Blackwall Hitch just opened with a prime spot on the Alexandria waterfront – perfectly in time to enjoy drinks on one of its patios!
It’s a gorgeous space, with lots of black and pops of their signature blue – a fantastic redo of what used to be a boring food court. The restaurant dining area is divided into a number spaces of differing sizes with varying number of tables, but all still very open and with lots of waterfront views. It would be a great place for a date night, but also for a large group. There is live music on some nights, which would be a fun way to enjoy the evening.
What’s with the name? Blackwall Hitch refers to the unique knot that ships that came from London’s Blackwall port used to attach to hooks when they docked in the coast of Maryland and Virginia, back in the 1860’s! Pretty cool. You will notice the nautical theme all around the restaurant, and pictures of the Blackwall Hitch knot.
Watermelon saketini
First things first, drinks! I had a refreshing watermelon saketini – made with fresh watermelon puree, sake, and mint . It was a perfect way to cool off after a walk down King Street on a hot summer day. I can see myself sipping one of these on their patio this summer. Of course, they have a full cocktail menu and a good wine/beer selection as well.
On to the food. Chef Wagner has created a Chesapeake inspired menu, with lot of local product from the Maryland Eastern Shore. We started off with the Antipasto chopped salad – a simple salad of lettune, green beans, roasted red peppers, but elevated with fresh mozzarella and pieces of salami and pepperoni. Fresh and delicious.
If there is one thing you must get (and soon!), it is the fried soft shell crab –dusted in Old Bay, fried, and drizzled with lemon butter, served with a refreshing side of parsley tabbouleh. I really enjoyed this combination, and will be back to have it again.
Pro tip: Soft shells are in season through July, so go for this soon!
The menu offers a number of sandwiches and burgers, seafood and fish dishes, and flatbreads. Familiar food, fresh ingredients.
For dessert, I tried the apple dumpling - Granny Smith Apples with crumble topping, baked inside a flaky puff pastry, served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. This was a good combination of sweet and tart, and was truly a happy ending. But I spotted a pineapple upside down cake (which I LOVE!) served on a cast iron skillet, so that's on my list for next time!
All in all, Blackwall Hitch is a great spot for having drinks with a view, and seasonal, local fare. They will be starting Sunday Jazz brunch soon, with seafood, a waffle station, and the requisite bottomless drinks.
Come see me on the patio this summer!
