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Vola's Dockside Grill, Alexandria, VA

Vola's Dockside Grill

4.4
4.4
1833 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, 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. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 92 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, American, Comfort Food

  • 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 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–7:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (703) 935-8890

  • Website

    http://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: (844) 222-5954

  • 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

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 1,833 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
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Scenic View

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Scenic View

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Seafood

Sort by

Filters

  1. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall5food3service4ambience3

    Nice. Just make sure you get there early to get a seat outside.

  2. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    Food and service was great, location is along the river front but the noise level was a bit loud for us old folks....

  3. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very good food, great service, and great atmosphere!

  4. PM

    PaulM

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful food and service!

  5. r

    ronnie

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    overall3food4service2ambience3

    I was surprised by how good the food was. It was very good and filling.

  6. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Place is very loud wasn’t a bother for me but just mentioning it. My server was nice and tried to help. Place is not worth the price. Food portions are small. Crab cakes are supper tiny (about the size of reeese butter cup) they r tried to fill the plate with French fries and the slaw to hide how small the crab cakes are. The food is bland and has no real flavor. Really disappointed I wish I would of chose one of the other restaurants in the area. Don’t waste your money.

  7. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Service was absolutely terrible

  8. SD

    StephanieD

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    Outdoor seating on the water is lovely! Service was friendly. We started with the cheddar-jalapeño hush puppies, which were crispy and tasty. My friend enjoyed her grilled grouper sandwich, but my fish and chips were not good. The cod was SO heavily battered it was hard to find the fish. Plus, the batter was raw in places and overcooked in others. The coleslaw was also strange — tasted like mustard, which wasn’t terrible, but not expected and not my favorite.

  9. JS

    JadrankaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The rain spoiled the enjoyment The food was good , great location and an exceptional service Fun place!

  10. BL

    BrittL

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a very nice anniversary lunch

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We arrived and opted for inside dining because it was getting hot outside. We were seated awkwardly in a high top table that was directed behind another table looking out at the water . Behind was us was the waiters station for printing bills so it was tight space and distracting at times. We enjoyed the Peach Sangria, Berry Sangria and share a Strawberry Daiquiri. The food kept us distracted for sure. For appetizers we had the 1/2 pound of peel and eat shrimp (served hot) with melted butter and cocktail sauce and it was a winner! The smoked fish dip was mouthwatering and we had it with both crackers and bread. The bread made it feel like a meal alone. Entrees we had the grouper plate and crab cakes. Both were plentiful, seasoned well, and delicious. Dessert was a slice of heaven … I meant key lime pie. Our server was attentive and timely with all our requests. It was a great lunch for sure !

  12. TM

    TracyM

    Baltimore

    19 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Father's Day lunch. Waitress was great! Food was just ok. Crab dip was a little runny. Crab cake was very small and flavorless. My husband enjoyed the Chincoteague oysters. He also like his fried shrimp. Seating area/tables are packed together.

  13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went her with my husband and daughter for Father’s Day and we loved it!!!! We sat outside and the food was good and the waiter was very nice. Would definitely recommend!!!!

  14. JS

    JoeyS

    Orlando

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall3food1service3ambience2

    Fish and chips were poorly breaded. Been there twice, food is pretty average but overpriced. Mocktails are amazing though.

  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We love Vola’s and had some friends in town so took them. The food never disappoints, had to wait a bit for it because it’s always busy in there and the service was great!

  16. S

    Simimax

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience5

    Food was 3.5/5, but it was pricier and louder than I would have expected!

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Wanted a view of the water for not too much $$&

  18. AK

    AKHM

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very chill restaurant

  19. MC

    MichaelC

    Tampa

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience5

    View outside was nice, with live music playing in the background but could be loud at a times. Food was nothing special more of a bar food type, which I was expecting more high end seafood. The waiter was not tentative and did not know much about the wine selection. Come for the view now the average food.

  20. MJ

    MicahJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience1

    Wife and I went on our 6 month anniversary. She couldn’t have crustaceans due to allergies so we ordered mussels and she had salmon with extra corn cakes instead of the jambalaya rice. My lobster roll was just okay. The corn cakes came out with uncooked batter, so she asked them to remake them. They came out fully cooked but the salmon was burnt. The table next to us was loud and the women there were cussing loudly. When the waitress brought the check she asked my wife if the corn cake remake was her preference, that they usually make them runny. That is a clear food safety issue, you don’t feed people raw batter then insist that’s the way to do it. Overpriced for the experience.

  21. MN

    MarcelleN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing food and drinks. Great views Definitely book a table and try them out

  22. SH

    SusanH

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Our waitress did not rush our meal or conversation, which was very thoughtful. We were a party of three and had three different dishes from the menu. Everyone liked their respective meals.

  23. JH

    JaxHerbach

    Glasgow

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Great crab cakes! Great service.

  24. CJ

    CharlesJ

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Shrimp tacos and the sangria were amazing. Service was top notch.

  25. AA

    AmandaA

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Food is really good but the portions are small and expensive. If I had to do it again, I would probably wait for an outdoor table instead of using an indoor reservation. Tables are cramped and service is slow.

  26. MB

    MelissaB

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The staff at Vola's are flexible and accommodating! Our dinner reservation was at 5:45 pm on a Monday. I made the reservation 3 days prior with no problem. I called the day prior to add 3 more to our reservation and they were able to accommodate. We ate on the waterfront but along a wall of the building as the designated space for outdoor dining is first come first serve. It worked fine for us. Our waiter was excellent, the food and drinks delicious! The value was reasonable.

  27. FG

    FrankG

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Great place. Awesome views. Server was very good. Food above average.

  28. WS

    WilliamS

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was excellent, the oysters were a big hit and the shrimp po’boy was great.

  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    After spending a very nice afternoon with my children at a winery/brewery for my birthday celebration, we decide to get oysters at Vola. We were 30 minutes early for our reservation but we’re seated right away, but not on the main dining area, but their overflow area. We still had a good view of the water and boardwalk. Old Town that night was extremely busy. Our server was very very attentive and delightful. The food was great, especially the oysters. I ordered another dozen! We also got their ceviche and calamari, so good. I highly recommend Vola. Reservations are a must.

  30. 2

    202to410

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Food was amazing, the environment was fun and our waitress was outstanding. Love the crab hush puppies!

  31. SC

    SheenaC

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    CJ made our experience wonderful. She's amazing! Food and drinks were perfect. We dine at Vola's quite often and will continue to do so.

  32. JF

    JoeFigg

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience1

    Hard to reconcile the 5-star reviews - unless they're fake - with our experience yesterday, a busy, early evening Saturday. I ordered a vodka gimlet [vodka and line juice] and was served a shot of vodka. The other couple ordered sangria which, to be charitable, was not sangria but, rather an overly sweetened concoction of who knows what. Worst of all was the creole shrimp fettuccini, a blob of over-sauced pasta with 6 small shrimp. Under no circumstances should you spend $24 on this abomination. Our friends thought their honey-bourbon salmon was just ok, but the fish and chips needed an oil change. Oh, and don't expect to converse, as the noise level is way beyond "energetic," thanks to unnecessarily loud music and terrible acoustics. Final insult: the couple next to us arrived 10+ minutes after we did and were served their meals 15 minutes before us - even though they ordered 2 of the same entrees as we did.

  33. LD

    LauraD

    Orlando

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    The baked green torpedo oysters appetizer was so good, as well as the lobster rolls. The service was excellent, it was just a very busy and noisy place. I'd definitely go back again!

  34. RF

    RichardF

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience3

    Crab cakes and fish & chip platters were very good. Service was attentive. Place was very crowded and the noise level was quite high.

  35. E

    Edward

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Tiffany was an absolute sweetheart! She greeted us soon after we were seated. Quickly she made us feel as if we were old dear friends. Tiffany provided a great overview of the brunch menu and cocktails. She was an absolute delight! The dockside seating added to the perfect brunch spot. Thanks Tiffany!

  36. H

    Harry

    New England

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Had the salmon and grouper. Both great. Fries were hot and perfect. Service was very good considering how busy but others helped out.

  37. RV

    RebeccaV

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very patient and accommodating of our large group! Great food too 👍🏻

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience3

    It was average. It kind of felt like a chain seafood place and the menu wasn’t impressive. Lots of fried options. Not at all what I had hoped for but I should have studied the menu more closely before going. Great for families because it is very casual and moderately noisy.

  39. BA

    BusolaA

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Very good crab cakes but at $46 before tip, not with it. The cole slaw was - soggy and too sweet and slightly off like it was old. The fries were just ok. So it really comes out to be a $23 2-4oz crab cake.

  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 30, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    My server left me at the table for almost 15 minutes & never returned.

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 1833 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
June 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM
Booked 92 times today
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 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–7:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, American, Comfort Food

  • 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

    http://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: (844) 222-5954

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