Your Guide To Wine Bars In Alexandria, Virginia

***Please note that this Guide To Wine Bars In & Alexandria, Virginia will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the area’s most up-to-date dining scene. This guide was most recently updated as of February 2026.***

If you’re like me and you LOVE a good wine bar, then you’re in the right place! Virginia is such a great place for wine lovers with several of the wineries (check out my list of some of the many here!) as well as wine bars across the state. Some of these wine bars are in Alexandria, Virginia – which I outline in this guide!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

For more Washington, DC area content, check out my Exploring the DMV page.

Your Guide To Wine Bars In Alexandria, Virginia

While this guide will focus more on wine bars in Alexandria, Virginia, I do have an Old Town Alexandria, Virginia dining guide that highlights Old Town Alexandria’s culinary scene as a whole! If you’re looking to explore wineries in Northern Virginia, then check out my running list of some of the many wineries a drive’s distance away here (some of which are also in and around Fairfax, Virginia!).

When dining at any of the wine bars in Alexandria, I highly recommend checking the wine bar’s website to see if they take reservations or not, as it varies. Most restaurants in Old Town Alexandria take reservations and is a great way to plan in advance, as they are pretty popular and do get pretty busy especially during the weekends and even on the weeknights. Many of these restaurants also have happy hour which can be a fun way to enjoy an upscale restaurant at a fraction of the cost, however, I do recommend getting there as soon as it starts *even* on a Monday or Tuesday and checking the restaurant’s website beforehand and planning accordingly. The bottom line: be sure to check out the restaurant’s website before dining there!

Alice Comfort Cocktail (724 King Street) – An adorable cocktail bar serving up authentic Thai food and craft cocktails, Alice Comfort Cocktail is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria’s King Street.

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!!

BRUT Champagne & Wine Bar (118 South Royal Street Suite 200) – BRUT is a specialized champagne and wine bar serving up charcuterie and other light bites in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

Captain Gregory’s (804 North Henry Street) – A hidden speakeasy with a ship-theme, Captain Gregory’s is a well-known spot to grab or unique cocktail or a glass of wine.

Cheesetique (2411 Mt Vernon Avenue) – Cheesetique is a woman-owned restaurant, wine bar, and cheese spot specializing in fine-cheeses, wine, and with an eclectic cheese-centric menu. 

Coco’s Parlour (115 South Royal Street) – Inspired by Madame Coco – a 1780’s enigmatic chocolatier – Coco’s Parlour proudly showcases Madame Coco’s legacy and provides all who walk through its doors through the gateway to the world of indulgence and intrigue. 

Francis Hall (699 Prince Street (inside Hotel Heron)) – Hidden in plain sight amongst the hustle and bustle of Hotel Heron’s lobby, Francis Hall is the perfect spot to grab a craft cocktail and some solace in the heart of it all.

Good Fortune Rooftop Bar (699 Prince Street (Hotel Heron’s rooftop)) – Located on the rooftop of the recently-opened Hotel Heron, Good Fortune Rooftop bar is the highest rooftop bar in all of Old Town Alexandria! Guests can take in the STUNNING views of the Potomac River, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and Old Town Alexandria from up above. As of July 2024, Good Fortune only offered a drink menu, but I am hoping to dine at their onsite restaurant, The Kiln, at some point!

La Fromagerie Cheese & Wine Bar (1222 King Street) – Serving charcuterie while honoring the biodiversity of the Northern Virginia/Mid-Atlantic region, La Fromagerie is a farm-to-table wine bar in a cozy setting.

Negus Winery (5509 Vine Street Suite A) – The first United States tasting room specializing in Virginia honey wine, Negus Winery specializes in honey wine tradition while curating an authentic experience with smooth jazz music and a rotating curated art display.

Old Hat Bar (112 N St. Asaph Street) – Opened in 2021 in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Old Hat Bar has since become a local night life staple and a great place to enjoy a drink, whether it be a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine or beer, and some light bites.

Sonoma Cellar (207 King Street) – Offering 120+ wines from Sonoma County, California wineries in a pre-Revolutionary setting aka the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Sonoma Cellar brings a curated California-themed wine tasting to the East Coast.

The Study (3002, 116 South Alfred Suite #101) – Located in Old Town Alexandria’s Morrison House hotel, The Study is a modern American restaurant and wine bar paying homage to Chef Tomas Chavarria’s Mesoamerican heritage and training. 

Unwined (1600 Belle View Boulevard) – Unwined is a cozy, inviting wine shop with events and tastings selling curated wines with hospitality at the heart of it all.

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

There are so many incredible and unique wine bars in Alexandria to dine at. Truly, each spot has its own character and story as well as awesome people who work there, and make each wine bar uniquely its own. Cheers!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Small Businesses in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Shopping Guide

***Please note that this Small Businesses in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Shopping Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the city’s most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of February 2026.***

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local looking to support local makers, there are several small businesses in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia! As someone who spends LOTS of time as a proud Northern Virginia local roaming up and down the streets of Old Town Alexandria, I have discovered SOOOO many incredible local shops to support. This guide will walk you through some of your many small business Old Town Alexandria shopping options. 

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more Washington, DC area content, check out my Exploring the DMV page.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Small Businesses in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Shopping Guide

While this guide will focus more on Old Town Alexandria shopping opportunities, I do have an Old Town Alexandria, Virginia dining guide that highlights several of the many small businesses in Old Town Alexandria’s culinary scene. Check it out here!

3 Sisters (213 King Street) – Founded and owned by three sisters Stella, Athina and Stavroulla, 3 Sisters is a family-owned boutique selling stylish, trendy, and chic clothing at an affordable price point. 

AR Workshop Alexandria (1212 King Street) – Owned by Stephanie Woodland Kelly whose had a lifelong passion for creativity, AR Workshop Alexandria offers everything from DIY classes to wood working workshops, art classes, and everything in between! Alongside facilitating creative classes open to all regardless of their level of experience, AR Workshop Alexandria also has a wonderful selection of Alexandria-themed goods to peruse.

Boxwood (1205 King Street) – Boxwood is a home decor and hosting shop that sells grand millennial goods with pops of color which will brighten up your home and gatherings. Be sure to check out Boxwood’s holiday decorations if you happen to be in Old Town Alexandria shopping then!

Creme de la Creme (907 King Street) – Inspired by French and Italian living as well as Southern hospitality, Creme de la Creme meshes the two together via its 5 brick and mortar stores across the Washington, DC area including one in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

Era Boutique (109 North Fairfax Street) – Starting with a owner’s Hattie and Tiffani’s dreams of owning a small business, Era Boutique is a newly opened women’s wear boutique.

Eries Interiors (101 South Saint Asaph Street) – An art, home decor, and houseware shop selling a curated collection of 20th century goods to original artworks of five Alexandria women artists, Eries Interiors truly has something unique for everything whether vintage or modern.

Friends To Lovers Bookstore (301 Cameron Street) – The first romance bookstore in the Washington, DC area, Friends To Lovers Bookstore has not only become a well-known bookstore but it has also become an inclusive gathering place and has even been the location for couples’ and friends’ engagements, photo shoots, and hangouts.

Happy Place (105-107 South Union Street) – Known as the place where everything is Pink-tastic, Happy Place is founded by the owners of 3 Sisters and The Lucky Knot – three sisters Stella, Athina and Stavroulla. Truly, upon walking into Happy Place you feel as if you’ve entered into Barbie’s dream house, with all of the vibrant merchandise – truly it is a pink paradise at Happy Place!

Le Vintage – The Old Town Wine Shop (1218 King Street) – Founded and owned by local Sommeliers, Le Vintage – The Old Town Wine Shop is on a mission to make the world of wine more accessible to everyone through a carefully curated selection of wines, beers, and charcuterie.

Look Again Resale Shop (900 King Street) – Look Again Resale Shop is an excellent multi-level thrift shop donating proceeds from sales to the Prevention of Blindness Society on King Street. 

Lou Lou Boutiques (132 King Street) – From its roots as a brick and mortar store in 2004 in Middleburg, Virginia and founded and family owned by Tara and Ben Wegdam, Lou Lou Boutiques has since expanded its footprint to Old Town Alexandria selling a curated collection of women’s wear, accessories, and small gifts.

Lowery’s Dial (1225 King Street) – With its adorable grand millennial decorations, Lowery’s Dial is truly a cannot miss as you stroll all of the shops in Old Town Alexandria! Lowery’s Dial is an antique and home goods shop with all-things grand millennial to peruse! The well-loved antique shop owned by Maggie who has become a friend of mine and the entire community through her shop events, pop-up’s, and occasional in-shop wine + cocktail tastings. Be sure to follow Lowery’s Dial on Instagram for the latest event updates and seasonal store decorations!

Made in ALX (415 King Street) – Established in 2020 in response to the pandemic’s impact on local artists, Made in ALX is a marketplace dedicated to showcasing and selling art and specialty goods made by Alexandria artists.

Mint Condition (122 South Royal Street Suite A) – Owned by two sister-in-law’s, Mint Condition is a family-owned and operated women’s designer consignment boutique that has incredible deals on higher end items. Be sure to follow Mint Condition on Instagram for the latest inventory updates!

Old Town Books (130 South Royal Street) – An independent bookstore with several weekly events and monthly book clubs, Old Town Books is a bookstore that truly has something for everyone, including a children’s books section and events. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of their mural outside before you leave!

Penny Post (1201 King Street) – Penny Post is inspired to make the world a bit brighter through the power of letter writing. Featured on the Washington, DC season of Love Is Blind, Penny Post offers several events and classes, a super fun array of stickers, as well as all things stationary, pens, notepads, and more!

Pippin Toy Co. (1310 King Street) – An adorable shop curated just for kids, Pippin Toy Co. strives to bring imagination, creativity, and more to every child who walks through its doors.

Red Barn Mercantile (1117 King Street) – Red Barn Mercantile is a family-owned boutique that specializes in home furnishings, linens, home decor, gifts, and unique souvenirs. 

Shop Made in Virginia (1121 King Street) – Founded and owned by Stacey Price of People Make Place and Michael Babin of Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Shop Made in Virginia supports and empowers hundreds of Virginia-based creators and makers of all kinds including coffee grounds, wine + beer, prints, paintings, t-shirts, stickers, candles, and handbags. Shop Made in Virginia also hosts events regularly, most notably a Friday evening wine and watercolor night.

The Antique Guild (113 North Fairfax Street) – Selling antique silvers, jewelry, and other treasures since 1980, The Antique Guild sells a curation of luxurious antique goods.

The Dog Park (705 King Street) – Specializing in unique pet goods not sold in big box stores, The Dog Park is an independently owned dog and cat store. If you bring your dog for a visit, be sure to ask for a complimentary dog treat!

The Lucky Knot (101 King Street) – As if Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer had a baby, The Lucky Knot is a preppy and nautical fashion boutique owned by three sisters Stella, Athina and Stavroulla who also own sister shops in Old Town Alexandria – Happy Place and 3 Sisters. The Lucky Knot carries popular preppy fashion brands including Lilly Pulitzer, Sail To Sable, and Gretchen Scott Designs and also has a menswear section. 

The Old Town Shop (104 South Union Street) – Carrying a wide range of Old Town Alexandria-themed goods and souvenirs, The Old Town Shop sells all-things adorably and uniquely Old Town Alexandria!

Wrap-Up

There are several excellent small businesses to shop at and support in Old Town Alexandria – all of which are run by incredible people! Happy shopping!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide

***Please note that this Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the historic district’s most up-to-date dining scene. This guide was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

After living as a college graduate and growing up in the Washington, DC area, I have fallen in love with Northern Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I frequently share my adventures to Old Town Alexandria. Fun fact of the day: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is the United States’s third-oldest historic district! Alongside Old Town Alexandria’s historical significance, the historic district boasts a robust culinary scene, offering visitors and locals alike extraordinary dining experiences. I feel oh so fortunate to have experienced much of Old Town Alexandria’s dining scene and hence have created a dining guide for YOU. Truly, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Old Town Alexandria!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

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.

Old Town Alexandria Dining Guide

Table of Contents 

Planning a Trip?!

Virginia + Washington, DC Gift Ideas

Cafes

Casual Eats

Upscale Restaurants + Bars

Desserts

Planning a Trip?!

Planning a trip or staycation to Old Town Alexandria?! Look no further than Hotels.com & Booking.com to reserve your stay!

Virginia + Washington, DC Gift Ideas 

On the hunt for a Virginia or Washington, DC-themed gift?! I got you covered! Check out my Virginia gift ideas & Washington, DC gift ideas to get inspired.

 

Cafes:

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!

Misha’s (6 Prince Street & 917 King Street) – An independent coffee shop and roaster with two locations in Old Town Alexandria, Misha’s has been serving local coffee and selling their coffee to customers since 1991. Misha’s location on Prince Street has a gorgeous rooftop section that is fun to enjoy in the warmer months (and remains on my bucket list!). One unique aspect of Misha’s is that their variety of coffee beans are on display for customers to see.

Call Your Mother Deli (1300 King Street) – Having several locations across the Washington, DC area and in Colorado, Call Your Mother Deli is a well-known deli and bagel shop and cafe paying homage to its owners’ Jewish roots. Call Your Mother has an adorable branding of pink and teal and has beautiful interiors!

Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee (631 King Street) – A gorgeous Persian-inspired dessert shop and cafe owned by a woman and mother named Lily. Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee is all-things pretty and pink from the flower walls to the chocolate, tea, coffee, and desserts! Indeed, Lily’s is an excellent place to stop for a sweet refreshment while gallivanting the streets of Old Town Alexandria and perhaps snapping a photo, too.

Tatte (515 King Street) – Tatte has several locations across the Washington, DC area as well as the Boston area, however, I ALWAYS forget that there is a Tatte right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Tatte is a Mediterranean-inspired cafe selling everything from breakfast and lunch dishes to baked goods and pastries and coffee and tea. Each Tatte location has the most elegant and sophisticated flair and the staff are always ultra-kind and go above and beyond to ensure that each customer has a wonderful experience there. One thing to note about Tatte is that due to its high popularity, locals and tourists alike will flock here in crowds during peak breakfast and lunch times.

Starbucks (100 South Union Street) – While I try to steer clear of sharing chain restaurants like Starbucks in my dining guides, I do want to point out that the specific Starbucks on 100 South Union Street overlooking the Potomac River is pretty unique and a historic site within itself! The Starbucks’s interiors are stone-lined and represent Old Town Alexandria’s historic charm. There is a historic plaque in there to honor this Starbucks’ roots as the once Seaport Inn & Restaurant dating back to 1765. It is definitely my favorite Starbucks location due to its unique history!

Casual Eats:

Daniel O’Connell’s (112 King Street) – Described as a modern Irish pub in an an ancient Irish pub setting, Daniel O’Connell’s boasts live music and traditional Irish delights in a beautiful 2-story restaurant. One of the unique things about Daniel O’Connell’s is that I have on multiple occasions had staff from Irish be my servers, which I find to be super neat and adds to the pub’s Irish pub experience.

Andy’s Pizza (North Fayette Street) – Although I have yet to dine at the Old Town Alexandria location, Andy’s Pizza is truly worth a visit! I dined at the Tyson’s Galleria location and was very impressed. I lived in New Jersey until I was 8 and fell *in love* with New York style pizza as a kid and Andy’s Pizza truly exceeds my expectations.

Upscale Restaurants + Bars:

When dining at any of the upscale restaurants and bars in Old Town Alexandria, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Most restaurants in Old Town Alexandria take reservations and is a great way to plan in advance, as they are pretty popular and do get pretty busy especially during the weekends and even on the weeknights. Many of these restaurants also have happy hour which can be a fun way to enjoy an upscale restaurant at a fraction of the cost, however, I do recommend getting there as soon as it starts *even* on a Monday or Tuesday and checking the restaurant’s website beforehand and planning accordingly. The bottom line: be sure to check out the restaurant’s website before dining there!

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.

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.

Old Hat Bar (112 N St. Asaph Street) – Opened in 2021 in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Old Hat Bar has since become a local night life staple and a great place to enjoy a drink, whether it be a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine or beer, and some light bites.

Indochen (1615 King Street at the Hyatt Centric) – Proudly serving comfort Indian-Chinese food, Indochen serves both Indian and Chinese cuisine favorites alongside a wonderful onsite cocktail bar. Founded by Chef Ram Thapa, an accomplished chef from Nepal, Indochen takes on the Chef Ram’s Nepalese roots from the heart and soul of his grandmother’s kitchen.

Thompson Italian (1024 King Street) – With delicious menus curated by Gabe and Katherine Thompson, Thompson Italian opened their second location in Old Town Alexandria a few years ago. Thompson Italian serves delicious and unique Italian dishes and offers fun food + wine tastings and a Monday Happy Hour deal of a $30 pasta bowl and a glass of wine!

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!!

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.

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!!

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!

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!

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.

Sisters Thai (503 Montgomery Street) – Located in Old Town North with multiple locations and sister restaurants across the Washington, DC area, Sisters Thai is a delicious Thai restaurant in a gorgeous atmosphere. Immediately when I walked into Sisters Thai, I was IN AWE by its gorgeously fun and floral environment!

Landini Brothers Restaurant (115 King Street) – A family favorite restaurant of ours, Landini Brothers Restaurant is a lovely celebratory and upscale Italian restaurant. The interiors are lined with cobblestone walls honoring its building’s historic Old Town Alexandria charm and makes it so much more cozy and the perfect gathering place for a celebration! Not to mention the fact that the food and wine are AMAZING and the staff there are ultra-kind and welcoming.

Hank’s Oyster Bar (818 North St. Asaph Street) – Located in Old Town North and being one of a couple of Hank’s Oyster Bar locations across the Washington, DC area, this seafood restaurant is known for its delicious eats and drinks.

Vaso’s (1118 King Street) – With all dishes prepared by Chef Vaso Voliotis, Vaso’s provides guests with the ultimate and authentic Greek fine dining experience. Alongside high-quality Greek dishes, Vaso’s also has a wonderful happy hour that is *even* served on Saturday afternoons.

The Cooper Mill (10 Duke Street) – The Cooper Mill is housed in a Civil War era warehouse that has been repurposed for the first time since being a warehouse. Serving AMAZING pizza by the slice, garlic knots, cocktails and beer and wine, alongside a DELICIOUS chocolate peanut butter cake, The Cooper Mill has IT ALL! The staff at this newly opened Old Town Alexandria restaurant are ultra-kind and it is ALWAYS busy. It is worth noting that The Cooper Mill does not take reservations at this time and will soon be opening up their second floor seating, including some outdoor seating for the warmer months.

Good Fortune Rooftop Bar (699 Prince Street) – Located on the rooftop of the recently-opened Hotel Heron, Good Fortune Rooftop bar is the highest rooftop bar in all of Old Town Alexandria! Guests can take in the STUNNING views of the Potomac River, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and Old Town Alexandria from up above. As of July 2024, Good Fortune only offered a drink menu, but I am hoping to dine at their onsite restaurant, The Kiln, at some point!

Desserts:

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. (109 King Street) – When it comes to ice cream shops, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is an Alexandria, Virginia staple! This long-time running ice cream parlor has been serving sweet tooth’s both near and far on King Street and boasts a super fun vintage atmosphere.

Kilwin’s (212 King Street) – I don’t like posting too many chain restaurants on my dining guides, however, I adore Kilwin’s for *none other than* ice cream and fudge wherever I may be, including in Old Town Alexandria! The staff at this Kilwin’s location are also pretty kind, too.

Dolci Gelati (107 North Fairfax Street) – Offering free samples and delicious gelato and coffee, I had an amazing time and will be coming back for more gelato at Dolci Gelati! It’s location is in close proximity to Market Square – the heart of Old Town Alexandria’s downtown and home to the historic Alexandria City Clerk and Clerk of Council Building alongside several town events and festivities and the weekly farmers market – making it a perfect stop along an Old Town Alexandria walking journey!

Wrap-Up:

Old Town Alexandria is one of my FAVORITE places to dine out at! Not only is there a vast array of cuisines at a variety of price points for all to enjoy, but it is also a welcoming place and each of my dining experiences there have been nothing short of fantastic. Truly, what makes Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria is the people who live and work there and make it as magnificent as it is!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie – October 2023

October 2023 started off on a BIG low and ended on a BIG high. WHAT A MONTH it was (!!!!!). From kicking off the month with extreme burnout to some super fun professional development events including speaking at a conference and going back to the classroom TWICE and exciting professional news to some local travel and adventures close to home to enjoying the Fall foliage and vibes to dressing Rosie up for Halloween and everything in between, October 2023 was truly one for the books. The older I get, the more I want to savor ALLL the memories and be grateful for what I have in the moment. And, the memories I had made this October 2023 were no different.

Highs:

  • Papa and I enjoyed a nice meal in downtown Clifton, Virginia together at Trattoria Villagio (which was recently ranked as a Top 50 Restaurant by Northern Virginia Magazine!). It was a great time for both me and Papa to simply enjoy one another’s company, some delicious pasta and appetizers (I was craving calamari and Papa was craving bruschetta!), and some excellent restaurant ambience.
  • This Fall has been a BEAUTIFUL one (!!!!). Personally, I have found this time of year to be one of THE MOST stunning times with the Fall foliage. I have taken EVERY moment to enjoy the stunning environment around me, through walks at local ponds near me to taking in alll the crisp Fall air when I step foot outside, to views of the foliage when I drive on Fairfax County Parkway. I have truly taken a moment this October to take a step back and practice mindfulness via simply being in the moment of Fall 2023 … we will never see Fall 2023 again, so why not enjoy it?!
  • Early this month, I got a surprise email in my inbox that I had been … PROMOTED (!!!!). My promotion was well-earned and a result of A LOT of hard work that I put in on the job. I have grown SO SO SO passionate about my work since starting at my current employer since graduating from college in 2021. I am extremely blessed to be able to work for my incredible employer and am SO excited to have been promoted this Fall season. I feel A LOT of confidence that others are seeing the hard work that I am putting in with tons of passion and am extremely proud of myself for earning it, too. To celebrate, I went to my favorite spot: Old Town Alexandria where I got a bottle of Italian women-owned bubbly at Virginia’s Darling, stopped by the Lilly Pulitzer store on King Street, strolled alongside the iconic Captain’s Row (more on that below!), and purchased a new dress at The Lucky Knot on King Street. I, then, went to my Mom’s house to enjoy some takeout Afghan cuisine from her favorite spot Afghan Bistro with a bottle of wine I picked up from Virginia’s Darling’s market and it was DELICIOUS. My Mom (and Dad, too) has been one of my biggest cheerleaders in life, so it was special to be able to celebrate with her.
  • Back to the classroom for me this October 2023! I started my monthly program – Ignite Young Professionals via the Leadership Center for Excellence – and have LOVED getting to be a student again and network with likeminded professionals all across different industries in the Washington, DC and more specifically Arlington, Virginia area. The Ignite Young Professionals program focuses on empowering the next generation of leaders with the skills to succeed professionally and personally alongside an incredible civic engagement component with a local Arlington, Virginia-based nonprofit. I LOVE LOVE LOVE and am so blown away by my classmates, how much I learned from them, and what incredible people they are. I am *VERY* excited for what is to come over the next 8 months as a student via the Leadership Center for Excellence!
  • This month, I had the HUGE honor to represent my employer where I moderated a panel at Women in Data, Washington, DC’s Making Sense of Data 2023 conference at the National Children’s Museum (which is SUCH A COOL museum!!). My panel was focused on 7th grader students and featured other working data professionals in government and the public sector. The students were extremely interactive asking several great questions AND loving learning the fact that data helps power TikTok and Instagram – LOL! Also, I LOVED getting to network with some incredible fellow women (and men!) in data who both volunteered at the conference whether with a booth or through the event as a whole. One of my biggest passions is empowering the next generation of girls and women in STEM-based careers, which Making Sense of Data 2023 allowed me to do! The BEST part?!?! I got to strike a few poses at the Barbie booth (!!!!!!).
  • I got a new PINK iPad!! In case you haven’t been following along on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) stories, I accidentally spilled water on my 2017 MacBook Pro. Fortunately for myself, I had insurance to cover the replacement of my laptop, which allowed me to replace it with … a PINK iPad and a Magic Keyboard to go with it. Needless to say, my excitement is definitely an understatement and the iPad is PERFECT for what I need for regular personal use. I actually picked up my iPad after the Making Sense of Data conference in Georgetown where I dined at Martin’s Tavern for a splendid solo date filled with espresso martinis, burgers, and fries (!!!).
  • Papa, Rosie, and I made a visit to Burke Nursey & Garden Centre‘s Fall Market on a weeknight and it was so fun! We went there last year and brought Rosie then, too, and had such a blast. There are two parts to the Fall Market: the the market filled with aisles of locally made goods ranging from their homemade Apple Cider Donuts, curated jams and sodas, and produce and the pumpkin patch and playground with Spooky-themed murals, hay bails, and *of course* pumpkins. This time around, we enjoyed browsing, walking around and admiring both the market and the patch, and watching Rosie enjoy it all, too.
  • One of the BEST parts of October in the Washington, DC area is making a visit to Old Town Alexandria’s iconic cobblestone streets of Captain’s Row to see the well-known Halloween decorations. Confession: I hadn’t have made a visit to Captain’s Row since I moved back to the Washington, DC area after college. SO, I LOVED getting to make a visit to Captain’s Row after enjoying some bubbly at Virginia’s Darling (!!!!) to celebrate my promotion. The Halloween decorations were so so so fun to see, especially since I recently learned that the Halloween decorations change within the community year after year!
  • At the Jonas Brothers concert back in September (here), I met a new friend Liz while getting lost on the way to Metro. Liz and I have met up again since the Jonas Brothers concert right by our Tysons-based offices at Coastal Flats in Tysons Corner Center where she brought Joe Jonas in the form of a pop-up! Needless to say, I am SO blessed that Liz and I met while getting lost going to Metro after the Jonas Brothers concert and have bonded ever since. Liz truly is a blessing!
  • My Dad came to visit for a weekend and we had an amazing time together! Our first stop was to Washington, DC to dig into our family genealogy research at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Library which is a STUNNING library (!!!!). We met with some genealogists and had a great time meeting with them and exploring the gorgeous library, museum, and state rooms which showcase historical representations of rooms from different states in different time periods. While we have literally hit a brick wall with a bit of our family genealogy, we did enjoy our time there and the several impressive resources at this incredible free library. After our time digging back in time, Dad and I headed to Thompson Italian aka one of my favorite local restaurants (!!!) in Old Town Alexandria to enjoy some amazing wine, short rib ravioli, and dessert before walking down King Street to stop into The Lucky Knot (who have the sweetest ladies there!!!!), enjoy some live music, and take in all of the spooky vibes. The next day, we got brunch in Occoquan, Virginia’s historic district at our favorite spot: The Secret Garden Cafe. We also strolled through the town, which is DECKED OUT for Halloween and so so so charming, and admired the adjacent Occoquan River, window shopping, and the crisp Fall air. I had an amazing time with my Dad and I truly cherish our time together.

DAR Library

Old Town Alexandria

Occoquan Historic District

  • Every October, Papa and Rosie and I take a day trip to Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive to enjoy the foliage. This year, I took a Thursday off of work and we got a peak at the leaves a bit pre-peak and pre-mega crowds, too. The day we went was a BEAUTIFUL sunny day and literally THE PERFECT day to go! We enjoyed taking in ALLLL of the stunning and cloud-free scenic views, crisp Fall air, and time together. Afterwards, we got lunch in Old Town Warrenton, Virginia at Denim & Pearls which was dog-friendly and had amazing daily deals on both beers and burgers aka the golden ticket (!!!!). The staff at Denim & Pearls were SOOO friendly and hospitable, too. Afterwards, I took a brief stroll through Old Town Warrenton before heading back home. Papa and Rosie and I definitely had a very special day for YEAR …. 3 of our Shenandoah National Park Fall day trip!

Shenandoah National Park

Warrenton

  • Just HOURS after I got back from Shenandoah National Park, my friend Liz and I met up at Panera Bread for dinner and then off to Tyson’s Showplace Icon Theatre and Kitchen to see … Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour movie. I *of course* got the bucket and cup and some popcorn, too. Liz and I dressed up in PINK and enjoyed time together just simply bonding and enjoying one another’s company while LITERALLY sobbing over our mutual love for Taylor Swift (and the Jonas Brothers, too!). I enjoyed Liz’s and I’s time together AND the amazing reclining chairs at the theatre!
  • The last week of October, it felt *just as if* ALL of the happy hours were manifesting (!!!). My back-to-back happy hours kicked off with Causes & Cocktails at The Commentary in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood. Causes & Cocktails is an event hosted by Volunteer Arlington to highlight different charities focused on different causes in the Arlington, Virginia area, with this month’s being focused on Food Insecurity. I got to network with those at the local nonprofits alongside others in the amazing Leadership Center for Excellence network that I recently became apart of via Ignite Young Professionals (INCLUDING some of my classmates!!) and *of course* my best friend Stephanie who completed a high school program through the Leadership Center for Excellence. The next happy hour was the 2023 Achieving After-school Celebration to fundraiser for Aspire After-school Learning: an Arlington-based nonprofit focused on providing additional After-school programming for students. I got to network with others from my Leadership Center for Excellence network AND enjoy the incredible skyline views at the venue: Army Navy Country Club! Because I was tired from a busy week the past week, I’m proud of myself for declining additional happy hour invites to simply rest.

Causes & Cocktails

Achieving After-School Celebration

  • Halloweekend was filled with LOTS of rest and LOTS of fun! Friday, I enjoyed the night in with carry out Chinese food and some tea on my back porch with my best friend Haley in the early evening. Saturday, I ran some errands including a stop by Home Goods (!!!!) and to a Trunk or Treat that Papa was volunteering at during setup. The Trunk or Treat had *none other than* a Fall-themed balloon arch, SO I *of course* snapped a few photos in front of it! Sunday, Papa, Aunt Amy, and I enjoyed a brunch at Ada’s on the River at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront. Our brunch was amazing (as per usual!) and I had one of the best Aperol Spritz’s I’ve had! Afterwards, I took Papa and Aunt Amy to Captain’s Row to see ALLL the spooky Halloween decorations (!!!). Captain’s Row brought GREAT joy to all three of us. Sunday evening, I organized, did some home decor projects, and meal prepped for the week ahead. The entire weekend included LOTS of the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies, too.

Trunk or Treat

Ada’s on the River

Captain’s Row

Lows:

  • 2 weeks without a personal laptop SUCKED at the beginning of the month. I ended up using my work laptop for personal use including writing blog content where I encountered … a BUG with WordPress. The WordPress bug delayed ALLL my blog content for the first few weeks of October. HOWEVER, I am SO grateful for my new iPad and excited to have it to easily carry and take with me everywhere I go!
  • Early this October, I had horrible burnout. And, my burnout made me feel sick, as a result. Since then and luckily with the support of friends, family and my coworkers, I have made some adjustments to my day-to-day life, including scaling back on some of the work I am committing to both professionally and personally. One of the BIGGEST changes that I am making is avoiding (for the most part) signing onto my work laptop after 5pm on weekdays and on the weekends. I since deciding to do some scaling back, I have felt SO MUCH BETTER both mentally and physically.
  • NOT to be dramatic, BUT I had my lovely car Daisy towed without realizing that she was 1000% fine this month – BIG WHOOPS!!! SO, I drove to Starbucks after my vaccines and on the way home a warning light came on telling me to stop driving my car. While I got home safely, I was SOOO nervous that something bigger was going on with poor Daisy. I talked to my local body shop and had her towed (free thanks to insurance!) only to discover that she just needed a programmatic reboot. WHELP! In the end, I am grateful that I brought my car in to be extra sure and that everything is good and that I didn’t have to spend a ton on repairs, either.
  • I got my COVID and Flu vaccine at the same time towards the middle of the month. My experience to say the least was quick and easy, but left me with a horrible fever that night and out all weekend. I had to reschedule plans with friends that I planned that weekend thinking that I would be *TOTALLY* fine with just a sore arm (or two!). HOWEVER, the universe had other plans and I ended up barely leaving the couch ALL WEEKEND LONG. BUT, I am grateful for the opportunity to simply rest, be still, and in the moment for one weekend before they all get super busy with the upcoming holiday season. I am also extremely grateful for science and the scientific advancements that have come to allow us to get vaccinated, in order to stay safe and healthy and protected against COVID-19.
  • My seasonal allergies have been THE WORST this past October. The exact Friday I was supposed to host a Halloween Happy Hour at my house, I ended up having an awful bit of allergies get sprung upon me. I had a bunch of work calls in the morning that required me to have myself in my typical work from home attire (here and here) while dying on the inside. Ultimately, I ended up sadly cancelling my Halloween Happy Hour for 2023. And, while a disappointment, I am glad that I was able to prioritize rest and that I was able to get one-on-one time with my friends soon after who intended to attend.

I am going into November 2023 filled with SO MUCH gratitude. I turned 24 in May of this year and it’s CRAZY to think that in just 6 months I will be turning 25! I have really enjoyed Chapter 24 so far in my book of life and am more than excited for what is to come for the second half of this magnificent chapter! NOW, onto November!

XOXO – Katie <3

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