With such close proximity to Washington, DC, it’s no wonder a United States president (or two, or three) have been known to frequent Alexandria’s historic streets. Since its days as George Washington’s hometown, Alexandria has seen the likes of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama (the city was even home to Gerald Ford for ten days into his presidency) sampling local flavors and celebrating special evenings away from the hustle of the nation’s capital. So if you’re in search of something a little, shall we say, presidential, here are a few delicious spots to check out.
1. FireFlies
After receiving a personal invitation from FireFlies’ owner to try the “best burger in town,” Obama visited this Del Ray restaurant with his secretary of education Arne Duncan.
2. Restaurant Eve
In 2011, President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle toasted their anniversary at Restaurant Eve in the restaurant’s “Sunflower Room.”
3. Dairy Godmother Frozen Custard & Nostalgic Treats
On a toasty Saturday in June 2009, Barack Obama and his daughters Sasha and Malia stopped into this Del Ray custard shop for a chilly Father’s Day treat, even bringing home some doggy goodies for the family pup, Bo.
Perhaps the original presidential hotspot, Gadsby’s Tavern played host to the first five American presidents, was George Washington’s stopping place of choice on his treks between Old Town and his estate at Mount Vernon, and the locale for Thomas Jefferson’s Inaugural Banquet.
On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, patrons of the Grille at Morrison House are serenaded by the same White House pianist responsible for keeping the tunes from the Nixon to Clinton years.
6. Vermilion
In 2012, President Obama and the First Lady celebrated a romantic Valentine’s Day in the cozy restaurant Vermilion.
See more of Alexandria’s presidential hotspots here.
Respective photos by the Washington Post, Pete Souza/White House, Gadsby’s Tavern, Domenica Cooks and Brianna Simmons
