Atlas Restaurant Group plans to expand Baltimore’s Ruxton steakhouse brand to National Harbor in 2026
A Baltimore steakhouse concept heads to the waterfront redevelopment corridor
Atlas Restaurant Group, the Baltimore-based hospitality company behind a growing portfolio of restaurants across multiple states, is planning to open a second location of its Ruxton steakhouse in National Harbor, Maryland. The project is scheduled for a late-2026 debut in the Waterfront District, marking another step in the company’s regional expansion beyond Baltimore City.
The National Harbor Ruxton is planned for 149 Waterfront Street, in the space previously occupied by Bond 45. The buildout is described as a 10,400-square-foot, two-part concept that pairs the steakhouse with an adjoining cocktail bar.
What is planned for the new location
Project details released for the National Harbor build indicate a large-format restaurant aimed at both residents and visitors to the mixed-use destination. Plans call for a 250-seat restaurant with outdoor dining overlooking the promenade, plus an adjacent cocktail venue designed for roughly 40 guests.
- Location: 149 Waterfront Street, National Harbor (Oxon Hill), Maryland
- Projected opening window: late 2026
- Footprint: 10,400 square feet
- Seating: 250 for the steakhouse, plus a 40-seat cocktail bar
Background: The Ruxton’s Baltimore origins
The Ruxton opened in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood in March 2024 at 720 Aliceanna Street, in the former Fleming’s Steakhouse space near the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The Baltimore restaurant was introduced as Atlas’ steakhouse concept, with menu development led by chef Aaron Taylor and a design direction built around Jazz Age styling.
In Harbor East, the Ruxton launched alongside Order of the Ace, a separate cocktail bar concept located next door. The National Harbor plan follows that pairing approach by adding a dedicated cocktail bar as part of the development.
Menu and design elements carried into the expansion
The National Harbor outpost is expected to mirror key features of the Baltimore operation, including a steak-forward menu built around prime Black Angus cuts and a mix of wet- and dry-aging. Project materials also describe signature items such as in-house aged Long Island duck and Virginia bison, alongside seafood offerings that have included Dover sole and Maryland rockfish.
The development plan describes the new space as a continuation of the Baltimore restaurant’s Jazz Age-inspired look, with design work credited to Patrick Sutton and BCT Architects.
Why National Harbor, and what it signals for Atlas
National Harbor has positioned itself as a high-traffic waterfront district anchored by hotels, entertainment venues, and residential development, creating an environment that can support large dining rooms and destination concepts. For Atlas, the project adds another high-profile location in the greater Washington region while keeping the expansion close to the company’s Baltimore base of operations.
The late-2026 timeline places the opening among the next wave of restaurant turnover at the waterfront, as legacy spaces cycle out and new operators invest in larger, experience-driven dining formats.