The Storybook Town That Is Old Town, Alexandria

Lindsay Marie
Aug 11, 2021
9 min read

If you have ever been to Old Town, Alexandria in Northern Virginia then you know that it is the cutest storybook town that you could easily explore all day on foot. Cobblestone streets and worn down brick sidewalks with local restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and delicious bakeries. I cannot forget the most adorable boutiques and shops where you find those pieces that you get compliments on from everyone, but when they ask you where you got it, you smile because you know they won't ever find it.

Disclaimer: The photos in this blog post are not my own and I have credited all sources.

Photo Credit: McEnearney Associate Realtors

The town homes are older, but the entire city is warm and charming, carrying a cozy vibe no matter what street you find yourself on. King St. is the happening spot and as you frolick towards the Potomac River it only becomes more cheerful and vibrant. Growing up in the city of Alexandria and only being a few miles from Old Town, I cannot believe how much I took advantage of this precious gem. Now being back home for a bit due to COVID-19 I have really enjoyed exploring as a local visitor and embracing the peaceful long walks through the tranquil streets. It is the definition of a small town with a big city vibe. Of course, during this time I have been carrying hand sanitizer everywhere I go and wearing a mask while safely exploring. I can't help but notice that Old Town has definitely been thriving through these trying times and I couldn't be more proud.

I came up with a list of places that are must-visits in Old Town and are some of my favorite restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and more. If you ever visit, please use this list and let me know of any other favorites you run into while exploring.

Must Try Restaurants

Photo Credit: K. Summer / Visit Alexandria

Landini Brothers is a classic, quaint Italian restaurant serving simple dishes with mighty flavor right next to the Potomac River. Their pasta is house made and the abundance of choices will have you end up ordering a sampler of all of them- trust me, it's not on the menu but just order it. The Pasta Alla Romana is something out of a food porn video and will have your taste buds partying until your next meal. Every night there are a few special features, which I typically order over ordering off of the normal menu. However, you really can't go wrong with anything they have to offer. There are always a few appetizer options, a fresh catch of the day, two other seafood dishes, 1-2 meat dishes (usually veal), and a few pasta specials. I can also confirm that the real MVP is the bread, butter, and olive oil that is delivered to your table before you even sit down. Try not to eat that entire basket...

Photo Credit: Chester Simpson / Old Town Crier

Majestic Café is a sleek, trendy and vintage restaurant looking like a renovated movie theatre clashing with a diner straight out of the 90's. You walk inside and are greeted by a curtain that makes you feel as if you're in a speakeasy bar. The detailed creativity in the ambiance and decor is from a genuine mastermind. Serving dishes all over the spectrum from chicken and waffles to grilled octopus guarantees that any foodie will geek out over this menu. The drinks are hand crafted and are probably created with more herbs and spices than I use while cooking. Unfortunately the restaurant is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, which is a huge bummer for all of the locals that have become regulars, but there are definitely hopes that this joint will be radiating again soon.

Photo Credit: Majestic

Pizza Spots: This is a tie because both Faccia Luna and Red Rocks have amazing wood fired pizzas. Faccia Luna is an urban spot intertwined with local town homes that sits on a southwest strip of downtown Old Town. I have been eating their pies since I was a little girl and as I get older, I experiment even more with toppings, salads, and the chef's featured appetizers. If it's your first time, you have to go with the pepperoni pizza and a classic cesar salad. Red Rocks is located in the heart of Downtown Old Town and has developed a fantastic reputation for not being around nearly as long as Faccia Luna. The restaurant has an Italian vibe mixed with modern wooden accents, yet once I bite into their pizza it's like biting into a piece of Naples. Thick, fluffy crust with the perfect ratio of sizzling cheese and house-made marinara sauce. You can't go wrong with either pizza joint to satisfy your craving.

Asian Eateries: There are quite a few Asian infused restaurants sprinkled across Old Town, but my two favorites by far are Momo's Sushi located a few blocks North East of the downtown waterfront park and Asian Bistro, which is in the heart of the city on King St. Both spots carry sushi however I am a huge lover of fresh, raw fish and Momo has the best chef roll combinations and an amazing ginger dressing on their house salad. If you know, you know. It's located on a side street in a cute two story old apartment building with romantic lighting, perfect for a date night. Asian Bistro is a great spot to stop at for lunch after you have been walking around the city all day and want some really good noodles. Their dishes are bursting with flavor and are always served hot and fresh.

Health Inspired: If you're looking for some healthier, lighter options then you need to try Sweetgreen, which is also located in the heart of the city on King St. This echo-chic fast and fresh spot is great to get a salad or sandwich fix. Located down the block from Asian Bistro and across the street from Red Rocks, it provides a quick energy boosting pick me up during the day. If you're downtown by the waterfront exploring and you want a smoothie bowl or fresh green juice, you need to visit Southblock around the corner from Landini Brothers. The amount of times I have been here to get my Acai bowl fix, as mentioned in this blog post, or even just to snag a green smoothie after walking around all day are more times than I can count on both hands.

Le Pain Quotidien is my ultimate favorite spot for a trendy cup of coffee, brunch with a friend, or just to jump into to feel as if I am a character in Taylor Swift's Begin Again music video in the middle of Paris. Their freshly baked breads and goodies are only a part of the reason why you should go here. While this is a chain, their entire menu is farm fresh, local to each city, and organic. It doesn't get more soulfully farm-to-table fresh than this.

Cozy Coffee & Treats

Misha's Coffee House is a true Old Town classic and favorite to the locals. They really do produce the most delicious coffee beans and cup of coffee. They have been roasting in-house everyday since 1991 when they first opened. If you're an early riser and are lucky enough to stroll the streets of the city in the early morning before crowds have formed, the best way to do it is with a cup of Misha's coffee in hand.

Photo Credit: Alexandria Living

Killer ESP is a trendy competing local coffee house in the heart of Old Town, only a block down from Misha's. The cute spot has an eclectic vibe reminding me of Otherlands in Memphis, TN . They make fruit and herb infused iced teas in house daily, along with their coffee syrups. I beg you to try their dirty chai latte over ice because it is Christmas in a cup that you can enjoy on a warm, crisp fall day. The turquoise building, wooden doors, and glass windows also can't help but invite you into the coffee oasis.

Photo Credit: Killer ESP

Jenny's Ice Cream is a favorite no matter what city you are in. Living in the Bay Area, I have been exposed to it multiple times and I can truly say that the hype is real. They make all of their brilliant seasonal ice cream flavors in house and the combinations are truly delicious, like their Gooey Butter Cake, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Middle West Whiskey and Pecan. I am a huge chocoholic so I tend to gravitate towards their flavors like Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks and Blackout Chocolate Cake, but they just came out with a dairy free Texas Sheet Cake flavor that I am dying to try. I think about whoever's job it is to come up with these flavor combinations and I am very envy of them because they hit the jackpot– imagine the number of tastings!

Photo Credit: Vernon Miles / ALXnow

Lavender Moon Cupcakery is a local bakery special to Old Town with its enchanting pink walls that make the fluffiest and most divine cupcakes. Their flourless chocolate is the fudgiest dream I have ever tasted that has a thick chocolate ganache frosting on top. Unfortunately they do not have a website with their flavors listed, but you'll just have to trust me on this one and go taste them for yourself.

Casual Sips and Fun Times

Photo Credit: Misha Enrique / Visit Alexandria

Virtue Feed and Grain is a trendy time on the waterfront in downtown Old Town. It is a great spot for fun bar food and drinks with a group of friends. The outdoor seating is a mystical lit up terrace with twinkle lights, lanterns, and greenery scaling the exposed brick wall. The food is good as well, but I think the ambiance and craft cocktails are definitely the reason to visit this spot on a Saturday night.

Photo Credit: The Goodheart Group

O'Connells is the best place to go in the winter when they decorate for the holidays. A classic Irish pub with a sports bar vibe encouraging the jolliest of times. Reefs and holly are hung on the wooden railings, giant booths welcome more the merrier, and the beer on draft has to be your drink of choice. It truly is a spot right out of a Hallmark Christmas movie during the holidays. In the summer it's a fun spot to gather, casually drink, and create cheerful memories on the waterfront of Old Town. In this Southern Living article, they promote Old Town and specifically O'Connells as the best spot to film a Hallmark Christmas movie, which is an idea I fully endorse.

Photo Credit: K Summerer / Visit Alexandria featured in Southern Living

Chadwicks has been on the waterfront of Old Town since 1979 as the second restaurant to a trio, however the original Chadwicks opened back in 1967, 12 years earlier in Georgetown. From a casual dining spot during the day to an exciting bar at night, this place is never empty and never boring. Recently redone, it has adopted a boathouse vibe as it sits facing the Potomac River across from the Boat Club. It has kept some history tied to it with its original exposed stone and brick walls and wooden railings that surround the interior. You can't go wrong with getting a gang together and enjoying a casual meal or drink here if you're ever in Old Town because of the homey vibe and delicious food.

Trendy Boutiques and Shops

Now that you're properly fueled from all of the amazing food in Old Town, caffeinated from the local coffee houses, and satisfied your sugar craving, it's time to hit the cutest shops around town. Exploring the local boutiques in Old Town is always my favorite way to spend an afternoon in this enchanting, story book city.

Photo Credit: Sarah Stanton / Vist ALX

Periwinkle is an ultimate favorite because of the stylish and trendy clothes that the owner brings back from all around the world. Elizabeth Mason founded the boutique back in 2005, traveling the world to create a portfolio of styles of pieces and brought them back to her one stop shop in the heart of Old Town. Every time I pop in I see new pieces, get ideas for what is trending, and am exposed to different styles. This is definitely a spot where you can ensure whatever you buy is not going to be seen anywhere else because of the unique clothes and because everything sells out so fast.

Bishop Boutique is another favorite that is located on the busy strip of King St. Classy, trendy pieces from known designers, you are bound to leave here with a bag draped around your wrist. When you step into the small boutique you immediately feel glamorous with the lined mirrors, walls of shoes, and shiny clothing calling your name. Their smaller, yet unique collection is something you won't want to miss.

Shoe Hive is the one and only spot to go for that pair of shoes that you had no idea you needed. On a side street in Old Town, this quaint and hidden spot greets you with a small quart yard before walking into the heavenly hive. They have some accessories and jewelry, but the collection of shoes are always in style, setting the next trend, and if it's last season you better believe you will be getting a major deal.

Three Sisters is a two story boutique down by the water front that you can't miss if you're walking around. A store with cute clothes carrying the basics that every wardrobe needs, but also has staple pieces that you always look for when you're in the mood to go on a shopping spree. Reasonably priced and affordable, I guarantee you will find something at this cute store.

If you're ever in Old Town, Alexandria I highly recommend walking the streets with no particular destination just as you would in any other city. Roam around, embrace the beauty, take in the colorful brick buildings, and wander until you find what you have been looking for. It truly is the most magical gem that will always make you feel at home.