Alexandria, Virginia is famous for its historic Old Town district, charming waterfront, and diverse food scene. While the city has many fine-dining restaurants, it also offers amazing street food, fast-casual restaurants, and affordable local eateries.
Many visitors and locals enjoy grabbing quick bites like tacos, Vietnamese sandwiches, burgers, pizza, seafood sandwiches, and comfort food while exploring the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Several food guides highlight the city as a great destination for cheap eats and casual dining spots that offer tasty food at affordable prices.
In this article, you will discover the best street food and casual eats in Alexandria, Virginia. Each place includes:
Pictures of the restaurant and food
Address
Average price
Popular dishes
1. Caphe Banh Mi
Address: 407 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cuisine: Vietnamese street food
Average Price: $7 – $14 per person
Caphe Banh Mi is one of the most popular casual eateries in Old Town Alexandria. The restaurant specialises in Vietnamese street food, especially the famous banh mi sandwich.
A banh mi is a Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meat, pickled vegetables, herbs, and sauces.
Food guides and review sites frequently list Caphe Banh Mi among the best cheap eats in Alexandria because it offers delicious food at affordable prices.
Popular dishes
Classic banh mi sandwich
Vietnamese iced coffee
Pho noodle soup
Lemongrass chicken sandwich
Why visitors love it
Authentic Vietnamese flavors
Quick service
Affordable prices
It is a perfect place for quick street-style food while exploring Old Town.
2. District Taco
Address: 1502 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cuisine: Mexican street food
Average Price: $8 – $15 per person
District Taco is a famous fast-casual restaurant chain that originally started as a food truck in the Washington, D.C. area. The restaurant focuses on Mexican street-style tacos, burritos, and bowls made with fresh ingredients.
Customers can customize their tacos by choosing meat, toppings, salsa, and sauces.
Popular dishes
Carne asada tacos
Chicken burrito bowl
Chips with guacamole
Breakfast tacos
Why people like it
Quick service
Fresh ingredients
Authentic street-style tacos
This place is great for quick lunch or casual dinner.
3. Andy’s Pizza Old Town
Cuisine: New York-style pizza
Andy’s Pizza is a well-known pizza shop in Old Town Alexandria serving New York-style pizza slices. The restaurant is popular among tourists who want a quick slice while walking around King Street.
The pizza is made with thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, and high-quality cheese.
Popular dishes
Classic cheese pizza
Pepperoni pizza
Garlic knots
Italian sandwiches
Why visitors enjoy it
Authentic New York-style pizza
Quick takeaway option
Great location near King Street
It is one of the best casual pizza spots in Old Town.
4. Hard Times Café
Address: 1404 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cuisine: American comfort food
Average Price: $10 – $18 per person
Hard Times Café is a classic American diner known for its famous chili dishes, burgers, and hot dogs.
The restaurant has been part of the Alexandria dining scene for many years and remains a favourite spot for casual meals.
Popular dishes
Chili bowl
Chili cheese fries
Burgers and hot dogs
Nachos
Why people love it
Casual diner atmosphere
Affordable food
Comfort food classics
This place is perfect for quick American street-style meals.
5. Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli
Address: 1406 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Cuisine: Sandwiches and deli food
Average Price: $8 – $16 per person
Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli is a popular sandwich shop in Alexandria known for its freshly made gourmet sandwiches.
The deli uses quality ingredients and creative recipes.
Popular dishes
Turkey club sandwich
Italian deli sandwich
Roast beef sandwich
Fresh salads
Why people enjoy it
Fresh ingredients
Quick service
Perfect for lunch
It is a great place for a casual lunch in Old Town.
6. Hank’s Oyster Bar
Hank’s Oyster Bar is a New England-style seafood restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. It is famous for fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and seafood dishes.
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a rooftop bar.
Popular dishes
Lobster roll
Fresh oysters
Fried fish sandwich
Old Bay fries
Why visitors like it
Fresh seafood
Casual seafood dining
Great rooftop seating
Average Price for Street Food in Alexandria
| Food Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Tacos | $3 – $5 each |
| Sandwiches | $8 – $14 |
| Pizza slice | $4 – $6 |
| Burgers | $10 – $15 |
| Street snacks | $5 – $10 |
These affordable prices make street food a great option for travellers.
Best Areas for Street Food in Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria
Old Town has the highest number of casual restaurants and street food spots.
King Street
King Street is the most popular food street in Alexandria with many cafés, sandwich shops, and pizza places.
Del Ray Neighborhood
Del Ray is known for local cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants.
Tips for Trying Street Food in Alexandria
Walk around Old Town
Many food spots are within walking distance.
Visit during lunch hours
Casual restaurants are busiest between 12 PM and 2 PM.
Try international food
Alexandria has Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, and Middle Eastern street food.
Take food to the waterfront
Many visitors enjoy eating their food while sitting near the Potomac River.
Conclusion
Alexandria, Virginia is a fantastic destination for food lovers who enjoy street food and casual dining.
Some of the best street food and casual eats in Alexandria include:
Caphe Banh Mi
District Taco
Andy’s Pizza Old Town
Hard Times Café
Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli
Hank’s Oyster Bar
From Vietnamese sandwiches and Mexican tacos to burgers, pizza, and seafood, Alexandria offers delicious street-style meals for every taste.
If you are exploring Old Town Alexandria, these casual eateries are definitely worth trying.
Sources
Information in this article was collected and adapted from:
TripAdvisor – Cheap eats and casual restaurants in Alexandria
Visit Alexandria dining guides
Northern Virginia Magazine cheap food recommendations
Wanderlog casual dining guide for Alexandria
District Taco company history and menu information
Hard Times Café location information
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