Looking for a place to gather with your fellow Fringe-goers after an evening show? Want somewhere where the “last call” arrives just a little bit later? Looking to spend less than a small fortune on drinks?
The Wharf has plenty of places for you to enjoy haute-cuisine and stylish cocktails. For the more budget-conscious Fringe attendee, DC Theatre Scene compiled the best bars and restaurants that offer late-night drinking and dining on the Wharf.
Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company
1130 Maine Ave SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-900-4786
Closes 1:30 a.m. every night except Sundays, at 11:30 p.m.
Late night happy hour specials.
Cocktails under $15** | Beer/ wine approx $8
Easy to find, look for the giant smoke stack with “Thrasher Rum” written on the side close to the west side of the Wharf.
Two bars inside, one bar with a front row view of the river, and an additional open rooftop bar on the top floor of this tiki-inspired restaurant. Tiki TNT focuses on hand-crafted rum cocktails, and its Hawaiian theme extends to its menu: pineapple as an ingredient is featured throughout the menu. Dishes focusing on the tangy and sweet combinations, pork and poke dishes available fresh and well-prepared.
Tiki TNT opened September of last year, so this is the newest location on the Wharf. The service is attentive and smooth, with the bartenders working comfortable conversation during lulls in their busy periods.
Their late night menu features rotating $6 snacks, as well as a daily $6 entree item. Additionally, drinks are on happy hour at the time.
701 Wharf St. SE
Washington, D.C. 20024
202-817-3055
Closes 1 a.m Friday and Saturday, 12: a.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 p.m. on Sunday
Late night happy hour menu
Cocktails under $15 | Beer/ wine approx $13 or under
If you like fresh, raw oysters, then the ubiquitous Hank’s (at any of their four locations) is a Washington, D.C. must-visit. Their menu focuses on New England-style cuisine: fried oysters, clams, and probably the best lobster roll in town.
Hank’s, located near the dock’s fireplace on one edge of the Wharf, navigates a stunning view of the river with a patio that circles the building. Reservations are recommended if you’re looking to get in during the dinner hours, but for late night, the restaurant offers select oysters for $1.25 each, as well as snacks and drink specials. This is usually your best bet to find a spot at their main or corner oyster bar.
The restaurant excels in its raw selection, showing off picture-worthy seafood towers and iced oyster trays overflowing with different selections, with local and non-local selections available daily.
749 Wharf St SW
Washington, DC 20024|
202-554-3818
Closes 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays, 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
Late night food menu
Cocktails under $14 | Beer/ wine approx $12 or under
Kirwan’s on the Wharf follows an Irish restaurant culture with updated takes to their dishes. With a front-stage view of the river and a vibrant bar setting, the restaurant caters to Wharf groups looking for a buzz and comfort food. Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash are presented in elegant fashion with a very accessible and varied drink selection.
Three bars, including a full whiskey bar, with an additional two floors and patio. The place keeps itself crowded during the day and is a restaurant industry go-to at night. Their wings and flatbread dishes, and of course, fish and chips, are on their late night menu. Each item is filling by itself and intended to be paired with whiskey or beer.
All said, their table service stutters when crowded. Come with a group of friends and find a spot at the bar to enjoy the view and the company.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9453323/Brighton_DC_wharf_opening_day.jpeg)
949 Wharf St SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-735-5498
Closes 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays, 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
Late night menu for food and drink
Cocktails under $14 | Beer/ wine approx $11 or under, even cheaper with late night menu
The Brighton goes for comfort food: Crab Cake or Chicken sliders start off a vegetarian curry and a decadent gruyere and brie grilled cheese. The dishes are heavy, and in proper bar-food fashion, grease-laden and filling. Like so many places on the Wharf, the view is what makes the place.
Their late night bar menu is probably the largest of the restaurants listed here, offering food and drink, as well as dessert. With the flexibility to host whether you’re flying solo or with a group of friend, you can expect this place to cater the Fringe crowds and the artists.
1101 4th St SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-488-0987
Closes 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays, 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
No specialty late night menu
Cocktails under $15 | Beer/ wine approx $10 or under
Station 4 is your standard casual American fare restaurant. Their men offers a little bit of everything, from a creative take on classic sandwiches (see their take on a Cubano or the Kobe-beef burger), to an individual pizza menu. Always a plus, they do have some vegetarian options readily available.
Located in the middle of the new apartment developments and next to the Waterfront metro stations, they’re a regular-friendly establishment. A wide, modern-feel bar and an engaging bartender make it the right place get away from the bustle of the Wharf on your way back home.
Station 4 makes it a point to celebrate any “national days” where specific foods or drinks are celebrated. So while Fringe is in session, you can enjoy their National Mac and Cheese, National French Fry, and the National Scotch days.
Have another bar or restaurant to recommend? Call them out below in the comments.
