Overall, a solid restaurant with great food items, but the costs don’t seem as reasonable for some compared to the others. Had the shrimp and crab etouffe, Cajun seafood pasta and the oysters. Etouffe was great, had a lot of shrimp and it was savory. The Parmesan crusted oysters were also presented nicely and tasted great. The seafood pasta had a large portion with delicious sauce, however, jumbo shrimp had the intense fishy aftertaste. Parking is easy across the street.
Overview
If you're looking for a cozy spot in Alexandria to enjoy a great meal, Rt's Restaurant is the place to be. Located at 3804 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305, this local gem has become a favorite among both residents and visitors who are craving comfort food with a unique twist. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, steaks, or a delicious Southern-inspired dish, Rt's menu offers something for everyone.
One of the standout features of Rt's Restaurant is its intimate and welcoming atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted with a warm ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The dining area is charming, with simple yet elegant décor that complements the overall relaxed vibe. The restaurant is a great choice for a casual dinner with friends, a family gathering, or even a romantic evening.
The menu at Rt's Restaurant is nothing short of impressive. The restaurant specializes in seafood, with dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients available. One of the must-try items is their signature shrimp and grits, a flavorful dish that combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce, served over a bed of grits. It's a Southern classic with a modern twist, and it's sure to leave you coming back for more.
Another popular dish at Rt's Restaurant is their crab cakes. Made with sweet, tender lump crab meat, these cakes are seasoned to perfection and pan-seared to a golden brown. They’re served with a tangy remoulade sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. If you're a fan of seafood, these crab cakes are a definite must-try.
For those who prefer land-based dishes, Rt's Restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Their steak options are equally mouthwatering. From juicy ribeye steaks to tender filet mignon, each cut is cooked to perfection and served with your choice of sides. The sides themselves are also noteworthy, with options like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a delightful mac and cheese that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The drink menu at Rt's Restaurant offers a wide variety of wines, craft beers, and cocktails to complement your meal. The bartenders are skilled and can craft a custom drink based on your preferences. If you're a wine enthusiast, their selection features both local and international wines that pair beautifully with their dishes.
What truly sets Rt's Restaurant apart is its commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Many of the restaurant’s dishes are sourced from local farms and purveyors, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The chefs take great pride in their craft, and it shows in the taste and presentation of each dish.
In terms of service, Rt's Restaurant excels. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They make sure that your dining experience is as enjoyable as possible, whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular patron. The service is efficient, but not rushed, giving you plenty of time to savor your meal at a leisurely pace.
With its diverse menu, welcoming atmosphere, and impeccable service, Rt's Restaurant has earned a loyal following. It’s a place where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxed setting without breaking the bank. Whether you're popping in for a casual lunch, a dinner with friends, or a special celebration, you can count on Rt's Restaurant to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.
Located in the heart of Alexandria, this restaurant is conveniently situated for both locals and tourists. Its central location means it’s just a short drive from downtown Alexandria, making it an ideal spot for anyone exploring the city. With its extensive menu and top-notch service, Rt's Restaurant continues to be a go-to destination for food lovers in the area.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Kerbside pickup âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Quick bite âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ QuietCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
The food was amazing and the portion sizes were huge. The hush puppies were really good, just wish there was more crab in the hush puppy. The waitress, Stephanie, was very nice and even offered suggestions. I didn’t even know about this place and only selected it because of its name, my grandfather’s name was RT. Parking was a little funky, read the signs. They could use some renovations and bathroom updates. I would definitely recommend RT if you’re looking for something Creole.
This place is probably the closest you can get to real Louisiana cuisine if you’re craving it. The seafood pasta was loaded with fresh seafood, and the baked oysters were absolutely delicious! Finding a parking spot was pretty easy for us but i assume it could get difficult during dinner time.
The parking is kind of hard, either on the side streets and or across the street at the dollar store. The food was pretty good. I had a variety chosen from the menu. The restaurant has the ambience of being in Louisiana.
Food was excellent. I was in a party of ~19 people. Service was great except that I had to ask for water twice before I got it. And then I ordered a drink when I ordered food hoping that the drink would come first but it came out all at the same time (could be because we were a large group). I ordered the Death by Gumbo and it was excellent. A pretty big order that you could share or take it home. I also ordered the Shrimp and Crawfish Red Beans & Rice to go and it was delicious, on the milder side of seasoning. They packed it well so it wasn't soggy to eat the next day.
I absolutely love this place. My family and I have been coming here for decades. It is a main stay in the area, and in my opinion our best restaurant. I have hesitated to leave reviews before because I didn’t want everybody to know about it. But I went in the other day and it was not busy. So, I have to make sure they stay around! A neighborhood without RT’s is no neighborhood at all. Things that are amazing here: I’ve honestly never had a bad dish. I love the Sazerac. House wine is great. Service, ambience, everything, excellent. 30-year-old dioramas of the Arlandria (trying to rebrand as Del Ray north) neighborhood are fantastic. This place is an absolute must.
I swung by for a late lunch, and I must say 10/10 experience! Adina helped me out today and truly over delivered on her service. The staff is friendly, attentive, professional and personable. Not to mention, the salad was great! I tip my hat to the staff as they really made a difference here. If you’re in the area looking for a quick lunch bite / real authentic Cajun / seafood, look no further! Will definitely be coming back! Thank you Adina and George!