What should I order at Ada's on the River?
Ada's on the River
Crab Cake
Mentioned multiple times for its generous crab chunks, delicious flavor, and large portion size. Reviewers frequently praised it as one of the best crab cakes they've had, making it a standout dish.
Beef Tartare
Recommended for being beautifully prepared, full of flavor, perfectly seasoned, and a must-try starter. Several reviews highlighted it as a top-notch and balanced dish.
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Described as incredible and flavorful, with a comforting homemade quality. It was a favored dish for special occasions and repeatedly recommended by guests.
Steak (Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Ribeye)
Highly praised for tenderness, perfect cooking, rich flavor, and being some of the best steaks reviewers have had. Multiple steak cuts were mentioned positively, indicating consistent quality.
Brussels Sprouts
Called crisp, well-seasoned, and clearly made with care. Frequently recommended as a side dish that complements the mains well.
Lamb Shank
Described as fall-off-the-bone tender and beautifully presented, with one reviewer calling it 'poetry on a plate.' It was a memorable entree for special celebrations.
Scallops
Praised for being buttery, perfectly cooked, and delicious, making diners feel like royalty with each bite.
Chocolate Soufflé
Highly recommended dessert noted for being worth every calorie and a spectacular sweet finish to the meal.
Beignets (Apple and Caramel)
Mentioned as a delightful treat and a perfect cherry on top to the dining experience, often paired with chocolate desserts.
Chicken Thighs
Described as lemon-infused, moist, and bursting with flavor, making it a favorite appetizer or small plate.
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 11 PM |
About Ada's on the River
Trendy riverside venue serving steak & seafood, plus weekend brunch, cocktails & a robust wine list.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
Dining options
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Ada's on the River known for?
Ada's on the River is best known for its crab cake, which is mentioned far more than any other dish and is repeatedly described as packed with crab and well prepared. Reviewers also consistently call out the river views in Old Town Alexandria and the attentive service, which make it a popular choice for special meals despite the $50 to $100 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at Ada's on the River?
The most recommended dishes include the crab cake, lobster mac and cheese, swordfish, and chocolate souffle. Reviewers also praise the New York strip, steak tartare, scallops, beef tartare, Brussels sprouts, and hash brown pave, often noting that the steak is cooked perfectly and the sides are crisp and well seasoned.
What is the atmosphere like at Ada's on the River?
The atmosphere is polished, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with a bright waterfront setting and some tables that let guests watch food being prepared. It is often described as a good fit for date nights, brunch dates, anniversaries, and group celebrations, especially in Old Town Alexandria.
Is Ada's on the River good value, and what is the price range?
Ada's on the River is in the $50 to $100 range, and reviewers generally treat it as a special-occasion restaurant rather than a casual bargain spot. The value is supported by the quality of dishes like the crab cake, filet, lobster mac and cheese, and the attentive service, plus extras like a private dining room for larger celebrations.
Should you make a reservation or expect a wait at Ada's on the River?
Yes, reservations are accepted and the restaurant usually has a wait, so planning ahead is a good idea. That matters most on busy brunch or dinner visits, when people come for the river views, cocktails like the lavender martini or espresso martini, and the steak and seafood menu.
Is parking available at Ada's on the River?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Restaurants like Ada's on the River in Alexandria
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