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RT's Restaurant

3804 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305-2409
703-684-6010
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Ranked #7 of 385 restaurants in Alexandria
Price range: €5 - €19
Cuisines: Cajun & Creole
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Restaurant details
Dining options: Reservations
Dining style: Casual Dining
Cross street: Glebe Rd
Transit: Bus at corner of Russell and Mount Vernon Avenue
Description: RT's Alexandria's renowned neighborhood restaurant has been the place for fresh seafood in Northern Virginia for over 26 years. RT's has been a fixture on the Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" list in the metropolitan area and is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the nationally acclaimed "Zagat Survey". Their unique menu features many Creole and Cajun specialties including Jack Daniel's Shrimp, Spicy She-Crab Soup, Cajun Veal Oscar and their popular Crawfish Etouffee. This "Little Gem" is located in the heart of Alexandria and not only features a great menu but also has an extensive special list that changes on a weekly basis.
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66 reviews from our community

89% Recommend
    41
    18
    4
    2
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Portland, Oregon
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

This was one of my favorite seafood restaurants when I was growing up. It is still just as great. Their She-Crab Soup is wonderful beyond description, as are their crabcakes.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
28 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

Went to RT's based on TripAdvisor recommendation. A little worried as we went with my parents, who are not so into spicy food, and another couple we met in prior travels. We all loved it! All the staff was great. Kat in the bar was very helpful with food recommendations and answers to our questions. I missed our waitress's name,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
New Bern, North Carolina
Top Contributor
78 reviews 78 reviews
47 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
50 helpful votes 50 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

Inside is nothing special, with some quirky cajun shadowboxes. Neighborhood is a little sketchy, but we had no problems. Vacant lot across the street with plenty of parking. Server was excellent, food was great, ambiance was average. Still, enjoyed something different among all the "normal" italian, seafood, steak, etc restaurants.

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See 3 more reviews by winemac for Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
Top Contributor
238 reviews 238 reviews
79 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 88 cities Reviews in 88 cities
188 helpful votes 188 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

RT's in Alexandria, VA is a great place to eat. The food is innovative and delicious. My friend and I each tried the Salmon served in what seemed to be a worchester/horseradish sauce. Very well prepared and delicious. Not too hot as one might think. Rice (generous portions) and a salad came with the meal. We also tried the creme... More

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See 18 more reviews by VAChuck for Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013

I have eaten at RT's since its opening years ago. Through thick and thin (me, that is) it never disappoints. When crisp, fall weather reminds me of "R" months of oyster eating I think RT's for a plate of the best fried oysters this side of the Bay. The tasty fries and expertlt made cole slaw complement a great Virginia... More

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See 3 more reviews by Nanella for Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013 via mobile

This place is in a historically sketchy neighborhood that is attempting to experience a revitalization but don't be fooled, this is the most pleasant and unpretentious location that serves superbly prepared food. The oysters nezbique has mild spiciness with perfectly prepared fried oysters. Everything but the bread and ice cream is prepared in house. Even those items are made in... More

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Louisville, KY
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 March 2013

While on a business trip in Alexandria, VA, I'd noticed that RT's had received excellent reviews on several sites. The menu looked to have wide array of selections so I decided to visit with a co-worker. I was not disappointed. I had the she-crab soup as an appetizer. It was delicious - very creamy and delicate in taste. My co-worker... More

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West Chester, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013

I don't want to sound like the Man vs. Food but have eaten cajun/creole food from coast to coast and you can't beat the food and prices at this joint. When you walk thru the door, Jen greeted me with a big smile and was showed excellent hospitality by asking me if I needed anything, bringing me additional bottles of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Alexandria, Virginia
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 March 2013

I've been going here for about 25 years. I have never had a bad meal here and have even experimented with new items I have such faith in their doing a good job. I have also hosted for about ten people for a luncheon in their side, and they honored my request to have the room to ourselves for our... More

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See 4 more reviews by JJSmith3 for Alexandria
Washington DC
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
19 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2013

1. Jack Daniels Shrimp Appetizer: you have never tasted anything like it. Order 2, side of dirty rice and a salad and you have a fine meal. The rest of the menu follows suit. We live in the neighborhood (12 yrs now) and frequent this spot. It's consistently excellent. Never had a bad meal here. Washingtonian Magazine top 100 Restaurants... More

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See 8 more reviews by GJAM2 for Alexandria

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