Bethesda Crab House
4958 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814-5204 301-652-3382

Description: BETHESDA. This is primal eating at its best. The setting: wooden tables covered with newspaper. The tools: small knives and wooden hammers. The goal: delicate, sweet crabmeat. You're on your own here, and what you eat is what you conquer. Wear casual clothes, and do your best to extract the tender morsels of crab from the shells. Join other patrons as they crack, smash, and crush, and enjoy the camaraderie as you work for your dinner. Order a beer to combat the sweat, and enjoy cole slaw and corn on the cob as you dig in. This isn't your typical meal, but it's a blast, especially with a group. Just make sure to place an order for crabs before you come. If they run out, you're left with shrimp ­ and what fun is there in that?
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BlackSalt
4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20007 202-342-9101

Description: THE PALISADES. Founded by Jeff and Barbara Black, this market-restaurant eschews fanfare, much to the delight of the affluent neighborhood folks who deem themselves regulars. Once you've made your way past the spectacular array of fresh fish and seafood displayed on the retail end, you'll find friendly waitstaff eager to welcome you to your cozy booth or table. From there, the tough choices start: Will it be fried Ipswich clams or braised baby octopus? Mahi-mahi with polenta or French bourride? You really can't go wrong.
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Bobby Van's Steakhouse
809 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-589-0060

Description: DOWNTOWN. Amid rich colors and polished woodwork, you'll find some of DC's best steaks. Celebrated for its porterhouse, Bobby Van's attracts folks who have access to sturdy expense accounts. They come for prime cuts of meat, shipped to the restaurant and dry-aged on the premises, imparting both flavor and tenderness. Other popular options include the New York strip, short ribs, braised lamb shank, and lobster. While the company's paying, check out the substantial wine list, and take note of daily specials, which showcase a few unexpected treats.
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DC Coast
1401 K St NW, Tower Building, Washington, DC 20005-3401 202-216-5988

Description: DOWNTOWN. Into people-watching? DC Coast's wall of windows overlooks busy 14th Street. As the name suggests, seafood is the specialty. Chef Jeff Tunks is famous for his Chinese-style smoked lobster, and pan-roasted rockfish with polenta cake and lobster corn broth. Popular terrene dishes include grilled NY strip with andouille hash, and marinated free-range chicken with roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled ramps. Portions are sizable, and the ambience is bright and lively. As for finding the place: Keep an eye out for the mermaid marking the entrance to this Beaux Arts-style dining room. METRO: McPherson Square
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H2O Restaurant & Lounge
800 Water St, Washington, DC 20024

Description: SOUTHWEST. Situated on the Potomac, this gorgeous venue houses a restaurant and night club. A freestanding bar graces the spacious lobby, and in the dining room, patrons savor views of the river and nibble on seafood specialties. A bountiful Sunday brunch includes a carving station, waffles, omelets and an impressive bar. On the weekend nights, DJs host awesome dance parties from Friday's International Night (featuring Latin, house and trance music) to Soulfood Saturday's combination of hip hop, reggae and R&B.
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Johnny's Half Shell
400 N Capitol St NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-737-0400

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Inspired by New Orleans' down-home, spicy cooking, this restaurant features fantastic seafood dishes innovatively fashioned by chef Ann Cashion. Pristine shellfish from nearby waters are specialties, as evidenced by Chesapeake seafood stew, brimming with seafood, spices, and savory broth. Fresh crab is also tops, served simply and unadorned with a side dish of corn pudding. Great for lunch as well as dinner, the menu features everything from sophisticated salmon dishes to gourmet hot dogs and oyster po'boys. The charming dining room provides a fitting backdrop for flavorful all-American cuisine.
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Kinkead's
2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 202-296-7700

Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. This two-story establishment grants guests the option of dining casually in the downstairs area or more formally upstairs. The menu features a number of seafood standards, including roasted cod with crab imperial and Virginia ham spoonbread, and monkfish wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon. Other tempting choices are braised lamb shank with gigante beans, or grilled chicken with polenta, sun-dried tomatoes and mixed mushrooms. Be sure to leave room for dessert because Kinkead's will win you over with chocolate dacquoise, pecan carrot cake and a trio of crème brûlées. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Legal Sea Foods ­ Arlington
2301 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202 703-415-1200

Description: ARLINGTON. "If it isn't fresh, it isn't legal" is this restaurant's mantra, and they pride themselves on offering the freshest seafood available. An extensive menu, prepared weekly, offers fried, wood-grilled, baked, and sautéed options. Whole lobster, shrimp, mahi mahi, and scallops are flawlessly prepared, and the cioppino is a classic. A raw bar serves terrific shellfish, and steak and chicken are available, too. Make sure you try the clam chowder, which has been a staple at the past six presidential inaugurations. Smart casual dress.
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Legal Sea Foods ­ Downtown
704 7th St, Washington, DC 20001 202-347-0007

Description: DOWNTOWN. Legal Sea Foods operates on the motto, "If it's not fresh, it's not Legal." And they make good on their word. The variety of tasty seafood dishes and their clam chowder are near-legendary in the area. Appetizers are also popular, and Maryland crab cakes are a special treat. If you're ordering at the bar, lobster or shrimp roll sandwiches are terrific choices, as are oyster po'boys and lobster salad. For dessert, don't forget to try the Boston creme pie.
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McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant ­ Bethesda
7401 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-961-2626

Description: BETHESDA, MD. Elegant and clubby, McCormick & Schmick's has built a solid reputation on fish and shellfish drawn from local and Pacific waters. Start with oysters on the half shell or oyster stew, and then consider Dungeness crab, parmesan-crusted flounder, seared yellowfin tuna, or sauteed sea scallops. Pastas and steaks also find a place. The well-attended bar boasts an incredibly popular happy hour, and business folks relish its tasty fare and prompt service. Business casual dress. Reservations strongly recommended.
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McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant ­ Downtown
1652 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006-2801 202-861-2233

Description: DOWNTOWN. Elegant and clubby, McCormick & Schmick's has built its solid reputation on fish and shellfish drawn from local and Pacific waters. Start off with oysters on the half shell or oyster stew, and then consider Dungeness crab, parmesan-crusted flounder, seared yellowfin tuna, or sauteed sea scallops. Pastas and steaks also find a place. The well-attended bar boasts an incredibly popular happy hour, and business folks relish its tasty fare and shoeshine service. Business casual dress. Reservations strongly recommended. METRO: Farragut North or Farragut West
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Oceanaire Seafood Room
1201 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-347-2277

Description: DOWNTOWN. This large dining room feels like a masculine, clubby steakhouse, but it's really a seafood restaurant. The interior boasts red leather booths, curving architectural details, and globe lamps. The menu is packed with all manner of treats ­ salmon, haddock, sea bass, rockfish, oysters, tuna, and more. Knowledgeable servers can advise you about the day's specials, which can be grilled, broiled, or Cajun-spiced. Smart casual dress. Reservations recommended.
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Perrys
1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-234-6218

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. Perry's location in the hip Adams-Morgan neighborhood means that it can be a little wilder than most places, and Sunday brunch proves it. The menu offers a good selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, including pastries, eggs, waffles, quiche, and savory appetizers. However, most people come for the drag shows, where cross-dressing performers in evening gowns mingle with those looking for apple jelly. The atmosphere is lively, and shows are a lot of fun. If you're sensitive to teasing, go early though. Not many diners escape without a jab or two. METRO: Woodley Park/Zoo
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Pesce
2016 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036 202-466-3474

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Pesce, a fresh fish market and café run by chefs Roberto Donna and Jean-Louis Palladin, ensures that guests receive only the best, both in service and cuisine. Specials change frequently and feature impeccably fresh seafood flown in from multiple locations. Among the great options are Carolina shrimp, grilled monkfish, soft-shell crabs, and oysters on the half shell. The menu changes constantly, based on what's fresh and seasonal. Dress is business casual to casual. Dinner often requires a wait. METRO: Dupont Circle
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RT's
3804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 703-684-6010

Description: Seafood gets New Orleans style at this unpretentious restaurant. Try crawfish étoufée, famous crabcakes, and rave-inducing soft-shell crabs. The most popular appetizer is a crawfish and shrimp beignet, topped with garlic mayonnaise. Although seafood ­ from fried catfish po' boys to Shrimp Diane ­ is the house specialty, guests also love Tennessee Sour Mash pork barbecue, made with a touch of Jack Daniels. Don't leave the neighborhood tavern without indulging in lemon chess pie or Bananas Foster cake. Reservations accepted. Casual attire.
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Sea Catch Restaurant & Raw Bar
1054 31st St NW, Canal Square, Washington, DC 20007-4403 202-337-8855

Description: GEORGETOWN. Sheathed in stone, brick, and weathered wood, this restaurant's interior is eminently comfortable; nautical accents provide easy evidence of the house specialty. This restaurant insists on fresh fish and shellfish. It's known for Gulf shrimp, soft-shell crabs, and fabulous crab cakes, and the white-marble raw bar offers oysters, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Entrees range from grilled marinated squid to Virginia rainbow trout, mahi mahi, and lobster. Plus, landlubbers appreciate items like the Argentinian beef tenderloin. Casual to business casual dress. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Simply Fish
1700 Fern St, Alexandria, VA 22302

Description: ALEXANDRIA. At this delightful restaurant, you'll find only the freshest seafood. Try yellowfin tuna, rockfish, or the catch-of-the-day. All diners select a type of seafood, its cooking style (sauteed, broiled, grilled, steamed, or blackened), and a sauce. A fanciful mermaid mural adorns one wall, while a blue and yellow color palette sets the overall tone. The place's most striking visual aspect is a 250-pound metal fish skeleton sculpture. Smart casual dress.
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Stardust Restaurant and Lounge
608 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-9864

Description: ALEXANDRIA. This imaginative eatery is painted in fantasy shades of mint-green, purple, pink, and blue, and the stardust theme is evident throughout. The ceiling of each room is painted to mimic the sky, making guests feel as if they're dining in the great outdoors. Innovative dishes include oysters on the half-shell topped with mango, onion, and red bell pepper; crawfish étouffée; and whole fried fish topped with pungent Thai chili sauce. Non-seafood options include lamb curry or veal cheeks with noodles. A top pick. Reservations recommended. Business casual attire.
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Starfish Cafe
539 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-546-5006

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Starfish Cafe knows seafood. The menu is chock full of ocean-fresh goodies prepared with a New Caribbean/Creole slant. Oysters Rockefeller make a great start, followed by a soft-shell crab platter, sea bass filet, lobster, or fried seafood platter. To finish things in style, consider a slice of mango Key Lime pie or Starfish cheese flan. The fun, upbeat interior features exposed brick walls, sea-themed prints, and a blue-tiled bar. Sunday brunch available. Smart casual dress.
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Tony and Joe's Seafood Place
3000 K St NW, Washington Harbour, Washington, DC 20007 202-944-4545

Description: GEORGETOWN. Family-owned, this charming restaurant hugs the riverside, affording great views of the Potomac. An expansive patio brings the water even closer. A range of specialties and fresh entrees proves tempting, as hot crab dip and deep-fried alligator indicate. Other options include grilled tuna steaks or the day's fresh catches (the menu suggests how they're best prepared). If you want crab, lobster, or oysters, they're available too, along with chicken, steaks, and pastas. Wine and beer add fitting complements. Business casual to casual dress. Good for groups. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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