Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
With so many new restaurants popping up in the various neighborhoods of D.C, we decided to see what Mission Navy Yard was all about. If you are looking for authentic Mexican, taco cravings, or just some good ole tequila to get started before a Nationals game, I think we have the found the new gem steps away from South Capital Street and the Center Field Gates at Nationals Park in Mission Navy Yard.
You may have heard the Mission name before, as owners of this location also own the original Dupont Circle location, however much larger. At 12,000 square-feet, it’s nearly double the size of the original outpost. The massive space includes 600 feet of balcony, a patio, and four bars on multiple levels (the second floor hosting a 150 foot long bar, making it the largest in DC, the owners says).
When we visited with Mission’s Public Relations and food guru, Jill Collins during opening week, she made sure we had the chance to see the entire space and how it will be more accommodating than anything else in the area. Lets start by describing a little bit about why she and others have already been talking about this spot before and after games.
There are 16 taps, which add up to about a mile of draft lines: 10 for beer, four for margaritas and cocktails, and three for wine and Prosecco. What does this mean? It means in busy times there should not be a long wait all night for a drink, nor bumping into sweaty people at the bar after the games. And the bar stays open late until 2am on Friday and Saturday.
What Fritz Brogan and Reed Landry have done right in their two other restaurants has been carried over here. Just basic good food. So lets talk tacos shall we?
The tacos come in 8 different varieties and we suggest that you try at least 3 to 4, or 8, because the flavor just pops out of the tortilla. The Mexican Chorizo and the Buffalo Shrimp tacos are top on the list. Pair it with their fresh served to order right to your table guacamole and you are good to go. Yes, the guac is extra and well worth it. Served 10.00 for a small and 14.00 for a large. Order hot and you will need quite a few of their margaritas.
What really sold us on this location is the ability to sit back and watch games on one of their many tv’s on the walls and sip on a tap beer or one of their 9 craft Margaritas and really enjoy their neighborhood bar vibe. This is a stop by and have a beer type of spot. Don’t let the name fool you of only having tequila on the menu.
If you are looking for something to round out your night, check out their Churro Bites or Vanilla Flan, both great Mexican twists that hit the spot. But trust us, stick with the drinks, liquid calories taste really good around here.
Mission Navy Yard
1221 Van Street SE
Washington, D.C
202 810-7010