Decent place to get quick seafood. Tried the soups were very good. Freshly shocked, clam and oyster were decent only complaint was it’s wasn’t super clean. You can get some shell dirt on the oyster meat which I didn’t like. But I know I am not in a restaurant….so I guess it was ok. The steamed shrimp were decent not much taste to it.

I've been coming here ever since I was a kid so when I'm able to make it home this is always one of my top stops! The seafood is fresh and the prices are unbeatable! It's kind of sad that it's smaller than it used to be, but the long lines still moved quickly. Don't forget to tip the people steaming your fish or shucking your oysters! We want to be able to keep this going!

FYI, the bathrooms are under the stairs past Rappahanock Oysters, across from the food truck (if it's still there). You'll need to wash your hands if you're eating shrimp/crab legs. Photos at the end so you know what to look for.

I just went down to check it out. If I lived here I would definitely stop in. Everyone was helpful even though I was just looking. One side sold fresh fish and the other side sold cooked items.

The Maine Avenue Fish Market is a sight to behold, but you’ll certainly smell it before you see it.

You're also likely to hear it before you see it, as this fixture in the southwest quadrant of Washington, D.C is rarely without a jostling crowd. The market has been in operation since 1805, making it the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States. (The distinction of second-oldest belongs to the Fulton Fish Market in New York City, which opened 17 years later.)

The majority of the seafood sellers here have been shilling shellfish along the waterfront for decades, if not for generations. In the early days, the seafood at the Maine Avenue Fish Market was served directly from fishing boats alongside the pier. More recently, the goods are trucked in and visitors are attended to from docked barges.

Why It’s Worth Visiting
• Historic Significance: Being part of the oldest fish market in the U.S. — great for a “local DC” experience. 
• Variety: You can buy raw seafood to take home or eat there — they cook it on-site. 
• Family Legacy: The Evans family has run Jessie Taylor for generations, giving it deep roots and authenticity. 
• Scenic Location: Right on the Waterfront — you can grab your seafood and enjoy views of the Wharf. 
Kings boulevard is an African cuisine spot that’s coming up look at the pictures of the type of food ….maaan that fish is dope