The Wharf, located in Washington D.C. is an eclectic and exciting new destination offering dozens of great restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, recreational activities, and more.
The Washington DC region has been undergoing an explosion of development over the past decade. Once neglected areas have been transformed into exciting, thriving new neighborhoods full of great restaurants, parks, entertainment venues, housing options and more. One example is the Wharf, located along the Washington Channel in the Southwest quarter of D.C. What was once an underutilized and isolated area of D.C. is now a thriving community for local residents and visitors alike, honoring its past while embracing the future.
The planning for the Wharf began in 2003, with the goal of revitalizing the waterfront. The construction of Phase 1 began in 2014, and opened in 2018. Phase 2 opened four years later in 2022. In total, the Wharf offers over three million square feet of retail, office, residential, and entertainment space on over 20 acres of land and 50 acres of water.
This new waterfront neighborhood is the City’s hottest new destination. It features an eclectic, contemporary mix of interesting, gleamy new buildings housing four hotels, over 80 shops and restaurants, a 6,000 seat music venue, and thousands of new residential units serving a variety of income levels, all in a sustainable environment. The highlight is a mile long, wide waterfront promenade that includes interactive fountains, seating areas, fire pits, attractive landscaping, public art, and outdoor dining. The promenade faces the massive marina and the Washington Channel. Four piers extend into the channel each with its own theme, character and activities. I’ve been to the Wharf numerous times, and each time is just as fun and exciting, offering opportunities to try something different.
Eat and Drink at any of the many Restaurants and Bars
The Wharf is a diners’ destination, offering dozens of restaurants and bars with many cuisines to suit every palate. The variety of restaurants range from casual to gourmet, many offering splendid views. The latest anticipated restaurant to open is Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen, known for its steaks and classic dishes such as Beef Wellington. Across the promenade is his Fish and Chip restaurant offering classic British fare. Below are some of the restaurants that I’ve visited.
Mi Vida – This upscale but moderately priced Mexican restaurant by acclaimed chef Roberto Santibañez features dishes inspired by Mexican street food and traditional Mexican home cooking. I tried the Huevos con Mole, the Burrito Tejano (breakfast burritos covered in a tomatillo-jalapeño cream sauce), and the Pan Frances (banana custard French toast), and loved all three.
Colada Shop – Head to the tropics and try some Cuban coffee or cocktails, along with an empanada or a sweet or savory pastelito.
Kaliwa – This restaurant features Filipino, Korean and Thai inspired dishes in a contemporary setting, including favorites such as Chicken Adobo.
Bistro du Jour – Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, this Parisian style café features traditional French fare such as pastries, French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, and Coq Au Vin.
Falafel, Inc. – For those in a hurry for an inexpensive bite, Falafel, Inc. offers crispy but doughy falafel packed in a pita sandwich or bowl, spicy fries, and multiple sauces to accompany your dish. Proceeds go toward helping refugees in need.
Hank’s Oyster Bar – Enjoy waterfront views while eating seafood dishes, oysters, and other items such as po’boys, lobster rolls, burgers and more.
Cantina Bambina – This fun and lively bar is located on the upper level of a dock building, overlooking the Wharf. It’s a great place to enjoy the views and observe the crowd below. The bar serves beer, cocktails, and snacks.
Shop till you Drop
The Wharf offers 25 retail establishments including home décor stores, salons, galleries and more. Politics and Prose is an independent bookstore featuring a wide assortment of books, gifts and stationary. It also serves as a community gathering spot offering author events, book signings, and classes. The Potomac Distilling Company, operated by James Beard Award finalist Todd Thrasher, produces and distributes four types of Thrasher’s Rum. The distillery offers tours and tastings.
Visit a Historic Fish Market
The Municipal Fish Market has been a D.C. institution for hundreds of years. It is the oldest continuously operating fish market in the U.S., opened in 1805. Located at the very north end of the Wharf, the market is the only original use that is still operating at the Wharf, offering a bit of history of the working dock. Here you can purchase fresh fish, crabs, mussels, clams and more, either to take home or eat on site.
Play on the Water
The Wharf offers plenty of opportunities for having fun on the water or landside. One of the piers is known as Recreation Pier. Here, you can relax on a lounge chair or ride a swing set while watching the boats go by. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are available for rent during the summer at the Wharf Boathouse, also located at Recreation Pier.
At the south end of the Wharf you can catch multiple boat tours from Pier 4. These include sightseeing tours, and brunch or dinner cruises offered by City Experiences.
At the north end, the Transit Pier offers seating to watch outdoor concerts performed from a floating barge. During the summer, the pier features a mini-golf course and cornhole sets, while a skating rink is open in winter.
On a cold day, bundle up and sit by a wood burning firepit on the promenade while savoring melted smores from the retrofitted Airstream trailer known as Camp Wharf.
Stay Awhile
There are four beautiful and stylish hotels at the Wharf, including the Pendry, Canopy by Hilton, the Intercontinental, and Hyatt House. These hotels offer spectacular views, and are just minutes from all of the activity at the Wharf, as well as the museums and monuments on the National Mall.
Attend a Performance
There are three music venues at the Wharf, offering a variety of acts. The largest is called The Anthem, which is used for housing large national music acts. Union Stage houses a variety of artists in a smaller setting, and offers a tap room. Pearl Street Warehouse hosts up-and-comers, generally at lower prices, all in a cozy venue where everyone is no more than 25 feet from the stage. The Pearl offers food, craft beers and cocktails.
Participate in one of the many Fun Events
The Wharf offers many fun and exciting events throughout the year, including free outdoor movies, free concerts on the Transit Pier, and themed dance parties. The DC Jazz Fest occurs over Labor Day weekend, offering over 100 concerts, many of them at various venues at or near the Wharf. Other fun and cultural events include Octoberfest and Día de los Muertos. During the winter holidays, spectators can watch colorfully decorated boats at the Holiday Boat Parade, a DC tradition.
How to Get to the Wharf
There are multiple ways of getting to the Wharf. Located along Maine Avenue just off Interstate 395, the Wharf offers on-street parking and underground parking garages. Bicycle facilities are integrated into the development, including bike lanes and bike parking. The Waterfront Metro station is an easy five minute walk east along M Street. A free shuttle service is also provided, offering connections to the Southwest neighborhood including the L’Enfant Metro station and the National Mall. A free boat service known as the Wharf Jitney offers limited service across Washington Channel to East Potomac Park.
Water taxis can be accessed at the Transit Pier. The taxis provide a fun and relaxing way to travel between the Wharf and multiple destinations in the Washington D.C. area, including Old Town Alexandria, Georgetown, and National Harbor. I’ve taken the water taxi multiple times from my home in Old Town to the Wharf. It’s a great way to play tourist without traveling too far.
