Readers Choice

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to splurge, Alexandria’s fine dining restaurants are known for high-quality offerings, ambiance and attentive staff. From traditional steakhouses to elevated specialty cuisines, there is no shortage of options diners can find without leaving the city.

Here are the nominees for “Best Restaurant for a Fancy Dinner in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to restaurant? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Neighborhood in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Preschool/Daycare in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Washington St. UMC Preschool

2. Discovery Time Learning Center

3. Hopkins House – Helen Day Preschool Academy

Alexandria has a wide range of neighborhoods with their own identities, from the historic Old Town and family-friendly Del Ray to the Latino-influenced Arlandria/Chirilagua and the more suburban North Ridge and Seminary Hill.

Here are the nominees for “Best Neighborhood in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your favorite neighborhood? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Preschool/Daycare in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best New Restaurant in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Little Birdie

2. Pak Soii Izakaya and Bar

3. Dok Khao Thai Eatery

Finding the right daycare or preschool can be overwhelming for working parents who want to ensure their child is in a safe, nurturing environment. The city has a range of daycare and preschool options to choose from, between home daycares and centers and specialized early education programs.

Here are the nominees for “Best Preschool/Daycare in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to daycare or preschool? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best New Restaurant in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Winery Near Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Paradise Springs Winery

2. Stone Tower Winery

3. Bluemont Vineyard

Alexandria’s culinary scene shows no signs of slowing down, with new restaurants opening across the city’s neighborhoods so far in 2026.

Did we miss your favorite new restaurant? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Winery Near Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Live Music Venue in Alexandria in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. The Birchmere

2. No. 9 Lounge at Evening Star Cafe

3. The Light Horse Restaurant

Alexandria has plentiful restaurants and bars to savor a glass of wine at, but it is also within driving distance of the region’s many wineries and vineyards. The region’s wineries offer a variety of wines, tastings, tours and other activities.

Here are the nominees for “Best Winery Near Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to winery? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Live Music Venue in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Dog Park in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Westgrove Dog Park

2. Eugene Simpson Stadium Park

3. Ben Brenman Park

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.

Here are the nominees for “Best Live Music Venue in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to music venue? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Dog Park in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Taco Spot in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. La Tingeria

2. Taqueria Poblano

3. Taqueria Picoso

In a dog-friendly city like Alexandria, there’s no doubt it has plenty of green spaces and fenced-in dog parks to let your furry friend run and socialize with other dogs.

Here are the nominees for “Best Dog Park in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to dog park? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Alexandria has no shortage of taco spots that have gained loyal followings by serving up fresh ingredients, handmade tortillas and house-made salsas.

Here are the nominees for “Best Taco Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to taco spot? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Bar in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Chadwicks

2. Lost Dog Cafe

3. Mia’s Italian Kitchen

Between dives with no frills and modern outposts with crafty cocktail options, Alexandria is abundant with bars locals and visitors can patronize.

Here are the nominees for “Best Bar in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to bar? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Race for Runners. The results are now official:

1. PNC Alexandria Half

2. Alexandria Turkey Trot

3. George Washington Patriot Run

Finding a restaurant that works for the whole family — from picky toddlers to adults seeking variety — can be a challenge in any city. Alexandria has no shortage of family-friendly dining options, from casual spots with children’s menus to restaurants with activities to keep little ones entertained.

Here are the nominees for “Best Family Dinner Spot in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to restaurant? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Race for Runners is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Two weeks ago, we voted on the Best Food Truck in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. La Tingeria

2. Flavor Hive

3. Flavor of Mexico Taco Truck

Fall is months away, which means peak season for Alexandria’s beloved running events. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual 5K participant, Alexandria has a variety of races that showcase scenic routes, strong community spirit and charity causes.

Here are the nominees for “Best Race for Runners in Alexandria” as part of our returning ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards.

Did we miss your go-to race? Write them in!

Voting will close in two weeks.

Voting for the Best Food Truck in Alexandria is still taking place. Be sure to cast your vote before voting closes next Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Three weeks ago, we voted on the Best Pool in Alexandria. The results are now official:

1. Great Waves Waterpark

2. Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility

3. Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility