Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia, is a city on the Potomac River, just south of Washington, DC. It’s known for its Old Town, with brick sidewalks and well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. King Street is lined with boutiques and specialty shops. Founding fathers dined at Gadsby’s Tavern, now a museum with period objects and photographs. Carlyle House Historic Park is a restored Georgian mansion with a garden.
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5-Day Alexandria Itinerary
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Top things to do in Alexandria
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Top places to visit

4.6
(4948)
4.4
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expensive
Art center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a former naval munitions factory turned into an art haven, housing over 160 artists in 82 open studios. Visitors can explore and purchase a wide range of artworks including paintings, photos, mixed media pieces, sculptures, and jewelry. The center also offers free demos on Saturdays where patrons can watch the artists at work and engage in discussions about their creative process.
There’s 3 floors to explore inside the Torpedo. There’s different exhibition on each floors and the arts are for sale as well. The 3rd floor is like a little museum that showcases the history of Toledo factory, African American Waterfront Heritage Trail and some Archaeological stuff was on display too. You will enjoy visiting if you love artwork. Parking garage and street parking is available. No tickets needed for entry.
Ogun T — Google review
Service in atmosphere was on point food was nice and all you can eat for brunch. Great views, great customer service and under direction of Chris from housewives of Potomac. This place has a few good reasons why you should check it out I’m glad I did. PS be on a diet coming here. Paid parking below
Troy M — Google review
I have been going here for 25 years. I love it. Lots of bathrooms. Good air conditioning. Fun shops nearby. You have to see the glass aquariums the print studios and the views from the studios around the elevators are fantastic. We met the current president Edward Mccluney. The sun print artist has items that say torpedo factory that make good gifts.
Beverly M — Google review
A nice building at a gorgeous river front location in Alexandria, VA. Spacious, with a lot of cozy boutiques and art shops, creative studios and workshops. The only thing that is missing there is a talent. And this is a must for any art center. But it is definitely a positive influence, more like a community gallery and public exhibition space.
Pine F — Google review
This place is Really really cool. It is a massive creative space with 3 whole floors of art studios and artists making, Exhibiting and selling some truly spectacular works of art, all within a historical building where they actually used to build torpedoes. There’s some poetry in the fact that a place that once only created instruments of Destruction is now a place of creativity and artistic beauty. If you really like art, or are looking for something nice to get for yourself or as a gift to someone you care about I totally recommend checking this place out. Even if you end up just looking around and the pieces that are for sale are outside your price range you will still be glad you came. Support your local artist and come check this place out.
Willku9000 — Google review
There were so many places showcasing stunning artworks and paintings, but one piece really stood out—a breathtaking snow mountain scene painted by a talented artist. 🖌️🏔️ Her work was so realistic, it felt like you could step right into it! The best part? All her paintings were bought by an admiring fellow artist. 🎨👏 What an inspiration!
GSTonyTseng — Google review
Just discovered Susan Sanders' stellar 2nd floor Torpedo Factory gallery of hand painted, 3D printed earrings, brooches, pendants, necklaces, and beads! Everything in her atelier is original and beautiful; and she also accepts special orders. I'm so glad I stopped in to meet Susan and find my new favorite pair of earrings: Susan's gorgeous, dangling Quarter Twist masterpieces of wearable art, which she 3D printed to her own design then brush-painted with many layers to achieve lovely color and depth.
Jill D — Google review
It’s free! There are three floors full of little shops displaying art work of various kinds taking up this whole building! We enjoyed how you can see the arts work space and watch them create. There’s a huge variety, but almost everything was very expensive in all the shops. Needless to say, but we didn’t buy anything but still had a good time walking and taking in all the artists and their work. Would recommend if you’re looking for an art piece or just killing time.
Silas W — Google review
4.7
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4.6
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Museum
Specialty Museums
The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum in Alexandria is a rare gem, offering visitors a glimpse into the world of an authentic apothecary that remained virtually untouched since its closure in 1933. The museum provides 30-minute tours that delve into the history of its renowned potions and showcases an array of preserved tinctures, scales, and peculiar bottles with handwritten labels.
What a cool authentic time capsule of an early US Apothecary. Well worth the time! They even had a letter from Martha Washington ordering supplies from them. The upstairs work shop contains all the original ingredients, storage bins, and tools of the trade that have been there for over 200 years.
Jim B — Google review
So worth checking out. A rare time capsule. So rare in fact, that even the original owners realized it was worth preserving with as much originality as possible...back in the 1700s! It's also worth your money for the guided tour. Our guide was wonderful.
Megan B — Google review
I had to pleasure of taking the poison tour that was offered by the museum, and I had so much fun learning about the way people in the late 1800 to early 1900s utilized what we now know was poisonous chemicals and herbs as unique treatment methods. It was so cool getting to tour the shop and storage spaces and learn about how the shop operated when it was still in business. I would love to come back and take another tour during their normal business hours to browse the exhibits, but Gray, our tour guide did a phenomenal job during our hour-long tour!
Mimi F — Google review
A preserved time capsule of an authentic apothecary. The guides were very informative and the exhibit showed original apothecary jars with the materials preserved inside. A unique look into the past.
Lola H — Google review
Great museum to visit if you like old vintage stuff. Tickets were 5$ for adults and 3$ for kids. The people working there are amazing and very friendly. Also their shop has a lot of things to check out.
Noel B — Google review
Amazing experience! Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. This place is truly frozen in time, and you will learn so many surprising things about the way people used to treat ailments and practice medicine.
Emily H — Google review
Very interesting place to visit. We had a great tour guide that was able to answer any of our questions. I would reccomend stopping by if you're in the city.
Chris E — Google review
What a treasure! We went for the first time this week and it was so fascinating. The store was open during George Washington’s presidency and closed in approx 1930. We had a wide age range from lower elementary up to teens and the staff was so great with speaking to each group at their level. Our tour guide was delightful and so patient. The kids loved smelling the herbs and trying to guess how things were used. Seeing all the old furniture and bottles was really cool, I loved seeing the pill maker and a machine that could make corks the right size. There were other things I didn’t expect like perfume, razors, baby bottles, and dyes for clothes. I took so many pictures but I know there were things I missed…which means I need to go back! It was also fun to visit after reading “The Lost Apothecary”
Marcia C — Google review
4.7
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4.5
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Historical place museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
Carlyle House Historic Park is a captivating destination in Old Town, offering a window into Alexandria's colonial heritage. The centerpiece is the 1753 Carlyle House, an elegant manor with lush gardens and intricate interior carvings. Guided tours provide insight into the Carlyle family's influence and the house's role in American history, including hosting notable figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
We took a wonderful tour of Carlyle House. Joe was our guide and he was full of information. We enjoyed the tour and hearing how the house was renovated and saved from being torn down. We enjoyed hearing about the reconstruction, seeing the original parts of the home, and furnishings from the colonial period. Highly recommend.
Stardancer 6 — Google review
A wonderful historic house to visit. Built even before Mount Vernon and restored beautifully. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. It is only a short walk to this house from the waterfront.
Rachel R — Google review
I got my Keys to the City pass from the visitor's bureau, which opened at 10:00 am. My first stop was the nearby Carlyle House, which honored my Keys coupon. I noticed that tours start on the hour. It was around 10:10, and I didn't want to wait 50 minutes. Without any special request, a personal tour was begun for me at 10:10. Wow! Geoff was a wonderful historian. I thought he must have a decade of experience, but he actually was fairly new to the property. The tour was informational. The house is well-preserved, and the artifacts were helpful in imagining the lives of the contemporaries. There was a slave sleeping quarters shown, and I would like even more information about the enslaved people who created the wealth, did all the building, and worked on maintenance. There was good information about the roles of women in managing the household.
John E — Google review
Great tour. A knowledgeable docent gave us a comprehensive tour of the house with early history of Alexandria and America.
Yarissa G — Google review
Tour the house, our guide made it educational and fun. Totally recommend to visit the Carlyle house
Gonzalo ( — Google review
Guided tour of the house or self guided (free) admission of the basement. Great stop for those interested in the local history.
Ben I — Google review
The lady giving the tour was nice and the house was beautiful. On the downside, the whole tour was about Carlyle’s family living in the house. His role in the local slavery business and him owning many slaves was not addressed ONCE. Not a single mention about the slaves living in the house, their storys etc. and what cruelty they had to endure at this dark point in time in the American history. Very sad and frustrating.
Jstn. 0 — Google review
I've lived here all my life, and this was the first visit to this piece of history. The house has been beautifully restored to the original time it was built. The docents were so very knowledgeable, which helped to bring the house to life.
SL R — Google review

4King St

Mentioned on 
King St is a charming avenue dating back to 1749, boasting a historic retail district filled with numerous eateries and art galleries. It's located in the heart of Old Town and has been recognized as one of the Great Streets of America. The walkable mile is home to over 200 independent shops and restaurants housed in historic buildings, with red-brick sidewalks adding to its old-world charm. Visitors can also enjoy a free trolley for convenient transportation along this vibrant street.
4.6
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Mentioned on 
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Neighborhoods
Old Town, a historic district along the Potomac River, is known for its cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. It's home to small museums like Gadsby’s Tavern and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, both offering insights into the area's rich history. The neighborhood boasts indie boutiques, foodie spots, and open-air eateries along King Street.

Top places to eat

4.5
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4.3
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affordable
Greek restaurant
Taverna Cretekou is a relaxed space with a garden that offers a taste of Greece with homestyle eats and weekly bouzouki music. While it's more of a pizzeria, the delicious pizza is assembled in front of you and baked in an oven on the left side of the entrance. The menu also includes fish and shrimp dishes, as well as Egyptian pizza known as fiteer. The restaurant features an exotic, plant-filled patio that transports diners to Greece.
Authentic Greek restaurant with a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered the mezze platter for two and shared a lamb dish—everything was absolutely delicious. The spanakopita was a standout, generously filled and full of flavor. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the outdoor area is perfect for enjoying a meal on a nice day. Highly recommend!
Yagmur T — Google review
Great authentic Greek food, superb service by Nick and his team, warm welcoming ambiance. Sea bass was the star but it was smaller than we thought. Chicken, moussaka, appetizer platter were all delightful. We came while it was early; very enjoyable for family.
Culturetravel — Google review
Good food - (mostly) good service - good ambiance Think of going to someone's house and their grandma make you a plate of food. That's this place. The good isn't fancy looking or delicately made. It's hearty and all-around good. My wife had what is essentially their sampler platter, and it's a good dish to get for your first time. Comes with five spoonfuls of different dishes; the moussaka was especially good. I had the kotopoulo kalamata, which was tasty and felt home-cooked. The service was good, but I think we had a new server because while he was nice and eager, he was not as skilled: We had to ask for refills and the check. But you can tell by the other servers there that service is good. He'll get better with time. The walls were plastered white, and there was a false fireplace hearth that reminds of picturesque Greek tavernas. They had a lighted tree, too. It's a bit cramped, so be prepared for bumping. Good place for a date night! Definitely recommend.
Jason F — Google review
We had the best experience here. The manager, Nikko, and team were so welcoming and made us feel like family. The food was AMAZING and fresh. I wish I could have taken the basil olive oil with me.
Shayleen S — Google review
Ok! If you are missing Greece or are curious about authentic Greek Cuisine- then this is the place! The food is over the top delicious check out the pictures. They speak for themselves
Moore I — Google review
Taverna Cretekou is solid. The Greek dishes are fresh and flavorful—lamb and moussaka stand out. Portions are generous, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The vibe is casual but nice, perfect for a relaxed meal. Prices are fair for what you get. I’d definitely come back.
Stephanie — Google review
This was my first time trying Greek food, and I am so glad I chose Taverna Cretekou! The restaurant is beautiful and charming, especially the patio! The staff are wonderful and attentive, constantly refilling our water. Our waitress, Joanna, was absolutely amazing—she recommended the best dishes and made sure to take extra care of us since it was our first time trying Greek cuisine. The lamb chop was incredible, and everything was just perfect! ❤️ I’ll definitely be coming back, and I would happily travel across the country for this food. Thank you, Joanna, for making the experience unforgettable!
Alondra B — Google review
One of the favorite places in Old Town. The owners and very kind, the atmosphere is amazing and the food is great. My toddler loves their avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup). In the spring and summer, we love to sitting on their beautiful patio.
K. W — Google review
4.5
(1947)
4.5
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affordable
Seafood restaurant
Hank's Oyster Bar is a New England-style seafood spot known for its clams, lobster rolls, and raw bar. The North Old Town location boasts a spacious rooftop bar, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening or to catch a game with friends. Their Oyster Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, offering $2 oysters on the half shell and discounted drinks.
We have been going here consistently for at least a decade and by far has the best offerings for oysters at reasonable prices. Service has always been good and other seafood options vast. On this visit we opted for the deviled eggs topped with bits of lobster and lobster bisque for appetizers. We had the fry platter with portions for 4-6 people consisting of scallops, oysters, hush puppies, fries, shrimp, and haddock. As we were quite full, we ordered chocolate mousse to take home. Everything was sublime.
Mark B — Google review
Amazing! Finally we got to try Hank’s and they didn’t disappoint. Love their calamari, pasta was really delicious. Their choices of oyster make the place special. The second floor is super quiet and can have a nice conversation.
Chris L — Google review
Really love dining at Hank's! It's good for a casual lunch, drinks, or a nice dinner, making it a great place to take guests staying from out of town. The oysters are top notch - always fresh and a good selection, and I highly recommend getting a martini to wash them down. The bartenders make great drinks!! Their small plates are truly amazing and actually not that small, so they're great for sharing with friends. Can recommend the lobster bisque, crab cake, the popcorn shrimp and calamari combo, and the old bay fries. The rooftop terrace has a great vibe and I have always found the staff here to be really friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Katie B — Google review
The atmosphere was great, we were sat at the rooftop. Service was amazing, quick and attentive. The food: oysters are amazing, especially the local ones. I had rockfish and it was over salted. My friend had scallops and it was over cooked, and steak was medium instead of ordered medium rare. But taste was generally good. Drinks were good also.
Tianlei Z — Google review
Hank’s Oyster Bar is an absolute delight from start to finish. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined — welcoming, lively, and always buzzing with good energy. The oysters are impeccably fresh and perfectly shucked, with a great selection that highlights the best of both East and West Coast varieties. Service is friendly and attentive, and you can tell the team genuinely cares about creating a great experience. Whether you’re stopping by for happy hour or a full seafood feast, Hank’s delivers every time. Highly recommend for anyone craving top-quality seafood in a fun, welcoming setting!
Mariya O — Google review
The rooftop is fantastic. Great beer selection. Open air is great. What they did with this “take out Mac N Cheese” for $8 was nothing short of disappointing. Not sure what to say how this fares for them. Don’t order the Mac n Cheese period. Burger is one of the better ones around though (irony bc it’s Oyster Bar)
Austin A — Google review
AMAZING food in an amazing spot. The oysters, deviled eggs, and lobster roll are unreal. The Nuts & Berries NA cocktail was one of the greatest things I’ve ever tasted, I wish I knew how to make it at home. Such nice staff too and unique specials!
Miranda R — Google review
Stopped in to order a quick bite. Had the fried fish sandwich which was good. Old Bay fries were tasty. Need to go back to try the mussels, bbq oysters and crab cakes. Great atmosphere and service.
Terrell T — Google review
4.6
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4.5
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Mentioned on 
cheap
Vietnamese restaurant
Caphe Banh Mi is a popular Vietnamese eatery in Alexandria, known for its delicious banh mi sandwiches and other traditional dishes like pho, vermicelli, and summer rolls. The restaurant offers a creative twist on classic dishes with options like broiled catfish banh mi and vegetarian soy chicken with lemongrass. Customers can enjoy fresh Vietnamese bites at affordable prices, with sandwiches priced under $10 and rice or vermicelli entrees just slightly higher.
My first bite was a taste sensation and locked in my opinion of 5-star food! The freshness of the ingredients shone thru! Nothing extravagant about the decor, but there is pleasant outdoor seating (in addition to the cozy indoor dining). Pleasant, attentive and quick service.
Jack G — Google review
Loved it. Delicious and reasonably priced báhn mì sandwiches and bun vermicelli rice bowls. I would have liked more herbs and veggies but I’ll put that down to personal preference. Service was friendly and attentive. It was great to dine outside on their quiet street side patio too with leaves rustling overhead.
Liam B — Google review
As a bahn mi lover, i highly recommend coming here. The imperial rolls for an app are a little pricey (9$ for 2) but worth it as they are delicious. My partner loves his pho too. We enjoyed sitting outside for lunch.
Nina S — Google review
SO CUTE! They brought out our food so quick I’ve never had food come out that quick. I got the House pho, def recommend the regular size and the spring rolls. My pho was so flavorful and delicious with PERFECT noodles. Try this place !
Caitlan S — Google review
One of our favorite places for Pho and Thai tea. The restaurant is very small so the seating is very crowded. You're almost sitting next to the patrons beside you but you do have outside seating available. When the weather is nice the outside seating is very nice with the lights strung up outside.
Chrystine — Google review
My go to for pho in old town. Delicious vegetarian options and friendly staff. Very tiny inside but plenty of outdoor seating.
Ashley C — Google review
I come here when I am craving something tasty and relatively healthy. I usually order one of their banh mi sandwiches and they are consistently excellent especially in comparison with other banh mi I've had in the DMV area. They use high quality ingredients and have a delicious flavor. This place is one of my favorite in Old Town. And on top of that it's really affordable.
Tanya D — Google review
Best Vietnamese outside of Vietnam. I especially love the vermicelli, but the bahn mi and pho are unbeatable as well. I’ve tried summer rolls at every place in Alexandria that sells them and Caphe Bahn Mi’s are the best. Specifically, the peanut butter sauce for dipping is just elite.
Taylor H — Google review
4.5
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4.0
(1113)
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affordable
American restaurant
Bar
Virtue Feed & Grain is a trendy tavern located in an 18th-century granary along the waterfront of Union Street. The restaurant offers modern tavern cuisine in a stylish setting with exposed wooden beams and brick walls. The menu features a variety of dishes, from familiar favorites like crab dip and calamari to more adventurous fare such as wild boar chops and umami burgers.
Came here for a date night and had a great time. The restaurant is in a great location in old town Alexandria, VA. There is street parking as well as garages near. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. We sat indoors upstairs at a table by the windows. It was a nice comfortable feel. We had a nice view of the park/water area below. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively and the service was good. Our food and drinks came out quickly and everything was fresh and tasty. Also we came for an anniversary and the restaurant gave us a complimentary drink on them. That was unexpected but appreciated. There was plenty of options for food and drinks everyone can find something here. Overall id definitely recommend checking this spot out. Its definitely one we will come back to.
Courtnee O — Google review
The meals we had - Rockfish and Shortribs - were the best we’ve ever had!! AMAZING! Not little meals - no - real meals and simply perfect!! We had the yummy drink special of the week and Clay (our server and new friend) knew more about bourbon selections -than the 6 of us will ever forget. The service - from initially taking drink and appetizer orders through dinner and after dinner drinks- was exemplary!! There seemed to be a team of bar, food and cooking staff that worked together as a family!! Highly recommend: drink special - you won’t go wrong -appetizer - brussel sprouts; crab dip Meal: Rockfish 😋🥳 Short ribs 😳😋 Three of us were HUGE @bartalk vans - after a private AMAZING Bourbon tasting!!! Thank you Tom Gale for the most special photo shoot ever!!! 🥰❤️🥰
Leah W — Google review
Hello, good morning, and thank you for taking the time to read. Today we visited Virtue Feed & Grain for my husband's birthday. We ordered- brunch muffins, crab dip, shrimp and crab chowder, chilaquiles with pork barbacoa, and a breakfast burrito with turkey sausage. Everything was just fantastic! I do wish they served the crab dip with their homemade tortilla chips but that's not even a thing. The atmosphere, the service, the food. All so good. They surprised my husband with a bowl of vanilla ice cream with hand whipped whipped cream that was so rich and creamy! Absolutely perfect. My new favorite place in Alexandria.
Sarah F — Google review
Located in the charming Old Town Alexandria, Virtue Feed and Grain offers a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of the area. The atmosphere is wonderful, we sat outside on a gorgeous August evening. It’s the kind of place where you can easily settle in and enjoy a long, leisurely meal. The drink selection is impressive, featuring a variety of creative cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Each sip was enjoyable, and the drinks complemented the meal nicely. While the ambiance and drinks set a high bar, the food, unfortunately, didn’t quite reach the same level of excellence. Some dishes were flavorful but could have benefited from a bit more refinement. There were moments where the flavors didn’t fully come together, which was a bit disappointing given the overall quality of the restaurant. Despite this, the overall experience was enjoyable, and I appreciate the effort put into the atmosphere and drink offerings. I look forward to returning to Virtue Feed and Grain to see how they continue to evolve their menu. It’s definitely worth a visit for the delightful setting and good drinks!
John W — Google review
Fantastic spot that gives off local vibes. We were able to get to the bar quickly but don't expect that to be the norm. Great food selection and the bourbon list is lengthy and well curated. Rotating cocktails keep things interesting and fresh.
Ray D — Google review
We had an excellent dining experience at the upstairs bar with Mac. She was extremely knowledgeable on all of the bourbons, cocktails, and menu. She made us several delicious cocktails, and we tried many different bourbons. The brussels sprouts and scotch eggs are a must try. I think my favorite thing that we had was the scallop and shrimp chowder, I believe it was a special, but it was absolutely outstanding!
Jeanine K — Google review
I was in Old Town Alexandria, at the waterfront, and decided to have an early lunch. I started with green tomatoes and they were perfection! The spikes hot apple cider really hit the spot and my strawberry and blueberry salad was outstanding! The service was impeccable! I recommend visiting this restaurant for a wonderful meal and atmosphere.
Stephanie B — Google review
Great meal! The food (steak and fries) was great. I ordered it medium rare and it was red in the middle. I like that, but others may not. The green sauce is chimichurri people… don’t freak out. The drinks were delectable (whiskey and beer). The location and atmosphere are on point. Emma was a great server, much appreciated! Definitely recommend. They have indoor and outdoor seating for you to enjoy. Very surprised it was only 4.5⭐️, deserves much more!
Matthew V — Google review
4.5
(1982)
4.0
(71)
Mentioned on 
expensive
American restaurant
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Ada's on the River is a trendy riverside venue offering a delectable menu of steak, seafood, and weekend brunch options. The restaurant boasts a robust wine list and serves up refreshing cocktails. With its outdoor dining area adorned with signature red umbrellas, patrons can enjoy sweeping views of the Potomac River while indulging in dishes like wood-fired prime steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options.
Great food, nice atmosphere and views of the Potomac. Service was good too. The big caution here, though, are the prices. This is an expensive place. Plus if you need to park your car, there's no parking lot and you're on your own needing to find a place to park. There is a garage nearby that we used and that was expensive too. We stopped in for lunch and were greeted by the hostess. The place looked great. Everything was modern and clean. The lunch menu is limited but has a couple good choices. The steak salad was delicious. We enjoyed the view as we dined and savored the time spent here. We liked Ada's, despite the high cost. It was a very nice experience, as one would expect at the prices charged.
Joe G — Google review
Came here for dinner when visiting the area. There is a sitting area outside besides inside. There is also seating where you can watch them cook the food. The service was excellent. The waiter was polite and friendly. The drinks were very good. There was a special spicy margarita that was amazing. The food was excellent. All of it was excellent. The pictures are beef tartar and oysters which are appetizers. The 75 day aged ny strip, 60 day aged ribeye, and cream spinach for entrees. The beignets for dessert are the best. Also had a nice sherry for dessert. I would would definitely recommend and will come back if in the area again
John — Google review
We celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and can’t wait to come back. Great drinks, amazing service and fantastic food. I think the filet was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. He enjoyed the crab cake tremendously, and we both loved the hash brown pave and Brussels sprouts - seriously, get them both! We started with the chicken thigh app and the flavor was out of this world. Erlinda took amazing care of us and was so kind to us on our special day. We will be back!
Erienne T — Google review
We came for a weeknight dinner to celebrate my daughter’s 20th birthday. Although we made reservations, we waited about 15 minutes past our reservation time to be seated because the restaurant was full. It was a lovely temperate evening, so the weight wasn’t bad. The inside of the restaurant was very loud. There is not a lot of sound dampening, so I do not recommend this for someone who is easily overstimulated by sound. Our waiter was great. He asked about dietary restrictions and allergies at the start. (I am gluten-free), and answered all of our questions. He was knowledgeable about the featured cocktails of which I had Poetry in an Algorithm, and it was spot on. He brought the birthday girl, a complementary mocktail, which was light and refreshing, not too sweet, and perfectly enjoyable. My daughter had the lamb shank, pictured here. It was poetry on a plate in presentation. Fall off the bone tender. It was a huge entrée, but my daughter ate it with gusto. The manager came by to check on us at one point and we had a lovely chat. She told the manager that the lamb was amazing! My husband had the trout stuffed with crab, and he said it was good, but his taste buds were confused. I had the petite fillet mignon, and I used the table knife to cut it, it was so tender. The sweet potato side and the asparagus side were both interesting and delicious. For appetizers, I had the stuffed mussels, which had a nice little flavorful kick that lingered and built after you had eaten the bite. My husband and daughter shared the mushroom lasagna. It was good and flavorful, but they said it was underwhelming. We finished up the dinner with the raspberry Napoleon. It was the perfect little bit of sweet to top off a very rich and filling dinner.
Reba W — Google review
Really delicious food and excellent service in a very bright and spacious restaurant. The vegetarian gnocchi were fluffy, light, and very flavorful. The crab cake had a ton of crab and were very filling. The chocolate souffle was worth every calorie. It server was very attentive, gave us tons of useful tips about the food and generally took good care of us. The views of the open sky and the water were a great perk.
Javier K — Google review
My husband and I went Saturday for his birthday. We especially enjoyed the grilled octopus with fingerling potatoes on the appetizers menu. I ordered the crab stuffed Carolina trout while my husband ordered lobster and hanger steak. For desert I ordered the chocolate gateaux and my husband had the caramel beignets. Everything was delicious. Elizabeth, our waitress, was warm and attentive and Carlos, the manager, was engaging. We enjoyed it so much that we went back for lunch today. We just got two orders of the grilled octopus and and order of the cream spinach. I plan on spending my birthday there in March.
Tonya J — Google review
Saw this place walking by and noticed people's plates and vowed to go back. They did not disappoint. My father got the Mahi Mahi sandwich. I'm not a fan of fish sandwiches but when I tasted his, I quickly changed my thoughts. I got the smoked swordfish with brussel sprouts and a side of Lobster mac. Everything was so flavorful, perfectly so!! We finished with the apple beignets suggested by our waiter and that was the cherry on top! Amazing food, nice atmosphere and a great staff 10 out 10!
Audrey M — Google review
My Wife and I enjoyed the food and service. We highly recommend Ada's as great place to get meal and enjoy a great atmosphere of fine dining. I had the steak and my wife had the samon. Both meals were delicious. We also had the lemon tart for dessert. The prices were reasonable for fine dining In Alexandria Virginia.
James G — Google review

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