Dining out is always fun, but it’s a special treat in Alexandria, VA. It’s the home of the famous Beachcombers Restaurant, which opened in 1946 to offer diners a great dining experience overlooking the Potomac River. Beachcombers is gone, but many terrific restaurants of every type have filled the void.
Historic Alexandria is perfect for visitors and locals because of its abundance of fascinating landmarks alongside modern attractions. It’s not surprising that there are so many extraordinary places to eat. Dining out is a great way to relax and destress after a hard day at work or a long day of sightseeing. It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting or living here, these restaurants will have you making plans for a return trip.
Waterfront Dining in Alexandria, VA
The locals hold a special place in their hearts for waterfront dining and the view of the beloved Potomac River. It’s a unique experience for visitors also, with the many birds, marine life, and watercraft to observe. Here are a few places where you can experience the magic for yourself.
Barca Pier and Wine Bar
2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-638-1100
Dine with the nation’s capital as a backdrop at the shipyard-chic Barca Pier and Wine Bar. They serve Spanish-Mediterranean small plates, sangria, cocktails, and wine. Dock and dine if you’re out on the water, or walk up the pier and enjoy some time on the river. The menu offers delights such as tzatziki, octopus salad, serrano ham, and confit tuna. This is the place to be when you’re craving that fresh island flavor.
Ada’s on the River
3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314
703-638-1400
Ada’s on the River is the namesake of Augusta Ada King, countess of Lovelace, daughter of poet Lord Byron, and one of the greatest mathematicians of the 19th century. The restaurant is built around a custom-made wood-burning oven and features spectacular views of the Potomac River. Ada’s offers a menu dominated by fresh seafood, wood-fired prime steaks, and vegetarian fare, with a wide variety of beer, wine, and cocktails. Specialty dishes include such delicacies as seared tuna, grilled octopus, and moules frites. It’s an excellent place for a date night or to impress an important client.
Chart House
1 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5080
Chart House is a show-stopping seafood restaurant with gorgeous waterfront panoramic views. It offers a private dining experience for special occasions and a catering service designed to impress your guests. Steaks, seafood, and elaborate cocktails and desserts are on the menu, so look for local favorites like New England clam chowder, calamari, king crab, and a whole slew of premium steak cuts. Anyone in the mood for traditional Virginia fare with a global touch will find that this is where they want to be.
Waterfront dining is a spectacular experience perfect for a special occasion – but it can be pricey. There are also several moderately priced eateries in the area for those days when you want a great meal without the frills.
Family Style Restaurants in Alexandria, VA
There is nothing like sitting down with friends and family for some comfort food and conversation. Alexandria is chock full of fun family restaurants and cozy colloquial cafes that fill up your stomach without taking too much out of your wallet.
Wooboi Hot Chicken
531 Montgomery St., Alexandria, VA 22314
540-455-8303
Wooboi is your place if hot chicken is your thing. They use only white meat in an array of spicy sauces. This is the chicken joint to top them all, from sandwiches and tenders to crispy okra and fries. The eatery uses only free-range birds that are antibiotic-free and don’t weigh over 4 pounds to minimize food waste and maximize the use of eco-friendly and recycled goods.
Chop Shop Taco
1008 Madison St., Alexandria, VA 22314
571-970-6438
Those wanting an elegant riff on Mexican food and cocktails needn’t look any further. The building was once an auto body garage, leaving a funky, industrial feel to the trendy restaurant. This spot offers a limited menu of only the finest-quality dishes that showcase hand-pressed masa tortillas topped with richly prepared meats. The fried rice balls stuffed with huitlacoche are exceptional.
Bun Papa
1512 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22307
703-347-7711
There is nothing more American than burgers and hot dogs, unless it’s waffle fries and chocolate chip cookies – and Bun Papa has mastered them all. Their fresh-made, fluffy buns and wide variety of toppings earn high praise among locals, so expect to hear their name when you ask for a great burger joint.
Table Talk Restaurant
1623 Duke St., Alexandria, VA
703-548-3989
Beloved eatery Table Talk has been a go-to for delicious and inexpensive eats since 1976. They serve hearty, home-cooked favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Omelets, turkey and dressing, and roast beef are some local favorites you won’t want to miss. They are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can wander in anytime you’re hungry.
Green Olive Buffet and Grill
7405 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306
703-765-5899
Anyone craving a specific type of seafood just might find it at the Green Olive Buffet and Grill. Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and American favorites adorn the beautiful buffet. Steaks, chops, and chicken cuts are grilled to your specifications if you’re not in the mood for seafood. Green Olive Buffet and Grill has been a staple in Alexandria since the 1990s, so you can’t go wrong. They’re open until midnight and perfect for late-night cravings.
It doesn’t matter what you’re craving. You’ll find a great meal at a price point you can handle in Alexandria.
Get Ready to Experience Alexandria
There are numerous entertaining and delectable restaurants in Alexandria, VA, which is just one element that makes it a great place to live. Nomadic Real Estate can help with property management, DC Area renting and leasing, and sales service for both homeowners and investors who have decided it’s where they want to be.
We provide an all-in-one, no-hassle approach to property management that gives landlords the peace of mind they deserve. Contact our office today to see what we can do for you.