Review: Hank's Oyster Bar, Round 2

After being DENIED at Hello Cupcake, we figured we'd make the most of coming out to Dupont and go to dinner at Hank's Oyster Bar. Quite the derailment of plans, considering all I was planning on was a free cupcake, but hey, it was close and not crowded, count me in.

Grilled Baby Octopus, Sliced Baby Potatoes

We started with one of the daily small plate specials, grilled baby octopus with sliced baby potatoes. I thought the octopi were decent, charred well, had a nice chew without being like a piece of old Bubble-yum (not a fan of too-chewy octopi). The potatoes were undercooked so I didn't eat them after the first bite.

Fried Oyster Platter, Coleslaw, Fries

For my entree: A Monstrosity of fried-ness. I love oysters, but I definitely didn't think this one through well enough. Eating 2 or 3 fried oysters is one thing, but having a GIANT plate of them is another. Also, it's not like taking them home would be that great since they are fried. Tasted great, but I wouldn't get this again unless I was with 4 other people that all loved fried oysters and wanted to split this, haha. The coleslaw (which you can't even see under the oysters at the top of the photo haha), was really good, vinegar-based, not mayo-based.

Fish Tacos

T got another daily special, the fish tacos, which came in what I believe is the Wal-mart silver letter holder/organizer... why do I say this? Because I had the EXACT same one in college, haha. It was a cute presentation though, and really good for holding the tacos intact. The fish tacos came with fresh salsa, avocado, and crema.

Finished off the meal with complimentary chocolate pieces, it was overall a tasty meal that made me feel less angry about traveling to Dupont to be denied a free cupcake.

DC Eats: Hank's Oyster Bar

Hank's Oyster Bar is one of those places that you go once, and think, man I should really come here more often... and then you never do. Not because you don't want to, but because it's far (from me in MD), small, crowded, doesn't take reservations, and it manages to slip off your radar after a while. But sometimes plans work out, the weather's great, and there happens to be NO WAIT for a table at Hank's... a night of good eats is in order!

Mmm... slippery.

Glass of white wine and some freebie Goldfish crackers in hand, we took a look at the menu. I was at Hank's pretty much for the Lobster Roll, but T had never tried oysters before so we each got 2 ($2.00/oyster). I believe he got one from PEI (Prince Edward Island) and another one I can't remember. I also got 2, shown above, both from WA, one was called a Hootenanny and the other one didn't have a funny name so I can't remember, haha. Notice how I thought I was being smart and getting the names down on the ticket in the photo, neglecting to realize that it's completely obscured by the plate. Both of my oysters were fresh-tasting and I liked their mignonette (top left, next to the lemon) with the oyster the best.

Hello Loverrrrrrr

And here we are with the star of the show- the LOBSTER ROLL ($23.00). I had high expectations for Hank's version of a classic, and this did not disappoint. Huge chunks of lobster with just the right amount of mayo and other crunchy fillers (celery? onion? Not 100% sure), on a buttered split roll....yummmmmm. I got the roll with Old Bay fries, but you can substitute any of their sides (T got the collard greens). The fries were ok, not great, next time I get this I will try it with a different side. It might seem like a lot to spend on, well, a sandwich, but this isn't just any old sandwich my friends, it's fabulous, delicious & juicy, and I Love Love Love it. (Channelling my inner Teresa from RHoNJ).

Hank's does not offer dessert but will bring out a little dish of broken up chocolate for each table with the check. Clearly that didn't stop us from going to Mr. Yogato right around the corner from Hank's.

Domo arigato, Mr. Yogato

I got the original tart with fresh strawberries, and T got the chocolate-hazelnut with Cookie Crisps. I was way too full to finish all of mine but it was a great end to the meal! Works out really well that Hank's doesn't serve dessert, since you can walk 10 feet to Mr. Yogato, grab some froyo, and walk around Dupont. Definitely want to come back to Hank's again this summer for another Lobster Roll!

- Hank's Oyster Bar
1624 Q Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202.462.4265 (No reservations; call ahead to put your name on the seating list)

- Mr. Yogato
1515 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.629.3531