Hank's Oyster Bar is a Washington, D.C.-area seafood institution with a flagship location at 1026 King Street in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, steps from the King Street Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines. The restaurant has built its reputation across multiple locations on a philosophy of high-quality East Coast shellfish, a rotating oyster program covering producers from Maine to Virginia, and a kitchen approach that takes coastal American seafood seriously without pretension. The Old Town Alexandria location occupies a narrow, atmospherically appointed space on King Street with a marble bar, close-set tables, and a dining room energy that is lively without being chaotic. The oyster tasting flight is the restaurant's most distinctive offering: a curated selection of East Coast oysters from different harvest regions allows direct comparison of flavor profiles, salinity, and finish across a single tasting — an educational approach that has made Hank's a popular destination for shellfish enthusiasts who want to develop their palate. The Maine lobster roll, prepared in the New England cold-dressed style with mayonnaise on a toasted split-top bun, is among the best versions of the preparation available in Northern Virginia. New England clam chowder, rich and cream-based, rounds out the comfort seafood offerings. The kitchen also produces a broader menu of raw bar options, grilled fish, and seasonal shellfish preparations. A brunch service runs on weekends from 11:30 AM, offering oysters alongside egg dishes and cocktails for a complete late-morning seafood experience. Reservations are recommended through OpenTable or by calling 703-739-4265, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings when Old Town's dining scene draws significant weekend visitors from the D.C. metropolitan area.
Signature dishes
- East Coast oyster tasting flight
- Lobster roll
- Clam chowder
Good to know
- Known for
- DC-area seafood institution; Old Town Alexandria location steps from King St Metro
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 5:00–10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–11:00 PM; Sun 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Reservations
- Recommended; via OpenTable or 703-739-4265
Location
1026 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
38.8033, -77.0481 View on map
Highlights
- East Coast oyster tasting flight comparing producers from Maine to Virginia — the restaurant's signature educational offering
- Maine lobster roll in classic cold-dressed New England style — among the best versions in Northern Virginia
- Steps from the King Street Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines — fully transit-accessible from downtown D.C.
- Old Town Alexandria location with marble bar and energetic but intimate dining room
- Weekend brunch with raw bar oysters alongside egg dishes and cocktails
Tips for visiting
- Reserve through OpenTable or call 703-739-4265 one to two weeks ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner seatings
- The oyster tasting flight is the most valuable single ordering decision for shellfish enthusiasts — it surveys the East Coast harvest spectrum efficiently
- The lobster roll is available at lunch on weekends and is priced slightly below the dinner menu equivalent
- Bar seating along the marble bar is available on a walk-in basis and provides the most animated dining experience
- King Street Metro is steps from the restaurant; arriving by transit avoids Old Town's limited weekend parking
Accessibility
Hank's Oyster Bar in Old Town Alexandria is a narrow street-level restaurant; call 703-739-4265 before visiting to confirm wheelchair access and accessible seating arrangements, as the intimate dining room configuration has limited maneuvering space.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hank's Oyster Bar in Alexandria or Arlington?
The location at 1026 King Street is in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, not Arlington — the item listing reflects the broader Northern Virginia context. It is immediately accessible from the King Street Metro station on the Blue and Yellow lines.
Does Hank's have multiple locations?
Yes — Hank's Oyster Bar operates multiple locations across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including in the Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill neighborhoods of Washington. The Old Town Alexandria location is the primary Northern Virginia site.
What is the best time to visit to avoid a wait?
Reservations through OpenTable are recommended for weekend evenings; weekday dinners and weekend lunches are more accessible for walk-ins. The bar seats a handful of walk-in diners on most evenings.
Is the restaurant open for lunch?
Hank's serves lunch on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM and brunch on Sunday from 11:30 AM. Weekday lunch service is not offered at the King Street location; dinner-only service runs Monday through Thursday.
What is the price range for a full dinner?
A full dinner at Hank's Oyster Bar with wine typically costs $55–$90 per person, depending on the number of oyster preparations and beverage selections. The lobster roll and oyster flights are the higher price-point items on the menu.