Welcome to Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf
At the Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf, fresh seafood meets vibrant culinary traditions in the heart of Washington, DC. Nestled by the water, this market is celebrated for its wide selection of local catches, including succulent Maryland Blue crabs, flavorful crab cakes, and mouth-watering fried fish. Diners can indulge in raw or cooked options, with highlights like perfectly steamed baby octopus and plump oysters. The lively atmosphere, featuring tall communal tables, enhances the experience, making it perfect for families and seafood lovers alike. With its commitment to freshness and flavor, the Municipal Fish Market offers an unforgettable seafood adventure.
-
1100 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States Hotline: +1 202-688-3590
Welcome to the Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf, a hidden gem nestled along the scenic waterfront of Washington, DC! Located at 1100 Maine Ave SW, this vibrant market is a haven for seafood aficionados seeking a fresh and delightful culinary adventure.
The moment you step into the Municipal Fish Market, the aroma of the ocean and the bustling atmosphere envelop you. This unique open-air market boasts an impressive variety of seafood, from succulent crabs to tantalizing oysters, perfectly positioned just steps from the shimmering waters of the Potomac.
- Highlight from Customers: If you’re a crab lover, don’t miss the famous Maryland Blue crabs. As Ken Enecio suggests, they are a must-try, especially when in season, and are an excellent excuse to indulge in some deliciously messy fun!
- Freshness is Key: Every dish showcased here emphasizes freshness. Henry Zhang raves about the plump male blue crabs and the sweet succulent meat that simply melts in your mouth, while the steamed baby octopus stands out as a deliciously unique offering.
- Hearty Portions: The crabcake sandwich, as Marshal Turner discovered, is unexpectedly large and immensely flavorful, efficiently satisfying even the heartiest appetites. Pair it with some freshly shucked oysters, and you have a match made in seafood heaven!
- Perfect for Families: Noemy Diaz-Ramos shares that this market is an excellent place for family outings, thanks to its variety of seafood options at reasonable prices. It’s a clean, well-maintained location that provides a casual dining atmosphere while you soak up the lively surroundings.
The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf also stands out for its accessibility. Guests can enjoy cooked seafood right on-site, giving you the chance to dine on your freshly prepared treasures in a casual yet festive setting. Though the seating may be limited to tall tables, this encourages a communal dining experience where conversations flow as easily as the served dishes.
As you explore the countless options available, you'll find that whether you are craving fried fish, succulent shrimp, or the briny goodness of raw oysters, each visit promises to be an exciting taste adventure. The enthusiastic crowds lining up for cooked seafood versus the oysters denote the market’s popularity and reputation.
The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf is not just a meal; it’s a comprehensive experience that celebrates the rich culinary culture of seafood. So, the next time you find yourself wandering near the Washington Monument or enjoying the blooming cherry blossoms, make sure to take a detour to this culinary haven—you won’t regret it!
Plan your visit today by calling +1 202-688-3590 and dive into the delicious world that awaits at the Municipal Fish Market!
Must try is are their crab cakes, fried shrimps and fried fish. Try their scallops and oysters, too. And if crabs are in season - the Maryland Blue crabs are a must ry- get to get messy!
Very fresh seafood, I like their baby octopus, it’s delicious when steamed. The male blue crab is very plump and the meat is sweet. They also provide open oysters, which taste great and not fishy. 6 for about 11. The lines for cooked seafood are usually longer than the line for oysters opening.
So nice I had to get the oysters twice. Fresh seafood market right on the water. The crabcake sandwich was surprisingly large and super flavorful. It was a bit pricey honestly but not surprising with the location. There are tall tables in the middle for you to stand/eat.
I was here on a trip this January (MAGfest 2025). The seafood here is godlike. My only regret is not trying out the crab legs.
Great local and historic spot to grab a bit or bring it home, ton of local seafood and the option to have it cooked on-site! Very unique, very delicious and such an experience!
Wow, any kind of seafood you can imagine, raw and cooked, including steamed crabs!
A very pleasant place to visit with the family. The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf offers a unique culinary experience, perfect for seafood lovers. There’s a wide variety of vendors selling fresh fish, crabs, oysters, shrimp, and more. Even though it’s an open air market, the place is surprisingly clean and well maintained. Prices are very reasonable, making it a great option to enjoy fresh seafood without spending too much. Definitely a must visit stop if you're in the Wharf St SW area of Washington, DC.
This is a very good spot for seafood lovers. The fried fish is tasty and abundant. Highly recommended. Very close to Washington monument and cherry blossom trees. Accesible parking and very convenient space to eat in the tables in the center. You will have to be prepared to eat standing because there are not chairs, only tall tables, but it’s comfortable enough. We ate with our kids and they really loved it, the salad and French fries were very flavored too. If you want to have a nice experience before or after walking in the area this is the place.