Del Ray’s BBQ scene could be getting a little bigger soon.
A plan to boost the size of outdoor smokehouse Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ (2000 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray, in the backyard of Evening Star Cafe, is heading to the City Council at a meeting on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The proposal is to allow 74 additional outdoor dining seats at the outdoor restaurant, for a total of 124 seats. The owners also hope to add live entertainment, extended hours of operation, and a new temporary trailer for beer kegs and restaurant services.
The restaurant has faced pushback from neighbors, primarily for issues related to smells from the restaurant. According to the staff report:
Starting in March 2023 when Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ first opened, City staff has received several complaints relating to the existing business operations: 12 regarding smoke and odor and four complaints regarding excessive noise; three of which related to noise from performers playing music. Additional complaints regarding delivery trucks blocking driveways have been more recently received.
The report noted that staff directed the restaurant owners to remove the smokers and said the outdoor seating needed a special use permit.
The staff report recommended approval of most of the proposal, though not for live performances given that the proposed “cabana stage” would be within 60 feet of neighboring residences.
Arlandria bar Hops N’ Shine went to the City Council earlier this year similarly hoping for more outdoor seating and live music, and walked away with mixed results and outright rejecting the proposed live outdoor entertainment over similar concerns about proximity to neighboring residences.
The Planning Commission supported the Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ proposal in a 6-1 vote, with Commissioner David Brown opposing. However, the staff report indicated that multiple Planning Commissioners raised concerns about mitigating the smell of smoke. The report noted that applicant Michael Babin said he could work on mitigating the impact of the restaurant on neighbors.
Image via Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ/Facebook
Recent Stories
It’s been a busy week in Alexandria. Just days after Alexandria’s City Council voted unanimously to ditch single-family-only zoning, Mayor Justin Wilson announced that he would not be running for…
The days of digging through archives by address to find a historical report on a building in Alexandria could, themselves, be a thing of the past. Anyone can now easily…
Friends of Guest House needs pajamas and cozy socks for their female residents who are transitioning back to the community from prison. Realtor Maureen Clyne started the annual effort four years ago…
A 4 BD/2.5 BA home with a gas fireplace, patio and a large landscaped yard is included in Just Listed.
Get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll with this one-of-a-kind, high-octane rockabilly concert experience! Rockabilly Rumble is the all-new, musical experience celebrating the southern rock music that exploded on the scene in the 1950s. Organized by Alexandria City High School Alum and pro-musician Sam C. Jones, this band of world-class performers will have you dancing in your Blue Suede Shoes all night long with songs made famous by Bo Ridley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and more. Relive their most popular hits, along with some forgotten gems. “Rockabilly Rumble” is a dance-worthy, foot stomping evening you’ll never forget!
This show is 21+ only.
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PHYSICAL ID. A PICTURE OF YOUR ID IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Unwrap the magic of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday all weekend at Current Boutique! Dive into luxury with exclusive deals on pre-loved designer treasures, celebrating sustainable fashion with every purchase. Whether in-store or online, indulge in guilt-free glamour and support local businesses. ✨🛍️👗
💥 Sale: 25% off everything & 50% off tall boots
📅 Date: Friday November 24 – Sunday November 26
Christmas Through The Ages
Christmas Through The Ages – Join the Washington Men’s Camerata, and Guest Director Scott Tucker for a program of Christmas and holiday music spanning the centuries through today, featuring the music of Bach, Lauridsen, Abbie Betinis, and many others.
