volcanogirl

Thanks for all the help you've given us on D.C. restaurants. I would love to get your recommendations for restaurants in Old Town Alexandria too. Any favorites? We're looking mostly for casual places and maybe one upscale spot for dinner that's anniversary worthy, also any good bakeries, coffee houses, casual breakfast spots, or places to get ice cream? Is Old Town small enough that we can pretty much walk everywhere or take public transportation? Thanks for any help you can give me. We're really looking forward to exploring this area.

longhorn55

Yes, you can easily walk all over Old Town Alexandria.

Gadsby's Tavern is an historic building which has existed since the late 1700's. It was visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, etc. We go there for lunch and I would consider it casual and reasonably priced. I believe dinner is a bit more upscale.

http://www.gadsbystavernrestaurant.com/

obxgirl

These are the suggestions I made on your other thread.

You mentioned staying in Old Town. Check out Eamonn’s (fish & chips), the Majestic, Cafe Banh Mi, Hank’s Oyster Bar (also in DC), Brabo Tasting Room, and Killer ESP (coffee, pie and gelato).

volcanogirl

Thanks, longhorn - that looks great. I like the historical aspect too.

volcanogirl

Thanks, obx, all these suggestions look great - would Brabo or Brabo Tasting Room be a good choice for an anniversary dinner? Any other Old Town spots you guys would recommend for that?

obxgirl

As good as it is, I find Brabo a little stuffy. I'd go to Restaurant Eve or Vermillion for a special occasion.

josephrichie99

It sounds good to hear that you enjoy a lot there. Why don't you try in Albany lots of restaurants are there. No doubt food is also delicious there. You must try it once there..

JanetKMR

Restaurant Eve was the first place that came to mind for an anniversary dinner.

Birdie

There is a lot to keep you busy in DC and Alexandria during your visit but I wanted to let you know that there is a water taxi between Alexandria and the National Harbor. The National Harbor is a new development on the river with shops and restaurants. I haven't been in a few years but noticed there is now a huge ferris wheel on the banks of the river.

http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/national-harbor.php

SeaF

I love the Hard Times Café in Old Town for chili!!

LouisaH

Some good suggestions here. I also really like Virtue Feed & Grain, same owners as Restaurant Eve.

Mackie's just opened and a lot of people like it but I cannot recommend it as I was not impressed.

volcanogirl

Thanks, everyone - I really appreciate all these great suggestions.

Sassafrass

Not a restaurant, but you might enjoy a visit to The Torpedo Factory, a big collection of open artist studios and galleries on the waterfront in Old Town. They have everything from drawings and paintings to jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture, all made by artists who work there. It is called the Torpedo Factory because it is located inside an old factory used for making torpedoes. A nice place to buy an anniversary gift for yourselves.

volcanogirl

Thank you, Sass - I had heard the name but didn't know what it was. Sounds great. I am totally down with buying myself a present.

volcanogirl

How is The Majestic these days? I've been seeing some negative reviews since they've undertaken new chef/management. Do you guys still like it?

JanetKMR

I haven't been in several years. I hope it hasn't gone downhill.

obxgirl

Apparently it's gone downhill in the last several weeks. Too bad. Chef departs, new owners say they want to be more of a neighborhood place and less of a destination. Looking at the muddled and uninspired menu I'd say they have indeed rebranded themselves as the place you go when you couldn't get a table in the place where you really wanted to eat.

I was last there in the fall and it was wonderful. Can't say I'd be inclined to go back. Thanks, sadly, for the heads up volcanogirl.

volcanogirl

Sad to hear that; I had read some of the older reviews, and they all looked wonderful.

JanetKMR

That makes me sad as well

volcanogirl

What about Jackson 20? Looks like it might be good for brunch or a casual dinner? I know it's close to our hotel.