First Look: The Salt Line at Southwest Waterfront

The Salt Line is unequivocally my new favorite place to pre-game before going to Nationals Park. But, does the food stand up to hike to the waterfront for dinner alone?

In short, yes. It's worth the jaunt.

First of all, the place is jamming. It has a great ambience and waterfront vibe that makes me feel a bit like I'm back in Florida. The indoor part of the restaurant is cozy and has a vibrant circular bar that allows anyone to pull up a chair for shucked oysters and a beer (or great glass of rosé from Getaria.)

Outside, the double their dinner seating space (take note, if it's raining, as it was on my first visit, the host stand gets very stressed with trying to pack everyone in.) Perhaps more importantly outside, you'll find a roll up bar that is probably the best open-air place for drinks in DC.

Now, onto the food. You know you are in the right spot when at the table next to you is seated the Washington Post Food Editor.

Our server was wonderful and helped us navigate the menu. We started with "Coddies" - fried cod balls sitting atop mustard and saltines.

But, my favorite starter was the Crispy Fried Egg. It's a poached egg, still runny in the middle, flash fried (a la a Scotch Egg) paired with a fresh cucumber and cous cous salad.

For my entree, I had the Nashville Hot Soft Shell Crab, which I loved. It was perfectly crunchy and spicy. I'd definitely order that again. The spiciness of the crab was mellowed out with a side of the watermelon and cucumber salad.

I want to return to The Salt Line to try their much-lauded Smash Burger, Lobster Rolls and Crispy Skin Rockfish. Not to mention freshly-shucked oysters and more crisp rosé while the sun sets on the riverfront.

If you like seafood and waterfront drinks, The Salt Line should be on your to-do list.

The Salt Line is located at 79 Potomac Avenue SE in Washington, DC. The nearest metro stop is Navy Yard. It's located directly behind Nationals Park -- and opens early (90 minutes before game time) for every Nationals Game. Reservations are recommended, especially when there are events happening nearby.