Photo courtesy of Pillar Wealth Partners
Pillar Wealth Partners visit PlantHouse in Old Town North
Old Town Alexandria has no shortage of great spots to grab a bite or raise a glass. We've developed some strong opinions. Here are our go-to recommendations, whatever the occasion.
Coffee: St. Elmo's Coffee Pub (2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.)
Before anything else, there's St. Elmo's. This Del Ray institution has been a neighborhood anchor for years, and it earns its loyal following from their consistently great coffee, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of cozy energy that makes it easy to linger. Don't sleep on the turkey chili either, which has become Charlotte’s favorite! Whether you're starting the morning or need a mid-afternoon reset, it's the kind of place that genuinely feels like part of the community.
Team Lunch: Tatte Bakery & Café (535 King St.)
When it comes to feeding a group with wildly different tastes, Tatte is our most-reached-for option. As our CEO, Nazz, puts it, "there's something for everyone" and that's really the whole appeal. The Israeli-inspired café does everything from elegant pastries and sandwiches to heartier café fare, all in a spacious, welcoming setting on King Street. It's the rare lunch spot that satisfies the salad people and the sandwich people without anyone having to compromise.
Happy Hour: Good Fortune (699 Prince St.)
When the workday winds down and someone suggests drinks, Good Fortune is hard to beat especially once the weather turns. The rooftop bar at Hotel Heron offers sweeping panoramic views across Old Town and toward the Potomac, making it one of the most scenic places to decompress in the city. The cocktail program is creative and well-executed, and there's a reason it's become our warm-weather staple.
Client Dinner: Landini Brothers, Thompson Italian & Josephine
When the stakes are higher and you want to make a real impression, we turn to three Old Town favorites.
Landini Brothers (115 King St) has been an institution on lower King Street for decades, with the kind of warm, unhurried atmosphere that's perfect for a long business dinner. The service is attentive, the portions generous and the setting strikes exactly the right note between professional and comfortable.
Thompson Italian (1024 King St) brings a more contemporary energy. They have a beautifully designed space, a focused menu, and a level of polish that feels special without being stuffy. The pastas are outstanding, and the overall experience reliably lands with clients.
Josephine (109 S. St Asaph St.) rounds out the trio with a French-inspired menu and a stunning indoor atrium that feels like a genuine occasion. Oysters, steak tartare, escargot: it's the kind of place that makes clients feel genuinely taken care of.
Group Activity: PlantHouse (921 N. St Asaph St.)
Not every team event needs to involve food. Our crew headed to PlantHouse to build terrariums and yes, we turned it into a competition. The guided DIY workshop walks you through building your own miniature ecosystem, and we've since added an unofficial team challenge: who can keep theirs alive the longest. (Results pending.) The staff is patient and knowledgeable, the shop itself is gorgeous, and it's a genuinely fun way to spend a few hours together.
Alexandria is an exceptional community, and one of our favorite parts of calling it home is getting to support the local places and people that make it special. Whether we’re discovering a new neighborhood favorite or helping clients plan for what’s ahead, we believe strong communities and long-term confidence go hand in hand. If you’re thinking about your next chapter, we’d love to be part of the conversation!
