Atlas Restaurant Group to Bring The Ruxton and a New Cocktail Bar to National Harbor in 2026
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlas Restaurant Group to Bring The Ruxton and a New Cocktail Bar to National Harbor in 2026
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 17, 2025—Atlas Restaurant Group and Peterson Companies, developer and manager of National Harbor, are excited to announce plans to open a second location of the acclaimed American steakhouse, The Ruxton, along with a brand-new craft cocktail bar, in the heart of the bustling Waterfront District in National Harbor. Slated to debut in late 2026, this two-part, 10,400 sq. ft. concept will open at 149 Waterfront Street and will bring Atlas’ signature style and hospitality to one of the region’s premier waterfront destinations.
The Ruxton at National Harbor will feature 250 seats, including outdoor dining with views of the National Harbor promenade. The adjoining cocktail bar will offer an intimate 40-seat experience centered on expertly crafted cocktails. The Ruxton will be open for lunch and dinner daily, with a popular happy hour five nights a week.
“I’m thrilled to expand The Ruxton brand to National Harbor,” said Alex Smith, founder and president of Atlas Restaurant Group. “The development is a perfect setting for this concept with its energy, tourism, entertainment, and a growing residential base. After the immediate favorable reception in Baltimore, it felt natural to bring The Ruxton to a dynamic destination like this.”
Much like its Baltimore counterpart, The Ruxton at National Harbor menu will be curated by Chef Partner Aaron Taylor, who created the original menu. Guests can expect a continuation of the restaurant’s celebrated culinary identity, showcasing over a dozen cuts of prime Black Angus beef, both wet and dry aged, sourced from Chicago’s Meats by Linz. In-house aged Long Island duck and Virginia bison will further highlight the meat program. A seafood-forward selection will include dover sole, Maryland rockfish, king salmon and whole live lobsters, ensuring a broad and luxurious menu.
The wine program will once again be a standout feature, spotlighting top producers from California heritage regions like Napa, Sonoma, Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Barbara, as well as revered Old World selections from France, Spain and Italy.
Design of the space will be led by world-renowned Baltimore-based interior designer Patrick Sutton, who also created the original Ruxton. Sutton’s signature vision of rich elegance will be on full display: “The interior of The Ruxton has been imagined as a marriage of the traditions of the classic American steakhouse with the elegance, detail and grandeur of the Jazz Age,” said Sutton. “It’s our goal that the guest's surroundings will feel as rich, comforting and delicious as the food they will be eating.”
Expect deep walnut wood paneling detailed with brass and palomino-hued suede wall coverings, emerald green velvet drapery and banquettes, custom Murano-style chandeliers and classic white-linen tables framed by chestnut leather chairs, all nestled under dramatic wood coffered ceilings.
“The Ruxton will add a new level of fine dining to the already diverse restaurant scene at National Harbor. With its elevated menu and refined atmosphere, it’s a perfect fit for everything from business dinners to special celebrations – and will appeal to both locals and visitors alike,” said Kimli Cross, senior vice president of leasing at Peterson Companies. “This marks our first location with Atlas Restaurant Group, and we’re proud to welcome one of the region’s most respected hospitality groups to the D.C. metro area.”
The forthcoming opening marks another milestone in Atlas Restaurant Group’s continued growth across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
For more information on National Harbor, visit www.nationalharbor.com. For more information on Atlas Restaurant Group, visit www.atlasrestaurantgroup.com.
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About Atlas Restaurant Group:
With an uncompromising effort to deliver authentic cuisine from around the world, Atlas Restaurant Group is a lifestyle hospitality group founded in 2012 that focuses on the integrity of product, impeccable service and an unparalleled entertainment experience that has redefined the traditional dining experience. Atlas currently operates over 50 concepts with locations across Maryland, Delaware, Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida.
About Peterson Companies:
As one of the largest privately-owned real estate development companies in the D.C. region, Peterson Companies consistently delivers some of the area’s most exciting mixed-use retail, residential and commercial destinations. Over the past 60 years, Peterson has created such exceptional landmarks as National Harbor, Downtown Silver Spring, Fair Lakes, and Fairfax Corner. With a proven ability to move quickly on opportunities to reshape and enhance local communities, the company creates vibrant residential and business districts that benefit all who live and work in our region. For more information about the Peterson Companies, please visit www.petersoncos.com.
About National Harbor:
Situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River and just minutes from the nation’s capital, National Harbor is a waterfront resort destination unlike any other. National Harbor is home to two of Maryland’s Four Diamond rated hotels—Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, the East Coast’s largest non-gaming hotel and convention center and has almost 2,000 hotel rooms and 660,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and MGM National Harbor, an integrated luxury casino resort with renowned chef-driven restaurants, a 3,000-seat state-of-the art theater and one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The vibrant Waterfront District features boutique shops, restaurants and entertainment options along picturesque promenades. The iconic Capital Wheel, a 180-ft observation wheel, Tanger National Harbor’s 85 designer brands, and a robust calendar of events round out this destination that welcomes more than 15 million visitors a year. For more information, visit www.NationalHarbor.com.
