Cordelia Fishbar: A Last-Minute Decision That Delivered Big
After a Washington Wizards game, a friend and I decided we needed food—immediately. Keep in mind, it’s nearly 9 p.m., post-COVID era in D.C., and our options were feeling slim. Where were we even going to find a decent meal at this hour? Scrolling through my OpenTable bookmarks, I spotted Cordelia Fishbar—a spot I’d bookmarked but hadn’t got around to visiting. The reviews looked promising, and we figured, why not?
Location… Cordelia is tucked near Union Market at 550 Morse St. NE. Now, this area holds a special place in my heart. My mom worked at Maurice Electrical Supply Co., perched right at the top of the hill, for 30 years. So, yeah—I know these streets pretty well. It's crazy to see how much the neighborhood has transformed.
Parking? Plenty of street spots, despite the bustling area, plus a couple of garages nearby. Pick your poison.
The Vibes… Cordelia is part of the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, and if you know, you know. They have a signature look: deep greens, rich leather seating, long gorgeous bars, and cozy, ambient lighting. Oh, and purse hooks at the bar—bless them. The staff was super welcoming—from the hostess to the bartender, and I’m guessing the friendly guy in a suit was the manager. A+ for hospitality. Also, bonus points: they had a Late-Night Happy Hour. Yes, please!
The Drinks… I went classic with an extra dirty, dirty martini (vodka, because gin and I aren’t there yet). Their house vodka was Stoli and let me tell you—it was perfect. My friend opted for a mocktail that had major mojito vibes, and she was equally impressed. We both ordered two rounds, which means the bartender clearly knew his stuff. Heads up: our drinks weren’t part of the Happy Hour menu, but honestly? Worth every penny.
The Food… 5/5, would recommend. Now that we’ve cleared that up…We kicked things off with the Coal-Roasted Oysters. If you love charbroiled oysters like I do, run, don’t walk. They were so good, we ordered a second round—6 per order, FYI. My friend ordered the Day Boat Rhode Island Calamari. I initially paid it no mind because I assumed it was fried (and I’m off fried foods… for now). Plot twist: they were grilled, tender, seasoned to perfection, and honestly? Still living rent-free in my mind. We shared the Giant Tiger Prawns with Brown Butter Sauce. Fresh, well-seasoned, and not overly salty. The sauce paired beautifully with the prawns, and honestly, I’d recommend trying some of their other $2 sauce add-ons, too. Lastly, I couldn’t resist the Buried Brussels. Listen to me: these might be the best Brussels sprouts I’ve had in the DMV area. Sweet, but not overly honeyed, with pecorino and hazelnuts sprinkled on top. Absolute perfection. The bill came to about $208. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts… Cordelia Fishbar was an unplanned delight. Great drinks, phenomenal food, and a cozy vibe that made me want to stay all night. I’m already planning my return trip—and trust me, you should too.
See you at Cordelia? 🥂
