RT's Restaurant

Creole restaurant · Arlandria

RT's Restaurant

Creole restaurant · Arlandria

5

3804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

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RT's Restaurant by RT’s/Facebook
RT's Restaurant by RT’s/Facebook
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null
RT's Restaurant by null

Highlights

Dive into New Orleans-style favorites like shrimp and gumbo in a chill spot with booths, where generous portions and friendly vibes steal the show.  

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3804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 Get directions

rtsrestaurant.net

$$$$$$ · Menu

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3804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305 Get directions

+1 703 684 6010
rtsrestaurant.net
141226449246845

$$$$$$ · Menu

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outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 8, 2025

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@eater

"This longtime institution serves both as a neighborhood bar and one of the greater area’s few options for homey, New Orleans-style cooking. The unapologetically seafood-focused menu has choices like shrimp and crab etouffee, crab and crawfish-stuffed flounder, and multiple varieties of gumbo; it also works crab into hush puppies and shrimp into beignets. Find Mardi Gras-appropriate drinks like hurricanes and Sazeracs, too." - Rebecca Cooper

Best Dining Bets in Alexandria’s Del Ray Neighborhood
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@eater

"The New Orleans-leaning restaurant delivers on its hearty “Death” by Gumbo — a shellfish lover’s dream bursting with shrimp, oysters, crab meat, and crawfish tails — joined by andouille sausage over rice ($25)." - Tierney Plumb

Must-Try Soups Around D.C. This Winter
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@eater

"Alexandria’s Southern staple offers a savory, beignet-based main that strays from its original roots. Whole shrimp and crawfish are wrapped with angel hair pasta and laid over beignets, served with a garlic dipping sauce ($11.95). Versatile in texture as well as flavor, the beignet adds a crispy element to a dish already full of unexpected flair." - Abi Newhouse

Where to Stock Up on Beignets for Mardi Gras — Or All Year Long — In D.C.
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@eater

"This Creole and Cajun restaurant in Alexandria serves one version of the sandwich from the land (grilled chicken with sautéed mushrooms and cheese) and two from the sea (the fried catfish or shrimp, with garlic mayo and Cajun remoulade)." - Tierney Plumb, Tim Ebner

Po'boys Are Hot — Here's Where to Find Them
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@eater

"A Del Ray standby, RT’s has kept Northern Virginians in all the broiled oysters, sherry-spiked alligator stew, and “death by gumbo” platters they could eat for decades. Locals swear by the savory crawfish fritters, fried catfish smothered in shrimp etouffee, and crab-topped veal scallopini." - Eater Staff

D.C.'s Essential Cajun Restaurants - Eater DC
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Ebony E.

Google
It’s located in an interesting part of Alexandria…BUT the food is good. Everything I’ve had from there I’ve liked. I had the shrimp and crab etouffe this go round along with the hurricane and a brandy bayou I believe it’s called. Everything was great and came out hot and quickly. Entrees are served with a side salad also.

Eva Szabo

Google
Awesome food, friendly staff. The Death by Gumbo was better than the gumbo I had in the French Quarter a few months ago. And finally, a place that can make a Sazerac without checking what goes in it 😉 This is our new favorite! Oh, and easy free parking in Del Ray? Sign me up!

idec al

Google
Stopped by with my girls and we all loved our food. The service was great as well and quick. The crispy shrimps was delicious and my favorite was the grilled Brussels sprouts . Lovely ambience too. We plan to be back!

TheMia315

Google
We have been coming here for past 20 years. We are picky so this tells you how good this place is. Too bad they don't give veteran discount. Paid about $250. Make a reservation as we did for 6 people. Update: Went here Dec 26, 2024 for lunch. We did not need a reservation. Place was empty. Lunch is the dinner menu so people seem to come here in evening. This place is so inconspicuous and you would never know it was fine dining. It's pricey,but worth it for special occasions. I'm a young retired lady so we eat out all the time. I hate telling people I'm retired because I look young & I get a lot of hate, but we have more money to spend than the average person. This is one of my favorite NoVA restaurants along with Peppercorn Chinese in Springfield.

Geraldine Howard

Google
Went here for Restaurant week.. I would go again..Very good choices on menu.

Shavone Gray

Google
I usually don’t complain or write reviews however, I felt the need to say something. This was my first time ordering from this restaurant and the food I received was not of good quality. My crab cakes and loaded baked potato were burned. It was so bad that you could smell the burnt smell through the bag.

S (World Traveler)

Google
CONSISTENTLY DELICIOUS! We have been coming here for many years and the food is consistently delicious! The service sometimes feels rushed when they're busy but the food is consistent. We have visited New Orleans multiple times and the food at RT's is authentically comparable to New Orleans. Delicious!

Karry B

Google
I discovered this restaurant through my friends, who often celebrate anniversaries and special occasions here. The food was absolutely fantastic, bursting with flavors and beautifully presented. The wine selection was diverse and impressive, complementing the meal perfectly. We had an amazing time, and the Christmas decorations added a festive touch to the atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. Don’t get me started about the desert ☺️. Highly recommended!

Zack G.

Yelp
Very authentic cajun/creole restaurant with a huge menu of both food & drink options I came here with my GF and we started our experience with their complimentary bread. It was solid, but it would have been nice if the butter was a little softer so that it was easier to spread For drinks, I got a hurricane (which I polished off more quickly than I likely should have) and then followed it off with a guava fresca. Both were very tasty For food, I got a gumbo dish. It was very large (stuffed with lots of shellfish & meat), authentic, and delicious. My GF and I also split a slice of pie for dessert, and we really enjoyed it as well Prices are a little on the higher end, but that is understandable given the size of the portions & the amount of high quality meat & shellfish used in the dishes Service was very quick & attentive Both bar and table seating

D'Anthony F.

Yelp
Heard about this place through some friends visiting and figured I'd try it out. We were greeted, seated, and our drink orders were put in/received pretty quickly. I can't remember the drink I had, but it was on the specialty list and had a cherry as a garnish (gotta do better at the pictures). For an appetizer, we had some amazing fried oysters (they also give complimentary bread), and I got the catfish and Brussels sprouts as my entree. I've been in the area for about 10 years, and this was probably the best catfish I've had. The crispiness and flavor of the catfish reminded me of a simpler time, and words cannot describe the brussel sprouts. I saw some other items on the menus that were calling my name, so I'll definitely be back. 10/10 would recommend.

Ashley H.

Yelp
my fiancé and I came to this establishment yesterday after looking for some good she crab soup in the northern Virginia area. As many times as we have been in Alexandria we have never heard or been to this restaurant before. After parking we walked in and waited a few minutes before we were greeted but were seated soon after that. Our waiter (an Asian gentleman) was friendly and explained the menu and his favorites very well! We decided to get the calamari for an appetizer and was pleasantly surprised that it was fresh and not those frozen ring only kind and came with an awesome remoulade sauce. For entrees we decided on the soft shell crab that comes with a salad and side of your choice. 1st let me say the crabs are HUGE! we honestly could of shared 1 entrée between the two of us! The taste was absolutely amazing and had a lot of meat. I Also had the soup which wasn't the best I ever had but with some additional seasoning is definitely worth ordering with the lump crab that is in it. Overall, we will definitely be back to this restaurant! The plates that we saw others ordering like the gumbo and crab cakes definitely looked appetizing also. I misused one star just due to the unwelcoming nature of the lady who seated us that was behind the bar. She seemed to have opened up and became friendly be time we left but it is a little off putting when you first walk into a restaurant for the first time.

Russell J.

Yelp
Let's assume that the ranking scale for Cajun/creole restaurants was the New Orleans metro area itself; the best restaurants are in the CBD/quarter and the worst are in Baton Rouge. RT's would be in Metairie; pretty good for being 900 miles from NOLA, but probably can't compete with Commanders Palace. The inside is nice and cozy. When I went they were doing a $30 three-course special; one app, one entree, and one dessert. I chose gumbo, etouffee, and bread pudding. Again, everything was good for being 900 miles from New Orleans, but it was missing something. The gumbo was missing the smokiness you can only get from a slow-cooked roux, same with the etouffee. Also, the bread was good, but was definitely not NO French bread, which was disappointing in DC where you can get anything. Overall, a solid option though.

Alonzo M.

Yelp
Once again it's on! The food always delicious and the service is amazing but the ambiance still on point warming vibes

Bryan D.

Yelp
This little stretch of Mt. Vernon Avenue is not a foodie hot spot, but RT's is the exception. We live in the area and thought we'd try it out. The style of food served here is not obvious from the outside; we were shocked at what we found. They claim to be the "best Creole and Cajun food outside of Louisiana!" Well, geaux there. You won't be disappointed. Great service and great food.

Christopher M.

Yelp
Although my recent visit was during Alexandria's Winter 2025 Restaurant Week ($30 3-course prix fixe menu), RT's has long been my year-round favorite go-to for Cajun specialities in the DMV - like the cup of she-crab soup and southern fried catfish smothered with a dark brown shrimp and crab étouffée. Indeed, I recently learned that RT's has been named among Forbes Magazine's top 50 Southern Restauants in the country! For this visit, I had a cup of the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and the shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Both were served piping hot, with Tabasco on hand for those who are so inclined. With the bar tab (a strong shot of Wild Turkey neat and a draft Abita Amber) and tip it came to $65, and I had half of the étouffée for dinner the next day. Not a bad deal for Alexandria, Virginia. (Note also the restaurant is right across the street from the Birchmere Music Hall - Over the Rhine will be performing there later in February 2025!) I've been a fan for more than ten years, and service has been consistently excellent - not obtrusive but attentive; tolerant of kids and accommodating of those in need of accommodation. Prices, including bar prices, are well within the norm for the area, and daily specials are especially tempting. We'll be a party of six (three adults and boys 7, 5 and 3 years) for Mardi Gras this March 4, and I know I'll order the outstanding alligator stew as an appetizer and either the Trout Orleans or the very traditional crawfish étouffée, with Abita Amber and a shot of Wild Turkey.

Judy L.

Yelp
Very authentic Creole food. My only wish was softer butter for the bread. Coconut Cake Melvin was amazing! Excellent service! Fast and friendly. Clean restaurant and family friendly ambiance. I would come back!

Shayla M.

Yelp
I love finding restaurants that you weren't expecting to be a hit! I found RT's on accident. The restaurant is tucked away in a row of various shops on a busy block. There's a parking lot across the street for you to park. I ordered a shrimp poboy sandwich. Now the sandwich is typically only served at lunch times. The restaurant wasn't very busy so they let me go ahead and place the order. The sandwich was great. It also came with an order of homemade shoestring French fries. By the time I got home they were not as hot or crispy as they probably were when I got them. I also ordered the chicken and andouille gumbo. The gumbo is served over rice. The portion size was good and I was also given some bread which I enjoyed dipping in the gumbo.

Nakia A.

Yelp
Creole in DC? I was a bit skeptical but even more intrigued to check this place out. I came in on a Saturday afternoon and we were seated pretty quickly. The staff was friendly and helpful since it was our first time visiting. We ended up getting the mussels, chicken & andouille sausage gumbo (cup size), and the shrimp & crab etouffee. Everything was good but if you've had creole food in New Orleans, it won't be the best you've ever had. I think it's decent if you have a fix for creole food - overall rate the food 3.5/5. FYI: street parking is limited so check out the parking across the street.

Emma Z.

Yelp
I can't believe it's been three years since my RT's review. This place is still so good. I recently got takeout to celebrate a special occasion, and the meal lived up to all my expectation. I ordered the gumbo and the imperial etoufee, both of which were delicious. The portions are well sized and easily fed two people plus a bit of leftovers. The seasoning is outstanding, from the main dishes themselves to the rice. It reminded me of visiting New Orleans. Sometimes I see my old reviews and lament how places have changed, closed, or faltered. Not RT's. The food remains outstanding, and I'll definitely be back.

Kevin L.

Yelp
3.5 stars. Been wanting to try to this place due to the authentic cajun/creole food they served. I tried the gumbo and the shrimp etouffee. The etoufee was definitely my favorite, the rue was very flavorful and overall the dish tasted great. The gumbo was pretty decent it. The seafood and a sausage were good. I wish the broth was just a tad less watery. Unfortunately there was a small hair in it. They immediately took it away, removed it from our check and comped us with free drinks and dessert which was nice. Place had has a very home feel and services was nice, especially management. Overall some hits and misses.

Alison G.

Yelp
RT's, please stand up and take a bow, because you did the damn thing! My friend and I came here on Friday, 1/26/2024 at around 5:30pm. We did not have a reservation and when we arrived the restaurant only had a couple of tables seated. We were seated promptly and shortly after being seated someone brought us two waters. Our waitress, Stephanie, greeted us quickly, went over some menu details, pointed out their 3-course restaurant week/prix fixe (this is the correct spelling, look it up LOL) menu and made some recommendations. We both took her up on the restaurant week prix fixe menu and I ordered all of her suggestions, for my appetizer I got the chicken andouille gumbo, for my entree I got the 5 oz crab cake and for dessert I got the chocolate mousse. EVERYTHING was spectacular, the gumbo was so freaking meaty, hearty and well seasoned. The crab cake was ALL crab and no filler, it was moist and broiled to perfection. Listen to me when I tell you, I am not really a dessert fan, you will NEVER find me ordering dessert, I'm a savory over sweets girl, but the mousse was bomb! The mousse was not too sweet, perfect texture, and just yummy! Lastly the service, Stephanie was gReAt! Stephanie was personable, attentive, she checked in with us and asked us if it was okay to send in our entree order while we had our appetizers, which showed excellent customer service. She was grade A+. Additionally, there seems to be a team approach to service, someone else filled our waters, my water never went below half full, the manager (or possibly owner) took our check, when I tell you customer service was perfect, believe me please! I'm glad you read my review to the end, but get your booty up and check this spot out. I am already planning my next trip back!

Mila F.

Yelp
Ordered take out and picked it up in restaurant! I saw some reviews saying they were great Cajun and they were 100% right! I ordered the crawfish etoufee and all the flavours were there without being overwhelming which is easy to do when people try to hit Cajun flavour and just overseason. The area was a location and exterior was a little underwhelming but the restaurant itself was well kept and has that mom and pop, been here forever energy. I was greeted quickly and the service was quick! I would def go back and try other items at the restaurant!

Erica L.

Yelp
This place has great reviews and my bf decided to bring me here for a lunch date. We showed up and it's a very small and quaint restaurant. I didn't look it up, but it gives off the vibe that it's been there for years. It was pretty empty when we got there but a few older couples popped up as we sat there. Service was good/quick and the food was overall pretty good. I got steak and frites because I'm not a huge seafood lover but always open to trying it. If this place did a building refresh it would probably be 5 stars all the way. While we were there we ordered adult beverages. In one of the pictures, you can see the margarita my bf ordered. Well it apparently looks just like their lemonade. While we were there a family came in (with children) and she was carrying our second round of drinks with their order of drinks and as she got to our table, she said "shit" and looked as the glasses as if she was trying to recall which one was the margarita. Successfully she handed him the margarita and he of course tasted it immediately! It was right, but still a funny moment that could have happened to anyone.

Trendy D.

Yelp
The ambiance is alright. It's not a super upscale or classy looking spot if that's what you're looking for. It's more of an old timey (mom and pop) feel restaurant. Some would say it has character. There were a lot of older grandparent looking folks there as well. I did a walk-in and he said there were no tables available. So if you're trying to go, set up a reservation in advance or you might have to sit at the bar. I sat at the bar but no one noticed me and I was the only person at this very small bar. I had to get up and ask someone to assist me. The service once I got assistance was okay. They were decently quick with bringing things out. Gratuity is included in your bill FYI it's 20%. The food was good. It didn't blow my mind, but it was delicious. I would say they don't season the broiled Jumbo lump crab very much. They just give you old bay at your seat on the side and tar tar sauce. The appetizer - the Jack Daniel's shrimp and lump crab was really good. The shrimp was a bit rubbery so slightly over cooked, but the sauce was delicious. For $14 it's a very small appetizer but maybe you're paying for the crab? There MKP for the lump crab cake entrees were $39. That's a standard amount and does come with two sides. Tips: There's street parking but not a ton of it and random garages behind building Make reservation in advance Tip included and it's 20%

Shaquita C.

Yelp
I have been a loyal patron of your restaurant since childhood and recently decided to introduce my friends to your establishment during Alexandria's Restaurant Week. Unfortunately, our experience did not meet the high standards I have come to expect. Upon entering, we were not greeted by the server at the door but were instead instructed to stand and wait. Another party, without a reservation, was promptly greeted and seated. Once we were seated, my friend ordered the calamari but found the taste and texture unappealing. When she informed the server, the response was "why," leading to an uncomfortable back-and-forth. I intervened, stating that it is inappropriate to require a detailed explanation from a customer who does not enjoy a dish. The server then mentioned needing to inform the manager, as this was not standard practice. I ordered my usual favorite, the crawfish beignets, which appeared slightly burnt. Given the previous encounter with the server, I chose not to complain. When I inquired about a new dish on the menu, the server informed me that she did not know as she is a pescatarian. I had to ask another waiter, who also did not know, but he kindly brought the manager over, who provided an excellent review of the dish. My main course, the pecan-crusted chicken, was indeed a great choice. In summary, while the main course was enjoyable, the appetizers and customer service fell short of expectations. This experience has unfortunately deterred my friends from wanting to return.

Karen H.

Yelp
My husband and I visited yesterday. I ordered the shrimp and crab etouffee and my husband the gumbo. I was very disappointed in the etouffee. It wasn't authentic at all. It's all about the roux and the holy trinity. The holy trinity was lacking and the roux had no Cajun seasoning or kick to it. Unfortunately, it was just shrimp and crabmeat in brown gravy. Anyone who thinks this is authentic etouffee has apparently never had any. The gumbo was great in presentation but flavor was just okay. The mussels were good but the sauce was not smooth. The chef needs to go study Cajun cooking.

Jada H.

Yelp
This place never disappoints! I love the service, food, everything. You have to come and experience for yourself.

Vicki A.

Yelp
The Jack Daniel's shrimp appetizer was a 5 star dish. My fish was very fishy... The service was good as always.

Diondra B.

Yelp
This place appears to be located in a rough part of Alexandria. Upon entry its a older place and alpt of local drug addicts and alcoholics seem to stroll in and out of there. That should have been my sign to turn around but because of all the great reviews I stayed. I got the blackend scallops to start which was way softer and Chewier than I'd prefer didn't taste fresh. I then got the shrimp and crab etoufee. It tasted like can gravy , frozen mini shrimp that was in the freezer to long. Overall didn't really enjoy my time there. The service was nice though.

Sunshine S.

Yelp
This restaurant is amazing! I went for my birthday dinner and the food, customer service was 10 out of 10. I will definitely be going back!!

Sav T.

Yelp
Sat the bar on a solo sunday funday. It's on a nice street with street vendors. I came for the food and wasn't disappointed. The she crab soup was very good. I can't tell if the base was store bought but amount of sherry was spot on. I would probably say that if I wanted she crab soup, I'd go here from here on out. They had some soft shells and they were delicious. I should have asked for capers but that's just my preference. Drinks were well made. All in all, a tasty treat. I can't speak to the dinner experience though I'm tempted to try.

Mru B.

Yelp
The ambiance was really odd because It was a dark diner type vibe and had a lot of July 4 decor around (we went a week after). The server was nice and helpful. The food itself for the price...was good but not amazing. The jack Daniel shrimp and lump crab was an okay appetizer It was creamy and had a couple pieces of shrimp but not a lot of crab. The gumbo was pretty good and would probably be the dish I'd order if I return again. The shrimp and crab etouffe sauce was interesting but my partner had an empty plate so must've been good. I think the portion sizes were small which was a little disappointing but flavor was decent overall.

Nicole W.

Yelp
This place is a gem. We stumbled across this restaurant on Yelp.... And so glad we did! The restaurant is on the smaller side but has a nice bar area on one side... and then there seating on the other side. It's cozy and clean. The staff were friendly and very attentive. The menu is huge!!! For Our entrees we ordered crab cakes and the Shrimp Norman. They came with house salads and bread. Yum yum yum!!!! I was sold at that point! I love a Fresh salad and bread before my meal. The seafood was top notch. The quality of the lump crab and the shrimp you couldn't beat. We also ordered a side of red beans and rice which was great. Tasted very authentic and straight out of New Orleans! And the she crab soup was delicious. Overall, it's safe to say we found a new favorite restaurant and look forward to going back real soon. Oh and BTW.. they have a kids and dessert menu. Check it out!!!

Breyana F.

Yelp
Food came fast and was delicious. Pasta jambalaya and smothered catfish was very good. Also the she crab soup was good.

Baron K.

Yelp
Now this is what premium lump crab cakes look like! This place is awesome. Highly recommend trying.

Donna C.

Yelp
We greatly enjoyed our meal. The food was excellent. The service also. We were served by Clarissa and she was efficient and knowledgeable about the food. We definitely would like to return.

Chas L.

Yelp
Phenomenal Trout, spinach and the largest oysters I've ever had. I'll be back. Heft portions and no long wait

Leah G.

Yelp
After search on Google for somewhere different to eat, I stumbled upon RT's because of their great reviews. When we first walked in, we thought it was very small but realized if you walk to the right, there was more seating. We made a reservation and it seemed like most people who came in did as well. We were seated immediately in a perfect place to accommodate us and our baby in a high chair. One thing I immediately noticed was that it was very quiet yet had a good amount of people. It looked like most of the people were over the age of 55. I wasn't that hungry so I ordered the Jack Daniel's shrimp from the appetizer list and a chopped salad and my fiance ordered the fried oysters. I LOVED the shrimp. My only complaint is that I felt like my shrimp was overcooked. My fiance liked his oysters but said they were mushy inside but I think they're supposed to be as oysters right?! Lol Our waitress was very nice and the place wasn't very modern but overall I enjoyed my food and would go back!

Ariauna H.

Yelp
Food had ZERO seasoning. I would not recommend this place unless you're stopping by to get a drink. The mashed potatoes were powered. The lamb chops actually were the worst ones I've had and I eat a lot of lamb chops. The gumbo was just alright. The sauce was seasoned but the meat wasn't. The best thing here was the salad! Service was nothing to brag about. Everything here mediocre. Worst $83 I ever spent. Go support at your own risk :)

Haley B.

Yelp
So good! Our waitress was so nice and friendly. I got the spicy crawfish with red beans and rice. It was delicious. The beans were so flavorful. I would say that the crawfish really were not that spicy, so if you're afraid it would be too hot, it's not. In fact, I would not have minded more spice. My friend got the smothered catfish and OH my gosh... it was sooo good. I'm definitely coming back and going to get that next time. It's breaded and fried catfish with shrimp étouffée poured over. If like me you don't know what étouffée is, it's essentially a stew, so unlike gumbo where the sauce is clear it will be opaque because it is roux-based (roux is flour and butter cooked as a base for creating a sauce). My other friend got the smothered catfish but got her étouffée in a bowl on the side. For dessert we split the chocolate mousse and a slice of blueberry peach pie with vanilla ice cream. The pie was a special. The pie was excellent. The mousse was good as well, but standard as far as chocolate mousse goes. It tasted like it had a bit of rum in it though? All around, great place. I'm definitely planning to come back for the smothered catfish and probably some oysters :)

Karen B.

Yelp
Well, it's vastly changed from what and who originally owned it. The new owners have made it homey and RT's has lost its edge. I think they have portions of the orig recipes but there is a different taste. Gone are the original works of art The bar stools are covered by dollar store bar stool covers that say "Welcome Fall" It would be best that the owners do their own restaurant and not a take over.

Dee W.

Yelp
I have been going to RT's in Alexandria for many years. I enjoy the Smothered Catfish and Shrimp Norman. Last night, our server was friendly and efficient and the atmosphere was comfortable. I had the Smothered Catfish (of course). The fish was tasty and nicely fried, and the étouffée was good.If you enjoy NOLA style cuisine and haven't had the opportunity to visit this hidden gem check them out.

Jasmine B.

Yelp
I absolutely LOVE RT's restaurant. I always get the She Crab soup with the shrimp and crab étouffé and it's always so delicious. My friend had the gumbo which she tasted an 8.5/10 The service is amazing and the inside makes it feel so homey. I can't wait to go back.

Jim W.

Yelp
Great local restaurant that some would call a "hole in the wall," this place is popular with locals and with those who want an early dinner before a show at the Birchmere. Fantastic food and friendly staff will make your first visit just one of many!

Peroline L.

Yelp
3.75 stars really. Cons (plural): it's unbelievably expensive. I got rice and beans and death by gumbo. And it cost $60! No drinks, no sides.. nothing. Other con: the rice and beans is horrendous. Skip it. Not even exaggerating when I say it tastes like nothing. Umm ok fine, it taste a little like beans fresh out of a can but that's it. Not even a dab of salt! "Bland" would be a compliment You're probably thinking then why almost 4 stars.. Pro: the gumbo is bloody phenomenal. I can't believe that much flavor came from from the same place that made the rice and beans. I have been eating nothing but the gumbo for 12 hours. Absolutely try this spot if only to try it

David C.

Yelp
We were in Arlington for a Saturday morning meeting, and RT's had been on my go to list for awhile. We walked in a few minutes after opening, and were greeted by the barkeep/waiter. He was working the bar and the dining room alone, but it wasn't busy, and he was professional,efficient and attentive. They had some nice specials on wine, but it was still early, and I had more business to attend to. Next time. The food was OUTSTANDING. Broiled oysters, fried oysters, and stuffed flounder. I just don't have enough superlatives in my little brain. The dining room is not huge, but it's attractive. The booths are comfy. There are two tvs above the bar. One was playing sportsball, but the sound was down. Smooth jazz guitar music was playing in the background. Definitely not distracting/annoying. Most def will be back; we had a very nice time, and a very nice meal.

Chantelle L.

Yelp
Everything I had here years ago was so good and I can't wait to go back again. The ambiance is a very homey fell and the staff is really nice.

Patricia S.

Yelp
Wow let us say it again WOW!! RTs is a hidden gem,from the attention of the staff to the absolutely incredible food this is a restaurant that deserves to be recognized ! We'll surely be back !

Brandee B.

Yelp
ok so this is our THIRD time here. we came a few years ago and this restaurant has yet to disappoint! we got the catfish, red beans and rice , Brussel sprouts,jack daniels shrimp and crab meat a d most importantly THE CRAB CAKE. CRAB CAKE IS ALL CRAB MEAT NO FILLER FREAKING AMAZINGGGGG! will be back!

Crystle M.

Yelp
A taste of New Orleans!!! This place is small & quaint, a bit outdated but always consistent with the quality of food!!! They can accommodate a large party. Authentic, just the right amount of portions and the drinks are made right! Whenever I want some good she crab soup or gumbo this is my go to spot. Good service here, the staff is always attentive. There's a parking lot across the street that allows the patrons of the restaurant to park there.

Jae S.

Yelp
Mmm mmh! That's how I'm going to start this review.. lol I ordered the Oyster Bienville, bacon wrapped scallop and crab & crawfish imperial with garlic mash potatoes. Mmm mmh! Let me tell you! The Oysters was delicious! The bacon wrapped scallops was absolutely delicious and the crab & crawfish was.... again delicious. Oh, and for my drink, I had the Creole 75. They didn't skimp on anything and I was nice and full and happy.

Alaura E.

Yelp
Gumbo hands down, the best! Their gumbo and She Crab soup is what gave them the 4 stars! Both were amazing and the flavor was on 10! If you are from the South and love gumbo, come here! This is going to be one of the closest you will ever get to Louisiana. I have tried almost every place that claims to be cajun and we have found the winner on Gumbo. Now, the red beans and rice, I am not a fan. Definitely just tastes like canned red chili beans. They should also consider a different type of rice, maybe parboiled or jasmine to go with it. The catfish was fried perfectly, but really lacked seasoning and flavor. The tartar sauce was so delicious. I could have taken a jar and brought it home with me. So the tartar sauce definitely gave the fish the flavor it needed! Go try them out, I saw several other things on the menu I want to try when I return. Definitely going back.

Nille P.

Yelp
We walked in to the bar area and was directed to the host stand to the right. We checked in for our reservation and we were seated promptly. Not pictured: We started with the Jack Daniels crab and shrimp and calamari. Both were delicious. The bread was cold, so I didn't try that. The service and food were really good. There are a few other dishes I want to try, so I definitely plan to return. The only thing I did not enjoy was the hurricane. It was just ok.

Mike W.

Yelp
Another outstanding visit to RT's! This team is simply outstanding! Consistently outstanding cuisine, reasonable pricing, and superlative service. Our server, "K" was very well informed, friendly, and responsive! High quality food and wine specials complemented the regular menu which is a mainstay. The holiday cheer was still evident in the nice decorations, the music playing was great (blues/R&B), and the staff made everyone feel especially welcome! Thanks again, RT's! See you again soon!

Tim D.

Yelp
Everything was great for all three of us. From the She Crab soup to the entrees and dessert. Special shout out to the bartender who was put on the spot by me for asking for a Maker's Mark Gold Rush. As always, our favorite place to eat.

Brian J.

Yelp
Got food poisoning here . Over priced for bad food, I have had Cajun and this is not it.

Nik K.

Yelp
Not sure how I missed this place during my previous visits to the DMV area. Somehow, I managed to find it on Yelp today. Man, I am I glad I did. I LOVE Cajun cuisine, so I had to give RT's a try today. I ordered the red beans with andouille sausage and rice, the she crab soup, and a half house salad. My items arrived timely via Ubereats. I decided to hold off on the soup and salad bc I wanted to try the red beans and rice. Ahhh, to my surprise, the dish wash very close to the red beans and rice in New Orleans. The heartiness of the beans when mixed with the buttery white rice and andouille sausage made my heart smile. As you can tell, I enjoyed the entree a lot. Sorry, I can't review the other items I ordered bc I was too full after the rice and beans. I have to order more from Rt's when I return to the area. Stay tuned guys!!