Royal Sands Social Club, a sleek new Navy Yard bar and restaurant inspired by Florida’s beaches and swim resorts, wants to be an oasis for locals who are already tired of D.C. winter.
The massive, 14,000-square-foot spot is spread over two floors and has three full bars, one of which is in a private event room. All of the restaurant’s big glass windows face Nationals Park on N Street SE, and can be fully opened to create a breezy atmosphere on warmer days.
Royal Sands opened Dec. 19 next-door to sister restaurant Mission Navy Yard. It’s the latest for owner Mission Group, which has several large bars in D.C., including Mission Dupont, Hawthorne, The Admiral and Salazar.
Each of the two levels, designed and built by locally-owned Wallace Consulting & Construction, approach the theme differently. Guests on the first floor may feel transported poolside with cobalt and sea blue-tile decor and a sunken bar that mimics the effect of easing into a swimming pool. There is also a suspended DJ booth above the bar that says “Lifeguard On Duty.”
The second floor takes a more scenic approach with murals of palm tree silhouettes against a Miami sunset and faux planters tucked into corners. From this floor, customers can see directly into the Nationals Stadium concourse.
The second floor also has a few arcade games and a photo booth that cost $1 to use most of the time, but are often free during happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. daily. (Other specials include a selection of beers for $5.50, select cocktails for $9 and some of their most popular appetizers for between $9 – $12.)
“We’re hoping that Navy Yard is going to be on the map,” said Royal Sands’ nightlife manager, David Hamburg. “We’re hoping to be the premiere spot to come after a game — whether baseball, DC United — just really bring people to Navy Yard so that they don’t just come for a drink and then go out on U Street or 14th. We’re hoping that people stay down here and really experience all that Navy Yard has to offer.”
Mission Navy Yard is often busier on non-game days than game days, according to Fritz Brogan, Mission Group co-founder and managing partner. “It is a unique challenge to have two giant businesses next door to each other, but we know this amazing neighborhood can sustain it,” he says.
Not to be overshadowed by the glossy design and Miami-inspired party scene, the menu offers a mix of seafood, such as a crab and shrimp cobb salad ($19), island-inspired dishes like the Cubano ($17), and twists on Florida favorites, be it the teriyaki gator bao buns ($18) or the buffalo chicken sandwich inspired by Southern grocer Publix ($16). (DCist was gifted several items — including the gator buns — and can confirm everything was delicious.)
“Our goal is to combine Florida classic beach bar items like shrimp, gator and conch fritters with elevated cuisine like sushi. It was a fun challenge to make the menu noticeably different from our other locations while keeping the theme fun,” said Nima Khazaeli, Mission Group corporate chef.
In addition to food, the menu boasts summer vacation favorites like rosé and sparkling wines, as well as specialty cocktails — all of which are $15 — like the frozen pina colada and peach bellini or rum punch on the rocks. There are also several draft beers, canned beer and alcoholic seltzer options.
Royals Sands transitions into a club around 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “We’re bringing a level of DJs that this area hasn’t seen before. We’re also going to be the only place to offer bottle service in this entire area,” said Hamburg. Expect to see and hear DJs during the forthcoming brunch as well.
Royal Sands is located at 26 N St. SE and open Tuesdays from 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Wednesdays from 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Thursdays from 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Fridays from 4 p.m.-3 a.m. and Saturdays from 2 p.m.-3 a.m.
