Hank's Oyster Bar - Old Town

We had the 2 pound whole lobster special, $60 each, which goes off the menu in a few days unless extended. Get yourself on Hank's emailing list f you want to know about special menus and events. We would have missed this awesomely delicious 2 pound whole lobster special if I wasn't on their email list.We usually go to Hank's on the Wharf when we are attending an Arena Stage show nearby. Today we came here instead. The people watching and wharf visual is more exciting than this location. However, the price to park at the wharf is high even for DC. I found stress free street side parking at this location in the same block. The SQFT of interior space seems larger also and the tables not as close together. Two unique ambiance experiences, both VG.The quality of the food and excellent service are even between the two locations, IMO.Our lobsters were WOW! Tasted just as fresh as the ones we got in Portland ME. The creamy Mac & Cheese and coleslaw sides were the perfect complement.

It's Sunday and I'm in the mood for some good fried seafood and Hank's never disappoints. Ordering online was a breeze. It's a little after noonish on Sunday so parking was a dream. :) walked in and was immediately greeted and the aroma of seafood, in a good way, wafted past me. I am so hungry. Patrons are at the bar and seating area and are all engrossed in their own conversations. Gave my name to the hostess, picked up my bag filled with Sunday brunch goodness and headed home.Arrived home and my food was still hot. One note for the restaurant, please, please, I'm on my knees, lol, put something under fried take-away orders so that the items remain crispy.The fried oysters were meaty, "sweet", juicy...excellent. The shrimp and calamari appetizer was tasty. But today the winner for me are the oysters. And you cannot go wrong with the Remoulade sauce. Double please. And I love the little touches, Goldfish and chocolate.UPDATE: I so appreciate the response from Hank's to my comment. :) I cannot wait to see what the updated take-away containers will look like. Fingers and toes crossed, it will ensure the integrity of the food, specifically fried food.

We went for brunch and showed up around 1pm. It wasn't that busy. I got the lobster bisque and the smoked salmon reuben. My guest got the clam chowder and crab cake Benedict.The lobster bisque was good, not great. Plenty of lobster but the flavor of the soup was off as if the ingredients weren't balanced properly. The color was almost caramel colored opposed to what I'm used to seeing and that off color was reflected in the off taste. The reuben was ok but the remoulade and coleslaw overpowered the salmon. I really didn't taste it.My friend ordered the crab cake benedict . She was seated such that she could see the kitchen. (And we were right in front of it.) She watched as a plate of the crab cake benedict was brought back to the kitchen and then that same plate was brought to her. We weren't sure if this was a plate someone didn't want or if it was delivered to the wrong table. Regardless, when she got it the plate was cold. She asked to have it replaced, which they kindly did, and that was cold. But she enjoyed it, just said she'd have enjoyed it more if it had been hot. The manager kindly removed it from our check without us even asking.I wouldn't totally write the place off, but I wouldn't rush back.

Good service, good food. Came here for oysters. I forget the name of it but the MD oysters were so fresh and not salty at all. If you like that fresh water oyster taste, be sure to ask your waiter for recommendations. We also tried the VA local oysters and those were good too but a little bit more salty. Overall, I would come back but probably during happy hour. Prices are expensive.

What's not to love about Hank's oyster bar? I've gone to the DC Wharf one a couple of times. I love their raw oysters, lobster roll, french fries, etc. I've only been to this Old Town location once. It was a beautiful day, I decided to go to the rooftop and check out their happy hour specials and I just started ordering. Again, you can't go wrong with their raw oysters, sandwiches and even their deviled eggs I recall were really good. The key to coming here during happy hours is to come as soon as they open, grab a table and Just enjoy a nice glass of wine overlooking the street. I would say this is a good date place and they even have an area where you can sit and lounge. At first I sat at the bar and then I realized I wanted a better view so I moved. The snap was so nice and gracious to accommodate me and I actually called a friend to meet me upstairs. If you love seafood and you love amazing happy hours and this is a place to come, you won't be disappointed.

Love their hh! Oysters are always fresh and amazing. Service is warm and friendly. Best fries in town. Where else can you get fresh anchovies on a Caesar salad? The house wines seem to rotate which is lovely. This place never disappoints.

Stopped to get a drink while waiting for some friends. The service was pretty great, and most of the people around me seemed to get their things pretty quickly. I got the Seasonal Spiced Apple Old Fashioned. Trying something new, I didn't really know what to expect, but flavors were pretty awesome. And they give you Goldfish at the bar! Might have to stop by for an actual meal at some point. Give them a try if you have the time!

We popped in here as we were checking out of our hotel across the street. It was a Friday, late lunch, and it was pretty full so I'd recommend making a reservation. For drinks my husband got the coffee drink and i got the jalapeno one, he was envisioning something else but said it was pretty good and I liked mine fine, it was perfectly spicy, just a bit sweet for my taste and my friend got the mimosa which was pretty standard. For food, my friend got the shrimp and grits which she really liked and my husband and I split the lobster benedict as we weren't too hungry, but that was a huge mistake. It was fantastic and had me craving it for the rest of the weekend.The service was prompt, attentive and friendly. If you are in the area, definitely check this place out!

This is the third Hank's location I've been to and, as our server said, the best! We sat up on the large rooftop during a pride event (go Hank's for supporting pride!). The views were great, the breeze was nice, and we won a gift card in the raffle!The food was great. I should be embarrassed to say it, but the cheeseburger is absolutely amazing. My friend got the crab cake sandwich, which was also delicious. But the highlight is the key lime pie! It's homemade and fantastic- save room!Our server was hilarious and fun, and we stumbled across the pride event but it was so much fun! I got a frozen drink too which was just perfect. I'm looking forward to spending more evenings on the rooftop.

Service - our server seemed ok initially, but the service got progressively worse over time. When he stopped by the table, he would leave dirty dishes on the table rather than clearing it away. We believe he was stoned as we could smell weed on him and he became forgetful. Food - the crab dip was very disappointing. It was too salty and it was overcooked. One friend sent her food back 2 times because it wasn't hot. Food overall was a 3.5. Highlight was a great selection of oysters and the hush puppies.We had been once before and had sat in the upstairs bar. That visit was fantastic!