Spring is here! And for our fellow Washington, DC area foodies, this means new menus, outdoor seating, and blue-sky vistas. As we know, DC has a growing and delicious food scene, but take a look just a few miles south of Capitol Hill, and you’ll find a bustling dining scene in Old Town Alexandria. Less than 30 minutes outside of DC, you can stroll along cobblestone alleys amidst historic architecture and browse through unique boutiques alongside a stunning waterfront – but the most impressive draw is the ever-evolving restaurant line up. Here are 3 you can’t miss next time you visit Old Town.
Brunch: Joe Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar
Known as an institutional keystone amongst Northern Virginia patrons, Joe Theismann’s Restaurant has had more than 40 years of great food, excellent service, and neighborhood prominence to accrue a loyal following. Theismann’s was one of the first restaurant-bars in Alexandria and has only gained in reputation and reception since.
Their brunch menu is renowned for its Sparkling Cocktails and Crab Cake Benedict and suggests a basket of warm apple cinnamon donuts to start. If that did not convince you, this should: they launched a Bloody Mary bar. The first cocktail is only $9 with $5 refills. With options for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan, Joe Theismann’s should be on your list for your next Old Town brunch.
Lunch: Vola’s Dockside Grill
With the arrival of spring comes ever-beloved patio seating, and we’ve found the perfect sunny haven for you to enjoy. The outdoor tables at Vola’s Dockside Grill are right on the water, which means your view is as scrumptious as your food. Vola’s offers diners an array of daily selections of fresh oysters shucked to order, served at half-price from 3-6pm daily. Choose from a wide variety of seafood selections such as southern coast Conch Fritters, Fried Oyster Po’Boys, Shrimp and Grits, or King Street Seafood Stew. For a more inland take, enjoy a Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwich, Asian Pear-Endive Salad, and finish it off with a Mango Creme Brulee.
Because we know some of you enjoy your view more with a cocktail in hand, Vola’s offers a variety of tiki drinks such as it’s not-too-sweet pina colada, local and imported beers on draft. On Wednesdays, they offer half-price bottles of wine all day long in their bar, dining room, and patio.
The name Vola’s Dockside Grill pays homage to a community activist named Vola Lawson, who oversaw anti-poverty initiatives and was a known animal advocate, and the restaurant continues to support her initiatives with regular fundraisers for animal rescue groups. Not only does Vola’s support the animal community, but they also offer a doggie menu to accompany their dog-friendly patio!
Dinner: Mia’s Italian Kitchen
While you are strolling down Alexandria’s famous King Street, pop into Mia’s Italian Kitchen for a family friendly meal prepared with authentic ingredients. The menu at Mia’s has been curated with careful attention to traditional Neapolitan cuisine, with the recipes from Naples being passed down by the owner’s grandmother to ensure that the simple, raw flavors produce the perfect, homemade offerings. With over a dozen pastas made on site, square brick-oven pizza, and charcuterie boards for the entire group, Mia’s extensive menu will delight any guest. It is not just the authentic flavors that stun guests, but the interior design: an artful mix of classic European with a rustic flair with Sistine Chapel-inspired art detailing the ceiling and bright leather banquettes.
Weather permitting, you can also take a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy their generous Happy Hour from 12-7pm Monday-Friday. If you prefer to sit indoors, they offer half-price bottles of wine every for “Wine Down Wednesday”. A must-try libation whether you choose to sit inside or outside is the wonderful red & white made-from-scratch house Italian sangria.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional, fancy, or fun bite to eat, the Old Town food scene is sure to satisfy, and keep you coming back. Mix and match these three restaurants to create your made-to-order weekend outing. The scrumptious food and rich historic atmosphere of Old Town Alexandria awaits!
Each of the restaurants we shared with you are part of the Alexandria Restaurant Partners, a growing alliance of the best and most impressive restaurants in the area. To learn more about Alexandria Restaurant Partners and their other amazing restaurants, click here!