical experience you won’t soon forget. Check out the lineup and plan your visit.
On Recreation Pier you can catch some rays in lounge chairs, take a seat at any of the outdoor desks or swoop back and forth on a modern swing sets, all while marveling at gorgeous views of the Washington Channel. For even more adventure, head over to The Wharf Boathouse and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get out on the water.
In addition to a cadre of dining destinations, The Wharf is home to a wide variety of shopping options, from local artisans to global name brands. Check out the full list of shops, which includes Shop Made in DC, Politics & Prose, The Spa at The Wharf and many more.
Water taxis pull up to this pier, but it’s also got plenty of fun and games. In summertime, the pier features a mini-golf course, which becomes a skating rink in winter. Grab a seat in the built-in steps of the pier and rock out to entertainment on the Floating Barge. If you’re looking for even more great tunes, Transit Pier leads right to The Anthem, one of DC’s rocking music venues.
Southwest & The Wharf has a track record for hosting unique, one-of-a-kind events. Well, The Wharf enhances the calendar with everything from Pride on the Pier and the District’s Holiday Boat Parade to the Running of the Chihuahuas on Cinco de Mayo and Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash for Oktoberfest. Check out the latest upcoming events at The Wharf.
The Wharf’s official beacon greets vessels slowly passing through the no-wake zone. But it’s also good for pier-goers, too, who can crowd around The Torch and marvel at the 14-foot gas-powered flame.
DC’s famed indie bookstore couldn’t have found a more exciting spot to open its second brick-and-mortar location. P&P devotees can expect more of the same from this on-the-water locale, including frequent author visits, book signings and an on-site coffeehouse.
Jutting out 450 feet, The Wharf’s largest pier was designed to be a photo-friendly, awe-inspiring open space for hosting events. Driving this point home is its Dockmaster Building found at the end of the pier, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and hosts weddings and other private functions. The pier serves as The Wharf’s most brilliant backdrop for public festivals and private events, and it hosts large galas as well as outdoor performances.
Kick back in the verdant environs of this natural riverside park. Walking trails and picnic-friendly plots are some of the features at 7th Street Park, but the coolest thing might be the waterworks: an interactive fountain features spouts, cooling misters and multi-color LED lights.
Set to run daily every 10 minutes, the free, open-to-the-public shuttle bus seats 50+ passengers and makes four stops. The bus is outfitted in a sleek, all-water wrap, and picks up and drops off at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro/VRE station, the National Mall at 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW, L’Enfant Plaza on 10th Street SW and The Wharf.
What’s cooler than a free shuttle? Rolling up to Transit Pier in a water taxi. The Wharf currently services water taxis from Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia and National Harbor in Maryland.
Hop aboard the dog-friendly, 12-seat motorized ferry and marvel at natural wonders – such as the cherry blossom trees lining the water’s edge. You can catch the Jitney from Recreation Pier and end up in wide-open East Potomac Park, where you can make a day of it golfing any of three ways: regular golf, mini-golf or foot-golf (think: soccer, but on a golf course with huge holes). Tennis, bicycling, running and swimming round out the array of activities you can have before its time to voyage back to The Wharf – for free.
Post up at Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf, Pendry Washington D.C. - The Wharf or InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf. Sweeping water views in nearly every room, a rooftop bar named Whiskey Charlie and an all-day euro-style cafe can be found at Canopy. Planning on staying for a while? Then consider Hyatt House, where the nearly 150 suites come with a full kitchenette – perfect for cooking up the catch of the day from the historic fish market. The luxurious InterContinental hotel features 278 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites.
The Anthem and Pearl Street Warehouse aren't your only options for concerts at The Wharf. Union Stage offers a packed calendar that includes a wide range of independent acts. The intimate setting means you’ll get to enjoy a healthy dose of sound, and you can also order up beers and pizza from their Tap Room. We highly advise getting well-acquainted with this dynamic spot, as it’s set to become a popular Wharf destination.
Officina – “workshop” in Italian – is Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s masterpiece and the place to be for all things Italian cuisine. The first floor of this extraordinary complex is home to a gourmet market and an elevated no-reservations cafe starring housemade pastries and espresso by day and Italian classics paired with cocktails by night. Venture upstairs and you’ll find the casual Trattoria (think handmade pasta and prime meats from the downstairs market), a “library” devoted entirely to amaro and Terrazza, a year-round rooftop bar. Eat your way through this culinary playground and cap off your night with views of the Potomac River and a cocktail by the cozy fire pits at Terrazza.
There are numerous ways to exercise and enjoy recreation or fitness at The Wharf. Check out the destination's website for a rundown of activities. Additionally, when the weather is nice, be on the lookout for outdoor fitness activities on The Wharf's piers.
DC's groundbreaking development has completed construction on its second phase. The Wharf now also offers two new restaurants from Gordon Ramsay, a boutique hotel in Pendry Washington D.C. - The Wharf, Lucky Buns, Blank Street Coffee and more. Visit the Wharf's website for even more things to do.
Your exploration of The Wharf can continue into the surrounding neighborhood, which features two major attractions. At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century museum experience to the nation's capital. The innovative space hosts rotating, large-scale installations by artists who are at the forefront of modern innovation, creating an imaginative place that will immerse adults and children in a world of digital art. There's also the incredible, cutting-edge adventures that await inside the International Spy Museum, where visitors of all ages can embark on an Undercover Mission and uncover an entire world of spy intrigue, mysteries, histories and much, much more, all in an interactive environment.
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