Anchovy Social is a rooftop bar from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group that features floor to ceiling windows with seasonal outdoor space and views of Nationals Park, the Anacostia River, and the DC Navy Yard. Open year-round, Anchovy Social is the go-to spot for waterfront vibes, after-work drinks, and the occasional seafood tower inspired by the coastal spirit of their sister restaurant Maialino Mare downstairs. Closest Metro is Navy Yard.
To kick off Labor Day Weekend and enjoy the gorgeous weather, Keith made reservations at Anchovy Social. Strict safety protocols were in place - collect names of everyone in each party, temperature check upon arrival, must wear a mask at all times except when actively eating or drinking, hand sanitizer, contact-less menus (QR codes) and payment. We were seated at a little table that was shaded by the angle of the sun hitting the building, and immediately greeted by our duo of perky servers. They explained the contact-less concept, yet advised they'd be available to assist with anything else we may need.
To start, we ordered a bottle of Tiberio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo. This dark rosé has fresh, pure aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry and orange peel. Keith found it to be very juicy with outstanding definition, and I loved the acid-fruit balance with crisp, clean, and floral finish.
We nibbled on an overpriced snack ($7) of Cacio e Pepe Potato Chips, generously topped with grated pecorino and black pepper and the Maryland Crab Deviled Eggs ($14) with Old Bay Seasoning and a tart lemon aioli. These both were tasty, but just a bit pricey IMO.
The star was a beautifully presented Seafood Tower that came with Maine Lobster (tail and claw); King Crab; Shrimp Cocktail; Marinated Pulpo that had smoky Spanish vibes; Marinated Mussels with extra virgin olive oil, Calabrian chili, and fresh oregano; and White Anchovies in a lemon vinaigrette. The tower was served with plenty of lemon wedges, crackers, homemade cocktail sauce and dijonaise. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the seafood - especially the tinned options! Each were incredibly fresh and flavorful. We devoured the entire tower, which was more reasonably priced for all included ($48) and paired perfectly with our rosé.
After eating, we still had time in our 90-minute block and decided to order a cocktail to enjoy the views a bit longer. Keith tried the Summer Swizzle ($16) made with Gold Rum, Dark Rum, Pistachio Orgeat, Pineapple, Orange, Grenadine, and Angostura. This tropical drink was sweet and seemed popular among the other groups as I saw a few trays of the same drink pass by.
I ordered the Averna Spritz ($16) made with Prosecco, Averna, Cardamaro, and Grapefruit. Darker and sweeter than an Aperol Spritz, this drink looked and tasted like Coca-Cola with a sliver of grapefruit peel.
All in all we had a lovely time at Anchovy Social. The combination of food, drinks, views, and hospitality made for a hidden oasis within the rooftops of DC.
Food: 5, Price: 3, Service: 5, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5
