If you're looking for Southern comfort food from scratch or a great place to watch a game, check out Southside 815 in Old Town Alexandria.
Part neighborhood restaurant, part destination spot for Southern classics, Southside 815 is a wonderful option for date night, family gatherings, and everything in between.
John Kurtz, the general manager and partner, told us a bit about the restaurant concept: "Southside 815 has taken pride in being involved in the Old Town community for the past 25 years. We have always been a gathering place for friends and neighbors. Our focus has always been on providing quality food at an affordable price."
And regarding the general atmosphere on game days?
"We have many regular sports teams to follow, including Redskins, Steelers, Caps, Ohio State, and Penn State," he said. "But we are able to accommodate requests for teams of all sports."
Photo by Sarina Petrocelly
We headed over for Sunday brunch and tried a host of dishes that best represented their extensive menu. Don't let the Old Town address deter you; the restaurant is on the edge of town where parking is MUCH easier to find.
Location: 815 South Washington Street in Alexandria, VA
Parking: Metered street parking and free parking in the neighborhood at certain hours
Cuisine: Classic Southern food (think po'boys, chicken fried steak, and desserts from scratch)
Weekly Specials: Half-price Po' Boys on Monday nights, Rib Nights on Tuesdays, and Raw Bar every Wednesday
Photo Courtesy of Tripadvisor for Southside 815
Bananas Foster French Toast
Hands down, this is my new favorite item for brunch. Imagine creamy vanilla custard and fresh banana slices topping triangles of tender French toast. Dust with powdered sugar, add some bacon, and voila -- this is the stuff dreams are made of.
Photo by Tony Petrocelly
Chicken and Waffle
This version features a housemade waffle topped with perfectly fried chicken, all smothered with country gravy.
Photo by Tony Petrocelly
Fried Shrimp and Oyster Po'Boy
This is one of my favorite dishes here because you don't have to choose between fried oysters or shrimp. It's served with a trio of sauces (tartar, remoulade, and cocktail), cole slaw, lettuce, tomato, and a heap of golden fries.
Macaroni and Cheese
This version features a dreamy, creamy cheese sauce and a gorgeous browned topping from a last-minute bake. Served in a gratin dish, this is plenty as a side for two.
Fried Green Tomatoes (two ways)
As an appetizer, tangy underripe tomato slices are battered and fried to dunk in the housemade remoulade. The FGT Eggs Benedict pairs them with bacon, perfectly runny poached eggs, and a velvety hollandaise. Absolutely delicious!
Photo by Tony Petrocelly
Blackened Fish Salad
Fear not if you're watching your calories -- Southside has some great salads, too! We had a spicy piece of blackened Mahi Mahi on a simply dressed salad of field greens and strawberries in a light vinaigrette.
Photo by Sarina Petrocelly
Dessert
No Southern meal would be complete without a sweet ending. We were treated to the quintessential brownie sundae (housemade brownie, ice cream, and chocolate sauce) and a beautiful hunk of rich pineapple upside down cake. Clearly made from scratch with care, I don't think you could go wrong with any of their desserts.
Photo by Tony Petrocelly
Want to know more? Check out Southside's website and full menu here.
Disclaimer: As a food writer, I'll go in with an idea of what I want to order for an article. Sometimes the kitchen gets really excited to showcase their best dishes so our readers will come out and try them -- this was one of those times. Keep in mind, these dishes are exactly the way you'd get them if you went to Southside -- their portions are huge! Thank you to Southside 815 for your generosity and Southern hospitality; we had a great time tasting with you for this article.
Have you been to Southside 815? What are some of your favorite dishes? Let us know in the comments below!
Have you been to Alamo Drafthouse? Check out our first NoVA restaurant review here!
