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Smashburger: The Smashfries Will Leave an Impression

May 5, 2015 by

A dash of olive oil, a sprinkle of rosemary, and a hint of garlic transform typical fries into Smashburger's signature Smashfries, one of the most popular snacks to eat alongside a burger. The haystack onions are regarded just as highly by eaters who want to add a little crunch to their meal. Either way, the fried grub makes for a perfect accompaniment to the main course: a burger or sandwich.

The Classic Smash comes piled with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and a dollop of ketchup, plus the house's signature Smash Sauce. For something a bit heftier, try the burger topped with applewood-smoked bacon, American cheese, and ketchup and mustard. You can also take a healthier route with the black bean burger outfitted with avocado, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing, all tucked inside of a multigrain bun. Go for a chicken sandwich instead if you're watching what you eat (the calories count of each menu item is listed beneath it on the menu).

Smashburger
5774 Dow Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
(571) 451-0303
smashburger.com
www.yelp.com/biz/smashburger-alexandria

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La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria: Great Tacos and Delightful Desserts

April 7, 2015 by

Alexandria residents know that the one stop for both great tacos and dessert is La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria, a long-running local institution that offers an extensive menu of great dishes. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, nestled in an unappealing strip mall, but once you’re inside you’ll be in for a treat. As you’d expect, the tacos here are exceptional. Made in the classic, authentic style, they’re filled with your choice of meat. Some of the best choices are the moist, flavorful carnitas, the awesome barbacoa, and the carne asada, accented with lime, cilantro, onions, and great house-made salsa. Other intriguing menu items include the great tortas, made on bread baked fresh every hour. Once you’re fill, make room for the desserts. La Mexicana produces a huge variety of cakes, cookies, and Mexican delicacies, with regulars raving about the shell-shaped pastries known as conchas. Prices are very fair and service is fast and efficient.

La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria
2907 Arlington Drive
Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 717-0807
www.lamexicanabakery.net
www.yelp.com/biz/la-mexicana-bakery-and-taqueria-alexandria

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Fish Market Restaurant: Good Fish, Good Times

March 24, 2015 by

The Fish Market Restaurant is an Old Town landmark just a couple of blocks from the banks of the Potomac. The four separate dining areas are each decorated to be tasteful and comfortable for small or large parties. The great service is well known here, and make sure that you ask about the specials. The crab newport is a big favorite among regulars, as are the oysters.

Open Sundays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to midnight, the Fish Market’s Anchor Bar is also a popular place to meet for a drink or to watch the games. And don’t miss the weekly food specials, game nights, and live music.

Fish Market Restaurant
105 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-5676
www.fishmarketva.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fish-market-restaurant-alexandria-2

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Southside 815: Hearty Southern Cuisine in Alexandria

March 3, 2015 by

Southside 815, which serves large portions of Southern-style cuisine, has been a fixture in Old Town Alexandria for more than 20 years, and for good reason. Washingtonian Magazine has placed this restaurant on its list of 100 Bargain Restaurants for 10 consecutive years.

Regulars recommend starting your meal with a bread basket, which is $2.95 and includes homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, and cornbread, served with homemade peach-pepper jelly and apple butter. An entree favorite is the pulled pork, which comes in many dishes, including the pulled pork eggs Benedict, pulled pork nachos, and pulled pork sliders. Frequent diners also enjoy the fried green tomatoes. You have the option of adding fried green tomatoes to the Virginia burger, which also comes with ham, cheddar cheese, and hickory smoked barbecue sauce.

Southside 815 offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday, with hearty options such as chicken fried steak and eggs; sausage, biscuits, and gravy, red beans and rice.

Southside 815
815 S Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-6222
www.southside815.com
www.yelp.com/biz/southside-815-alexandria

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The Perfect Pita: Top Flight Mediterranean Cuisine in Alexandria, Virginia

February 24, 2015 by

The humble pita bread sandwich can take many forms, but Northern Virginia natives will tell you that nobody does it better than the Perfect Pita in Alexandria. This top-flight Mediterranean eatery draws from many regional cuisines to fill out its extensive menu, and regulars rave about the freshness and fair prices. As you might expect from the name, the pita bread here is fantastic. Made from scratch and baked fresh daily, it’s remarkably light, fluffy, and savory. It pairs amazingly with The Perfect Pita’s exceptional fresh hummus, but they also offer some less traditional sandwiches and dishes that are very good. The BLT sandwich served in a pita is a fun, tasty take on the classic that regulars rave over, and the breakfast pitas are an awesome way to start your day for just a few dollars.

The Perfect Pita
951 N. Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8805

www.theperfectpita.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-perfect-pita-alexandria-2

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Flatiron Steakhouse & Saloon: Hearty Steaks in Alexandria

February 3, 2015 by

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

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Vermilion: Local Cuisine, Local Ingredients

January 27, 2015 by

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

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Namaste: Fine Indian and Nepalese Cuisine

January 6, 2015 by

When you enter Namaste, you'll find yourself transported into a quiet, serene environment, where eating is elevated into an art. This Alexandria restaurant serves pan-Asian cuisine, though it specializes in Indian and Nepalese dishes.

Many of the dishes require several hours of gentle simmering to reach the ideal flavor, and most employ custom spice blends that have to be added in precise amounts. You'll find rich chicken tikka masala simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, as well as fiery lamb vindaloo with potatoes and peas. You can also snack on unique finger foods, like peanuts that have been marinated in chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, and a custom blend of Nepalese spices, or bite into a Nepali-style dumpling filled with spiced, minced vegetables and served with a chutney dipping sauce.

If you're unsure about what to order, try going for the lunch buffet, where you can sample a variety of different dishes in order to hone in on your favorite.

Namaste
6138 Rose Hill Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 822-0408
namasteva.com
www.yelp.com/biz/namaste-alexandria-2

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Tasty Farm to Table Fare at Jackson 20

December 2, 2014 by

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

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The Wharf: Delightful Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria

November 25, 2014 by

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

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