5 New Restaurants To Check Out This Summer In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Summer is the perfect time to go out and explore Alexandria, and it doesn't hurt when there are new food options.

A number of new restaurants recently opened in Alexandria, adding to the city's diverse lineup of cuisines. Whether you want a cold treat, caffeine to start the day or a bar for libations and conversation, there's something for everyone.

Here's a look at new restaurants and more future openings to look forward to:

1. Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats: 200 Commerce Street, Alexandria

What started as a Wisconsin-style frozen custard business out of a vintage van now has a brick-and-mortar location. Goodie's restored the historic Ice House, which had been vacant for decades. Now the location has a new purpose, drawing lines for owner Brandon Bryd's custard treats. The location opened in late May and held its grand opening this past weekend. For more information, visit www.mmmgoodies.com.

2. Stracci Pizza: 106 Hume Avenue, Alexandria

Stracci Pizza opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving Roman-style pizza to customers from the parking lot of 106 Hume Avenue in Del Ray. A concept from former Vermillion chef Tom Cardarelli, Stracci Pizza now has a patio and parking lot picnic area open for outdoor seating and a selection of beer and wine — and cocktails soon. Walk-up and phone orders are now accepted. For more information, visit www.straccipizza.com.

3. Emmy Squared: 124 King Street, Alexandria

Emmy Squared opened in late June in the former location of Pizzeria Paradiso in Old Town. Emmy Squared originated from Brooklyn and has locations in DC and Hyattesville, Maryland, as well as New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Nashville. The menu offers red and white pizzas, appetizer plates, sandwiches, salads and desserts. For more information, visit www.emmysquaredpizza.com.

4. Misha's Coffee: 6 Prince Street, Alexandria

Misha's, a local coffee roaster based in Old Town, opened its second location near the waterfront in June. Customers are treated to waterfront views on the coffee shop's rooftop deck. Along with the traditional coffee shop offerings, the location sells beer and wine. For more information, visit mishascoffee.com.

5. Old Hat Bar: 112 N. Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria

The former King Street Blues location has been transformed into a new gathering spot in Old Town. The gastropub serves up specialty cocktails along with beer, wine and a menu of food. The owners, cocktail creator Jack Caminos and business partner Tim Prosser, offer a menu with Asian, Midwestern, Spanish, New York and Eastern European influences and a bar menu with Tiki influences. For more information, visit www.oldhatbar.com.

Restaurant openings on deck

• Bob and Edith's Diner: The closed Ernie's Original Crab House location at 1743 King Street will become a Bob and Edith's Diner, a family- run business based in Northern Virginia. The diner, originally founded by Robert (Bob) and Edith Bolton, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Old Town location is close to the King Street Metro and will open in fall 2021.
• Taco Bamba: Chef Victor Albisu will open a Taco Bamba location in the area he grew up in. The location at 6259 Little River Turnpike will be Taco Bamba's sixth location in Northern Virginia and seventh total. Like other locations, the Landmark location will have specific menu items along with traditional favorites seen at other Taco Bamba locations. The opening is expected in fall 2021.
• Kismet Modern Indian: A sister restaurant of Karma Modern Indian will open in fall 2021 at 111 N. Pitt Street. The concept from founders Sachin Mahajan and Ricky Singh and Executive Chef Ajay Kumar builds on the success of Karma, which won the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand designation in 2021 for value-focused dining.
• Jolibee's: As first reported by Washington Business Journal, the Filipino fast food chain Jolibee's will open a location in the Landmark area just outside the City of Alexandria. Menu items include the signature Chickenjoy, burger steak, spaghetti, mango pies and more. No opening date has been announced.

Let us know if you see any other upcoming openings in town. Leave a comment below or email story ideas to Emily.Leayman@patch.com.