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  5. Alexandria

219 Restaurant

4.2
4.2
866 Reviews
$30 and under
Regional American (Southern)
Please note reservations are only available for the main dining room. The lounge and bar areas are first come first serve.

Housed in a historic 19th century townhouse blocks from the waterfront, 219 Restaurant offers modern Southern cuisine with creole influence. Our menu focuses on classic dishes with a southern influence to make for an exceptional dining experience.

We offer private dining rooms in addition to our elegant main floor and offer pre-fixed banquet menus suitable for any event. After your meal, you can unwind in our spacious second story Basin St. Lounge, and be entertained by world class blues/jazz music - seven nights a week - or head downstairs to our Bayou Room, for live DJs and dancing.

Whether you're looking for a casual night out or something a little more intimate, 219 Restaurant has what you're looking for... seven days a week!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 8 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Cuisines

    Regional American (Southern), Contemporary American, Creole

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm Lounge Fri–Sun 2:00 pm–1:30 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (703) 549-1141

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Catering

    We do offer catering upon request.

  • Private party facilities

    Please inquire. We regularly host wedding parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, corporate functions and retreats, and hail and farewells. We host regular wine tastings, wine pairing dinners, cigar tastings and cigar pairing dinners, and scotch tastings.

  • Private party contact

    Rob Jemio/ Patty Charoentra: (703) 549-1141

  • Neighbourhood

    Alexandria

  • Cross Street

    N. Fairfax Street

  • Parking Details

    In addition to available street parking, we recommend the affordable, municipal parking garage underneath City Hall just around the corner, on Fairfax Street.

  • Public Transit

    King St. Metro [<1 mile]; Free trolley services on King St., from Metro.

  • Entertainment

    Live blues music [including Grammy-winning acts] six nights a week upstairs in our massive, well-appointed cigar lounge, the Basin Street Lounge. Downstairs, in our casual bar the Bayou Room, we offer DJ format dance music complete with laser lights.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

What 866 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. mew1222

    Richmond

    23 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food was new orleana style type of menu. We started out with fried crispy pork belly cut in very large chunks. They were deep fried and the skin was chew and chunks too fatty. I had the strawberry salad And quinoa with bites of avocado and vinaigrette and feta. It was mediocre at best. My husband started with Gumbo. The rrouex was a bit bitter and spicy to mask the bitterness. Also had the Salmon with risotto which was good. I also ordered the truffle fries which was excellent and the best thing of what we ordered. Overall, it was mediocre.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Good food. Great spot to chill for cigar smokers. Unfortunately the lounge was short staffed so service was lacking. I’d come back again.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Ambience was very nice. The cigar bar is very nice… not big selection but drinks were perfect pairing for what they have

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  4. SONYAH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Lovely restaurant. The food, with exception of the chicken was very good. The advertising for live music was a little disappointing. It is in the same area as a cigar bar, so as non-smokers we could not stay to enjoy it as planned.

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  5. CoronersDisciple

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My wife and I visited this past weekend. The fried oysters are delicious!! We both enjoyed our meals, Jambalaya and Chicken Fettuccine. Only complaint was the cigar smell, but neither of us left smelling like cigars. Will go back!

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  6. IrisR

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    I went with 2 friends for a birthday dinner. We were able to make reservations day of and we did not have to wait to be seated when we got there. The appetizer were ok, my friends had the she-crab soup which they both enjoyed, I had the fried pork belly which was ok, it had a sauce which was ok. I had the fried chicken as my entree and cheesy grits and collard greens for the sides. The fried chicken was fried too hard, the collards had too much oil and did not have good flavor and the cheese grits were terrible. My friend had the shrimp and grits and said it was ok. My other friend had the shrimp Alfredo and she enjoyed it. I would not go back.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, staff and ambience were fantastic! We enjoyed our meal Al-fresco, and our server was extremely attentive, polite and professional. Will definitely be returning!

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  8. Allison

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a very lovely Easter brunch, thank you so much!

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  9. Blandine

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great time. Bayou room was great too! The food was yummy.

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  10. RizS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall4food1service1ambience4
    Fried chicken was nearly burnt over fried and the medium burger was well done. Waiter told us it was against restaurant policy to split the bills (we were couples). We asked the hostess who informed us that is not policy at all, they they split our bill. Just felt rushed and uncared for by the wait staff.

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  11. TanjaM

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Shek was everything! I believe he may have even been in the back cooking too! I did not see any other staff. Although there were not that many patrons, I know he was the host and seated everyone, he was the waiter for all outside tables (no one was inside since it was a beautiful day), and he was the bar tender! He made great recommendations and did a great job waiting and busting tables! The food presentation was spectacular and the food was just as good as it looks! Great place!

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  12. Emoore

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Love the atmosphere of 219. We had excellent food and the service was good and accommodating.

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  13. MillicentC

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    First time to this restaurant and the service was great! I was actually really impressed, by the waiter, food, and music! Definitely looking forward to the next experience!

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The shrimp and grits were excellent!! It was quiet the night we were there, but still had a great feel.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Russ

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    No French creole flavor and the fried chicken was horrible.

    Is this helpful?

  16. DaoudM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and a really good cigar room. It is loud in the cigar room.

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  17. StevenT

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was Delicious. Service was Great. Little loud.

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  18. Karnew06

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The food didn't taste that great. By that I mean, the food wasn't seasoned at all. The food presentation and selection were great, definitely poor execution. I was expecting authentic creole food. I would say this is not authentic creole food. I had shrimp and grits. Didn't like it. My daughter had a salmon salad. She didn't like it. My husband enjoyed the she crab soup. My husband also had the jambalaya, he said it was so-so, and not seasoned. The lighting was a little too yellow for me. Unfortunately, I don't think I'd recommend or frequent this place again.

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  19. Rain

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! This is best kept secret! Wonderful! Place is clean and the food was excellent! The bartender was created, gifted and talented ! Everyone was so kind!

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  20. Delightful

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved 219! We felt like we’d been transported back in time in the restaurant, with the cozy seating, the fireplace, the dark walls and the big chandeliers. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. Then we went upstairs to the cigar lounge -a whole different feel! We didn’t stay for the music but we will absolutely be going back to hear that. It’s a great date night experience!

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  21. DemetryP

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience2
    Inattentive Service. Our steak arrived Gray.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    3 couples had Valentines dinner there. The Fixed Price menu was very limited. The lobster meal had very little lobster and was not tasty at all. We had to send 2 steaks back because they were overcooked. Desserts tasted like they were purchased off the shelf at a grocery store. For the price, the quality of the food should have been much better. I doubt we'll return.

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  23. Jowana

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great environment, amazing live music with the Bill Pappas band! Great place for a date or with a group of friends.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was great! We had the Mac n Cheese as an appetizer and the Jumbalaya for our entree. Everything tasted really good and service was quick and friendly. Drinks were served strong so that is always a plus. Great date night and we finished it off upstairs with the live band.

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  25. JohnR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing atmosphere and amazing food the owner is just such a wonderful individual she shared her story with me and my girlfriend on how she created the place it was just absolutely amazing

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  26. SuzanneT

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall1food4service3ambience1
    We went for my sons birthday. You are hit with cigar smoke smell as soon as you walk in the door and throughout the dinner. We were there on a Saturday night but the place was mostly empty - and a bit boring. Food was good but thumbs down to ambiance.

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  27. RosalindG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, service, and entertainment was amazing!

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  28. ScottH

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    3.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    On a Monday evening, it was quiet, so can’t judge the weekend. When we entered the restaurant, the cigar smoke from the lounge downstairs was very strong at the entrance. Fortunately, we were seated well away, but it left an unpleasant first impression. The service was very good and couldn’t ask for any better. The shrimp and grits was very good, but the other diners had the fried chicken, which appeared a bit underdone and a bit over spiced in the coating. The fries were over salted by the kitchen. This was the first time for two (of three) of us and we were not overly impressed. Maybe it was just the night we were there and we need to try again to get a better impression. Unfortunately we can’t recommend this restaurant until we can try it again and hope to have a better meal. We will try again.

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  29. foodie4life

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was EXCELLENT! Hasn't been to 219 in years, but it won't be that long before I return! Started out with the mac and cheese. This was not your typical southern dish, but rather a more international style with the bacon and caramelized onion. We followed that up with the shrimp and grits, jambalaya and gumbo ya-ya as our entrees. We shared family style. This really worked so we all were able to enjoy each dish. The icing on the cake, we have leftovers. 😋 Can't end this review without talking about the excellent service received from Sheik ( hope I spelled his name correctly). He knew the menu,!gave great recommendations, and was very attentive. He was always there just when we needed him or had a question.

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  30. raheems

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Food was ok at best. The bayou room wad a good time.

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  31. PeterL

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, ambience, service all excellent. We had outdoor dining on New Year's Eve, surprisingly cozy under the overhead heaters. The meal (we each had short ribs) was delicious. Cheesecake dessert - fantastic. Definitely on the pricey side at $80 plus 20% tip per person. This is our favorite "special occasion" restaurant, worth it for a splurge.

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  32. Murat

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Love this place. Great service, ok food, awesome location and live events.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a fun and delicious experience for a Christmas Eve dinner with the family. The menu was outstanding and our service was incredibly helpful and fun. Thanks for a great night

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience4
    My wife is pregnant and ordered something spicy therefore couldnt eat it, I asked the waiter for a different meal and not to worry about the spicy meal, just prepare it in a to go container. Ill pay for it, take it home, no problem. Well the replacement meal for my wife, salmon, orzo, and brussel sprouts came out and she didnt really enjoy it but i wasnt too worried, we're having a good time and I didnt want to send it back. It wasnt until i asked to have this boxed that we had issues. I asked to have about 80-90% of the meal boxed to go. The waiter brought the meal, salmon, orzo and brussel sprouts stuffed into a small container layering the items on top of one another. At this point the food is no longer appetizing as everything has become mush. I was not satisfied and requested this singular item be removed from the check, $28. The waiter gets the owner, Patty, who comes out frustrated and tells us that's what she trains the staff to do with small portions. Again, 80-90% of this meal remains, this is not a small portion. She also provided a larger box which could have been used originally and tells us to box it ourselves. Patty proceeds to tell us that she will not remove this particular meal because there is nothing wrong with the food and tosses both containers on the table and walks away. Keep in mind the food literally looks like a raw diet bowl for a dog in this small container. My wife needed to use the bathroom and on the way tried to discuss the situation and how it was disrespectful to which Patty stated, she doesn't disrespect decent customers. Not sure how we became customers who weren't decent.I could speculate that she made several assumptions of decency based on our skin color. Police had to mediate. Our server, Sheik was amazing during the entire night from start to finish, someone please provide him with other opportunities to flourish elsewhere.

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  35. WilliamM

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time visiting 219. Slow night- around Xmas but bad weather outside- but ambiance was great as was service.

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  36. deshaunm

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location. Hidden gem. Server was great. Food was amazing. I Definitely recommend you the location.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service from beginning to end was outstanding. And then out came the food and it was absolutely delicious. I wish I could remember the name of the gentleman who took care of us but I will be sure to look for him the next time we go back.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Pikejo

    Nashville

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very appreciative of restaurants willingness and ability to work with my wife’s food allergies.

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  39. Prefernottopublish

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    Everything was just "okay"....................................

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  40. KimH

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Place was nice, food was good but it was so loud in there it gave me a headache!

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FAQs

219 Restaurant is rated 4.2 stars by 866 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 8 times today
Google Map for 219 Restaurant

219 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    N. Fairfax Street

  • Neighbourhood

    Alexandria

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm Lounge Fri–Sun 2:00 pm–1:30 am Happy Hour Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–7:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Regional American (Southern), Contemporary American, Creole

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking Details

    In addition to available street parking, we recommend the affordable, municipal parking garage underneath City Hall just around the corner, on Fairfax Street.

  • Public Transit

    King St. Metro [<1 mile]; Free trolley services on King St., from Metro.

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Entertainment

    Live blues music [including Grammy-winning acts] six nights a week upstairs in our massive, well-appointed cigar lounge, the Basin Street Lounge. Downstairs, in our casual bar the Bayou Room, we offer DJ format dance music complete with laser lights.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cigar Room, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wine

  • Phone number

    (703) 549-1141

  • Catering

    We do offer catering upon request.

  • Private party facilities

    Please inquire. We regularly host wedding parties, rehearsal dinners, showers, corporate functions and retreats, and hail and farewells. We host regular wine tastings, wine pairing dinners, cigar tastings and cigar pairing dinners, and scotch tastings.

  • Private party contact

    Rob Jemio/ Patty Charoentra: (703) 549-1141

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