Legal Sea Foods

Frommer's Review

This famous family-run Boston-based seafood empire, whose motto is "If it's not fresh, it's not Legal," made its Washington debut in 1995. This location's expansive dining room features exposed brick and beams, booths, and an oyster bar. Sporting events, especially Boston games, are aired on a TV over the handsome bar. You're right across the street from the Verizon Center, where the city's basketball and hockey teams play. As for the food, not only is everything fresh, but it's all from certified-safe waters.

Legal's buttery-rich clam chowder is a classic. Other worthy appetizers include garlicky golden-brown farm-raised mussels and fluffy pan-fried Maryland lump crab cakes served with mustard sauce and salad. You can have one of eight or so varieties of fresh fish grilled or opt for one of Legal's specialty dishes, like the baked Boston scrod or the New England fried clams. Top it off with a slice of Boston cream pie. Diners with celiac disease, that is, an allergy to wheat and gluten, will be happy to know that Legal has a special gluten-free menu; parents will be glad that Legal's award-winning kid's menu offers not just macaroni and cheese, but steamed lobster, popcorn shrimp, and other items, each of which comes with fresh fruit and vegetable, plus a choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or french fries. At lunch, the lobster roll is a real treat.

You'll find another Legal Sea Foods at National Airport (tel. 703/413-9810).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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