As the temperature – and humidity – rises in the District, summer seems just around the corner. For a seafood dining experience that matches the weather, head to The Salt Line in Navy Yard.
Located at 79 Potomac Ave. SE, the restaurant’s prime waterfront location complements its nautical theme. Diners can soak up the sun and take in views of the Anacostia River on The Salt Line’s expansive patio or opt to dine inside.
A block away from Nationals Park, the restaurant is a lively spot to grab a meal before or after a Nationals game. The tables are spaced out, so visitors can eat safely while enjoying the scenic waterfront views.
If you’re looking for something to sip on, The Salt Line offers a wide array of locally sourced craft beers ($5 to $10). Diners may also choose from a variety of cocktails, like a Frozen Del’s Shandy ($13) made with vodka and lemon, and Fish House Punch ($13) made with rum, cognac, peach brandy and black tea.
New England cuisine is the main focus of the restaurant’s menu, featuring dishes like clam chowder ($5), oysters (market price) and fried clam bellies ($16). In addition to the classics, The Salt Line also offers a range of unique dishes, which change seasonally, like razor clam ceviche ($15) with charred tomatillo and jalapeno and seared scallops ($28) with confit rhubarb and turnip puree.
But between the several dishes I’ve tried at The Salt Line, my favorite bite is the lobster roll. The roll cost $28 the day I went, but the restaurant updates seafood daily, meaning the price of the lobster roll changes based on the market price.
The lobster roll comes on a split top bun that’s buttered and toasted for an ever-so-slight crunch. It’s then stuffed with a heaping serving of lobster meat that’s tossed in butter. You can choose either a side of greens or a side of fries to enjoy alongside the roll.
While it’s a pretty standard and simple dish, the roll sets itself apart and easily became one of my favorites. The roll soaks up the butter, but it remains sturdy enough to hold the delicate lobster that melts in your mouth. A slice of lemon is served alongside the roll, which I squeezed onto the lobster to add the slightest bit of acidity to the dish.
The dish is prepared using only butter, allowing the flavor of the lobster to remain the star of the show.
I opted for a side of fries, a classic side dish for lobster rolls. The fries were salty and crispy on the outside and weren’t overcooked in the center, serving as a natural contrast to the softer textures of the lobster meat and roll itself.
To satiate any of your seafood cravings, The Salt Line provides picturesque waterfront ambiance and fresh, quality food to earn our highest recommendation.
