Cafe 44

Name: Cafe 44
Address: 44 Canal Center Plaza Suite 401, Alexandria, VA, United States, 22314
Telephone: (571) 344-9100
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1542 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Café 44 is a stylish American eatery situated along the Waterfront in North Old Town Alexandria. We cater to a local crowd, attracting those who appreciate a spectacular view, quality food, great wine and craft cocktails. Whether you are a regular or a first-time guest, you are received with warmth and enthusiasm. Named the Single Best Outdoor Restaurant in Virginia, our waterfront rooftop terrace and heated balcony are in high demand. Be sure to select your preferred Dining Area when booking. We have three unique spaces: Waterfront Terrace (unheated), Heated Balcony, and Indoor.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 7, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(571) 344-9100

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 9:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–5:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(571) 344-9100
Website
http://cafe44.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Nicki Lewis
Private party facilities
With its panoramic view of the Potomac River, buzz-worthy location, and stylish ambiance, Café 44 is an ideal setting for many occasions. Our expansive space accommodates up to 100 guests and encompasses a variety of seating options within the dining room, as well as on the outdoor terrace and heated balcony. Visit https://cafe44.com/events

Location
44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314
Neighborhood
Alexandria
Cross street
N. Fairfax Street
Parking details
Plaza: (free) There are two parking spaces reserved for Cafe 44 patrons and several unreserved spaces. On-site Garage: ($5 weekends and weekdays after 5pm). Cross railroad tracks and enter garage on right. Street: (free and paid) There is street parking surrounding Canal Center. Watch for the signs to determine if there is a charge or time limit.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

Popular dishes

Crab Cake$24.00
4 oz. jumbo lump crab, house remoulade
Crab Dip$21.00
blue crab, old bay, sharp cheddar, blue corn tortilla chips
Seared Scallops$14.00
sweet potato purée, micro arugula
Ahi Tuna$19.00
edamame purée, ponzu vinaigrette, microgreens
Bourbon BBQ Meatballs$12.00
blend of beef & pork, jim beam bbq sauce
Pimento Cheese Hushpuppies$12.00
pepper jelly, pimento cheese
Burrata$14.00
marinated heirloom cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, honeycomb, micro basil, sourdough crisps
Pork Pot Stickers$12.00
ponzu sauce
Focaccia$7.00
olive oil, balsamic vinegar

Soup & Sides

Lobster Bisque$7.00
Roaster Tomato$7.00
White Cheddar Mac & Cheese$10.00
cavatappi, aged cheddar, parmesan, asiago
Caesar Salad$6.00
grated parmesan, romaine, house croutons & caesar dressing
House Salad$6.00
cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, spring mix, croutons, balsamic vinaigrette
Warm Bacon & Corn Slaw$7.00
Chef's Veggies$7.00
asparagus, haricots verts, heirloom carrots
Deviled Eggs$5.00
crispy prosciutto

House Specialties

Braised Short Rib$32.00
jus, smashed red potatoes, haricots verts
Crab & Lobster Ravioli$22.00
tomato cream sauce, micro basil, sourdough crisps
Lobster Mac & Cheese$23.00
3 oz lobster, cavatappi, aged cheddar, parmesan, asiago, sourdough crisps
Shrimp & Grits$24.00
jim beam cream sauce, cajun shrimp*, white cheddar grits, poached egg*, microgreens
Baked Salmon$26.00
6 oz salmon filet, broccolini, black eyed pea salad, meyer lemon beurre blanc
Chilean Sea Bass$30.00
6 oz seared filet, cauliflower purée, asparagus, warm bacon & corn slaw
Creole Shrimp Linguini$21.00
andouille sausage, five cajun shrimp*, roasted tomatoes, parmesan, garlic butter sauce, chives
Pear & Cheese Fiocchi$18.00
stuffed pasta, parmesan cream sauce, toasted walnuts, crispy prosciutto, rainbow greens

Entree Salads

Seafood Cobb$18.00
five cajun shrimp*, heirloom tomato, blue cheese, bacon, hard boiled egg, romaine, red wine vinaigrette
Ahi Tuna$21.00
seared ahi tuna*, harvest blend, carrots, edamane, cucumber, crispy noodles, ponzu vinaigrette
Chicken Caesar$14.00
grilled chicken, grated parmesan, romaine, house croutons & dressing
Salmon Salad$26.00
6 oz. salmon filet, romaine, red onion, heirloom cherry tomatoes, feta, cucumbers, lemon herb vinaigrette
Harvest Salad$14.00
harvest blend, dried cranberries, roasted pepitas, goat cheese, crispy prosciutto, apple maple vinaigrette

Flatbreads

Classico$15.00
san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone
Pepperoni$16.00
san marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni
Quattro Formaggi$17.00
brie sauce, mozzarella, provolone, asiago, pesto
Garden Truffle$18.00
brie sauce, roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, micro basil, mozzarella, white truffle oil, balsamic glaze

Handhelds

New England Lobster Roll$21.00
3 oz chilled lobster, dukes mayo, house spice, chives, toasted NE roll, chips
Crab Cake Sandwich$28.00
4 oz lump blue crab cake, house remoulade, lettuce, tomato & onion, toasted ciabatta, chips
Meatloaf Sandwich$17.00
toasted ciabatta, chips
The Big Dipper$14.00
gruyère, white cheddar, manchego, sourdough, roasted tomato soup
NY Reuben$17.00
spiced pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, house pickle, toasted marbled rye, chips
Avocado Toast$15.00
smashed avocado, poached egg*, goat cheese, everything spice, microgreens, brioche
Cherry Cola Sandwich$17.00
cheerwine braised pork, house bbq sauce, spicy aioli, cole slaw, toasted brioche bun, chips

Sweets

Affogato$8.00
vanilla bean gelato & doppio espresso
Key Lime Pie$9.00
torched meringue
Bruleed Cheesecake$8.50
seasonal compote
Guinness Sea Salt Brownie$10.00
Vanilla Bean Gelato
- per scoop$3.00
Seasonal Sorbet
- per scoop$3.00
Chocolate Chip Cookie$3.00
Chef's Seasonal Dessert$8.50
Sorbet Cocktail$9.00
raspberry sorbet, sparkling chenin blanc

What 1,542 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Scenic View
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Scenic View

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Filters

K
Kara
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was incredible. Our server Sarah was amazing and the view was stunning.
JB
JulieB
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience4
Service was slow. I ordered a soda and the waiter forgot it. The chicken in my Caesar salad was dry and chewy; the dressing was a glob of mayonnaise in a dish on the side.
A
Ally
Washington DC
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
What a gem! How did I not know about this place?! Had a wonderful birthday dinner during my first time at Cafe 44! Gorgeous views of the waterfront (sailboats at sunset and watching a storm roll in), delicious food (I had the pear & cheese fiocchi, a Prosecco rose, and a peach tart - so summery!), and sweet service from our personable waiter Jacob. Such a lovely vibe! I’ll definitely be back.
AR
AnitaR
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, 'Q' was friendly and attentive! The view was spectacular and the food excellent!!
k
kimberly
Baltimore
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
lovely view very relaxing atmosphere. Drinks are pricey, should just be larger in size :)
BS
BrownSugga
Washington DC
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, service & ambiance was absolutely wonderful! Will definitely return!
N
None
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sat on the Balcony at a high top. Nice location with breeze on a hot late afternoon.
SB
SandraB
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff is most courteous and attentive. Food is excellent in taste . The staff honored our reservation perfectly and we enjoyed the setting very much.
MO
MatronOfHonor
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
Had the most amazing time celebrating my best cousins bachelorette weekend! The staff was very accommodating for our large party. We arrived almost 45 minutes late for our reservation of 5 and added 5 more guests. Everyone was so kind and our server took several pictures of our entire group at the end!!! We will definitely be back with our spouses.
KI
KelseyI
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Fantastic brunch! Only drawback was sitting uncovered in the sun. But great service, food, and beverages.
AA
AngieA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible view. And our server was TOP NOTCH. Loved the massive cocktail menu.
RG
RichardG
Baltimore
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience4
We had an outdoor covered spot reserved for 9am brunch but moved indoors due to the heat and humidity. My fajita omelette was delicious. The regular coffee was horrible so we ordered cappuccinos and lattes instead. The service wasn’t that good.
NJ
NelsonJ
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food2service2ambience2
Expected more with all of the hype. Very average. Treasure hunt to find the place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the view of the water and the food was amazing!! I got a gluten free pizza. 🤤
SM
SusanM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Though a small menu, several options as well as gluten free and kid friendly. We loved the view as well. It's my 3rd time there and will definitely continue to frequent Cafe 44!!
W
missW
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Came back for the lobster benedict and it was still as delicious as the first time I'd had it (the weekend before). Plenty of delicious lobster meat covering the English muffin and perfectly poached eggs with a mild and tasty hollandaise sauce. Best eggs benedict I've ever had. Wish they had it on the all day menu on weekdays as well.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was so good! And the food and view were amazing! Very pretty interior.
ZC
ZhabizC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly staff, great service, delicious food and drinks, gorgeous view! Wine/beer selection could expand to include French wine and more variety of beer. Excellent experience. Will repeat and do recommend!
PB
PeggiB
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Loved the outdoor patio with views. Food was good, not great. Service was excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gorgeous view and the food was absolutely delicious — it exceeded my high expectations, im glad Neighborhood folks kept recommending This place!
BS
BarryS
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love eating out in the balcony there. Excellent service and great food. Only looking for draft IPA's.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and view
t
tfcheng
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Food was okay, it’s the scene that matters , not bad
MM
MaryM
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent and service was terrific. We sat outside and had a great experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good view, good service and good food
SL
SanghunL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Sara really took care of us. Very friendly. Food was good and river view was fantastic.
SB
SerenaB
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
It was great. A hidden gem if I do say so myself. Would go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Service was slow but polite. More umbrellas are needed outside. Drinks were good food was ok.
CB
ClaireB
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great location great restaurant great food great service overall great experience.
DS
DSNavy
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful views, nice ambience, good food. A very pleasant spot for brunch.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday Fun for my daughter. Sat outside on the north side and the breeze was good
NT
NessT
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Kai was our server and he was so warm and welcoming. Food was great and I wish there were more vegan options. We will be back!
J
Jayson
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Will be going back! Braised short rib was elite! Also recommend the crab and lobster ravioli
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience4
The ambience is great. We were looking for a bright Sunny place with big windows since it was in the 90s and did not want to bake outside. We got a seat with a view to the River and a lovely park. The server was very amicable and happy to please. My old fashion was good. I did have to return the braised ribs. The green beans, mashed potatos and meat looked and tasted like something you would get at a local diner. The meat was barely seasoned. The green beans looked like leftovers. The linguine dish my friend ordered - and for which I switched out the braised ribs - was very good.
JS
JaniceS
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Cafe 44 never disappoints! Perfect for out of town guests too! Fabulous and unique view of the Potomac River.
SB
SeanB
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As first-time patrons, we thoroughly enjoyed this hidden gem. The staff truly cares about your experience. Morgan, our server, was knowledgeable and attentive despite having a full complement of tables. The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in our mouths. The food was delightfully flavorful. The braised short rib was the clear winner of the night! Highly recommend!
CP
ConniP
Washington DC
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The staff was very friendly and you have a great view from above looking down on the river and into DC. My salad was good I added chicken and the chicken was a little on the dry side. To pay for a salad on the lunch menu $21 is a little steep. Overall a good experience.
S
Shari
Philadelphia
55 reviews
vip
3.0
55 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience4
Views are spectacular! Our food was good, we all enjoyed our meals. Service was very, very slow, at least at our table. We had to get up to get water and other items for our table.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Kai (I hope that spelling is close!) was our waiter and he did a fabulous job. It started with his patience and help as we moved our outdoor table a couple of times due to the heavy rain that wasn’t in the forecast. The ambience outside, even with the rain, was fantastic and once the rain subsided we were able to move back to the railing and enjoy a fantastic dinner. Thank you so much for the great suggestions Kai and for a wonderful meal and evening!!
TK
ToniK
Washington DC
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated my boyfriend birthday and we had a fabulous time! The managers, the hostess, the waiters just everyone was so wonderful! The food was great especially the Creole seafood linguini and key lime pie were our favs though all the food was delicious!s

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cafe 44 using the Order Online button. Cafe 44 also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (571) 344-9100.

Cafe 44 is rated 4.6 stars by 1542 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 7, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 33 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(571) 344-9100

Other options

Order online

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
N. Fairfax Street
Neighborhood
Alexandria
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat 9:00 am–3:00 pm Sun 9:00 am–5:00 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–5:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Plaza: (free) There are two parking spaces reserved for Cafe 44 patrons and several unreserved spaces. On-site Garage: ($5 weekends and weekdays after 5pm). Cross railroad tracks and enter garage on right. Street: (free and paid) There is street parking surrounding Canal Center. Watch for the signs to determine if there is a charge or time limit.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Nicki Lewis
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://cafe44.com/
Phone number
(571) 344-9100
Private party facilities
With its panoramic view of the Potomac River, buzz-worthy location, and stylish ambiance, Café 44 is an ideal setting for many occasions. Our expansive space accommodates up to 100 guests and encompasses a variety of seating options within the dining room, as well as on the outdoor terrace and heated balcony. Visit https://cafe44.com/events

Featured in

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

Cafe 44

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

A Guide to the Best Date Spots in DC

New England Lobster Roll

Shrimp &amp Grits

Lobster Bisque

Charcuterie

Meats

Prosciutto, Canada

Genoa Salami, USA

Bourbon Bacon Salami, USA

Spicy Soppressata, Italy

Sweet Coppa, Italy

Cheeses

Mt Tam, Cowgirl Creamery

Maple Bourbon Goat, LaClare Family Creamery

Espresso Bellavitano, Sartori

Humboldt Fog, Cypress Grove

Manchego, Queso Coqueya

Accoutrements

Marinated Olives

Marcona Almonds

Raw Honeycomb

Chocolate Chips

Assorted Nuts

House Pickles

Seasonal Jam

Grapes

Pepitas

Dried Cranberries

Starters

Crab Cake$24.00

Crab Dip$21.00

Seared Scallops$14.00

Ahi Tuna$19.00

Bourbon BBQ Meatballs$12.00

Pimento Cheese Hushpuppies$12.00

Burrata$14.00

Pork Pot Stickers$12.00

Focaccia$7.00

Soup & Sides

Lobster Bisque$7.00

Roaster Tomato$7.00

White Cheddar Mac & Cheese$10.00

Caesar Salad$6.00

House Salad$6.00

Warm Bacon & Corn Slaw$7.00

Chef's Veggies$7.00

Deviled Eggs$5.00

House Specialties

Braised Short Rib$32.00

Crab & Lobster Ravioli$22.00

Lobster Mac & Cheese$23.00

Shrimp & Grits$24.00

Baked Salmon$26.00

Chilean Sea Bass$30.00

Creole Shrimp Linguini$21.00

Pear & Cheese Fiocchi$18.00

Entree Salads

Seafood Cobb$18.00

Ahi Tuna$21.00

Chicken Caesar$14.00

Salmon Salad$26.00

Harvest Salad$14.00

Flatbreads

Classico$15.00

Pepperoni$16.00

Quattro Formaggi$17.00

Garden Truffle$18.00

Handhelds

New England Lobster Roll$21.00

Crab Cake Sandwich$28.00

Meatloaf Sandwich$17.00

The Big Dipper$14.00

NY Reuben$17.00