One of the things I love about working in Old Town Alexandria is my lunch choices.  Here are three suggestions that you might enjoy:

Del Merei Grille
3106 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria Virginia 22305

Del Merei Grille’s owners Mary Abraham and her mother Laura have been in the food business for a long time.  Their great grandparents owned a butcher’s shop in Alexandria on King Street; their grandparents turned a watering hole called Freddy’s Café into the “Vienna Inn”.  And as if that was not enough, their son Mark and his wife Laura, launched Monroe’s on Commonwealth Ave in Del Ray.  Del Merei Grille opened about 3 years ago.

The atmosphere and décor are very friendly.  The menu is really fun and I assure you everyone will find a choice of their liking.   From Patty melts and great Chili dogs to Portabella mushroom wraps and tuna and chicken salad sandwiches.  Just make sure you are hungry (The potato tots are awesome), Del Merei Grille makes sure you get your money’s worth.  I am talking quality and quantity.

Price: Moderate

Fontaine
119 South Royal Street
Alexandria Virginia  22314

Feel like having lunch in Paris!

Fontaine Caffe & Crêperie serves authentic savory and sweet French crêpes and Cidres in a casual European cafe setting.  When you enter Fontaine, you feel you have been beamed to Paris.  Owners Kyong & Sunyi have created a unique and beautiful setting with a delicious menu to match it. 

Price: moderate

Le Pain Quotidien “Daily Bread”
701 King Street
Alexandria Virginia 22314

This franchise stared in Brussels opening its first restaurant in 1990.  As you can see in the name, the whole concept was built around fresh bread.  Le Pain Quotidien offers a casual yet fun atmosphere with a communal table where everybody can sit together.  They use fresh ingredients in all their sandwiches and have no Sodas!  Yes, you can only get their delicious fresh juices there.  I would suggest getting their soy lattés or a glass of lemon juice with their cheese platter.  If you are hungry, you can get one of their great sandwiches too.  The environment is relaxed with a hint of sophistication. 

Price: expensive