Agua 301 Opens this Saturday in Navy Yard – A Peek Inside and at the Menu

301 Water Street, SE

Last month it was Osteria Morini and on Saturday Agua 301 is opening next door in the Lumber Shed building in Yards Park. From a press release:

“A modern Mexican menu with less than traditional touches will be created by Chef Antonio Burrell when Agua 301 opens December 21 in Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront. Taking its name from its 301 Water Street SE location the 4,000 square-foot, 106-seat waterfront restaurant is housed in the historic Lumber Shed Building in the burgeoning Navy Yard/Nats Park neighborhood.

Burrell’s menu includes Bocaditos or “little bites” that he says are perfect with drinks. Among those will be Empanadas de Venturas del Mercado made from seasonal vegetables and Beef Barbacoa Flautas with shredded braised beef and caramelized onions which he says are his Mexican version of a Philly cheese steak along with three versions of guacamole.

Entrees include a pan seared black bass with butternut squash, bacon, sweet potato hash and cumin scented orange agave butter, a roasted Mexican spiced adobo chicken and a braised short rib chichilo with creamy nixtal and winter vegetables accented with a lime crema.

Tacos will be a specialty with the pork belly al pastor to be among the highlights. This crispy friend pork belly creation will incorporate pineapple habanero salsa and al pastor aioli. Another highlight will be the carne asada con kimchi tacos with grilled marinated skirt steak, housemade kimchi, cojita and citrus.

A 44-seat patio will open when the weather warms. Owners Amanda and Stephen Briggs see this as becoming a popular spot at which to enjoy a variety of margaritas while enjoying a pre-Nats game cocktail or an afternoon sojourn with a river view.

Designed by GrizForm Design Architects the restaurant’s interior was inspired by Mexican design, landscape and historic ancient ruins. Its color palette is based on neutrals of sand, taupe and rich brown along with natural wood tones reminiscent of Mexico’s terrain. Custom-routed wall panels were inspired by the ancient city of Teotihuacan and wood trellis accents mimic the steep steps of the Mayan Pyramids.

NOTE: Agua 301 will open for dinner service on December 21; lunch service will begin on December 28. Brunch will begin on New Year’s Day and continue as a Saturday/Sunday brunch thereafter.

Hours of Operation

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 am -3 pm
Dinner: Sunday- Thursday 3:30-10 pm, Friday – Saturday. 3:30-11 pm
Lunch/Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10:30-3 pm
Happy Hour: 3:30-7 pm 7 days a week”

Here’s a look at the dinner menu – and a look inside:

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Aitken courtesy Agua 301