Virtue Feed & Grain

Virtue Feed & Grain takes its name from the building's long-ago function as a feed house. This historic structure located at 106 South Union Street in Old Town, Alexandria, has been converted into a modern American tavern that now serves as a casual spot with great drinks and delicious food.  Closest Metro is King Street.

 Keith and I were in Old Town Alexandria for the day, and decided to stop in Virtue Feed & Grain for a late lunch.  We didn't have reservations, but put our name on the list and ordered a beer from the bar while we waited for a table to open up.  We were seated outside in the sun, but we didn't mind as it was a gorgeous day.

We ordered a couple starters to share. First the Sesame Crusted Tuna was seared rare, and crusted with wasabi sesame, served with sliced avocado, kimchi ponzu, sriracha mayo, and prawn chips.  The tuna was very fresh and each element paired together to form the perfect bite.

We also shared a side order of the Local Feta & Watermelon Salad.  I found the pickled watermelon, shaved onions, white balsamic, opal basil, and crumbles of feta to be quite refreshing.  This makes a lovely salad that is easily replicated at home.

Next, I ordered the Lobster Roll that was a different interpretation that what is typically found in New England.  Here, chunks of brown butter lobster was mixed with stone ground mustard, celery, shaved onions,cara cara orange dressing, and placed on top of shredded bibb lettuce on a roll.  I liked the tang from the dressing and the crunch from the celery and onions.  My sandwich was served with fries, and though it was filling, I would have liked a bit more lobster meat.

Keith ordered the Wagyu Burger, medium-rare, which was topped with smoked provolone and a tomato confit relish.  Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle was available to add-on to one's liking.  The burger had good flavor and was cooked well.  It was also served with fries to round out the meal.

All in all, we had a nice lunch at Virtue Feed & Grain.  The restaurant was bustling both inside and out on the patio.  Be prepared to wait a little bit, but it is not that long and they will take your name and number to text you when a table is ready.

Total Rating: 3.68
Food: 4, Price: 2.5, Service: 3.5, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 4.5

What I ate:

Sesame Crusted Tuna
seared rare, wasabi sesame, avocado, kimchi ponzu, sriracha mayo, prawn chips

Local Feta & Watermelon Salad
pickled watermelon, shaved onions, white balsamic, opal basil

Lobster Roll
brown butter lobster, stone ground mustard, celery, shaved onions,
cara cara orange dressing, bibb lettuce

Plus Keith ate:

Wagyu Burger
smoked provolone, tomato confit relish