Guide to Queer Eye in Alexandria

Experience the City Just Like the Fab Five from the Netflix Hit Series

The cast of Queer Eye walking across a rainbow crosswalk in Alexandria, VA.

When the Netflix hit show Queer Eye arrived in Alexandria, it added another chapter to our city’s growing story, turning Alexandria’s streets into an inclusive runway for personal transformation. As the City of Alexandria’s Film Office and tourism marketing arm, Visit Alexandria was proud to work with partners like Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and the City of Alexandria to welcome Queer Eye and its production headquarters to Alexandria. Throughout the Washington, D.C. area filming of the show’s 10th and final season, Queer Eye’s production headquarters were located in Alexandria’s Van Dorn Station area from late June to August 2025. The shoot lasted five weeks and featured the cast visiting several locations in Alexandria.

Alexandria is excited to welcome all to our city, which just earned its sixth consecutive perfect score for LGBTQ+ equality by the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

Queer Eye is widely celebrated for its representation among LGBTQ+ communities and focus on inspiring self-love and confidence. The show’s style experts consist of “The Fab Five”: Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming), Tan France (Fashion), Antoni Porowski (Food & Wine), and Jeremiah Brent (Design) who lead emotional and transformative makeovers of local heroes. These makeovers lead to emotional discussions of identity, self-love, and social commentaries interspliced with style advice.

533 Montgomery St.

Salon deZEN

This season, viewers will spot Jonathan Van Ness transforming one hero’s look at Salon deZEN‘s Old Town North location. Salon owner Maria Elizabeth was thrilled to host Jonathan and the Queer Eye team. She shared, “What really stood out to me was how genuine the cast and crew are. The warmth, high energy, and care you see on screen is exactly who they are off camera. Watching them work so intentionally to empower people through self love, confidence, and acceptance was incredibly moving and felt completely aligned with our values.”

Both of Salon deZEN’s Alexandria locations are known for a welcoming, artsy and relaxing atmosphere. All are invited to explore their personal style with trendy techniques in hair color, hair style, makeup artistry, and bridal beauty services, making Salon deZEN the perfect setting for the show’s focus on inspiring self-love and inner beauty. Visitors can have a glass of wine while getting the beautiful hair style of their dreams.

110 S. Pitt St.

1799 Prime Steak & Seafood

1799 Prime Steak & Seafood in Alexandria, VA hosts the cast and crew of Queer Eye. Speaking with Visit Alexandria post-filming, 1799 founder and CEO Jahmond “Jay” Quander shared how much he enjoyed the experience of filming and that he looks forward to more guests learning about his restaurant and Alexandria. “We welcome guests from every walk of life, from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to top generals to local retirees.” As a member of one of the oldest documented African American families in the United States, Jahmond’s background is as storied as his guests. From signature dishes like blackened whiskey shrimp to creative cocktails, Jay and his restaurant give guests something to remember.

1799 Prime Steak & Seafood is a sophisticated and elegant steak and seafood house located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. Their prime steaks, fresh seafood, and smooth cocktails are delicious as they are beautiful. The restaurant offers an elegant interior, fresh ingredients, and serene atmosphere that offers a sublime fine dining experience that elevates every moment. Enjoy signature cocktails in their Peacock Lounge, private dining experiences, or outdoor courtyard.

108 N. Washington St.

Hazel O. Salon

The final season’s first dramatic hair transformation begins at Hazel O. Salon in Old Town Alexandria. Expert stylist Jonathan Van Ness gives sisters Dorriene and Jo Diggs a transformational hairstyle that brings out each sister’s distinct individual identity, leaving them revitalized.

Hazel O. Salon is an upscale hair salon founded by Nikita Montgomery and Marcia Rhodes Tyler. They are widely known for their expertise in working with an inclusive range of hair types, focusing on emphasizing natural hair textures, and inspiring self-care. The salon stands as a proud homage to their grandmother’s legacy, inspiring clients to leave feeling inspired by her radiance.

King & N. Royal St.

Alexandria’s Progress Pride Rainbow Crosswalks

Rainbow Pride crosswalks on King Street in Old Town Alexandria.

In a photo posted by Queer Eye’s official Instagram account, the Fab Five are proudly posed strutting along one of Alexandria’s rainbow crosswalks reflecting the colors of the Progress Pride flag. Both cross walks lead to Alexandria City Hall at the intersection of King Street and N. Royal St., reflecting the city’s values and serving as an empowering backdrop to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities.

Alexandria is proud to have earned six consecutive perfect scores from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, marking the city’s ongoing priority to create an inclusive community. Visit Alexandria is a proud IGLTA member, and the city itself was the first locality in Virginia to extend protections to the LGBTQ+ community through its human rights ordinance. In fact, in the 1990s, an owner of a gay bar in Alexandria successfully sued to overturn a Virginia law that had prohibited bars from selling alcohol to gays and lesbians.

529 Montgomery St.

BONUS: St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub

While Queer Eye did not film at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, Antoni Porowski of the Fab Five was spotted at the beloved cafe in Old Town North during filming. With three Alexandria locations, locally owned St. Elmo’s is a cozy family-owned coffee shop with a passion for serving high quality, organic coffee, and delicious fresh-baked pastries and authentic meals. Ease into your morning with a piping hot latte, floral tea, or a breakfast quiche or croissant.

By night, enjoy their fine selection of draft beer, cider, and wine. Visiting St. Elmo’s at any time of the day is guarantees to draw in good fun. In fact, the spot is widely adored by locals for their open mic nights, live music, wine tastings, and seasonal events making it a community gathering place for budding creatives and those looking to relax and unwind.

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People stroll down a lively, sunlit street lined with outdoor cafes, red umbrellas, greenery, and brick buildings on both sides. Some sit and dine, while others walk and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

Alexandria welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to explore the city and its LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Peruse through Friends to Lovers, a queer-owned romance bookstore offering everything from LGBTQ+ romance stories to fantasy adventure novels from owner Jamie Fortin. Dine at Hank’s Oyster Bar, a lively eatery in Old Town North from chef-owner Jamie Leeds, offering raw bar favorites and fresh seafood bites, and a beloved spot for the queer community. Or stop by Salon Monte to be pampered by Monte Durham’s team of hair stylists. Durham famously served as Fashion Director on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” for over a decade.