Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant
Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant first opened as a tavern in 1785. Over the years, the tavern was frequented by a number of famous presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Madison. The tavern has maintained its historic appeal and has an interior decor with white walls with black and white paintings of former presidents, wood trim, a large wood fireplace, hardwood floors and dim lighting. The ambiance is elegant yet casual and the food is classic American fare with specialties like filet mignon, prime rib and lamb chops. There is an extensive wine list available as well with red, white and sparkling wines available by the glass and by the bottle.
Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant
138 N. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-1288
gadsbystavernrestaurant.com
La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant
La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant first opened in 1993 and focuses on authentic Spanish cuisine, with 35 authentic Tapas dishes and classic Paellas and a wide selection of Spanish wines and beers. The interior is reminiscent of a Spanish villa, with wrought iron railings and hanging lights, Spanish artwork adorning the walls, Spanish hand-painted tiles and fresh flowers on every table. The tapas feature traditional recipes with many different fish, steak, pork and chicken selections. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with soft Spanish music heard throughout each of the three levels.
La Tasca Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant
607 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3105
703-299-9810
latascausa.com
Vermilion
Vermilion serves up contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal, local and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has an 81 percent approval rating according to consumers on Urban Spoon and was on Washingtonian Magazine's list of "100 Very Best Restaurants" in 2007 and 2008. Vermilion is nestled among the charming streets of Old Town and has an interior featuring velvet red drapes and exposed brick walls. Some of the specialties on the menu include the roasted scallops with leeks and potato gratin, chicken with smashed grapes and kale and rock fish with clam chowder.
Vermilion
1120 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-2925
703-684-9669
vermilionrestaurant.com
Columbia Fire House Restaurant
Columbia Fire House Restaurant is nestled in a restored firehouse originally built in 1871. The ambiance is trendy, upscale and casual and the restaurant serves innovative takes on classic comfort foods. The main dining room has a high, curved glass ceiling. The restaurant has received rave reviews; consumers on Urban Spoon give the restaurant a 91 percent approval rating. The menu has specialties such as the charcuterie beef, pork and sausage; farmstead cheese sampler; and entrees like pan seared organic salmon, fried chicken, bison short ribs and cedar brined pork chops.
Columbia Fire House Restaurant
109 S. Saint Asaph St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3119
703-683-1776
columbiafirehouse.com