Insider's Guide to Old Town, Alexandria

I get asked all the time for my Old Town Alexandria recs (mostly from out-of-towners who are coming to visit DC) but also for locals looking to switch up from their usuals, so I figured I would put them in all one place! As an Alexandria resident from almost 8 years, I definitely have my opinions on favorites so just remember - these are MY opinions, and not exclusive to all the amazing shops and restaurants Old Town has to offer!

Old Town, Alexandria is truly such a special place. The cobblestone streets, the gas lamps, the history, the water views.. it truly is a destination and living here feels like I’m on vacation everyday. There is no shortage of great restaurants and shops to keep you busy for a day or more. So I will be sharing the places to hit throughout a day in Old Town!

The iconic Prince Street.

Best Coffee

Misha’s - The Old Town staple now with 2 locations! Though I don’t drink coffee and just drink matcha, Misha’s is by far my husband’s favorite and still the place I recommend most people go based on the location, ambiance, and coffee.

Best Casual Breakfast

Toastique - When in need of something quick but delicious, I love a good avocado toast (and Toastique has gluten free!) They also have fresh juices and smoothies. I love coming here after a workout.

South Block - Also a great place to either dine in or pick up for a quick breakfast. They have lots of protein-packed shakes, acai bowls, and more!

Best Brunch/Lunch

Fontaine Caffe - Probably my favorite restaurant in Old Town, its motto is “Where the Locals Eat” and it’s true! I can eat here 4 times a week and not get tired of it. For brunch or lunch, Fontaine is a French bistro that serves a wide array of crepes and classic French dishes like mussels and frites, trout, and more. Everything on the menu pairs well with a little bubbly or Sancerre. The interior is stunning but it’s even more fun outside on a gorgeous day!

Chadwicks- I love Chadwicks for a casual but fun brunch! Also with a very local vibe, I think the food at Chadwicks is so underrated. Their seafood cobb is to die for and their kids menu is awesome. I just love the fun, casual vibe.

Fontaine Caffe.

William enjoying crepes at Fontaine.

Best Shopping - Clothing/Jewelry

The Shoe Hive/ The Hive - These are two different stores under the same ownership, one on S Fairfax street and one on Cameron, so only a few blocks from each other and both exquisite! The Shoe Hive has mostly shoes and accessories from the likes of AGL, Marion Parke, Tibi, and Golden Goose. The Hive has a mix of contemporary styles including brands like Veronica Beard, Isabel Marant, Joseph, Mother, and Lizzie Fortunato. The Hive always seems so fresh and ahead of the trends and you will probably find your new favorite designer here!

Donna Lewis - Donna Lewis is where you go to feel transported to Milan or the French Riviera. Mostly Italian-made luxury clothing, you won’t know any of the brands and that makes them that much cooler. This is where you will find staple items like sweaters, blazers and jackets that will last you a lifetime. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the store is located in one of the cutest alleyways in Old Town.

She’s Unique - a quaint little jewelry store on King St. You will find mostly dainty but stackable jewelry of all price points (I love their in house luxury jewelry at a reasonable price point).

Donna Lewis.

The Hive.

Best Shopping - Consignment

Mint Condition - This is a consignment store that is actually a destination - they get plenty of luxury handbangs from the likes of Gucci, Saint Laurent and Chanel. It’s worth popping in to see if you can find something special!

Vida Style - Old Town has a considerable amount of consignment stores, but this newer store is worth a gander for quirky items and unique handcrafted accessories from local artisans as well as designer luxury items.

Mint Condition.

Vida Style.

Best Shopping - Kids

Monday’s Child - after Vida Style pop in to Monday’s Child on S. Lee where you will find everything you need for your preppy child from newborn and up. They carry great brands like Beaufort Bonnet, Luigi, Magnolia Baby, and more. Plus, they do monogramming!

Monday’s Child.

Best Shopping - Home Goods

Manse - this new store off of S Columbus is perfectly curated with both modern and classic items, such as vintage artwork and barware alongside whimsical planters and tableware. You will find the most unique gifts and books and they are constantly changing it up.

Patina - right next door on S Columbus, Patina recently upgrades their store and it is floors of so many amazing items. Here you can find bigger items like couches, tables and art but also tableware and gifts. Plus, they do custom design if you are looking for a decorator.

Manse.

Best Happy Hour

Brut - The coziest vibe in Old Town with the best wine selection in town by far. Dustin and team will always give you their trusted recommendations. It’s a great place to start - or end- the night, with light bites and delicious raclette.

Hank’s Oyster Bar - The place we are most likely to end up on a Friday night, especially in the summer with the rooftop patio! On the North side of town, Hank’s is the perfect place for a casual and fun night, plus their oysters and seafood are amazing!

Runner up: Barca since the views are great but there needs to be more gluten free food! Perfect for a cocktail on the water, though!

Hank’s Oyster Bar.

Best Dinner - Fancier

Landini Brothers - An Old Town classic, this Italian restaurant right on King is the perfect place for a cozy, fancier dinner. It’s the right level of fancy where you can come in casual if you wanted, or make it a place for a big celebration like a birthday. The menu is superb, and they always have incredible specials. They have plenty of seating indoors and out, which also helps for an event! It’s a go-to for sure, and for my gluten-free peeps, they have the BEST gluten-free pasta!

Cedar Knoll - About 15 minutes south of Old Town, but worth the drive for the food, history, and views! Close to Mount Vernon, it has gorgeous views of the Potomac and is super charming and cozy (can you tell I like cozy restaurants?) Plus, the menu changes seasonally and is well thought out using local items. It’s also such an Alexandria staple, I even had my baby shower there!

Oak Steakhouse - Although a chain, I actually love Oak for its consistency! Its food and service are always great, and it’s otherwise hard to find a good steak in Old Town! Plus, the bar has just the right cool and classy feel for an apertif.

Runners up: (Because they just opened or re-opened not too long ago and I’m waiting to see how they land in the long term) Thompson Italian and Vermilion

Cedar Knoll.

Best Dinner - Takeout/Casual

Faccia Luna - My favorite pizza place in town! They do wood-fired style pizzas (and have awesome salads and pastas if you’re not in the mood for pizza). We usually take-out but sitting in is fun too!

Don Taco - Don Taco seems like it would be over-hyped if you look at it, but if you actually try it you’ll see that the tacos are insane. They have super unique combinations and none of them are boring. Their guacamole is so good I could eat it as my whole meal. I usually order on UberEats when I need a moms-night-in!

Sisters Thai - Sister’s Thai’s ambiance is next level, complete with Magnolia Bakery, but their Thai food actually stands up as well! I love their gluten free fried calamari, their rose lattes, and their unique Thai signature dishes (although the classics like Pad Thai are well done here too.)

Dishes of India - My guilty pleasure! It’s in a basement in a plaza but their Indian food is addictive. I crave it! I have my order down pat and love to go for a casual night out or pick up to take home. It’s a hidden gem!

Sister’s Thai.

Best Ice Cream

Dolci Gelati - Old Town might as well be the ice cream capitol of the world, with over 5 ice cream shops within just one block! But one reigns superior, and that is Dolci Gelati. It’s actually national ranked (i believe, don’t quote me on that) for having the best gelato! The quality is just so good.

Kilwins - If you want the full ice cream experience, I think Kilwin’s is the nicest! With a large selection of flavors and fudge as well, it’s a perfect place to take the kids and walk the streets of Old Town.

Jeni’s - I can’t not mention Jeni’s, right? Although a chain, it’s just so good and the neverending line outside will speak to that. Haven’t heard of Jeni’s? Its unique flavors like Brambleberry Crisp are sold in most grocery stores as well.

Dolci Gelati.

Old Town, Alexandria truly is the most amazing place, even if you’re here for a day! I hope you enjoy my recs as a long time resident!