Tasty Farm to Table Fare at Jackson 20

Jackson 20 is an Old Town Alexandria tavern named for President Andrew Jackson. A giant bronze pig presides over the restaurant, and there are plenty of pigs on the menu, too. (Though they were Jackson’s favorite animal, he wasn’t shy about eating them.) Waffles, ice cream, raw oysters, deviled eggs, crab cakes, ribs … you won’t find wizardry here, just hearty American, farm-to-table classics prepared with skill and served with love. Beer, wine, and cocktail menus are huge, and the mimosa list is a hit for Sunday brunch. Don’t miss the “20 for $20” wine bottles.

Reservations are recommended, but you may be able to score an evening or weekend table without one. Check the website for menus, opening times, and special events.

Jackson 20
480 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 842-2790
www.jackson20.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jackson-20-alexandri

The Wharf: Delightful Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria

In a way, The Wharf is more suited to Maryland’s Eastern Shore than Old Town Alexandria. That’s why regulars love it. Charred beams speak to the building’s Civil War past, but the laid-back Federal-style decor and nautical motif would be at home in Chestertown. Locals have enjoyed seafood and steaks at The Wharf for over 40 years; the menu and decor have been gently updated to keep pace with the times while preserving what makes it special: the food. Regulars say you can’t go wrong with seafood dishes, from she crab soup and shrimp fritters to bacon-wrapped scallops and tender lobster. Nothing is carelessly fried or steamed; textures are light and flavors are delicate.

Lunch maxes out around $15, while dinner entrees top $30. Service is decent and reservations are recommended.

The Wharf
119 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-2836
www.wharfrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-wharf-alexandria

Kimchi House: Korean Cuisine in Alexandria, Virginia

Korean food incorporates many different flavors and textures, but the most immediately recognizable is kimchi, the red pickled cabbage that packs a perfect combination of heat and savoriness. The food at Kimchi House is said to be a perfect introduction to this global cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes include the spicy shredded beef soup, which is fragrant and packs some real heat, as well as the glass noodles. For lunch, the bibimbap isn’t actually on the menu, but they’ll make you a portion of this excellent hot pot dish if you ask. Kimchi House is also notable for sourcing a number of the vegetables and herbs they use in their dishes from the owner’s garden. In addition, prices are quite reasonable.

Kimchi House
8537 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
(703) 780-8286
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kimchi-house-alexandria

Café Aurora: Tasty Ethiopian Cuisine in Alexandria

If you’re looking for a truly awesome place to grab breakfast in the D.C. area, Café Aurora is widely regarded as one of the top spots. The menu is an invigorating and unique blend of menu items from the Northern African region of Eritrea. The cuisine is somewhat similar to Ethiopian food, but with some differences. They also offer some more traditional dishes.

Some of the best breakfast options include the kitcha fitfit, which is a traditional flatbread chopped into pieces, coated with an irresistible spice mixture and pan-sauteed, then served with yogurt, as well as the fuul, a dish made from fava beans and served with French bread and a variety of vegetables. Prices are extremely reasonable and the service is amazing, with the owner happy to regale you with tales of his homeland and explain more about the exceptional cuisine. Make sure to get a cup of the house special tea with your meal.

Café Aurora
50 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 567-4050
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-aurora-alexandria-2

Enjoy Southern Fare and Live Entertainment at Evening Star Cafe

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

Morrison House Blends Classic and Modern Flavors in Alexandria

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

Hank’s Oyster Bar: A Fun, Quirky Eatery

Since first opening in 2005, Hank's Oyster Bar has garnered several awards as well as spots on numerous "best of" lists. With its scrumptious lobster rolls, mussels, po' boys, and macaroni and cheese, regulars say that these accolades are well-deserved.

As you read the menu, your server will bring a bowl of goldfish crackers to your table, which diners say is a quirky, fun touch. One of the most popular dishes in the lobster roll, described as having a lightly toasted bun and brimming with lots of fresh lobster meat. The lamb and blue cheese burger is another standout, as is the fresh oyster po' boy, which comes with house-made coleslaw. Regulars rave about the macaroni and cheese, which tastes lightly smoky and has the flavors of gouda and sour cream with bread crumbs. Diners also appreciate the small dish of dark chocolate chunks that are given to each table with the check.

Hank's doesn't take reservations, so you might have a bit of a wait, particularly on weekend nights.

Hank's Oyster Bar
1026 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-4265
hanksrestaurants.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! RESTAURANT WEEK IS NEAR!!

Mark your calendars!!

August 15-24 is Alexandria Restaurant Week! Visit one of 60, or several of 60, participating restaurants and for just $35 choose from a dinner for two or a three course prix-fixe menu depending on what each individual restaurants offer.

Click here for more details!

Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant: Tasty Food, Sweet Deal

For tasty Thai fare in Alexandria, consider a visit to Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant. Located in a shopping center just off of Vincent Gale Terrace, the Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant features authentic food in a modern, relaxed environment. Modern is the best way to describe the ambiance at the Sugar Palm, with high ceilings, cool lighting and big windows that give you a great view. And the food is both delicious and affordable. Check out the new lunch special, when you can get a great entrée for just $8.95! The dinner menu features all of the delicious soups, salads, rice and noodle bowls and entrees, each as mild or spicy as you please. The restaurant offers takeout, too, in case you'd prefer to dine back home at The Asher!

Sugar Palm Thai Restaurant
5580 Vincent Gate Terrace
Alexandria, VA 22312
(703) 354-1077
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-palm-thai-restaurant-alexandria

RedRocks Pizza Napoletana: An Alexandria Pizzeria

For tasty pizza in Alexandria, one popular place is RedRocks Pizza Napoletana. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and RedRocks does this style of pizza well.

Come to the Old Town location and enjoy the low-key and comfortable atmosphere, with a big bar and comfortable booths. Folks know to come to the bar for happy hour or just to hang out with friends because of the big selection of beers on tap, wines by the glass, and specialty cocktails. And, of course, there’s the pizza. Every pie, calzone, and Italian specialty is baked in a wood fired brick oven for real authentic flavor. (The margarita pizza is a big favorite here.)

Open Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., RedRocks also features some great local talent at the Lodge lounge.

RedRocks Pizza Napoletana
904 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 717-9873
http://www.redrocksdc.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/redrocks-pizza-napoletana-alexandria

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