Washington Gets Its Cup Of "Joe's"; MOCs & VIPs Mingle At Opening Of Downtown Seafood & Steak Restaurant

NORTHWEST -- Wednesday became the new Friday yesterday evening, as seemingly all of Washington hit the town for the grand opening of legendary seafood and steak restaurant Joe's.

The palatial new eatery occupies the old Union Trust Company Bank building at the corner of 15th and H Streets, NW -- a prime location to be sure given that it's but a stone crab's throw away from the White House.

Last night's celebration drew a crowd commensurate with such a powerful location, including many members of Congress, professional athletes from both D.C. and New York, and a who's who of national TV personalities and political rainmakers.

Certainly, the people watching at the four hour private party was good. But, as evidenced by the lines that snaked around the various buffet tables, the food was better.

Joe's is naturally famous for its Florida stone crab and fresh seafood. However, foodies also flock to the restaurant for its signature sides, steaks, and key lime pie.

And despite such a prolific menu, the brand is just as much about sustainability as it is about savory and sweet. As retold to Washingtonian, only the claws are taken from its crabs when fished. The (tasty) crustaceans are then returned to the sea where they can regenerate up to three or four more times.

With tomorrow's public opening of the D.C. location, its first on the East Coast, Joe's national imprint will expand even further, with restaurants already up and running in Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

Success is practically guaranteed given how much Washington loves a good cup of Joe's.