In a corner of Southwest DC, you’ll be greeted with the smell of fish, the laughter of seafood sellers and the murmurs of a busy crowd. This is the Maine Avenue Fish Market, the oldest open-air fish market in the country. If you love seafood, enjoy history or just want to see a unique part of DC, then you need to stop by the Maine Avenue Fish Market.
The Maine Avenue Fish Market has been in operation 1805 and it is the best place to find the freshest seafood in DC.
Flickr/Lynford Morton
During the beginning years of the market, the seafood was served directly from fishing boats on the pier. These days, the goods are moved into to the various stalls along the wharf.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
You can find almost any type of seafood you could need at the Maine Avenue Fish Market. They have plenty of crabs, oysters and clams.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
You can also find all different types of fresh fish like salmon, sea bass, cod and plenty of shrimp.
Flickr/Karlis Dambrans
At the Market, you can either choose to buy your seafood then take it home and prepare it yourself.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
Or you can choose to have a vendor cook up your seafood to order.
Yelp/Jelly M.
If you do want to order cooked food and eat nearby, you won’t go hungry! The market serves fantastic fried options like hush puppies, fried shrimp or fried clams. You can get boiled shrimp or fresh crab cakes
Yelp/Rachel A.
There’s plenty of soups like seafood gumbo, lobster bisque or clam chowder available.
Yelp/Pyra-Danny S.
Whether you choose to shop or dine at the Maine Avenue Market, you will undoubtedly enjoy experience! It’s truly one of the more authentic and vibrant outings in DC!
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
The Maine Avenue Fish Market is located 1100 Maine Ave SW. It’s open seven days a week!
Flickr/Lynford Morton
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
Flickr/Karlis Dambrans
Yelp/Jelly M.
Yelp/Rachel A.
Yelp/Pyra-Danny S.
If you prefer your seafood from a restaurant, check out the best seafood restaurants in DC!
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