Johnny's Half Shell

Reserve

Johnny's Half Shell Review

A move from Dupont Circle to more spacious quarters on Capitol Hill may have diminished the neighborhood charm of this seafood bar, but at least it's easier to get a table these days. The Southern-tinged mid-Atlantic fare—pristine Kumamoto oysters, flavorful seafood stews, fried oyster po'boys, and a stellar pickled-onion-and-blue-cheese-topped hot dog—is still as wonderful as ever. And a new pastry chef is turning out a worthy coconut cake. Not surprisingly, the crowd is heavy on politicos drawn as much by the buzz and big-band tunes. Members of Congress can also be found downing a quick Gruyère-cheese omelet during breakfast on weekdays.