restaurant

News

PLANS: Akeno Sushi wants to open by the end of the year in Old Town

By James Cullum
Sushi at Akeno Sushi Bar (photo via Akeno Sushi Bar)

Akeno Sushi Bar wants to open before the end of the year at 611 King Street in Old Town, but it has to get a few paperwork issues squared away with the City of Alexandria to make that possible.

The interior renovation of the former home to Java Grill hasn’t started, as the local business is asking the city for an allowance to install a new HVAC system on the roof without a mechanical screen. The proposal going to the Planning Commission on Wednesday (April 16) would replace two HVAC units, add a third unit, and install an exhaust fan.

Go to PLANS: Akeno Sushi wants to open by the end of the year in Old Town Read more
News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum
The line for the 'Eras' pop-up bar at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (courtesy photo)

It’s been another busy week in Alexandria.

Amid the impact of federal worker cutbacks, looming budgets and crime, our top story this week was on the popularity of a new Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar in Del Ray. Lines are wrapping around the block at Eras (2312 Mount Vernon Avenue).

Go to ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria Read more
News

These Alexandria restaurants just made Northern Virginia Magazine’s ‘Best Burgers’ list

By James Cullum
The biscuit burger at District Biscuit, 3401 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (via Facebook)

Hungry? A fantastic burger might help, especially from one of the Alexandria restaurants included in Northern Virginia Magazine’s April list of the 25 tastiest burgers in the region.

District Biscuit (3401 Mount Vernon Avenue) made the list for its biscuit burger, described online as a “custom-blended Allen Brothers patty sits between layers of an airy square biscuit that absorbs every tantalizing drop of juice, along with housemade hollandaise sauce and pickles.”

Go to These Alexandria restaurants just made Northern Virginia Magazine’s ‘Best Burgers’ list Read more
News

WHOA: A single tower cake at Alexandria’s Beeliner Diner can feed 60 people

By James Cullum
Noelie Rickey, co-owner of the Beeliner Diner, makes a six-layer tower cake at her restaurant, March 21, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Any way you slice it, eating a tower cake at the Beeliner Diner is challenging, especially when a single piece can feed up to six people.

But what about baking one from scratch?

Go to WHOA: A single tower cake at Alexandria’s Beeliner Diner can feed 60 people Read more
News

Smoking Kow BBQ on Duke Street scraps tipping policy and raises employee pay

By James Cullum
Food at Smoking Kow BBQ at 3250 Duke Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

Tired of tipping? Smoking Kow BBQ on Duke Street recently stopped asking customers for tips.

That’s right—after ordering burnt ends, spare ribs, sweet potatoes, and cornbread, customers are no longer prompted to tip by the restaurant’s electronic payment system, and the tip jar has also been removed.

Go to Smoking Kow BBQ on Duke Street scraps tipping policy and raises employee pay Read more
News

WHAT’S NEW: Visit Alexandria unveils new waterfront experiences, dining options and major events

By Ryan Belmore
Running along the Alexandria waterfront with the Tall Ship Providence in the background (staff photo by James Cullum)
[caption id="attachment_4186" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Running along the Alexandria waterfront with the Tall Ship Providence in the background (staff photo by James Cullum)[/caption]

Alexandria is welcoming a wave of new developments across the city, from waterfront dining to boutique retail and major upcoming events that promise to draw visitors from around the world.

Claire Mouledoux, Visit Alexandria's senior vice president of marketing and communications, presented the city's latest attractions during the "What's New 2025" event at Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard on Tuesday.

Go to WHAT’S NEW: Visit Alexandria unveils new waterfront experiences, dining options and major events Read more
News

SNEAK PEEK: Umiya Alexandria is opening in the old Generous George’s spot on Duke Street this summer

By James Cullum
Front counter of Umiya at 3006 Duke Street (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s been 16 years since Generous George’s Positive Pizza & Pasta Place closed, and only a few months before it reopens as a Japanese sushi restaurant.

After an extensive interior renovation, Umiya Alexandria is expected to open by August, a contractor working on the project told ALXnow.

Go to SNEAK PEEK: Umiya Alexandria is opening in the old Generous George’s spot on Duke Street this summer Read more
News

Taco Bell Cantina on King Street to get minor upgrade: pickup window

By Vernon Miles
New pickup window at Taco Bell Cantina (image via City of Alexandria)

The ye olde Taco Bell Cantina on King Street in the heart of Old Town (417 King Street) is set to get a new upgrade that could be getting a new pickup window for to-go orders.

The new plan proposes to add an aluminum framed “pick-up window” to the front of the store. The proposal is scheduled to head to the Board of Architectural Review on Wednesday, March 5.

Go to Taco Bell Cantina on King Street to get minor upgrade: pickup window Read more
News

New Japanese restaurant replaces Toppers Pizza in Arlandria

By Vernon Miles and James Cullum
Sake Express Japanese Hibachi (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sake Express Japanese Hibachi opened earlier this week in Arlandria.

The new restaurant at 3827 Mount Vernon Avenue opened on Monday and is the latest spot for a local chain with three other locations, including Sake Japanese Steakhouse at 2016 Eisenhower Avenue.

Go to New Japanese restaurant replaces Toppers Pizza in Arlandria Read more
View More Stories