Classic Restaurants of Alexandria

From seaport pubs to international cuisine, Alexandria’s culinary history runs deep. George Washington danced in the ballroom of Gadsby’s Tavern, an Old Town landmark. The Royal Restaurant hung its first shingle a century ago where Market Square is today. Chadwick’s has survived fire and flood in its home on the Potomac riverfront. The storefront of legendary Shuman’s Bakery may be closed, but the latest generation continues to serve the famous jelly cake to loyal locals. Journalist Hope Nelson curates this tasting menu of some of Alexandria’s favorite restaurants, watering holes and breweries–past and present.