Agua 301 should be easy to find -- after all, its name is also its street address, 301 Water St. SE. But this part of Water Street -- near Bluejacket and the recently opened Osteria Morini -- is so new that cabs and GPS are having trouble locating the area. It won't be a problem that the Navy Yard will have to deal with for much longer, as more and more big restaurants open their doors. Count Agua 301 among them, as it opens to the public on Saturday, Dec. 21.
Agua 301's dining room (Maura Judkis/for The Post)
The restaurant's chef, Antonio Burrell, joins the project from Masa 14 and El Centro D.F. His menu for Agua is a mix of Mexican classics and South-of-the-border takes on American foods, like shrimp cocktail and traditional brunch fare. There will be seven types of tacos, priced from $7-$8 at two per serving, and an array of "bocaditos," tapas-like small bites, from $5-$12. The pork belly al pastor, pictured below, is topped with a pineapple habanero chutney, achiote sauce, pozole verde and black beans. Lunch service will begin Dec. 28.
Pork belly al pastor at Agua 301 (Maura Judkis/for The Post)
On New Year's Day, the restaurant will open for brunch, with a menu that will feature "brothy soups that will take care of hangovers," Burrell says. The brunch menu will continue on weekends afterward.
A 40-seat bar area is configured in a U shape, which co-owner Amanda Briggs says she and the designer call a "Hey, baby" bar for its clear views from one side to the other, perfect for making eyes at a stranger. There are more than 50 tequilas and mezcals on the menu, and Agua will shake up 12 signature cocktails. In the spring, you can enjoy your margaritas outside, where a patio will add an additional 44 seats.
Agua 301, 301 Water St. SE.
Check out the menu, below.
The bar at Agua 301 (Maura Judkis/for The Post)
