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The Salt Line - Navy Yard, Washington, DC

The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.5 (2768)
$31 to $50
Seafood
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Make a reservation

A photo of The Salt Line - Navy Yard restaurant

The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.5
$31 to $50
Seafood
Navy Yard

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Lively
The Salt Line - Navy Yard offers indoor STANDARD seating and OUTDOOR Patio Seating. Our OUTDOOR riverfront patio seating has been winterized and is now comfortably available all year round. The OUTDOOR reservations area has been tastefully enclosed in clear insulated curtains that still provide a scenic river view and is well protected, well heated and honored all weather. Additionally we offer FIREPIT LOUNGE reservations in our large outdoor bar area and first come first served bar, hightop and lounge seating. Please note: the Outdoor Bar area with hightops is covered and well heated but the fire pit and lounge seating is uncovered and so weather permitting. If your desired reservation is not available online or of you have any reservations questions please call the restaurant for more up to the minute information and assistance. For groups larger than 14 contact events@thesaltline.com.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rachant Baker
  • Catering
    The Salt Line offers drop-off and full service catering. For inquiries, email events@thesaltline.com
  • Private party facilities
    The Salt Line, situated across from Nationals Park directly on the Anacostia Waterfront, is a perfect setting for all your private event needs. Both scenic indoor and outdoor spaces are available.
  • Private party contact
    Events Team: (202) 506-2368
  • Neighborhood
    Navy Yard
  • Cross street
    South Capitol St
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking and Parking Garages available in area. Increased parking rates on Nationals and DC United Home game days. For complete Navy yard parking information please visit our website or https://www.capitolriverfront.org/plan-your-visit/getting-around/by-car
  • Public transit
    Navy Yard Metro
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
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What 2,768 people are saying

The Salt Line - Navy Yard reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Great for outdoor dining

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Salt Line - Navy Yard impresses with its "great vibe and delicious food," offering fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. Diners appreciate its scenic outdoor seating along the water, ideal for pre-game meals or leisurely dinners. While some service and portion size issues were noted, the "amazing oysters" and "excellent customer service" shine through.
2,768 Reviews
  1. Don Gold

    Philadelphia10 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    efficient and no problems. Server was quick to wait on our table and kept up with all of our needs.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jason

    Montreal4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Waitress was phenomenal. Crab Bucatini outstanding

    Is this helpful?

  3. Robin

    Unspecified1 review

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    While the DJ played great music, it was extremely loud and made it difficult to converse. Our chicken and waffles were delicious. The gumbo was bland.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rob

    Philadelphia16 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Worst dining experience in years. Food took forever. Never going back, I was totally ripped off. It used to be one of my favs on the DC waterfront/navy yard area so very sad. Do not eat there ever.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jessica

    Washington DC1 review

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The atmosphere was excellent. We sat on the patio along the water. The inside was much more lively andoud. The food was slightly a let down. Small portions, some items lacked flavor entirely.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jack

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server Heather was amazing! We were a larger party and she took great care of us.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jen

    Key West5 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server was nonsmiling, short worded and almost rude. Without the support of two other servers/runners/bar waiters (?) the service would have been awful. We paid with cash and the server (or runner - whoever took the check) shorted us $10 and when we went back inside for it, she pulled it out of her pocket! Also, we sat outside and had the smell of marijuana throughout the meal. blech

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  8. Seth

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing especially the oysters, fresh with a great selection, highly recommend the octopus!

    Is this helpful?

  9. janet

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great. Great vibe. My family all had different things and we all loved it. The Caesar salad was amazing. It had cucumbers in it and was so delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Stephen Gold

    Washington DC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Another very good meal at Salt Line. We often go for happy hour before games, but this time went with friends for dinner before a game. We all agreed, excellent.
    The Salt Line - Navy YardResponded on July 6, 2026
    Hello Stephen! Thank you for joining us again at The Salt Line -n Navy Yard. We're glad you enjoyed another excellent meal and that happy hour and dinner with friends hit the spot before the game. We appreciate you choosing us for your pre-game plans and look forward to serving you again soon. Kind Regards, Michael

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Shellfish, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri 12:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rachant Baker
  • Catering
    The Salt Line offers drop-off and full service catering. For inquiries, email events@thesaltline.com
  • Private party facilities
    The Salt Line, situated across from Nationals Park directly on the Anacostia Waterfront, is a perfect setting for all your private event needs. Both scenic indoor and outdoor spaces are available.
  • Private party contact
    Events Team: (202) 506-2368
  • Neighborhood
    Navy Yard
  • Cross street
    South Capitol St
  • Parking details
    Metered Street Parking and Parking Garages available in area. Increased parking rates on Nationals and DC United Home game days. For complete Navy yard parking information please visit our website or https://www.capitolriverfront.org/plan-your-visit/getting-around/by-car
  • Public transit
    Navy Yard Metro
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, The Salt Line is a popular choice for date night thanks to its waterfront views, coastal-chic atmosphere, and solid seafood-focused menu. Guests frequently praise the patio seating, sunset views, oysters, crab dip and cocktails, which create a romantic vibe. Note that game nights and weekends can get lively and a bit noisy, so for a quieter experience try a weekday or early evening reservation. Prices trend toward mid–high, so it’s a nice splurge for special occasions.

Portions at The Salt Line tend to be modest, guests often say entrees and lobster/crab rolls are on the smaller side and many people order an appetizer or share a platter to feel satisfied. Several guests specifically mention small lobster-roll portions and recommend adding an app or the seafood tower for the table. Expect high-quality seafood but not oversized servings; budgeting a starter or shared dish is a good approach.

For a relaxed visit, go on a weekday evening or earlier in the evening on non-game days, guests note these times are quieter and more comfortable. If you want the lively waterfront energy, arrive before a Nationals game, concert, or on weekend evenings when the patio buzzes. Brunches and holidays (e.g., Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day) are popular, so make reservations for those peak times.

The Salt Line - Navy Yard hours are: Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:30 pm; Fri 12:00 pm–10:30 pm; Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm; Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm. Hours can vary for holidays or special events, so call ahead if you need exact timing or are planning around a game or concert.

Yes, the Salt Line offers a mix of indoor standard seating and a large outdoor riverfront patio that’s winterized and heated, and guests report the staff is accommodating to families and strollers. They take private party bookings (contact for groups over 14) and have areas that can work for families. Specific ADA accessibility details aren’t listed, so call ahead if you have mobility or seating-access needs.

The Salt Line offers indoor standard seating plus a large riverfront outdoor patio that’s winterized and heated for year‑round use. There’s also a covered outdoor bar area with high-tops and lounge seating, and a firepit lounge (uncovered, weather permitting). The restaurant accepts private-party bookings and can accommodate larger groups, contact events@thesaltline.com for parties over 14.

The Salt Line has a lively, coastal‑inspired atmosphere with fantastic river views, many guests call it fun, relaxed and ideal for date nights or pre-game meals. The patio delivers strong waterfront vibes; inside feels casual‑elegant. It can be noisy and energetic during game days, concerts, and busy weekend nights, but guests consistently praise the friendly, upbeat staff and bar scene.

Smart casual is the recommended dress code. Guests typically wear relaxed but put‑together outfits suitable for a waterfront, casual‑elegant restaurant. If you’re attending a special event or private party, you can always confirm expectations when you call to reserve.

Generally yes, families dine here and guests report that the staff is welcoming to kids and strollers. There are kid options on the menu, though several guests said kids’ meals (e.g., pasta) have been hit-or-miss, so menu flexibility may be limited. For a smoother family meal consider an early seating or ask about a quieter table or private area when you reserve.

Yes, call the restaurant for seating requests, accessibility needs or to confirm patio/firepit availability. For large groups or private events, email events@thesaltline.com (groups larger than 14). Guests also report staff are flexible and often accommodate dietary questions and last‑minute party changes, but it’s best to call in advance so the kitchen and front‑of‑house can prepare.

Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) or non‑game early evenings are typically the best days for a quieter, more relaxed experience. If you want energy and a lively crowd, a weekend or pre‑game night will deliver that waterfront buzz. Always check the game/concert schedule, avoiding those dates will help you find a calmer meal.

Yes, The Salt Line accepts private-party bookings and can handle larger groups. For groups larger than 14 the restaurant asks you to contact events@thesaltline.com. Guests report successful large‑party meals and staff that organize seating and accommodations for events.

Yes, The Salt Line has a large riverfront outdoor patio that has been winterized and is heated for year‑round use. There’s also a covered outdoor bar area with high-tops and lounge seating, plus a firepit lounge (uncovered, weather permitting). Guests rave about the waterfront views and patio atmosphere, especially on sunny days and evenings before local events.

Yes, guests frequently describe the outdoor patio as dog‑friendly, with many diners bringing small dogs and enjoying the heated covered patio in cooler months. That said, some guests reported dogs on tables and other disruptive behavior, so be considerate of other diners and check policies with the host when you arrive or call ahead for clarification.

Busiest: right before/after Nationals games, concerts and weekend evenings, the patio and bar get very crowded. Holidays and special events (e.g., Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Opening Day) are also peak times. Quietest: weekday evenings and off‑peak hours outside of games or events, when guests report a more relaxed pace and quicker service.

Often yes, guests have visited on holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and July 4 and reported service and special menus on those dates. Holiday hours can vary, so call ahead or check with the restaurant before planning a holiday meal to confirm hours and availability.

There’s no published waitlist policy, but guests frequently report long waits and slow service during busy times (game nights, weekends, holidays). Because it fills up, making a reservation is strongly recommended; if you arrive without one expect possible waits and speak with the host about a potential waitlist or bar seating. Calling ahead on peak days will give the most accurate info.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Navy Yard

Make a reservation

A photo of The Salt Line - Navy Yard restaurant

The Salt Line - Navy Yard

4.5
$31 to $50
Seafood
Navy Yard

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 times today
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