Vola's Dockside Grill

Name: Vola's Dockside Grill
Address: 101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA, United States, 22314
Telephone: (703) 935-8890
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2472 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 21, 2023

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
Website
https://www.volasdockside.com/
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

Location
101 N Union St, Alexandria, VA 22314
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

Popular dishes

Crab Hush Puppies$12.00
blue crab, cheddar, jalapeños, sweet peppers, remoulade
Chesapeake Crab Dip$16.00
lump blue crab, cheddar cheese, pimientos, grilled garlic bread
Crispy Calamari$16.00
spicy pickled peppers & onions, sherry-mustard sauce, herbs
Baked Green Torpedo Oysters$18.00
chorizo, garlic butter breadcrumbs, cream cheese, herbs
Coconut Shrimp$14.00
crispy fried jumbo shrimp, sweet & sour remoulade
Seared Ahi Tuna*$22.00
marinated cucumbers, blood oranges, avocado, soy-ginger aioli, fried capers, crispy rice paper
Seafood Cocktail$19.00
scallops, shrimp, calamari, tomato juice, bay chili crisp, cucumbers, cilantro, root vegetable chips
Pancetta & Blue Cheese Mussels$19.00
leeks, garlic, shallots, white wine, point reyes blue cheese, pancetta, butter, garlic bread
Chicken Wings$16.00
bay chili crisp or vola's inferno sauce, blue cheese dressing
Jumbo Peel & Eat Shrimp G
bay chili crisp, drawn butter, chipotle cocktail sauce
- 1/2 Lb$17.00
- 1 lb$28.00

SOUP & SALAD

Add to any salad: grilled shrimp +$10; crab cake +$15; grilled chicken +$8; fried chicken +$8

Chesapeake Bay Chowder$8.00
blue crab, cherrystone clams, bacon, gold potatoes
Vola's Chopped Salad$14.00
iceberg, romaine, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar, hard boiled egg, honey mustard & ranch, herb croutons
Roasted Baby Beet Salad V G$16.00
whipped ricotta, watercress, fresh citrus, green goddess dressing
‍Riverside Caesar Salad$13.00
creamy garlic-old bay dressing, herb croutons, parmesan

OYSTERS

Signature Green Torpedo* G$3.00
occohamoc creek, virginia balanced salinity, sweet finish
James River* G$2.85
james river, virginia mild brine, sweet, plump meat
Chincoteague* G$3.00
chincoteague island, virginia distinctive clean sharp brine, earthy, sweet finish
Blue Point* G$3.00
long island sound, new york medium brine, firm texture, sweet aftertaste
Rotating Oysters* G$4.00
ask your server for today's selection

SANDWICHES & TACOS

Served with old bay fries

Crispy Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich$18.00
brined and hot sauce marinated chicken, honey mustard, pickles, bibb lettuce, potato bun
Vola's Crispy Shrimp Po' Boy$19.00
bay chili crisp, shaved bibb lettuce, roasted peppers, spicy pickles, remoulade, french roll
Crab Cake Sandwich$24.00
bibb lettuce, marinated tomato, jalapeño tartar sauce, potato bun
Bacon-Cheddar Burger*$20.00
house ground prime chuck, bacon, sharp cheddar, bibb lettuce, marinated tomato, red onions, toasted kaiser roll
Lobster Roll$29.00
lemon-tarragon mayo, buttered new england style roll
Cornmeal Fried Cod Sandwich$24.00
fresh icelandic cod, bibb lettuce, coleslaw, marinated tomato, cajun remoulade, toasted kaiser roll
Impossible Burger V$20.00
frisée, marinated tomato, crispy onions, green goddess sauce, toasted kaiser roll
Market Fish Sandwich$24.00
bay chili crisp, lemon aioli, bibb lettuce, marinated tomato, potato bun
Seared Shrimp Tacos$18.00
jicama slaw, citrus dressing, lemon aioli, cilantro, warm tortillas

FAVORITES

Creole Shrimp Fettuccini$25.00
blackened shrimp, garlic, white wine, peppers, spinach, cream, parmesan
Honey-Bourbon Glazed Salmon$25.00
corn cake, jambalaya rice, tomato butter
Fried Shrimp Basket$26.00
choice of coconut or bay breaded, with creole coleslaw and old bay fries
Pan Seared Scallops*$36.00
chorizo risotto, asparagus, corn, cippolini onions, roasted red pepper butter
Filet Mignon*$39.00
potato gratin, sautéed spinach, blue cheese butter; add a broiled maine lobster tail +29
Herb Crusted Baked Rockfish$32.00
tomato-caper butter, garlic breadcrumbs, honey-bourbon glazed brussels sprouts, potato gratin
Creole Shrimp & Grits G$24.00
stone ground cheddar grits, andouille sausage, caramelized onions, creole grav
Cajun Market Fish & Shrimp$39.00
blackened tomato butter, crispy potatoes, charred corn & bacon maque choux
Fish & Chips$27.00
beer battered icelandic cod, old bay fries, creole slaw, jalapeño tartar sauce
Crab Cakes$36.00
jumbo lump blue crab, creole slaw, old bay fries, jalapeño tartar sauce

SIDES

Cheddar-Jalapeño Hush Puppies & Honey Butter V$6.00
Creole Coleslaw G V$4.00
Crispy Garlic Potatoes$6.00
Old Bay Fries V$5.00
Charred Corn & Bacon Maque Choux G$6.00
Cilantro Rice G$6.00
Stone Ground Cheddar Grits G$7.00

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for scenic views
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Seafood
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Most Booked

2,472 Reviews

OT
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.
Is this helpful?
F
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
OT
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?
KH
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?
OT
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?
S
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?
CB
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
Is this helpful?
f
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?
OT
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?
TE
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?
RG
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?
GF
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?
OT
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?
DM
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?
TP
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?
FF
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?
CK
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.
Is this helpful?
DV
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?
DY
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.
Is this helpful?
OT
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?
PS
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?
D
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?
OT
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?
L
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?
OT
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?
BB
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?
SS
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?
Y
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?
UC
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?
JS
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?
OT
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?
JL
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?
SB
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?
FE
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?
CH
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?
JS
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?
n
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?
Z
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?
OT
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?
EG
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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 21, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 77 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Website
https://www.volasdockside.com/
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

Vola's Dockside Grill

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Crab Cakes

Crispy Calamari

Crab Cake Benedict

STARTERS

Crab Hush Puppies$12.00

Chesapeake Crab Dip$16.00

Crispy Calamari$16.00

Baked Green Torpedo Oysters$18.00

Coconut Shrimp$14.00

Seared Ahi Tuna*$22.00

Seafood Cocktail$19.00

Pancetta & Blue Cheese Mussels$19.00

Chicken Wings$16.00

Jumbo Peel & Eat Shrimp G

SOUP & SALAD

Chesapeake Bay Chowder$8.00

Vola's Chopped Salad$14.00

Roasted Baby Beet Salad V G$16.00

‍Riverside Caesar Salad$13.00

OYSTERS

Signature Green Torpedo* G$3.00

James River* G$2.85

Chincoteague* G$3.00

Blue Point* G$3.00

Rotating Oysters* G$4.00

SANDWICHES & TACOS

Crispy Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich$18.00

Vola's Crispy Shrimp Po' Boy$19.00

Crab Cake Sandwich$24.00

Bacon-Cheddar Burger*$20.00

Lobster Roll$29.00

Cornmeal Fried Cod Sandwich$24.00

Impossible Burger V$20.00

Market Fish Sandwich$24.00

Seared Shrimp Tacos$18.00

FAVORITES

Creole Shrimp Fettuccini$25.00

Honey-Bourbon Glazed Salmon$25.00

Fried Shrimp Basket$26.00

Pan Seared Scallops*$36.00

Filet Mignon*$39.00

Herb Crusted Baked Rockfish$32.00

Creole Shrimp & Grits G$24.00

Cajun Market Fish & Shrimp$39.00

Fish & Chips$27.00

Crab Cakes$36.00

SIDES

Cheddar-Jalapeño Hush Puppies & Honey Butter V$6.00

Creole Coleslaw G V$4.00

Crispy Garlic Potatoes$6.00

Old Bay Fries V$5.00

Charred Corn & Bacon Maque Choux G$6.00

Cilantro Rice G$6.00

Stone Ground Cheddar Grits G$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Vola's Dockside Grill offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Vola's Dockside Grill restaurant rated?

Is Vola's Dockside Grill currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information