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  5. Alexandria

The Light Horse

3.8
3.8
413 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Top Tags:
Named after "Light Horse" Harry Lee, The Light Horse is ideally situated in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and provides a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We offer locally-sourced, seasonal, contemporary American cuisine. Additionally, we feature affordable yet diverse wine and beer lists with samplings from all over the world.


Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American
  • Hours of operation
    Dining Room: Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:30, Friday-Sunday 12:00-9:30 Bar: Monday-Friday 4:00 PM-1:30 AM, Sat&Sun 12:00 PM-1:30 AM
  • Phone number
    (703) 549-0533
  • Website
    http://www.thelighthorserestaurant.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Adam Stein, Lor Kats
  • Private party facilities
    Upstairs bar is amenable for your office or other party; buffet and bar facilities can accommodate up to 100 persons; downstairs restaurant can accommodate a similar party by special arrangements.
  • Private party contact
    Dave Pressley: (703) 549-0533
  • Location
    715 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
  • Neighborhood
    Alexandria
  • Cross street
    Washington Street
  • Parking details
    Ample parking on street; parking facilities on Pitt Street and Alfred Street, corner St. Asaph & Cameron Streets
  • Public transit
    King Street Metro/Alexandria Dash Bus stops directly in front of Restaurant!
  • Entertainment
    This is the place to be in Old Town for live music! The Light Horse features nightly acts Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the upstairs bar ranging from DJs to Rock to Folk. Come check out your favorite local bands as well as some new bands we know you'll love!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 413 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.8
3.8 based on all time ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.5Ambience

Noise • Moderate

413 Reviews

  1. Food4Thought

    Hawaii

    63 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on June 28, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Despite some of the reviews I read, we decided to try this place anyway since we had a coupon. One of the reviews had indicated that there were many crab shells in the crab cake brioche but I still wanted to try it anyway. There were indeed a few crab shells in my brioche but not nearly as many as the other diner had so perhaps they are improving in this area? My husband had the pork chop and he loved it. It was huge and juicy so you might want to try it for yourself.

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  2. pennyc

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    My husband and I came here on our anniversary last week, on a cold and rainy evening. There weren't many people out but we had a wonderful meal and it was very cozy sitting in one of the semi-circle booth-type tables. Our server Quinn was very good, telling us all about the entrees and making us feel very comfortable there. The food was excellent, I had the hangar steak and my husband had the salmon. Both were beautifully presented and delicious, perfectly done. We were so happy we found it and it made for a very special evening. Thanks especially to Quinn!

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  3. Texmig

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2015

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Came here for Sunday brunch (last minute Mother's Day plans). The waitress was very friendly and provided great service. A small amount of "breakfast" stuff on their brunch menu but the breakfast sandwich was delicious and the prices were very reasonable - especially for Old Town. I liked the casual decor and really felt at home here. I'd like to come back at night to check out the bar.

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  4. LeFox

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2015

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Crab cake sandwich was ok. Lots of shell which I needed to pick out which was unfortunate. Also, they don't carry tarter sauce which I found amusing since they sell several seafood options. This is the 2nd time I've visited The Light Horse, and the 1st time was a better experience. Got the crab cake sandwich the 1st time also, and really enjoyed it. With that in mind, maybe the chef has changed or was having an off-night. Unfortunately for The Light Horse, there are numerous fantastic restaurants in Old Town, so I don't think I'll be spending my time or money here again. The space is nice and the staff is courteous, but overall I'd rate this place a 2.5. It wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either.

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  5. LawrenceVisitor

    Baltimore

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2015

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Restaurant was understaffed and dinner delivery was slow. Appetizers were the highlight with generous portions and interesting flavors. We had the stuffed dates, the crab dip and mussels as appetizers.

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  6. ClearCreek

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2015

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Brunch was very good. Our selections included the breakfast sandwich, the polenta and egg dish and the frittata, and we all agreed the food was excellent - flavorful, interesting and well presented. Our waitstaff clearly were suffering the effects of too much Saturday night, but valiantly worked through it to provide good service. The only downside - why do restaurants insist on background music selected by the staff rather than observing their clientele and choosing music appropriately and THEN keeping the noise to a minimum. Like an orchestra for an opera should never overwhelm the diva's voice, so should music in a restaurant never be so loud as to annoy or overwhelm the clientele.

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  7. Dawn

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2015

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    My husband and I have been twice for brunch, and the Light Horse has quickly become one of out favorites in Old Town. The brunch scene is still pretty quiet there which is a welcomed change of pace compared to most other Old Town brunch spots, and the service is great! We've akways sat downstairs and the food is excellent. My husband LOVES their burger (one of his favorites) and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is something I crave now! If you are ever looking for.a great, quiet, and enjoyable dining experience make sure to check out the Light Horse. You will NOT be disappointed.

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  8. TravelGal

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2015

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The BBQ wings appetizer was delish ! the trout dinner was also very good. Service was good, not overbearing, but very timely. We were in the mood for a casual place to dine that was unpretentious and Light Horse delivered. I would definitely return.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2015

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    The food was really good here, but the ambiance is lacking. I felt like we were seated on top of the table next to us. It made it awkward to have a conversation when I felt like there were random people two inches away from us on both sides. Overall a good experience, but they could benefit from trying not to crowd so many tables in one room.

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  10. GKRK

    Washington DC

    96 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    96 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2015

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We chose Light Horse because it was the only area restaurant offering a restaurant week selection from their WHOLE menu! The atmosphere is pretty bland and the restaurant portion not too large (there is a sports bar upstairs) but the food was excellent and the portions more than adequate. In addition, the service was outstanding. They offer a large selection of beer, wine and excellent bourbons. I'd highly recommend it.

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  11. Mike

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2015

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Very impressed with their menu/food. I could swear I had seen their menu passing by, but nothing on it ever enticed me. They musta overhauled their menu because when I ate there I couldn't decide which great item to get. I decided on a bucatini with seared lamb that was excellent. Homemade pasta. Appetizers were great too, such as polenta with mushroom ragout. Only ding is that my beer actually got empty once. Overall a very nice experience though.

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  12. Kimmy81

    San Diego

    81 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2014

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    We had a delightful meal at The Light Horse. The menu is pretty great. The short rib entree and hanger steak entree were incredible. We enjoyed dessert which was home-baked cookies with Kahlua milk. Yum!! My only criticism is the ambiance of the restaurant did not match the food experience. The restaurant environment is pretty generic despite the food being top notch!

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  13. CCCC

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2014

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The spot was perfect; quiet enough to talk, even when the room filled. The bacon wrapped dates should be on the dessert menu...yum!

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  14. DaveS

    Washington DC

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great food. Good service. Awesome beer list. Great food. Good service. Awesome beer list.Great food. Good service. Awesome beer list.Great food. Good service. Awesome beer list.

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  15. kcarruth

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2014

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The burger with side salad was quite lovely. Good selection of wines, by glass or bottle.

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  16. OTneighbor

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went to LH for the first time with my husband and in-laws the other night. I am still talking about how amazing our meal was! Personally, I had the ciopinno. I have never had ciopinno before, never really been drawn to it, but I was craving a bunch of seafood. This was literally the best thing I've eaten in forever! All I have to say is the broth = OMG. I will def be back and recommend this place. Friendly staff, great wine list, and low key atmosphere with great food. What could be better?!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2014

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The atmosphere reminds me a bit of a colonial tavern. It is simple, but warm. The big u-shaped booths are cozy. It is great to meet up here with friends because there are inexpensive burgers and sandwiches, but also pastas and other entrees, so everyone can find something they feel like eating and within their price range. Everything I've had has been very well prepared with good-quality ingredients, and the menu items seem thoughtful, rather than merely trendy. You've got to try the bacon-wrapped date appetizer! The wine list had interesting offerings I hand't seen before. The service is great -- friendly, polite, efficient.

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  18. Razz

    Memphis/West TN

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 12, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I was amazed that my lovely wife and daughter came across the Light Horse Tavern, which I am sure I have walked by at least 100 times. We tried it out for Sunday brunch and what a great find! We split orders- they are all more than enough for just one- and all were great. The biscuits and gravy were very nicely done with a great gravy that is different, yet absolutely first class. The stuffed french toast rivals anything I've had elsewhere, and the squash soup was great. The staff was appropriately attentive and the manager on duty genially explained some of the ingredients in the recipes. Can't believe that I've been walking by this place for years- that won't happen again!

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  19. OGLY

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2014

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    Pork chop was so salty and way undercooked. Scallops way over seasoned. Flounder was inedible. Most plates went back half full. Only the bacon wrapped dates were above average. Skip it.

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  20. Mike

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2014

    overall5food4service4ambience3
    Many reviews I read made me hesitant, or Scared but then I was pleasantly surprised! One of the best pork chops I've had in the area! And the "double" cheese burger was top quality! Service was great too, I wanted one beer, waiter asked if I ever had it before, said no, he brought me over 3 samples! I would definitely go back!!!

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  21. LocalNow

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2014

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    I live in Alexandria and wanted to try a different restaurant so I took my parents here and the food was just weird. My father ordered biscuits and gravy- the eggs were basically raw and there was very little gravy. We also ordered deviled eggs which was a weird recipe- sometimes it's best to just go with the classic recipe. The waitress was friendly, but I don't remember her asking how is the food or anything like that. It could be a very cute place, but there's a lot of work to do at this one in order to make that happen.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2014

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    We received our appetizers very quickly, but there was a back up in the kitchen and our entree's took over 40 minutes after finishing our appetizers.

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  23. hachepr

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2014

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Disclaimer: We were there on a Tuesday night and it was a slow night. But..... The menu seemed really appealing but the dishes themselves were a little lackluster. The food is not bad at all, it is just not spectacular and not worth the prices. It also took some time for us to get served at our table, but we were sitting upstairs where it is more of a bar scene. Probably won't go back for fine dining.

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  24. AlexD

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2014

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    the wait staff was fine, the summer vegetable bruschetta was so-so, the sea scallops were very good (although the green beans were underooked.) Menu definitely reflected the produce of the summer, which I think is great.

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  25. Stephen

    Washington DC

    178 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    178 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We were very happy with the quality of the food and the service, but ironically, an error showed how good the service was. The waiter brought me the wrong main dish. When I pointed this out, he apologized, and immediately took it back to replace it, something that took a bit of time since they had to make the dish from scratch. (No microwaved-frozen-prepared food in this place!) Both the waiter and other staff apologized numerous times and they gave me one of my beers at no charge to further make up for the error. Any waiter can make an error, they are only human. But the way the restaurant dealt with the error showed real class and I will be going back.

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  26. Profdgm

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2014

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My husband, best friend and I ate dinner last weekend here during Alexander's summer restaurant week. What was great here was that you weren't limited to a few choices for the week. Almost everything on the menu was fair game for the 3-course special. One of us had steak, one had the Rockfish, and I had the summer pasta dish that is on the menu. I opted not to make mine a 3-course deal because I wasn't that hungry. My favorite beer (Optimal Wit) is on tap here, as well. All of our dinners were excellent, as was our service. We had a nice booth downstairs, and were not rushed. We all highly recommend the Light Horse for a great meal. Just moved here from another state, so we will be back for sure!

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  27. DininginOldTown

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can't get tired of the Light Horse. I continue to introduce friends to the restaurant and everyone has been pleased and have jumped on my Light Horse bandwagon. The menu is fresh and creative. The beer and wine list is very extensive.

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  28. Karday

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2014

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    We had never been to this establishment before and found it on the Internet and they had a table when we wanted to eat. Nice layout and the ambiance was very nice.

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  29. Gina

    Atlanta Metro

    66 reviews

    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2014

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    We weren't sure about trying the restaurant given the mixed reviews, but it turned out to be a very good find--we had a very nice evening. The beer selection was great and the food was very well presented and tasted wonderful! A good place to try--not very busy on a Friday evening.

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  30. Cheryl

    Richmond

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2014

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    This was our first try at the Light Horse and at first we were a little put-off because it was nearly empty at 7:15 on a Saturday! Regardless, when we received the menu, we were happy to find many unique appetizers (try the Summer Vegetable Bruschetta) and entrees. There were four of us, each ordering a different meal and we were all happy with our food. The Dry-Rubbed Cast Iron Pork Chop with Summer vegetable hash was a beautiful dish (my husband said it was delicious) and the Game Hen had wonderfully spiced brussell sprouts and black eyed peas. We'll go back for sure.

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  31. peteytc

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2014

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I thought the food was pretty good but the service was incredible. My dish was okay but my date's dish was awesome

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  32. DininginOldTown

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Light Horse is great all the way around. The menu is creative and delicious. The server was very kind and tended to us at the right intervals.

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  33. LyndaR

    New York Area

    39 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on June 8, 2014

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    That it was easy to get a table here should have been our first sign. Our waitress was very nice, but we had numerous mistakes from the kitchen she had to deal with. The kale salad was literally a heap of bagged kale in a plate with some shaved carrots on top. Sent it back. The rigatoni was house made and Aldente but mom said it was like crunching rocks, plus it was lukewarm. The veggie cavatappi was the highlight of the meal, quite tasty with lots of chopped spring veggies. Despite our problems, would give it another shot, it has potential.....

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  34. BillS

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2014

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Innovative menu, but the plates needed better composition. Great flavors, each plate just needed better balance to allow the main ingredient to shine. Rockfish was not de - boned well.

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  35. DSmith

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2014

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We've taken my mother here for three out of her last four birthdays and now for Mother's Day. She really enjoys the food, and the service is attentive and personalized. A compact menu of excellent choices--not a wrong note among the bunch. And the bar upstairs is an excellent casual hangout most any night and with music on weekends.

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  36. Glasnost

    Charlotte

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service folks with a real personality, and nice surroundings. Who could ask for more. There was an upstairs bar and music area that seemed to have lots of activity (but no noise spill-over to the restaurant) but we were so full from dinner that we didn't venture up the stairs. Maybe next time.

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  37. Betzabroad

    Phoenix

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is our go to place in Old Town Alexandria. The food never fails, the waitstaff is great and we can always get in at the last moment?! I don't know why it isn't always packed..it should be!

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  38. MarkInArlington

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2014

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Excellent fare and service. I was concerned about the rather limited menu but they really focus on execution and do it well. Fresh and unique offerings -- fried chicken livers and shaved brussel sprout caesar salad were fantastic. Fiddle-head ferns in the vegetarian cassoulet? white anchovies on the salad? roasted hen-of-the-woods mushrooms? THAT is what sets The Light Horse apart!

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 28, 2014

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Discovered this restaurant while passing by on the street during a first date 3.5 years ago, and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the charming, relaxed ambience. Fast forward and my now-husband (hey, it was a good first date) and I have been back here several times, as a pair and with groups, and every time the experience has been reliably impressive. Love the cocktails featuring my favorite local distillery, Catoctin Creek.

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  40. ellejschroe

    Denver

    60 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2014

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    There was nothing particularly bad about dining at The Light Horse; however, there was also nothing particularly great about it either. It is a decent restaurant in a great location. Of all the options in Old Town, I would certainly check out others before returning to this restaurant.

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FAQs

The Light Horse does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

The Light Horse is rated 3.8 stars by 413 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Light Horse

715 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Washington Street
  • Neighborhood
    Alexandria
  • Hours of operation
    Dining Room: Monday-Thursday 5:00-9:30, Friday-Sunday 12:00-9:30 Bar: Monday-Friday 4:00 PM-1:30 AM, Sat&Sun 12:00 PM-1:30 AM
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Ample parking on street; parking facilities on Pitt Street and Alfred Street, corner St. Asaph & Cameron Streets
  • Public transit
    King Street Metro/Alexandria Dash Bus stops directly in front of Restaurant!
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Adam Stein, Lor Kats
  • Entertainment
    This is the place to be in Old Town for live music! The Light Horse features nightly acts Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in the upstairs bar ranging from DJs to Rock to Folk. Come check out your favorite local bands as well as some new bands we know you'll love!
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.thelighthorserestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (703) 549-0533
  • Private party facilities
    Upstairs bar is amenable for your office or other party; buffet and bar facilities can accommodate up to 100 persons; downstairs restaurant can accommodate a similar party by special arrangements.
  • Private party contact
    Dave Pressley: (703) 549-0533
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