"This longtime Alexandria favorite got a refresh this year, courtesy of chef Anthony Chittum. Its excellent early happy hour remains. Find dishes like crispy Chesapeake oysters and grilled asparagus salad these days. Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Old Town portfolio also includes elegant French brasserie Josephine." - Tierney Plumb
"Vermillion sources their ingredients from farms throughout Virginia and neighboring mid-Atlantic states, so on any given night, you might have bread made from grains from a Pennsylvania mill or a salad dressed in vinegar from a craft distiller in Virginia. You can grab bar bites like crispy chicken sliders and lobster hushpuppies downstairs, but we like to come here for the three-course tasting menu in the formal dining room, which showcases the best of Vermillion’s farm-to-table spirit." - madeline weinfield, mekita rivas
"Vermilion in Alexandria is not only offering its classic brunch menu, but also special holiday dishes like the asparagus and morel mushroom strata, rhubarb-glazed Berkshire ham for two, and marinated Carolina strawberries with whipped mascarpone on top of Corey’s buttermilk “waffle.” Sip on fun beverages like Robin’s Refreshment, made with local vodka, orange liqueur, condensed milk, and bubbles." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"Happy hour is pretty extensive at Vermillion, running from 4-6 weekdays and 3-5 weekends. There’s a whole menu of discounted snacks (like $9 crispy potato gratin and jalapeño hush puppies) and drink deals ranging from $6-7 beers and wines to $8 cocktails like Manhattans and gimlets." - Missy Frederick
"The Old Town Alexandria favorite runs its happy hour from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on weekends from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Included are $6 beer, $7 wine, and $8 cocktails like a margarita spritz and house Old Fashioned for $8, plus discounted snacks include hummus and hushpuppies." - Claudia Rosenbaum