There’s a new booze cruise hitting Potomac soon. Whitlow’s, the popular bar Shaw bar that formerly operated in Clarendon for 26 years, is partnering with Sea Suite Cruises for a new venture, Whitlow’s on Water.
Whitlow’s on Water is a floating bar that will cruise along the Potomac from Sea Suite’s Georgetown and Navy Yard locations beginning on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. According to its website, this is the first bar in DC to expand to the Potomac River.
The boat is 50 feet long with capacity for up to 48 passengers — the largest in the Potomac Tiki Club fleet — and features an 18-foot-long U-shaped bar. It’s fully covered, to allow cruising in varying weather conditions, and has surround sound speakers, a bathroom, and two TVs on board.
Whitlow’s has had a presence in the area since 1946, when it opened its original location in Washington, DC. It later became Whitlow’s on Wilson, located on Arlington’s Wilson Boulevard, where it was a staple bar and gathering spot for 26 years.
The Clarendon location closed its doors in June 2021, and the current location on U Street in Shaw opened in 2022.
Sea Suite Cruises owners Jack Maher and Jack Walten, Arlington natives and childhood friends, created the Potomac Paddle Club in 2018 then later formed Sea Suite Cruises in 2021. The pair were familiar with Whitlow’s, having been regulars of the Arlington location in their early 20s, and decided to partner with owner Jon Williams to create the floating bar.
Williams always wanted to have a bar on the water, according to Sea Suite Cruises. This project has been in the works for the trio for three years.
The Whitlow’s on Water bar is stocked with beer, wine, seltzer, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. Some cruises even include a complimentary High Noon seltzer upon boarding. Light snacks are for sale on board, and passengers are encouraged to bring their own food.
There are options available for private tours of 25 to 48 passengers and individual tickets. Prices begin at $40 per person for individual tickets and $45 per person for private charters.
Feature image courtesy Sea Suite Cruises
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