Whaley's

Whaley's is an oyster bar, featuring the bounty of the neighboring rivers, bays, sea and farms that was built into the Lumber Shed at Yards Park, an historic industrial building in the Washington Navy Yard. The restaurant features a 22-seat bar and a 44-seat dining room, as well as outdoor patio seating facing the riverfront and the surrounding Yards Park.  Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Whaley’s menu features shellfish towers, crudos, a selection of seafood-focused plates and a rotating family-style platter for sharing.  Keith and I went for an early dinner and mainly focused on raw bar items and appetizers.  I ordered a glass of 2013 Two Arrowheads, Viognier from Paso Robles, CA.  It was crisp with a hint of sweet to compliment the seafood.  Keith started with the Peppercorn Saison from Three Stars Brewery here in DC.  This is one of my favorite local beers, and also complimented the seafood very well.

We started with a dozen oysters - 6 Olde Salt (my favorite) from Chincoteague, VA; 3 War Shore from Chesapeake Bay, VA; and 3 Sea Stone from Black Narrows, VA.  The Sea Stones were small delicious bites with great flavor, and a gem that I will look out for in the future for the times I don't want my favorite meaty and briny Olde Salts.

We also shared a crudo of Day Boat Scallops with passion fruit, sea beans, and pink peppercorn.  The scallops were cut thickly, but were fresh and sweet.

Next, we ordered some hot appetizers starting with the Clams "Casino".  Stuffed with chorizo, red peppers, croutons, and parmigiano, I found these little clams to be very tasty.  Keith, on the other hand, felt the extra stuffing overpowered the delicate clam.

The Crispy Squash Blossoms were divine stuffed with shrimp and served on a ginger aioli.  The portion size was a decent shared portion.

Another nice sized portion was the Grilled Rock Octopus that came with eggplant puree, piquillos, harissa, potatoes, and crispy shallots.  The octopus meat was very tender and soft.

Lastly, in lieu of dessert, Keith wanted to order another half dozen of oysters.  So we got 3 more Old Saltes and 3 more Sea Stones.

While we enjoyed all the seafood offerings at Whaley's, the prices were a bit high and cannot beat the other local establishments that offer better happy hour specials (think $1 oysters).  Nonetheless, the open light of the dining space with soothing sea blue tones, and location next to the river is a plus.  Service was also top notch, and the bar area appealing for drinks and nibbles.

September 2019: Michelin Guide named this restaurant to its list of Bib Gourmand in DC - those restaurants that offer "excellent food at a reasonable price."

 Total Rating: 4.23
Food: 4.5, Price: 3.5, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5