The D.C. riverfront revival is going swimmingly. Nationals Stadium, the Yards Park and an influx of restaurants have ushered in an era of prosperity for the once industrial district, transforming the area into an all-seasons destination for sports, food, drink and entertainment. A little further down M Street, Arena Stage, built long before the Nats Stadium opened, has served as a neighborhood cornerstone and bastion of American regional theatre since the 1950s. With productions focusing on the American experience, Arena Stage produces plays from all over the country, expanding on their diverse and challenging themes with off-stage community and education programs. If heading to Arena Stage for a show, be sure take part in the revival by checking out one of these restaurants.
Osteria Morini
Located in the Yards Park, Osteria Morini sits in an airy, glass building with a wide view of the Anacostia River- which can actually appear very pleasant if you don’t imagine what’s in it. A place for upscale Italian, Osteria Morini has a master understanding of the pasta dish with traditional favorites (gnocchi, rigatoni, lasagna) flavored by seafood, vegetables and spiced meat. Guests will have a hard time moving to a main course with the lengthy and tempting app menu which features Italian cheese and crostini. Osteria Morini is a full-meal establishment that does not need to rely on endless breadsticks to keep customers sated and returning.
Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-11 PM; Sunday 11 AM-9 PM
Price $30 and under
301 Water Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Website
Bluejacket Brewery
Opened last year, the Navy Yard’s Bluejacket brews premium suds and serves fine American cuisine. Housed in a large brick complex known as the Boilermaker Shops once used for ship and munitions manufacturing, Bluejacket stands as a link between the Navy Yard’s industrial past and its present state as a reclaimed entertainment district. Greg Engert, the beer personality behind Church Key and Birch & Barley’s extensive drink menus, helms the Beer Director position, overseeing the creation of Bluejacket’s twenty-plus original beers. A dinner menu of gourmet burgers and prime cut meat/fresh seafood entrées compliments well the crafted drinks.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 AM- 1 AM; Friday-Saturday 11 AM-2 AM
Price $30 and under
300 Tingey Street SE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Website
Maine Avenue Fish Market
Just down the street from Arena Stage sits a floating, open air fish market. Though smell often precedes its sight, the Maine Avenue Fish Market mongers some of the best regional seafood in D.C. Open seven days a week, the collection of a dozen or so shops heaps piles of crabs, oysters, fish fillets, mussels and prepared seafood items on ice for market-goers to sample and buy. Though only blocks from the monuments, the market has a locals-only quality and is a perfect spot for some no-frills food. Get a Seafood Combo from Captain Jack White’s Seafood City (4 oysters, 4 scallops, 4 shrimp, 2 fish fillets and a crab cake) to munch on with a view of the Washington Channel. Order there and enjoy the view while you wait or order ahead for pickup.
Open 7 days a week
Price $20 and under
1100 Maine Ave SW,
Washington, D.C.
Captain White’s Seafood City
A few blocks from Arena Stage, Cantina Marina is a light-hearted place to grab a drink after the show. A wooden-deck patio hangs over the Washington Channel and enjoys nice tidal tableau of passing sailboats, seagulls and sunsets. The vibe is decidedly boardwalk with a cocktail menu full of iced and colorful drinks. Margarita fans will not be disappointed with six offerings. Cantina Marina makes itself a sound choice for some beverages and fresh air between the curtain close and heading home.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM- 12 AM; Friday-Saturday 11:30 AM-1 AM
Price $20 and under
600 Water St SW
Washington, DC 20024
Website
What are your favorite restaurants around Arena Stage?
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