Reviewing Blackwall Hitch: Coastally inspired cuisine in Washington D.C.’s Old Town.

You’ll find Blackwall Hitch situated on the dock in Old Town’s waterfront. Across from the entrance, private boats are docked in the marina, while the water taxi ferries passengers from Alexandria to Georgetown and National Harbor. Given this riverside location, it comes as no surprise that the restaurant embodies a nautical theme. The décor has a modern, urban vibe with dark wood floors, black accents, and exposed bulb lighting. A large white wall in the middle of the restaurant is printed with the lyrics to Led Zeppelin’s “The Ocean,” furthering the modern tie-in to the traditional coastal theme.   

The sprawling dining room encircles a lively bar in the center, where live music can be found on weekends. The tables flow out onto outdoor patios in both the front and the back. In front of the restaurant, you can people watch on the dock and enjoy the boat traffic on the Potomac while the back patio, which bends around the restaurant, promises a more secluded atmosphere where people (and canines) gather. There are plenty of tables outside, with some surrounding cozy fireplaces lining the perimeter.  

Seasonal cocktails with a view and some entertainment

It is on the back patio that my husband and I met with old friends on a warm and breezy early fall night for dinner. With such beautiful weather, everyone who wasn’t enjoying the live band at the bar had chosen to dine outside, and all of the firepits glowed around the deck. We started the evening with drinks, and tried a couple of their rotating seasonal cocktails. The white peach and rosemary mule was a delightful take on the traditional mule, with the sweetness of the peach and woodiness of the rosemary blending into a beautiful late summer flavor. The lavender French 75 kicks up the classic cocktail a notch with the addition of house-made lavender syrup.  

What to eat at Blackwall Hitch

Our table shared two appetizers to begin our meal. The first was the truffle and parmesan fries. Thick cut fries that are crispy on the outside but still soft on the inside were flavored with parmesan cheese, truffle oil, and garlic. Definitely a comfort food staple, the dish might be simple but it was done well. The fries were golden and hot and the flavors of the sharp parmesan and earthy truffle balanced so as not to overwhelm each other. The serving of fries was plenty big enough for sharing. 

In addition, we ordered the flaming crab dip. This is an incredibly fun appetizer to order with a group, especially sitting outside after dark as we were. The cheddar and Old Bay flavored dip is packed with crab meat and served in a cast iron skillet. It is then flambéed at your table for an exciting show. But this dip isn’t just a gimmick – it’s an addictive and delicious take on a local favorite flavor. The crab meat is plentiful, while the cheeses create a thick and creamy base that mellows the spiciness of the Old Bay and allows for easy scooping. Served with soft naan crackers, the whole thing just melts in your mouth together in perfect harmony.  

To eat Red Brick Chicken…

Although I normally go for the delicious seafood dishes at Blackwall Hitch, I was feeling like something land-based and decided on the red brick chicken.  No afterthought chicken here, though – this wing-and-breast piece had a perfectly golden, crispy outside skin while maintaining moist meat on the inside. Served on a bed of roasted fingerling potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts, the dish was complemented by a generous drizzle of hot honey, which provides a sweet-and-spicy tang to the otherwise simple flavors. Positioning the chicken atop the potatoes is excellent plating, as they are useful in sopping up the remaining juices from the dish. 

Or Filet Mignon

In addition to the chicken, one member of our group also ordered the filet mignon. Also plated beautifully, the steak is sizable and was cooked precisely as ordered. It is served atop bright green, garlicky spinach and delicate whipped potatoes. The final two members of our group ordered from the house-made pasta menu, which features several fresh made varieties of pasta. The Creole rigatoni was a hearty dish, filled generously with smoky Andouille sausage and plump shrimp. The Creole flavor is present but not overbearing – so even those who dislike spicy food would be apt to enjoy this dish.  

Blackwall Hitch final review

Blackwall Hitch is a great spot to enjoy a lively dinner with friends and family. It has a welcoming and open atmosphere, large bar space, delicious cocktails, live music, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients are a staple, and their menu rotates based on the seasons. One of our favorite nibbles is the Chesapeake flatbread, and we’ve been known to stop in to split one for lunch with a couple of drinks. The location on the water boasts gorgeous views and easy access to the King Street shops for a post-meal stroll.