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The lemongrass-infused mussels on Moon Rabbit’s lunch menu.
Moon Rabbit

13 Succulent Mussel Dishes to Try Right Now in D.C.

With or without frites, these moules are a treat

by Travis Mitchell and Emily Venezky Updated
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The lemongrass-infused mussels on Moon Rabbit’s lunch menu.
| Moon Rabbit
by Travis Mitchell and Emily Venezky Updated

Mussels can easily be an afterthought next to more fanciful seafood options like oysters and crabs. But the plump, briny bivalves can make for just as tasty a meal — often at an affordable price.

The most traditional way to enjoy mussels is steamed in a broth of white wine, shallots, butter and herbs — a French preparation called “moules marinières.” Enjoy the dish with a stack of crispy Belgian-style “frites” or grilled bread for dipping. It’s a favorite at D.C. spots such as Granville Moore’s, Bistrot Du Coin, or St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar.

From there, mussels can be adapted into many cuisines. Try them with a meat-filled bolognese sauce at Mussel Bar & Grille, or smoked and eaten cold (or hot) at Neopol Savory Smokery. Curry is another popular accent for mussels, found at spots such as Immigrant Food or Georgetown’s beer-friendly Sovereign.

Whether as an entree or sharable appetizer, mussels are a fine and warming addition to any cold weather meal. Here are some of the best mussel dishes at bars and restaurants in and around D.C.

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Mussel Bar & Grille (multiple locations)

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This mussel bar recently opened a new outpost in Bethesda, near the same neighborhood where it originally opened in 2010. Both the fresh space and the Ballston, Virginia, location are serving up fresh bivalves from Washington State and fries with homemade dipping sauces. You can get the classic Belgian preparation with white wine and roasted garlic ($25), or branch out and try a merquez sausage, goat cheese, and harissa aioli version ($26) or bolognese sauce-covered option with crispy capers ($26).

4903 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 215-7817
(301) 215-7817
The Prince Edward mussels can have fries, sweet potato fries, or truffle fries added on the side.
Mussel Bar & Grille/Facebook

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Makan

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This Malaysian spot recently added some fall specials, including this lemongrass and curry leaf filled mussel dish ($24). The PEI mussels are covered with dried shrimp, perfect for spooning over the white rice it comes with. The secret move is to order a paratha on the side to dip into the flavorful broth.

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 730-2295
(202) 730-2295
The Malaysian restaurant’s delicious new mussels.
Makan

Also featured in:

Bistrot Du Coin

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This Dupont Circle institution has been making French-style mussels every single which way for over 20 years. With over seven preparation of the their mussels, from the classic marinieres and provencale to a meaty prosciutto and French ham pot and a lobster bisque version, you’ll never get tired of the moules frites here. Half sizes are perfect for an appetizer, while full sizes come with fries.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW (at S St. NW), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-6969
(202) 234-6969
A pot of mussels pairs perfectly with a Belgian blonde and lots of carbs.
Bistro Du Coin/Facebook

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Lyle

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The new mussel puttanesca ($18) at Lyle (part of the new chef’s menu refresh) is served in a deeply flavorful sauce made of tomatoes, caperberries, Castelvetrano olives, and garlic. Served with grilled bread on the side, the bivalves are also dusted with a generous amount of breadcrumbs that’ll have you licking the shells.

1731 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, DC 20009
(202) 964-6750
(202) 964-6750
The hearty plate of mussel puttanesca.
Lyle

Also featured in:

Neopol Savory Smokery

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Take home some of the smoked New Zealand mussels ($12 for a dozen) at this Union Market outpost. Or opt to eat them on the fly while browsing the food stalls’ other ready-to-go seafood and meat selections.

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 543-1864
(202) 543-1864
Smoked mussels at Neopol.
Photo: Neopol Savory Smokery

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar (Multiple locations)

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Belgian-style mussels and fries ($28) are the main attraction at this subterranean hangout. One of the best preparations is the house broth made with Ommegang Abbey Dubbel beer. From there, explore spicy Thai curry or chipotle cream variations, or stick with a classic white wine sauce. You can also swing by for happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy discounted beer and mussels with just bread for only $20.

1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-1321
(202) 833-1321
A pot of mussels at St. Arnold’s
St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar

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The Sovereign

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Browse the menu of Belgian ales at this Neighborhood Restaurant Group spot and slurp down a pile of mussels and frites ($28). Choices include apple and fennel with Madras curry, saffron with red pepper and sausage, and more.

1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 774-5875
(202) 774-5875
Mussels and beer at the Sovereign.
Photo: Sovereign

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Rare Steakhouse & Tavern

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Visit the tavern at this Midwestern import for a steam pot full of rope-raised mussels in a tomato and saffron broth ($23). Or, try them off the raw bar on the tavern’s signature seafood towers.

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 800-9994
(202) 800-9994
Chilled seafood — including mussels — at Rare Steak.
Photo: Rare Steak and Seafood

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Granville Moore's

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Granville Moore’s fragrant pots of steamed mussels, ranging classic “mariniere” to richer blue cheese- and pork belly-spiked preparations, are an Atlas District mainstay. For only $5.50 you can add noodles to your delectable leftover broth. All mussel dishes are half-price on Monday.

1238 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 399-2546
(202) 399-2546
An order of mussels at Granville Moore’s.
Photo: Granville Moore’s

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Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

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Moon Rabbit just began serving weekday lunch, and these lemongrass mussels are a lovely highlight of the new menu ($18). The PEI mussels are cooked down in lemongrass, tomato, and herbs before being served with crispy bread.

927 F Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
The lemongrass-infused mussels at Moon Rabbit.
Moon Rabbit

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Immigrant Food

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This local cross-cultural chain just introduced a new mussel dish at its Ballston and Planet Word locations. Served with fries and garlic aioli for dipping, the Thai mussels are flavored with green curry and fresh Thai basil.

4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Top off the green curry-spiced mussels with a bit of lime.
Immigrant Food

Also featured in:

Easy Company

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For a fine bowl of steamed mussels along the Southwest Waterfront, head to wine bar Easy Company. It comes swimming in a silky white wine broth with bright tomatoes, fresh herbs, and side of homemade toasted bread ($22.95). — Tierney Plumb

98 Blair Alley Southwest, DC 20024
(202) 478-8446
(202) 478-8446
Easy Company’s mussels at the bar.
Tierney Plumb/Eater DC

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Water Bar

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National Landing’s open-air restaurant perched atop an infinity fountain sends out stellar mussels during happy hour only. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, feast on a steamed bowl of garlicky PEI mussels with generous chunks of chorizo sausage and shallots for $12. — Tierney Plumb

1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202
Mussels at Water Bar come with a scenic view.
Tierney Plumb/Eater DC

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Mussel Bar & Grille (multiple locations)

4903 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

This mussel bar recently opened a new outpost in Bethesda, near the same neighborhood where it originally opened in 2010. Both the fresh space and the Ballston, Virginia, location are serving up fresh bivalves from Washington State and fries with homemade dipping sauces. You can get the classic Belgian preparation with white wine and roasted garlic ($25), or branch out and try a merquez sausage, goat cheese, and harissa aioli version ($26) or bolognese sauce-covered option with crispy capers ($26).

4903 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 215-7817
(301) 215-7817
The Prince Edward mussels can have fries, sweet potato fries, or truffle fries added on the side.
Mussel Bar & Grille/Facebook

Makan

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

This Malaysian spot recently added some fall specials, including this lemongrass and curry leaf filled mussel dish ($24). The PEI mussels are covered with dried shrimp, perfect for spooning over the white rice it comes with. The secret move is to order a paratha on the side to dip into the flavorful broth.

3400 11th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
(202) 730-2295
(202) 730-2295
The Malaysian restaurant’s delicious new mussels.
Makan

Bistrot Du Coin

1738 Connecticut Ave NW (at S St. NW), Washington, D.C. 20009

This Dupont Circle institution has been making French-style mussels every single which way for over 20 years. With over seven preparation of the their mussels, from the classic marinieres and provencale to a meaty prosciutto and French ham pot and a lobster bisque version, you’ll never get tired of the moules frites here. Half sizes are perfect for an appetizer, while full sizes come with fries.

1738 Connecticut Ave NW (at S St. NW), Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-6969
(202) 234-6969
A pot of mussels pairs perfectly with a Belgian blonde and lots of carbs.
Bistro Du Coin/Facebook

Lyle

1731 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, DC 20009

The new mussel puttanesca ($18) at Lyle (part of the new chef’s menu refresh) is served in a deeply flavorful sauce made of tomatoes, caperberries, Castelvetrano olives, and garlic. Served with grilled bread on the side, the bivalves are also dusted with a generous amount of breadcrumbs that’ll have you licking the shells.

1731 New Hampshire Avenue Northwest, DC 20009
(202) 964-6750
(202) 964-6750
The hearty plate of mussel puttanesca.
Lyle

Neopol Savory Smokery

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Take home some of the smoked New Zealand mussels ($12 for a dozen) at this Union Market outpost. Or opt to eat them on the fly while browsing the food stalls’ other ready-to-go seafood and meat selections.

1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 543-1864
(202) 543-1864
Smoked mussels at Neopol.
Photo: Neopol Savory Smokery

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar (Multiple locations)

1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036

Belgian-style mussels and fries ($28) are the main attraction at this subterranean hangout. One of the best preparations is the house broth made with Ommegang Abbey Dubbel beer. From there, explore spicy Thai curry or chipotle cream variations, or stick with a classic white wine sauce. You can also swing by for happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy discounted beer and mussels with just bread for only $20.

1827 Jefferson Pl NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-1321
(202) 833-1321
A pot of mussels at St. Arnold’s
St. Arnold’s Mussel Bar

The Sovereign

1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Browse the menu of Belgian ales at this Neighborhood Restaurant Group spot and slurp down a pile of mussels and frites ($28). Choices include apple and fennel with Madras curry, saffron with red pepper and sausage, and more.

1206 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 774-5875
(202) 774-5875
Mussels and beer at the Sovereign.
Photo: Sovereign

Rare Steakhouse & Tavern

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit the tavern at this Midwestern import for a steam pot full of rope-raised mussels in a tomato and saffron broth ($23). Or, try them off the raw bar on the tavern’s signature seafood towers.

1595 I St NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 800-9994
(202) 800-9994
Chilled seafood — including mussels — at Rare Steak.
Photo: Rare Steak and Seafood

Granville Moore's

1238 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Granville Moore’s fragrant pots of steamed mussels, ranging classic “mariniere” to richer blue cheese- and pork belly-spiked preparations, are an Atlas District mainstay. For only $5.50 you can add noodles to your delectable leftover broth. All mussel dishes are half-price on Monday.

1238 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 399-2546
(202) 399-2546
An order of mussels at Granville Moore’s.
Photo: Granville Moore’s

Moon Rabbit by Kevin Tien

927 F Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004

Moon Rabbit just began serving weekday lunch, and these lemongrass mussels are a lovely highlight of the new menu ($18). The PEI mussels are cooked down in lemongrass, tomato, and herbs before being served with crispy bread.

927 F Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
The lemongrass-infused mussels at Moon Rabbit.
Moon Rabbit

Immigrant Food

4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203

This local cross-cultural chain just introduced a new mussel dish at its Ballston and Planet Word locations. Served with fries and garlic aioli for dipping, the Thai mussels are flavored with green curry and fresh Thai basil.

4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203
Top off the green curry-spiced mussels with a bit of lime.
Immigrant Food

Easy Company

98 Blair Alley Southwest, DC 20024

For a fine bowl of steamed mussels along the Southwest Waterfront, head to wine bar Easy Company. It comes swimming in a silky white wine broth with bright tomatoes, fresh herbs, and side of homemade toasted bread ($22.95). — Tierney Plumb

98 Blair Alley Southwest, DC 20024
(202) 478-8446
(202) 478-8446
Easy Company’s mussels at the bar.
Tierney Plumb/Eater DC

Water Bar

1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202

National Landing’s open-air restaurant perched atop an infinity fountain sends out stellar mussels during happy hour only. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, feast on a steamed bowl of garlicky PEI mussels with generous chunks of chorizo sausage and shallots for $12. — Tierney Plumb

1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22202
Mussels at Water Bar come with a scenic view.
Tierney Plumb/Eater DC

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