Where to Find Authentic Southern Food in Alexandria
Authentic Southern dining combines iconic ingredient staples with an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, and there are few better places to have an authentic Southern dining experience than charming Alexandria, VA. Below, we’ve narrowed the field to some of the best Old Town Alexandria restaurants for Southern dining. 
King & Rye
With a menu that’s based on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, King and Rye is a Southern restaurant in Alexandria providing guests with a dining experience rooted in true Southern hospitality. Dishes are made from scratch using ingredients sourced from local farmers, makers, and butchers. Featuring authentic flavors and a deep appreciation of Southern cuisine, a meal at King and Rye is a great opportunity to enjoy traditional Southern food and local fare. Pair your meal with one of King and Rye’s hand-selected whiskeys, (whiskey enthusiasts will love the Hard-to-Find section of the whiskey menu,) and you’re sure to have a meal like no other.
Hen Quarter
Hen Quarter specializes in traditional Southern dishes, and the restaurant’s fun atmosphere is inspired by the belief that time spent over good food with friends and family is time well spent. For a restaurant called Hen Quarter, it’s only fitting that chicken lead the menu. Dig into some Chicken and Biscuits with a side of house-made doughnuts for brunch. For dinner, the Hen Quarter Special is a collection of classic Southern dishes: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and a biscuit served with honey butter. Further following the Southern tradition, Hen Quarter offers a Bottomless Family-Style Brunch — perfect for groups to gather, eat, and connect!
Southside 815
Southside 815 has been an Alexandria favorite for Southern food since opening its doors in 1993. With its focus on providing a friendly atmosphere and delicious meals at an affordable price, it’s no wonder Southside 815 has enjoyed being named on a number of prestigious “Best Of” lists. Whether you want a place to gather with friends to watch a sporting event or a special dinner for two, Southside 815 is equipped to make your dining experience special. Featuring a number of Southern staple foods, guests can finally try some classic dishes that have made their way into popular culture. Fried green tomatoes, anyone?
Magnolia’s on King
Set in a 200-year-old historical building and offering three floors of unique dining venues, Magnolia’s on King provides Southern Comfort Cuisine in a unique and historical setting. Located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria, Magnolia’s on King is the perfect location for large groups to gather and enjoy a meal in a private dining lounge. Featuring a menu built around locally sourced ingredients, dishes cooked to order, and signature craft cocktails, this restaurant is a prime example of Southern hospitality and cuisine. Magnolia’s on King proudly uses sustainably raised and grown ingredients from regional farms and purveyors.
There’s nothing better than relaxing with friends and family over a good meal at the end of the day. Enjoy the feeling of tucking into a home-cooked meal away from home at one of these Southern-style restaurants.
