Johnny's Half Shell

Reserve Powered by

Johnny's Half Shell Review

A 2010 move from Dupont Circle to more spacious quarters on Capitol Hill may have diminished the neighborhood charm of this seafood bar, but it at least made it easier to get a table. 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 "Baltimore" hot dog, only available at lunch—is as wonderful as ever. And the pastry chef turns 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, often in the company of top campaign contributors.