New on Resy: Hank’s Oyster Bar, Baby Wale, Live Oak

If oyster slurping is your thing, head straight to Hank’s Oyster Bar. Helmed by renowned chef-restaurateur Jamie Leeds, this perennial favorite offers New England fare—from lobster rolls to raw bar selections—in a casual and lively setting. Best of all, if you’re looking to explore new varieties, ask one of Hank’s oyster experts for a custom platter.

The critically acclaimed and sibling restaurant to Tom Power’s Corduroy, Baby Wale is an industrial chic den where go-go music permeates the air. The menu is a smorgasbord of influences, where playful dishes are done with finesse (read: spiky Buffalo mozzarella porcupine, griddled New Jersey hot dog, and hearty Nagoya-style ramen).

In need of a quick Southern fix, minus the airfare? Live Oak is the place for you. The gorgeous Del Ray locale—complete with sunny porch for sweet tea-sipping—dishes lowcountry food with flair, from irresistible fried green tomatoes to flavorful tortellini of braised collard greens. Look out for the drink list, packed with cocktails, beer, and wine.

Nestled in the heart of Mount Vernon Triangle, NAMA is the latest newcomer from chef Michael Schlow. The sleek and vibrant sushi bar proffers the usual suspects, from beautiful slivers of sashimi to colorful vegetarian nigiri. Don’t sleep on the superb gyoza, which come doused in a truffle-soy broth.

Make no mistake: a pizzeria dedicated to the Founding Fathers has to be the most American—dare we say, patriotic—thing there is… right? The North Shaw parlor fires modern riffs on American classics (from cheesesteak to shrimp-and-grits) and, most importantly, artisanal pizzas named after signers of the Declaration of Independence. As they say, “in pizza we crust.”

A clandestine destination tucked in the underbelly of the Westin Hotel, Boveda offers a menu of Pan-Latin tapas to share. Feast on an array of queso, embutidos (dry sausages), tacos, and ceviche, against a backdrop of warm woods and cool stone walls.

If Boveda’s speakeasy vibe isn’t your cup of tea, then take the elevator up to the Caucus Room. Bright, glitzy, and flecked with gold accents, this American take on a French brasserie is a true stunner. Expect refined bistro hits, from French onion soup to steak frites, alongside a solid wine list.

A cozy trattoria with heart, A La Lucia is an Old Town Alexandria mainstay. The sophisticated but unpretentious eatery serves Italian favorites—think heart-warming minestrone, saucy rigatoni with spicy sausage, crunchy chicken Parmigiano—and award-winning wines. Don’t skip dolci, where homemade gelato milkshakes shine.