Sharing the BEST waterfront restaurants in Old Town Alexandria (from a local’s perspective)…
The Best Waterfront Restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, VA
We’re lucky enough to live just a few blocks from the Old Town waterfront – so we take full advantage! With multiple restaurants, parks and walking paths close by, it’s one of our favorite spots in town. On a typical summer day, I’ll see sailboats, hammocks, runners & bikers, family picnics in the park, the list goes on. I stroll the kids down by the water often and they’re always so captivated by all that’s going on. The people, the activities, the sights. It’s a great way to keep them entertained! I get some moments of peace too!
These past few years, the area has transformed quite a bit. Robinson Landing has gone in, and that’s been a gamechanger. It’s brought some of the best restaurants to the area! If you’re looking for waterfront restaurant recommendations from a local’s perspective, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing my top suggestions below.
Barca Wine & Pier Bars
My #1 recommendation! Located in Robinson Landing, Barca Pier Bar is not just along the water, it’s in the water! Built on a commercial shipping pier, the set-up is very cool and unique. You’ll feel like you’re on a boat – hence the name “Barca” (Spanish for boat)😁.
We’ve been here a few times and plan to go back a lot more this summer. It’s a roll out of work early on a Friday and grab a fun cocktail kind of place – vacation mode all the way! The menu is mostly small plates & fun cocktails. Both fantastic! Every time I go, it takes me back to my college study abroad days on the coast of Spain (when I drank lots of sangria and relaxed by the beach all day long). I was working hard😉! Those were the days.
I’d recommend making a reservation in advance if you can (especially during busy days & hours). We’ve popped over a few times to try to get a seat on short notice and they’ve typically been booked.
Be sure to check out Barca Wine Bar too (located right across the street)! Just a heads up – the Wine Bar menu is a little different than the Pier Bar menu. You may want to take a look at both menus before you decide which place to go. The vibe inside the Wine Bar is really cool too. If it’s not the best weather day or you’re visiting during the colder months of the year, you may prefer it to the Pier Bar.
Ada’s on The River
Also located in Robinson Landing (next to Barca Wine Bar / across the street from Barca Pier Bar), you’ll find Ada’s on The River. A little more upscale, Ada’s on the River is a great place to go for a nice dinner date or special occasion. Just like Barca, it’s new, trendy & cool and the menus are very good. They have a beautifully landscaped outdoor seating area, with great views of the water. If you’re dining indoors, the vibe inside is great too. There are lots of outdoor facing windows for views of the water (if dining indoors be sure to request a window seat!).
I’d recommend making reservations in advance at Ada’s as well. They also tend to book out. If you’re just popping by, they do have a great lounge seating area just around the side of the entrance. We go there every so often for an early evening cocktail. It’s a great place to hang if you’re waiting for a table to open.
Vola’s Dockside Grill
This is another regular casual go-to spot that we just love. Find a seat at the main outdoor patio. Located in the center of the Old Town Marina, the setting is gorgeous – and very nautical! You’ll look out at the boats docked in the marina and watch the sailboats pass by along the water. Just like Barca, its vacation vibes all the way!
Given its location, this place is always bustling! Typically, you’re able to drop in on the spot, but the wait can sometimes be longer during busy hours, so again, always best to make a reservation if possible. During tourist season its packed. Inside there are some seats along the window, so be sure to grab a window seat if you prefer to dine indoors.
Volas does a great brunch/lunch & dinner. The food is very good. They have a lot of seafood on the menu and lean toward New Orleans style Cajun recipes.
Cafe 44/Jula’s on the Potomac
Cafe 44 has been on my radar for a while now. Unfortunately, I haven’t been yet, so can’t speak to an experience quite yet. Will be sure to update this post as soon as I do! But it has raving reviews, so I just had to include!
Located in North Old Town, it’s not near any of the other restaurants on this list (the others are all in South Old Town). Since we live closer to the others and often just “pop in”, we haven’t had a chance to check this one out yet. Everything I’ve heard though is that it’s amazing.
They’re currently going through a rebrand and expansion. Soon to be renamed Jula’s on the Potomac, you can find details here. As mentioned above, I’ll be sure to update the post once I have a chance to make it out!
Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen
Bill and I went to Hummingbird for our very first date night after the twins were born, so Hummingbird holds special memories for us!
Just like Ada’s on The River, this is great special occasion spot. Brunch or a nice dinner date would be perfect here (though they also seem to hold a lot of events. If that’s something you’re interested in, they’re a good place to keep in mind).
The outdoor patio is very pretty and tucked away on the side of the restaurant. If you’re dining indoors, the main seating area has great big windows. Be sure to request a table near the window for the views!
Their menu is very seafood heavy, and their motto is, “cherished family traditions” think clambakes, crab boils, fish fries and oyster roasts.
The Charthouse
Last but not least, The Charthouse! You’ll find the Charthouse all throughout the country in coastal settings. Their restaurant in Alexandria is very well located (near Vola’s Dockside Grill in the Old Town Marina).
The space is huge! If you ever want to host an event, this is a great place to consider too. They have a nice outdoor seating area on the side of the restaurant facing out toward the marina. Indoors, they have huge windows and lots of tables near the windows.
Their seafood focused menu is very good and they’re a great place to stop by for any meal of the day!
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