News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum
Allen Brooks (on left) and Doug Bauer, co-founders of Continues Arcade at 1050 N. Fayette Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Nearly all of our top stories this week are about local businesses.

Just in time to catch the end of the summer, our top story is on the beta launch of Continues Arcade, a new bar and restaurant featuring more than 60 restored classic arcade games. In anticipation of next week’s soft opening, ALXnow got a sneak peek inside the space at 1050 N. Fayette Street.

The line for the ‘Eras’ pop-up bar at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (courtesy photo)

Sadly for Swifties, our number-two story this week was on the closure of Eras, the Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar in Del Ray.

That’s right — no more lines around the block, friendship bracelet-making, or Taylor Swift trivia nights at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue. After more than six months in operation, Eras will close the first weekend in August, owner Bill Blackburn told ALXnow.

ALXnow Readers’ Choice Poll: What’s the best barbecue restaurant in Alexandria?

Our third top post is asking readers to weigh-in on a tough subject.

What’s the best barbecue restaurant in Alexandria? Nearly 1,300 people have voted so far, and the poll closes on July 29. Do you agree with the results?

A tour guide tells a story on a hot July day in front of the Carlyle House at 121 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Looking to get out this weekend? Chances are you’ll find something of interest in our comprehensive listing of Alexandria events.

The most-read stories this week were:

  1. Notes: New arcade bar prepares for “beta test” opening in Alexandria (14097 views)
  2. End of an Era: Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar closing in Del Ray (10675 views)
  3. Poll: What’s the best barbecue restaurant in Alexandria? (8555 views)
  4. ‘HomeGrown: A Daytime Eatery’ opens August 11 in Old Town (7248 views)
  5. Milk & Honey opens in Old Town (6652 views)
  6. Notes: Alexandria’s $4M ‘Versailles’ townhouse goes viral, featured on Zillow Gone Wild (6230 views)
  7. Continues Arcade soft opens next week in Alexandria with 60+ classic games (3337 views)

Have a safe weekend!

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.