Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant

In September of 1945, World War II ended with the official surrender of the Japanese. Walter Wilkerson, an Army Air Force pilot, returned home to Colonial Beach, VA, to join his father, Herbert, and his uncle, Stephen, in the restaurant business. This restaurant was called Wilkerson’s, and was the “Original Wilkerson’s.” However, there was not enough room or money to support everyone, so in 1946,

Herbert and Walter decided to open their own restaurant and seafood business in town, and Herbert Wilkerson & Son, Inc. The business was a family affair, with Herbert and his wife, Flo, Walter and his wife, Catherine working everyday operating and managing the new business. In April of 1947, Catherine gave birth to a boy, Jimmy, and he was soon a familiar face at Wilkerson’s. During the past 60 years, the Wilkerson family, with the help of 4 generations, has done much more than operate their restaurant. During the first 2 decades of business, Wilkerson’s sold cooked local Hard Shell Crabs, shucked and served local Oysters, and picked and sold local Hard Shell Crabs for crabmeat used in the restaurant business. The crabs, crabmeat, and oysters were delivered all over, from Baltimore, MD, to Washington, D.C., to Norfolk, VA and many places in between. Over the years, the seafood delivery business was phased out and the restaurant became the main focus. Wilkerson’s is still going strong today with the help of its dedicated long time employees as well as some new faces sprinkled throughout. The finest seafood along with a fabulous view of the Potomac River combine to provide a great atmosphere for any occasion, from large parties or receptions to night a out with family and friends.