Soul Food Restaurants & Lounges in Alexandria, VA

Fried eggs with boiled chard, tomatoes and rolls image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com

Alexandria, Virginia, situated along the western bank of the Potomac River, traces its roots to the first settlement in 1695. The historic city center, commonly referred to as Old Town, is a thriving community and home to many people who commute to Washington D.C., which is six miles to the north. Alexandria is also a hip spot for southern dining. Soul food restaurants and comfortable bars and lounges contribute to the city's bustling nightlife.

Southside 815

Southside 815 is an Old Town favorite that serves everything from sweet potato biscuits to fried green tomatoes. The restaurant, which has been serving heaping helpings of soul food since 1993, features starters, salads, grill and pan specialties, land and sea combos, southern classics, sides and sandwiches. Non-traditional fare includes jambalaya pasta, low-country shortcake--a combination of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, succotash and gravy--as well as a variety of Po' boys. Entrees range from $13.95 to $18.95 in 2010.

Southside 815
815 S. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-6222
southside815.com

Evening Star Cafe

Evening Star Cafe serves an eclectic selection, including rarities such as maple pork belly and roasted rock fish. The restaurant also features a full bar and lounge. Entrees range from $20 to $27 in 2010. Offerings include a brisket basket and eggs for brunch, the beet and carrot salad, grilled pork chops and gumbo.

Evening Star Cafe
2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22301
703-549-5051
eveningstarcafe.net

Vermillion Restaurant

Vermillion restaurant offers "deceptively simple modern American cuisine in the heart of Old Town." The restaurant uses local products whenever possible and offers a warm ambiance, including large comfortable couches in the bar. Menu items include the corned pork reuben and "boxed lunches" that range from the CEO (a two-course meal), to the Junior VP (streamlined two courses) to the Intern ("quick, fast and in a hurry"). Dinner items include roasted olives, spring chicken picatta and corned Berkshire pork shank. Dinner items range from $16 to $33 in 2010.

Vermillion Restaurant
1120 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-9669
vermilionrestaurant.com

Article Written By Leah Deitz

Leah Deitz has been writing alternative health and environmental-related articles for over five years. She began her writing career at a small newspaper covering city politics but turned to environmental concerns after beginning her freelance career. When she is not exploring the trails and outdoors of the East Coast, Deitz writes for a number of different websites.

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