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Vola's Dockside Grill, Alexandria, VA

Vola's Dockside Grill

4.4
4.4
2472 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
With one of the most coveted locations on the Alexandria riverfront, Vola's Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge feature the best outdoor dining location in town. The menu at Vola's Dockside Grill features fresh seafood, tacos and American cuisine favorites, alongside cocktails, beer and wine in a relaxed and casual family-friendly atmosphere. Hi-Tide Lounge is connected to Vola's by a hallway. In just a few steps, feel transported to the swingin' 60s and sip on classic cocktails served with midcentury-modern vibe. We offer an all day menu for weekday lunch or dinner enjoyment, weeknight Happy Hour with bar and oyster specials, plus brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 77 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–11:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–12:00 am Sat 10:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (703) 935-8890
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Javier Rodriguez
  • Private party facilities
    Located on the waterfront in Old Town, Vola’s is a relaxed, fun seafood restaurant with a raw bar and a large outdoor riverside patio. Tucked in to a prominent corner at the base of King St, the Hi-Tide Lounge is a retro-cool hideaway bar that beckons with classic cocktails and fun frozen drinks.
  • Private party contact
    Emily Klassen: (571) 723-3369
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town Alexandria
  • Cross street
    King Street
  • Parking details
    There are several public hourly parking garages within two blocks of the restaurant, and hourly street parking is also available on adjacent streets.
  • Public transit
    The free Old Town Trolley stops in front of the Hi-Tide Lounge at the corner of King and Union Streets, just steps from our entrance. It carries passengers from that point to the King Street Metro station.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,472 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Great for scenic views

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Seafood

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Most Booked

2,472 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Naples

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The seafood was fresh and delicious. We sat outside near the water. Beautiful setting in Old Town.

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  2. Foodie57

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    My first time at Vola. I was meeting a friend so we could catch up. We ate outside on a beautiful day. The wait staff were friendly, knowledgable, and very pleasant. We hadn't seen each other for over a year, so there was a lot of catching up to do and the wait staff accommodated. No pressure to order. Checked in regularly, and refilled glasses promptly. We had the crab dip. It was yummy and a pleasant started. We both had the crabcake sandwich. The crabcake was tasty and without a lot of filler, however, it was to small for the price. Moreover, it was overwhelmed by the bun, lettuce, and tomato, making it hard to taste much of the crabcake itself. The fries were great! I will try Vola's again to see what other menu items are like.

    1 person found this helpful

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We sat outside for an anniversary dinner on the water, and had a very pleasant experience from food, drinks, service, and setting :)

    Is this helpful?

  4. KristaH

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cool vibe, beautiful view, great service and great food.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to relax and enjoy brunch on the water.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Syhk

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Food quality was good especially the kids menu which was a good value. Only downside was the loud environment and the cramped seating as tables were extremely close together and people walking by constantly bumping the table

    Is this helpful?

  7. CatherineB

    London

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was really attentive and friendly - we really appreciated her! I come to Volas fairly often. This time with my 85 year old parents visiting from the UK and we had a lovely experience. Thank you Catherine Bland

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  8. foodlover86

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Crab Benedict was delish. Potatoes were okay. We celebrated our birthday there, and they were so accommodating.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    A fantastic brunch spot! Went to celebrate my sister’s birthday and we loved everything we ordered.

    Is this helpful?

  10. TabithaE

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    The food was just okay. I expected more from this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RachelG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Fish and chips, calamari, burger and sangria was good!

    Is this helpful?

  12. GreatFallsEater

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Beautiful marina setting with appropriate seafood menu. Good range of food options and drinks- all was fresh and tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The server was good, food was excellent and the wait was short! Would highly recommend to others.

    Is this helpful?

  14. DennyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the pleasant vibe. Food and service were very good. Nice location with views of the Potomac River.

    Is this helpful?

  15. TriciaP

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Beautiful view out the window and we DID have a window seat! But very loud. The crab hush puppies were awesome as well as the sauce! The po’ boy sandwich was ok…

    Is this helpful?

  16. FernandaF

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and service. Staff was efficient and apologetic for delayed cocktails. Then the manager comes and apologizes as well. We never complained, they just wanted to make sure we had a good time. We did and will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  17. CKM1

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, great service. A little warm indoors but lovely overall.

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  18. DennisV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great, service was excellent and the food was delicious. Our waiter suggested the crabmeat hush puppy appetizer and they were delicious, if ever in old town you have got to go to Volas Grill.

    Is this helpful?

  19. DruY

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. The entire staff is friendly, accommodating and professional. This is an enjoyable place with amazing ambiance.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    Service was incredibly slow. It took forever for someone to acknowledge our table and eventually the manager came over to give us water. One of our drink orders was wrong and took a while to bring the correct drink. Also took forever for the waitress to return for our food order. For the price and slow service it wasn’t worth it. I won’t be back again.

    Is this helpful?

  21. PamelaS

    Washington DC

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday dinner! Started indoors for Happy Hour and what a great choice. Frozen orange crush is the best in Virginia. So far! Nice selection of food items. We then moved to the deck for entree’s. The heat kept many away but the fans and the timing (6:30 pm) made it very nice! Chris, Phil, and Nicole provided great service. We can’t wait to come back and try some other menu items.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Damien

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. Service was outstanding. Sat indoors at a high top and was very comfortable. The music selection was perfect for a riverside meal. Volume was not too loud not too low. Beautiful riverside view. Superb cocktail menu. The prices were very reasonable and generous portions. We left Vola’s stuffed and happy. Family friendly & a perfect date spot.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was excellent! We had the hush puppies which were awesome. The Lobster Roll sandwich was loaded with lobster. The Halibut Sandwich was also very good. Ate dockside and it was lovely!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Lucy

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Music was too loud. Also I would appreciate more healthy choices, rather than so much fried good.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Food boring, nothing special nothing to die for. But good service from the waiter and the hostess.

    Is this helpful?

  26. BonnieB

    Austin

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great. We sat on the outside patio furtherest away from the restaurant. Our waitress and host were fantastic and the food was great!

    Is this helpful?

  27. SheliaS

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Rockfish entree was good, but the Au Gratin potatoes were too hard. Could not eat. Requested the Corn cake instead.

    Is this helpful?

  28. Yaneth

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time visiting Vola’s Loved the service! The server was very kind and helpful with choosing drinks and our food. The food was also great! Definitely visiting again!

    Is this helpful?

  29. UbertoC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Fried shrimps and french fries were dark brown, it seems oil have not been changed for a while. Crab cake had a strange taste; although a lot of crab meat present, it seems a bad tasting sauce has been added that killed the crab taste. Noisy, the waitress was helpful and kind.

    Is this helpful?

  30. JayS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Excellent service, fish and chips and crab dip were very tasty

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food here, with so many choices. Nice wine list, as well. The two of us each ordered a Caesar salad topped with perfectly grilled shrimp, and a glass of Prosecco. We shared the lovely key lime pie. Our server, Frederico briefed on the history of the restaurant’s name (I was familiar with Vola Lawson), a nice touch. He was very attentive and efficient and personable. Vola’s was a perfect spot, outdoor dining with plenty of cover during a few sprinkles.

    Is this helpful?

  32. JessicaL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    When we entered early for our reservation, Freddy the manager made his way over to the front to make sure we got a table. He later came over when he noticed two of us at the table didn’t eat much of our food and asked for our honest opinion. After expressing our disappointment in the salmon he replaced our meal and informed us that he would take the critique back to the chef to Make the experience better. All around great service.

    Is this helpful?

  33. SimB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and good service- hush puppies were a great and cocktails reasonable priced for the area

    Is this helpful?

  34. FeliciaE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice restaurant with great food. Perfect location with great service.

    Is this helpful?

  35. ChristineH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Thank you to our server Brian who was AMAZING!!! We celebrated my mom's birthday and he catered to her every need!! Food was very good. Service was excellent!! I highly recommend. Thank you Vola's!!

    Is this helpful?

  36. JoyS

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good food. Little pricy, but it’s understandable given the waterfront location. We really like crab hushpuppies for appetizer.

    Is this helpful?

  37. normw

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Restaurant was very busy so service was moderately slow but still efficient. Food was good. We were indoors so noise level was very high thus making it very difficult to have a conversation amongst the four of us dining together. If you can get it, go for outside seating.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Zack

    Palm Springs

    193 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    193 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food and service. Only downside is that is noisy as can be and it’s hard to hold a conversation. Lobster roll is worth the trip.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great experience and great food as Usual. We were seated quickly and the service was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  40. EbonyG

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was great. Service was mediocre. Will eat there again. Hopw for a better server

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Vola's Dockside Grill using the Order Online button. Vola's Dockside Grill also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Vola's Dockside Grill also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 935-8890.

Vola's Dockside Grill is rated 4.4 stars by 2472 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 77 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Vola's Dockside Grill

101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Additional information

  • Cross street
    King Street
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town Alexandria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00 am–11:00 pm Fri 11:00 am–12:00 am Sat 10:00 am–12:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There are several public hourly parking garages within two blocks of the restaurant, and hourly street parking is also available on adjacent streets.
  • Public transit
    The free Old Town Trolley stops in front of the Hi-Tide Lounge at the corner of King and Union Streets, just steps from our entrance. It carries passengers from that point to the King Street Metro station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Javier Rodriguez
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (703) 935-8890
  • Private party facilities
    Located on the waterfront in Old Town, Vola’s is a relaxed, fun seafood restaurant with a raw bar and a large outdoor riverside patio. Tucked in to a prominent corner at the base of King St, the Hi-Tide Lounge is a retro-cool hideaway bar that beckons with classic cocktails and fun frozen drinks.
  • Private party contact
    Emily Klassen: (571) 723-3369
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