Alexandria is located on the Potomac River, situated just south of Washington, DC. The city is known for its Old Town, which still features brick sidewalks and well-preserved buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors and residents alike frequent King Street, which is lined with boutiques, cafes, coffeehouses, and specialty shops. Alexandria features a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as a rich history that includes being the adopted hometown of George Washington.
The Best Coffee Shops in Alexandria
Need a pick-me-up in the afternoon or a laid-back spot to kick back with a few friends? Check out these Alexandria coffeehouses and sip on a hot latte or an iced matcha. From traditional Turkish teas to frappuccinos — patrons will delight in handcrafted beverages and friendly service.
Misha’s
Where? 917 King Street
Misha’s has been a community coffeehouse staple since 1991! Coffee is roasted daily in-house in Old Town Alexandria. The large open floor plan of the shop allows for an expansive, yet cohesive, space. Patrons will find a long community table, as well as tasteful decor like framed paintings and photographs to create a truly welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re looking to catch up with an old friend or spend your morning reading a few chapters of your latest book, Misha’s invites you to sit down and stay awhile! On the menu, you’ll find signature blends such as the Van Winkle Blend and the Misha’s Daily, which is the house espresso blend. Enjoy lattes, cold brews, mochas, and even pastries like croissants, cakes, quiches and more!
Cortado Cafe & Crepery
Where? 4543 Duke Street
Get ready to dive into a world full of flavors when you visit Cortado Cafe & Crepery! The shop is all about great coffee and an even greater community. This unique coffee house environment stands out from the competition in Alexandria — so come see what makes it so special! The menu features all of the classics like americanos, cappuccinos, flat whites, and of course, cortados. You’ll also find milkshakes, ice-shaken espresso, dulce de leche frappuccinos, and seasonal specialties like the iced Irish cream latte and the strawberry matcha latte. The cafe serves breakfast all day, so grab a bagel to go or sit down and enjoy a breakfast platter complete with eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast.
Turkish Coffee Lady
Where? 1001 King Street
Alexandra’s Turkish Coffee Lady is a must-visit for culturally rich coffee blends and aromatic sips. The shop is the first and only authentic Turkish coffee chain with a mission of empowering women in the country! The menu features fan favorites, like vanilla lattes and white chocolate frappes, as well as traditional Turkish tea and Sahlep, which is a Turkish drink made from orchid root flour, hot milk, and sugar. Patrons can also enjoy savory dishes, like Turkish bagels and pastries with feta cheese. Prefer the sweeter side? Try the tres leches or the twisted pistachio baklava!
Where to Wine & Dine in Alexandria
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or you just want to skip the dishes, these Alexandria restaurants are well-loved! From Ada’s on the River with spectacular views and Sweet Fire Donna’s with stick-to-your-bones barbecue — whatever you’re craving, Alexandria is sure to have it!
Ada’s on the River
Where? 3 Pioneer Mill Way
Ada’s on the River is known for their innovative flair for American cuisine. The restaurant is nestled on the Potomac River and has been hailed as an award-winning dining experience that offers patrons stunning views along with exceptional food. The menu features decadent entrees like the braised lamb shank with roasted grits, root veggies, and Swiss chard, as well as a giant crab cake with creamed leeks and pickled shallots. Ada’s on the River serves up wood-fired custom-aged prime meats, such as their 75-day aged New York strip and a 30-day filet mignon. Don’t miss out on the signature sides, like the coal-roasted mushrooms and the lobster mac and cheese.
Virtue Feed & Grain
Where? 106 South Union Street
Virtue Feed & Grain boasts a modern American tavern menu that takes advantage of local flavors and ingredients to provide a seasonal perspective for diners. The historic building that now houses the restaurant was once a feed house in the 1800s, hence the name. The menu at Virtue Feed & Grain is updated weekly with specials, as well as a cocktail of the week! Enjoy starters like the semolina fried calamari or the duck poutine with duck fat fries. Entrees include short ribs, rigatoni a la vodka, pan-seared salmon, and the classic surf & turf with a hand-cut ribeye, jumbo shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed haricot verts.
The Warehouse
Where? 214 King Street
The Warehouse is located in the heart of Alexandria’s Old Town and serves up some of the finest steaks and seafood in town. The casual but elegant atmosphere is perfect for a range of outings, from celebrations, anniversaries, and just-because date nights! The menu includes brunch bites like the wasabi oysters and the crawfish and shrimp beignets, as well as specialty sandwiches and gumbo. For dinner, order from a selection of baby back ribs, shrimp remoulade, southwest chicken salad, or the smothered catfish plate. You’ll want to save room for dessert with mouthwatering options like pecan pie, bread pudding, and caramel custard.
Vermillion
Where? 1120 King Street
For seasonally-driven, Mid-Atlantic flavors in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, look no further than Vermilion! This Neighborhood Restaurant Group establishment is unique in that it offers patrons two distinctive settings and menus, making it the ideal location for a casual weekday dinner, as well as a special night out. Chef Anthony Chittum’s continuously evolving menus reflect the day-to-day seasonality of our Mid-Atlantic purveyors, and serve as a love letter to the rich bounty this region provides. Indulge in courses such as the Grilled Amish Chicken Breast, Trumpet Mushroom Variations, and Grilled Day Boat Scallops, but be sure to leave room for dessert! You won’t want to skip the Warm Apple Cider Cake or the Dark and Milk Chocolate Cremeux. While the upstairs Dining Room opens at 5:00 PM, the downstairs Tavern & Bar is available starting at 4:00 PM with a spacious bar and lounge that’s perfect for happy hours, last-minute get-togethers, and even a quick snack at any hour.
Sweet Fire Donna’s
Where? 510 John Carlyle Street
Sweet Fire Donna’s is serving up Carolina-style BBQ and more! If you’re ready to dive into a plate of great barbecue, you’ll appreciate the rich and robust flavors from the array of smoked meats and savory sides like fiery mac and cheese, collard greens, and skin-on potato salad. Whether you want your BBQ on a sandwich or you want to stick to just the protein, Sweet Fire Donna’s has it all! From pulled pork sandwiches on a fresh-baked potato kaiser roll or smoked turkey by the pound — you won’t leave hungry. Can’t decide? Try one of the combo meals, such as the Texas Trinity with pulled pork, sliced brisket, and a Texas beef sausage link with your choice of two sides and a piece of house-made cornbread.
Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Alexandria
When that craving strikes for a massive cookie or a delightfully smooth scoop of gelato, Alexandria has everything you need to satisfy even the most insistent sweet tooth. Split a 1/3 pound cookie with a friend or keep it all to yourself — no judgments here!
MidnighTreats
Where? 110 South Payne Street
Love giant cookies? MidnighTreats has you covered on all fronts! Indulge your late-night cravings with 1/3-pound cookies that can serve two people. Treating a crowd? Build a 4-pack or a 12-pack and give the gift of dessert! The current flavor lineup at MidnighTreats features Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, Strawberry Shortcake, Birthday Bash with funfetti rainbow sprinkles and more. Oftentimes, the shop will sell out of flavors during the last hour — so check the website to see availability in case your favorite flavor is gone!
Dolci Gelati
Where? 107 North Fairfax Street
Dolci Gelati is known for its authentic artisanal gelato — made with an Italian recipe that has been in the founder’s family for generations. The flavors mix in local ingredients and exotic flavors to create a modern twist on traditional favorites. Visitors will also find a selection of coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, croissants, muffins, cookies, brownies and more at Dolci Gelati. Whatever your sweet tooth is craving, you’ll be able to indulge it at this Old Town sweet haven. The gelateria was founded in 2006 and now has 4+ locations around the DMV, boasting 450 flavors over the years!
Alexandria’s Parks & Green Spaces
Enjoy the fresh air at the waterfront or take a stroll at Founders Park. Jones Point Park is home to the only remaining riverine lighthouse in Virginia, making it a destination for lighthouse enthusiasts and those looking to cast a line for catfish, rock bass, and even eels!
Founders Park
Where? 351 North Union Street
Alexandria’s Founders Park is a beautiful riverside park along the border of the Potomac River in Old Town. The popular green space is perfect for a casual afternoon stroll while you take in the scenic river or for playing a competitive game of volleyball! Dogs are allowed on a leash and there is an unfenced dog area in the park, so bring the whole family out to enjoy the fresh air. There are benches and walking paths and the Alexandria Marina is situated on the southeast corner of the park on the river.
Waterfront Park
Where? 1A Prince Street
Waterfront Park is situated in the heart of Alexandria’s Old Town, providing a peaceful respite for those who want to enjoy the fresh air. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing everyone all-day enjoyment with an open lawn space, riverfront seating, public art, a running track, a walking trail, and beautiful waterfront views. The park also features statues and monuments. There are public bathroom facilities and picnic tables as well. Dogs are permitted at the park.
Jones Point Park
Where? Jones Point Drive
Jones Point Park is on the Potomac River, located just south of Old Town Alexandria. Visitors will notice the lighthouse, which was built in 1855, and stands proudly as the last remaining riverine lighthouse in the state. The gravel interpretive trail outlines the human and natural history behind the park and various exhibits highlight the area’s freshwater marsh habitat. Two fishing piers on site provide an excellent spot to cast a line and enjoy the views. Additionally, there is a canoe launch that offers access to the river, two playgrounds, and multi-use fields.
Points of Interest in Alexandria
Alexandria has plenty of museums to explore, streets to walk and things to see. Check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center to see the nation’s largest collection of working artists under one roof or take a tour of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Where? 105 North Union Street
The Torpedo Factory Art Center was founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant. The center is now home to the nation’s largest collection of working artists open studios under one roof. The landmark has been around for nearly 5 decades and is hailed as one of the highlights of the Potomac Riverfront, attracting over half a million visitors each year! The center is open daily for those looking to explore three floors of 70+ studios, 10 galleries, and 150 juried artists working across a diverse array of media, from painting, ceramics, fiber, printmaking, and more.
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
Where? 101 Callahan Drive
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial celebrates the nation’s most celebrated Mason and the nation’s first president — George Washington! The structure was designed by New York City architect Harvey Wiley Corbett and also provides an impressive and secure home to a number of treasured Washington artifacts. Impressively, once construction began on the memorial, even the Great Depression failed to bring work to a halt. The memorial is open on Thursdays through Mondays. Guided tours of the national memorial run daily and are included in the cost of admission.
Interested in Learning More About Virginia’s Alexandria? Let Us Help!
Alexandria is widely hailed as one of the best places to live in Northern Virginia. Whether you’ve been charmed by the cobblestone streets or the high quality of life complete with a variety of outdoor spaces, a vibrant arts scene, and award-winning restaurants, our team at Realty Group would love to show you what’s available in Alexandria and help you find your next home!
Featured image attribution: Duane Lempke, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
