DCReview
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Hank's Oyster Bar
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For some reason, Goldfish taste better at Hank’s Oyster Bar. As soon as you’re seated, a bowl of the cheesy crackers appears, like a twist on chips and salsa. It might be confusing at first, but you’ll find yourself popping those bad boys one by one, and sooner rather than later, you’ll clear the bowl. That's the thing about Hank’s—it grows on you. The food is consistently good, the atmosphere is laid back, and over time there's a good chance that it'll become one of your go-to neighborhood spots.
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
The Dupont Circle restaurant is divided into two sections. Out front, you can pull up to the long marble island that serves as the bar and join the crowds of people coming off of work, dining in for Happy Hour where drinks and bites start at $5. In the main dining room, you'll find awkward family gatherings and third dates crowded around wooden tables set against exposed brick and chalkboard signs with the week’s specials. Depending on the mood you’re in, choose your seat wisely.
There’s a super casual air at Hank's. It’s what you expect from a place that serves bowls of Goldfish, but it’s also what you’ll come to love from a staff that’s incredibly friendly and a menu that requires you to roll up your sleeves, and slurp and crack your way through oysters, mussels, and lobster.
It’s not a traditional family-style menu, but that's the best way to enjoy a meal here.
Oysters aren't meant to be eaten alone (we stand by this), and you might as well keep the party going by splitting the rest of your order. Their small plates like lobster bisque come in big portions and sides like the mac and cheese, Old Bay french fries, and deconstructed street corn (get all three if you can) are things you’ll want to chomp on endlessly.
Grab one of their cheekily named cocktails, like the Holy Spritz, That's Good, made with vodka, aperol, lemon, and club soda, which are refreshing and fruity. And for dessert, the key lime pie.
It’s all very satisfying. That’s the beauty of Hank’s—it’s the type of place you can count on, same way you do a bag of Goldfish. It’s a lighthearted escape to a time when that snack felt like a treat. And while dining at Hank’s won't give you back your rapidly disappearing youth, it will make for a fun, chill night out.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Oysters On The Half Shell
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Lobster Bisque
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Steamed Mussels
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Deconstructed Corn
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Crab Cake Dinner
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Hank's Lobster Roll
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo