Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon is a casual steakhouse in Old Town Alexandria. The exposed bulbs, brick walls, and flocked wallpaper recall the Wild West while keeping a hip and modern vibe. Music is eclectic and outlaw-ish; plan on hearing Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, The Eagles, and Kansas during dinner.

Regulars say that steaks are well-prepared, and lamb chops also win high marks. Meat comes with your choice of chipotle, chimichurri, or Mediterranean barbecue sauces, but the sauces are too weak for some tastes. Sides are decent but pre-made, thus substitutions aren’t allowed; this is a big drawback for some diners. After dinner, the bar keeps rocking until 1 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends. There’s a big cocktail list and plenty of wine and craft beer.

Check Flatiron Steakhouse’s website for menus and more information.

Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon
808 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 299-0777
http://www.flatironkingstreet.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flat-iron-steak-and-saloon-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/bclinesmith

Fun is the name of the game at Ultra Zone in Bailey's Crossroads. This entertainment venue, which doubles as a laser tag arena and family amusement center, hosts arcade games, air hockey tables, and a pizza cafe for some between-game sustenance. However, the real highlight of Ultra Zone is, unsurprisingly, the laser tag. The multi-level arena can hold up to 66 players, each vying to become the victor of this high-tech version of "capture the flag."

Never played laser tag before? Here's what to expect: First, you don a vest that's equipped with blinking LED sensors, then you grab a laser gun. After a debriefing from the staff, you'll be set free to roam the arena's dark, labyrinth-like corridors, hiding in the cover of fog as you strategize a shot against one of the members of the opposing team. Games typically last 30 action-packed minutes, proving laser tag to be a popular choice for birthday parties, corporate outings, and other group events.

Ultra Zone Laser Tag is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Free Wi-Fi is offered.

Ultra Zone Laser Tag
3447 Carlin Springs Road
Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041
(703) 578-6000
www.ultralasertag.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ultra-zone-laser-tag-falls-church

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Paul L Dineen

Regional ingredients are given the star treatment at Vermillion in Alexandria.

This Old Town restaurant has a downstairs curved bar and quiet lounge, an ideal setting for enjoying a classic cocktail, and the big screen television is a good spot to root for your favorite team. Have a seat for lunch or dinner upstairs to enjoy cuisine that's made with local ingredients whenever possible. Regulars recommend the Berkshire pork and the pan seared salmon, among other popular dishes.

Vermilion hosts a popular brunch on the weekends, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The brunch menu features eggs and dairy sourced local to Alexandria, with the grilled ham steak benedict and housemade yogurt receiving the highest marks from patrons.

Vermilion
1120 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-9669
http://www.vermilionrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vermilion-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jenny-pics