So you're hungry — and you're looking for something familiar, comforting and hearty. Good news: We've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite.
Here are the newest places to hit the next time you're in the mood for classic homestyle fare.
The Executive Diner
1400 Duke St., Old Town
Brand new to Old Town is The Executive Diner. With a bit of art deco flair, the new arrival serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
On the menu you'll find homestyle favorites like bacon and eggs, salmon scramble, sandwiches, wraps and home fries.
The diner debuted on uneasy footing, ousting its executive chef just one day after the opening. But it's still holding on to a fair, three-star rating out of four reviews on Yelp.
One of its first reviewers, James C., said, "Happy this new spot just opened up right down the street from our home. The staff was very friendly, the service was exceptional and the food was delicious."
And Eva D. added, "Very nice waitstaff, clean inside, fast service and really good breakfast food. It's a new restaurant and it still has a few kinks to work out but overall a friendly neighborhood spot."
If you'd like to give it a go yourself, The Executive Diner is open from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 6 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Van Dorn Diner
281 S. Van Dorn St., West End
The new Van Dorn Diner serves breakfast all day in the space that formerly housed Kabob Villa in Van Dorn Plaza. A throwback to the 1950s, the diner has retro swivel stools surrounding a curved breakfast bar, bright teal and white leather booths and vintage-esque posters.
The breakfast menu features the usual suspects: eggs and bacon or sausage, biscuits and gravy, country fried steak, corned beef hash, French toast and more. The lunch and dinner menus also add hamburgers, salads, quesadillas and milkshakes to the mix.
So far, Yelp users are generally positive about Van Dorn Diner, which currently holds four stars out of six reviews on the site.
Yelper Hannah H., who reviewed Van Dorn Diner on April 27, wrote, "Everything was cooked-to-order and had that simple, homemade taste to it. I was also pleasantly surprised that there wasn't any excess grease to any of the items."
Tarnika B. noted, "Convenient, yummy and great customer service. Was greeted with a pleasant smile by the waitress behind the counter as soon as I came in the door!"
Van Dorn Diner is open from 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Smoking Kow BBQ
3250 Duke St., Taylor Run
The team behind local food trucks Smoking Kow BBQ have launched their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, serving up smoked meats in a rustic-modern space.
In addition to its famous street tacos, the new eatery serves hand-rubbed chicken, pork and brisket on platters with house-made sides — like mac and cheese, coleslaw and cornbread — or in sandwich form.
Patrons can dine at one of the communal tables, which seat about 20, or take their slow-cooked meals to go.
Smoking Kow BBQ currently holds 4.5 stars out of 12 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Chris S. said, "Great new addition to Alexandria's growing barbecue scene. While the space is small and has pretty limited parking, it easily takes the crown as Alexandria's best barbecue."
And Yelper Ritzie C., who gave the joint five stars, offered a tip: "It's almost stupid to not buy a family deal to bring home because it's such a great bargain. Feed a family of four for $25-$28? Insane AND delicious."
Smoking Kow BBQ is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
