H2o Restaurant & Lounge   

800 Water St SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-484-6300
www.h2odc.com

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The space on the Southwest waterfront that housed Hogate's restaurant for decades got a major makeover and was reborn as H2O in December 2003. Local nightclub impresario Abdul Khanu, owner of Platinum and the now-defunct VIP Club, is the man behind the restaurant and lounge, which has become a serious celebrity magnet. Just a few of the big names to grace the waterfront spot include Bill Clinton, Natalie Portman and P. Diddy, along with a steady stream of appearances by MTV 'Real World' cast members. The 42,000-square-foot space is reminiscent of a luxury yacht with dark wood, large outdoor patios and striking views of the Potomac. Inside, dimly lit tables and circular booths create intimate nooks. The dining room gives way to a dance floor on weekends when throngs of young, well-dressed partiers line up to get inside and mix it up. International Fridays bring hip-hop, house and Latin beats, and Soul Food Saturdays skew to R&B, reggae and hip-hop. (Tip: Sign up for the guest list on H2O's Web site and arrive early to avoid the long lines.) If dining is your mission, start out with a basket of rum buns, the slightly sweet rolls Hogate's was famous for. The seafood-heavy menu also pays homage to the restaurant's predecessor with "Hogate's classics," including several platters piled high with seafood. The broiled captain's platter comes with cod, lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams and a crab cake. Turf options include filet mignon, T-bone steak and grilled chicken. -- Amanda McClements