The Salt Line Oyster & Ale has arrived on the Washington, DC waterfront, delivering a sense of New England to the nation’s capital. Locally based GrizForm Design Architects crafted the 3,495-square-foot space with brass accents, custom light fixtures, and handmade tiles.
Diners are welcomed by a large exterior bar equipped with a corrugated metal roof to combat inclement weather. Just outside the boathouse are three seating vignettes, while 10 dining tables and two communal tables are installed around the corner on a boardwalk. In addition to cocktail tables, gray lounge benches feature deep navy cushions, white piping, and small side tables.
The vestibule of the main entrance is clad with a cedar shingle roof along with black and white marble mosaic floors, while a shiplap host stand is appointed with a vintage compass and topped with oak. A wood and tile menu designed to resemble traditional baseball scorecards is installed above the host stand—a nod to the adjacently located Nationals Park. Weathered oak floors lead to the horseshoe-shaped bar, which is accented with bulkhead mirrors and custom sconces installed upon vintage hardware and cork wallcovering. Black and white tiles appear again in the floors and walls surrounding the bar to evoke nostalgia for bygone oyster houses. Backless, bistro-style bar stools are upholstered in deep brown leather, while the backbar’s metal shelving is detailed in nautical brass.
The bar is divided from the sundrenched dining room with a low wall that features an inset custom rope design crafted by local artist Linny Griffin. Large sea green leather-tufted banquettes with brass nailheads also span the exterior walls. In addition to spindle-back brown leather dining chairs, the dining room also includes a row of two-top booths with a weathered gray wood frame. A private dining room boasts a stately arrival experience with three grand archways trimmed with two restored bronze dolphin bow ornaments. Large tufted booths are installed beneath two outer arches with a multi-globe brass chandelier, a wooden Dory boat, and vintage sailing flags further enhancing the setting.
