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  • Legal Sea Foods - Crystal City

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Legal Sea Foods - Crystal City
Legal Sea Foods - Crystal City

Legal Sea Foods - Crystal City Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.legalseafoods.com/Restaurants/Arlington-Crystal-City
  • Phone: (703) 415-1200
  • Hours of Operation:
    Monday - Thursday: 11am - 10pm



    Friday: 11am - 11pm



    Saturday: 12n - 11pm



    Sunday: 12n - 9pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Seafood
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Smoking Area, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Getting there

  • Cross Street: South 23rd Street
  • Public Transit: Crystal City (Yellow Line) Metro station.
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: Our validation will net you savings. Complimentary 1 hour of parking and $5 per hour thereafter on weekdays and complimentary parking on weekends at the adjacent Buchanan Garage.
A word from Legal Sea Foods - Crystal City
The signature dish at Legal Sea Foods – really fresh fish.

For all those who love seafood in Crystal City, the world really can be your oyster. Choose from among the 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish we serve simply prepared, 365 days a year.

In season, our patio… seating is a lure for those who choose the fresh seafood and fresh air combo.

Legal Sea Foods has long proven that a consistent, high quality dining experience never goes out of style. We’ve received a boatload of accolades including being named “#1 Best Seafood Restaurant” in a nationwide poll by USA Today (2013) and the honor of serving our legendary New England Clam Chowder at every presidential inauguration since 1981. Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerSeafood
Diner Reviews
  • "I was disappointed that I still had to wait for my table, even with a reservation, about 15min... but the Manager and staff made up for it with customer service and attentiveness. They shared a new appetizer, which was out-standing and I'm sure I will order it again on my next visit."
    Dined on 10/25/2013
  • "My girlfriend and I went here for our two year Anniversary. I have eaten at Legal many times at many different locations but my girlfriend had never been there before. There food and service are typically good but the food and service that we received Friday evening was exceptional!"
    Dined on 2/28/2014
  • "Fantastic seafood. Everything was fresh and excellent. Wood fired scallops were delicious. Good choice of raw oysters for an appetizer. We had the Bluepoints and they were awesome. Only negative was the tables are very close together and you are only inches from people at the next table."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "The food, oysters, drinks never change in their quality. I can't say this for all Legal restaurants but Crystal City has been consistent year after year."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "We were flying out early the next morning, and needed a good spot for dinner on a Friday night. No problems booking late through Open Table, and our request for a boot the accommodate our 4 and 7 year olds was cheerfully accommodated. Our eldest doesn't like seafood, and was very happy with his cheese pizza. Our youngest adored his cod in panko, and ate most of the shrimps from my grilled platter, and all of the shrimps from his dad's fried platter. For the adults.... Calamari were tender and wonderful, scallops sweet and large, shrimp equally good. My fish selections were perfectly cooked. My Mai tai was way too sweet... But drinkable. Dessert was bananas foster.... Delicious!"
    Dined on 2/21/2014
  • "Call and made a reservation; still waited about an hour to get our food served. The poor waiter tried to apologize for the slow kitchen, somebody didn't show for work? Food appearance was pedestrian and below what I would have expected for Legal Seafood. Food was ok, but presentation was no better than Red Lobster with double the price! Appetizer was particularly poor. Crab dip was less than half of the crock it was in; poorly presented."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Completely unenthusiastic greeting (Red Lobster probably would have done better), people dressed all kinds of casual, couples with babies/small kids, safe menu choices, service very casual, food kind of corporate, fairly bland, kind of overcooked/dry, no atmosphere. Not saying it should have been a magical evening at a 5-star restaurant, just that there was no hint of refinement or elegance at all. Nothing terrible, no rudeness or anything, but considering it has the image of more than Red Lobster, was probably the most disappointing seafood restaurant experience I've ever had. Very forgettable. Save your money, go to Red Lobster, or if you want something up from that, go to Bonefish, or up from that, Hooked in Reston/Blacksalt in DC."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "I grew up on the Gulf Coast in Florida and Louisiana so I have a certain expectations when it comes to seafood. For what they charge I assume the food was going to be absolutely delicious and it was just okay. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and next time I'll try something a little more challenging on the menu. The fisherman's platter left a lot to be desired."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "This was my first Valentine's Day married to my wife of a year and we had an absolute blast. Everything was simply perfect. The food and the service was.....simply amazing!!!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "mojito I ordered awful, thankfully they took it back. If you want specialty drinks not the place to order them. Stick to wine and would recommend that if you want high-end order by the bottle, I order by the glass and was flat. I was disappointed that even after I made note that I wanted a seating reservation for special occasion, I was seated by an area where the water and menus were placed so there was constant reaching by the waiter staff"
    Dined on 2/11/2014
  • "Great place to eat. Waitress was not too attentive but food definitely hit the spot."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "We had a group going out to dinner and the folks at Legal Seafoods could not have been nicer or more accommodating. Everything was first rate!"
    Dined on 2/12/2014
  • "The steel head trout special is nothing to carp about! Amazing preparation especially with the crab topping. A definite winner! Along with the outstanding service and great new wine list a must destination."
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "Great service, quality food on a busy Monday night lobster a tad overcooked but oysters were excellent in all aspects. Bread pudding special was certainly a highlight. Commitment to fresh seafood evident for this 30 restaurant non local chain. No fishy smells and food comes out hot. Attentive and knowledgable waitstaff abound."
    Dined on 2/10/2014
  • "Everyone of our 10 person party had a ball and the liveliness of the restaurant covered our mild baby fussiness. The staff was very kind and we enjoyed ourselves completely!!"
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "We have frequently gone to Legal.....drop in, special occasions...such as birthdays...pre Capitals game etc. Food is always great...love there rolls too! Don't have to wait long for food order and not rushed once food arrives! Very relaxing!"
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "My wife and I were visiting from out of town and wanted the best seafood available. So we asked a number of locals for thier suggestions. ALL of them mentioned Legal Seafood! And boy where they right! It was fantastic! We're now fans for life! Sincerely, Mike from MN"
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "I was staying at the Hilton next door, so truthfully, I went to LSF because it was convenient more than anything else. But my meal of woodfire grilled shrimp was very good. My daughter had a combo plate that the chef selects three fishes, plus muscles and scallops and she thought it was excellent. The server was attentive and prompt. The dessert - key lime pie - was just delicious. It was a nice evening. The only thing I didn't care for was the table arrangements. I'd much prefer to sit in a booth where it's more private and quiet. We were seated between two other parties, which I don't care for. Still, I'd definitely recommended it. Very fresh and tasty."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "I am from New Mexico and don't have much experience with seafood, but I love it. I had never heard of Legal Sea Fodd but it was close to my hotel in Crystal City (D.C. Metro) and recommended by the front desk clerk. I have to say it was the best seafood I've ever eaten. I had the signature crab cake combo. The crab, scallops and shrimp were all phenomenol."
    Dined on 2/6/2014
  • "awesome service and food as always!!we celebrated high school graduation"
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "The food was so yummy. Everything from the fried oysters, crab chowder to the crab cakes and broiled shrimps and scallops were done perfectly. I prefer my scallops cooked a bit more but my wife reminded me this is how it is supposed to be according to Gordon Ramsey on Hells Kitchen :). I do wish they would offer lobster tails to go with their filet mignon as that's how my daughter prefers her steak and lobster. The server did offer to have the kitchen take the lobster meat out of the shell for us though. A bit on the pricey side for what you get but well worth it because if the quality of food and service."
    Dined on 1/31/2014
  • "Excellent food, fine service. Legal Seafoods is a favorite of ours in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, so nice to have a place to go in this area."
    Dined on 1/26/2014
  • "Legal Seafood always provides an excellent dining experience. I have always been able to count on great customer service."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "77 dollars for two persons plus drinks. Extremely expensive for the meal received. We will not come back."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "A good location before a Caps game - and it seems no one knows about it - plenty of room! Don't pass up the F&P tater tots appetizer - super!!!"
    Dined on 1/8/2014
  • "Greatly enjoyed the food. At 6:30 pm, noise level was extremely high, hindering cross-table conversations. Staff was knowledgeable, helpful and professional in bearing."
    Dined on 1/14/2014
  • "In a nutshell, LSF offers great service and delicious food..."
    Dined on 1/14/2014
  • "Good tasting food if you like a lot of sauces. How healthy are these sauces is questionable. Like the selection of raw oysters. The decor needs updating for this price point, but then again most of the Crystal City restaurants could use a make over."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Our wattress was excellent and the food was outstanding."
    Dined on 1/4/2014
  • "The waiter (Brandon) was exceptional. The food was above average, but not up to our expectations based on prior experience at the same location. The blue point oysters were top notch, but the price point for a dozen (~$28) is a bit high. Always a favorite, though."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Food was great, had no problem finding free street parking close by. Just one thing, my husband got the crab cake combo which only came with a very small salad, we feel it should have included at least 1 side of rice or potatoes or something... I do believe we will return."
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "I left a little disappointed, but content. When you first walk in, you are greeted with a friendly smile. It doesn't take long to be seated. The service is excellent. The waitress we had was very attentive but not too pushy. It was nice not to feel rushed. What's dissapointing about this particular establishment is the food does not match the price. Their specialty crab cake was good, but nothing to write home about. One of the fellow diners I was with stated it "felt like eating at an overpriced Red Lobsters", which is a pretty accurate description to me. I'd recommend people to give it a shot, but for those seeking true fine dining- look elsewhere."
    Dined on 12/25/2013
  • "Lobster wasn't very sweet. Clams steamed without any seasoning. Service was great though."
    Dined on 12/22/2013
  • "Heard rave reviews, didn't think it was anything special. Food was just OK."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "This place is the most consistent restaurant when It comes to food and services. Never an issue with anything ordered. The chef always has an interesting and creative special. The fish tacos for happy hour were also very delicious."
    Dined on 12/18/2013
  • "My family and I ate dinner on a Monday night. Crab cakes were very fresh, my daugther's lobster was good and the fish and chips were some of the best I have had. It was a good mix of an after work crowd and business dinners. My family and I felt very comfortable and welcome. We will come back to the Crystal City location when we are visting Washington DC. It is worth the trip across the Potomac River."
    Dined on 12/16/2013
  • "We all had something different but each seafood dish among the four of us was prepared as requested and was very delicious. While the quarters are tight somewhat and the noise level can be high, if it's tasty seafood you want, this the place!"
    Dined on 12/6/2013
  • "We always make reservations at this restaurant when in the Crystal City area, as we love the food that is available. My husband is allergic to Seafood so they have other choices available for him to choose from."
    Dined on 11/27/2013
  • "The food came out cold and not the way we ordered. The seating was very cramped. For the price the food was not worth it."
    Dined on 11/23/2013
  • "Kitchen needs a major shakeup, food barely befitting serving at a nursing home. Keep those hot sour dough rolls coming b/c nothing else is going to fill you up."
    Dined on 11/19/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Washington, D.C. Area Winners
  • Seafood
  • Virginia - DC Suburbs Winners
  • Seafood
Learn more ›