Southern cuisine is elevated in Alexandria at the Evening Star Cafe. This casual eatery is the perfect place to relax and enjoy lunch or dinner with friends and family. The food is a reflection of the chef who applies his expertise to every dish. Here, the chicken and waffles receive two thumbs up from regulars, rivaled in popularity by the mac and cheese with jalapeno.

Looking for something even more laid-back? Come with your friends for happy hour at the adjacent Majestic Bar and Lounge and enjoy a craft beer on tap, wine by the glass or bottle, or a craft cocktail while also feasting on some plates to share. (Try the fried chicken sliders!)

Open Mondays through Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sundays, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Evening Star also features live music upstairs.

Evening Star Cafe
2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 549-5051
http://www.eveningstarcafe.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/evening-star-cafe-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Richard Eriksson

Morrison House is a Federal-style mansion in Old Town Alexandria, a stunning property that was once featured in Conde Nast Traveler magazine. It contains The Grille, a French/New American restaurant where Chef Brian McPherson appropriately “blends the best of the past with today’s freshest tastes.” One dining area is classically appointed in the manner of Morrison House, while another is styled as a contemporary bistro.

From corned beef hash and shepherd’s pie to steak tartare and vegetable terrine, this is vivid, elegant, and memorable food. A typical entree is champagne poached wild Alaskan halibut with crepes and confit fingerling potatoes in a delicate butter sauce. Lost in the big wine list? The friendly, efficient staff is happy to help.

Check out The Grille's website for menus, reservations, and to learn about special offers.

The Grille
116 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-8000
http://www.thegrillealexandria.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-grille-alexandria

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/honorphotobar

Despite taking up nearly 60 acres, Alexandrians seem to consider Ben Brenman Park something of a hidden gem. Slightly off the beaten path, this park welcomes mostly families and couples for relaxing afternoons. It's named for Colonel Ben Brenman, a late U.S. Army official who stayed active in Alexandria for more than three decades and played a role in acquiring the acreage for the park. The name is fitting, since Ben Brenman Park sits on the former site of a U.S. Army base.

But you won't see many indicators of its military past at the park. Instead, you'll find picnic benches and a pavilion, walking paths, athletic fields, and a playground. There's also a pond and an amphitheatre, as well as a fenced-in dog park where pooches can run free with new friends.

Ben Brenman Park
4800 Brenman Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22304
alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=12284#brenman
www.yelp.com/biz/ben-brenman-park-alexandria

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/bburky