“The Team Behind H Street’s Stable Brings Pier 1354, a Patio Seafood Shack, to the Outdoor Oasis at 1354 H Street NE on August 6”

“The patio at 1354 H Street NE where Pier 1354 will be popping up beginning 8/6”

Check out the: PIER 1354 Menu (PDF)

From a press release:

“The team from Stable, DC’s only authentic Swiss restaurant, will expand their footprint on H Street when they take over the Gallery O on H patio at 1354 H Street NE on August 6th to debut Pier 1354, an outdoor seafood shack operating every Thursday through Saturday from 5-10 PM. Pier 1354 will bring the feel of lazy days spent by the water to the middle of the city with a menu featuring an array of fresh picks from the Chesapeake Bay and beverage offerings including Stable’s signature frozen Schnapsicles and classic warm weather cocktails with a local spin. The nearly 2,000 square foot patio will lend a come-as-you-are, laid-back atmosphere where guests will be welcome to leisurely sip drinks while getting their hands dirty digging into a seafood feast in the outdoor oasis with an Eastern Shore vibe.

“The concept of the summer seafood shack is something we have been thinking about for at least two years,” says David Fritsche, co-owner and executive chef of Pier 1354 and Stable. “Stable is a restaurant that is perfect for fall and winter, so we always considered a concept that would be equally perfect for warm weather. We spend our summers camping and getting by the water as much as we can and, when we do, this is exactly how we eat. Seafood cooked in a pot over an open flame with a cold beer or cocktail are go-tos for our warm weather adventures. An additional restaurant just wasn’t feasible. Until now.”

The owners of Gallery O on H, Dolly Vehlow and Steve Hessler, long-time guests of Stable, wanted to bring back a space for the H Street community to safely come together while they could not gather at the many indoor spaces in the neighborhood due to COVID-19. Vehlow and Hessler approached the Stable team about opening a temporary restaurant in their patio space and owners Silvan Kraemer and David Fritsche jumped at the chance to actualize the seafood concept they had been scheming.

The nearly 2,000 square foot patio, perfect for distanced dining, is mostly hidden from the view of the H Street onlooker, and will be outfitted with decor meant to transport guests to the water. Long tables, which can seat parties up to 6 for a total patio capacity of 50, will be covered in brown butcher paper and set with mallets and seafood bibs. Beach balls will take their rightful place on strings of twinkle lights that hang above the brick-lined patio. Umbrellas will provide additional shade before the sun goes down and complete the getaway aesthetic.

The food menu is simple and straightforward, centering on the food Fritsche and Kraemer eat by the water with a cold beverage. Offerings include oysters on the half shell served with red wine vinegar mignonette, lemon and cocktail sauce; peel-and-eat or head-on shrimp; PEI Mussels cooked with white wine, garlic, herbs, lemon and cream; and Chesapeake Bay blue crabs available by the dozen (or bushel, if requested in advance). Guests can add to the outdoor feast with sides including warm garlic bread, creamy Old Bay Garlic Dip and corn on the cob.

For dessert, Pier 1354 will serve a different kind of pie: a Watermelon Pizza featuring a rum-infused watermelon wheel topped with cream and fresh fruit.

Pier 1354 and Stable beverage director and co-owner Silvan Kraemer designed the drink menu with the Mid-Atlantic in mind. Both as a nod to the food menu’s regional inspiration as well as a way to support fellow small businesses in the area, summertime cocktails will be made using labels from local distilleries. Creations include a Dark & Stormy made with Cotton & Reed Dry Spiced Rum, ginger beer and lime; a Great Gatsby with Republic Restoratives Civic Vodka, Lillet Blanc and grapefruit juice; and Rhubarb Sweet Tea featuring One Eight District Made Bourbon, Stable’s house made Rhubarb Liqueur, Earl Grey tea and lemon. Beers from DC, Maryland and Virginia breweries as well a concise selection of white, rosé and sparkling wines round out the easy-drinking beverage list.

Pier 1354’s hours are Thursday-Saturday from 5-10 PM. The pop up will run through at least September and may be extended, weather permitting. Reservations are encouraged and available through Resy. Carry out orders can be placed by calling (202) 735-4890.

Pier 1354 will implement local COVID-19 guidelines including:

• Staff will be wearing masks at all times and guests will be required to wear masks when not eating and drinking

• Posting signage regarding COVID-19 symptoms and safety protocols

• Frequent cleaning and sanitization of all guest seating and high touch areas as well as work/prep stations

• Spacing tables at least 6-feet apart

• Utilizing disposable plates and flatware

• Offering one-time use menus or QR codes

• Encouraging reservations or taking contact information for walk-in parties”