79 Potomac Ave, SE. photo by Mykl Wu
From an email:
“Cantina El Rey Navy Yard Reopens This Week with Tex-Mex, Bar Games, and “$7 at Seventh” Game-Day Specials
Just in time for baseball season, the team behind El Rey U Street is unveiling a new direction on the SE waterfront. Formerly El Rey Navy Yard, the space reopens April 1 as Cantina El Rey Navy Yard, a reimagined Tex-Mex cantina centered around affordable eats, strong drinks, and a more social, game-driven atmosphere.
photo by Candace Dorsey
Located at 79 Potomac Ave SE, steps from Nationals Park and Audi Field, Cantina El Rey Navy Yard is designed as the go-to destination for pregame meetups, post-game celebrations, and casual nights out in one of DC’s busiest entertainment corridors.
photo by Mykl Wu
The refreshed concept leans into a more approachable, high-energy cantina experience, anchored by two new pool tables, cornhole, hook-and-ring, and a spacious waterfront patio, creating a space where guests can settle in, play, and stay awhile.
photo by Candace Dorsey
On the menu, the focus is on bold Tex-Mex flavors at accessible price points, with tacos, queso, wings, carne asada fries, and shareable favorites. Behind the bar, the spotlight is on easy-drinking cocktails, margaritas, and cold beer, led by a progressive happy hour designed to keep the energy building throughout the afternoon.
Running weekdays from 3–6 PM, the progressive happy hour features:
$6 El Rey Margaritas (frozen or rocks)
Draft beers starting at $3 at 3 PM, increasing by the hour ($4 at 4 PM, etc.)
$5 nachos
For Nationals home games, Cantina El Rey introduces “$7 at Seventh,” a post–seventh inning special where guests can stop in after the stretch for $7 frozen cocktails and $7 nachos, perfect for keeping the game-day energy going late into the evening.
“We wanted to create a place that really belongs to the neighborhood, somewhere you can come for the specials, stay for a few rounds of pool, and see familiar faces every time, game days or otherwise,” said Ian Hilton.
Cantina El Rey Navy Yard will be open:
Tuesday–Wednesday: 3 PM – 1 AM
Thursday–Sunday: 12 PM – 1 AM
The reopening marks the first step in a broader evolution of the El Rey brand, with Cantina El Rey U Street slated to follow later this season.
Cantina El Rey Navy Yard
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Opening April 1, 2026
Tex-Mex | Billiards | Waterfront Patio”