The charming neighborhood of Del Ray is one of Alexandria’s most popular neighborhoods and tourist destinations — and with good reason. Its many shops, restaurants, clubs, and galleries, especially those on Mount Vernon Avenue, make it so easy to spend a day there. Here is a list of our team’s favorite stops along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Day!

Shops

Kiskadee

2205 Mount Vernon Avenue

Designed to be a one-stop shop, Kiskadee truly has everything for your wardrobe. With a range of prices and everything from cocktail dresses to party shoes, Kiskadee is the perfect place to get a whole outfit. Kiskadee also offers fabulous gifts and accessories which make great gifts! Open since 2007, Kiskadee’s bright yellow storefront is a landmark on the Avenue.

Purple Goose

2005 Mount Vernon Avenue

The Purple Goose is a Del Ray institution offering baby gifts, shoes, and accessories that are fashionable for little children. Here you can find popular brands like Robeez and Lilly Pulitzer. Sizes range from newborn to size 14. If you buying a gift for a child that lives out of town, the Purple Goose will wrap it up and ship it for you!

Top It Off

1906 Mount Vernon Avenue

Top It Off is another stylish shop on Mount Vernon Avenue, offering fun, colorful clothes and accessories at very reasonable prices. Top It Off is known for its adorable tunics, dresses, wraps, scarves and accessories. The store is always a fun and enjoyable place to shop. Whether you are shopping for some new beach clothes or accessories, Top It Off has it!

Bellies & Babies

1913 Mount Vernon Avenue
If you are a new mom or soon-to-be mom, Bellies & Babies has everything you need! This high-end consignment store was created for moms who have trouble finding stylish and affordable clothes for themselves and their children. The best part about this store is if they do not sell the clothes by the end of the consignment period, they donate them to United Community Ministries.

Tops of Old Town

2400 Mount Vernon Avenue
Looking for a fancy hat for a special occasion (think Kentucky Derby or a royal wedding!)? Then check out Tops of Old Town (really located along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray). This shop offers designer hats, suits, dresses, and accessories for both men and women. With such a wide variety of options and styles, this store is bound to have the perfect hat for your event.

Dining and Drinking

Pork Barrel BBQ

2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va 22301

When Pork Barrel BBQ opened up in 2011, it quickly became Del Ray’s hottest restaurant. In what is already considered the avenue’s most visited block, Pork Barrel joined Del Ray’s famous St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub and The Dairy Godmother. Pork Barrel brings nationally ranked BBQ to the heart of Del Ray attracting BBQ lovers from all over the region to this family-friendly restaurant. With arcade games, a sports bar, and outdoor seating, its atmosphere brings the town to life and keeps it going late into the night. Next door neighbors, Holy Cow and the Sushi Bar are owned by the same local restaurant group which allows for a connected flow of food and energy across all three dining spaces. After indulging in an award-winning sandwich, the “Del Ray” thing to do is stroll down the block for frozen custard or a pastry at the Dairy Godmother.

Taqueria el Poblano

2400 Mount Vernon Avenue
Voted in Zagat’s Top 10 best Mexican restaurants in the DC area, Mount Vernon Avenue’s Taqueria el Poblano’s margaritas are said to be “made with lots of TLC.” The restaurant has a fabulous neighborhood vibe and a very lively atmosphere. Its extensive menu features traditional Mexican favorites like tacos, chile rellenos, enchiladas, and burritos. The friendly and welcoming service at Taqueria el Poblano is yet another reason to stop by!

Cheesetique

2411 Mount Vernon Avenue
Cheesetique, a specialty cheese shop, and wine bar, is a place to both dine in and find that perfect cheese and or bottle of wine. If you choose to dine-in, they offer a cheese-centric menu with options including “grown up” grilled cheese sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, and poutine. Owner Jill Erber has worked to create a happy and classy atmosphere in the shop. Cheesetique also events like happy hours and cheese-focused classes like M.Y.O.B. (Make Your Own {cheese} Board).

Stomping Ground

2309 Mount Vernon Avenue
Stomping Ground is a cozy coffee shop known for its divine buttermilk biscuits. Make sure to try the “Not So Classic” fried chicken biscuit, made with benne seed tahini, Stomping Ground’s special hot sauce, honey, red onion, and za’atar. You can also build your own biscuit creation! Stomping Ground prides itself on always using seasonal ingredients, and local and organic whenever ones possible. It is one of our favorite breakfast stops in Alexandria!

Evening Star Cafe

2000 Mount Vernon Avenue
Evening Star Cafe, open in Del Ray since 1997, is known for its “friendly vibe and convivial setting.” Its menu offers a wide range of seasonally-inspired starters, salads, small plates, and entrees. Some of its produce is grown on its own rooftop garden! The Evening Star Cafe also offers an outdoor dining option on “The Front Porch.” This is one of Del Ray’s most popular spots to “unwine-d” with a great seasonal menu full of unique cocktails and small plate options. Their weekend brunch is well worth a stop for the blood orange mimosas, duck hash, and fried chicken and waffles. All of the wines on their menu are available for sale at Planet Wine located right next door.

St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub

2300 Mount Vernon Avenue
Open daily, St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub has been Del Ray’s go-to meeting spot for years. Grab a friend and head over to this restaurant and enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries or dinner and open mic night. St. Elmo’s offers free wi-fi and plentiful, cozy seating. The Not So Modern Jazz Quartet makes an appearance every Thursday at St. Elmo’s.

Junction Bakery & Bistro

1508 Mount Vernon Avenue
Relatively new to the Avenue, Junction is quickly becoming Del Ray’s hot spot. Offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour, beer, and wine, Junction is a great stop any time of the day. This American bistro’s fresh-baked bread is the star of the show and the foundation of its menu offerings. Grateful Juice Co. is housed in Junction and serves handcrafted fresh-pressed juices in seasonal flavors.

 

Los Tios Grill

2615 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va 22301

This local favorite Tex-Mex grill sits just on the edge of the Avenue, in Del Ray. With huge portion sizes and unbeatable, authentic tastes, Los Tios Grill is Del Ray’s go-to spot for school fundraisers, birthday parties, and any other excuse to enjoy the environment inside and out. Los Tios has the best chips and salsa in town, hands down; combined with incredible service and an affordable selection, it is hard to beat this top Del Ray restaurant!

The Arts & Culture

Del Ray Artisans

2704 Mount Vernon Avenue
With the mission of promoting art for local artists and the community, Del Ray Artisans has been the place for both local artists and art enthusiasts for 25 years. It offers a rotation of art exhibits, markets, classes, youth art camps, and more. To mark its anniversary, Del Ray Artisans is hosting special events throughout the year. Its gallery is always free and open to the public.

The Birchmere

3701 Mount Vernon Avenue
You don’t have to go into D.C. to see live rock, country, jazz, and bluegrass music, just head over to the legendary Birchmere! Open since 1996, well-known artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lyle Lovett, Dave Matthews, Vince Gill, John Prine, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and k.d. Lang have graced the stage of The Birchmere. All ages are welcome; seating and the kitchen open at 6 pm on show nights. Grab the family and enjoy some fantastic live music!

Cinema Del Ray Outdoor Movies

2701 Commonwealth Avenue

It’s so much fun watching a movie with your family, so why not watch it outside? Throughout the summer, different movies will be played on the Mount Vernon Recreation Center Fields (just off Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray) at 7 pm. Bring a comfy blanket and some popcorn and enjoy a free, family-friendly movie.

Pampering

Ease Yoga & Cafe

3051 Mount Vernon Avenue

Part yoga studio, part cafe, Ease Yoga & Cafe is a welcome recent addition to the Avenue. Its lineup of classes truly has something for every member of the family – from “Curvy Yoga” to kids yoga and everything in between. After class, stop by its cafe, run by South Block, for pressed juices, smoothies, coffee, tea, kombucha, or acai bowls. The family-friendly cafe includes a train table and toys for the little ones. Ease also offers a wide range of workshops on movement, nutrition, meditation, mindfulness, relationships, and more (for a complete list of Alexandria yoga studios, click here).

Waxing the City

2727 Mount Vernon Avenue #D1

“Serious About Smooth” is the motto of the new Waxing the City franchise in Del Ray. They offer waxing services literally from head to toe for both men and women. Depending on the area of the body, they will use one of two different types of waxes. Waxing the City also offers brow and lash tinting. The shop is currently offering a deal for new customers (50% of their first visit).

Anne Welsh Salon

2100 Mount Vernon Avenue

Located in a charming Del Ray farmhouse, this Bumble + Bumble exclusive salon offers cuts, styling, and color for both men and women. Anne Welsh herself is one of the DC area’s most sought-after stylists, with an elite list of clients. Stop by Anne Welsh Salon for a whole new look or to pick up a gift certificate for a loved one!

Be sure to visit the Avenue on one of its “First Thursdays” from April – September for even more excitement. This family- and pet-friendly evening has a different theme each month, with activities for children, live music, and a festive atmosphere. Click here for the current schedule.

As you can see, you can have a truly fabulous time passing a day (and night) on Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue. Did we miss your favorite stop? Please let us know!

Want to get to know Del Ray (or another part of town) even better? Contact us today for one of our neighborhood orientation tours.

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