Johnny’s Half Shell
400 N. Capitol St. NW (Fourth St. NW) 
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Washington, DC 20001
202-737-0400 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Cuisine
Open
Breakfast & Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon.-Sat.Features
- Romantic setting
- Full bar
- Reservations suggested
- Entertainment
- Outdoor dining
- Casual dressy
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| In its Capitol Hill location, the reincarnation of Dupont Circle’s casual seafood place is all abuzz with after-hours staffers on adrenaline. If you can work your way past the hip bar crowd, you’ll find a familiar dining area (once the setting for La Colline), and a quieter place for private chats. This version of Johnny’s menu resembles the former one, with seafood taking the lead. It’s hard to top the fried oysters appetizer but the barbecued shrimp gets the honor. Considering the entrées, the classic Maryland crab cakes have helped make Johnny’s famous; for us, the Southern and slightly piquant chicken in Creole etouffée really complements the oysters. Although seafood plays the primary role on the menu, you’ll also find a second non-fish entrée: the dry-aged beef. Desserts play a key concluding role, and should you have an endless sweet tooth, you will love the ultra-rich and gooey caramel cashew tart. Less caloric offerings include an apple tarte Tatin and a banana pudding that is the signature sweet. |
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