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Evening Star Cafe, Alexandria, VA

Evening Star Cafe

4.3 (1654)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
2000 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
The Evening Star Cafe is a rollicking neighborhood gem located in the heart of Del Ray. Opened in 1997, Evening Star is well known for its friendly vibe and convivial setting and continues to shine with a fiercely loyal crowd. Evening Star combines friendly, gracious service with a seasonal American menu featuring produce grown on our rooftop garden and by local farmers throughout the region.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Marvin Rivera
  • Private party facilities
    The No. 9 Lounge is a wonderful space for private parties! We can accommodate all types of events-casual birthday bashes to seated full-service dinners, wedding parties, wine tastings, & more! We also host more intimate private Farm Table Dinners in Planet Wine. Come celebrate with us! Please reach out to dharrop@neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Alexandria
  • Cross street
    E. Howell Ave.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking on Mount Vernon Ave or cross streets
  • Public transit
    Ten minute walk from the Braddock Road Metro or Potomac Yards
  • Entertainment
    Please note that our downstairs bar opens daily at 4:30 PM. The upstairs bar, No. 9 Lounge, is open Wednesday through Saturday at 5:30 PM. You can find the full calendar of bands playing in the No. 9 Lounge on Wednesdays and Thursdays here: http://ow.ly/om8GN. Shows in the No. 9 start at 8 PM and there is no cover charge.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,654 people are saying

Evening Star Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Evening Star Cafe offers "outstanding" Korean ribs and smoked chicken wings, alongside delicious heirloom salads. The outdoor seating provides a "lovely and relaxing vibe," perfect for enjoying their creative comfort food and innovative cocktails. While some note service issues, many praise the friendly atmosphere and "generous portions," making it a neighborhood gem.
1,654 Reviews
  1. Anne

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything was Ok- which is fine but not as great as I remember it when I came here last year. I seem to recall this was a tough-to-get reservation in the past because the food was so good and it was a hip and trendy place. Not so much now. The place was practically empty and the food was so-so.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 2 days ago
    Hello Anne, We would like to apologize for not living up to the expectations we created on your prior visits. We here at Evening Star expect a standard that falls higher than Ok. We truly hope to see you again soon so we can show you were are much better than 3 stars! Please come in and see us again soon. Thank you for supporting us. -Nicholas Meyer GM ESC

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  2. robert

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Evening Star is a jewel of a neighborhood restaurant, with delicious offerings. You can choose to sit inside where it is lively and festive, sit outside on the Front Porch, which allows you to take in the vibe and thrum of Del Ray, or in the back where you can dine outside as if you were grilling at home. The menu changes seasonally and the bar is skillful and inventive with their offerings. Our server was excellent. He was knowledgeable, attentive without hovering and well-versed in the menu and wine and beer selections. We couldn't have asked for a more lovely evening out.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 2 days ago
    Hello Robert, Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. We appreciate greatly your awesome words and business you have given us here at Evening Star Café and Hi-Fi. We truly hope to see you consistently, so we can give you the best hospitality we can provide. Once again thank you so much for you positivity! -Nicholas Meyer GM Evening Star Café

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  3. Adam VIP

    Cincinnati / Dayton33 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food! Portions tend to be on the smaller side for starters. Outside seating is very nice but the tables are a bit wobbly so be careful. Overall, a nice place to eat in Del Ray.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 5 days ago
    Hello Adam, thank you so much for taking your time to give us a review. We greatly appreciate your business and choosing us for dinner. Also thank you for mentioning the wobbly tables so we can get those taken care of quickly. We hope on your next visit we can turn that 4 star into a 5 star review!!! -Nicholas Meyer

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  4. Matthew

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We went with our small kids and enjoyed a great meal. My only comment would be that our service seemed a little slow but I’m not sure if it’s because our reservation was so early in the evening. Either way, we’ll definitely be back.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 2 days ago
    Hello Matthew, Thank you so much for your kind review. We appreciate greatly that you joined us for family dinner. We hope to see you again soon and hope to give you a wonderful experience. -Nicholas Meyer GM Evening Star Café

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  5. Lea VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area17 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had crispy Korean ribs that were outstanding, with four big and meaty ribs in the serving, the chicken wings were smoked and had a great flavor. We also enjoyed the heirloom tomato salad and a wedge salad. Both were delicious. The service was attentive, without being obtrusive, and we sat outside in the yard, which was nice given the perfect weather. The only downside was the music was a bit loud, but great tunes, so it wasn’t too bad.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 7 days ago
    Hello Lea! Thank you so much for joining us and your wonderful review. We are very grateful to be able to serve you and give you the experience you absolutely deserve! We look very much forward to you joining us again. We hope to impress over and over again. -Nicholas Meyer

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  6. Barbara VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had as usual a wonderful evening outside and a truly delightful meal.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 7 days ago
    Hello Barbara! Thank you so much for your kind review. We look forward to giving you an even better experience on your next visit!!! -Nicholas Meyer

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  7. Jeremy VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area8 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on May 11, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Aervice was poor. Took an hour for the food. Restaurant is dirty.
    Evening Star CafeResponded 7 days ago
    Hello Jeremy, we are so sorry to hear about your experience on this past visit. Our standard does not reflect what you experienced. We would be extremely grateful to invite you back and show you how we intend to serve this great community. We will do whatever it takes to change this opinion that was formed due to our mistakes. We would love to book you a reservation and treat you to a wonderful dinner here at Evening Star Café or Hi-Fi. I look forward to seeing you. -Nicholas Meyer General Manager Evening Star Café

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  8. Robert

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    My wife and I chose Evening Star for our 35th wedding anniversary. It was just the two of us, and we were offered a table for four with a window view and two complimentary glasses of prosecco. It started to rain hard, so that probably prevented the restaurant from filling up after 7:00pm. It was quiet, which was perfect ambience for us. The food was delicious, and portions were generous so my wife could take part of her entre home to enjoy later. Hats off to our servers and the chef!

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  9. Michael

    South Carolina3 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on May 4, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    Too loud inside, made the whole experience very uncomfortable. Started off with bugs in the water glass and went downhill from there. The light in our booth was covered in dust and grime, which ended up in a drink. Paid 27 dollars for 2 eggs and a tiny bit of steak. Wife's french toast was bland and tasteless. Service was slow, we looked around and saw no one had anything to eat at one point.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. Robin

    Washington, D.C. Area10 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 23, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Group of seven, waitress helped us make space for us all to sit. We were out on the patio. They were low on staff that night so only one person was serving inside and out. We had a lovely meal and enjoyed the eclectic but high-quality cooking That I expect from this restaurant. The cocktails were tasty and fun. The french fries were crispy, the hamburger was juicy tasty and satisfying, everyone loved their entrées. Dinner for seven minus alcohol was very reasonably priced. The patio is a great place to enjoy good weather. In shoulder season in the DC area we like to take advantage of it.

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FAQs

Evening Star Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 549-5051.

Evening Star Cafe is rated 4.3 stars by 1654 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. Virginia - DC Suburbs
  5. Alexandria

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Google Map for Evening Star Cafe

2000 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

Additional information

  • Cross street
    E. Howell Ave.
  • Neighborhood
    Alexandria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking on Mount Vernon Ave or cross streets
  • Public transit
    Ten minute walk from the Braddock Road Metro or Potomac Yards
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Marvin Rivera
  • Entertainment
    Please note that our downstairs bar opens daily at 4:30 PM. The upstairs bar, No. 9 Lounge, is open Wednesday through Saturday at 5:30 PM. You can find the full calendar of bands playing in the No. 9 Lounge on Wednesdays and Thursdays here: http://ow.ly/om8GN. Shows in the No. 9 start at 8 PM and there is no cover charge.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    The No. 9 Lounge is a wonderful space for private parties! We can accommodate all types of events-casual birthday bashes to seated full-service dinners, wedding parties, wine tastings, & more! We also host more intimate private Farm Table Dinners in Planet Wine. Come celebrate with us! Please reach out to dharrop@neighborhoodrestaurantgroup.com
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