What's New In Alexandria: Business Openings, WorldPride, Waterfront Art

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Between new and upcoming openings of more restaurants and retail to events and art installations, Visit Alexandria says there's plenty for residents and visitors to look forward to in 2025.

New restaurants are one of the topics Patch readers are most interested in. The Old Town neighborhood accounts for many of the openings. The Parlour, Madame Coco’s libation lounge, will open on Royal Street in late January, specializing in cocktails, coffee and chocolate. Madame Coco had been one of three woman-owned businesses damaged by a fire in November 2024, leading it to relocate to Royal Street. Locally-based Greenheart Juice Shop will open its newest location as well as Azerbaijani Sharbat Bakery and Cafe later in 2025.

The waterfront brings other dining highlights, including the newly opened Cooper Mill in a historic warehouse. The restaurant has a grab-and-go market, casual tavern and private event space. A grand opening is planned in February. Other waterfront additions include The Pier Bar near tall ship Providence and Catboat Pizza Bar at the Washington Sailing Marina, both of which will return for another season when the weather is warmer.

Alexandria's coffee scene will get an additional caffeinated boost. The veteran and family-owned Café du Soleil is working to open its second location in the former locaiton Abyssinia Mart spot at 720 Jefferson Street. Mudhouse Coffee, which originated as a coffee cart decades ago, is planning a King Street location. Hypergoat Cafe is open as of August 2024.

In case you missed it, some of last year's openings were Thanida Thai Restaurant and Bar relocating from an Old Town North redevelopment site, Ben’YaYs serving Louisiana-style beignets, Mystic BBQ & Grill in the former Myron Mixon's Pitmaster BBQ spot, Frankie’s Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, La Tingeria at Port City Brewing Company and Andy’s Pizza at Carlyle's Atlas Brew Works.

Alexandria's hotels are also offering new restaurants and other amenities. In summer 2024, the Lorien Hotel & Spa became Archer Hotel Old Town Alexandria. The hotel will unveil a new hotel design with an updated lobby, living room and event spaces in early 2025. Its King Street Spa will close for a renovation starting on Jan. 31. In the spring, the hotel will debut the restaurant HomeGrown from a husband-and-wife duo, joining hotel bar AKB.

That hotel renovation follows the introduction of Hotel Heron in 2024. Located at the site of the historic George Mason Hotel, it opened cocktail bar Francis Hall in October and is currently offering rooftop igloos during the winter season at its rooftop bar. Old Town North's Hotel AKA Alexandria also had an expanded menu at a.lounge+bar in August 2024.

New retail will include The B.E.S.T. Gift Shop's future King Street space with products by artisans with disabilities. Local makers shop Made in ALX is now on King Street as of November 2024. Romance bookstore Friends to Lovers, one of the three women-owned businesses damaged in the November fire, temporarily relocated above Wine Gallery 108 at 108 N. St. Asaph Street as it seeks a permanent location. Old Town Books has debuted its junior section.

Other recent openings include home decor and art store Eries Interiors, custom boot store American in Paris and men's bespoke shoemaker Old House Provisions.

In Del Ray, Visit Alexandria highlighted plans for the Del Ray Farmhouse Market & Garden from the Del Ray Hardware owners at the former Bellies & Babies location. In October, Visit Del Ray shared the opening of Mulberry Lane, a children's play space and coworking space. Del Ray's pop-up bar wrapped up its Joy on the Avenue holiday rendition in early January, so stay tuned as it prepares for the next theme.

In the spring, more than 30 retro arcade games will return with the opening of Continues Arcade. The arcade's restaurant will be led by D.C. celebrity restaurateur and Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelssohn. In other entertainment offerings, trampoline park Sky Zone is expected to open later in 2025. In the meantime, indoor baseball and softball training facility The Dugout is open since fall 2024.

Other entertainment will come in the form of events and art installations. Visit Alexandria will look to attract D.C. visitors attending WorldPride2025 from May 17 to June 8 to attend Alexandria events such as 8th Annual Alexandria Pride Fair, Pride at Torpedo Factory Art Center and a Priday Market & Drag Show plus book WorldPride hotel packages with some profits benefiting Alexandria LGBTQ+ organizations.

In late March, Waterfront Park will get its seventh annual temporary art installation. Break Water by D.C.-based mixed media artist Nekisha Durrett will be a tribute to Black communities' resilience and strength during crises. The art has a focal point inspired by the steamboat River Queen, which Black entrepreneur Lewis Jefferson owned in 1898 until a fire destroyed it in 1911. Beneath that sculpture lies a ground mural of ropes called “Life Lines” paired with histories, events, people, places and traditions contributing to Alexandria's identity. The art exhibit will be in place through November.