Things to Do in Alexandria VA (2025)
Alexandria’s hometown brewery pours award-winning beers in a lively tasting room with tours, events, and a permanent La Tingeria kitchen. Recognized with recent Great American Beer Festival medals and praised by local media for its community vibe.
This intimate listening room has hosted icons since the 1960s and still books a wide range of acts. Featured in The Washington Post and beloved by performers and fans for up-close shows, dinner service, and a uniquely Alexandrian music legacy.
A speakeasy-style bar known for inventive, seasonal cocktails and a nautical setting. Highlighted in The Washington Post’s speakeasy guide and praised by The Infatuation; reservations recommended for this small, independently owned spot.
Just across the Potomac River in Alexandria’s Del Rey neighborhood is the endearing—and enduring—Evening Star Cafe. Housed in an unmissable bright blue building, it’s been around since the late ‘90s and has the vibe of a small-town café where everybody knows each other and their dog by name. During weekend brunch, we go all-in on the chilaquiles, smoked pork hash, and sourdough French toast, plus a glass of frosé or an Irish iced coffee.
A fiercely local bookstore known for lively author talks, workshops, and book clubs. Regularly programming events listed by respected local calendars and Visit Alexandria, it’s a cultural hub that keeps literary life buzzing downtown.
An indie record shop with deep DC roots and a respected in-house label. ALXnow’s 2025 coverage showed lines out the door for Record Store Day; crate-diggers come for hard-to-find new releases and local music culture.
A locally owned marketplace showcasing dozens of Alexandria makers, with frequent workshops and pop-ups. Covered by Alexandria Living Magazine and local press for its new King Street space and community-first mission.
Part playful lounge, part adoption center, this indie café recently celebrated its 1,000th adoption. Alexandria Living Magazine and city listings note reservations for the cat room; the downstairs wine bar welcomes walk-ins.
A beloved, independently owned cheese shop and eatery anchoring Del Ray’s dining scene. Lauded by regional magazines and locals alike for retail selection, brunch, and comfort classics built around great cheese.
Chef-owners Gabe and Katherine Thompson bring handmade pastas and standout desserts to King Street. Recognized in Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants and noted by Eater DC for its buzzy cacio e pepe gimlet.
A modern ode to Alexandria’s historic soda fountains, serving throwback-inspired cocktails and sandwiches. Frequently recommended by Eater DC and local outlets for its neighborhood feel and well-made classics.
A longtime Del Ray favorite for SoCal-style tacos and lively margaritas. Celebrated by Washingtonian over the years and named top Mexican spot by ALXnow readers in 2025, it’s woven into the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.
