Restaurants nearby National Harbor to try off property
If you want restaurants off-property near MGM National Harbor, stick to the National Harbor waterfront (American Market, casual waterfront vendors), nearby Old Town Alexandria for historic waterfront dining, or the Tanger Outlets area for quick casual meals. The resort concierge can arrange a short water taxi, shuttle, or directions to each neighborhood.
In this guide
National Harbor waterfront and American Market
Walkable from MGM National Harbor, the National Harbor waterfront has a range of casual and mid-range restaurants concentrated near the promenade and the American Market area. Expect seafood, American casual spots, and seasonal outdoor dining along the riverfront.
American Market at National Harbor is the local cluster of independent vendors and food stalls where you can find quick bites, coffee, and snacks without returning to the hotel dining rooms.
- Good for: casual lunches, coffee, snacks, and walk-up waterfront seating
- How to get there: short walk along the promenade from MGM National Harbor
- What to ask the concierge: current vendor hours and any seasonal events on the plaza
| What | Why go |
|---|---|
| Waterfront restaurants | Views while you dine and a range of casual-to-mid-range menus |
| American Market | Quick-service options and grab-and-go items for touring the harbor |
| Outdoor seating | Good on fair-weather days; dress for wind off the Potomac |
Old Town Alexandria — historic waterfront dining
Old Town Alexandria is a short drive (or water taxi ride during warm months) from National Harbor and offers many independent restaurants, bakeries, and seafood-focused spots along its waterfront. The area is known for cobblestone streets and a walkable historic district.
Use Old Town when you want a full sit-down dinner away from the casino scene or a long stroll with stops for dessert and coffee. Check hours ahead—some shops and restaurants close earlier on weekdays.
- Good for: seafood, historic restaurants, bakeries, and brunch
- How to get there: short drive or check seasonal water taxi schedules from National Harbor
- Tip: plan for on-street parking or use a rideshare if you prefer not to drive
| Best for | Nearby transport |
|---|---|
| Dinner and waterfront views | Water taxi (seasonal) or short car ride |
| Brunch and pastries | Walkable streets and commuter parking garages |
| Historic walking tours | Easily combined with a meal in Old Town |
Tanger Outlets and quick-casual near the outlets
Tanger Outlets National Harbor is roughly a short drive from MGM National Harbor and has food-court style options and casual sit-down restaurants for shoppers and families. A free Circulator bus service in the National Harbor area can take shoppers between the waterfront and the outlets.
This area is useful if you want a straightforward meal between shopping stops or are traveling with children who want familiar quick-casual chains.
- Good for: family meals, quick-casual chains, and food-court options
- How to get there: short drive or local circulator shuttle; check current bus stops and schedules
- Ask the concierge about shuttle timings and any outlet dining promotions
| Why visit | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Shopping + meal | Food courts and casual restaurants geared toward families |
| Convenience | Plenty of parking and easy in-and-out if you’re on a schedule |
| Short transit options | Local shuttle/bus options from the Harbor |
Go farther by water taxi: Alexandria and Georgetown
Seasonal water taxi service runs from National Harbor to points such as Alexandria and Georgetown during warmer months; these neighborhoods have larger restaurant scenes and more varied cuisines. Water taxi schedules change seasonally, so confirm times before you plan a dinner out.
A water taxi can be both transit and sightseeing: you’ll travel across the Potomac and arrive at neighborhoods with many independent and well-reviewed restaurants along their waterfronts.
- Good for: trying a wider range of cuisines and evening waterfront walks
- Check: water taxi seasonal schedules and boarding locations
- Tip: call ahead for reservations at popular Georgetown or Alexandria restaurants, especially on weekends
| Destination | Why go |
|---|---|
| Alexandria | Historic district and varied waterfront restaurants |
| Georgetown | Wide dining choices and a long waterfront promenade |
| Travel note | Water taxi runs seasonally—confirm operator schedules |
Practical tips and how MGM can help
The MGM National Harbor concierge can recommend off-property restaurants, make reservations, and provide directions or arrange local shuttles and taxi/ride-share options. Ask them about seasonal water taxi service and current vendor hours at the National Harbor promenade.
If you have mobility needs or are traveling with family, tell the concierge so they can suggest accessible restaurants, parking details, or the best transit options for your group.
- Ask concierge for reservations and up-to-date transport options
- Check hours and make reservations for popular dinner slots (weekends may be busy)
- If you plan to use the water taxi, confirm seasonal schedules and boarding points in advance
| Service | How to get it |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Concierge or front-desk can call on your behalf |
| Directions / transit | Concierge, hotel maps, or rideshare |
| Water taxi info | Confirm seasonal operator schedules before heading out |
When to choose off-property dining vs. on-site restaurants
On-property restaurants at MGM National Harbor cover many cuisines if you want convenience; head off property when you want to explore local independent places, a different neighborhood vibe, or a waterfront stroll in Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown.
Off-property dining is a good option for extended sightseeing days or if you prefer smaller, local restaurants not on the resort’s list of dining venues.
- Choose on-property for convenience, quick returns to your room, and late-night options tied to the resort schedule
- Choose off-property for neighborhood character, independent kitchens, and a broader local scene
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| Quick, nearby meals and hotel amenities | MGM National Harbor restaurants and food hall |
| Local restaurants and a neighborhood walk | National Harbor promenade or Old Town Alexandria |
| A mix of shopping and dining | Tanger Outlets and its surrounding dining options |
