1. The Birchmere
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 549-7500
Address: 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue
Description: In an area known as Arlandria (Arlington/ Alexandria border), this has become one of the top national venues for bluegrass, zydeco, country, folk, pop, and blues performers, all in a down-to-earth, casual setting. The once crowded space has undergone a major expansion and renovation. Now you’ll find a pool hall, German beer garden, and plenty of room for the crowds that gather here for top-of-the-line performers such as David Crosby, Doc Watson, and the Nighthawks. The schedule is determined by show times, and tickets are $20 to $45.
2. Fish Market*
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 836-5676
Address: 105 King Street
Description: This Old Town spot always seems to be full of jolly people ready to party, and the ragtime piano player adds to the mood on Wednesday through Saturday. You can dine on seafood while you enjoy the old-time saloon atmosphere, the humor, and the cheerful music. It is open nightly, with no cover charge.
3. Ireland’S Own
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 549-4535
Address: 132 North Royal Street
Description: Fans of live Irish-themed acoustic music, Irish food, and Irish drink can get their fill at Ireland’s Own in Old Town Alexandria. St. Patrick’s Day, in particular, is an occasion at this bar. This is a casual neighborhood place, comfortable for people of any age. It is open nightly, with a $5 cover charge on weekends.
4. Murphy’S Of Alexandria
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 548-1717
Address: 713 King Street
Description: As if it weren’t cozy enough to have an intimate sweaters-and-jeans-type place along the cobbled walks of Old Town, this place also features a wood-burning fireplace and Irish music nightly. Like Ireland’s Own, listed earlier, this is a hot spot on St. Patrick’s Day after the parade. It is open nightly, with no cover charge.
5. Tiffany Tavern
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 836-8844
Address: 1116 King Street
Description: This cozy spot at the west end of Old Town isn’t very well known outside the neighborhood, but it’s usually crowded, thanks to the intimate space. It’s the only bar in the Washington area that hosts bluegrass bands every weekend. Dress down or dress up as you please. There is no cover charge.
6. Chadwicks
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 836-4442
Address: 203 South Strand Street
Description: Chadwicks is as inviting as the Georgetown original, with bars upstairs and down. On weekends, 20- and 30-somethings pack the place. Beer is the drink of choice and the dress is khakis to business suits. It is open nightly, with no cover charge.
7. Joe Theismann’S
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 739-0777
Address: 1800 Diagonal Road
Description: This restaurant and bar, named after the former Redskins quarterback and current football announcer, offers great sports viewing and karaoke. On Friday nights expect a dark, clubby scene for the over-30 set. Dress ranges from casual to business suits. The Old Town location attracts a clientele that’s a bit more affluent than that of the original restaurant in Baileys Crossroads, which was sold to another company. It is open nightly, with no cover charge.
8. Union Street Public House*
City: Alexandria, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 548-1785
Address: 121 South Union Street
Description: This has long been one of Old Town’s most popular singles spots, and there seems to be no end in sight for the accolades. Crowded? Yes. But the wait that’s not unusual during prime time is worth it, if only for the spirited bar ambience, the extensive and offbeat beer selections, and the friendly help. If the front bar is too much, try the often-overlooked oyster bar in back. It’s smaller and less lively, but the beer is just as good and it’s easier to find a seat or a quiet corner. It is open nightly, with no cover charge.