Hanks has good food, but it kinda depends on what you order. The char grilled oysters are good but not great. I really didn't taste much smoke. Not like I do when I make them. The flavor was good otherwise. The seafood nachos were pretty good.

The seafood pasta was great, just a little too pricey... Especially for the portion. The short rib was decent but had room for improvement. I guess that's what we get for ordering short ribs from an oyster bar. Don't get me wrong. It tasted fine, but could've been more tender and some flavoring in it didn't agree with my wife (that was her entree).

The house punch was a little weird. And the happy hour drinks were mid, but that's to be expected. Also, the bar was a bit crowded even though there weren't a whole lot of people. I guess it's just kinda small. I'd definitely go again, but my expectations will be different.

​We were strolling The Wharf late one evening, easily walkable from the hotel—a low-effort outing that accidentally led to a high-effort queue. Naturally, the first place we saw with a line was Hank's. We put our name down, fully prepared for a disappointing wait, but the universe (or perhaps the hostess) recognized our superior bar-seating potential.
​Instant gratification. They had room at the bar, so of course, that's where we went. Skipping a line is always the best appetizer. We immediately ordered the Lobster Bisque (creamy perfection) and the Mussels in the red sauce. While the sauce was great, I think I got a handful of mussels. A handful. Clearly, they expect you to order two.
​What saved the portion tragedy was the service and the sheer charm: they serve tiny fish crackers while you're drinking at the bar, just in case you weren't eating. It's the kind of cute, unnecessary detail I appreciate. It was our first time here, and judging by the crowd, it's the kind of reliable D.C. institution that keeps people waiting, which makes our seamless entry feel even sweeter. I hate waiting, but I love getting what I want immediately.

The food was fabulous!! We got a small Grand Plateau (it had all the seafood we wanted and then some), Grilled Octopus (very tender and the chimichurri paired nicely with it), Grilled Branzino (beautifully cooked and the fried capers were a pleasant surprise!), and one of the specials which was a seafood pasta (good portion and amount of seafood). For drinks we had the Not Your Nanas Bananas and Say Jalapeño to my Little Friend -- both very good. The service was great; no complaints! We will definitely be back!

Great food and such a lively, engaging atmosphere! We ordered the Eastern crab dip, grilled branzino, seafood fettuccine, and a refreshing blackberry margarita, all absolutely delicious! We stopped by for date night without a reservation, so we sat at the bar since the restaurant was full. Still, the service was warm, the ambiance was a little loud, but the flavors were unforgettable. Can’t wait to return and try even more dishes from their amazing menu!

We really enjoyed our visit to Hank’s Oyster Bar. The host was warm and welcoming, and we sat on the enclosed patio with a relaxed, comfortable vibe. Our watress (her name started with a J) was very attentive and friendly. We started with the deviled eggs and charbroiled BBQ oysters, which were both excellent. My nine-year-old son tried oysters for the first time and loved them. The lobster po’ boy and crab cake sandwich were fresh and flavorful. We walked there from our hotel at the Salamander D.C., passing through the Wharf where people were out enjoying s’mores and the lively atmosphere. Everything about the evening, both at the restaurant and along the Wharf, was wonderful.