Between full venues that can accommodate larger audiences and neighborhood outposts that serve up food and drinks with performances, Alexandria residents have a range of live music options they can check out without leaving the city.
With the help of ALXnow readers through a Reader’s Choice Poll, we’ve rounded up the best live music venues in Alexandria, Virginia. After two weeks of voting (Aug. 21-Sept. 4) and 400 individual votes cast, our readers decided on the best go-to live music venue.
Last Vote: Poll: The best live music venue in Alexandria | Poll Held: Aug. 21-Sept. 4, 2026.
Top vote getters
1. The Birchmere
3701 Mount Vernon Avenue
This iconic performance venue with a consistent lineup of concerts easily ran away with the first place.
2. No. 9 Lounge at Evening Star Cafe
2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
This lounge within Del Ray’s Evening Star Cafe is able to host intimate live music performances in the evenings.
3. The Light Horse Restaurant
715 King Street
This Old Town restaurant offers live music with no cover charge at its casual upstairs bar.
Other notable live music venues
- Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
- Rock It Grill
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
- Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant & Bar
Return to: ALXnow Readers’ Choice