Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide

***Please note that this list of Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the restaurant’s most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of January 2026.***

If you’ve been to Washington, DC, you likely either dined or passed by the iconic and historic Old Ebbitt Grill. I have a friend from my college years who always ate there whenever her family would visit Washington, DC from North Carolina. That all being said, ever since I knew about how iconic Old Ebbitt Grill is, I have been dying to eat there myself. So, when my best friend Hannah and I happened to walk by it as we were needing lunch and freezing cold via a Washington, DC day, we happened to pop in and enjoy both of our’s first ever meals at this iconic Washington, DC restaurant.

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Old Ebbitt Grill Restaurant Guide

Table of Contents

About

Getting There

Dress Code

Reservations

Menus 

My Experience

About:

SO, what makes Old Ebbitt Grill just so historic?! Old Ebbitt Grill was established in 1856 and is the nation’s capital’s oldest saloon. It is located just steps away from the White House, the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument AND right across the street from the Treasury Building. President McKinley is noted to have lived there during his tenure in Congress. At the same time, Presidents such as Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, Andrew Johnson, and Grover Cleveland have all dined and enjoyed the gorgeous bar (which I have dined at on multiple occasions!) for refreshments. When talking with the bartender at Old Ebbitt’s bar, we learned that the animal heads lining the walls of the bar could potentially be from President Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting collection and donated from him and his family back in the day (no fret – they have a license to keep them all on display to this day due to the growing concerns over hunting specific animals). Such fascinating significance surrounding the Old Ebbitt Grill!

Alongside its vast history in the nation’s capital, Old Ebbitt Grill used to be the highest grossing restaurant in the United States. Currently, Old Ebbitt Grill is apart of the notable Washington, DC area restaurant group – Clyde’s Restaurant Group – which also owns The Hamilton, Clyde’s, and 1789 Restaurant. 

Getting There:

Old Ebbitt’s address is: 675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

The restaurant’s location is just a couple of blocks away from the historic The Willard Intercontinental Hotel as well as the White House. If you are driving, there are parking garages nearby on both G and F Streets. If you are taking public transportation via Metro, then Old Ebbitt Grill is an easy walk from both Metro Center and McPherson Square stations, which are accessible via the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (Metro Center), and the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines (McPherson Square). See more on Old Ebbitt Grill’s location here.

Dress Code:

Old Ebbitt Grill’s dress code is casual (as many tourists are stopping in to experience all the magic that it has to offer) yet no tank tops are allowed. Personally, I am ALWAYS one to dress up a little more than the average person (better to be overdressed than underdressed!!). Overall, given its Washington, DC historical significance and fine American cuisine, I would suggest wearing something more dressy than dressed down, however anything but tank tops goes.

Reservations:

Since Old Ebbitt Grill is a well-known and popular Washington, DC restaurant among tourists and locals, alike, it is highly advised to make a reservation in advance. For the popular peak tourist seasons such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival (see my predictions on Peak Bloom here), holidays (including Thanksgiving timeframe-New Years), and Summer, it is advised to make a reservation at least a couple of weeks-a month+ out (I have seen this from my own personal experiences dining at Old Ebbitt, too!). Reservations can be made at OpenTable. 

Menus:

As for the food, Old Ebbitt Grill serves up some American fare in the most fine dining way you could ever imagine. Everything from burgers to sandwiches to seafood and their most notable oysters are to be found on their menus. They serve the following menus during the following hours:

  • Brunch – weekends from 9am until 4pm
  • Breakfast – weekdays from 8am-11am
  • Lunch & dinner – weekdays from 11am-2am & weekends 4pm-2am
  • Alcohol – an extensive wine, beer, and cocktails list

See Old Ebbitt’s Menus here.

Each year, Old Ebbitt has an Oyster Fest that’s a HUGE event each year. I am more than pleased to say that the cost of dining at Old Ebbitt Grill is not as expensive as other Washington, DC area restaurants and is rather pretty fair in terms of fare. 

My Experience:

During my first time dining at Old Ebbitt Grill in November 2022, Hannah and I sat at the bar for brunch, due to us wanting to avoid the waitlist. We had a GREAT time and chatted with others visiting from Texas who had North Carolina connections (like me and Hannah do!). I ordered the brunch trout with potatoes, green beans, and hollandaise sauce and it was THE BEST!!! Hannah ordered the chicken & waffles and LOVED her dish, too. I always order Cabarnet – it is my go-to wine and I ordered it when I went to The Hamilton (its sister restaurant) with my best friend Amanda over the summer and knew it wouldn’t disappoint! Everything on the menu was tempting and the atmosphere was gorgeous – the restaurant is usually bustling with tourists and locals alike – making it a great dining destination for all. Afterwards, Hannah and I took photos in front of the notable Christmas Nutcrackers that deck the halls outside of Old Ebbitt Grill.

Since my first time dining at Old Ebbitt Grill in November 2022, I have dined here on multiple occasions, whether at the bar or within the dining room. I have LOVED my experiences dining at Old Ebbitt! The food has been incredible and I have come back ready to enjoy more. Not only are the waiters and waitresses extremely kind and truly go above and beyond, but the historic charm and lively vibes of the restaurant make it such a unique place like no other to dine at. One of the most unique conversations I have had was with a waitress who said that she LOVES working at Old Ebbitt because she gets the opportunity to work with others from all around the world and learn from their unique perspectives. Truly, I have felt the same with the fellow diners at Old Ebbitt! Indeed, Old Ebbitt Grill has become one of my *very* favorite restaurants.

Wrap-Up:

Old Ebbitt Grill truly holds a special place in my heart. Located in the heart of Washington, DC holding such unique historical significance, Old Ebbitt Grill has seen so many eras of the United States as a place of gathering for all who come – both near and far.

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Pre-Thanksgiving Weekend in Washington, DC!

Typically the weekend before Thanksgiving, ALL of the Christmas fun has typically begun in the Washington, DC area! And, as a Christmas enthusiast, I see that there is literally nothing better to do than simply enjoy ALL the holly jolly fun right in my own backyard. Ranging from hosting my first-ever Friendsgiving to visiting a Popup Christmas bar to a Christmas tree lighting and everything in between, I have enjoyed this past pre-Thanksgiving weekend essentially kicking off the holidays here in my city.

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

My best friend and fellow influencer Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs on Instagram came to visit me over the weekend JUST IN TIME for Friendsgiving (!!!). We, then, did a bunch of activities around the city and went out to Bealton, Virginia for a winery day, too. I will note that although not everything is fully decorated and all things Christmas until around December 1, I am SO glad I got to show Lindsay a bit of Christmas in Washington, DC.

Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving was a bittersweet one, as I had to cancel my planned gathering last year due to burnout. SO, I am so so so thankful, grateful, and blessed to be able to not only host an incredible Friendsgiving this year but also have such incredible friendships here in the Washington, DC area. Many of my local friends were able to make it, too, which made it to be such an incredible and blessed gathering. Lindsay also got to meet all of my Washington, DC area friends and everyone there all became friends on social media and in real life (!!!!). One of the biggest gifts in my book is seeing my friends become friends with my other friends. I LOVE being a bridge to new and incredible friendships! Rosie my dog also joined in on the Friendsgiving fun, too, and brought us all SO MUCH JOY!

Downtown Holiday Market (Centered at 8th and F Streets NW, Washington DC)

Every year, Washington, DC’s Downtown Holiday Market brings Christmas cheer to the city pretty much daily now until December 23 from 12-8pm. Located just in front of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the Downtown Holiday Market brings local Washington, DC area businesses to the forefront to showcase their goods and allow locals and visitors alike to support them. While I find the Downtown Holiday Market to be a bit overpriced (depending on the merchandise) at times, I do LOVE supporting 1-2 local small businesses each year and learning about many others in my city. Lindsay and I LOVED taking photos in front of the fun props such at candy canes and reindeer and stars for folks to pose in front of and enjoying *none other than* the holiday vibes at the Downtown Holiday Market. Live music is there, too! We were there right as the sun had set, which made for such a magical experience!

Urban Roast (916 G Street NW, Suite C-2, Washington DC)

Known as Washington, DC’s premier pop-up bar, Urban Roast has been ALLL decked out for Christmas since the beginning of November! I have LOVED dining at Urban Roast for the vibes and drinks but less for the food (which to be honest is subpar). However, the staff there are super kind and make it worthwhile to come back time and time again. The Christmas decorations at Urban Roast was probably my favorite that they’ve done, too! Being transparent, I reacted adversely to something in the environment at Urban Roast which will make me sit out going back there any time soon. BUT, I am ALL about enjoying the vibes at this incredible pop-up bar while you can!

Bull Run Festival of Lights (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville, VA)

I treated Papa and I to tickets at the Bull Run Festival of Lights and it was AMAZING. Every holiday season, the Bull Run Festival of Lights takes over Centreville’s Bull Run Regional Park with SO MUCH Christmas cheer. When I was a kid, my family and I used to pack the family van and all go and enjoy the lights at Bull Run, so it felt magical to be back! This time around, Papa and I ended up going on a rainy Tuesday night and took Rosie with us. The cutest thing is that Rosie was looking out the window at the lights, too! Needless to say, we all enjoyed ourselves and had a holly jolly time!!

Morais Vineyards & Winery (11409 Marsh Road, Bealton, VA)

My fellow best friend Stephanie posted about the Fall Festival that Morais Vineyards & Winery was having when Lindsay was coming to visit, SO, in typical Katie fashion, I made arrangements for us ALL to go! Morais Vineyards & Winery is located about an hour away from me and Stephanie both in Bealton, Virginia and about 90 minutes South of Washington, DC. Stephanie and I had checked out Morais Vineyards & Winery while at the Mount Vernon Wine Festival back in October (here) and knew we wanted to check out the gorgeous vineyard in-person at some point. Morais Vineyards & Winery also serves as a wedding venue playing homage to Portuguese architecture and wine with some tastes of its home in the Virginia Wine Country, too. It is a STUNNING place! We all enjoyed some wine and checking out the food trucks and small business booths at the Fall Festival.

Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th Street NW, Washington DC)

Old Ebbitt Grill is probably one of my VERY favorite restaurants. I write more about this incredible restaurant and its historical significance in Washington, DC and the United States as a whole here. And, since the notable Nutcrackers appear outside the doors of the magical Old Ebbitt Grill EVERY holiday season, Lindsay and I *just knew* that it would be a must-go for us! While I go into much more details on Old Ebbitt Grill in my previously linked post, this well-known restaurant is a unique one in that it brings together tourists and locals, alike, and has a strong international presence with both its clientele and staff making it such a unique place to be!

Old Town Alexandria Christmas Tree Lighting (520 King Street, Alexandria, VA)

The Christmas tree lighting in Old Town Alexandria took place on Saturday November 17 with special guests such as Santa and his elves. The Christmas tree is located right in front of the gorgeously historic Alexandria Courthouse in the heart of Old Town Alexandria’s King Street. Lindsay and I shopped at local shops on King Street before admiring the gorgeously lit tree. I spend A LOT of time in Old Town Alexandria, as it is one of my happy happy happy places, so to see the Christmas tree there the night it was lit brought me SO MUCH JOY!

The Willard Intercontinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC)

While not decked out for Christmas *just yet* (or at least when we went), the Willard Intercontinental Hotel is ALWAYS such a magical place to be. I took Lindsay here late on a Sunday night right after our dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, as it is a few blocks away. This notable and iconic Washington, DC hotel has an iconic holiday tea at their in-house Peacock Alley and nightly carolers (something I want to check out this year!). More details on the holiday fun here. It was a such and brief visit for us both before the halls are decked out!

I have already found SO MUCH joy and things to be thankful for this holiday season. I have SO MUCH holiday fun to look forward to this season, and I hope you do too.

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Dining – Summer 2023

Summer 2023 has been one of my favorite summers in recent years. Summer 2020 there was the pandemic. Summer 2021 I felt mentally crushed being away from all of my college friends having just moved back to the Washington, DC area. And, Summer 2022 I was struggling a ton mentally. SO, Summer 2023 was such a treat for me. I travelled to South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, Delaware, and took day trips to Maryland and West Virginia. In between it all, I spent many afternoons and evenings in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia and Washington, DC. Needless to say, many special memories were made both near and far this Summer 2023. At the same time, my Washington, DC area dining experiences were ALSO ones for the books, too!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

This Summer, I tried some places that I LOVE going to from time to time and also some that I’ve been dying to try. It was a GREAT highlight of a GREAT Summer for me. I feel beyond lucky to have friends and family that I love and are happily willing to try such incredible restaurants with me. In case you didn’t know, the Washington, DC foodie scene is BOOMING. There are SOOOO many delicious places to dine at in and around the Washington, DC area yet SO little time!

The Bazaar by Jose Andres (1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC)

With its setting inside the iconic Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, Bazaar is truly in the most majestic setting which draws its inspiration from the hotel’s origins as DC’s General Post Office until 1914. Bazaar is the workings of a 30-year dream by its iconic Chef Jose Andres and it serves up unique Americana-inspired dishes. The Bazaar was truly one of THE MOST magical restaurants I have *ever* stepped foot in – I was seriously IN AWE the moment that I walked into the restaurant with its glorious avant-garde and Americana flair.

My best friend Briana and I decided to make a girl’s night out on the town via dinner at The Bazaar and *of course* photos admiring the gorgeous lobby of the Waldorf Astoria. While we LOVED the entire atmosphere of the restaurant, we found the food to be unique yet overpriced for its tiny portions. The charcuterie and oysters with a fizz on the top and drinks were extremely well-done, I would not see myself going again for anything more than a nice glass of wine or a cocktail and a snack. I would LOVE to bring some of my best friends from Indiana and North Carolina to The Bazaar when they come to visit and *even* climb to the top of the Old Post Office Tower, which also calls the Waldorf Astoria its home and is FREE for all.

Tip: Make a reservation at least 4 weeks in advance, as tables fill up FAST.

Bellissimo Restaurant (10403 Main Street, Fairfax, VA)

My best friend Stephanie and I tried Bellissimo Restaurant, located in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia (here), as apart of Summer 2023 Washington, DC Restaurant Week. We tried their 3-course $40 menu with a glass of house wine for an additional $10. Bellissimo is a tiny yet extremely elegant and homey Italian restaurant that has been owned by the same man for over 20 years. Stephanie and I got to meet the owner and he was so kind alongside the rest of the staff! Let’s just say that the menu was also TO DIE FOR good and I was BLOWN AWAY (!!!!) by the food. I started with their caprese tower, enjoyed their lobster bisque and crab and shrimp ravioli, and then finished off with their cheesecake to go alongside some Pinot Grigio. Stephanie and I enjoyed a nice time catching up before heading back home via enjoying an extraordinary sunset that was ALL across the Washington, DC area at the end of August.

Tip: Make a reservation *even* on a weeknight as the restaurant is small to guarantee seating.

Virginia’s Darling (277 S Washington Street, Alexandria, VA)

I first visited Virginia’s Darling in November of 2022 (here) and was blown away by the gorgeous atmosphere and delicious food and *just knew* that I needed to make another visit back! SO, when I had a free Thursday night, I decided to head on over to Old Town Alexandria and enjoy Virginia’s Darling’s Happy Hour and some pasta. I had a delicious blackberry summer spritz and a unique pesto gnocchi! Needless to say, Virginia’s Darling’s vibes and decoration were just as great if not BETTER than I remember!

Ada’s on the River (3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA)

If you know me in real life or on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee), then you know that I LOVE spending my weekends at home in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia! In the recent Summer months, my Papa, Aunt Amy, and I have been dining out in this gorgeous Potomac Riverfront town as apart of our monthly dinners/brunches together. For June, we decided to do brunch at Ada’s on the River – an Old Town Alexandria restaurant boasting gorgeous panoramic views of the Potomac River. Ada’s is named after and inspired by Ada Lovelace aka one of the greatest mathematicians, pioneers of coding, and women in STEM of the 19th century. When looking on Ada’s website, I learned that this waterfront restaurant was built around a custom wood-burning oven – HOW COOL! Papa, Aunt Amy, and I enjoyed cocktails and brunch fares while admiring both the interiors and exteriors of Ada’s. Overall, we had a GREAT time together and LOVED being so close to the waterfront!

Trattoria Villagio (7145 Main Street, Clifton, VA)

Located in the Clifton Historic District on Main Street, Trattoria Villagio combines the vibes of an elegant Roman Trattoria with the hustle and bustle of an Italian train station. Growing up, I used to enjoy dinners at Trattoria Villagio with both of my parents and have several great memories. SO, Papa and I decided to take a trip down memory lane and dine here *yet again*. Let’s just say that Papa and I were EXTREMELY impressed and blown away with our time and service here. We made a reservation *even* on a Monday night which was still pretty busy. The staff, ranging from our waiters to the hostesses were super kind and ensured that we had an incredible experience there. We happened to dine at Trattoria Villagio during their Monday Happy Hour special (aka my FAVORITE way to dine!!!!) of 1/2 priced wine bottles, so we *of course* enjoyed a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and some pasta. The best part?! Trattoria Villagio also sells carryout pizza for lunch and dinner, which Papa and I want to try at some point!

Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA)

When Papa, Aunt Amy, and I dined out at Ada’s on the River earlier in the summer, we *just knew* that we had to hit the nearby Barca Pier & Wine Bar next! Part of Barca is located LITERALLY on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront pier via covered seating, which makes for the perfect summer atmosphere. We ended up dining at Barca on a cloudy Sunday, which made for a nice and more peaceful experience. Barca serves food in a shareable, Spanish tapas style and also has some brunch delights and a delicious cocktail menu (I ordered the Sangria!). A fun fact about Barca is that they use my exact same serving ware from The Golden Rabbit (!!!), which was a nice coincidence. I LOVED getting to take in ALLLL of the views at Barca while enjoying incredible shareable Spanish tapas with Papa and Aunt Amy (we LOVED the scallops and butternut squash dip!).

Carlyle (4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA)

I’ve ALWAYS found Carlyle to be a magical place! Located in the heart of Arlington’s Shirlington Village, Carlyle serves American fare while decked out in deco-esque decoration with a STUNNING bar. Carlyle is also apart of the Great American Restaurants (GAR) Washington, DC area-based chain like Jackson’s, Mike’s, Coastal Flats, and Ozzie’s that I also LOVE dining at as well. To me, Carlyle has always felt grand. A fun fact about Carlyle is that my Dad and Step Mom went on their first date here years ago. And, my Dad and Step Mom took me and my brother to Carlyle for dinner growing up. Needless to say, Carlyle is an extremely special place to me and my family. Papa and I LOVED getting to spend a Friday night at Carlyle, as it holds a special place in both of our hearts. We definitely want to dine at Carlyle again, too!

The Majestic (911 King Street, Alexandria, VA)

I knew that I wanted to dine at The Majestic since seeing its gorgeous sign on Old Town Alexandria’s King Street. Having been a fixture in Old Town Alexandria since 1932, The Majestic has a delicious menu, extensive drink list, stunning interior design, and great happy hour specials (which I want to come back for VERYYYY soon!!). I dined for a solo Saturday brunch in August and felt like royalty. The food and my summer spritz is TO DIE FOR good and the staff including the owner who regularly greets diners. The interior walls are lined with paintings, including those that are of Washington, DC area landmarks. I find the retro interiors to make The Majestic OH SO elegant and make you feel just as if you turned back in time to 1932.

Thompson Italian (1024 King Street, Alexandria, VA)

Having been given accolades by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine, New York City culinary-trained couple Gabe and Katherine Thompson opened Thompson Italian‘s first location in Falls Church, Virginia in 2019. In recent times, Thompson Italian opened its second restaurant in Old Town Alexandria’s King Street where my Papa and I dined in late August. Funny enough, my name is *also* Katherine Thompson, which made my desires to dine at Thompson Italian (beyond reading about it on just about every top restaurant magazine headline!!) that much stronger. When we came into the restaurant, the host was shocked that I was not the restaurant owner – LOL! – despite the fact that she doesn’t usually make reservations being an owner. Our time at Thompson Italian was great, as the staff was super kind (including our super sweet waiter Caesar!), approachable, and made our experience such a delight. We enjoyed a Monday special of $30 for any bowl of pasta and a glass of wine, where I got a corn, panko, and scallops pasta with a glass of Pinot Grigio – it was GLORIOUS (!!!). Thompson Italian is a popular restaurant spot and does get busy FAST, even on a Monday night, which shows how many Washington, DC area locals love this place, too. I WILL be back with others again soon, as I’d LOVE to try dessert and a martini there in the future!

The Bullpen (1201 Half Street SE, Washington, DC)

I came The Bullpen briefly before a Washington Nationals baseball game, as apart of a company-wide networking event at the baseball game where some of my coworkers and I met up for drinks before hitting the ballpark. Located right by Nationals Park, The Bullpen is known for its live music, drinks, and baseball. My coworkers and I ALL got the “Barbie” aka pink colored cocktails while networking with one another and our other coworkers. The funniest part was that one of the guys in the band playing live music while we were all there happened to also work at our company, too – WHAT A SMALL WORLD! Needless to say, I had a GREAT time catching up with my coworkers, many of which I hadn’t seen for quite some time.

Spartans Family Restaurant (9542 Burke Road, Burke, VA)

The moment I step foot in Spartans, I immediately feel right at home. Its heritage truly shows how Spartans strives to make everyone feel welcome and at home as they walk through the restaurant’s doors. Spartans Family Restaurant was founded by Chris and Xenia Sarantis in January 1995 in Burke, Virginia. The couple truly believed they could make their dreams a lasting reality within the Northern Virginia community through their beliefs of hard work and value in customer service and even expanded to open a second restaurant – Olympians Family Restaurant – in Alexandria, Virginia. Spartans serves the most delicious Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, and American fare and there is ALWAYS something on the menu for everyone that comes to dine.

Papa and I regularly come to Spartans Family Restaurant and find that the same sweet and extremely kind staff are there and excited to see us (along with many of their other frequent diners!). Each time Papa and I come, we both get salad and their French Onion soup, which is THE BEST! I ALWAYS look forward to dining at Spartans, as there’s such a cozy, welcoming, and magical feel whenever I go.

Del Mar Restaurant (791 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC)

In early August, my best friend Shivani and I met up for dinner in Washington, DC’s gorgeous area known as The Wharf. And, we happened to walk by Del Mar and simply pop in. I will say, in the moment, I had ZERO expectations of what to expect, however, I am SO glad we stumbled upon this incredible restaurant. Del Mar is a Spanish seafood restaurant on the waterfront by Fabio Trabocchi. The atmosphere is STUNNING and truly goes off of its Spanish-style and seafood cuisine. Shivani recently graduated with her Master’s and we happened to share that with the waiters who brought us complimentary champagne and made us both feel SO special. The manager came to bring us dessert champagne and cake, too – something that Shivani deserves more than anyone else I know. But, while there, I also enjoyed a summer spritz (surprise!) and octopus. Del Mar is definitely a special place in my heart and I hope to dine here again with Shivani and/or someone else very soon!

The Tasting Room (1602 King Street #200, Alexandria, VA)

Located in the Lorien Hotel & Spa on Old Town Alexandria’s King Street, The Tasting Room Restaurant proudly offers authentic European cuisines with an American twist. Offering everything from charcuterie, flatbreads, sandwiches, desserts (I ordered the delicious warm cheesecake topped with vanilla-sugared berries!!) food-wise alongside an array of specialty cocktails, beers, and wines, The Tasting Room offers it all at a much more affordable rate than other restaurants in the Washington, DC area. Personally, I LOVED getting to enjoy the small and cozy yet opulent restaurant atmosphere here without worrying about spending a fortune to have a good time on the town (if you know, you know!). And, if you plan on staying at the stunning Lorien Hotel & Spa (somewhere that I want to go for a staycation!!), then depending on when you book, you may get a restaurant credit, too.

On an August weeknight evening that I had free, I decided to get out of the house and head to Old Town Alexandria to check out some of the many fun Happy Hour spots! While I missed the Happy Hour window (which usually ends at 6 or 7 on weeknights at most places), I did snag a seat at the gorgeous bar which was empty when I arrived. I LOVED getting to have the entire bar at The Tasting Room to myself, too. It has been on my bucket list to enjoy a gorgeous bar to myself on a weeknight after a long work day, and I am SO glad that I got to.

Tip: Be mindful that The Tasting Room does not accept any reservations. Walk-in’s only, so plan accordingly.

Here’s to making MANY more Washington, DC area dining memories this Fall and beyond!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Dining – May 2023

Ahhhhhhhhh! May 2023 was a GREAT month for Washington, DC area dining. As I kicked off the month celebrating my 24th Birthday, there were MANY dinners out checking out new-to-me restaurants along with some restaurants that I’ve been to before. I feel so beyond lucky to have many incredible and loving family and friends who made this past month so special and memorable. SO many special memories were made while dining out this May 2023 (you can also see my DC Dining round-up from March and April 2023 here and here).

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

Farmers Fishers Bakers (3000 K Street NW, Washington DC – Harbour at The Georgetown Waterfront)

Located in The Washington Harbour in Washington, DC’s gorgeous neighborhood of Georgetown, Farmers Fishers Bakers is literally in the perfect location for dining and fun vibes along with *of course* scenic views of the waterfront! Farmers Fishers Bakers is a farm-to-table restaurant just like its sister restaurant Founding Farmers that has locations in both Tysons, Virginia and Foggy Bottom in Washington, DC (I visited each respective location during February and March of this year coincidentally!). Farmers Fishers Bakers is a very special restaurant to me. I first went to Farmers Fishers Bakers was with my now best friends Briana and Brittany for our first-ever meet-up during DC Restaurant Week Winter 2022 for an amazing all-inclusive brunch buffet. There at Farmers Fishers Bakers, we all found out that we went to the same exact high school (though at different times) and lived within minutes of one another to this *very* day! This time around, I celebrated my Birthday with my friends Shivani and Joelle amongst pizza and their 10/10 caesar salad with THE BEST signature cornbread croutons (!!!). Shivani, Joelle, and I had an amazing time just catching up and celebrating. It was such a blessing to see them both AND I always love the vibes at Farmers Fishers Bakers and *of course* the Georgetown Waterfront!

Urban Roast (916 G Street NW suite c-2, Washington DC – Penn Quarter)

Urban Roast is LITERALLY THE MOST Instagrammable pop up restaurant/bar in all of Washington, DC! It reminds me of Virginia’s Darling – an adorable bar in nearby Old Town Alexandria, Virginia – a bit with its signature Spring decorations which were up when we went in mid-May. Urban Roast spices up its decorations seasonally along with its menu that includes a variety of charcuterie spreads ranging from breakfast spreads to cheese boards to pastry spreads and drinks including seasonally along with individual menu items, too. What I LOVE about Urban Roast is how friendly the staff is there and social that they are as well as *of course* how gorgeous and fun the decor is, too! I also LOVE LOVE LOVE how easy of a walk it is to Urban Roast from both the Metro Center and Gallery Place Metro stations (less than a five minute walk!) and from the well-known Capital One Arena where the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards play along with several artists on tour (including The Jonas Brothers who I am seeing there this September!). I came here with my best friends Briana and Brittany and their ultra-sweet Mom and we had a BLAST catching up, taking in the ALLLLL moments, and snapping several photos!

La Chaumiere (2813 M Street NW, Washington DC – Georgetown)

Some of the best memories that I have made in my high school years (and now post-grad years!) with my Dad were at La Chaumiere (French for “the cottage”) ever since I was 14 and just about to start high school. I have had many Daddy-daughter dates at this restaurant as well as my 17th Birthday celebration with friends. On their website, La Chaumiere prides itself on being “as close as it gets to dining in a French country” by serving *none other than* traditional French cuisine. La Chaumiere has a strict no-phone policy and formal dress code policy where guests can truly enjoy the moments in their best, classy attire. I came back to La Chaumiere for the first time in 7 years with my Dad and Step-Mom DD to celebrate my Birthday and we had such a special time catching up and bonding. A highlight for me besides our great dinnertime conversations phone-free was getting to enjoy two bottles with the family of Katherine’s (my legal first name!!) Vineyard Chardonnay (which was AMAZING!) out of Cambria Vineyards in California. Specials memories were made at La Chaumiere and the extremely friendly staff made it even more memorable!

Hometown Grill and Bar (9000 Lorton Station Blvd, Lorton, Virginia)

Hometown Grill and Bar is essentially a hometown hangout for those local to the Lorton, Virginia area near to well-known and refurbished Workhouse Arts Center! I grew up around Lorton, Virginia in the nearby Fairfax Station, Virginia where I still live today with Papa! I feel so lucky to live with my Papa in my childhood home and I’m savoring EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. Enough of my soap box – LOL! Hometown Grill and Bar is a favorite dining spot of mine. My good friend James and I went to Hometown Grill and Bar for dinner and catching up with one another. One of the highlights of Hometown Grill and Bar is that everything ingredients-wise is locally-sourced and farm-to-table AND every season has its own unique menu to reflect what may be in-season. So, I got to try the brand-new Spring 2023 Dinner Menu at Hometown Grill and Bar which I LOVED getting to do and tried their seafood rigatoni which I am still craving.

Coastal Flats (11901 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax, Virginia with additional locations in Tysons, Virginia & Gaithersburg, Maryland)

One of the Great American Restaurants owned by The Carlyle Group based primarily in Northern Virginia, Coastal Flats is a seafood restaurant that offers an incredible sea-themed atmosphere with impeccable dishes to try, too. Papa, Aunt Amy, and I have been going to Coastal Flats together for years now! We usually go to the Fairfax, Virginia location since it is nearest to us in distance. Alongside the variety of delicious seafood and all-American fare dishes, a highlight of Coastal Flats is their seasonal cocktail menu that is SO SO SO fun. My favorite appetizer which we get *just about* every time is their crab fritters which are SO tasty and unique as well. Aunt Amy and I are HUGE FANS of the salmon at Coastal Flats which is served across many of the other fellow Great American Restaurants but decided to branch out and try a veggie burger (Aunt Amy) and grouper (me) this time around. Needless to say, we were not disappointed as with every visit!

Bistro Cacao (316 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC – Capitol Hill)

A gorgeous French restaurant located in Capitol Hill just blocks away from Washington, DC’s iconic Union Station, Bistro Cacao has gorgeous atmospheres and delicious fares. I came here to Bistro Cacao with my friend Tiffany when she was in town after a conference *just blocks away* from the Capitol Building. On our way to Bistro Cacao, Tiffany and I took a stunning walk alongside the Capitol Building and through some of the iconic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Our food was delicious and we sat outside in their fun and floral atmosphere. I ordered the salmon which was delicious! HOWEVER, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to go back to dine at Bistro Cacao and dine inside which Tiffany had done in the past and showed me its gorgeous interiors!

1310 Kitchen & Bar (1310 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC – adjacent to The Georgetown Inn in Georgetown)

1310 Kitchen & Bar is located coincidentally on 1310 Wisconsin Ave – a GREAT location for dining and shopping within Washington, DC’s neighborhood of Georgetown. In fact, 1310 Kitchen & Bar is *just* a few blocks up the road from M Street NW in Georgetown near ALLLL the shops and bakeries, whether it be Glossier’s DC storefront, TJ Maxx, Shop Made in DC, Little Words Project, Baked & Wired, Scout Bags Flagship Store, Vineyard Vines, Bitty & Beau’s, Kendra Scott, and Tory Burch. You can see why I just LOVE Georgetown?!?! I came to 1310 Kitchen & Bar with my high school best friends Laura and Haley to catch up and enjoy Georgetown. The food and staff were super kind at 1310 Kitchen & Bar and it was a great time. I ordered the spinach omelet which was AMAZING! At the same time, with 1310 Kitchen & Bar’s adjacent location to The Georgetown Inn, I got to enjoy the lobby including its gorgeous paintings just before we headed out for more shopping and neighborhood admiring.

Maman Joon Kitchen (8048 Tyson’s Corner Center (Tyson’s Corner Mall), McLean, Virginia)

Located right near the Apple Store within Tyson’s Corner Center, Maman Joon Kitchen is a brand-new Persian Kabob restaurant. My best friend Stephanie and I met up here one day after I was at a work happy hour. What’s funny about this spot is that Stephanie and I both saw it via the power of Instagram (!!!). I really admire that Maman Joon Kitchen gave out free kabobs to military Veterans in honor of Memorial Day over the recent long weekend. Maman Joon Kitchen is a true leader in what it means to be a local small business with the heart to pay it forward to others. I ordered a salmon kabob plate with rice and salad and Stephanie did the same but with chicken (I think!) and split some hummus and pita. Stephanie and I both had a great time catching up!!

May 2023 overall was such a memorable month for me! I am beyond grateful for those in my life that I can call family and friends. Much love!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Dining – April 2023

Over the past few months, I have LOVED getting to dine at several different Washington, DC area restaurants, cafes, wineries, and much more. In the past, I used to write a blog post per desintation, however, in recent times, I have LOVED getting to share each place that I dine at in a monthly (or bi-monthly) round-up. This April 2023, I commemorated the start of Spring with friends and family both near and from afar and visiting along with early Birthday celebrations. April 2023 has been nothing short of a special month for me this year. April truly is the start of Spring here in the Washington, DC area! I feel beyond blessed and happy to have been able to dine at and try some incredible places this past month. Now, let’s get into it!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

Cheesetique Shirlington (4024 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA)

With locations in both the Northern Virginia suburbs of Shirlington and Del Ray, Cheesetique is a woman-owned wine and cheese bar and also a sit down restaurant. I went with my Papa and Aunt Amy and we checked out the Shirlington location. I was IN AWE when we walked in as Cheesetique is filled along its walls and decked out with *none other than* wine bottles and cheese for purchase, which can all be purchased online, too. Not to mention, Cheesetique has cheese-related puns everywhere! What could be better?!

Papa, Aunt Amy, and I tried Cheesetique’s limited-edtion Cherry Blossom drink and menu special. I got a gorgeous cotton candy-topped mocktail and Aunt Amy got one of their cocktails. And, all of us ordered one of their signature cheese-y dishes, whether it be French Onion Soup or Grilled Cheese. And, for dessert, we got raspberry-themed cheesecake which was AMAZING! All in all, a GREAT time! Read more about Cheesetique here: https://www.cheesetique.com/

Open Road Rosslyn (1201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA)

What could be better than popcorn and beer?! The signature complimentary starter dish is none other than POPCORN at Open Road!!! So, what did I do?! Order a beer to enjoy while I waited for my best friend Shivani to arrive! Shivani and I met up for dinner at Open Road after one of her evening classes and I happened to get there earlier than she did. We enjoyed burgers, catching up, and beer and wine. The decorations at Open Road feature all-American decorations, including local Washington Nationals baseball team paintings along with pop culture references to stars like Marilyn Monroe.

One of the incredible things about Open Road is that in 2021 The Washington Post ranked it one of the top places to work in the Washington, DC area. Along with its Rosslyn location, Open Road has a location in Merrifield, Virginia close to the Mosaic District. Read more about Open Road Rosslyn (and Merrifield) here: https://www.openroadgrill.com/location/rosslyn/

Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters (520 12th Street South Suite 150, Arlington, VA)

Known for its award-winning coffee and huge passion and innovation for the creation of the latest and greatest coffee, Commonwealth Joe strives to bring together people for the common good. I first discovered Commonwealth Joe (located in the Pentagon City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia) in March of 2022 when my friend Brittany brought me here as it was a favorite of hers. Brittany has GREAT taste in cafes, as she is such a friendly person and Commonwealth Joe 10000% fits both of our vibes! The cafe is ALWAYS decked out for the season with seasonal menus too (in March 2022 it was a Winter Wonderland theme and in April 2023 it was a Spring cherry blossom theme!) and their staff is beyond friendly. Beyond the super fun seasonal themes at Commonwealth Joe, the cafe truly does bring people together, as they have a mural full of sticky notes where people can write what they’re thankful for (I wrote my family back in March of 2022). When I came back in April after seeing their super fun Spring menu, I was amazed to se how gorgeous Commonwealth Joe was decked out AND how kind the staff was which I remembered back in March of 2022. I ended up going solo this time around in April and loved the kind atmosphere and my Spring-themed Raspberry-flavored latte. I will definitely be back!!!

Commonwealth Joe also sells their award-winning coffee right to your doorstep (which is tempting me at this *very* moment as I write this blog post!!). And, Commonwealth Joe even has a subscribe and save option. I truly LOVE Commonwealth Joe’s culinary coffee mission that brings so many people together. Read more here: https://commonwealthjoe.com

Daniel O’Connell’s (112 King Street, Alexandria, VA)

Daniel O’Connell’s is an Irish-owned Irish pub established in 2006 in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. It is located in Old Town Alexandria’s main King Street *pretty close* to the waterfront park there and one of my favorite King Street stores – The Lucky Knot. Thursday’s-Sunday’s, Daniel O’Connell’s plays live music with a different singer on each day on a weekly basis. I went here with my good friend from high school James and we had a great time. I ordered *none other than* fish n’chips and a Guinness (when in Rome – am I right?!) and James ordered a beer and I think Shepherd’s pie. We enjoyed the live music by Brian Gaffney at the bar and one another’s company.

Growing up, I would go to Daniel O’Connell’s with my Dad along with other Irish pubs. I truly have a loving affinity for Irish pubs! And, well, Daniel O’Connell’s is NO different in being an Irish pub that I love!! Read more about Daniel O’Connell’s here: https://www.danieloconnells.com

Tatte City Center (1090 I Street NW, Washington, DC)

Tatte is a bakery selling pastries, soups, sandwiches, quiches, and *of course* coffee all across the Washington, DC area. Tatte also has location across the Boston, Massachusetts area. I met up with my college best friends Cassie and Caroline at Tatte’s location in City Center of Washington, DC when they came to town in April. I have also been to the Clarendon neighborhood location that Tatte has in Arlington, Virginia. I HAVE to say that Tatte’s interior design is so so so elegant and classy and Instagrammable!! Tatte is always a busy spot, as it is a popular cafe hub for people to study, visit with friends/family, or get a morning/afternoon pick-me-up. The coffee and food is 10/10 quality, too! Cassie and Caroline and I enjoyed the gorgeous environment at Tatte and one another’s company.

When looking at Tatte’s website, I was beyond impressed with how many locations (and counting!!) that Tatte has in the Washington, DC area besides Clarendon and City Center, including: Dupont Circle, Capitol Crossing, Bethesda, Foggy Bottom, and *very soon* 14th Street. Read more about Tatte here: https://tattebakery.com

Barrel Oak Winery (3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA)

Barrel Oak Winery (also known as BOW) is a dog-friendly winery in the Piedmont Region of Virginia about an hour west of Washington, DC. It is known as Virginia’s “Most Family Friendly Winery in the World” according to Wine Enthusiasts. The owners are a local family that strive to “usher in the next generation of Virginia wine lovers, and remain steadfast in preserving our history and core” (via their “Our Story” page). And, their native Virginian winemaker Jeremy Ligon is extremely passionate about producing world class wines made in Virginia. Papa and I met my best friend Stephanie and her super sweet parents at BOW and we each brought our dogs Rosie and their dog Teddy. BOW is unique in that they allow dogs both inside and outside their properties (hence the name BOW!). They have live music and food trucks bringing in some tasty delights. We happened to be there during oyster weekend (!!!!). It is a popular winery in Virginia and the Washington, DC area and *very* well-liked amongst many fellow Washingtonians!

I most definitely want to come back to BOW, as Stephanie and her family LOVE it having gone on their expedition to see *as many* Virginia wineries as possible! Read more about BOW here: https://barreloak.com

Clyde’s of Georgetown (3236 M Street NW, Washington, DC)

Clyde’s is a favorite amongst both residents of the Washington, DC area and visitors, alike. Since its establishment in the Georgetown neighborhood on M Street in 1963, Clyde’s of Georgetown helped “transform M Street from a row of dimly lit watering holes to the commercial destination it is today” (via their “Hours and Location” page). Clyde’s it is an all-American bar serving All-American and Mid-Atlantic delights, including their amazingly delicious crab cakes. I went here with Cassie and Caroline when they came to visit me for dinner and was amazed at how beautiful the restaurant interiors is. Not to mention the fact that the staff at Clyde’s are beyond kind and caring!!

Alongside Georgetown, Clyde’s has locations in Gallery Place, Chevy Chase, and Mark Center along with others. Read more about Clyde’s and make your reservation here: https://www.clydes.com/location/georgetown/

Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th Street NW, Washington, DC)

Old Ebbitt Grill is one of the most well-known Washington, DC area restaurants!! It is perfectly situated right by the White House and near ALL of the iconic Washington, DC monuments. Old Ebbitt Grill was established in 1856 and is known as being Washington, DC’s old saloon when innkeeper William E. Ebbitt purchased a boarding house. Former United States Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Warren Harding, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt (whose hunting collection is on display in the restaurant to this very day!) have visited the iconic bar. My best friend Haley and I dined at Old Ebbitt Grill for my Birthday weekend pre-seeing Aladdin the Broadway musical on tour at the National Theatre where our super kind server Henry gave us dessert on the house to celebrate the occasion! My first time ever dining at Old Ebbitt Grill was right before Thanksgiving in November 2022 when my best friend Hannah came to town for a conference. Read my blog post from my initial experience at Old Ebbitt Grill here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2022/11/26/washington-dc-spots-old-ebbitt-grill/

For more information on Old Ebbitt Grill, its iconic history, and how to make a reservation, look no further than here: https://www.ebbitt.com

Here’s to many more memories made beyond April 2023!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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DC Dining – March 2023

In the past, I would write a blog post for each and every single spot that I dined at for the most part. However, I have been dining at a ton of different unique spots in the Washington, DC area that I think it will be fun (and A LOT easier) to do a round-up of each of the different spots that I dine at each month. In case you haven’t noticed on Instagram or Tik Tok, the Washington, DC area foodie scene is booming. There are SO many different places to try dining-wise and I am excited to share more about where I eat each month here!!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

Virtue Feed & Grain (Old Town Alexandria, Virginia)

As my friend Lorena says “this is your spot”! Yes, I frequent Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia *quite* a bit. I went to this favorite spot of mine back in January with my good friend Haley and I took Lorena here when she came to visit for the day in March. Virtue Feed & Grain is located in an old warehouse building turned restaurant. It *even* has stain marks from a past hurricane flood which adds to its unique character. In January, Haley and I sat upstairs at a table looking over the waterfront. This time around, Lorena and I enjoyed mimosas, eggs, and waffles at the bar! Read more on my experience at Virtue Feed & Grain back in January here: https://pinkchickadee.com/2023/02/08/washington-dc-spots-virtue-feed-grain/

Lotus Pho & Grill (Lorton, Virginia)

My good friend Haley wanted to check out this close to our homes Vietnamese restaurant for her birthday and it was A HIT! Asian cuisine is probably my favorite type of cuisine besides Italian and classic seafood from practically anywhere. I rarely go out anymore for Vietnamese food but I am glad I did recently. I am not a huge pho fan, but I tried their Vermicelli and it was amazing. At the same time, the staff at Lotus Pho & Grill were super sweet along with the quick service. I could easily go there to grab and go or stay and chat for some time which is what Haley and I did.

Residents (Dupont, Washington DC)

When my fellow influencer bestie Lindsay of @sunshineandstairclimbs on Instagram came to visit, Residents in Dupont was on her list brought to you by the power of Instagram sharing *just* how cute this spot truly is. Residents is decked out in ALL the cherry blossoms galore this cherry blossom season and the food is definitely not to miss as well. At the same time, Residents had so much character as they use their old candle jars as decoration on the interior walls. Lindsay and I got coffee and avocado toast, but Residents also had a gorgeous bar and drink menu (espresso martinis anyone?!), too. The brunch truly hit the spot!! Our server Maria was super sweet, too, and made our experience dining at Residents SO SO SO worth it. I definitely will be back!

Vola’s Dockside Grill (Old Town Alexandria, Virginia)

I dined at Vola’s a few years ago just before Christmas with my family when they were in town. My memories at Vola’s were very fond and the food there was hard to beat. Not to mention, I had a hard time then as I did just about 10 days ago deciding what to eat off their menu that is tempting to order just about everything off of it. I took Lindsay to Vola’s for dinner as I wanted to show her Old Town Alexandria on her first night in the Washington, DC area and we had an AMAZING time! We got the crab dip (which is TO DIE FOR), crab sandwiches with Old Bay fries, and cocktails. Lindsay was introduced to Old Bay seasoning (if you know, you know!!) here at Vola’s. The staff and service is pretty great too – Franklin was our server and was super sweet! I definitely hope to bring Papa back to Vola’s in the coming weeks/months.

Founding Farmers (Foggy Bottom, Washington DC)

The corn bread croutons at Founding Farmers on my caesar salad were SO HARD to beat! Needless to say, I am STILL craving those incredible croutons at Founding Farmers. Funny enough, I have been to Founding Farmers every month so far in 2023. Founding Farmers is a Washington, DC area-based farm-to-table chain that uses locally sourced goods and brings it into delicious cuisine. I have been to both the Tysons Corner, Virginia and Foggy Bottom, Washington DC (where I went in March!) locations and they do not disappoint. Lindsay and I sat at their gorgeous bar and got drinks and salads along with freshly made candy to go off of their glorious dessert menu. I have always admired what a classic staple Founding Farmers is here in the Washington, DC area and will definitely be back in the near future.

Mike’s American Grill (Springfield, Virginia)

Nothing beats dinner at Mike’s American Grill in my book!!! I’ve grown up dining at Mike’s American Grill – one of the iconic Great American Restaurants via The Carlyle Group chain (which also includes Coastal Flats, Sweetwater Tavern, Ozzie’s Good Eats, and Carlyle!) in the Northern Virginia area. I had my first-ever Washington, DC area Dinner Club meet up with some of my best friends at Mike’s American Grill. My great friends Laura and Sarah came and we enjoyed their delicious rolls (which you can get for $1 which is then donated back to charity!), burgers, salad, and cheesecake and simply catching up. The memories, the magical environment and atmosphere, and the food make Mike’s American Grill such a classic!

Coyote Grille (Fairfax, Virginia)

I dined at Coyote Grille back in September 2021 with Haley when she was in her undergraduate years at the nearby university there. Coyote Grille is located in the adorable Old Town Fairfax, Virginia and is an authentic Mexican restaurant. After my hair appointment at a nearby salon, I was starving and decided to pop into Coyote Grille on my own for some chips and salsa and tacos – nothing better am I right?! Thee waiters who are all mainly university students there were SO kind and fun to talk to. Their salmon tacos were so so so good that I am craving them now as I write this. I definitely want to come back to Coyote Grille after sightseeing a bit in Old Town Fairfax!

Now, onwards to my April dining round-up!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Northern Virginia Spots: Virtue Feed & Grain

Growing up, my family and I have enjoyed many meals at Virtue Feed & Grain in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Not only is it an easy walk from Metro and *just* a block away from the iconic King Street, but it also has served many great memories, meals, and scenic Washington, DC area views for me and many others over the years. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!!), I have posted a bit about my GREAT experience a few weekends ago having brunch at Virtue Feed & Grain. And, today, I am going to share some more about Virtue Feed & Grain!

Getting there: The address for Virtue Feed & Grain is 106 South Union Street. Virtue Feed & Grain is located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia just miles South of Washington, DC. Old Town Alexandria is a popular spot for many Washington, DC tourists and area residents, alike. It’s easiest to get to Virtue Feed & Grain by either driving or taking the Metro to the King Street station which is on both the Blue line and the Yellow line. From Metro, it is about a 30 minute walk to Virtue Feed & Grain, however, DO NOT FRET as it is an easy AND scenic walk directly on King Street and then a block over to South Union Street. You can also drive there and park at one of the parking garages alongside King Street and near the Old Town Alexandria’s well-known Torpedo Factory, which will usually come at a price tag that may be hefty. Personally, I choose to Metro to Old Town to get in some extra steps and avoid the rather stressful-to-me driving through King Street.

About: Virtue Feed & Grain is named after its roots – an 1800’s feed and grain warehouse. The warehouse has since been transformed into what it is today: an iconic Old Town Alexandria restaurant located along the Potomac River waterfront. My best friend Haley and I recently dined upstairs and could see the iconic Potomac River waterfront, with views of nearby Washington, DC and National Harbor, Maryland and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, from our seats. Virtue Feed & Grain is a two-story restaurant and bar with its interiors offering an exposed wood backdrop and the menu remains true to its local Washington, DC area digs while adding in an eclectic charm. One unique fact about Virtue Feed & Grain is that its interiors represent its history as an 1800’s warehouse along with recent times’ history as it has high-water stains from Hurricane Isabel back in 2005. Currently, Virtue Feed & Grain is led by Executive Chef Aldo Avilez. For more information on Virtue Feed & Grain, look no further than here: https://virtuefeedgrain.com/

In recent times, my best friend Haley and I dined for brunch at Virtue Feed & Grain. She got the french toast and I got the Chesapeake Benedict. For me to stay that the food was delicious would be an understatement! I also have LOVED the vibes of the interiors of Virtue Feed & Grain. The service was great, too. Not only do you see iconic waterfront and Old Town Alexandria views, but you also get to enjoy the historically gorgeous interiors. I was in awe at the gorgeous interiors of this restaurant and *of course* snapped a few photos!

When going to Virtue Feed & Grain, I definitely suggest making a reservation as it can get busy on the weekends. When I booked Haley’s and I’s reservation the day before we went, there was only one time available on Saturday morning (aka the jackpot for us!). And, after your time dining at Virtue Feed & Grain, I highly recommend enjoying and wondering the gorgeous streets and shops of Old Town Alexandria. To me, Old Town Alexandria can sometimes feel like a hidden gem in the midst of all that Washington, DC has to offer. It is a place that I have been learning more about most recently and striving to visit more.

Here’s to many more memories being made in an iconically historic restaurant!

XOXO – Katie <3

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My Experience at Washington, DC Restaurant Week – January 2023

The last time I went to Washington, DC Restaurant Week aka DC Restaurant Week was back in January 2022 and it was very unintentional as it just so happened to coincide when I was meeting some of my best friends Brianna and Brittany for brunch (we went to Farmers Fishers Bakers in Georgetown!). Unfortunately, I missed out on DC Restaurant Week in August 2023, since I had happened to be in Maine and Canada for a much-needed vacation. SO, since I was around this past week, I was able to check out two different restaurants for DC Restaurant Week – January 2023!

DC Restaurant Week lasted from January 16-22, 2023. Participating restaurants on their website could offer brunch, lunch, and dinner with a fixed menu at a fixed price of $35, $45, and $55 for three courses (usually just lunch and dinner). I checked out two restaurants: The Capital Grille (the Fairfax/Fair Lakes location in Virginia!) and Earls (located in Tysons Corner Center in Tysons, Virginia!). Before I get into ALL the details behind my experience at both restaurants, I wanted to make note of the fact that Earls was not participating in DC Restaurant Week, but I wanted to include my experiences here since it was during *yes* DC Restaurant Week. For more information on DC Restaurant Week which will be back for Summer 2023, look no further than here: https://ramw.org/restaurantweek

The Capital Grille:

I went here with my Papa and Aunt Amy, as we do monthly/semi-monthly dinners at local restaurants. Aunt Amy and I decided to treat our very well-deserved Papa to dinner and split the check. The Capital Grille was tough to get a reservation at: I ended up monitoring the DC Restaurant Week site’s participating restaurants like a literal hawk until I saw The Capital Grille get added to the list. And, the moment I saw it on the list, I immediately booked us 3 a reservation (the earliest time we could get in was at 7pm) and well, this was a month in advance too. Tip: SO, moral of the story is to book reservations early for the restaurants you do want to dine at for DC Restaurant Week. Luckily, booking The Capital Grille a month out was well worth it and definitely a great idea. The ambience was amazing and the staff was super friendly ALL around, whether it be the bus boys, waiters, or hostesses.

The food was also amazing, too. The Capital Grille had a fixed 3 course meal for $55/person. The fixed menu also included a choice of 1 of 2 of their signature sides (we ended up ordering 2 more not listed on the fixed menu). They also have an extensive list of cocktails and wines (I tried the Espresso Martini *surprise*). And, well, they also have an incredibly delicious assortment of none other than BREAD (!!!). The fixed menu at The Capital Grille was an amazing deal, as it included their signature filet mignon on its list of entrees which can cost $55+ on its own. On the fixed menu, I got the fields salad as my starter, salmon as my entree, and The Capital Grille’s Signature cheesecake aka my favorite cheesecake ever now (!!!) as my dessert. Papa, Aunt Amy, and I also ordered Brussels sprouts and asparagus a la carte, along with the two sides of mashed potatoes and creamed spinach to share from the fixed Restaurant Week menu.

We had an incredible time at The Capital Grille! The food was delicious, the drinks were great, and the service was impeccable. I found the staff whomever they were to be ultra-friendly and truly go above and beyond what I’d expect anywhere else. The Capital Grille is definitely an occasion restaurant for families and lovers, alike, so the staff ensure that everyone feels special when they walk into the room. Along with the main dining area, The Capital Grille has a gorgeous bar that I am definitely interested in checking out sometime. I *for sure* want to come back and dine at The Capital Grille AND enjoy their cheesecake again!

Earls:

After an afternoon at the theatre aka seeing Hairspray at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner, Virginia (more on that in a future blog post!!), my best friends Brittany and Brianna and their super sweet Mom and I headed for Earls to enjoy a nice dinner together. Earls is a well-known restaurant in Tysons Corner, Virginia. When we got there, it was pretty loud as a group happy hour was right by where we were seated at their gorgeous bar (1/2 in the restaurant!). That all being said, I was a bit apprehensive of the restaurant at first, but didn’t want to let the loudness of those around me affect my views of my time dining at Earls.

As the night progressed and the happy hour attendees flocked to the other bar, my time at Earls truly began to simply blow me away. The menu at Earls is so so so gorgeous, especially with the golden crest on the menu book’s cover (!!!). To start, I tried their strawberry lemonade which was delicious and treated everyone to the chipotle calamari (which included breaded cauliflower and jalapenos, too). And, for my entree I tried one of their salad/grain bowls and added grilled shrimp to it along with their super delicious clam chowder. Personally, the clam chowder and chipotle calamari were my favorites, and I would have easily just ordered those two only if I were to do it all over again (or go back!).

Just like The Capital Grille, the staff at Earls were super kind and truly went above and beyond. Our waitress was super sweet like everyone else along with the manager who was all smiles and came to say hello to every table of folks who were dining tonight. Everyone was so so so kind which made dining at Earls all that more special!

DC Restaurant Week January 2023 was a memorable weekend for the books. I had a blast getting to dine at two incredible Washington, DC area restaurants and look forward to trying some new-to-me places for future DC Restaurant Weeks!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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