***Please note that this The Best Spots For Brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia dining guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Alexandria brunch scene. This guide was most recently updated as of March 2026.***

Brunch in Old Town Alexandria is a popular, great, and delicious time, especially on the weekends. I have enjoyed several brunches with family, friends, and solo in Old Town Alexandria and have had a wonderful time each time. This dining guide will focus on spots for brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. So, get hungry!!

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The Best Spots For Brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

This dining guide will focus on spots for brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. If you are interested in checking out spots for all kinds of eats in Old Town Alexandria, then look no further than my dining guide. And, if you are interested in checking out wine bars in Alexandria, then check out my local wine bars guide. For small businesses to shop and support in Old Town Alexandria, then look no further than my local small businesses guide.

Table of Contents

Getting There

Reservations

Brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Getting There

Weekend brunch in Alexandria, Virginia is a popular time for diners, so it is a busy time especially in the heart of Old Town. I recommend, regardless of how you choose to get there, that you plan ahead and allow for extra buffer time to ensure you make it to your reservation on time (more on that in the next section!). 

Parking: Parking can also be limited and a tricky thing to navigate especially when traveling to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. If you opt to drive and park your car, then be mindful that it is a busy time especially on the weekends and be prepared to pay upwards of $20+ for parking, especially as you get closer to the waterfront.

Public Transportation: That being said, I highly recommend, from personal experience, using public transportation via Metro (King Street-Old Town Station is accessible via Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines). It is worth noting that King Street Station is about a 20-30 minute walk to Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront and the heart of its historic district. The walk is pretty easy and a straight shot on the historic King Street (Old Town’s main street!) and a fun way to get to know the charming town and its several small businesses and people. However, if you’re not up for walking, then don’t fret! Old Town Alexandria also has the DART Bus and King Street Trolley’s, which are free shuttles to visitors to use to/from King Street Station. When using Metro, be sure to plan your trip via WMATA’s Trip Planner which has the most up-to-date information, as sometimes stations are closed due to maintenance or there are train delays.

Reservations

Since brunch is a super popular dining time, especially on the weekends, it is highly suggested to make a reservation at popular brunch spots. Each brunch spot mentioned in this guide typically offers reservations in advance with information on their websites. Reservations, especially for larger parties may have fees and should be made in advance with at least 1 week’s notice on the weekends. Typically for most brunch spots, it is worthwhile to make a reservation at least a week in advance, specifically in the warmer months.

To be sure you have the most up-to-date information, it is suggested that you check out each restaurant’s website before you go to make your reservation and check for Grace periods and any reservation fees (in the case that you’re running late). Above all else, be sure to add in buffer time when traveling to Alexandria to be sure you make it on time (better early than late in my opinion!!). 

Brunch in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

Ada’s On The River (3 Pioneer Mill Way) – Named after Ada Lovelace – the founder of computer programming and a pioneering woman in STEM, Ada’s On The River offers delicious eats on the Potomac River. Everything on the menu at Ada’s is wood fired, from the French fries to the seafood and steak and everything in between, making it uniquely delicious! The scallops and French fries are my FAVORITE. Every time I dine at Ada’s, the staff treats us all like royalty and the views and food are impeccable!!

Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way) – Dining at Barca is a literal experience in itself! Located on a pier on the Potomac River via Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront (minus a small bar section inland!), Barca Pier & Wine Bar serves Spanish tapas and drinks for all to enjoy. Barca has become a family (and friend!) favorite spot of ours over the past few years, as we’ve celebrated birthdays and other celebrations as well as simply going for a good time together. It truly is our go-to Spring/Summer restaurant! I highly recommend dining at Barca and timing your reservation for when the sunset is on the day you plan to go — you will NOT regret it!!

Chadwick’s (203 The Strand) – Since opening its doors in 1979, Chadwick’s, housed in a historic 19th-century warehouse near the waterfront, is a place where everyone feels like they are a regular. Chadwick’s is a popular place for brunch in Old Town Alexandria, with it being known for its affordable and delicious cuisine. And, the mission of Chadwick’s is for everyone to leave feeling as if they below and have a seat at the table.

Fontaine Caffe & Creperie (119 South Royal Street) – A gorgeous French-inspired cafe and creperie serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as wine, beer, and cocktails. I have passed by Fontaine Caffe & Creperie on a few occasions and knew I would LOVE dining there before having a wonderful dining experience with my college best friend Hannah when she came to visit from North Carolina. The atmosphere is adorable and the eats and drinks are delicious!

Homegrown Alexandria (1600 King Street) – A breakfast and brunch spot serving locally-sourced and homegrown delights, Homegrown, located in the boutique Archer Hotel, is a popular and affordable place to grab a delicious bite. Their pancakes (with a gluten-free option) are to die for good and don’t taste as if they are gluten-free, too, and is something that I am still craving since trying them a few months ago! The staff at Homegrown are extremely friendly, too, and make everyone feel right at home. It is worth noting that Homegrown does not take reservations, but they do have a call ahead list and it’s advised to get there early (before 9-10am) on weekends. Homegrown is also open until ~3pm daily.

Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen (220 South Union Street) – Inspired by the vibrant rhythm of life and the Americana tradition of clam bakes and raw bars, Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen is a chic bar with a commitment to its Old Town Alexandria community roots and celebrates coastal living. 

Josephine (109 South St. Asaph Street) – Known for the “happiest hour in Old Town,” Josephine is a multi-level elevated and elegant French restaurant. Josephine is indeed the place to go for any kind of celebration and is my go-to special occasion restaurant in all of Old Town Alexandria! This French restaurant has the most stunning Parisian-inspired interiors and serves all-things French cuisine and drinks. One of my most special memories at Josephine is celebrating my 25th Birthday there and the staff bringing out complimentary dessert and champagne alongside sparkling cider for my friend who doesn’t drink and indeed making us feel like royalty the entire time! The people who work at Josephine truly go above and beyond to make every diners’ experience there unforgettable.

Jula’s On The Potomac (44 Canal Center Plaza 4th Floor) – Alongside the banks of the Potomac River, Jula’s On The Potomac offers a panoramic waterside view while offering a luxurious dining experience to all. Seasonally-driven by its chef, Jula’s On The Potomac serves prime steaks, seafoods, and more while balancing tradition and innovation.

Maman (701 King Street) – With locations all across the Washington, DC area including in Washington, DC’s Georgetown neighborhood and Fairfax’s Mosaic shopping center and a flagship location in New York City’s Soho, Maman is a whimsy and all-things grand millennial dream of a cafe. Maman serves up delicious pastries, eats, and cafe delights. It is worth noting that Maman is a popular spot and offers online ordering, which is suggested on the weekends due to the potential for limited seating.

Mia’s Italian Kitchen (100 King Street) – Mia’s Italian Kitchen is definitely a fan favorite of mine! Not only does Mia’s Italian Kitchen have an excellent and affordable happy hour, but it also has a delicious vast lunch and dinner menu including pizza by the slice and a rotating gelato menu for dessert. Each time I’ve dined at Mia’s, the staff truly make it a great experience, too.

Milk & Honey (801 King Street) – Serving up traditional Southern fare in a spacious two-story spot in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Milk & Honey specializes in traditional delights and craft cocktails.

Royal Restaurant (730 North Saint Asaph Street) – A beloved Old Town Alexandria icon since 1904, Royal Restaurant has entered a bold new chapter and has been well-received by the locals. Royal Restaurant brings classic American fare re-imagined with modern twists and seasonal ingredients.

The Majestic (911 King Street) – Housed in a 1932 established theatre, The Majestic offers an intimate and sophisticated feel *just* as if you walked into a mashup of a jazz club and vibrant art gallery combined from decades prior. The Majestic specializes in modern comfort food combined with its vintage interior charm. The staff at The Majestic indeed ensure that all diners feel like royalty when eating there and you truly feel as if you’ve been transported back in time!

Vermillion (1120 King Street) – Committed to supporting the growers, families, farmers, purveyors, and watermen across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, Vermillion honors the work of those locally with their curated menus that change with the seasons. Vermillion offers two settings and menus, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or brunch, celebratory occasion, or happy hour. Upstairs, Vermillion has a wine room with its walls lined with wines from vineyards across the Mid-Atlantic where they also host specialty wine tastings and events throughout the year.

Virtue Feed & Grain (106 South Union Street) – Housed in a 1800s feed and grain warehouse, Virtue Feed & Grain is named for its heritage and serves delicious American eats. Virtue Feed & Grain has endured flooding over the centuries, including during Hurricane Isabel in 2005. Yet, Virtue Feed & Grain has truly stood the test of time and has served diners over the years and continues to do so. It is even occasionally a spot during an Alexandria ghost tour (depending on which tour operator you use)! Read more in-depth on Virtue Feed & Grain in my blog post here.

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge (101 North Union Street) – Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge is located alongside the Potomac River with sections both indoors and outdoors. In the Summer months, Vola’s also offers alongside their outdoors section cocktail stand where people can grab a drink and walk alongside the nearby pier and waterfront park. One of the beautiful things about Vola’s is that it’s named after and pays tribute to Vola D. Lawson: the Washington, DC area’s first female city manager. I will say that the staff at Vola’s is ultra-kind and I have had some of THE BEST crab here!

Wrap-Up 

I always love a great brunch in Old Town Alexandria! Truly, the restaurants and the people who make brunch happen is truly what allows Old Town Alexandria to make its mark as a well-known brunch spot (and have me coming back for more!). 

XOXO – Katie <3