The fried pickles with remoulade sauce as an appetizer were the best I've ever had. I ordered the tuna steak and it came with 4 sides. I don't know if that was a mistake cause the menu only mentioned 3 but I didn't complain. It came with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (the waitress may have added this cause I asked about them), collard greens and cheesy grits. The food was good and the ambiance was casual. It wasn't the best southern food I've ever had cause I like alot of seasoning and spices but everything was pretty tasty and I walked away stuffed.
(4)
Kit O.
Fantastic food, staff and even the patrons are a warm, friendly and engaging. Greg a bartender extraordinaire made me a drink with crushed ice in the glass making it a frosty dirty martini to die for! even the patrons are friendly
(5)
Crystal H.
I loved this place! This place is located in a very nice, well lit block in Alexandria and there was ample parking available. There is a nice outdoor seating area that would probably be perfect for nice Spring/Summer dining and people watching! But at night, there are nice white lights that light up the front entrance of the restaurant! Went there on a Saturday night around 5:30 ish and was seated right away! Upon entry there is a bar area where there were plenty of football games on! He loved that! You walk in and are greeted and seated! We were seated and right away and checked out the menu! The menu was a great variety of southern fare with pasta and sandwiches, po'boys, and even grill items! I usually stay away from Po'Boys unless I am in New Orleans! Going to school there and trying "New Orleans" style food outside of the N.O., has been a mistake in most instances! But we started with fried pickles and fried green tomatoes! I know, a lot of fried items, but I was looking at previous yelp reviews that say try the fried green tomatoes! First off, the pickles were very good! They were more wet than I have experienced at Hooters, which makes me believe they are from a jar! And they had a sweetness like bread and butter pickles. But they were very good! And so was the remoulade sauce! It was very good! The fried green tomatoes were good! Very thick cut though! But they were good! For an entree, I ordered the pot roast! It was delicious! The Beef was tender and the collard greens and mashed potatoes were awesome! Not a complaint in the world! However, my guy ordered the crab club sandwich, and it wasn't so good! However, they removed it from the bill and he ordered the ribs that were very good! All in all, the food was delicious and the service was great! I believe this place must be a little gem that people keep hidden because the place filled up pretty quickly. Its a wonderful place that I know I will be back to experience again!
(4)
Keith Z.
This review is only for brunch. Eaten here a few times. I've tried their different takes on eggs Benedict, all were delicious. Also have had the chicken fried steak which is just as delicious. Nice and crispy as well as being tender. The gravy has great flavor as well. What's brunch without a bloody Mary? They make 'em the way I like 'em, a bit on the spicy side. One of the bloody Mary's even comes with a big steamed shrimp as well as the usual garnishes. Look forward to coming here as often as possible.
(5)
Patrick J.
Great happy hour appetizers and drink specials. Try the 815 biscuits.
(4)
Sharon P.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants for a casual dining experience. The meals are a hearty and the menu features a lot of southern comfort foods. My favorite is the jalapeño honey pulled-chicken sandwich. It's a reliable establishment with a friendly wait staff. An added bonus is the outdoor seating that can accommodate dogs. Southside is definitely a local hotspot.
(4)
Robert M.
I lived behind Southside 815 for several years and a lot of the people in the neighborhood went there for food/drinks. In all the times I went to Southside, the service was never good. I went to the bar more than once and had to wait 10-15 minutes just to put in a drink order. I went to the restaurant side several times and on multiple occasions I was seated and then about 20 minutes would go by without hearing back from anyone. Two separate times I had waiters apologize and say "I'm sorry I forgot about you." On another occasion I was there with my girlfriend and we put in an appetizer order and the waiter asked if we'd like to go ahead and put in our entrees. We put in our orders and received our entrees after about 20 minutes. We asked about our appetizer and the waiter said he forgot. He offered to get us the appetizer we ordered and we said no thanks since our entrees were already on the table. The food is alright. It's nothing to write home about. I never had any significant problems with it. I think it's a bit overpriced. The nacho appetizer is $10 which I find absurd. I like that they have southern dishes that aren't on many menus in this area (fried pickles, fried green tomatoes) but again they aren't amazing. The place has real potential because it's got a great location and patio seating but the service is just awful. I was consistently treated poorly and the food is just alright. I would not recommend eating here.
(1)
Mandana Y.
Good southern food, decent prices, poor service. I hate saying that because I WANT to like this place. I really do. There is ample parking, they have a nice patio and the food is well made. The servers aren't that bad, but they're not that great either. But their hostesses are just um... not hospitable. That's a PC way to put it right? I called in the morning asking for a table of 8 on the patio. "We don't take reservations for the patio, and anyway, we couldn't fit that many people on the patio." "Well could you squeeze us? What if we were just 7, we're not sure if the 8th person is coming." "No, it wouldn't fit." "Well can we have a table inside by the window?" "What do you mean by the window? Like a booth and a table? That wouldn't work." Lady, seriously, what is up your butt? I've been here before, I sat by a window, with a table of 8. Stop taking out your personal issues on me. It turned out that all we had to do was say we were willing to be split into two tables side by side on the patio and we got to sit outside. Which I told them when we arrived for lunch two hours later. But why was it that I had to think of that? What exactly is your job Ms. Hostess? Especially when at 12:30 your restaurant is 1/5 full, you'd think you'd want to be as accommodating as possible to such a large party. That aside, the service is just slow. The food took half an hour to come out, even though most of us had salads. The bill took another 20 minutes to come, granted he was nice enough to do separate checks, but still, come on bud. I would never suggest this place for a work lunch. Maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch where you weren't in a rush to eat, or do anything else for the rest of the day? The staff here takes their sweet time, whether you want to or not.
(3)
Brandi C.
Food was not seasoned like southern food. Very bland. Service was good and everyone was very friendly.
(3)
Molly P.
Excellent crab and artichoke dip. The food was pretty good, I had the pulled pork and was satisfied.
(4)
Jen W.
Absolutely Amazing!! Food and service was excellent! Easy to find. My husband had a jambalaya cheesesteak, something we have never seen anywhere else! Fries were out of this world! I had a steak that was cooked perfectly although a tad bland, as well as the potatoes (a smidge of salt and it was perfect!). Overall, we would love to go there again!
(4)
Matthew L.
Decent food Boring menu They tried to pass off one IPA as another - I'm more offended that they didn't think i could tell the difference.
(2)
Jamieson R.
I followed another reviewers advice and got a bread basket, which was delicious. The food was good, service great, and the price reasonable.
(4)
James G.
Nice chill spot were u can catch a sports game no too over crowded and the food is okay
(4)
Nicole L.
Not bad, not great. We came here for brunch and the Bloody Mary was delicious with a nice spicy kick at the end. Eggs Benedict were also decent though not terribly eye-opening. They have patio seating, which was really lovely on a sunny day. Service was also fairly pleasant, though we glimpsed one of the waiters dripping syrup all over a table due to some mishandling of the syrup dispenser, and I'm not sure that he ever went back to clean it up.
(3)
Naima K.
Not bad...not bad at all. The breadbasket was decent ($3 or 1.50 with entree)...cornbread being the standout. Apple butter and jalapeno jam was a nice compliment. The biscuits were a little too authentic homemade-y though...I felt like I could improve on the recipe/cooking technique...and I don't even know how to make biscuits. Split the fried chicken (only available Mon and Thurs). Could have passed on that. Fried very dark; though the meat was fairly tender; it did not taste good enough to expend energy seeking chicken from the bones - my friend shocked me by being ok with sending the plate away very much unscavenged...but we had eaten a lot of bread. The mashed potatoes were palatable but was not feeling the gravy...it was meaty but undairied (i.e. no butter), which triggered the imagination in uncomfortable ways. Also shared the shrimp po-boy. It was pretty good...stuffed with small shrimp, slightly smaller than I'm used to, but for 1/2 off po' boy Monday, I had no complaints...except for the fries on the side...plentiful but I didn't feel guilty paying $5 for a meal with that being the side. Service was friendly and understanding/helpful, even though some seemed like teenagers (very infrequently encounter them). Very casual and old school country in the dining area...reminiscent of Cracker Barrel. Refreshing to know there is a place in Old Town (though fairly far south) with large portions and great specials, though I was slightly turned off by the preponderance of pork on the menu and being consumed by those around me, I understand why it's a popular neighborhood hangout. Did not feel well shortly after leaving, which is to say, they must put MSG in something, perhaps the breading for the shrimp, or frozen shrimp preservatives (I've felt similarly when I've had shrimp at cheap seafood restaurants). But I would return...not for fried chicken....should probably stay away from the po' boys too.
(3)
Todd W.
Simply chose to spend a night in Alexandria because hotels were in a lower reward category than those across the river in DC. Decided to get food and drink close to the hotel and am very happy with my choice of going to Southside 815. PLENTY of street parking, unlike other places further north on King Street, and the bartenders really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. There was a very good selection of beer, wine and spirits and the menu was much better than similar local places and had a Soul Food/Southern theme with the taste to back it up. On future visits to the area, I would not hesitate to visit Southside 815 again and bring friends to check it out. Cannot stress enough how cordial and hospitable the bartenders were the entire evening...both to regulars and new customers like myself.
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: fun place to watch a football game on Sunday afternoons. Food: There was a half-priced burger special the Sunday we were there, pretty hard to pass up! They were juicy, flavorful and bonus points for having blue cheese crumbles as an add-on. Drink: The beer offerings are pretty typical, as are the alcohol/wine options. Service/Atmosphere: It's the type of place where there's stuff hanging all over the walls, but this one seems less dirty (no dust hanging off the memorabilia, thank goodness!) We were sitting at the bar area and ordered from the bartender who was nice and good at managing a big crowd. Food came out promptly. I'll be back!
(4)
Joseph E.
This is a good neighborhood bar. It is far enough south in Old Town that most tourists don't make it all the way down here. Bartenders (except for one) have always been very friendly, helpful, and work hard to learn your name. I have had their burger, grilled chicken sandwich and wings. All were pretty good, but nothing amazing. It is a bar though, so I don't expect a gourmet meal. If you make it for happy hour the wings are only $0.45 each - can't beat that!
(3)
Caitlin P.
I was so disappointed with my experience here. The only reason I'm awarding a second star is the outdoor seating. Southside has more outdoor tables than another place in Old Town that I've seen so availability was not an issue. However the rest of my experience was mediocre at best. The white peach sangria, which was on special, tasted like they had just poured the sangria out of my glass and refilled it with water. And we agreed that we didn't make the best ordering choices, but the menu claimed the po'boys were the best north of New Orleans so we ordered them. Lame. Dry, stale bread, watery slaw, and barely seasoned shrimp and oysters. Also got the bread basket to start. It was fine. I'd return only to sit outside and enjoy a well-priced beer (for this area).
(2)
Elizabeth H.
Southside has become my favorite happy hour location in the Old Town area. I can't say I have actually had a full meal in the dining room, but the happy hour specials are just fantastic! Last night the roomie & I ordered a dozen wings, an order of pulled pork sliders, a plate of nachos plus two rum & cokes and two Miller Lights and the bill was only $20! Also, fyi, the fried green tomatoes are delicious. And you have the option to add a fried green tomato to your burger which is extra delicious! Anddd the burgers happen to be half price during happy hour! Alot of wonderful things going on Southside! The service is always friendly & efficient, and the bar is nice & cozy. I highly reccomend Southside for after work drinks & snacks!
(4)
Jennifer B.
Great Brunch! I went her recently with a friend and we both very much enjoyed our dining experience. I'm a local and have been here a couple times and I really like the food. I've read some complaints about service, I've had hit or miss service. Nothing awful, but you know, just meh. Our service on Sunday was good. She was attentive and offered advice on different dishes. I was hungover and avoided alcohol, but my friend got the Pickled Bloody Mary (or 3) and loved it. It came with a full dill pickle spear and a enormous boiled shrimp as a garnish. Love an edible garnish! We had two appetizers, my favorite Fried Pickles, and Oyster Rockefeller. The Oysters were good. My friend enjoyed them more than I did, I think it is just different tastes though and not a reflection on the dish. I love the fried pickles. They are sweet! Which adds a wonderful element. For brunch I had the Southern Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached and wonderful, the pulled-pork was delicious and generously portioned, and the sweet potato biscuits were AWESOME. The home fries were the right consistency and properly seasoned. My friend had the 815 Biscuits, which are on the appetizer menu, as her main dish. She loved it. Not trying it, I can't comment, but she swears it was delicious, so take that as you will. All and all we really enjoyed our brunch. The restaurant wasn't too loud or crowded yet, and our server was friendly and attentive, and of course the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back.
(4)
Jonathan V.
So I have been coming here for the past few months during happy hour. This is a great spot in Old Town to sit down for a few beers after work. It does help that I live a block away, but still. They have a nice selection of of draft beers and micro brews. The happy hour specials are reasonably priced. Two things that I have tried there that were great were the fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Definitely appetizer food, but they were both executed very well. That being said I have been to dinner here a few times and no complaints, but I love coming for a few happy hour beers.
(4)
Leslie J.
Hands down they have the BEST shoestring fries I've ever had! Perfect and crinkly. Great southern food if you're in the mood for a po' boy or some gumbo. The bar gets super crowded and smoky so not a fan of that, but great food!
(4)
Yan W.
2.5 stars - I came here on the advice of a coworker. In summary, it's a place that I did not regret trying, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back to. First off, their "lemonade" is just Snapple. Why serve Snapple Lemonade when you have a full bar? Confusing! Second, their food is okay, but not something you would write home to momma about. I had the oysters served two ways. One of the ways they served it was extremely salty. Too salty to even finish! I'm a big fan of chefs tasting their food before it's sent out, so this one might have just slipped through under the radar. Their mac and cheese was pretty good. The only drawback was that it was too oily. Every spoonful of good mac and cheese came with a puddle of oil... I did like their ample parking in the garage in the back and their prime location in Alexandria is pretty cool. I was there around Christmas time and there were Carolers out in full 1860s gear!
(3)
Brian J.
Great hole in the wall kind of place. GET THE BISCUITS!!! I go there just for those.
(5)
Michael W.
Excellent. Staff fantastic. Every single food item on the menu is superb. They specialize in southern cuisine but they have about anything you could want. Easy parking in the garage to the rear of the restaurant. The happy hour food specials can't be beat (half price burgers, $1.00 - $1.50 pulled pork/chicken nachos, and mini po boys). A very fine selection of draft beers to compliment the happy hour food prices. The Mac N Cheese is the best you ever had- we are not talking Kraft here. If you haven't been to SS 815 you must go. You will assuredly come back again and again.
(5)
Vincent S.
It's a bar where everyone knows MY name, and there always glad I came. Order any thing with pulled pork or the chesapeake club with a few pints and you will be set.
(4)
Sandra B.
Not sure what I am missing here. This place is getting so many rave reviews and I just don't get it. And it's a shame really because we live close by and had hoped to make it our go-to neighborhood place. My experiences there are always disappointing. First of all it's noisy as a place can get. I mean, the levels can be so loud you can hardly hear each other. We usually tried to get a booth for that reason. Wait staff is usually nice, but they rush you. The idea is to get you in and out as fast as possible and that's always annoying. We have tried the fried green tomatoes, the onion straws, the pulled pork and the chicken sandwiches along with the tuna, which was a big disappointment. All were ok, but nothing really stands out. The wine is awful. I had to send back two glasses, one a red and one a chardonnay that seemed more like a sauv. blanc. All were sour tasting....one was fizzy...and that isn't the way wine should be. The bartender gave me an attitude on top of it. That same evening we saw the waitress (who kept knocking into my chair all night without once apologizing) drop a whole tray of something right on the table next to us. She merely cleaned up the mess and barely said she was sorry to the customer who had some of the mishap down his back. The thing that really annoyed me is the servers. They are not your waiter or waitress, but someone who runs the food out to you from the kitchen as fast as humanly possible. I was reading a menu when me appetizer came out. This kid comes flying over and basically throws the plate on top of the opened menu and runs off. What the heck is that? My husband and I just laughed, and god forbid if you needed anything else because he wasn't asking . Not really the most enjoyable dining experiences, even for a pub.
(2)
Bill D.
No matter how hard I try to escape my southern roots, they grab me and shake me down like a Lafayette Park mugging at 2 am. This is one of those gotta-go places. Parking's tight and when you first come in you're going to experience the insanity that is the bar. Come in during any sporting event and you may wish you hadn't, unless you're a sports fan. Then it's fun as heck. The restaurant's off to the side and down a step. There are booths and tables. Unless you enjoy freezing your butt off, don't take a table by the window. Some of my past favorites were the fried green tomatoes and the jambalaya pasta, which are no longer on my diet. Today, I really like the gulf spiced chicken breast. Husbear says you can't go wrong with the Southside Meatloaf. Only complaint is the greens are kind of hit or miss. When they're good, they're awesome. When they're not? Oh. golly. Bitterness About the waitstaff: one word, *awesome*. Really, for the most part it's the same people for years. Friendly, funny and nice as can be. This is actually a pretty good place to take kids because it's already a loud as hell place because of the bar so if anybody stares, well - screw 'em. There's plenty of kid friendly stuff on the menu. It's not expensive or fancy, just kind of old home classic food.
(4)
Christina A.
I've been meaning to try this place out for a while, and now that I have, I am really upset that it has taken me this long to come! I came here for brunch last weekend and got the fried green tomato benedict which was AWESOME. The bacon was great, the sauce was delish... I am 100% coming back SOON to try dinner, as there were some very enticing items on the menu. The bf got chicken fried steak and eggs that was delicious. The atmosphere was nice for brunch as well, and the service was good. We also had the pineapple upside down cake for dessert and it is not to be missed!
(4)
Alyssa K.
Fried green tomatoes and pickles along with mac and cheese........now that's a menage a tois I want to be part of! Southside 815 is my favorite place to come and indulge in some seriously delicious and decadent food. Grab some friends, wear your stretchy pants and you are guaranteed a good time. The first time I came here I didn't really know what I was getting into. We took the metro from DC seeking out some Southern Comfort to cure a hangover. We got on the wrong train and then hiked from the metro to Southside, and it seemed like it took days to finally get here. As soon as the food arrived, I felt that this epic journey had all been worth it. On subsequent visits I took a more direct route and it is far less of a hike and still so worth a visit. We usually order one of everything from appetizers to sides. I have tried the breadbasket that come with the most delicious jellies, the southern fried pickles, the fried green tomatoes,the big noodle mac and cheese along with collard greens. On the brunch menu, the stuffed french toast, the blackened chicken scramble and a bloody mary. There is nothing I have had here I didn't love. Even just writing this review has made me so hungry for Southside....I am definitely going to take the trip to Alexandria soon and recommend you do too.
(4)
Peter K.
The wife and I went here hoping to get in on the happy hour specials but we had our 8 month old baby with us. Unfortunately, the happy hour specials are only available at the bar. I guess that sorta makes sense but I got the same amount of beer sitting in the dining area that I would have at the bar. Maybe next time, I'll grow some balls and just take my baby to the bar area. We got the pulled pork and fish and chips. We used to live in London a couple of times... it's actually been quite difficult to find fish and chips in the US that are even close to being as good as what we had in the UK (doesn't seem it'd be that hard, but for some reason, we Yanks aren't able to do it). Anyway, the fish and chips here were excellent and I'd come back here just for them. They have a decent selection of beers. The dining area is very kid friendly -- they give your kids a coloring sheet with crayons. I think there's supposed to be parking in the rear but we arrived right at 6pm when the far right lane on Washington St. closes to traffic and is available for parking. I was able to park right in front of the restaurant.
(4)
Paul S.
I've been here a few times for food and many times for drinks. The staff is on point - food and drinks are served quickly and the prices are better than in old town.
(5)
Slick M.
I just can't forgive ordering a Strip med rare, and it coming out med well. As it sat, it became well done, grey and so unappetizing. I NEVER send back food, but seriously, there wasn't any pink showing at the end. I tried to eat it, but.... no. Besides that, service was ok. I almost think my waiter was avoiding coming back. But my husband had an empty beer for a while, as he passed by twice. On the plus side, my husbands burger was great, and luckily for him, cooked as ordered. This was my second time here, but I don't think I'll be back.
(3)
Tracy L.
Southside is my friend's favorite bar in Alexandria and I think I understand why. A friendly neighborhood spot, it's really casual with nice bar tenders and servers. More importantly, the entrees here are really good and come with GIANT portions. The menu is actually very extensive too, with tons of reasonably priced options. We tried the Jambalaya pasta (awesome), meat loaf (huge) and stuffed chicken (tasty). Paired with beers, our dinner experience here has always been really pleasant. Btw, the bar and dining room are separated. Diners can enjoy their meals peacefully at the comfy space while drinkers hang out at the bar area. There is also an outdoor patio for nicer weather. Overall Southside is not bad for some beers and easy dinners.
(4)
Jon R.
Two Things I don't like: Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese. Two Things I tried at Southside 815: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Fritters. Guess what? Still don't like FGT's (that's just me... but they had a lovely batter) but I LOVED the fritters. I am also a bit of a macaroni and cheese snob. They had one of the best homemade macaroni and cheeses around. Yum Yum! Our waiter was really great too... Patrick was his name and he seemed to have many tables but never let it show. When he came to see if your table needed anything or to bring you or millionth refill of diet coke cause I am a diet coke junky (I exaggerate just a tad) he treats you like you are his only customer. I also enjoyed the chicken fried steak. My only ONLY complaint is they give you so much food that if you do not plan you do not get to enjoy any of the delicious sounding desserts. Alas, I know next time.
(5)
Andrew P.
Our server was outstanding. He gave us great recommendations. This was a very comfortable casual restaurant. Inexpensive for 3 of us to eat even though we got 3 alcoholic drinks for the table. The bar was packed, although we ate in the restaurant. Their breadbasket was a great way to start the meal...the rolls and cornbread came out warm. They also had apple butter and a spicy spread for it. It's not really in Old Town, but if you don't mind the walk then the location is ok. Personally, I don't mind the walk.
(4)
Brian B.
A favorite of my wife and I. We normally go every other Wednesday for raw bar night. I've liked everything I've tried on the menu, which is just about everything! Their burgers are my favorite in town. Great beer selection as well!
(5)
Andie C.
Southside has gone downhill recently. The biscuits and gravy just tastes like white gravy instead of sausage gravy. Also they took the veggie scramble off the menu, which was my favorite dish. I also think their dining room and tables need a good scrubbing- it feels grimy.
(2)
Michelle K.
Let me start off by saying I have no clue how this restaurant has such a high rating. The consensus seems to be that patrons will come hungry and leave full; I left full of regret that I actually spent money on this food and full of worry that I may have just eaten something that may or may not have been regurgitated by an animal (see BBQ shrimp below). I also find it surprising that people don't immediately have a heart attack when they stand up after eating at this place - I'm all for some unhealthy, southern cooking but christ, does everything need to be smothered in 500 pounds of gravy or some special sauce? Southside 815 relies on covering everything with sauce in order to hide the fact that their food sucks. No, like seriously sucks. I'm pretty sure if I left my food outside that even wild animals would avoid it. I had the breadbasket, fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp and the oyster-shrimp combination po' boy. Let me break it down... Breadbasket: The sweet potato biscuits were decent but the corn bread was below average, while the regular biscutis aren't even worth mentioning. Fried green tomatoes: Who knew tomatoes could be so heavy? This dish was the biggest letdown of the night - after seeing everyone talk about how great these tomatoes were, I had high hopes. Maybe I had a bad batch because after one bite of this dish I thought about stabbing my fork into my face. BBQ shrimp: These shrimp were floating in a thick, viscous yellow liquid. I honestly think I may have been eating straight animal lard. I don't even know what it was, or why they thought it would be a good idea to pair it with shrimp, but it was probably one of the top 25 worst dishes I've ever had. Oyster-Shrimp combination po'boy: This sandiwch didn't come with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce or ANY sauce, for that matter. It was just a big, crusty slab of bread filled with big, crusty fried shrimp and oysters. Maybe my judgment is harsh considering I've had real po'boys in New Orleans, but I felt like I could have gotten the same thing at Long John Silvers (side note: I've never actually eaten at Long John Silvers, but I still think that's a fairly accurate comparison). Anyways, apparently the regular chef passed out in the kitchen right before my order (presumably from eating too much of this lard-laden food) and they had a rando off the street fill in for him, because my experience at Southside 815 was nothing like the vast majority of reviewers. Will I give this place another shot? Possibly, but it's going to take a good three months to get to the point where I don't physically gag just from hearing the word "southside."
(1)
David R.
I've been going to SouthSide several times a month for the last 7 years. The service is great. Greg and Tara, two of the regular bartenders, are pros. They are friendly and responsive and they clearly want you to enjoy your time there. They have a pretty big menu of Southern dishes and rotating specials and happy hours. I think their burgers are some of the best in old town. The more expensive menu items are hit and miss but all the staples are between good and great. It feels like this bar / restaurant is part of the fabric of Old Town now that they have been here for 20 years. Beyond being the local watering hole, they also organize community charity golf tournaments and bus trips to some local sporting events here and there. They also have occasional special meals like crab boils. All in all, it's a great place to grab a drink after work, a good meal or catch a game.
(5)
Bryant W.
My hockey team goes here after every one of our games at the Mount Vernon Ice rink. Greg & Co. treat us very well and they make sure to get to know us each by name. They keep the beers coming at an incredible rate and make sure we can get that final order in before last call (and they usually give us a little league discount). The late night menu is quite tasty as well. The buffalo wings are top-notch (ask for them extra spicy), and the pulled pork nachos are unmatchable. The burger is pretty average, but it gets the job done. With a kitchen open until 1am and sports on tvs in every direction, you get the full experience of a divey, neighborhood sports bar.
(4)
Cathy D.
Awesome good southern food with Low country flare. Fresh, hot and good soup is always changing and home made like the rest!
(4)
Matt D.
Time for an update. I average about 2 visits to Southside a week. I've been there at 12 in the afternoon, 6 at night, and one time I was there during a snowstorm at 11pm and aside from a couple, I was the only one in the bar. I've never seen rodents, a bug or even a stray hair in my food. I'm the first person to blast out of a restaurant at a hint of nastiness. I've never witnessed anything gross here. So I'm not sure what the other reviews are talking about. Now that that's out of the way...Southside is one of the coolest bars in Alexandria. The food is better than average, the beer is good but what makes this place great are the bartenders. Greg, Colin, Lee, Stacy, and Tara are all awesome. The crowd is pretty much local which adds to the appeal of Southside. In terms of food, the Old Town Burger is pretty much a no brainer. The wings are good too. My favorites are the ribs or the Fried Chicken Pasta. Oh the Po'Boys are good too. if you get there and the Fried Chicken or Boilermaker Ribs are on the specials, then definitely order one of them.
(5)
Whitney H.
I was born and bred in the South, and I can honestly say this is the best Southern fare I've found this far north! I was so excited about the buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, and cornbread, I just knew I'd be disappointed... but I wasn't! I was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful and amazing everything was! I got the pulled chicken salad, and my friend got the chicken-fried steak, both of which were major wins. =) Wish we'd had room for dessert... I'll be back!
(5)
Glenn P.
Southside is a great neighborhood bar and restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Their menu leans towards southern comfort food, so as a "damn yankee" I can't vouch for it's authenticity but it's mighty tasty to me. Favs include the jambalaya, gumbo and pecan chicken. The Virginia Burger (now that's a tasty burger) and Jambalaya Cheesesteak (ginormous and yummy) are great and their fries are my favorite fries. The bar half has good beers on tap and plenty of TVs to watch sports (for football, get there early to get a seat and beware that it can get overrun by Steelers fans). The bartenders are great and friendly. And probably the best traditional wings in Old Town. Southside is an old standby that I love.
(4)
Mike K.
Great staff. Amazing bar. Try the pulled pork sandwich and the biscuits. A great place with an amazing atmosphere.
(5)
James W.
It was a long time but I remember it being very good. Slightly off the tourist route in south old town.
(4)
Mai T.
Walking into Southside 815, you are hit with this cozy.. just walked into your mom's house smell. It was perfect for the cold weather this past weekend. The interior is dim, brick, and feels like you're sitting next to a fire at the house you've lived in all your life. The food, however, is the opposite. I had the meatloaf with greens and mashed potatoes. The meatloaf was bland, as were the greens. The mash was ok.. garlicky, buttery.. ok. The bf had the Shrimp and Cheddar Grits. It was wayyy too salty with the sausage and the bacon in it. It would have been really good if they took out some of the bacon. Also, I wouldn't waste the $1.95 on the breadbasket.. it wasn't really worth it. The cornbread though, was good, if you have to have bread with your meal. The bar here, was packed and they did have a lot of beers available. For me, it's one of those.. been there.. done that places.. don't think I will be coming back.
(2)
G W.
The beer selection is very good and the food is good and hearty. There is even pub grub that my vegetarian wife enjoys here! They were nice enough to put the pulled pork on the side when we ordered the nachos. We've only eaten at the bar, never on the restaurant side, but I think that is because we are always treated so well and made to feel very welcome at the bar. This is a great place to watch a football game, and they always have some very good food specials during the NFL games. If you're going to come for happy hour, you have to get here early because it fills up fast. We've enjoyed the Sunday brunch here as well, there is so much to choose from it is always difficult to order, but you're never disappointed! FYI, if you're a football fan, this is a Steeler bar, big time. Lots of black and gold jerseys here!
(4)
Courtney F.
The food at Southside 815 was just okay. I had the greens and pork chop, while a friend had the Poe Boy. I was told that the menu had soul food options and was looking forward to it. The meal fell way short of soul food but was still okay.
(2)
Jaye V.
3.5 Stars Inexpensive prices and great service. I go here when I want both of those things and some comforting southern food. There's a mix of southern items on the menu, including low country stuff (think Charleston/South Carolina) and Cajun stuff. However, anything Cajun is always off in its seasoning/preparation and doesn't really taste anything like Cajun food to me (my best friend is Cajun, and I lived in East Texas along the Gulf Coast for 10 years). It tastes like it was made too quickly, while real Cajun food has complex flavors that painstakingly begin with a good rue. And the low country stuff often seems like they put way too many things together on the same plate. Stay away from the gumbo and low country shortcake. Your best bet here is to go for the seafood or anything *generally* southern or more simply prepared. For example, my pecan-crusted fish special was excellent. And the bread/biscuit basket they give you? The sweet potato biscuits with the hot pepper & fruit jelly are nom-nom good. Wednesday nights are raw bar night. Nowhere will you find a raw bar in the close-in DC metro area at these prices. Overall, I like this place and I've been back numerous times. It took a few times before I knew what to order, though.
(3)
Alok B.
I love this place for an occasional drink and some good bar food. This is typically a Steelers bar, however, I am an Eagles fanatic and the bar staff are very accommodating of other team fans. The bar is not smoky anymore as VA recently passed a law for prohibiting smoking inside the bars. I have had burgers here and they are delicious. The one great plus about this place is there are two sections in the restaurant. The bar area where you can watch sports and drink AND the other sit down restaurant area to have a good quiet meal. They have a good list of beers. The service is decent inside the restaurant sit-down area and the bartenders are polite. This bar is walking distance from my place so my wife and I are regulars here.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Dear Southside 815, Why, oh why, would you put fried pickles on your menu and fail to mention that they're not dill pickles, which are, in fact, the only pickles worth frying? Love, Rebecca Seriously, though, that's the ONLY complaint I have about this place. We went on Saturday night, a little late for dinner, but were seated immediately, and it was nice enough to eat outside. We had appetizers first - along with the pickles (really, sweet pickles fried are NOT that exciting), fried green tomatoes (really good, but if I was doing them, I'd make the batter a little lighter, but really, no complaint), and oysters Rockefeller, 815 style (fried oysters on top of mashed potatoes with the normal Rockefeller stuff). Good stuff. But nothing compared to dinner. This might truly be my new favorite restaurant, which is bad because the stuff on the menu is not conducive to my master plan of losing 30 more pounds. Dammit. Friend had chicken fried steak. She'd had it before, and loves it. Matt had rainbow trout, and devoured it. He was very happy. I had shrimp and andouille sausage over cheddar grits. Holy crap. Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite dishes, and this take on it was amazing. I've never had grits ground that small. Either they just cooked them long enough that they became a big old mesh, or they grind their own hominy. Did I mention that it was amazing. And I had leftovers, which heat up REALLY well in the microwave. The only thing that might have made them a little better would be if the tails were taken off the shrimp. But that's not really a complaint. All in all, we were all very happy with Southside, and will be back. Probably far too often.
(4)
Carl J.
Great southern food and atmosphere in DC area.
(5)
Gabriela C.
I wish I could give half stars because I would give this place a 3.5. Not great enough for a 4 start though. The location and the atmosphere is pretty good but the food left me wanting more. For someone who lived in the south, I expected something more true to its name. The fried green tomatoes were ok, they weren't bad, but they weren't memorable. They would have been better if they didn't deep fried them in the same oil used for everything else because I could taste the flavors of fries/chicken tenders/etc. I do have to admit that the pairing sauce for the FGT was excellent. The fried pork chop with gravy was probably a C- but the mash potatoes and the green beans were excellent. The bar are was very nice and they had plenty of sports on the tv screens. The dining room was pretty crowded and more noisy than the bar at that time of day (1-2pm on sat). The crayfish po'boy was ok but not the best outside of New Orleans as the menu claims. The fries were nice and crispy, which I liked.
(3)
Steve A.
I'm from around the way so Southside is a place I've been to many many times. I'm not sure I would put it on a list of places that tourists must eat at in Old Town but it is definitely a good spot with good bartenders and good people.
(4)
N C.
Only been for brunch which was fun and tasty. Good vibe, friendly servers. The food's tasty, and you know I love fried pickles (which of course combined with the bread basket meant I was complete full before I even got to my entree.) Seemed like there was a corps of regulars that roll in around noon on Sunday.
(3)
Stan Y.
If I lived in the DC area, I'd definitely visit this place again. I ordered the pecan chicken breast, which was really good, but what put it over the top were the cheddar grits. It doesn't get much better than this, folks. I didn't have a problem with the service, aside from waiting a few minutes to be seated. (The hostess was nowhere to be found when I arrived.) Also, a word to those who want to dine outside: this faces Washington St/Route 1 so it's bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
(4)
Jess S.
We liked this place. We took some friends that were in town for the weekend here for dinner and had a good time. We got ribs, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and a shrimp po'boy. The ribs were good--when they say fall of the bone, they mean it! Lots of sauce with a smoky taste, not too spicy. The chicken tenders were OK; they came with a remoulade sauce which was really good! And the mac & cheese was everyone's favorite, made with a few different cheeses and baked until bubbling. Would be cool to go during football season and watch a couple games at the bar, and the outside seating was also quite nice. We live in Old Town and will come again. One tip: be prepared to sink into the booth cushions...and not in a good way. Better off in the wooden chairs in this case.
(4)
Don Q.
Went to Southside 815 for the first time this weekend. I liked the place The food was good The service was attentive Outdoor seating was limited but we got a table. We sat outside, but got to see the great looking bar they have. I will be back!
(4)
Steve R.
This place is a good neighborhood bar. Beer is good. Food is good. Ambience is good. Service is generally good with the exception of one bartender.
(2)
Cassandra B.
Since I have family members that can actually cook southern food, I find it difficult to enjoy most southern restaurants. The cornbread was decent and the mashed potatoes were flavorful. Unfortunately, the chicken fried steak tasted odd. 'Odd' is the best way I can describe it. The steak was very overcooked and the gravy was marginal. The atmosphere is nice and our waiter was great. My friends have raved about the fried chicken but I won't be going back to find out.
(2)
Mike R.
This is another old standby in the neighborhood. It's a pretty long walk which means we only go when we're really in the mood. The food here is southern in flavor and size. You get a lot of fried options and a lot of huge plates. Every time we go we have to start with the pulled pork nachos...they are reason enough to come here. The nachos are pretty good without the pork, but the pork takes it to another level. If you are turned off by plates swimming in grease then this isn't the dish for you, but you would really be missing out. Don't get me wrong, I always hate myself after eating these, especially when I can't finish my meal, but they are a must. As for the mains, I usually stick to the sandwiches. The dixie chicken is good, as are the po boys. I've also had the blackened chicken pasta, chicken fried steak (they are southern so you know you have to try chicken fried something), and others. The bread basket is also great with biscuits, sweet potato rolls, and cornbread, but honestly who has room for more carbs. This place used to be real smoky with the neighborhood bar portion usually packed and ventilation not the greatest, but the smoking ban has cleared that up. The bottom line...I always leave happy and sad at the same time. The food is good, but I always feel like I shouldn't eat for a day or 2 afterward. Which is why we limit our visits to once every 6 months or so.
(3)
Tim M.
Let me start off with saying that I have been here a lot, and less frequently in the past couple years only because it used to be so smokey, now that the smoke it gone, the rif raf still isn't gone from the bar. Onto the food, its good, its nothing to write home about, but it tastes pretty good. I have had the bbq sandwiches and they were very good for bbq in this area. I have also had the shrimp and grits and it was very similar to the shrimp and grits in charleston, not as good, but close enough. I have also had their mahi mahi dishes and they were decent. The prices are good for a casual dinner and its a good neighborhood restaurant, but if you are looking for a bar for talent, look elsewhere, this is the old Alexandria type patrons.
(3)
Lance D.
Southside 815 is the go to bar for all thing sports! The food is great, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is amazing. I haven't been on the restaurant side but all of the bartenders are definitely people friendly and insist on knowing you on a first name basis. I have yet to see an unsatisfied customer. They have some of the best happy hour prices around and during NFL games it gets even better with 35 cent wings and half price burgers to name a few! You should without a doubt make this a destination on any day! I love this place!
(5)
Judy N.
We ate here Friday night - what a find! I had the stuffed pork loin, my husband had the smothered hangar steak - they were both better than we've had in a while. When you walk in you enter the bar area and I could smell the smoke before I even opened the inner door. Fortunately, the dining room has an incredible filter/air system to keep the smoke in the bar and out of the dining room. We'll definitely go back.
(4)
Marina F.
A real disappointing experience. On our short trip to DC we wanted to experience some good southern food but instead we left Southside 815 knowing that there was better in NY. We ordered the pimento cheese fritters as appetizer. Though they were fried crispy and beautifully the inside was sickeningly sweet and I'm pretty sure that was velveeta. A golf ball sized ball of fried velveeta I kid you not! My friends ordered the Low Country Shrimp and Sausage which was supposed to come with cheesy grits but instead it was a bowlful of soupy velveeta cheese again. We couldn't find any grits on the plate. Both plates were sent back. One friend ordered the Charleston chicken which she claimed was "fine" but barely ate any of it and my other friend ordered the Gumbo instead. I tasted some of it and the gravy was canned and the shrimp were rubbery. I ordered the steak with bacon blue cheese butter - it was cooked to order but the meat was very tough and the butter had a grainy texture, I scooped as much off as I could. I ordered the maque choux as a side and it was a bowl full of raw bell peppers, I couldn't find any corn in it. Even more disappointing than the food was the service. The waiter seemed upset that we were sending food back but did not ask us what was wrong with the food. You'd think they'd want to know why 2 plates are going back to the kitchen. No manager came to visit us. They comped part of our meal which is why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1, but that gesture was not enough to make us visit this restaurant again on our frequent visits to DC. The atmosphere was very loud. Part of the restaurant is also a bar and it's not a good idea to go there on a night when there's an important game on. The screaming was deafening, definitely not suited for a group who wants to enjoy conversation.
(2)
Megan K.
We love the bar (we go a couple of times a month and they know our names), great place to watch football, and their brunch is amazing. And free garage parking in Alexandria! That is hard to beat :)
(4)
Bryan A.
I was first introduced to Southside 815 a few years ago, and it instantly became one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The atmosphere is inviting and unpretentious, the service is typically fast and friendly, and the food is delicious and well-priced. As others have said, you absolutely have to start off with the breadbasket. It comes with homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, and homemade apple butter and pepper jelly, all for under $2. With regards to appetizers, the fried green tomatoes are also incredibly well-done, as are the 815 Biscuits. Favorite entrees include the Chesapeake strip steak, the pecan chicken breast, chicken fried steak, meatloaf (though I usually ask for brown gravy instead of the tomato gravy that usually accompanies it, out of personal preference), and, of course, the fried chicken. With regards to sides, I typically stick to the mashed potatoes, the absolutely to-die-for mac and cheese, and the greens. On the down side, I have been underwhelmed in the past with the drunken pot roast -- it wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything spectacular -- and I also really dislike the stewed green beans, so I usually avoid them at all costs.
(4)
Kristy B.
As a Southern girl, I had high expectations for Southside 815. Sadly, I believe I set the bar too high. As positives, the location and atmosphere was great. The residual smoke that previous reviews mentioned was not noticeable. Our table of six had plenty of room and a great view of the outside dinners and passersby on a beautiful Friday evening. To start, our table ordered several appetizers to share - fried green tomatoes, fried southern pickles, 815 biscuits and the bread basket. The 815 biscuits were the best item ordered of the evening and the sweet potato biscuits were great. But...thus ends the real highlights of the meal. The batter on the tomatoes was way too thick and they were cooked to a very dark brown. The remoulade sauce had far too much horseradish to render it worthy of using. The pickles were bread and butter, versus the usual dill found in southern diners, and were covered in the same dark batter making them tasteless. For entrees we had shrimp and grits, pecan crusted chicken, chicken fried steak , jambalaya and blackened catfish. We were going for a well rounded sampling. The shrimp and grits was mainly shrimp and cream, you had to dig around to find the grits underneath. This was the first time I had ever seen blackened catfish come soggy. Not sure if it was inexperience in blackening technique to get an appropriate crust, or plating them next to the soggy collard greens. Perhaps both. The pecan crusted chicken was passable, although there were so many pecans a huge pile was left on the plate after eating. The major foul play of the meal was the chicken fried steak, a true travesty. Hard pressed to say if the steak was cooked in bad oil, the meat was past its prime, or the horrible dark batter struck again however, it tasted of old dish water. Needless to say, this was returned uneaten. The sides were...eh....not even as good as some you can by canned. And certainly unlike any you would find in the South. Unfortunately, I do not think we will be returning to 815 anytime soon for Southern meals. I will probably just make them myself as a great excuse to entertain my wonderful friends. I am left to wonder if true Southerners assisted with the menu, or if the owners have eaten this food South of Fredericksburg.
(2)
Dustin T.
I always go for the fried pickles. They are amazing. Everytime I take someone here for the pickles, they get hooked. Their crawfish poboy is good. Whenever they have BBQ salmon with macque chou as a special I get it; it is divine. Their brunch menu is great; the southern Benedict with cornbread is sinful. Their fried chicken, however, is just ok. Not sure why it's not better. Their Mac and cheese side dish is a meal unto itself. The prices are good, the service usually great and the food is excellent!
(4)
Adam R.
Away from the mess of King Street, Southside is a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and eat some awesome food. Much more laid-back than a lot of the places in Old Town, but still friendly, professional, and courteous. This is my default choice when I want hit the bar for a casual evening.
(4)
Dave L.
Great atmosphere, great beer and very good food. I really enjoyed the place and can recommend for everything from a date to the guys grabbing a beer.
(4)
Patrick B.
My girlfriend and I went here last weekend for the first time, and I must say it is my FAVORITE restaurant in Alexandria. Our food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. Our server was delightful. Did I mention our food was great? We started out with the bread basket. WHAT A DEAL! We had two buttermilk biscuits, two sweet potato rolls, and two pieces of cornbread. All of these were amazing! But the best part was the peach pepper jelly! Man it was amazing! It's the best bread topping I've ever had at a restaurant. The bread also came with apple butter, but I must say it wasn't on par with the peach pepper jelly. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But it wasn't the peach pepper jelly. For dinner, I had the bourbon barrel pork chops and my girlfriend had rainbow trout. The pork chops were amazing. They come with sauteed onions on top, and with green beans and dixie mashed potatoes. Cutting a piece of the pork, getting the onions, and then running them through the mashed potatoes was one of the best bites of food I ever had. The green beans were crisp, and had great flavor. I also added a side of greens to my meal, and they were great. They had great flavor, great texture, and reminded me of home. My girlfriend's fish was mild and tasty. She had a huge helping, and it was delicious. It was not recommended by our waitress because it was one of the more ordinary dishes on the menu, but she chose to get it anyways. She enjoyed it, but said she wouldn't order it again. Not that there was anything wrong with it, it was just kind of plain. However, she still enjoyed the meal. We finished off with pineapple upside down cake and that should NOT be missed! It was sweet, moist, came with delicious ice cream, and was topped with a great rum sauce. It was an amazing desert and it will be hard for me to try something different next time! All in all, in one night, Southside 815 became my favorite restaurant in Alexandria. I can't wait to go there again and try some of the other great menu items. Maybe I'll go for lunch so I can try one of their po' boys! If you're looking for good food and a fun night, go to Southside 815!
(5)
E L.
Boardinghouse Breadbasket - 4 stars Classic Red Bean Chili - 4 stars Lemon-Pepper Tuna Steak - 2 stars Jambalya Cheesesteak - 2 stars Service - 4 stars
(3)
Stacy R.
I absolutely love this place. My favorites were the friend pickles, fried green tomatoes, biscuits & gravy and the "Fresh North Atlantic salmon filet pan seared with a creole mustard and sweet bbq marinade then plated over tasso maque choux (spicy ham and corn succotash) and topped with crisp fried onion strings." The Southern Greens were overcooked and the Chicken Fried Steak was just "ok".
(5)
Monica W.
This review is for the bar only -- Great neighborhood bar if you live in the area. You can't beat their happy hour menu prices -- $1.50 nachos and half price burgers! It gets pretty crowded on weekends and is pretty much standing room only, so if you want to secure a seat, plant your fanny there early! The restaurant area leaves little to be desired, and I've tried just about everything on the menu. I did get a decent steak there once...once. The staff is super friendly though, so I don't want to knock them. They just need to revise their current menu. I have a feeling the restaurant survives on the lack of choices for southside residents.
(4)
Cassie H.
I tend to listen to fellow yelpers when selecting somewhere and usually I am steered in the right direction. Today, however, was an epic fail. First of all you need to try to get a reservation....what sports bar takes reservations!?!?! This was our first clue it might be crowded. They do get a point though b/c you are able to call ahead and get on the wait list. So we walk in and all of the tables are full as are all the chairs by the bar. We went on a Sunday afternoon hoping to watch some football and pig out on burgers and fries. We stood around watching various games for about 45 minutes and NO ONE moved...aside from refilling their beers! Sucked to be me! So eventually hunger won out and we went to the dining side. We both ordered the blackened catfish...my friend had the grits with hers. But in the meantime we are starving so I order the fried oyster rockerfeller. Now in their defense I didn't thoroughly read the description b/c I figured I knew what that was. I pictured nice cooked oyster in a shell with spinach, cheese, and other things nicely laid on top. What I received was a hot, monkey mess. It was fried oysters laid on top of mashed potatoes with a tomato, spinach, and some other mysterious ingredient sauce. HORRID! The catfish was decent other than there was an ounce of oil sitting on top when my plate was handed to me. You read it right...handed...not laid....the guy brought the food and I sat up straight thinking he would lay it down but he just inched it closer for me to grab from him. REALLY...where they do that at....oh...Southside 815! My friends grits looked like clam chowder and the taste wasn't much better. My bright spot was most definitely the cornbread. It was AMAZING! However, unless the menu specifies that your entree comes with it you have to pay for a bread basket.....I have NEVER in my life had to pay for bread. Not even Red Lobster with the delicious cheddar bay biscuits charges for that! It was only $1.50 but still....ugh! I should have stuck with ordering a burger...I saw several and they looked like they would have been worth the wait. Oh well....you live, you learn, you rant on Yelp!
(1)
Robyn M.
The onion straw app was good. Everything else sucked. We had the meatloaf and veggie plate. It was also extremely loud. Good service.
(2)
Lisa P.
had to remove my positive review due to the roach that my boyfriend killed while we were here last night.
(1)
Nelson H.
Came here on a quiet weekday for lunch with my girlfriend. It's very country style inside. We had ordered a shrimp and oyster po boy and chicken tenders. It was okay, wasn't crazy about the batter used. But willing to try other dishes.
(3)
Kanye M.
Putting two bartenders on one shift would increase profits, tips, revenue, and yelp reviews. Still liked it overall despite painfully slow service.
(4)
S C.
What was'nt good here? Everything was great. Fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, greens, even the bread basket was crazy good. Just jump in and box up what's left. Note: its a long walk back to King Street on a full tummy not the smartest idea.
(5)
Christine R.
3.5 I love the location, outdoor seating (for warmer days), parking is super easy and all employees I entered on a very busy Sunday were very polite and prompt. We had a party of 6 and were sat very quickly. This was a plus since there was no seating at the bar to wait for the rest of the party. The food... it was okay. I ordered the jambalaya sub, it was so yummy, definitely not spicy enough. I feel like the rest of the party ordered the pulled chicken sammie. I tasted a bit and wasn't impressed at all. I probably would return for brunch again and to maybe catch a game or two. Nothing really stood out about this place. I was sad :( I was expecting to find a hidden gem. Oh well!
(3)
Angela G.
Want to avoid the touristy part of Old town and enjoy unpretentious good food? Southside 815 is a good choice. This restaurant, further down S. Washington with a good amount of outdoor seating, was the perfect place for lunch on a spring day following a nice stroll in Alexandria/Jones Point Park. Happy to find out they have brunch on Saturday also, so that was the menu I went with. My veggie frittata was very substantial--chock full of tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, home fries and swiss cheese. The cornbread that accompanied it was delicious. My fellow walker raved about her Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Quesadella. But there a number of menu items that caught my eye that I'd like to try another time. Our server was very friendly....and had no problem when a few other walkers from our group joined the table after we'd already ordered. They also had good things to say about their dishes, a pulled pork sandwich and a mushroom burger respectively. I'm not sure what others ordered when they stated their portions were small...everyone remarked at the large portions of food we all received. I felt so full I had to bring a 1/4 of my frittata home. Only somewhat negative thing was my coffee was a little weak for my taste and for some reason all the trees on the sidewalk had been cut down. I'd recommend this neighborhood restaurant and bar.
(4)
Casey K.
Brunch: went with the family and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The portions are quite large and all the food looked good! Exactly what you expect from a good Southern restaurant. Dinner: went with the bf and we both got sandwiches. I got the chicken & cheese steak sub - it was one of the best I have ever had! And the bf enjoyed his sandwich as well though I am blanking on what he ordered. We both had a beer and I believe our check was under $30 - great value for the food that you receive - whenever I am back in Old Town and looking for a good sandwich, I will definitely hit it up!
(4)
Heather C.
We actually really like this place. Their nachos with pulled chicken is amazing. Another one of my favorites is their cucumber mojito type drinks. I don't know if they always have it, but it was pretty slammin the time I tried it. My man also really loves the Cajun pasta something or other. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Eric G.
This has become my go to place for late night food. I enjoy the ambience and the grub is amazing. Wednesday night is Oyster night and the price is unbelievable for it to be not at the "wharf". Actually I'm on my way there now! Hello French Quarter Wings
(4)
Jaime S.
Great happy hour! Bartenders are very friendly, atmosphere is lively but not obnoxious, and the food is pretty good. We like the wings and the Chesapeake club in particular. Service is generally very good, however if you eat there for lunch be aware the cocktails tables in the bar are waited on by the bartender, so expect to be hollered at and to reach across the bar patrons for drinks/plates. Awkward at lunchtime.
(4)
Elaine M.
Yummy food, huge portions, fair prices, kid-friendly non chain restaurant. My husband and I did halfsies on the po boy sandwiches, oyster and crawfish. Both were overflowing with the seafood meat--awesome! Half of a sandwich is more than enough to satiate most appetites. And and and... they do half price on the po boy sandwiches on Mondays. So that's basically around $5 for a huge fried seafood sandwich. Yum! As other reviewers have stated, the fried green tomatoes are also very good. As of right now, there's also a foursquare special for this place for 50% off your entire table's order, up to a $20 discount (but keep in mind that it's not valid for the half price po boys on Mondays).
(4)
Jon M.
I've enjoyed every single southern morsel that has crossed my lips here. This is slap your momma good food, and I get giddy as a schoolboy just at the thought of going. From the amazing fried chicken to the meatloaf, I don't think you can go wrong; the same is true for the yummy side dishes. There are also tasty libations to sip on whilst enjoying your shrimp and grits!!! Oh, and thank goodness this place knows how to make a biscuit. Southside 815 is my southern cookery outpost in Alexandria... and pretty much all of the DC area. So, when I'm when I'm feeling homesick and can't venture out to Carolina Brothers BBQ in Ashburn, this place does the trick. PRO tip: The place is often busy... heck, I have yet to find a spot at the bar, so consider calling ahead for a table to reduce your wait on a Friday/Saturday. For what its worth, the two things keeping me from giving this place the perfect 5 stars are: 1 - the dining area is just lacking something to make it feel more homey/comfortable/southern... I can't quite put my finger on it, but its just vanilla feeling (aside from the murals). 2 - The service has been just OK the last two times in. During my last visit, my beer was completely in my belly just after the food arrived, and I didn't see our server until she came out to see if we wanted dessert : (
(4)
John E.
HH: $1.50 pork nachos, oyster sliders, wings, pork sliders Beer $3 The food is pretty good, crowd is older.
(3)
Juanita A.
Yummy deliciousness is how I describe Southside! I was introduced to this spot only recently but I've gone several times now and the food/service is consistently good! If you are looking for reasonably priced comfort food, this is the place to be! PLEASE try the Southside Nachos - you won't regret it.
It is one of the hidden neighborhood gems in Alexandria. Great southern food at reasonable prices. It reminded me of home cooked food from back home in Atlanta. My gf and I got great service from a waitress also. The bar was a little too noisy and smoky so it was not the best atmosphere for us trying to have a romantic dinner. Just a comfy casual restaurant that was a walking distance from my apt. Two thumbs up. :)
(4)
Weina F.
We got two appetizers: blackened shrimp and fried green tomato. No complaints, both are very tasty, the shrimp is marinated in really good cajun sauce, and smoked/grilled to perfection and were complemented by a bed of noodle pancake. The fried tomato is very crisy outside and soft to the right touch for the inside. The brunch entrees were okay. Jason got Southern benedict which has cornbread instead of the muffins, it was really tasteless, the hollandaise sauce supposed to be spicy, but I cant taste anything out of it. My Blackened Chicken omelette was just okay, I had to put lots of hot sauce on it because it was tasteless again. The chicken was cajun-ed, but the combined omelette just couldn't survive on just the taste of Chicken.
(3)
Jessica M.
I love this place. It's a great neighborhood spot - I just *wish* I could walk/stumble to and from here a little bit better (the darkness of the GW Parkway probably makes that unsafe.) Anyway - the bar is always hopping - happy hour, game days, or otherwise. The last time I was there and waiting for friends to arrive - I managed to squeeze onto a stool of my own - only to have the bartender shake my hand and introduce himself. He seemed to know the "regulars" and their drinks of choice. Did I mention -- this was a random Tuesday night? The food is good bar food. I'm not a southerner - nor will I ever claim to be - so I will not debate the issue of authentic southern food. However - I do find their food to be good. I think their pulled pork / chicken entrees as well as their fried chicken are good bets. The ribs look delicious (though I've never tried them) - and all are reasonable priced. However - my favorite dish - hands down - is the Dixie Chicken Breast Sandwich (complete with fried green tomato and bacon.) Outrageous. Wednesdays are half-priced raw bar - I could easily down a few dozen oysters / clams / mussels - this is not Hank's quality - but isn't going to get you sick either. The only downside I could possible mention is that the bar tends to reek of smoke - the dining area stays pretty pleasant - but it is what it is. Great place, good prices, and I'd love to make it my local watering hole. *side note: brunch is decent too. went on mother's day - TOTALLY kid friendly and we didn't even have reservations. bonus.
(5)
Anne I.
Really yummy comfort foods. Great service (Thanks, Donn). Serving size waaaayyyy too much food. But, we got leftovers so it was great!
(4)
Danielle T.
Casual, low key spot with a nice patio for outdoor dining. The food is very heavy, but that's what people go here for. Definitely order the bread basket which comes with delicous homemade jams. All of our entrees have been good and service is the same, even on busy nights.
(4)
Victoria A.
I was here on a friday night with a group of 12 for Alexandria restaurant week. Fabulous 2 for $35 dinner special. I had the ribeye steak, which was delicious and came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, brought 1/2 home. Appetizers and desserts were large and good. Friendly, efficient service. Fun, casual atmosphere in bar, with TVs tuned to sporting events.
(4)
Steven R.
We stumbled upon this restaurant when searching Yelp for a spot for lunch. Excellent!!
(5)
Shawnie B.
Picture it Alexandria, 2008. There are remnants of heavy drinking as I sluggishly and methodically crawl out of bed. The only thought that has room to form amongst the pounding rhythm in my head, is food. My body is craving greasy, brunchy, deliciousness. Of course my first inclination is to go to my favorite spot for that weekend favorite spot for the meal that means, at least for me, I missed breakfast, but still want something that has eggs and bacon . . .Bilbo Baggins (read review). I must have killed the brain cells that are used for critical judgment at DC's Fox and Hound with the Johnnie Walker and Ginger ale's that I had consumed en mass the night before; but I decided that I wanted to try something different. So . . .I searched for places that advertised brunch that I had not yet tried. I decided to try South Side 815. WHAT A MISTAKE! First off their website is a LIE. Posted are promises of a down home southern brunch complete with Waffles. Upon arriving, I opened my menu only to find that the food lacked the waffles that they had boasted on the site. STRIKE 1 Secondly, the waiter was standoffish. He did not make any effort to be anything other than an order taker and when I asked him a question about the Crab and Ham Biscuit gravy it seemed as though I had asked if it were possible to kill his dog while asking his daughter to watch.* This dish sounded different I decided to try it. My plate arrived it was cold and had that little film that gravy and syrup gets on it when it has been sitting out too long. Even if it had been warm the taste was sub par, it tasted like a cheap buffet where the food had been sitting around for hours. STRIKE 2 The final and most blowing STRIKE was that the waiter forgot my side of bacon. Yes I ordered a side of bacon, don't judge me . . .*hangs head in shame* I have no idea why I don't weigh 300 lbs. Anyway, after I asked the waiter I had fully finished the rest of my breakfast before I received my side of bacon, but I still ate every bite. The only bright point of the entire experience was a lady with an awesome red hat. Her entire ensemble was quite striking and amazing!! Moral of the Story . . . Don't try something new the day after Drinking heavily. But Most importantly . . .Ladies you should wear more hats, they are pretty and I like them. *Please note I have no idea if the waiter has a dog or a daughter.
(1)
Kevin v.
Arguably the best and friendliest local establishment in old town. Great staff!!!
(4)
Becca S.
Most everything on the menu is pretty good. Love the fried oysters rockefeller, the dixie chicken sandwich is phenomenal. Excellent service as well.
(4)
M D.
The service was great for a busy Friday night...I had th pulled chicken jalapeño sandwich with grits..it was just ok...nothing to write home about..l.had the pimento fritters app..WAAAYYYYY too much gooey cheese...yuck....our server was nice enough to remove them for us...hubby had chicken Caesar salad...said that was pretty good..l might try again and order something different but I'm only giving two stars because our server was really sweet and attentive..wish I remembered her name!
(2)
Karis K.
Great neighborhood bar...food is good, the servers and bartenders are great and the bar area is a great place to hang out.
(4)
Rachid C.
We have been there twice so far and plan to go again for more. I've tried the the orchard pork chops, jambalaya cheesesteak, and French Quarter hot wings. The pork chops blew me away, actually. They were quite tender and juicy, and on par with--if not better than--the ones you get at Restaurant 3. The mashed potatoes were good, but the stewed green beans were just so-so. They probably could have been stewed a bit longer. We started with the French Quarter wings, which were also tasty. They weren't anything special, as the name might suggest, but simple and to the point. On our second visit, I tried the jambalaya cheesesteak, which came with French fries. The cheesesteak had chicken, shrimp and andouille in it. I thought it was great, but could have been a bit spicier for me. The sub roll it came on was perfect, too--not your standard flimsy Philly roll, but a much heartier one able to withstand all the bulk it carries within. The fries, as others pointed out, were some of the best I've had. The prices were very reasonable, the drinks selection wide, and the wait staff friendly. We had the same server twice and he was chatty (but not over the top), quick, and accommodating on both occasions. I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other items on the menu, such as the pulled pork and chicken. I had a taste of the mac and cheese--a meal in itself--and I plan on having my own plate of it soon.
(4)
Rob R.
3.5 Stars. Whenever I feel like having some southern comfort food, or if my arteries just need a little abuse, S815 is the place to go. Everything I've had on the menu has been pretty good. The service is always friendly. This place may actually deserve 4 stars, if not for the fact that I go into a mini food coma afterwards! It's not the kind of place that you would eat at all the time. It's just good for a visit every now and again.... Recommend.
(3)
Nic M.
So, the place can be anywhere from a bit loud to very loud, and it can be crowded during some sporting events, but it's a pub/bar more than a restaurant, so it should be approached as such. On that front they carry a couple local beers, and have a good variety of interesting nonlocal taps. Now that the slightly negative comment is out of the way, the service has always been prompt and efficient and the food is consistently good. - They make a good pork bbq sandwich, but the french fries are nothing special. - The pecan crusted chicken comes with a good pepper jam/relish. - The sweet potato biscuits as part of the bread basket are very good - actually this whole appetizer is excellent - the jams that are provided with it taste great as well. - However the same biscuits topped with crab meat and gravy taste as overkill as it sounds and are a bit salty. It's a good comfort food kind of place. It's casual, consistent, and offers good food and good service.
(4)
Katie F.
I went here last night for a friends birthday. The service was great, our waitress was delightful. She even brought out a brownie sundae on the house, without any of us telling her it was my friends birthday. Food....yum....southern food....double yum.... I ordered the special of the night the Southern Fried Chicken. It was very crispy, which is just how I like it. The mashed potatoes that came with it where SO good--almost as good as I make them at home. The rainbow trout also got rave reviews at our table, as well as the mac and cheese. A veggie friend who was among us was relegated to side dishes, as the vegetable plate was "cooked in country ham", but at least it was denoted on the menu. She was not upset though with her side salad and mac and cheese. They had just painted the place the day before--so it looks nice and clean too. And I had gotten a beer at the bar before the rest of my party arrived, and the bartender was awesome at remembering names.
(4)
Rachel Z.
I've had three meals there and more drinks than I care to count. Brunch is good but nothing to write home about. Have the bread basket for sure. Apple butter? Sweet potato biscuits? Done and done. I can't remember any of the entrees I ate, but that means that they're just entirely middle-of-the-road, neither amazing nor gag-inducing. Their burgers are good, and I'll venture to say great during happy hour when they're half-priced. I always enjoy their fries, as well. Oh the drinks. Southside is a block away from my house. I may go to King Street if a friend is visiting form out of town or something, but if it's just me and my man then we go to Southside. I think my rail drink is $4.75 (not 100% on that number) and for whatever reason I hate that you get back a quarter if you're paying cash for each drink. I always feel obligated to leave the quarter with the dollar I leave for a tip. I could see a sane person saying "Rachel Z., just leave a dollar, pocket the quarter, and on the fifth drink you don't have to leave a dollar at all, just quarters." Well, friendly yelper, I don't talk to strangers. And I don't think logically when I drink. And I always think that I'm going to stop after two drinks, and I don't want my quarters rolling around in my purse. Of course I don't stop after two drinks so I spend an extra $2. That was just an amazing amount of words for $2. Lesson learned: I'll start a tab.
(3)
Tamieka M.
I had been to this place a few times before for lunch, so I knew the food was pretty solid. I also knew the hostesses or whoever answers the phone are usually unpleasant and unaccomodating. Their "about us" section of their website says: "Southside's lively atmosphere is perfect for any occasion- a special dinner for two, a quick dinner before a night at the theater, anniversaries, birthdays, office gatherings, or just a night out with family or friends." This is just false. Its awful for office gatherings like lunch because the service is slow and you cannot get out of there in an hour no matter how hard you try. It is also not good for anniversaries, because anniversary celebrations usually only consist of two people and they only accept reservations for large parties. But like I said, the food is solid. The mac and cheese is good, its not as good as Cheestique's, but its good. Everything I've ever had there has been good and flavorful minus the pecan crusted chicken, which is pretty bland.
(3)
Susan J.
Went here for happy hour on a Thursday night at 530pm with 7 other people. Sat around a little bit before realizing that you have you order from the bartender even though you are at a table. Beer on tap ranged from $2.50 to $3.00. Hubby ordered the Shock Top for $2.75 and a half priced Virginia burger with fries for around $4. I got the 3 mini bbq pork sandwiches for $1, 6 wings for 35 cents each and a rail rum and dt for $3. Those bbq pork sandwiches...more like pretty decent shredded pork bbq on yummilicious biscuits (not sure if these were the sweet potato biscuits, but they are really really really good). I had to give a sandwich away and couldn't finish up all the wings. Wings, they were decent hot wings, no celery sticks with them. Fries were battered and very tasty and hubby said the burger was pretty good too (made to order and can choose how you want it cooked). We got the food pretty quickly...service is mediocre but by 7-8pm, there were a few more bartenders to handle the crowd. Definitely not a meat market here if you're trying to meet people in your 20s/30s. The bar was stacked with older guys with a few cougars/lionesses in the hunt. We stayed there until 845pm and had a $17 bill. Not bad for a fun/cheap happy hour south of Old Town with great friends!
(4)
Cara R.
I have been to Southside four times now & will not be back. The food is very inconsistent. Twice I have been there and the food was fantastic. Twice I have been there and the food was terrible. I have ordered the same dish three different times - the Low Country Shrimp and Grits- once delicious - twice overcooked. Very disappointing.
(2)
Steve G.
We live nearby and saw some promising reviews on Yelp so have tried it a few times. My vote is better for lunch/ sandwiches than dinner. I tried the fried chicken everyone raved about and it was ok but doesn't get a rave from me. Also tried the meatloaf which was fair and the sauce had a taste I did not recognize. I'd order it again but sauce on the side. On the other hand several sandwiches we have tried have been excellent.
(3)
Michelle B.
My husband and I were looking for a good happy and were pleasantly surprised when we found Southside 815. When we got there around 6 the bar was packed. Great happy hour specials on both food and drinks. There was outside seating as well as a nice size dining room. We plan to take our in-laws there the next time they are in town. The only thing that kept this restaurant from a five star was the wait staff. The bartender that took our order and waiter that brought our food out were both stand-offish. No small talk, just "what can I get you?" end of conversation. We are not going to let that stop us from going back to future happy hours.
(4)
Kevin E.
815 is a total diamond in the rough in Old Town! It is a neighborhood place with character and gets steady business from loyal customers. About 60% of the space is devoted to the bar area vs 40% separate dining area. The full menu is served in either area and is overall amazingly good! The menu consists of all southern dishes, the prices are inexpensive and there are plenty of cheap daily specials on food and happy hour drinks. It's also a great brunch spot on weekends and is a good place to watch a game.
(5)
Tim H.
Had been once before for dinner, but went back for a happy hour that I had heard good things about. They were right. $1.50 for 4 mini oyster po-boys, $1.50 for 3 mini pulled pork sandwiches, $.35 wings, and $1.50 for nachos. I tried all of them and they were all awesome! The po-boys and pulled pork sandwiches are served on rolls which, although a bit dense, were very tasty. The remoulade sauce for the po-boys reminded me of the remoulade you'd get in New Orleans. The wings were very good, but not spicy enough. The nachos, covered in pulled pork, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings were the best of the lot. And to top it all off, they had a really good, cheap, beer selection, draft and bottles. Highly recommended for a regular happy hour spot.
(4)
Marissa C.
I always request for outdoor seating here and never had a problem since space is very limited. I cannot resist the fried oysters on mash potato and fried green tomatos! If you have a sweet tooth, better not leave w/ out trying their pineapple upside down cake. yum!
(4)
Will C.
Great local restaurant, the food is excellent no matter what you order and the bar is fantastic. They have great Happy Hour specials and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place to go to eat or just to hang out in the bar.
(4)
M T.
Service is average... but their food is great. We've always enjoyed dining here... even our children love it. They always ask to go back. A few of our personal favorite are the New Orleans BBQ shrimp and Boardinghouse Breadbasket and Jambalya... but everything there is pretty great.
(4)
J B.
Love the atmosphere and the food is GREAT!! You definitely get the bang for your buck here. We had fried green tomatoes, wings, macaroni and cheese and the other traditional southern fare. I pass by this restaurant every evening going home and can't believe it never dawned on me to stop!! That mistake won't happen again. GREAT service, RELAXED atmosphere, and enough food for the next day at a DECENT price. We loved it.
(5)
Some D.
Fatty but little flavor. 3 stars because the service is great!
(3)
Jenna G.
I have eaten here twice for lunch on a weekday. My boss loves this place as they allow cigars and the barstaff know him and are quick to get him his drinks. I have never been here when it was crowded but the bar area seemed rather big and had large tables. I had a burger the first time and a chicken sandwich the second time. Nothing too special about either of the plates but definitely not bad. Just your typical bar food as far as I could tell. My husband just came here for a work lunch, and judging by his comments, I am sure we will be going there again soon!
(3)
Joan H.
After living in Old Town Alexamdria for the past 8 years we finally decided to try this restaurant on a Monday night for dinner. We had the po boys specials and it was quite good along with decent service, Made the mistake for returning back tonight for dinner. Service was horrible and my fried chcken dinner special was way over fried. Waited for our dinners for an exoribantly long time while people that were seated after us got their dinners in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Did ask to speak to the manager you while apolozing for the time problems didn't offer to comp us for any part of the meal or offer us an incentive to return to the restaurant in the future. Needless to say we won't be coming back. There are too many restaurants in Alexandria to have to put up with this,
(1)
Yumi W.
Nice Local hang out to watch your favorite sports..no tourist! Super slow service almost like self service! Food is loaded but good bar food. Go get your own menu, drinks and place an order yourself just don't count on any service because there's none. NO SERVICE GOOD LOCATION!
(4)
Marivic L.
I've been here quite a few times and have tried a variety of items. My fave is the vegetable plate. Their cheese grits, greens, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and corn bread are fab. You know, all the healthy stuff. I'll definitely be back again and again.
(3)
Natasha S.
Good place to go, especially for locals. Had a waitress named Jennifer who was amazing and the best service I've ever had. Food isn't out of this world but its good. I go back fairly regularly.
(4)
Meg R.
My husband and I frequent Southside at least 2-3 times a month. Wonderful brunch, best Bloody Mary's! I'm pretty sure every time we go, we order something new, we've tasted much of the menu and we were not disappointed in the least. Best deal is the 1/2 price po'boys on Mondays. Bartenders and wait staff are always super nice and fast! We love Southside!
(5)
Brianne C.
How can such a simple evening trigger such conflicting emotions? With mounds of pulled pork, fresh melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos clinging to a platter of tortilla chips on the bar, and a strong John Daly gleefully tempting me from a formidable tumbler, I knew that Southside 815 wanted me to have a boisterous evening. Our lovely bartender Troy was professional, insightful, and interesting, and I enjoyed speaking with him about bicycling and local business. But even as I indulged my companions and belted out the chorus to a number of songs while wearing cutoffs and a tank top, I inwardly cringed at the level of tackiness while still contemplating a return visit to sample the other menu options. Conflicting emotions, indeed.
(3)
Wells W.
Other reviewers have already hit it on the head with this spot. It's fantastic. Don't miss the half price burgers at happy hour - they are the reason my wife and I frequent Southside. And the Mac n'Cheese is as previously stated a highlight you shouldn't miss. The staff is very nice and they have some great draft beer selections. Parking is very easy with the new garage located just behind Southside.
(4)
Barrie C.
I grew up in southern Virginia and Texas. I lived in Alabama for almost four years as an adult. I know what Southern food should be. Having established my credentials, let me say that the Southern food at Southside 815 was average at best. I ordered chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. The chicken fried steak was forgettable. The meat was tough, and the fried batter had very little taste. The mashed potatoes were pretty good, but the green beans were not. Southern green beans need to be cooked in butter and bacon for hours so that they're mushy, rich, and incredibly unhealthy. Unfortunately Southside's green beans were tasteless. Where's the butter and the bacon? Not only was the food not that great, but we were treated somewhat rudely. Last night was a big football night. NFL preseason's last games were played last night (including the best team of all time, the Washington Redskins), and college football had its first big night, with LSU and Louisville playing their first games. So some friends and I went to Southside with the intention of watching football because to their credit they have a bunch of TV's there, and we staked out a prime table right in front of a bank of TV's at the front of the bar. However, halfway into our night, just after we had finished our food, a waiter came up to us and said we had to move to make room for karaoke? WTF? Karaoke? Seriously? So he moves our table to a spot not too far away, but right in the middle of a central thoroughfare of the bar. In our new spot we were constantly getting jostled by patrons and waiters, one person in our party had to be pinned against the corner so we could all sit down, and we couldn't see any of the games because they were either too far away or obstructed by people. And the waiter who did this was not nice, was not apologetic, and acted like we had trespassed on his land by being at that table. I was ready to throw down Bruce Banner-style on him, but I refrained in the name of public decency. So then this old guy takes his sweet time setting up the karaoke, and then once he has it all set up, he starts it up. But nobody was participating because they were all watching football, so to encourage people to get into it, the old man starts singing himself. So we're sitting there trying to see our football games from across the bar and having some conversation, but we're drowned out by the horrible, shudder-inducing wails of this guy. My ears started to bleed. Damn, all we wanted to do was watch some football, drink, and have some good conversation, but instead we got kicked into the corner and subjected to some awful vocals. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not busting on the idea of karaoke. I won't admit to it in public around attractive women, but I won't deny that there have been allegations that some friends and I may have belted out horrible versions of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and thoroughly enjoyed it, but does Southside plan to have karaoke all football season? If Thursdays are karaoke nights, then are they going to have karaoke next Thursday night for the opening regular season NFL game, New Orleans vs. Indianapolis, which promises to be a huge game? If so, I sure as hell won't be there. And if you're a football fan, neither should you.
(2)
Brian C.
Wound up going here twice over the long weekend. The first time was for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant and bar were both crowded, but we only had a 15 minute wait for a table for 3. On a Friday night, that's not bad at all. The staff is friendly, even if not overly attentive. There was a pitcher of water on the sideboard near me, so I took the liberty of refilling my own glass a few times. We started with the bread basket, which was delicious. The biscuits and cornbread were both tasty, and I never thought I'd be a fan of pepper jelly, but it was really good at Southside. Sweet with a kick. The first time I went, I had the jalapeno honey pulled chicken, which I thought was a little dry, but my friends had a taste and really liked it. The Big Noodles is not your typical mac and cheese, but very good in it's own way. It had more Italian flavoring that I expected, but I enjoyed it. For dessert we split the peach pound cake, and a slice of key lime pie. I was not a fan of the pound cake, but again, my friends enjoyed it. I did find the key lime pie to be delicious though. When I went later in the weekend for lunch I ordered the roast beef sandwich which was overflowing with meat, the way a good sandwich ought to! It was flavorful, and moist, and I almost couldn't finish it all. Almost. I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Damian K.
This review is only about the bar, not the restaurant. The servers are fantastic, and will know your name (and your drink of choice) even if you have only been there a couple of times. The Happy Hour bar menu consists of mini-nachos ($1), mini pulled pork sandwiches on biscuits (3 for $1), mini oyster po'boy ($1.50) and hot wings for 20-25 cents each (I think). I only drink microbrews (Bells Two Hearted/Sierra Nevada etc.,) so I'm not up on the cheap rail drinks, although I did hear that they were going for $3 during HH.
(5)
Brett M.
Pretty good food. Been here several times and have tried most of the lunch items. Love their pulled pork sandwich.
(3)
Ethan L.
Great food. Fresh, prepared from scratch and it shows. Love this place...
(5)
Tony M.
I've been to Southside many times in the 4 years I've lived in the area and never had a bad meal. Yet again, here is another place that doesn't get any credit from the previous reviewers for having AMAZING chicken wings. Western New Yorkers, this is the closest you will get to authentic Buffalo hot wings. Every weekday from 4-7 and Sundays during football season they have specials on the wings. The nachos are great too, but make sure you order the chicken nachos. I'm not a fan of the pork nachos. I haven't gotten to everything on the menu yet, but I'm working on it. The Po' Boys are great. They also have some great bartenders. These are the type of bartenders that once you've ordered a couple of beers, they spot you coming from a few feet away and by the time you reach the bar they have your beer ready for you. Only negative is happy hour gets crowded sometimes. I've had to eat wings standing up before. Get there early if your only plan is to eat.
(5)
Angela L.
On a Monday night, my husband was craving fried chicken. After an extensive Yelp search, he found Soutside 815 and their Monday fried chicken special. I, on the other hand, decided on a shrimp po boy and a side of mac n cheese. Boy, did I over order. The po boy was HUGE with perfectly crispy shrimp and fries on the side. We live right around the corner so this place is dangerously within walking distance!
(4)
Douglas K.
It is what you'd expect it to be. I didn't try their full menu, only hung out at the bar for snack and beer. It wasn't smoky, but people were smoking so keep that in mind. Wednesday is steamed seafood special: ~$5-6 for a snack plate of oysters (half-shell), clams or shrimp (steamed), etc. two of which should do you nicely. Beer selection was pretty good by Old Town Alexandria standards--about 8-10 on tap--a little something for everyone. Dogfish 60min=$5; PBR=$3. Had a nice pub feel and parking was no problem on a week night. I'd recommend it to those wanting to watch a game and have a pint after work.
(4)
Lucy L.
Dark, dank, dusty all come to mind.... Let me preface by saying I don't think Southern cuisine is my thing. Too many years of saying no to butter, cream, lard, and carbs I guess. The guilt caused by this place was overwhelming. The fried pickles (something I absolutely love) were just gross. I struggled to even taste pickle, they were more like fried bits of nothing and strangely reminiscent of those weird little fried crumbs you get at Long John Silver (also gross). The menu sounded amazing, it appeared as though you couldn't make a wrong choice. I went with the Low Country Shortcake which was recommended on some sites I came across. It was beyond gross. Chunks of chicken, goopy oysters, soupy sweet potatoes stuffed between layers of dry cornbread on a bed of butter beans of all things. Still not convinced? All this was drowning in a flood of white, tasteless gravy. My husband was excited to take a trip back to his Texan roots with the Chicken Fried Steak (which is why I chose this place). He said it was decent which is why I gave this place 2 stars. Overall, total disappointment. Unless you have a severe craving for low country cuisine, don't go. There are too many better options in this area.
(2)
Michelle B.
Stopped by this ol' neighborhood Low Country cuisine joint for an early lunch (11:30 a.m.) The bar was already smoky and half-full of old timers, hard timers and done timers. Unfortunately, it's just a bit too nippy for the patio to be open. We sat in the dining room which filled quickly for lunch. It was a bit of an older crowd; not like the crowd you see in the summer's outside on the patio. The service was fine, the food was average (the piece of corn bread was the highlight). I woudn't go out of my way to get here, but it's an option if you're in Old Town/Del Ray and don't want to wander too far from home. I have heard their Po' Boys and burgers are very good, but haven't tried them.
(3)
Lisa B.
I went for brunch this past Sunday and I gotta say, I was impressed. I'm not talking about the food though it was quite good. My dining companion (boyfriend's sister) knew EVERYONE there, from the hostess to the waiters to the busboys and of course, the bartenders. This is one of her favorite hangouts in the area, and after our brunch and meet-and-greet with the staff, I could see why. The food was pretty darn good: I got the blackened chicken scramble, which came in a toureen-like dish with all of the yummy contents well, scrambled together. Eggs, cheese, peppers, onions, and potatoes, with a side of cornbread. Yum. The Bloody Mary I ordered was spicy, tomato, vodka goodness that hit the spot. Also good: The omelette of the day, which included asparagus and artichokes. All in all, good brunch fare at a decent price. Plus, it's next door to my favorite pizza place in the DC area, Faccia Luna. Can't beat that combination. Go eat, drink, be merry.
(4)
Joseph M.
Bar is always packed with an eclectic array of trust fund kids, lonely singles and displaced older people from the burbs lol. Not saying it's a bad place, it's just not the type of place that's worth being crammed into on a friday night, Unfortunately, the food is less then desirable..
(2)
Gin B.
I only gave it 4 stars instead of 3 because I've learned what to eat and not eat here. I am southern and though the food has some southern flare its not particularly on par. Basically, you have to know what to order and once you have that down you are good to go. The nachos are fantastic and they will put beans instead of meat for vegetarians. The cheese grits and the shrimp and grits are also some of my favorites. The big mac and cheese is enough for a meal. The vegetables are awful - the green beans are from a can and the greens just aren't good. The worst part is having to walk through the god awful smokey bar to get to the dining area. If you have asthma go in from the patio if possible. The bar is always hopping but with a mid-thirty crowd.
(4)
Duane S.
This is a great place to get lunch and brunch on Sunday. As was written before. get the sweet potato biscuit with crab & ham gravy. It is awesome! The fried green tomatoes are very good too. I got the Virginia burger as my entree and loved the sandwich. However, the fries left a lot to be desired. If I go back, I will see if I can substitute something else for the fries. If you find yourself in that part of Old Town, definitely check out Southside 815.
(4)
Dave H.
Definitely a good suggestion that others have made to get the bread basket -- that was the best of the dishes. Only one option for vegetarians and resembled piles of slop. The other two dishes were better, but nothing great. Took forever to get the check.
(2)
Sandie D.
Located in awesome Alexandria, Va. this place offers a great happy hour. My sister's and significant others meet here for happy hour on a Thursday. The only down side was the service. The bartender was not exactly people friendly. I arrived before the group and sat at a table for 15 minutes before I went to the bar and ordered a drink. Their happy hour is from 4 to 7 and they offer discounted beer and some great food choices. They offer 1/2 price burgers, small app plates, and other specials. The burgers are off the chart. I ordered some cheese grits off their regular menu and they were to die for. The bar has a great set up. There are several tables that are accessible for groups. My only disappointment was the lack of table service. We had to go to the bar to order all drinks and food. If you are a smoker, they still allow this in Alexandria. If the company is good you can over look the poor bar service.
(3)
Kelley S.
I REALLY wanted to like this. An evening out with hubby sans kids, good southern food - alas, it was not to be had. The food tasted like someone who is a good cook was given pre-prepared ingredients and told to follow a recipe - it was not fresh, home made food and if it was they need to seriously rework the kitchen staff. Here's a rundown of our food: Bread basket to start - sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, a peach chutney that was spicy and yummy but from a jar, apple butter Caesar salad - the highlight of the meal! Pecan chicken with greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, grits Shrimp in creamy gravy over cheddar grits It all tasted like it was from frozen, if that makes sense. The salad was dressed with a unique dressing that was the best part of the meal for me. In addition, the food came out really quick - that always makes me go "Hmmmm.........." The bread tasted like it was baked in house but was reheated from lunch. All said, I don't think we will go back unless we are right there with no other options. The pizza place next door looked fabulous........
(2)
Ken C.
Great place for bunch on the weekend with friends drinking irish coffee : )
(3)
Jessica B.
I met some friends for a few beers and I enjoyed it. I guess it can be a bit crowded, but I love the feel of a pub! Its a fun place to go.
(4)
David H.
I don't know who is in the kitchen at Southside, but whomever it is definitely knows southern cooking. This is the most southern food I've had in the DC area. Albeit, there are some places on U street that I haven't been to yet... This is a local hang-out for Alexandrians in Old Town. If you eat in the restaurant, order the bread basket because it's marvelous. Throw a dart at the menu and you'll more than likely come up having a great dinner. They are doing construction for, you guessed it, condos behind the strip mall that Southside is in so can do valet parking or park in the neighborhood. But for goodness sake, don't park in my parking spot...that sucks for me.
(4)
Jeff Q.
Sweet tea, gravy, biscuits, sweet potato rolls.... good service, live music on the bar side. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)
Russell Y.
I was looking for a place that served good southern food, and chose Southside 815 based on reviews I read elsewhere on the 'net. My mom had blackened fish, I had a biscuit/shortcake concoction with chicken and oysters, and my sister had meatloaf. The fish and my dish were okay bordering on mediocre, but my sister said her meatloaf was the worst restaurant food she had had in recent memory. I doubted her... until I tasted it. Oh my, it was Baaaaad. Dog food tastes better than that meatloaf (I cook for my dog, so I know it does!)
(1)
Tracy S.
They have by-far the best happy hour ever!!! Their 35 cent wings were amazing. They also have a half-price burger deal. My only concern was that the juke-box was not loud enough when I paid money for the straight 'hits' to drop. This place hooks it up with $2.75 pints and happy hour food. Plus their wait-staff is prompt and their bartenders are on the ball.
(5)
Courtney R.
Huge portions, you'll leave happy and satisfied if you know what to order. My favorites here are the fried green tomatoes and the 815 biscuits. I've never had anything like them--sweet potato biscuits smothered in a seafood type gravy. Savory, yet a bit sweet and a bit salty and the perfect portion size. Have tried the oyster po'boy--had better elsewhere and they're just to messy for me in general. I would recommend going during the week for lunch or for Sunday brunch--otherwise the crowd could turn you off. I usually eat in the bar and the service is on point.
(3)
Chris F.
Menu is somewhat limited, and I became ill the last two times I ate there.....which is why I refuse to go back.
(1)
Mandy L.
The only reason I am giving them four stars is because of the smoke. We did sit in the restaurant, but we were still close the bar (where the smoke was). The food was absolutely delicious. The special tonight was stuffed fried chicken. The portion was enormous and sooo yummy! My hubby got the gumbo and loved it. Both of my boys had grilled cheese and they cleaned their plates! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Sarah P.
A soulless bar, whose happy hour (which goes the latest of any in Alexandria, to 7:30) is packed with the types of people you rush out of work to get away from. The bartenders are rude and slovenly; the ONLY reason why I ever go in is proximity and cheapness of the happy hour menu (not delicious, just super cheap, 1.50 nachos, etc.). Very difficult to get a barstool, and if you get one, expect dirty looks for the rest of the night from those that don't.
(2)
Samantha R.
One word: AMAZING! My husband wanted to take me and our 4 month old daughter out to dinner. We wanted something yummy in the Old Town area so I came across the Southside menu online. Everything looked great, so we gave it a shot. The wait was about 30 minutes, but that was to be expected on a Friday night for a small restaurant. Our waitress was such a doll. Since it was our first time, I encourged her for suggestions. We started with fried pickles and an assortment bread basket. My husband got shrimp and sausage over cheesy grits and I got th country fried steak with collard greens and red skin mashed potatoes. We were in heaven. Let's me say, skimping on out on food they do NOT. We had to take the rest to go. We were very pleased with everything. We will surely be going back. The only reason I gave Southside 4 stars instead of 5 was because when I went to change my daughter in the restroom, the changing table was a litle oudated and looked to of had BBQ sauce on it from pevious kids. Other than that....very pleased.
(4)
LC G.
Had a great brunch today. Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Had the jambalaya cheese steak sandwich, my BF had the sausage eggs benedict, and we shared the bread basket. Food was tasty, service was good, prices are very reasonable. Love this place for happy hour food and drinks too. Great local hangout.
(4)
Mark D.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is bizarre, it feels like it used to be a cheesy seafood joint (as in with pirates and peg legs). But the food is southern-style comfort food. Everything was tasty, the mac and cheese was good, the steaks were covered with this cheese dressing which sounds blasphemous but was tasty, and my tuna steak was okay (though not rare enough). Service was good.
(4)
Kimberly L.
My advice, unless you have a bottomless stomach, is to stick either with appetizers or main dishes. DEFINITELY order the boardinghouse breadbasket (biscuits, sweet potato biscuits and cornbread with apple butter and pepper jelly). That and the fried pickles with remoulade and some iced tea were more than enough for me and my friend. I barely had room to taste my pulled chicken BBQ sandwich (though it was delicious). The restaurant, especially the bar side is really smoky, but the time Virginia outlaws smoking indoors will be the time hell freezes over.
(4)
Batman '.
I love this place. When Mrs Batman and I go downtown we make it point to hit Old Town as well for Southside 815. THE 815 BISCUITS ARE TO DIE FOR. There many selections of comfort food to choose from. I have never had a bad experience here. The service is great (ask for Melissa). Mrs Batman and I usually go here late afternoon and are quickly seated. We get several different items off the menu and share them. I always get an order of pickles to take home. Valet parking is available so parking the Batmobile is never an issue. Thinking about all of food is making me hungry. Time to go to Southside 815. Don't try to touch the car.
(5)
Bill V.
The southern/Cajun food is great but the bar is the place to be. Consistently packed with a lively crowd. The Happy Hour is the best I have found in Alexandria. The little pulled-pork sandwiches are a steal at $1.50.
(4)
Spicy G.
We ate there around March-April. I'd give this a 2.5 stars rating, mainly for the fried green tomatoes. They were awesome and we enjoyed the remoulade sauce that comes with them. There were 3 reasons we came here to eat: 1) We went to a premier movie screening in the area 2) They're a Steeler's hang out. 3) Reviews from Yelper's. Sorry guys-not impressed with the rest of the food. There were 3 adults and 4 older children. The kids didn't even finish their food which is simple kids food: chicken fingers, FF, mac and cheese, hamburgers. 2 of the 3 oldsters didn't finish our food either. I got the Po'Boy combo of oysters and crawfish. They were over fried and not juicy and succulent which is what I was hoping for. Too much batter, not enough juice. Not impressed with the bread as there was too much of it, and it wasn't fresh. My daughter, who was one of the 3 oldsters ordered their crab and artichoke dip as her main. We all tried it, and it was pretty decent. The table we were at was a long farm table, but it was too close to the other tables next to us. You couldn't get out to save your life. The kids would take off to the bathroom and would climb over the chairs. The 2 other tables on either side of us were as miserable as we were. You would stand there and wonder,"How do I get out of this mess?" The noise level was unreasonably loud. Service: Was so-so. Not impressed. Not sure if I'd go out of my way to try this one again. Maybe.
(2)
chris s.
Yes, it wreaks of smoke. So, what. What really kinda turned me off was how dingy the dining room was. I went with a group of 6. 3 real southerners there, who were unimpressed. Fried green tomatoes were good but how do you mess that up. I also had the shrimp over noodles. Interesting and tasty but all in all everybodys meals were average. Skip it. I should try the fried chicken before writing this place off but its supposedly their best dish but they only serve it once a week. HUH!?
(2)
Jennifer S.
Hmm. I wish I had the same experience as the previous reviewers, but I am not all that impressed with this place. We went here this past Sunday for brunch (and missed it - it ends at 2:30 PM just so you know) because the menu sounded amazing and my BF could get his favorite dish anywhere: Chicken (or Country) Fried Steak. I did a search on Yelp and this came up so here we are. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it is a couple stars up from a TGI Fridays. It's the same kind of food (with a Southern slant). I had a Jambalaya Sandwich - chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage with peppers and Jack cheese on a great, crispy bun with good seasoning. He had the CFS - and while he ate all of it, claimed that the same dish at The Silver Diner is much better. 'Not enough marbling - a cheaper cut of meat.' I know nothing of this because I don't eat meat (picked out the sausage from my sandwich). I will say that his mashed potatoes were delish - with about a pound of butter infused. My coleslaw was also good because unlike too many places, it wasn't swimming in a watery mayo sauce. Some other points: service was slow, decor was cute but not sure how applicable (a whole underwater theme) and the best feature: free valet. Would I go back? No, but I cannot complain about it either.
(3)
Laurie B.
I ate there on New Year's Eve last night. I had lobster, shrimp, and scallop risotto off of their special menu for the night. It was really good. It don't like mushrooms so they prepared it without it for me. The waitress knew the menu very well and steered us away from items on the menu that weren't so good.
(4)
Ed V.
Low Country Shrimp & Sausage is great. Lots of good beers on tap, lots of sports on the TVs. Friendly management & staff.
(5)
RonAnderson ..
Excellent Southern (Louisiana) home-style cooking, with reasonable prices for the HUGE portions they serve. You'd better come hungry or it's not worth it. My friend and I couldn't decide what to order--we could have picked at least 3 different main dishes each. If you have a craving for some good ol' fashioned fried green tomatoes, pot roast, meat loaf, blackened catfish, or country fried steak, come on down! I had a really good dinner special--the Tilapia stuffed with crabmeat. Key lime pie for dessert topped off a wonderful meal for both of us. The bar area, where you enter through, is really cool and jammed-packed with people--plus lots of flat-screen TV sets on the walls tuned to sporting events and great draft beer selection. Located on the same strip of restaurants as Faccia Luna just south of Old Town Alexandria.
(4)
Brian V.
The first impression: It's bad business to leave customers standing at the door while employees or chatting away. It's one thing when you are busy, but it's another when you see them standing there and ignore them. The service: It's only friendly service if you're a regular. For new comers, you have to fight to get attention. The servers could of told me what each dish were as he was setting it down. That's not asking too much, because they forgot one of my orders. Aside from this, Rachel, the bartender, was not only super nice she was also really quick. You have to order from the bar.* When I asked about making the correction on my order, the server told me to go to the bar for the mistake they made. When paying for the tab, they knew exactly where I was sitting and what I supposedly got. That is a plus in my book. The Food: Almost horrible. I ordered nachos, oysters (never got), pulled pork, and hot wings. Everything was over cooked. The only thing that had juice was the pulled pork. Even the buns were over toasted. Drinks were flat. Verdict: This is what I call drunk people food at a fair price. I felt unwelcomed. Would I come back here? Not a chance. Applebee's has better service and food. Two good things came out of this trip. 1. The awesome and friendly Rachel the bartender. 2. The price for happy hour.
(2)
Marshall N.
Myself and my friends have been coming to this friendly neighborhood bar almost weekly for about 20 years. We really like the atmosphere and the friendly bartenders and staff make our weekly visit complete . While we love the burgers here, I am also fond of the oyster Po'boys, the Chesapeake club, the fried chicken, the nachos, and the wonderful chicken wings. They also have a wide variety of beers on tap. There are few places where it is more enjoyable to sit down and watch a Nationals' game.
(5)
Alina S.
Went here with a group of 9 during Alexandria Restaurant week. They expanded the 2 entrees and 1 appetizer deal for $35 to the entire menu. My fam got buffalo wings, oysters, clams, onions straws, fried pickles, ny strip steak, prime rib, trout... and I think that's it. I can honestly say that everything was delicious, especially the ny strip steak. They also had a special asparagus and red potato soup, also delicious. The only reason I'm taking off a star was for the service. It was OK, but not out of this world. We will definitely be returning.
(4)
Gregg M.
It was a lazy Sunday morning and a perfect time for brunch. Carol W and I arrived at Southside 815, a veritable yin and yang of a place with half of it dedicated to a seeming sports bar and the other a cozy dining room with a Southern feel, at a little past 11 AM. Since we got there early in their brunch service, we beat the post-church crowd and were seated immediately in the virtually empty dining room. Given the "calm" before the typical brunch crowd arrived, we received attentive service throughout our stay as our water glasses were promptly filled and dirty dishes quickly removed. By the time we left, the dining room and the patio dining area were largely filled. Southside 815's brunch menu contained the usual suspects like pancakes, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, and Eggs Benedict, but also listed Southern-influenced offerings like Red Beans & Rice and Fried Green Tomato Benedict. I started with their Pickle Juice Bloody Mary ($6.95), made with a house made Bloody Mary mix and pickle juice and served with a pickle spear and chilled peel and eat shrimp, while I looked over the menu. While it may not have been very boozy strong, it had a nice spiciness with a very welcomed horseradish presence. It was, thankfully, not overly salty given the use of pickle juice. , I found it to be quite tasty and enjoyable and one of the best I've had in a long while especially considering the price. For my meal, I ordered another Southern-influenced item, the Pulled Pork Benedict ($10.95) made with two poached eggs served over Carolina-style pulled pork and buttermilk biscuits, topped with hollandaise sauce, and accompanied by home fries. I can't offer up a treatise on Southern cuisine or Carolina-style pulled pork, but Southside 815 served up a generous portion of juicy, tender pulled pork over two biscuit halves and topped with perfectly poached eggs. It was accompanied by a healthy portion of crispy, not greasy, nicely done home fries. My only critique (and I'm being nitpicky here) was that the Pulled Pork Benedict was also topped with a perfectly acceptable Hollandaise sauce, which I know is standard in Eggs Benedict. It may have been more interesting (and better suited) had it been sauced with country gravy instead? Nonetheless, my Pulled Pork Benedict was thoroughly enjoyable and I was comfortably full when I pushed back from the table. For brunch, Southside 815 serves up solid food and a surprisingly good value. I see a return visit in my future.
(4)
Tracy N.
Delicious! Awesome taste of home up in DC. Could benefit from more outdoor seating but really enjoyed the food. I had a salad and fried pickles and my dining companion loved his shrimp and grits!
(4)
Chuq Y.
I've been coming to Southside for a few years now. Guess what? Their fried chicken kicks chicken butt! It's not normally on the menu, but they have it on special sometimes. You probably want to go for lunch because they will sell out of it. They also have a great sweet tea, that tastes just like my maw maw used to make! Actually, she never made sweet tea really, but it's damn good. The other menu items are awesome, and the service has always been great for me. If you're lucky enough to get the fried chicken, then enjoy it. If not, the Jambalaya Pasta or Rainbow Trout, and chicken fried steak will not disappoint! My dream menu here: Starter: Boardinghouse Breadbasket Entree: Fried chicken with a side of greens Drink: Sweet tea That'll fill me up and then I'll probably have enough to take home.
(5)
Joe T.
Good hangout bar. Always have sports on the TV and they serve some good wings. Really fun on NFL Sundays.
(4)
Ronalyn T.
Forgive me but it's been a long while since I've written a Yelp review. I'll do my best. This restaurant is your average neighborhood restaurant (I literally live across the street) and it gets the job done. Whenever I'm craving a burger, a drink (for cheap), or whatever - I know I can swing by and satisfy my craving. It definitely has a southern feel to it - from the paintings on the walls & ceilings to the menu. Not always my thing - I sometimes find it too heavy for my appetite. I love their crab dip, though. As far as the bar goes - their happy hour is great and it ends at 7:30pm! When I worked in DC, I would still be able to grab 2 drinks + a burger for less than $15 at the end of the night. Holla. Ending on a good note - the bartenders are also very friendly. I never feel awkward or out of place when I come in to have a drink. Like I said, Southside your average neighborhood restaurant - they don't disappoint.
(4)
Conelta A.
Really, this place is about one thing, and one thing only, fried green tomatoes. Make sure those bad boys hit your plate and you'll be a fan. Otherwise the menu is simple southern cooking. Not the best you'll have, but certainly not the worst. The po boy bread is delicious as are some of the sides, especially the greens.
(4)
Leslie K.
I love this place. The atmosphere and environment in this bar is really chill and laid back and the bartenders are always so friendly. The food is also really delicious and there are a lot of different options. I wish I lived near Southside so I could walk there every day. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jen A.
Delicious ribs and chicken fried steak. We also had the fried pickles which I wouldn't order again...too much batter and too little pickle. The 815 biscuits were yummy as well. Overall all 4 in our party were satisfied with reasonable prices too. Matthew was a very nice and attentive waiter. Outdoor seating on a nice night
(4)
MelLid G.
SOUTHSIDE!!! *Raises hands with fabricated gang sign* Yes I actually do that... Kind of sad I know, but its fun! *Shrugs* I really like this spot... Not the best food in the world but its always satisfying. My favorite dish is the Jambalaya pasta. Just thinking about it is making me hungry! Its filled with penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, sausage, veggies, and a delicious Cajun sauce. I have yet to finish it in one setting. The last time I dined in I tried out the shrimp po-boy. I was hell bent NOT to get the pasta again! It's kinda hard for me to break habits but I fought my urges! I wasn't expecting the po-boy to be as massive as it was but then again this place doesn't sham you on portion size. My shrimp were a bit overcooked but not enough that I had to send the sandwich back. It comes loaded with shrimp on a huge toasted sub roll. The lettuce, tomatoes, slaw, and sauces are on the side (wasn't expected but no biggie). Once you get your sammich set up to your liking, you literally have to smash it down some to eat it (well at least I did.) You can easily make a mess of yourself if you don't eat with caution. The service has been hit and miss for me. Sometimes its great, sometimes its mehh... I've never had to use my pet raven to search for my waiter/waitress but I've encountered a few slow services. As long as the prices stay fair and portions stay large, I will return! *Jail poses with another fabricated gang sign* P.S. "Ain't Nothing But A Gangster Party" youtube.com/watch?v=3v-V…
(4)
Craig A.
It's really just a bar and there's nothing southern about it. All I got out of the place was high prices, noise, and yelling from drunks at the bar.
(1)
Kevin S.
Great restaurant. Excellent customer service. Came in during rush hour, seated reasonably quick, after getting on the call ahead list. Only take reservations for 6+. Waiter recommended an excellent local ipa. Table had some tasty nachos, couple of salads and the drunk pot roast . No complaints. Highlight was the waiter putting in a special order of gluten free grilled chicken for my son. If I lived around here, I'd be back. Had obvious regulars throughout, eagerly giving menu tips. Cool restaurant.
(5)
AL W.
I have been eating at Southside for years, but I haven't been in about 3. So I take a buddy of mine who lives in the area but has never been Well the Southside did not disappoint. Food was every bit as good as I remember. Service was lackluster. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes and they were tasty as ever. I finally tried the Roast Beef Poor Boy as I usually get one of the seafood ones and it was gooooood. My buddy said that the mac and cheese was the best he ever had.
(4)
Beck E.
My bro and I got po' boys to go from here on Sunday, and I regret not staying in town for another day to take advantage of the Monday 1/2-off po' boys special... because damn, $10.95 for a sandwich? The fried oysters were good, as were the cajun fries and spicy mayo that came with the sandwich... But my bro didn't really enjoy the fried shrimp in his fried shrimp & oyster po' boy. I was a bit put off by the "takeout charge" of $0.25 per item... and the fact that you still tip the bartender who takes your order doesn't really make me feel any better either. I *would* give this place 2-stars for rubbing me the wrong way (see above paragraph), but the fried oysters were good when fresh. Not so much later on that day as leftovers.
(3)
P J.
My girlfriend and I love this restaurant. We have never had a bad meal here. Biscuits and gravy, awesome. Chicken fried steak, awesome. Pimento cheese fritters, awesome. Jambalaya cheesesteak, awesome. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, I love their sweet tea. DEEEELICIOUS
(5)
Carrie G.
This is a joke of a sports bar! We were watching a football game, got there at 12:15, to make sure we could see the one tv on which they had our game. We were even there last week. Well, just in to the second half, they decide to switch the game to soccer. Yup, middle of the game. We complained. They said there is a bigger group here to watch soccer, so basically, you lose. And they changed the channel. We will NEVER go he again, serious lack of respect.
(1)
Ashley W.
Yummy food and def worth the $. Fried pickles are the best! Crab club sandwhich is good. Chix ceasar salad with corn bread is awesome. Not crazy about the chix bbq. I saw a review on here about chix and waffles....must try this!!
(4)
Sophie U.
Oooooh, boy! I'd been wanting to check this place out and finally got the opportunity when Eden Center suffered a power outage and I wasn't able to get banh mi... Southside 815 is very close to Boyfriend's apartment, which means I don't understand how neither he nor I ever went in for food; yesterday = problem fixed. We were HONGRY. Since he was making me choose between Viet food and chicken wings on our way back from Chantilly, the first item that we ordered was naturally the hot wings appetizer. And then there were the fried pickles, the steak salad (for him), and the shrimp po'boy (for me). And a cup of coffee just 'cause. The HOT Wings They were hot and wingy. The portion was much bigger than I'd anticipated and so I ate about 70% of it. Blue cheese dip de rigueur, with little chunks to my delight, celery, and carrot. What else can I tell you about them... Ah, yes: they were delicious. The Fried Pickles When I was at this pretty cool joint in NYC I wanted to get some fried pickles, but due to some ew-ing and wtf-ing from three (THREE) of my dining companions (aka "rude assholes"), I didn't get them. The last thing I need is people making faces at the table while I'm eating, and so...up until yesterday I had a massive hankering for some fried pickles. The fried pickles at Southside 815 are chips, not spears, which automatically puts them on my "yes" list. Lightly battered, they are also a little on the sweet side; being a lover of all pickles, and having a very sweet tooth, this was not something to complain about. The remoulade that they come with is mustardy and tangy and all kinds of tasty. Be careful, though... they come in huge numbers (never a problem for me)! The Steak Salad I didn't try it, but Boyfriend liked it. Steak is good. Salad is good. Given how awesome everything else was, and knowing that Boyfriend knows what's good, I have no reason to doubt that it was anything less than good. The Shrimp Po' Boy The shrimp... They, too, come in large numbers. Our server brought out three different sauces for my po' boy: cocktail, tartar, and the same remoulade that came with the fried pickles. On the same plate as the sandwich was a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato, both of which I wish were either bigger or less alone. There were also fries, which could have used a bit more time in the fryer -- they were good nonetheless. Also: cole slaw and pickled onions -- yum! The sauce that I preferred with the po'boy was the tartar sauce. Along with the tomato, lettuce, cole slaw, and a bit of hot sauce, it was the perfect condiment for the po' boy. I "lost" a few shrimp here and there, but they tasted just as good out of the sandwich. The service was very nice and attentive. I'm hoping it wasn't just because it was mid-afternoon and things weren't very busy, but even if that was the case it's not something that will keep me from returning. Big perk: finding out that there was a 50% deal from Scoutmob. So you haven't been to Southside 815 yet? What are you waiting for?!
(4)
Georgio B.
I wish I could say I loved it there, but I can't. The food was okay, but only okay. I've been there several times and it's always small portions of meh. The service has always been good. YMMV
(3)
Kapri J.
What an experience!!!! Went with sitting at a booth instead of the bar and the ambiance was wonderful. The menu is simple yet overwhelming in the sense that I wanted to try it all. I ended up ordering the chicken fried steak, big noodle Mac and cheese, and the boathouse of biscuits. I had the sweet tea to drink which was refreshing. The chicken fried steak was slightly overdone and it wasn't the steak, somehow the batter was overdone. Still very tasty though especially with the gravy and mashed potatoes. The Mac and cheese was so good that I have committed myself to duplicating the recipe. I am a big bread person so they could do no wrong with sweet potato biscuits and cornbread served with apple butter and reg butter. I will back because there a plenty of items I would like to try.
(4)
Dana Z.
Not bad... I only came here for a late night drink with some work friends so I wouldn't really know about their food, other than the nachos. After a few drinks we ended up getting the nachos with the pulled pork. I'm not big on nachos (I know... how is that even possible) but these ones were really good. As for the scene of people, it was a mixture of young and old. Pretty nice crowd. It's always a good night when I get compliments on my shoes but that is neither here nor there. :-) There's a lot of places to go in Old Town, and this is rather secluded from the other bars in the area. It's hard to say if I would return here, but I definitely won't scratch it off the list.
(3)
Greg M.
Despite only having visited twice, Southside 815 is a clear favorite of mine - or should I say thier meatloaf is. The food and service is outstanding, if only the parking were better! On my initial visit a couple of years ago with friends, I was encouraged to try their meatloaf - a dish I hadn't had much of since I was a kid. I'd never ordered it in a restaurant - seems too pedestrian to order and pay $15 for! Nonetheless, the peer pressure came from a Yelp Elite and I was so glad I did. The wonderful dish will keep me coming back for more. The combination of beef and pork perfectly spiced was wonderful - no ketchup needed or invited. The side of mashed potatoes was an unwelcome distraction - get away from the meatloaf!!! The generous and juicy cut of meatloaf was perfectly done with a nice crust done all the way through. Service was great, certainly loud in there at times but nothing abnormal for the area. It was strange to walk into an obvious old-school bar and have such wonderful food. The two problems are parking, and what to order next time - stick with the tried and true or try one of their other good-looking dishes?
(4)
Megan J.
For some things, Southside's a great deal. Happy hour pulled pork - a steal! The french fries were fine, sweet potato biscuits divine, and we all had an enjoyable meal.
(4)
Adam F.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant. You'll see everyone from families to blue collar-types here depending upon the time of day. The bar staff is fantastic and prices are very reasonable. Of course, the food is solid. I recommend the pulled pork and chicken which they're known for. The pickles remind me of something that my grandma would have made. It sounds cheesy, but you can really taste the love in the food (outside of the fried stuff, of course). They do a great Mac and Cheese as well and I also enjoy the Virginia Burger. Highly recommend this place!
(4)
Thomas L.
A lot of locals are all about the bar, but I'm all about the restaurant. My family dines here weekly, and often multiple times in a week. The staff is welcoming and the food is unpretentious comfort food. I've hesitated to review, because I selfishly don't want a long wait for tables! Now, the menu. I love the drunken pot roast; it's so tender and delicious! The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone and the best in town, if not Northern Virginia. The BBQ ribeye is another great choice, and I also like the fried chicken pasta. Rotating specials are often spectacular. I can't wait for them to have the short ribs over noodles again, or the chicken breasts stuffed with gouda and corn bread. Yum! My favorite appetizer is the pulled pork nachos! If only they offered liposuction in a back room... Prices are reasonable, and this includes items from the bar and desserts. Favorites are the French Quarter Iced Tea and their homemade sundaes. I am also convinced that Southside 815 is the best deal during Restaurant Week. And I haven't even mentioned brunch...
(5)
Ingrid W.
Great fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits. If you order food to go they force you to order from the bar which is so smoke filled you can cut it with a knife. The fried chicken is only served on Thursdays.
(3)
Joshua T.
Probably my favorite spot in Alexandria, especially for brunch. There's outdoor seating, restaurant seating, and bar seating -- they've got it covered. The menu has some fantastic southern fare, including Oysters Rockefeller in a mashed potato "soup" that will destroy your myfitness pal record. For 'Benedict fans, they have several regular options during brunch, and a rotating special Benedict which is usually interesting if not delicious. The main thing with Southside is that for service, the food, and the drinks, you always get consistently good quality. The food isn't light, but it is delicious.
(5)
Hannah B.
My boyfriend and I came here for date night and absolutely loved it. Our server, Jennifer, was courteous and very helpful. For apps we had the chicken tenders and the nachos, both of which were top notch. I particularly loved the nachos, which could have been a meal on their own. For entrees, he got the Virginia burger and I can't remember the name of mine but it was juicy chicken with jerk seasoning and a yummy peach & pepper sauce. We also split an order of the best mac n' cheese I've ever had outside of my mom's kitchen. If you are a drinker, I recommend the Autumn Sangria. All around great food, quality service and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
Angie T.
Southern food that warms the soul. This is a great little spot on the outskirts of Old Town Alexandria and the great part of it being in Old Town is that they have their own little parking garage so parking isn't a big issue. Don't come here if you're on a diet! What's southern food if it's not sopping with butter and deep fried? And I highly suggest the honey jalepeno pulled chicken.
(4)
Chris S.
This is an initial rating and I will certainly have to be trying this place again. I ordered a roast beef po'boy with fries. Here is my rant. This isn't a po' boy. This is a French Dip with au jus. The roast beef is more like deli meat than what I've had with other po'boys before. I'm not saying it wasn't good, just more disappointing to get a french dip when I wanted a po'boy. My wife god the omelette of the day. She enjoyed it but said it was way more food than she could have handled. 3 egg omelette, corn bread, home fries. With the scoutmob 50% off, our bill was around 11$. Great deal. I will try again, and be on the lookout for something besides a po'boy. The atmosphere was great, and the service was fun. The place looked fun, just walked away a little disappointed.
(3)
William T.
Amazing raw bar, which is half priced on Wednesday night! Amazing southern comfort food with a modern twist.
(5)
Alyson W.
I feel like I'm @ Southside pretty frequently--at least once every couple weeks--and it's become a go-to for after-work dinners and long Sunday brunches. I frequently find myself recommending it for a good brunch spot. Pros: Location, obviously. It's on the south end of Old Town so very convenient for those of us who live just down the parkway and have limited options nearby. But also, the food is really, really good. I am in love with the fried green tomatoes, the sweet potato biscuits, and anything with the pulled pork (nachos, benedict, etc.). The 815 biscuits (crab gravy!) are amazing. Good variety of beers on tap, lively but not overhelming ambiance, patio seating, competent service. Their Wednesday raw bar is slightly over-priced, but still good. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have never been disappointed. Cons: It can have a slightly funky college-bar smell occasionally, and it definitely needs a deep clean (especially in the bathrooms!).
(4)
Alexandra D.
The day we purchased a new Subi, we knew we wanted to immediately celebrate with some dinner, beer and by watching some March Madness. To avoid the King Street parking situation, we tried Southside for less parking drama and less pedestrians. Considering it was game day we were happy to wait just a couple minutes to find a seat in the bar. The nacho-lovers that we are, we ordered for an appetizer the Southside Nachos with jalapeño honey pulled chicken. These are in the top 3 of the nachos we've ever had! (And we literally order them whenever we try someplace new.) They were super plentiful with the right balance of toppings and a heaping pile of meat. We were so content just hanging out at the crowded bar, yummy beers at hand, and in the company of nice bar staff and patrons. Our next shareable plate was the Jambalya Cheesesteak with Mason-Dixon mashed. This dish was SO unbelievably tasty!! Other restaurants should take a queue from Southside's unique selection and great service. We are looking forward to going back! It was quite chilly last time, so we are definitely going to try the patio next time :)
(5)
Joanna M.
Great neighborhood bar I've gone to a few times for happy hour and watch caps games with a friend who lived nearby. Nice bartenders, decent priced drinks, great beer selection. Food isn't bad either- southern with a twist.
(3)
Samantha E.
My family celebrated my sister's birthday here and boy, were we pleased. Faccia Luna next door is one of our standard spots so I was happy we were able to force my parents to branch out and walk a few feet next door. Southside 815 is half bar, had dining room. The bar was absolutely packed with fans watching Sunday night football. The dining room was pretty small and had interesting murals on the ceiling of people swimming above you. Going to school in NC made both my sister and me huge fans of all things Southern, especially food. My family sampled basically every kind of thing on the menu. We started of with the delicious bread baskets which include cornbread, biscuits, and sweet potato biscuits. Soooo soft and delicious! My entree was the fried chicken pasta. They happily switched out the asparagus in the dish for some onions. My rest of my family ordered the following: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, the Virginia burger, pot roast, pecan crusted chicken, and shrimp po boy. The portions were huge and really matched well with the prices. Everything was fresh and flavorful and the service was great to boot.
(4)
Vivian H.
This place has it all... a bar, a patio, a large seating area (I sat outside to soak up the sun). a killer happy hour menu (if I came 4-7pm I'd literally try every app). really good southern food (I got the jambalaya cheesesteak.. genius!). attentive friendly staff (thanks for refilling my water a billion times, I was thirsty). accommodating/flexible menu (I swapped out cole slaw for pickles.. and had them fried). really reasonable prices ($11 for my meal and I took half the sandwich home). Yes, this place has it ALL... except good fries. WHY did you give me cold semi-crisp fries? I can tell they weren't fresh. Don't you know fries are sacred to me?
(4)
Chris F.
I have been here a few times and have never left disappointed. The food is awesome, the staff is friendly and the beer selection is good.
(5)
Mark B.
About 15 years ago, I had a very bad experience here. Hard to explain it, and not that interesting a story, but I hadn't gone back until last year. Now it's my "home" bar. The staff is fantastic. They keep the orders organized, are attentive, just friendly enough to be, well, friendly, but not overly chatty. Lots of TVs. The staff is smart about the TVs, too: For NFL days, they hang signs on the sets that say which game will be played on what. In fact, they print up the schedule ahead of time. Which you might want to consider checking out if you're headed in for an "obscure" NFL game on a Sunday (think, Bills/Chiefs). Then you have a good shot at claiming a decent seat. I like pub food, being a man of simple tastes, and theirs is pretty good. I generally go with the steak salad, or, when I'm just feeling like I need some extra protein, one of their half-price burgers during happy hour (I like the Virginia Burger myself). Lots of beers on tap, and Woodford Reserve behind the bar. Parking is much easier on this side of town than around King Street, which also means there are fewer tourists. This part of Alexandria has deep sidewalks, so the outdoor seating is actually quite pleasant during nice weather.
(5)
Karen D.
Should have listened to the Yelper who advised us to wear stretchy pants, because I'm stuffed! First time for fried pickles, and yes, they're delicious. Server was very understanding when one in our party, who has a severe shellfish allergy, asked about how things were fried and with what grease. Turns out, the pickles are dredged in the same batter as the shrimp, thereby possibly contaminating the fried pickles. When you have a food allergy, this kind of information is really important. Food was very good, but I'd be careful with the fried chicken. It came out almost burned crispy on the outside and almost raw on the inside. They have a good selection of beers, and excellent service. The place was hopping on a Monday night.
(4)
Earl S.
What a great place to pull up a chair and watch the game. This is the kind of place that DC needs. Lots of great beer and lots of great food. The bartender was really great to my table too, even though we were sitting away from the bar. It was nice being able to get a pint of PBR for $3. Appetizers and burgers were reasonably priced too. The nacho appetizer is huge and very filling. The chicken was loaded into the middle of the dish, under the chips, so the common problem of chip fatigue didn't arrive after the toppings are all gone. The chili cheddar burger I had was excellent too. I did not venture onto the dinner menu on my last visit but I'll give it a try next time.
(5)
Zack D.
This was an excellent dinner choice! Everything on the menu looked great, it was tough to decide what to try. Went with the steak and don't regret it! Can't wait to come back and try something else. Great food, reasonable prices.
(5)
David G.
A neighborhood tavern that I wish was in my neighborhood. You walk in the door, and the place feels warm and inviting. Southern victuals are the stock in trade. A good take on Carolina Pork BBQ, with just enough vinegary tang. A blackened catfish that's not so spiced that it destroys the fish itself. Chicken & Waffles as a midweek special. Po'Boys overflowing with shrimp, catfish, oysters, or a combo (at half-price on Mondays, its the best deal in the city). Brunches rock. Usual suspects, but also a Southern Benedict with the pork BBQ that must be tried. And their outstanding homemade biscuits come covered in a sausage gravy that is too good to pass up- perfect for a cold winter day. And the Cheesy Grits, oh lord, he Cheesy Grits. I've never set foot in the dining room, always opting for the bar, which is nearly always well occupied. The 'tenders have always been welcome and engaging, from the start. While they do have TVs, it is by no means a sports bar. It is, as I said, a watering hole, where you can come for some good food, s good drink, and meet some interesting folks. Damn, but I've just made myself hungry for that Biscuits & Gravy!
(4)
Britt M.
Still a great neighborhood spot after all these years. We've been coming for 15 years. Great beer selection, comfort food, sports, and casual friendly atmosphere. Come try some Southern food!
(4)
Bryan J.
South side is full of locals. Its in a part of old town you wouldn't necessarily make a destination. Warning: come hungry as the portions are large. I counted 6 tables with take home in the time we were there. That being said the food was delicious. The bbq shrimp and grits appetizer was delightful. I had the scallop special with kale. And another person had the jalepeno honey pulled chicken sandwich. I had a bite of the sandwich and it was everything the title says it is. Spicy and sweet. I enjoyed myself but I'm just not that in to this style of cooking anymore. Its heavy and everything is fried. I felt like the flavors were just blah. Don't get me wrong this type of food makes you smile while you're eating it but you regret it on the walk to the car. Im torn as to whether or not I'd go back. On the one hand they serve some southern classics. On the other, the bar is loud, the place is fairly dingy and there wasn't anything that blew my mind.
(3)
Jami H.
I absolutely love Southside! After ten years of dining at Southside (mostly carry out these days) I'm always satisfied. Although I almost always order the fried pickles and a pulled pork sandwich I sometimes venture out and order the daily special. But back to the fried pickles and pulled-pork -- the best ever! I crave these two things and it is always a requested destination (for pickles and pork!) when family visits from out of town. The servers and bartenders are helpful and nice. The bartenders do not act annoyed with to-go orders and servers do not give you the stink-eye when dining with kids. I love this place and have for ten years. Oh yeah, the shrimp at the raw bar on Wednesday nights is some of the best in town. Yummy!
(5)
Miss E.
Went for brunch on Sunday at noon. We made reservations the day before and had no trouble getting a table for 8 people. The service and food were fine. Nothing to write home about. Their prices are cheap, which might explain their charging-for-bread policy. All my friends liked their meals. My oyster po' boy was ok. Admittedly, my standards for po' boys are impossibly high after I made a trip to NOLA last year. I could also tell my food sat for a few minutes before it was brought to me. Fried food only works when it is served piping hot! Service slowed down after we got our food. I might have order another glass of wine if the waitress had asked. Overall, I'd give 815 a 2.5-star rating for food and service. I'm rounding up to 3 stars because the fried green tomatoes were actually pretty great (and those came out nice n hot). Tip: there's a FREE parking garage in the alley behind the restaurant.
(3)
Karisa D.
I am so excited about this restaurant!!! I went to Southside after my friend suggested it as a good dinner place. She is so wise! Lovely atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff. We were a large group and they were so accommodating to us; they even split the check multiple ways which is always a definite plus in my opinion :) I had the Crab Bisque- nice and creamy. A definite comfort for a cold day. But the star of my meal was actually a side dish, the house Mac and Cheese. This was one of the best Mac and Cheese dishes I've had in a recent memory. They use four different types of cheeses that melt well and complement each other and the dish as whole. Something you must try if you eat at Southside. Great food and excellent service. Our waiter was named Chris. Highly recommend you ask for him!
(4)
Warren A.
3.5 Stars -- I will definitely try them again and hopefully bump up the rating. Dining room is adjacent to their bar and it is ok to wear casual clothes. The food was pretty darned tasty but the sides were just a little so-so. The crab and cornbread fritter appetizer didn't appeal to me at all though my wife liked them - could just be me but I think there are other options on the menu that would be more appealing. The blackened Bleu Ribeye was worth trying - no complaints at all. My wife had the pork chops and they were just a tiny bit on the dry side - not by much, mind you, just not quite perfect. I'll be happy to give them another shot too. I will return to the Southside 815 and recommend you try them - especially if you live w/in walking distance - it's nice to have them right in the neighborhood. --------- Update ------------ ive been back afew more times and i think it is definitely a solid 3.5 stars. the food is generally really good and imwill continue to visit.
(4)
Charles M.
Rodents! I don't care how tasty the food is - this place is infested with mice. The last time we ate there, we watched several mice scurry under tables. Won't be going back. Don't take my word for it. Read this: city-data.com/va-restaur… Multiple critical violations on almost every health inspection- going back for years. Roaches, mice droppings, improper food handling, hand washing, etc. Bon appetit!
(1)
Nina B.
Traditional southern food Southside 815 They've perfected the seasons grits gravy Fried Food Watch as my heart is clogged choked with a river of butter but my mouth tastes a piece of heaven as each bite of pulled pork slowly melts in my mouth fresh oysters delivered on Wednesdays happy hour specials for the poor and unemployed or underemployed One problem be told It's a Steelers Bar
(4)
Marie P.
"MMMMMM!" "YUM!" "Try this!" My friends and I commented throughout our dinner at Southside. I'm a Vol (high five to any of you that get that) and after my time in Tennessee have had some really good southern food. Southside made the list. We started with the Boardinghouse bread basket--a requirement, you must get it, it's a warm, soft, cuddly way to begin your meal. I had the pecan crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. Those quotes above describe my meal. The portion was huge and though I love southern food, I don't like overeating, it was enough for three meals for me. My friends ordered The brownie which I would have loved to try but was too full. Other than the food, I enjoyed the family and neighborhood casual vibe. The service was slow but kind. Leave enough time in your plans to account for that and you'll enjoy this place.
(4)
James N.
At Southside... I have never had a bad meal... I have had their cheese grits, their succotash, the tuna steak, the ribeye. I thought I had eaten everything until last Friday night- I had the pot roast. Yes does not sound sexy but it was amazing... There is a glaze on it and it was very tender. I would definitely recommend getting it next time at Southside for dinner. Southside also has great happy hour specials with burgers half-off. Make sure you try their fried green tomatoes... One of the house specials...
(5)
Kori B.
You can not leave here hungry. There's no friggin way. I had some friends from out of town staying in Old Town, so I made that journey across the river to greet them instead of making them try to find their way around D.C. on their first night in. Knowing one of my friends can be a little hesitant to eat new foods, I needed something American but awesome and that's where Southside came in. Though a little ways off the "Old Town" map, it's definitely worth the extra mile. I could eat anything on the southern-themed menu here and be 100 percent satisfied. But of course, I do have my favorites and they all happen to be sides. *The 815 Biscuits. Believe me when I say you've had nothing like this. They're like biscuits and gravy on speed. Crab, ham, gravy and SWEET POTATO biscuits. It comes out looking like soup and my boy ate it as such, scooping every last bit up with his spoon. *Big Noodle Mac "N" Cheese. This could definitely be a meal onto itself. Four cheese (Parm, cheddar, monterey jack, and smoked gouda) all gooey and melty over shells. I love shells! *Fries. The fries here are batter fries, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and plenty of flavor. *Fried Green Tomatoes. The perfect amount of batter is added to these babies before their flash fried, sealing in all the juices. You know a good fried green tomato with it's not a soggy mess. Every entree I've had here is great too from the ribs to the Jambalaya Pasta.
(5)
Scott H.
This review is for the bar and happy hour only. We did not go into the restuarant. My wife and I meet our friends there last night after work, and had a great time. The HH prices are very good, and the food prices are great. You can get 3 pork sandwiches for only $1.00! The drink prices were also very good as well. I can see us going back here often.
(4)
Zach R.
If it was in a better location it would get better reviews. Unfortunately, most of the tourists hang out on King and this place is about 8 or so blocks from the strip. We watched the first games of the college football season here - plenty of TVs so each pocket of fans could watch the game of their choice. We sat at a high-top in the bar area. Had to order our drinks and food with the bartender (physically located behind the bar) by getting out of our seats. Not that big of a deal, but slightly inconvenient. Food was above average bar food. We ordered fried pickles (not New Orleans quality, but still good), a seafood po'boy, and pulled pork nachos. All were really good. Beer, good bar food, football, fun environment. What's not to like?
(4)
Sandra F.
I visit Southside on an almost weekly basis. They serve excellent (southern) comfort food at a reasonable price, with the following items on a must-try list: - Macaroni & Cheese - Dixie Chicken Sandwich - Boilermaker Ribs (special item, not always on the menu) - Savannah Steak Salad The casual atmosphere is fantastic for groups, couples, and families at any time of day. Patrick is my favorite waiter, but the entire staff is attentive and easygoing. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Clarence J.
I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. This is a great 'little' place (actually a good size, but it feels little in a good way) where you can get a good, solid meal without spending too much. As so many others said, if you're not hungry, order as little as possible because the portions - not to mention the southern-style cooking - will fill you up. The appetizers, sides, and desserts are outstanding. I was underwhelmed with my meatloaf and wouldn't get it again or recommend it to others, but on the quality of the appetizers, sides, and desserts, I will definitely be back to try something else. Overall, I did think there could be more seasoning in the food, but I added pepper to my heart's content and, except for the meatloaf, that took care of any flavor gaps I thought I noticed. The menu is huge and filled with mouthwatering-looking items. The drink list is decently extensive also, and the after-dinner drinks / dessert menu is filled with unique creations. As many people have noted, the bar is a rare smoke-filled one in this area, but if this bothers you you will be in the clear once you enter the restaurant side.
(3)
Debbie F.
Very good spot for lunch. Great salads and Southern specialities.
(4)
Komal M.
This review is specifically for the nachos--LOVE 'EM! Nothing beats honey-jalapeno marinated chicken!
(5)
Donna B.
Great food! Great service! I have been here on a couple of occasions and the food is consistently on point. Both times we split the southside nachos with jalapeno honey pulled chicken, crab and corn drop fritters and each had a salad: creole Cesar and southside seafood. Not one bad word can be said about any of the above; not to mention the fact that we ordered the exact same thing twice within three months. The nachos have the perfect amount of sweetness followed up by a subtle heat from the peppers. The peach pepper jelly that comes with the crab and corn fritters could be eaten alone with a spoon it is so good! It also compliments the cornbread that accompanies the salads. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will go there again next time I am in the area.
(4)
Bryan P.
Outstanding southern food at great prices. Add their excellent service and you have one great restaurant. Things to try: Burgers and freedom fries (among the best anywhere). Crab dip. Hot wings. Charleston Chicken. Pecan Chicken breasts. Southern Benedict. It's a nice casual atmosphere that works for getting some suds and munchies with your buddies or taking your family out for a meal. I've been going there for years and Southside has yet to disappoint!
(5)
Andrew L.
I live across the street, so I make it over here a lot for Saints and Duke games. It has good, unpretentious New Orleans food (think poboys), and really great food specials. Drinks are a bit pricey, even cheap beer, but I like it none the less. Good brunch and outdoor seating too.
(4)
Vivian L.
This place was great! Aside from the fact that it smelled kinda like smoke (I'm a spoiled CA girl), the food and service at this place was outstanding!!!! Our server was so attentive, I loved it! As for the food, yum, good value, and huge portions!!!! We started with the blue crab and corn fritters with this great peach pepper jelly sauce, yum! We also had the fried green tomatoes that tasted good with that jelly sauce, too. On Mondays and Weds, they have some seafood specials. We ordered a dozen clams in wine sauce thing for like $7. Wow were these clam shells huge compared to what we get in SF usually. And the clams were amazing. I haven't had clams like that in like forever. The clams were sand free, very big, not a lot of guts which is great, and great chew to them. Tasted great when sprinkled with lemon and dipped into butter sauce. The house greens salad with their house bbq ranch dressing was also very good. I had the charleston chicken for my entree which was very big and yummy. I couldn't stop eating it even though I was getting really full. One person got the portobello mushroom po boy sandwich which was very large, looked great, and had yummy fries. My other friend had the full rack of baby back ribs and declared them the BEST ribs he's ever eaten, and he's eaten a lot of ribs in his time. My other friend had the low country shortcake which was chicken and oysters and some other stuff. Interesting, she liked it though. So that we would totally explode, we shared the upside down pineapple cake with ice cream which was good and also the peach pound cake with ice cream which I thought was even better since I've actually never had or heard of peach pound cake before. Lots of leftovers afterwards but even with drinks and tip, it came out to about $130 ish for 4 people, not bad. I'd totally go back. Great service!
(5)
Meredith H.
Unfortunately, it's really gone downhill in the past couple of years. I'm really not down with paying higher prices for mediocre food, and that's what you get here. I've gotten the Balsamic Vegetable Sub three times, and the last two times it was soggy, drowning in cheese, and tasted only of Balsamic Vinegar and nothing else. French fries are standard - I have a sneaking suspicion that they come from a bag, which really disappoints me. The mussles I've only ordered ONCE, and that was because they tasted funny and old. Steaks are mediocre, and they are usually overdone, even if you've ordered it rare or medium rare. The Bourbon Steak, which seems to be a "patron favorite" is essentially a steak covered in cheese, doused with a bland bourbon-esque sauce. Having said that, I have had their sides, which in my opinion are infinitely better than the entrees. Succotash is GOOD! Never thought those words would come out of my mouth. Sweet potato rolls are tasty, and are fought over at the table. Grits are ok - not as smooth as I've had, but good. I've heard that the Macaroni and Cheese is worth getting, but I've never tried it. Nothing really wows me, and the prices mislead you into thinking that the food might. Now, I'm a Northern girl at heart, but I feel like something's off when my best friend (born Georgia and raised in South Carolina) declares the food to be "imitation Southern". The atmosphere is neat, and there are plenty of cool things to look at on the walls and the ceilings as you're trying to justify your bill to your meal. Parking's rough, so park across the street or around the corner. Overall, I'd be interested in seeing what (if any) improvements are made, because I would really love to add this to my restaurant list again...
(2)
Daryl W.
Great food, Outstanding Service (server?)! I went to Southside 815 on the recommendation of a friend. As a Soldier in the US Army stationed in the DC area on a Private's salary, I'm a bit frugal when it comes to eating out, but this place was WELL worth the money. My server was quick to seat me and very attentive...her name was Jen as I recall, and it was pretty clear from the beginning that she was happy to be there and loves what she does. After my drink order (the bartender's take on a Long Island Iced tea), she brought out a quick appetizer of several breads and jellies the restaurant makes in-house. All were delicious. When I asked for menu recommendations, Jen knew the menu inside and out, which for me, is a major plus, as I'm sick for restaurants where I have no clue what to order, and the server just gives me the shallow "Well it's all good," answer. She asked me a few questions about my tastes and preferences, and advised me to get the Drunken Pot Roast and Macaroni and Cheese. I don't remember what sides the Pot Roast normally comes with, but I do remember wanting something else instead, and substitutions were no problem...ALSO a major plus. Now the moment of truth...the cocktail was great, the food was awesome! The flavor on the Pot Roast was divine, and the Macaroni had several kinds of cheese to scoop up in one bite. The portions on the Man n Cheese and the Pot Roast were large (even for a Soldier's appetite,) so I had some to take home. While I was eating, Jen seemed to have this intuitive cue to know when to stop and see if I needed anything, and when to leave me alone and let me eat, as she was bustling between tables...also, a nice change from restaurants with servers who are inattentive, or annoyingly hovering. As I came to the end of my meal, Jen asked me if there was anything else to do to make my experience there perfect, to which there was none. I asked my server if my perception was true...if she really did love what she does. "Yeah! I've served at several different chain restaurants, and I love the customers, I love the atmosphere, and I really love the food here, so I don't have to cross my fingers and hope something doesn't get sent back...'cause if it's from THIS restaurant, I KNOW they'll like it." Bottom line...while I can't speak for all the food there, as I haven't had it, I do HIGHLY recommend the Mac N Cheese and the Drunken Pot Roast. Don't know if the other servers are like Jen...they appeared to be, but I know you'll have a good experience if you're in her section.
(5)
Debra B.
Dinner here last week - I loved the amazing Mac 'n cheese, pasta jambalaya & Sangria. Reasonable prices & 2-meal servings. Casual setting, dining room was a bit loud, but not deafening.
(4)
Bryan V.
Really good. The fried green tomatoes were great appetizer.
(4)
Angela S.
Best Happy Hour spot in Old Town!! All of the super, rich poseurs stay on King street and allow the good timers to have some fun at this haunt. The food is SUPER cheap and if you are good the bartenders, they are good to you! I always leave here walking sideways and loving it! Try the nachos! They are amaze. PS - HH is only inside in the bar area. Sad, I know.
(5)
N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Friendly competent service in a nice atmosphere. Homey feeling. The fried chicken dinner was over done. The gravy out of a can fit it well. The trout was OK but the vegetables were overdone. Average only on the best day.
(2)
Christina S.
The staff was very accommodating when planning a work baby shower (our party was 12 people). They allowed us to bring a cake to serve after we were done eating and supplied the small plates, knife, and forks for us. They did not charge any extra fees for this, always a plus. The food was great. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. I had the oyster and shrimp po boy which was delish and brought me back to my visits to NOLA! I used a good amount of the remoulade which was very tasty. My meal was definitely filling for lunchtime, especially with the side of fries and the size of the po boy roll. We were alerted to the free parking in the garage behind the restaurant but some of us were able to easily find 2 hour street parking nearby. We look forward to coming back for future work lunches!
(4)
Esther Z.
On a 10+ day (mid 80 degrees, some breeze, lower humidity) the patio table in the shade made this lunch special. If we had not selected the grits as a side to replace the potatoes on the Charleston Chicken breast entree, my positive view of the food would still be intact. The grits were the worse grits to ever pass my southern lips. Perhaps they were leftovers from the day before. I ordered them because other YELPERs said they were good. Definitely not today, a -5. On the other hand, the $7 Mac & Cheese is a 5+ and enough for 2 also. They made my tummy purr. So good they offset the horrible grits. I wonder if these 2 dishes came out of the same kitchen. Different sous chef, perhaps. The chicken breast was meh, nothing to write home about. The perfect temp Fat Tire beer offset that. Clean restrooms. There is an ATM machine next to the restrooms, go figure. The bar stools were full on this Friday at 12:30, not an empty seat. TGIF 1/2 work days in summer on full display. I want to come back to try the Poboys and hope the YELP reviews are not off about them being good. Note to Southside Chef: Take the grits off the menu. It's embarrassingly bad. Don't continue to ruin our proud southern tradition of serving good food. If not get it right and QC, QC, QC!
(3)
Bryan K.
Half Southern food Resturant half neighborhood watering hole. Literally. The place is divided in half and separated by old roll up doors from when this location was a micro car dealership. Back in the 30's? There are pictures on the wall of these bygone days. Today you won't find any cars for sale but parking is plentiful along the street and a garage in the back. What you will discover is real good southern dishes like waffles and chicken, po boys dishes, the best fried oysters in old town. Also a good draught selection and tons of sports on the tvs around the bar There is outdoor seating on wide sidewalk adding to the neighborhood feel. During happy hour the bar area can get crowded but service is attentive and kitchen is fast and rarely apologetic for delays. But it has happened where food came out late. Manager took the charge off on that occasion.
(4)
David H.
Great concept, friendly service, mediocre location, okay food, three stars. I'm a Southern expat and don't like "Yuppified" southern food at $35 a plate that most of DC tries to pass off as legit at tiny portions so this place was calling my name. This place is a low key neighborhood bar with a friendly staff. Their tap selection is okay but they should carry more Southern brews. The food is pretty good but not quite up to Southern par. The fried green tomatoes were tasty and not overly breaded so they tasted just right but one was a little thicker so the breading didn't quite fry all the way through. The fried pork chop was also good but not amazing. It was well fried without too much breading but it was a bone in chop and it was fairly fatty so there wasn't quite as much meat as you'd have hoped. It goes well with the onion gravy, which was excellent and would go well on anything. The accompanying mashed red potatoes were top notch and the green beans were fresh and tasty as well. The location of this place isn't as close to the Metro and Old Town as you'd first think so you'll earn your food on the walk. Enjoyed my meal and will be back but it isn't quite at the level of Southern perfection one might hope for.
(3)
Stephen K.
Southside has some really good food. It's an interesting mix of Cajun, southern and bar food. I've been here a lot and have never had anything I didn't really like. Everything from the steak to the Cajun dishes and fried chicken is really good. Think it's one of the better restaurants in Old Town. The service is always good and friendly. They do have sweet tea...thankfully! They also have Happy Hour food on weekdays and game day specials as well.
(5)
Mercedes R.
I'd come again, decent food, cute area. I'd probably order something a little lighter though. Patio seating was dog friendly.
(3)
Sara W.
I have been going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this place for a while. I do like to sit in the bar. Their burgers and bloody mary's are great. I have never had great experiences outside the bar. Either because their food isn't that great or their servers are horrible and rude. Either way, I don't go unless someone else wants to. It is a shame because I live about 4 blocks from them and would love to have it a normal hangout.
Creative interpretations of New Orleans comfort dishes and then some here at Southside 815. This place was packed when we came in on a Wednesday night last month and, after dining here, I see why. The dishes are fun and tasty; there's live music and great specials throughout the week. Wednesday nights they feature raw bar specials with great deals on oysters and shrimp; Monday nights feature 1/2 price po' boys. The New Orleans-inspired menu features Crab & Corndrop Fritters, Southern Fried Pickles, Southern Greens, Cheddar Grits, Jalepeno-honey Pulled Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Biscuits (buttermilk, sweet potato and cirbbread), Gulf-spiced Chicken Breast, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish, jambalaya, gumbo and the list goes on. I decided on the Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy and was very pleased with my selection. A very nice helping of fried shrimp and oysters, lettuce and tomatoes wedged between a soft French loaf. The remoulade sauce sealed together and highlighted all of the enticing flavors. Go for the Big Noodle Mac 'n Cheese with a blend of parmesan, cheddar, smoked gouda and Monterey Jack. Such a wonderful blend of cheeses with an abundance of heart-warming flavors. Gave my friend a bite and she was instantly hooked. My friend got the Drunken Pot Roast, which she scarfed down and enjoyed immensely. Indulge in comfort cuisine in Old Town Alexandria at Southside 815. So glad we found this spot while in Alexandria.
(4)
Allen P.
Southside has terrific food and service. We've enjoyed it every single time. Great southern cuisine with unique dishes all the time! The chocolate dipped key lime pie bar is fantastic. I could eat their ribs all day and the cobb salad is awesome. Their corn bread is also great and the stuffed fried chicken might be the best chicken dish I've ever had. Bar is good, especially if you are a Steelers fan. Management and staff are friendly and attentive. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(5)
Erica A.
Everything is delicious. The staff if extremely attentive... And everything is delicious. No more to say. I love this place.
(5)
Cathy H.
I've never been to The Big Easy, so Southside 815 and any cajun crawfish joint (my favorite being Seaside Crab House) are the closest I can get to being there for now. Southside 815's menu is extensive with something to please everybody. I've been twice -- once for lunch and again for dinner -- and have tried a multitude of dishes. Sampled appetizers include fried tomatoes, fried pickles, crab and artichoke dip, BBQ shrimp, and pimento cheese fritters. All were very tasty with the fried tomatoes and fried pickles being the most notable. As for my entree during the first visit, I had their southern fried pork chops topped with cream gravy and accompanied by red mashed potatoes and sauteed string beans. The pork chops were on the dry side due to over-frying. With breaded proteins that are subsequently drenched in sauce, it is very crucial to consume it in 15 minutes to maintain the crispy-creamy contrast. As enjoyable as that is, it causes me anxiety as there is only a 40% chance I can ever finish my entree before it becomes a soggy mess. This is, of course, not Southside 815's fault. The sides were executed very well. During my second visit, my buddy and I went halfsies on our shrimp and combo (shrimp and oyster) po' boys. I prefer the shrimp variety simply for the nice chunks. If you aren't familiar with a po' boy, it's breaded seafood (Southside 815 serves shrimp, crawfish, oyster, combo of any 2, and catfish), lettuce, and tomato on a baguette. The seafood appeared fresh that evening. My only gripe is the baguette -- it is not to my standards, which is crusty on outside and fluffy on inside. I am not sure if their baguettes are baked in-house or not, but they have a texture consistent with bread that has been sitting out for too long. I am curious to know if po' boys ordered during lunch are better. In my opinion, the quality of bread can make or break a sandwich no matter how great the fillings are. The accompanying fries are semi-battered and with some cajun seasoning. Tasty and crispy, I would say the fries were a hit. I haven't had the chance to try any desserts, so I can't comment. Service is pretty decent -- I've no complaints. I will consider returning to try a completely different entree or maybe order a multitude of appetizers as my meal. Parking tip: there is a free-all-day garage (in Old Town? say whaaat?) behind the restaurant, but you must drive down a small alley to get to it. 3.5 stars
(3)
Carl S.
This is just a review of the food, since we didn't actually eat at Southside 815. But the food we had was surprisingly good. And the pricing is just right. My wife had a perfectly cooked Savannah Steak salad and I had my very first Gumbo. Although the Gumbo didn't blow me away, it was good enough to make me want to further explore Southside 815's menu!
(5)
Angela M.
This is one of my favorite spots to go. Today is a day for brunch but this is a good spot for anything. Happy hour drinks, evening cocktails or anytime good country food.
(5)
Ryan H.
We got the sweet tea, the clam chowder, and the Jalepeno-Honey chicken BBQ. South side 815 wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular, just an average place to eat. The sweet tea was less sweet than chic-fil-a, and the clam chowder was tasty and hot. The sandwich was good, but just didn't seem special. I felt like I could have made it at home, almost like a sloppy joe. Our waiter was good with the service however, he was on it. Average spot overall.
(3)
Anna R.
We are traveling in town from California. One of our local friends recommended we meet here. We were with our entire family of 5. We ordered a Portobello mushroom sandwich, shrimp po boy, kids meals of grilled cheese sandwich, kids steak and jalapeno chicken sandwich. We ordered several beers, the local IPA and a Guinness. The food was excellent. The sandwiches were flavorful, cooked to perfection, properly spiced and portions were huge! The sides were cole slaw, pickles and fries. All sides were great! Aside from the delicious food, the service was fabulous. My cell phone was dying and needed to be plugged in for charging. I asked if there was a plug I could use, many restaurants aren't amenable to patrons using outlets. The host was more than happy to plug my phone into the employee area for their electronics. The server, Michael was friendly, informative, attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. I have nothing negative to say about our experience at this establishment. I recommend if you're in the Alexandria area, make this place a must visit on your schedule. It's close to Old Town but far enough away that the prices are more than reasonable. We give this place our highest recommendation!
(5)
Ben T.
I came to Southside on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. After driving by many times I felt it was finally time to try out what they had to offer as their outdoor patio always looked inviting. Both my wife and I ordered from the lunch menu. Our service was great. I had a BBQ quesadilla and my wife had a burger. Hydrating from our 10 mile bike ride there I did not partake in a beer but could not help but glance at their offerings. Our meal was nice and we had a great time enjoying the nice weather outside. After inspecting the menu to be honest there was not much on there that was making me eager to come back. Our experience was a good one and if you desire a cool outdoor spot or late night sports bar atmosphere I feel you would be pleased with your choice here. Thanks!
(3)
Tariq A.
The bartenders, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and the people makes this place great!
(5)
Scott H.
I just moved to the area and after a day of unpacking I just wanted something nearby. I'm glad I did. Service was great and the food delicious. I never had a grit before today and I enjoyed it (along with the shrimp and corrizo). Very nice Cesar salad with the right amount of dressing (it was light and not creamy, just the way I like it.
(4)
Rose M.
Really enjoyed the food here. Met up with friends for happy hour then ended up staying for dinner. We enjoyed the shrimp and sausage grits, hot wings, steamed and seasoned shrimp and the Virginia burger. Food was delicious, we were able to watch the ball game and the ambience was great. There's also patio seating available which we will enjoy next time. Overall it was a great dining experience and we'll be back!
(4)
Terri R.
This was and still is one of my fav. sunday brunch spots. If you are looking for a nice little place to go and have great food that isnt too price but still offers great quality then this is the place for you. I adore this little spot. Not a huge fan of the parking struggle sometimes but I will deal with it for the fried pickles. :)
(4)
Magic Mark L.
Southside 815 is located on the edge (Southern end) of Old Town... I used to hit this place a few times a week when I lived in Old Town. Now, although I think I can still claim "regular" status as a long time customer, I don't have that much of a chance to go. This review is based on around 30-40 visits. I see some people raving about Southern food and home cooking. No, it's bar food (they may have a Southern theme). But it's pretty good bar food. The customers are friendly, it's a neighborhood type setting. It has a long bar, which on some evenings fills up quickly. Let one of the bartenders know you'd like a spot and they'll let you know when someone's about to leave. Great happy hours - good prices for good beer and appetizers - specials from around 4-7, AWESOME WINGS, nachos, and pulled pork sliders. Good draft beer selection. People bring kids in there sometimes (it makes me feel a little awkward), but there is also a restaurant side. I never really enjoyed eating on that side - it's kind of a different experience. Oh, and you can't get happy hour prices in there. The crowed is mixed 20's - 60's, all types, great place to watch sports, chill, and hang with friends.
(4)
Genelee P.
We ordered the buffalo wings to start off and loved every bite! Well cooked and tasty with the sauce. I ordered the vegetable plate. Not something usual for me because there were other tasty options. I was impressed with everything on it, except for the cheddar grits. I looooved the honey cornbread and sweet mashed potatoes!!!! If that was all that was served, I'd be good. My hunny had the roast beef po boy and he enjoyed every bite of it. For dessert, I had their key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. Honey yassssss!!!! The drinks was never empty and the service was superb. Our server was awesome! Thanks again... Will be back!
(4)
Brian C.
Great night... great food...the bartender Kevin was fantastic.. this will definitely be a new spot to come hang out with me and my friends..
(5)
Bailey S.
Great experience! Late night menu but they catered to my veg diet. Nice bartenders, down to earth, if I lived here I'd go back!
(5)
Linda G.
We did not have any appetizers or desert, but the two things we did have were yummy. My husband's ribs were some of the best that I have had and I love ribs! They were fall-off-the-bone as described and had the best tasting sauce and plenty of it! My gumbo was nice and spicy but not too much. The shrimp were not over-cooked and very tasty. The sausage was good but nothing too special. Everything blended well together and I really enjoyed it. Could not eat it all though. The white wine the waitress recommended was very nice too.
(5)
Kristophe C.
Ummm so when I saw New Orleans inspired I thought great food! However my gumbo was just average. Well simply put it was BLAND. The Charleston Chicken tasted like bland as well. The staff was friendly and I could really see this as more of a place for bar food to watch games. Ohh I almost forgot the greens? They had my grandmother turning over in her grave.
(2)
Jeff C.
I've been coming here for what seems like forever. The food and service at Southside 815 always manages to make me smile. I am particularly fond of their happy hour with delicious pulled pork sliders and mini nacho plates dripping in gooey cheese. For less than $10, you can put together a tiny smorgasbord of goodness. Southside also offers a wonderful selection of Po-Boy sandwiches; my favorite is the shrimp Po-Boy overflowing crispy deep-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted bun. Warning, this sandwich has a spicy kick that can sneak up on you. Yum. This place also has an excellent staff that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Rachael's (daytime bartender) personality is infectious and sure to make you smile no matter what type of day you're having. And as for night, when sometimes it gets so packed you can barely move, Stacey and Tara manages to turn out the drinks and food with machine-like precision. But not only does this bar have a rocking staff and great food, it offers excellent activities for its customers. Their baseball trip always fills up and their charity golf outing is an amazing time for everyone. So why am I not giving Southside 5 stars? Well, ironically it is because they are too popular. It can be really hard to find a seat here in the evenings. I've popped in at times to find that there was zero chance of finding a seat. Wait! as I write this, I recall that Tara and Stacy often try to scope out someone who is leaving and slide me into their seat. What am I saying, Southside is an easy 5 stars!!
(5)
Lauren W.
I tried to drop them only half a star, but I guess Yelp won't let me be great. We went back with my friend's son for dinner. He and I weren't too hungry so we ordered some chicken wings, tater tots and biscuits. All were yummy. However, we ordered drinks this time, and I was disappointed. All of the drinks were watered down and had no bite or flavor. Also, they forgot to place my friend's sons food order, causing our food to arrive before his. I know that mistakes happen, but as a former server, I know that a happy kid means a happy table. He seemed to enjoy the burger. I will still probably go back for their addictive Po Boy, but I was a little displeased with the service this go round.
(3)
D M.
Great place for happy hour! Pretty busy though, only bar seating for hh but the patio is nice too. Interior for dinner a little more on the classier side. Apps are $2 and drinks about the same. Parking in the back. Quiet area of old town.
(4)
Brian B.
The ribs here are fantastic! What's more is that they don't even advertise it. By far the best on the menu and in the area. We often take our out of town guests here for this reason alone. With that said, the rest of the menu leaves a lot to be desired. The service is consistently good and their bar is top notch.
(4)
Alex P.
After just purchasing my wedding dress down the street, my bridesmaids and I went over to Southside to grab lunch and a celebratory drink. This rating was pretty much saved by the fact that they have incredibly well priced bottles of win. Nothing on the menu over $30. That being said the food was just okay. Their menu boasts they have the best po'boys north of New Orleans, but that is hardly true. I ordered the combo (shrimp and oyster) po'boy. It was dry and served on a plain french roll. They offered a selection of three sauces to accompany but they were all mayo based and I don't do mayo. I opted to eat the ingredients sans bread. It was all dry and a bit under seasoned. The french fries weren't bad though. I probably wouldn't go back for food, but drinks anytime.
(3)
Christine R.
Great Mother's Day brunch here. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Service was fast despite being busy with large parties. They have a substantial brunch menu with good food for a sports bar/pub-like restaurant.
(4)
Helene L.
Fried green tomatoes were not as tart as I like and breading was a bit heavy but po' boys was a generous portion with a good baguette and the service was quite prompt and friendly :) Good place for a quiet night to chat and have a beer.
(3)
Jill W.
I visited this place last year for Alexandria restaurant week. It was delicious! I didn't eat here again until just now because I just assumed that the place would be very pricey. My mom is in town and leaving tomorrow. She wanted to eat at a restaurant that I have not taken her before and I thought, "what the hey". When we got there we found out they have happy hour on week days and even a daily special. We had the half price po boys. She had the roast beef and I had the shrimp oyster combo. Delicious! The money we saved on our entrees, we ordered friend green tomatoes for appetizer. Also very yummy! Now that I know that this place is a good value I will add to my rotation of favorite restaurants.
(4)
Mimi T.
Stopped by for a drink the other day since it was a gorgeous day. It was still happy hour so we went inside and grabbed some drinks. We wanted to grab some food so we requested a table outside. HH is only for the bar area but the waiter was fine with us bringing our drinks to the table. Why 2 stars? Well the food was just OK but nothing really special stood out for me to want to come back. The crowd ranged from late 20's to early 30's crowd. I gave 1 star for the service and 1 star for the HH. Other than that, it seemed like a run of the mill bar with heavy southern food. Nice people and excellent service though.
(2)
John M.
Great place to stop for a bite off the GW Parkway, southern style food so go hungry and not on a diet. Bar was hopping on a Tuesday night but we choose the more quiet outside to people watch. Good menu options.
(4)
Mary Kate M.
You know this place is sort of the beaten path in Old Town even though it is right in the middle of it. It isn't located right in the heart of everything. I would take it to be more of the neighborhood hangout than a tourist attraction like most of Old Town is right off King Street. I came here for a late night and decided on a house wine and a quesadilla which believe it or not was actually pretty decent. I was surprised since it was more known for their burgers than Mexican food. They've got a nice patio out front. It is a bit small, but if you want to get away from the noise and lingering crowd around the bar, this area is definitely a good option. Also, great for people watching if you want to see patrons come in and out without getting in the middle of the mix. Bathroom is a bit dirty. I think that would be my only complaint. Prices are decent for what you get too.
(4)
Michion L.
Despite that the first thing the waiter said to me before asking me do I want anything to drink he says" just to let you know we're out of fried chicken" I paused and had this blank look on my face and thought to my self "did look like I wanted to order fried chicken" so I just didn't reply to and ordered a glass of wine. I would hope that the restaurant wasn't brainwashed to think that all their african american patrons lusted after fried chicken, because you know we were the only ones in there, so that would tell you that all the other non african american patrons ate all your fried chicken. Other than that my food which consisted of fried oysters Rockefeller and for the first time ever fried green tomatoes were very tasty.
(3)
Kimberly C.
This place has a very decent menu of southern comfort food, a bar with televisions for the sports- needy, and a quaint outdoor patio with a nice view of the street, which is well groomed. I really had no complaints and would definitely eat here again to determine what on the menu is on target and what is not. Maybe next time I will try the brunch.
(4)
Brian K.
The vibe was laid back and cool - I can't rate the food (we went for late night drinks). so this rating is just for drinks and ambiance...
(4)
Becky M.
Hands down favorite place in Old Town. Great atmosphere, great happy hours, and I've never ordered anything from the menu that I didn't love!
(5)
Monique R.
I am so mad that I just found out about this place this summer! I live ten minutes away and have passed it several times without playing it any mind. I thought I was just another typical sports bar. A friend, who is a regular here, introduced me to this place a few months ago. I was expecting greasy bar food. The menu has a Southern theme. I saw the jambalaya cheesesteak on the menu and I had to try it! It is amazing! Most recently, I tried the jalapeño honey pulled chicken sandwich, it was also delicious! I've only ever sat bellied up the bar. The bartenders are always friendly and there is a large section of drinks. The kitchen stays open until 1am, which makes it a perfect stop on the way home from a night out in Old Town. Oh, and the bathrooms are always really clean, even late at night!
(5)
Ziv B.
This place does southern right! I have had the meatloaf there as a form of comfort food and it is pretty good, not great. So I finally broke down and started ordering the southern dishes and they were even better. I had the oysters rockefeller and it was rich, tasty and very filling. I split a fried green tomatoes and it was good as well. The pulled chicken sandwich was tasty as well. The bread basket was outstanding, the cornbread was my fave but the biscuit was excellent as well and the pepper butter was outstanding. I also had the andouille and bean soup (special) which was excellent. The bloody marys with pickle were pretty decent as well. Waitress was very attentive and fun. All that for a party of three and it was just $70 before tip.
(4)
Retna P.
The food is delicious. We had the crab and country ham over sweet potatoes biscuits, the pot roast, the country friend steak, the sweet tea.
(5)
Renee J.
Brunch done right! My husband and I went around noon on a Saturday and were seated immediately. I did notice while ordering food the place did start to fill up quickly, so try to get here when they open if you don't want to wait. Brunch was delicious! I got the Pulled Pork Benedict and it was fantastic. Savory meat and excellent flavor, came on 2 biscuits with an egg and potatoes on the side. Hub got the fried chicken benedict and he was equally pleased. good cocktails too- I had the white peach sangria and I was feeeeelin good. Hub got the dill pickle bloody mary, which came with a huge shrimp, and he loved it. Service was excellent, and friendly, and affordable. Brunch for 2, with drinks, came to about $30. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Tye H.
We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Drunken Pot Roast and the steak covered with a crab topping. The food and the sides (collards, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes) were all good with portions large enough to share or take home leftovers. Nothing was so amazing that it blew us away, but we would definitely go again. This a good spot for down-home meal sorta feel. Good for groups. Service was good too.
(3)
Geoff O.
I would hardly call this legitimately Southern, but it's still good. Value-wise? Eh, not great, but it's manageable. Two entrees, water, and tip will still set you back around $40. If that seems egregious, go split a pizza next door at Faccia Luna for $18.
(3)
Art N.
Nice, homey non-pretentious bar/restaurant that serves some of the most unique food in the Alexandria area. Every time I come here I am amazed at all the different options on the menu and though there may be some misses, overall the quality and portions of food are good. There are varying brews on tap and by the bottle (they have my Devil's Backbone!) and the friendly, helpful staff will guide you through all the choices. Enough tv's to let you comfortably watch the games, though they look like some should be upgraded pretty soon. All in all a great neighborhood jewel and when I need a Southside fix it always seems to deliver.
I visited Southside 815 for happy hour on a Wednesday evening. It was really crowded, though the fact that it was July 3rd (aka, the day before a federal holiday) may have had something to do with it. The bar area was filled up so we ended up sitting on the dining side. The happy hour appetizer specials sounded really good, but you can only get them on the bar side so I ordered the daily special - chicken and waffles. With a sweet potato waffle base and thick sausage gravy on top, it wasn't your usual chicken and waffles. It was, however, very well done. The "sausage gravy" could have been more accurately described as ground sausage with some gravy on top and was fairly tasty. The chicken was crisp on the outside (despite being covered in gravy) and moist on the inside, and the sweet potato waffle was slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to stand up to the amount of food piled on top of it. It was $15 for chicken and waffles, but the portion size was very generous. In fact, it looked like a mini mountain on my plate, and the huge steak knife that it got served with was probably necessary in order to eat without making a gigantic mess. I was stuffed after getting about 2/3 of the way through - the addition of sausage gravy to the dish made it much more filling. On the way out we noticed a table that had ordered their sausage gravy on the side, which may be the way to go if you don't like massive amounts of gravy. I didn't end up trying a variety of dishes here, but based off of the chicken and waffles alone (and what I saw spying on tables while walking around), this is somewhere that I would be more than happy to come back to in order to try some more of the specials, the raw bar, and appetizers.
(4)
Chrissy C.
I'm a regular here for at least 9 years now. Lol. However, I NEVER ate in the dining area. You'll pretty much see me at the bar watching tv and stuffing my face with buffalo wings... wearing my workout clothes. They have awesome buffalo wings, pork nachos, fried oysters for appetizers and meatloaf, fried chicken pasta... I am hooked on their fried chicken and waffles which is only served on Wednesdays. Great happy hour deals. They also have good brunch menu. They have a great special Bloody Mary that can be a meal on its own. The staff is great. The bartenders are very friendly. Lots of the regulars are sports fanatics. It's mainly a Pittsburg/Steelers bar but also supports the local Nationals, Redskins and Capitals teams. Lots of avid golfers come here too. It's a good cosmopolitan crowd. Its located off Washington street southern part of Old Town so its street parking. There's a parking garage behind the building at no charge.
(5)
Laurie H.
This is one of the most amazing places to eat in the entire Washington DC area. Great southern food. If you are a lonely southern that missed your mom's food I suggest you find old town and 815 Southside right away. I discovered many years ago and the food has always been wonderful.
(5)
Autumn G.
every time I come here I wonder- why do I come here? probably because I live across the street, they're kind enough to be open when every other place isn't, and there are a couple things on the menu that are fairly tasty. the mac and cheese is one. there is also a full bar... and the waitstaff are really nice, which isn't true of every spot in old town, not naming names. so, in conclusion, nothing to write home about, but they will have a table available on that random holiday or Monday morning when you want to eat brunch.
(3)
Eric M.
Simply put. Went for Brunch. Food good. Portions big. Hot from kitchen. Bar is a bit slow to fill wait staff orders. Wait staff is stretched too thin leaving service lacking even in a partially full Resteraunt. Wait staff was friendly and accommodating when they did remember to come by the table of 7 patrons. Don't think they handle groups bigger than 4 very well. We will try another place who can handle a group better. This is a better place to take a date out to eat.
(3)
Brittany C.
My favorite Old Town restaurant by far. From their HH Specials, brunch, daily specials, super friendly bartenders & staff - it's the best.
(5)
Ms. G.
This was wonderful. I had the Cobb salad, husband had the jambalaya cheese steak, son and wife shared the ribs and Mac and cheese. Appetizers were fried green tomatoes, onion strings, and fried pickles. Everything was great. The service was wonderful even though the kitchen messed up a little, but it was all fixed so no complaints. Ask for Chris the waiter, he's awesome!
(5)
Kenneth F.
Service great. Hot wings excellent!
(4)
anna c.
Went here with my mom today who lives within walking distance. Their menu seemed varied and I ordered the "Pecan Chicken Salad" off the lunch specials menu. The server was very kind and attentive. Good iced tea, and the salad was amazing! A little southern food goes a long way. Also served with a slice of corn bread which was delightful. My mom had the "Old Town Burger" and was very satisfied. This place has been around for ages. A cool neighborhood bar and grill, will be back for sure. Must try the raved- about Mac & cheese next!
(4)
Rachel N.
Our new favorite place off the beaten path. We came across this gem when we wanted a place to watch football on a Saturday and have been back many times since! The wings, shrimp po' boy and bloody marys are my favorites! They also have really good chicken tenders with a light breading and a delicious BBQ ranch sauce! The bartenders are really attentive and nice! It gets really busy on the weekends so we get there early to get a table or seat at the bar. Great prices, food and service!
(5)
Paul C.
I give it 2 1/2 stars. My first visit was for lunch. Got Fried Chicken,mashed potatoes, gravy ,cole slaw and a bisquit. My death-row meal is southern fried chicken,so it's a very high bar. I was a bit disappointed, it was fried nicely with good spices but didn't wow me. It had an off taste(not so fresh maybe?) Potatoes and gravy were cold,slaw was average as was the bisquit. Good bar service and i plan to return, maybe for bisquits and gravy,meatloaf or pot roast, all favorites dishes of mine. 20yrs in business, they must be doing something good. I chalk it up to an off day.
(2)
Madison F.
Service was awful, waiter had too many tables and was only able to check up on us 1 after I went inside and requester someone to bring me a water as for the good presentation was decent but food did not a have a ton of flavor.
(1)
Sara W.
I have been going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this place for a while. I do like to sit in the bar. Their burgers and bloody mary's are great. I have never had great experiences outside the bar. Either because their food isn't that great or their servers are horrible and rude. Either way, I don't go unless someone else wants to. It is a shame because I live about 4 blocks from them and would love to have it a normal hangout.
(3)
Christina S.
The staff was very accommodating when planning a work baby shower (our party was 12 people). They allowed us to bring a cake to serve after we were done eating and supplied the small plates, knife, and forks for us. They did not charge any extra fees for this, always a plus. The food was great. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. I had the oyster and shrimp po boy which was delish and brought me back to my visits to NOLA! I used a good amount of the remoulade which was very tasty. My meal was definitely filling for lunchtime, especially with the side of fries and the size of the po boy roll. We were alerted to the free parking in the garage behind the restaurant but some of us were able to easily find 2 hour street parking nearby. We look forward to coming back for future work lunches!
(4)
Esther Z.
On a 10+ day (mid 80 degrees, some breeze, lower humidity) the patio table in the shade made this lunch special. If we had not selected the grits as a side to replace the potatoes on the Charleston Chicken breast entree, my positive view of the food would still be intact. The grits were the worse grits to ever pass my southern lips. Perhaps they were leftovers from the day before. I ordered them because other YELPERs said they were good. Definitely not today, a -5. On the other hand, the $7 Mac & Cheese is a 5+ and enough for 2 also. They made my tummy purr. So good they offset the horrible grits. I wonder if these 2 dishes came out of the same kitchen. Different sous chef, perhaps. The chicken breast was meh, nothing to write home about. The perfect temp Fat Tire beer offset that. Clean restrooms. There is an ATM machine next to the restrooms, go figure. The bar stools were full on this Friday at 12:30, not an empty seat. TGIF 1/2 work days in summer on full display. I want to come back to try the Poboys and hope the YELP reviews are not off about them being good. Note to Southside Chef: Take the grits off the menu. It's embarrassingly bad. Don't continue to ruin our proud southern tradition of serving good food. If not get it right and QC, QC, QC!
(3)
Bryan K.
Half Southern food Resturant half neighborhood watering hole. Literally. The place is divided in half and separated by old roll up doors from when this location was a micro car dealership. Back in the 30's? There are pictures on the wall of these bygone days. Today you won't find any cars for sale but parking is plentiful along the street and a garage in the back. What you will discover is real good southern dishes like waffles and chicken, po boys dishes, the best fried oysters in old town. Also a good draught selection and tons of sports on the tvs around the bar There is outdoor seating on wide sidewalk adding to the neighborhood feel. During happy hour the bar area can get crowded but service is attentive and kitchen is fast and rarely apologetic for delays. But it has happened where food came out late. Manager took the charge off on that occasion.
(4)
David H.
Great concept, friendly service, mediocre location, okay food, three stars. I'm a Southern expat and don't like "Yuppified" southern food at $35 a plate that most of DC tries to pass off as legit at tiny portions so this place was calling my name. This place is a low key neighborhood bar with a friendly staff. Their tap selection is okay but they should carry more Southern brews. The food is pretty good but not quite up to Southern par. The fried green tomatoes were tasty and not overly breaded so they tasted just right but one was a little thicker so the breading didn't quite fry all the way through. The fried pork chop was also good but not amazing. It was well fried without too much breading but it was a bone in chop and it was fairly fatty so there wasn't quite as much meat as you'd have hoped. It goes well with the onion gravy, which was excellent and would go well on anything. The accompanying mashed red potatoes were top notch and the green beans were fresh and tasty as well. The location of this place isn't as close to the Metro and Old Town as you'd first think so you'll earn your food on the walk. Enjoyed my meal and will be back but it isn't quite at the level of Southern perfection one might hope for.
(3)
Stephen K.
Southside has some really good food. It's an interesting mix of Cajun, southern and bar food. I've been here a lot and have never had anything I didn't really like. Everything from the steak to the Cajun dishes and fried chicken is really good. Think it's one of the better restaurants in Old Town. The service is always good and friendly. They do have sweet tea...thankfully! They also have Happy Hour food on weekdays and game day specials as well.
I've never been to The Big Easy, so Southside 815 and any cajun crawfish joint (my favorite being Seaside Crab House) are the closest I can get to being there for now. Southside 815's menu is extensive with something to please everybody. I've been twice -- once for lunch and again for dinner -- and have tried a multitude of dishes. Sampled appetizers include fried tomatoes, fried pickles, crab and artichoke dip, BBQ shrimp, and pimento cheese fritters. All were very tasty with the fried tomatoes and fried pickles being the most notable. As for my entree during the first visit, I had their southern fried pork chops topped with cream gravy and accompanied by red mashed potatoes and sauteed string beans. The pork chops were on the dry side due to over-frying. With breaded proteins that are subsequently drenched in sauce, it is very crucial to consume it in 15 minutes to maintain the crispy-creamy contrast. As enjoyable as that is, it causes me anxiety as there is only a 40% chance I can ever finish my entree before it becomes a soggy mess. This is, of course, not Southside 815's fault. The sides were executed very well. During my second visit, my buddy and I went halfsies on our shrimp and combo (shrimp and oyster) po' boys. I prefer the shrimp variety simply for the nice chunks. If you aren't familiar with a po' boy, it's breaded seafood (Southside 815 serves shrimp, crawfish, oyster, combo of any 2, and catfish), lettuce, and tomato on a baguette. The seafood appeared fresh that evening. My only gripe is the baguette -- it is not to my standards, which is crusty on outside and fluffy on inside. I am not sure if their baguettes are baked in-house or not, but they have a texture consistent with bread that has been sitting out for too long. I am curious to know if po' boys ordered during lunch are better. In my opinion, the quality of bread can make or break a sandwich no matter how great the fillings are. The accompanying fries are semi-battered and with some cajun seasoning. Tasty and crispy, I would say the fries were a hit. I haven't had the chance to try any desserts, so I can't comment. Service is pretty decent -- I've no complaints. I will consider returning to try a completely different entree or maybe order a multitude of appetizers as my meal. Parking tip: there is a free-all-day garage (in Old Town? say whaaat?) behind the restaurant, but you must drive down a small alley to get to it. 3.5 stars
(3)
Angela M.
This is one of my favorite spots to go. Today is a day for brunch but this is a good spot for anything. Happy hour drinks, evening cocktails or anytime good country food.
(5)
Ryan H.
We got the sweet tea, the clam chowder, and the Jalepeno-Honey chicken BBQ. South side 815 wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular, just an average place to eat. The sweet tea was less sweet than chic-fil-a, and the clam chowder was tasty and hot. The sandwich was good, but just didn't seem special. I felt like I could have made it at home, almost like a sloppy joe. Our waiter was good with the service however, he was on it. Average spot overall.
(3)
Mercedes R.
I'd come again, decent food, cute area. I'd probably order something a little lighter though. Patio seating was dog friendly.
(3)
Nicole D.
Creative interpretations of New Orleans comfort dishes and then some here at Southside 815. This place was packed when we came in on a Wednesday night last month and, after dining here, I see why. The dishes are fun and tasty; there's live music and great specials throughout the week. Wednesday nights they feature raw bar specials with great deals on oysters and shrimp; Monday nights feature 1/2 price po' boys. The New Orleans-inspired menu features Crab & Corndrop Fritters, Southern Fried Pickles, Southern Greens, Cheddar Grits, Jalepeno-honey Pulled Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Biscuits (buttermilk, sweet potato and cirbbread), Gulf-spiced Chicken Breast, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish, jambalaya, gumbo and the list goes on. I decided on the Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy and was very pleased with my selection. A very nice helping of fried shrimp and oysters, lettuce and tomatoes wedged between a soft French loaf. The remoulade sauce sealed together and highlighted all of the enticing flavors. Go for the Big Noodle Mac 'n Cheese with a blend of parmesan, cheddar, smoked gouda and Monterey Jack. Such a wonderful blend of cheeses with an abundance of heart-warming flavors. Gave my friend a bite and she was instantly hooked. My friend got the Drunken Pot Roast, which she scarfed down and enjoyed immensely. Indulge in comfort cuisine in Old Town Alexandria at Southside 815. So glad we found this spot while in Alexandria.
(4)
Allen P.
Southside has terrific food and service. We've enjoyed it every single time. Great southern cuisine with unique dishes all the time! The chocolate dipped key lime pie bar is fantastic. I could eat their ribs all day and the cobb salad is awesome. Their corn bread is also great and the stuffed fried chicken might be the best chicken dish I've ever had. Bar is good, especially if you are a Steelers fan. Management and staff are friendly and attentive. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(5)
Erica A.
Everything is delicious. The staff if extremely attentive... And everything is delicious. No more to say. I love this place.
(5)
Anna R.
We are traveling in town from California. One of our local friends recommended we meet here. We were with our entire family of 5. We ordered a Portobello mushroom sandwich, shrimp po boy, kids meals of grilled cheese sandwich, kids steak and jalapeno chicken sandwich. We ordered several beers, the local IPA and a Guinness. The food was excellent. The sandwiches were flavorful, cooked to perfection, properly spiced and portions were huge! The sides were cole slaw, pickles and fries. All sides were great! Aside from the delicious food, the service was fabulous. My cell phone was dying and needed to be plugged in for charging. I asked if there was a plug I could use, many restaurants aren't amenable to patrons using outlets. The host was more than happy to plug my phone into the employee area for their electronics. The server, Michael was friendly, informative, attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. I have nothing negative to say about our experience at this establishment. I recommend if you're in the Alexandria area, make this place a must visit on your schedule. It's close to Old Town but far enough away that the prices are more than reasonable. We give this place our highest recommendation!
(5)
Ben T.
I came to Southside on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. After driving by many times I felt it was finally time to try out what they had to offer as their outdoor patio always looked inviting. Both my wife and I ordered from the lunch menu. Our service was great. I had a BBQ quesadilla and my wife had a burger. Hydrating from our 10 mile bike ride there I did not partake in a beer but could not help but glance at their offerings. Our meal was nice and we had a great time enjoying the nice weather outside. After inspecting the menu to be honest there was not much on there that was making me eager to come back. Our experience was a good one and if you desire a cool outdoor spot or late night sports bar atmosphere I feel you would be pleased with your choice here. Thanks!
(3)
Tariq A.
The bartenders, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and the people makes this place great!
(5)
Scott H.
I just moved to the area and after a day of unpacking I just wanted something nearby. I'm glad I did. Service was great and the food delicious. I never had a grit before today and I enjoyed it (along with the shrimp and corrizo). Very nice Cesar salad with the right amount of dressing (it was light and not creamy, just the way I like it.
(4)
Rose M.
Really enjoyed the food here. Met up with friends for happy hour then ended up staying for dinner. We enjoyed the shrimp and sausage grits, hot wings, steamed and seasoned shrimp and the Virginia burger. Food was delicious, we were able to watch the ball game and the ambience was great. There's also patio seating available which we will enjoy next time. Overall it was a great dining experience and we'll be back!
(4)
Terri R.
This was and still is one of my fav. sunday brunch spots. If you are looking for a nice little place to go and have great food that isnt too price but still offers great quality then this is the place for you. I adore this little spot. Not a huge fan of the parking struggle sometimes but I will deal with it for the fried pickles. :)
(4)
Carl S.
This is just a review of the food, since we didn't actually eat at Southside 815. But the food we had was surprisingly good. And the pricing is just right. My wife had a perfectly cooked Savannah Steak salad and I had my very first Gumbo. Although the Gumbo didn't blow me away, it was good enough to make me want to further explore Southside 815's menu!
(5)
A F.
The fried pickles with remoulade sauce as an appetizer were the best I've ever had. I ordered the tuna steak and it came with 4 sides. I don't know if that was a mistake cause the menu only mentioned 3 but I didn't complain. It came with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (the waitress may have added this cause I asked about them), collard greens and cheesy grits. The food was good and the ambiance was casual. It wasn't the best southern food I've ever had cause I like alot of seasoning and spices but everything was pretty tasty and I walked away stuffed.
(4)
Magic Mark L.
Southside 815 is located on the edge (Southern end) of Old Town... I used to hit this place a few times a week when I lived in Old Town. Now, although I think I can still claim "regular" status as a long time customer, I don't have that much of a chance to go. This review is based on around 30-40 visits. I see some people raving about Southern food and home cooking. No, it's bar food (they may have a Southern theme). But it's pretty good bar food. The customers are friendly, it's a neighborhood type setting. It has a long bar, which on some evenings fills up quickly. Let one of the bartenders know you'd like a spot and they'll let you know when someone's about to leave. Great happy hours - good prices for good beer and appetizers - specials from around 4-7, AWESOME WINGS, nachos, and pulled pork sliders. Good draft beer selection. People bring kids in there sometimes (it makes me feel a little awkward), but there is also a restaurant side. I never really enjoyed eating on that side - it's kind of a different experience. Oh, and you can't get happy hour prices in there. The crowed is mixed 20's - 60's, all types, great place to watch sports, chill, and hang with friends.
(4)
Genelee P.
We ordered the buffalo wings to start off and loved every bite! Well cooked and tasty with the sauce. I ordered the vegetable plate. Not something usual for me because there were other tasty options. I was impressed with everything on it, except for the cheddar grits. I looooved the honey cornbread and sweet mashed potatoes!!!! If that was all that was served, I'd be good. My hunny had the roast beef po boy and he enjoyed every bite of it. For dessert, I had their key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. Honey yassssss!!!! The drinks was never empty and the service was superb. Our server was awesome! Thanks again... Will be back!
(4)
Brian C.
Great night... great food...the bartender Kevin was fantastic.. this will definitely be a new spot to come hang out with me and my friends..
(5)
Bailey S.
Great experience! Late night menu but they catered to my veg diet. Nice bartenders, down to earth, if I lived here I'd go back!
(5)
Linda G.
We did not have any appetizers or desert, but the two things we did have were yummy. My husband's ribs were some of the best that I have had and I love ribs! They were fall-off-the-bone as described and had the best tasting sauce and plenty of it! My gumbo was nice and spicy but not too much. The shrimp were not over-cooked and very tasty. The sausage was good but nothing too special. Everything blended well together and I really enjoyed it. Could not eat it all though. The white wine the waitress recommended was very nice too.
(5)
Kristophe C.
Ummm so when I saw New Orleans inspired I thought great food! However my gumbo was just average. Well simply put it was BLAND. The Charleston Chicken tasted like bland as well. The staff was friendly and I could really see this as more of a place for bar food to watch games. Ohh I almost forgot the greens? They had my grandmother turning over in her grave.
(2)
Kit O.
Fantastic food, staff and even the patrons are a warm, friendly and engaging. Greg a bartender extraordinaire made me a drink with crushed ice in the glass making it a frosty dirty martini to die for! even the patrons are friendly
(5)
Jamieson R.
I followed another reviewers advice and got a bread basket, which was delicious. The food was good, service great, and the price reasonable.
(4)
James G.
Nice chill spot were u can catch a sports game no too over crowded and the food is okay
(4)
Nicole L.
Not bad, not great. We came here for brunch and the Bloody Mary was delicious with a nice spicy kick at the end. Eggs Benedict were also decent though not terribly eye-opening. They have patio seating, which was really lovely on a sunny day. Service was also fairly pleasant, though we glimpsed one of the waiters dripping syrup all over a table due to some mishandling of the syrup dispenser, and I'm not sure that he ever went back to clean it up.
(3)
Brandi C.
Food was not seasoned like southern food. Very bland. Service was good and everyone was very friendly.
(3)
Jeff C.
I've been coming here for what seems like forever. The food and service at Southside 815 always manages to make me smile. I am particularly fond of their happy hour with delicious pulled pork sliders and mini nacho plates dripping in gooey cheese. For less than $10, you can put together a tiny smorgasbord of goodness. Southside also offers a wonderful selection of Po-Boy sandwiches; my favorite is the shrimp Po-Boy overflowing crispy deep-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted bun. Warning, this sandwich has a spicy kick that can sneak up on you. Yum. This place also has an excellent staff that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Rachael's (daytime bartender) personality is infectious and sure to make you smile no matter what type of day you're having. And as for night, when sometimes it gets so packed you can barely move, Stacey and Tara manages to turn out the drinks and food with machine-like precision. But not only does this bar have a rocking staff and great food, it offers excellent activities for its customers. Their baseball trip always fills up and their charity golf outing is an amazing time for everyone. So why am I not giving Southside 5 stars? Well, ironically it is because they are too popular. It can be really hard to find a seat here in the evenings. I've popped in at times to find that there was zero chance of finding a seat. Wait! as I write this, I recall that Tara and Stacy often try to scope out someone who is leaving and slide me into their seat. What am I saying, Southside is an easy 5 stars!!
(5)
Lauren W.
I tried to drop them only half a star, but I guess Yelp won't let me be great. We went back with my friend's son for dinner. He and I weren't too hungry so we ordered some chicken wings, tater tots and biscuits. All were yummy. However, we ordered drinks this time, and I was disappointed. All of the drinks were watered down and had no bite or flavor. Also, they forgot to place my friend's sons food order, causing our food to arrive before his. I know that mistakes happen, but as a former server, I know that a happy kid means a happy table. He seemed to enjoy the burger. I will still probably go back for their addictive Po Boy, but I was a little displeased with the service this go round.
(3)
D M.
Great place for happy hour! Pretty busy though, only bar seating for hh but the patio is nice too. Interior for dinner a little more on the classier side. Apps are $2 and drinks about the same. Parking in the back. Quiet area of old town.
(4)
Brian B.
The ribs here are fantastic! What's more is that they don't even advertise it. By far the best on the menu and in the area. We often take our out of town guests here for this reason alone. With that said, the rest of the menu leaves a lot to be desired. The service is consistently good and their bar is top notch.
(4)
Alex P.
After just purchasing my wedding dress down the street, my bridesmaids and I went over to Southside to grab lunch and a celebratory drink. This rating was pretty much saved by the fact that they have incredibly well priced bottles of win. Nothing on the menu over $30. That being said the food was just okay. Their menu boasts they have the best po'boys north of New Orleans, but that is hardly true. I ordered the combo (shrimp and oyster) po'boy. It was dry and served on a plain french roll. They offered a selection of three sauces to accompany but they were all mayo based and I don't do mayo. I opted to eat the ingredients sans bread. It was all dry and a bit under seasoned. The french fries weren't bad though. I probably wouldn't go back for food, but drinks anytime.
(3)
Christine R.
Great Mother's Day brunch here. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Service was fast despite being busy with large parties. They have a substantial brunch menu with good food for a sports bar/pub-like restaurant.
(4)
Helene L.
Fried green tomatoes were not as tart as I like and breading was a bit heavy but po' boys was a generous portion with a good baguette and the service was quite prompt and friendly :) Good place for a quiet night to chat and have a beer.
(3)
Jill W.
I visited this place last year for Alexandria restaurant week. It was delicious! I didn't eat here again until just now because I just assumed that the place would be very pricey. My mom is in town and leaving tomorrow. She wanted to eat at a restaurant that I have not taken her before and I thought, "what the hey". When we got there we found out they have happy hour on week days and even a daily special. We had the half price po boys. She had the roast beef and I had the shrimp oyster combo. Delicious! The money we saved on our entrees, we ordered friend green tomatoes for appetizer. Also very yummy! Now that I know that this place is a good value I will add to my rotation of favorite restaurants.
(4)
Mimi T.
Stopped by for a drink the other day since it was a gorgeous day. It was still happy hour so we went inside and grabbed some drinks. We wanted to grab some food so we requested a table outside. HH is only for the bar area but the waiter was fine with us bringing our drinks to the table. Why 2 stars? Well the food was just OK but nothing really special stood out for me to want to come back. The crowd ranged from late 20's to early 30's crowd. I gave 1 star for the service and 1 star for the HH. Other than that, it seemed like a run of the mill bar with heavy southern food. Nice people and excellent service though.
(2)
John M.
Great place to stop for a bite off the GW Parkway, southern style food so go hungry and not on a diet. Bar was hopping on a Tuesday night but we choose the more quiet outside to people watch. Good menu options.
(4)
Mary Kate M.
You know this place is sort of the beaten path in Old Town even though it is right in the middle of it. It isn't located right in the heart of everything. I would take it to be more of the neighborhood hangout than a tourist attraction like most of Old Town is right off King Street. I came here for a late night and decided on a house wine and a quesadilla which believe it or not was actually pretty decent. I was surprised since it was more known for their burgers than Mexican food. They've got a nice patio out front. It is a bit small, but if you want to get away from the noise and lingering crowd around the bar, this area is definitely a good option. Also, great for people watching if you want to see patrons come in and out without getting in the middle of the mix. Bathroom is a bit dirty. I think that would be my only complaint. Prices are decent for what you get too.
(4)
Michion L.
Despite that the first thing the waiter said to me before asking me do I want anything to drink he says" just to let you know we're out of fried chicken" I paused and had this blank look on my face and thought to my self "did look like I wanted to order fried chicken" so I just didn't reply to and ordered a glass of wine. I would hope that the restaurant wasn't brainwashed to think that all their african american patrons lusted after fried chicken, because you know we were the only ones in there, so that would tell you that all the other non african american patrons ate all your fried chicken. Other than that my food which consisted of fried oysters Rockefeller and for the first time ever fried green tomatoes were very tasty.
(3)
Kimberly C.
This place has a very decent menu of southern comfort food, a bar with televisions for the sports- needy, and a quaint outdoor patio with a nice view of the street, which is well groomed. I really had no complaints and would definitely eat here again to determine what on the menu is on target and what is not. Maybe next time I will try the brunch.
(4)
Brian K.
The vibe was laid back and cool - I can't rate the food (we went for late night drinks). so this rating is just for drinks and ambiance...
(4)
Becky M.
Hands down favorite place in Old Town. Great atmosphere, great happy hours, and I've never ordered anything from the menu that I didn't love!
(5)
Monique R.
I am so mad that I just found out about this place this summer! I live ten minutes away and have passed it several times without playing it any mind. I thought I was just another typical sports bar. A friend, who is a regular here, introduced me to this place a few months ago. I was expecting greasy bar food. The menu has a Southern theme. I saw the jambalaya cheesesteak on the menu and I had to try it! It is amazing! Most recently, I tried the jalapeño honey pulled chicken sandwich, it was also delicious! I've only ever sat bellied up the bar. The bartenders are always friendly and there is a large section of drinks. The kitchen stays open until 1am, which makes it a perfect stop on the way home from a night out in Old Town. Oh, and the bathrooms are always really clean, even late at night!
(5)
Molly P.
Excellent crab and artichoke dip. The food was pretty good, I had the pulled pork and was satisfied.
(4)
Jen W.
Absolutely Amazing!! Food and service was excellent! Easy to find. My husband had a jambalaya cheesesteak, something we have never seen anywhere else! Fries were out of this world! I had a steak that was cooked perfectly although a tad bland, as well as the potatoes (a smidge of salt and it was perfect!). Overall, we would love to go there again!
(4)
Matthew L.
Decent food Boring menu They tried to pass off one IPA as another - I'm more offended that they didn't think i could tell the difference.
(2)
Rachel N.
Our new favorite place off the beaten path. We came across this gem when we wanted a place to watch football on a Saturday and have been back many times since! The wings, shrimp po' boy and bloody marys are my favorites! They also have really good chicken tenders with a light breading and a delicious BBQ ranch sauce! The bartenders are really attentive and nice! It gets really busy on the weekends so we get there early to get a table or seat at the bar. Great prices, food and service!
(5)
Paul C.
I give it 2 1/2 stars. My first visit was for lunch. Got Fried Chicken,mashed potatoes, gravy ,cole slaw and a bisquit. My death-row meal is southern fried chicken,so it's a very high bar. I was a bit disappointed, it was fried nicely with good spices but didn't wow me. It had an off taste(not so fresh maybe?) Potatoes and gravy were cold,slaw was average as was the bisquit. Good bar service and i plan to return, maybe for bisquits and gravy,meatloaf or pot roast, all favorites dishes of mine. 20yrs in business, they must be doing something good. I chalk it up to an off day.
(2)
Ziv B.
This place does southern right! I have had the meatloaf there as a form of comfort food and it is pretty good, not great. So I finally broke down and started ordering the southern dishes and they were even better. I had the oysters rockefeller and it was rich, tasty and very filling. I split a fried green tomatoes and it was good as well. The pulled chicken sandwich was tasty as well. The bread basket was outstanding, the cornbread was my fave but the biscuit was excellent as well and the pepper butter was outstanding. I also had the andouille and bean soup (special) which was excellent. The bloody marys with pickle were pretty decent as well. Waitress was very attentive and fun. All that for a party of three and it was just $70 before tip.
(4)
Retna P.
The food is delicious. We had the crab and country ham over sweet potatoes biscuits, the pot roast, the country friend steak, the sweet tea.
(5)
Renee J.
Brunch done right! My husband and I went around noon on a Saturday and were seated immediately. I did notice while ordering food the place did start to fill up quickly, so try to get here when they open if you don't want to wait. Brunch was delicious! I got the Pulled Pork Benedict and it was fantastic. Savory meat and excellent flavor, came on 2 biscuits with an egg and potatoes on the side. Hub got the fried chicken benedict and he was equally pleased. good cocktails too- I had the white peach sangria and I was feeeeelin good. Hub got the dill pickle bloody mary, which came with a huge shrimp, and he loved it. Service was excellent, and friendly, and affordable. Brunch for 2, with drinks, came to about $30. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Tye H.
We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Drunken Pot Roast and the steak covered with a crab topping. The food and the sides (collards, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes) were all good with portions large enough to share or take home leftovers. Nothing was so amazing that it blew us away, but we would definitely go again. This a good spot for down-home meal sorta feel. Good for groups. Service was good too.
(3)
Geoff O.
I would hardly call this legitimately Southern, but it's still good. Value-wise? Eh, not great, but it's manageable. Two entrees, water, and tip will still set you back around $40. If that seems egregious, go split a pizza next door at Faccia Luna for $18.
(3)
Art N.
Nice, homey non-pretentious bar/restaurant that serves some of the most unique food in the Alexandria area. Every time I come here I am amazed at all the different options on the menu and though there may be some misses, overall the quality and portions of food are good. There are varying brews on tap and by the bottle (they have my Devil's Backbone!) and the friendly, helpful staff will guide you through all the choices. Enough tv's to let you comfortably watch the games, though they look like some should be upgraded pretty soon. All in all a great neighborhood jewel and when I need a Southside fix it always seems to deliver.
(4)
N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Friendly competent service in a nice atmosphere. Homey feeling. The fried chicken dinner was over done. The gravy out of a can fit it well. The trout was OK but the vegetables were overdone. Average only on the best day.
This is one of the most amazing places to eat in the entire Washington DC area. Great southern food. If you are a lonely southern that missed your mom's food I suggest you find old town and 815 Southside right away. I discovered many years ago and the food has always been wonderful.
(5)
Bryce A.
I visited Southside 815 for happy hour on a Wednesday evening. It was really crowded, though the fact that it was July 3rd (aka, the day before a federal holiday) may have had something to do with it. The bar area was filled up so we ended up sitting on the dining side. The happy hour appetizer specials sounded really good, but you can only get them on the bar side so I ordered the daily special - chicken and waffles. With a sweet potato waffle base and thick sausage gravy on top, it wasn't your usual chicken and waffles. It was, however, very well done. The "sausage gravy" could have been more accurately described as ground sausage with some gravy on top and was fairly tasty. The chicken was crisp on the outside (despite being covered in gravy) and moist on the inside, and the sweet potato waffle was slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to stand up to the amount of food piled on top of it. It was $15 for chicken and waffles, but the portion size was very generous. In fact, it looked like a mini mountain on my plate, and the huge steak knife that it got served with was probably necessary in order to eat without making a gigantic mess. I was stuffed after getting about 2/3 of the way through - the addition of sausage gravy to the dish made it much more filling. On the way out we noticed a table that had ordered their sausage gravy on the side, which may be the way to go if you don't like massive amounts of gravy. I didn't end up trying a variety of dishes here, but based off of the chicken and waffles alone (and what I saw spying on tables while walking around), this is somewhere that I would be more than happy to come back to in order to try some more of the specials, the raw bar, and appetizers.
(4)
Madison F.
Service was awful, waiter had too many tables and was only able to check up on us 1 after I went inside and requester someone to bring me a water as for the good presentation was decent but food did not a have a ton of flavor.
(1)
anna c.
Went here with my mom today who lives within walking distance. Their menu seemed varied and I ordered the "Pecan Chicken Salad" off the lunch specials menu. The server was very kind and attentive. Good iced tea, and the salad was amazing! A little southern food goes a long way. Also served with a slice of corn bread which was delightful. My mom had the "Old Town Burger" and was very satisfied. This place has been around for ages. A cool neighborhood bar and grill, will be back for sure. Must try the raved- about Mac & cheese next!
(4)
Chrissy C.
I'm a regular here for at least 9 years now. Lol. However, I NEVER ate in the dining area. You'll pretty much see me at the bar watching tv and stuffing my face with buffalo wings... wearing my workout clothes. They have awesome buffalo wings, pork nachos, fried oysters for appetizers and meatloaf, fried chicken pasta... I am hooked on their fried chicken and waffles which is only served on Wednesdays. Great happy hour deals. They also have good brunch menu. They have a great special Bloody Mary that can be a meal on its own. The staff is great. The bartenders are very friendly. Lots of the regulars are sports fanatics. It's mainly a Pittsburg/Steelers bar but also supports the local Nationals, Redskins and Capitals teams. Lots of avid golfers come here too. It's a good cosmopolitan crowd. Its located off Washington street southern part of Old Town so its street parking. There's a parking garage behind the building at no charge.
(5)
Autumn G.
every time I come here I wonder- why do I come here? probably because I live across the street, they're kind enough to be open when every other place isn't, and there are a couple things on the menu that are fairly tasty. the mac and cheese is one. there is also a full bar... and the waitstaff are really nice, which isn't true of every spot in old town, not naming names. so, in conclusion, nothing to write home about, but they will have a table available on that random holiday or Monday morning when you want to eat brunch.
(3)
Crystal H.
I loved this place! This place is located in a very nice, well lit block in Alexandria and there was ample parking available. There is a nice outdoor seating area that would probably be perfect for nice Spring/Summer dining and people watching! But at night, there are nice white lights that light up the front entrance of the restaurant! Went there on a Saturday night around 5:30 ish and was seated right away! Upon entry there is a bar area where there were plenty of football games on! He loved that! You walk in and are greeted and seated! We were seated and right away and checked out the menu! The menu was a great variety of southern fare with pasta and sandwiches, po'boys, and even grill items! I usually stay away from Po'Boys unless I am in New Orleans! Going to school there and trying "New Orleans" style food outside of the N.O., has been a mistake in most instances! But we started with fried pickles and fried green tomatoes! I know, a lot of fried items, but I was looking at previous yelp reviews that say try the fried green tomatoes! First off, the pickles were very good! They were more wet than I have experienced at Hooters, which makes me believe they are from a jar! And they had a sweetness like bread and butter pickles. But they were very good! And so was the remoulade sauce! It was very good! The fried green tomatoes were good! Very thick cut though! But they were good! For an entree, I ordered the pot roast! It was delicious! The Beef was tender and the collard greens and mashed potatoes were awesome! Not a complaint in the world! However, my guy ordered the crab club sandwich, and it wasn't so good! However, they removed it from the bill and he ordered the ribs that were very good! All in all, the food was delicious and the service was great! I believe this place must be a little gem that people keep hidden because the place filled up pretty quickly. Its a wonderful place that I know I will be back to experience again!
(4)
Keith Z.
This review is only for brunch. Eaten here a few times. I've tried their different takes on eggs Benedict, all were delicious. Also have had the chicken fried steak which is just as delicious. Nice and crispy as well as being tender. The gravy has great flavor as well. What's brunch without a bloody Mary? They make 'em the way I like 'em, a bit on the spicy side. One of the bloody Mary's even comes with a big steamed shrimp as well as the usual garnishes. Look forward to coming here as often as possible.
(5)
Patrick J.
Great happy hour appetizers and drink specials. Try the 815 biscuits.
(4)
Sharon P.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants for a casual dining experience. The meals are a hearty and the menu features a lot of southern comfort foods. My favorite is the jalapeño honey pulled-chicken sandwich. It's a reliable establishment with a friendly wait staff. An added bonus is the outdoor seating that can accommodate dogs. Southside is definitely a local hotspot.
(4)
Robert M.
I lived behind Southside 815 for several years and a lot of the people in the neighborhood went there for food/drinks. In all the times I went to Southside, the service was never good. I went to the bar more than once and had to wait 10-15 minutes just to put in a drink order. I went to the restaurant side several times and on multiple occasions I was seated and then about 20 minutes would go by without hearing back from anyone. Two separate times I had waiters apologize and say "I'm sorry I forgot about you." On another occasion I was there with my girlfriend and we put in an appetizer order and the waiter asked if we'd like to go ahead and put in our entrees. We put in our orders and received our entrees after about 20 minutes. We asked about our appetizer and the waiter said he forgot. He offered to get us the appetizer we ordered and we said no thanks since our entrees were already on the table. The food is alright. It's nothing to write home about. I never had any significant problems with it. I think it's a bit overpriced. The nacho appetizer is $10 which I find absurd. I like that they have southern dishes that aren't on many menus in this area (fried pickles, fried green tomatoes) but again they aren't amazing. The place has real potential because it's got a great location and patio seating but the service is just awful. I was consistently treated poorly and the food is just alright. I would not recommend eating here.
(1)
Mandana Y.
Good southern food, decent prices, poor service. I hate saying that because I WANT to like this place. I really do. There is ample parking, they have a nice patio and the food is well made. The servers aren't that bad, but they're not that great either. But their hostesses are just um... not hospitable. That's a PC way to put it right? I called in the morning asking for a table of 8 on the patio. "We don't take reservations for the patio, and anyway, we couldn't fit that many people on the patio." "Well could you squeeze us? What if we were just 7, we're not sure if the 8th person is coming." "No, it wouldn't fit." "Well can we have a table inside by the window?" "What do you mean by the window? Like a booth and a table? That wouldn't work." Lady, seriously, what is up your butt? I've been here before, I sat by a window, with a table of 8. Stop taking out your personal issues on me. It turned out that all we had to do was say we were willing to be split into two tables side by side on the patio and we got to sit outside. Which I told them when we arrived for lunch two hours later. But why was it that I had to think of that? What exactly is your job Ms. Hostess? Especially when at 12:30 your restaurant is 1/5 full, you'd think you'd want to be as accommodating as possible to such a large party. That aside, the service is just slow. The food took half an hour to come out, even though most of us had salads. The bill took another 20 minutes to come, granted he was nice enough to do separate checks, but still, come on bud. I would never suggest this place for a work lunch. Maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch where you weren't in a rush to eat, or do anything else for the rest of the day? The staff here takes their sweet time, whether you want to or not.
(3)
Eric M.
Simply put. Went for Brunch. Food good. Portions big. Hot from kitchen. Bar is a bit slow to fill wait staff orders. Wait staff is stretched too thin leaving service lacking even in a partially full Resteraunt. Wait staff was friendly and accommodating when they did remember to come by the table of 7 patrons. Don't think they handle groups bigger than 4 very well. We will try another place who can handle a group better. This is a better place to take a date out to eat.
(3)
Brittany C.
My favorite Old Town restaurant by far. From their HH Specials, brunch, daily specials, super friendly bartenders & staff - it's the best.
(5)
Ms. G.
This was wonderful. I had the Cobb salad, husband had the jambalaya cheese steak, son and wife shared the ribs and Mac and cheese. Appetizers were fried green tomatoes, onion strings, and fried pickles. Everything was great. The service was wonderful even though the kitchen messed up a little, but it was all fixed so no complaints. Ask for Chris the waiter, he's awesome!
(5)
Jess S.
We liked this place. We took some friends that were in town for the weekend here for dinner and had a good time. We got ribs, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and a shrimp po'boy. The ribs were good--when they say fall of the bone, they mean it! Lots of sauce with a smoky taste, not too spicy. The chicken tenders were OK; they came with a remoulade sauce which was really good! And the mac & cheese was everyone's favorite, made with a few different cheeses and baked until bubbling. Would be cool to go during football season and watch a couple games at the bar, and the outside seating was also quite nice. We live in Old Town and will come again. One tip: be prepared to sink into the booth cushions...and not in a good way. Better off in the wooden chairs in this case.
(4)
Don Q.
Went to Southside 815 for the first time this weekend. I liked the place The food was good The service was attentive Outdoor seating was limited but we got a table. We sat outside, but got to see the great looking bar they have. I will be back!
(4)
Steve R.
This place is a good neighborhood bar. Beer is good. Food is good. Ambience is good. Service is generally good with the exception of one bartender.
(2)
Cassandra B.
Since I have family members that can actually cook southern food, I find it difficult to enjoy most southern restaurants. The cornbread was decent and the mashed potatoes were flavorful. Unfortunately, the chicken fried steak tasted odd. 'Odd' is the best way I can describe it. The steak was very overcooked and the gravy was marginal. The atmosphere is nice and our waiter was great. My friends have raved about the fried chicken but I won't be going back to find out.
(2)
Mike R.
This is another old standby in the neighborhood. It's a pretty long walk which means we only go when we're really in the mood. The food here is southern in flavor and size. You get a lot of fried options and a lot of huge plates. Every time we go we have to start with the pulled pork nachos...they are reason enough to come here. The nachos are pretty good without the pork, but the pork takes it to another level. If you are turned off by plates swimming in grease then this isn't the dish for you, but you would really be missing out. Don't get me wrong, I always hate myself after eating these, especially when I can't finish my meal, but they are a must. As for the mains, I usually stick to the sandwiches. The dixie chicken is good, as are the po boys. I've also had the blackened chicken pasta, chicken fried steak (they are southern so you know you have to try chicken fried something), and others. The bread basket is also great with biscuits, sweet potato rolls, and cornbread, but honestly who has room for more carbs. This place used to be real smoky with the neighborhood bar portion usually packed and ventilation not the greatest, but the smoking ban has cleared that up. The bottom line...I always leave happy and sad at the same time. The food is good, but I always feel like I shouldn't eat for a day or 2 afterward. Which is why we limit our visits to once every 6 months or so.
(3)
Tim M.
Let me start off with saying that I have been here a lot, and less frequently in the past couple years only because it used to be so smokey, now that the smoke it gone, the rif raf still isn't gone from the bar. Onto the food, its good, its nothing to write home about, but it tastes pretty good. I have had the bbq sandwiches and they were very good for bbq in this area. I have also had the shrimp and grits and it was very similar to the shrimp and grits in charleston, not as good, but close enough. I have also had their mahi mahi dishes and they were decent. The prices are good for a casual dinner and its a good neighborhood restaurant, but if you are looking for a bar for talent, look elsewhere, this is the old Alexandria type patrons.
(3)
Marina F.
A real disappointing experience. On our short trip to DC we wanted to experience some good southern food but instead we left Southside 815 knowing that there was better in NY. We ordered the pimento cheese fritters as appetizer. Though they were fried crispy and beautifully the inside was sickeningly sweet and I'm pretty sure that was velveeta. A golf ball sized ball of fried velveeta I kid you not! My friends ordered the Low Country Shrimp and Sausage which was supposed to come with cheesy grits but instead it was a bowlful of soupy velveeta cheese again. We couldn't find any grits on the plate. Both plates were sent back. One friend ordered the Charleston chicken which she claimed was "fine" but barely ate any of it and my other friend ordered the Gumbo instead. I tasted some of it and the gravy was canned and the shrimp were rubbery. I ordered the steak with bacon blue cheese butter - it was cooked to order but the meat was very tough and the butter had a grainy texture, I scooped as much off as I could. I ordered the maque choux as a side and it was a bowl full of raw bell peppers, I couldn't find any corn in it. Even more disappointing than the food was the service. The waiter seemed upset that we were sending food back but did not ask us what was wrong with the food. You'd think they'd want to know why 2 plates are going back to the kitchen. No manager came to visit us. They comped part of our meal which is why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1, but that gesture was not enough to make us visit this restaurant again on our frequent visits to DC. The atmosphere was very loud. Part of the restaurant is also a bar and it's not a good idea to go there on a night when there's an important game on. The screaming was deafening, definitely not suited for a group who wants to enjoy conversation.
(2)
Megan K.
We love the bar (we go a couple of times a month and they know our names), great place to watch football, and their brunch is amazing. And free garage parking in Alexandria! That is hard to beat :)
(4)
Dustin T.
I always go for the fried pickles. They are amazing. Everytime I take someone here for the pickles, they get hooked. Their crawfish poboy is good. Whenever they have BBQ salmon with macque chou as a special I get it; it is divine. Their brunch menu is great; the southern Benedict with cornbread is sinful. Their fried chicken, however, is just ok. Not sure why it's not better. Their Mac and cheese side dish is a meal unto itself. The prices are good, the service usually great and the food is excellent!
(4)
Bryan A.
I was first introduced to Southside 815 a few years ago, and it instantly became one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The atmosphere is inviting and unpretentious, the service is typically fast and friendly, and the food is delicious and well-priced. As others have said, you absolutely have to start off with the breadbasket. It comes with homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, and homemade apple butter and pepper jelly, all for under $2. With regards to appetizers, the fried green tomatoes are also incredibly well-done, as are the 815 Biscuits. Favorite entrees include the Chesapeake strip steak, the pecan chicken breast, chicken fried steak, meatloaf (though I usually ask for brown gravy instead of the tomato gravy that usually accompanies it, out of personal preference), and, of course, the fried chicken. With regards to sides, I typically stick to the mashed potatoes, the absolutely to-die-for mac and cheese, and the greens. On the down side, I have been underwhelmed in the past with the drunken pot roast -- it wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything spectacular -- and I also really dislike the stewed green beans, so I usually avoid them at all costs.
(4)
Kristy B.
As a Southern girl, I had high expectations for Southside 815. Sadly, I believe I set the bar too high. As positives, the location and atmosphere was great. The residual smoke that previous reviews mentioned was not noticeable. Our table of six had plenty of room and a great view of the outside dinners and passersby on a beautiful Friday evening. To start, our table ordered several appetizers to share - fried green tomatoes, fried southern pickles, 815 biscuits and the bread basket. The 815 biscuits were the best item ordered of the evening and the sweet potato biscuits were great. But...thus ends the real highlights of the meal. The batter on the tomatoes was way too thick and they were cooked to a very dark brown. The remoulade sauce had far too much horseradish to render it worthy of using. The pickles were bread and butter, versus the usual dill found in southern diners, and were covered in the same dark batter making them tasteless. For entrees we had shrimp and grits, pecan crusted chicken, chicken fried steak , jambalaya and blackened catfish. We were going for a well rounded sampling. The shrimp and grits was mainly shrimp and cream, you had to dig around to find the grits underneath. This was the first time I had ever seen blackened catfish come soggy. Not sure if it was inexperience in blackening technique to get an appropriate crust, or plating them next to the soggy collard greens. Perhaps both. The pecan crusted chicken was passable, although there were so many pecans a huge pile was left on the plate after eating. The major foul play of the meal was the chicken fried steak, a true travesty. Hard pressed to say if the steak was cooked in bad oil, the meat was past its prime, or the horrible dark batter struck again however, it tasted of old dish water. Needless to say, this was returned uneaten. The sides were...eh....not even as good as some you can by canned. And certainly unlike any you would find in the South. Unfortunately, I do not think we will be returning to 815 anytime soon for Southern meals. I will probably just make them myself as a great excuse to entertain my wonderful friends. I am left to wonder if true Southerners assisted with the menu, or if the owners have eaten this food South of Fredericksburg.
(2)
Adam R.
Away from the mess of King Street, Southside is a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and eat some awesome food. Much more laid-back than a lot of the places in Old Town, but still friendly, professional, and courteous. This is my default choice when I want hit the bar for a casual evening.
(4)
Dave L.
Great atmosphere, great beer and very good food. I really enjoyed the place and can recommend for everything from a date to the guys grabbing a beer.
(4)
Lance D.
Southside 815 is the go to bar for all thing sports! The food is great, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is amazing. I haven't been on the restaurant side but all of the bartenders are definitely people friendly and insist on knowing you on a first name basis. I have yet to see an unsatisfied customer. They have some of the best happy hour prices around and during NFL games it gets even better with 35 cent wings and half price burgers to name a few! You should without a doubt make this a destination on any day! I love this place!
(5)
Weina F.
We got two appetizers: blackened shrimp and fried green tomato. No complaints, both are very tasty, the shrimp is marinated in really good cajun sauce, and smoked/grilled to perfection and were complemented by a bed of noodle pancake. The fried tomato is very crisy outside and soft to the right touch for the inside. The brunch entrees were okay. Jason got Southern benedict which has cornbread instead of the muffins, it was really tasteless, the hollandaise sauce supposed to be spicy, but I cant taste anything out of it. My Blackened Chicken omelette was just okay, I had to put lots of hot sauce on it because it was tasteless again. The chicken was cajun-ed, but the combined omelette just couldn't survive on just the taste of Chicken.
(3)
Jessica M.
I love this place. It's a great neighborhood spot - I just *wish* I could walk/stumble to and from here a little bit better (the darkness of the GW Parkway probably makes that unsafe.) Anyway - the bar is always hopping - happy hour, game days, or otherwise. The last time I was there and waiting for friends to arrive - I managed to squeeze onto a stool of my own - only to have the bartender shake my hand and introduce himself. He seemed to know the "regulars" and their drinks of choice. Did I mention -- this was a random Tuesday night? The food is good bar food. I'm not a southerner - nor will I ever claim to be - so I will not debate the issue of authentic southern food. However - I do find their food to be good. I think their pulled pork / chicken entrees as well as their fried chicken are good bets. The ribs look delicious (though I've never tried them) - and all are reasonable priced. However - my favorite dish - hands down - is the Dixie Chicken Breast Sandwich (complete with fried green tomato and bacon.) Outrageous. Wednesdays are half-priced raw bar - I could easily down a few dozen oysters / clams / mussels - this is not Hank's quality - but isn't going to get you sick either. The only downside I could possible mention is that the bar tends to reek of smoke - the dining area stays pretty pleasant - but it is what it is. Great place, good prices, and I'd love to make it my local watering hole. *side note: brunch is decent too. went on mother's day - TOTALLY kid friendly and we didn't even have reservations. bonus.
It is one of the hidden neighborhood gems in Alexandria. Great southern food at reasonable prices. It reminded me of home cooked food from back home in Atlanta. My gf and I got great service from a waitress also. The bar was a little too noisy and smoky so it was not the best atmosphere for us trying to have a romantic dinner. Just a comfy casual restaurant that was a walking distance from my apt. Two thumbs up. :)
(4)
Anne I.
Really yummy comfort foods. Great service (Thanks, Donn). Serving size waaaayyyy too much food. But, we got leftovers so it was great!
(4)
Danielle T.
Casual, low key spot with a nice patio for outdoor dining. The food is very heavy, but that's what people go here for. Definitely order the bread basket which comes with delicous homemade jams. All of our entrees have been good and service is the same, even on busy nights.
(4)
Shawnie B.
Picture it Alexandria, 2008. There are remnants of heavy drinking as I sluggishly and methodically crawl out of bed. The only thought that has room to form amongst the pounding rhythm in my head, is food. My body is craving greasy, brunchy, deliciousness. Of course my first inclination is to go to my favorite spot for that weekend favorite spot for the meal that means, at least for me, I missed breakfast, but still want something that has eggs and bacon . . .Bilbo Baggins (read review). I must have killed the brain cells that are used for critical judgment at DC's Fox and Hound with the Johnnie Walker and Ginger ale's that I had consumed en mass the night before; but I decided that I wanted to try something different. So . . .I searched for places that advertised brunch that I had not yet tried. I decided to try South Side 815. WHAT A MISTAKE! First off their website is a LIE. Posted are promises of a down home southern brunch complete with Waffles. Upon arriving, I opened my menu only to find that the food lacked the waffles that they had boasted on the site. STRIKE 1 Secondly, the waiter was standoffish. He did not make any effort to be anything other than an order taker and when I asked him a question about the Crab and Ham Biscuit gravy it seemed as though I had asked if it were possible to kill his dog while asking his daughter to watch.* This dish sounded different I decided to try it. My plate arrived it was cold and had that little film that gravy and syrup gets on it when it has been sitting out too long. Even if it had been warm the taste was sub par, it tasted like a cheap buffet where the food had been sitting around for hours. STRIKE 2 The final and most blowing STRIKE was that the waiter forgot my side of bacon. Yes I ordered a side of bacon, don't judge me . . .*hangs head in shame* I have no idea why I don't weigh 300 lbs. Anyway, after I asked the waiter I had fully finished the rest of my breakfast before I received my side of bacon, but I still ate every bite. The only bright point of the entire experience was a lady with an awesome red hat. Her entire ensemble was quite striking and amazing!! Moral of the Story . . . Don't try something new the day after Drinking heavily. But Most importantly . . .Ladies you should wear more hats, they are pretty and I like them. *Please note I have no idea if the waiter has a dog or a daughter.
(1)
Victoria A.
I was here on a friday night with a group of 12 for Alexandria restaurant week. Fabulous 2 for $35 dinner special. I had the ribeye steak, which was delicious and came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, brought 1/2 home. Appetizers and desserts were large and good. Friendly, efficient service. Fun, casual atmosphere in bar, with TVs tuned to sporting events.
(4)
Steven R.
We stumbled upon this restaurant when searching Yelp for a spot for lunch. Excellent!!
(5)
Rachid C.
We have been there twice so far and plan to go again for more. I've tried the the orchard pork chops, jambalaya cheesesteak, and French Quarter hot wings. The pork chops blew me away, actually. They were quite tender and juicy, and on par with--if not better than--the ones you get at Restaurant 3. The mashed potatoes were good, but the stewed green beans were just so-so. They probably could have been stewed a bit longer. We started with the French Quarter wings, which were also tasty. They weren't anything special, as the name might suggest, but simple and to the point. On our second visit, I tried the jambalaya cheesesteak, which came with French fries. The cheesesteak had chicken, shrimp and andouille in it. I thought it was great, but could have been a bit spicier for me. The sub roll it came on was perfect, too--not your standard flimsy Philly roll, but a much heartier one able to withstand all the bulk it carries within. The fries, as others pointed out, were some of the best I've had. The prices were very reasonable, the drinks selection wide, and the wait staff friendly. We had the same server twice and he was chatty (but not over the top), quick, and accommodating on both occasions. I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other items on the menu, such as the pulled pork and chicken. I had a taste of the mac and cheese--a meal in itself--and I plan on having my own plate of it soon.
(4)
Rob R.
3.5 Stars. Whenever I feel like having some southern comfort food, or if my arteries just need a little abuse, S815 is the place to go. Everything I've had on the menu has been pretty good. The service is always friendly. This place may actually deserve 4 stars, if not for the fact that I go into a mini food coma afterwards! It's not the kind of place that you would eat at all the time. It's just good for a visit every now and again.... Recommend.
(3)
Nic M.
So, the place can be anywhere from a bit loud to very loud, and it can be crowded during some sporting events, but it's a pub/bar more than a restaurant, so it should be approached as such. On that front they carry a couple local beers, and have a good variety of interesting nonlocal taps. Now that the slightly negative comment is out of the way, the service has always been prompt and efficient and the food is consistently good. - They make a good pork bbq sandwich, but the french fries are nothing special. - The pecan crusted chicken comes with a good pepper jam/relish. - The sweet potato biscuits as part of the bread basket are very good - actually this whole appetizer is excellent - the jams that are provided with it taste great as well. - However the same biscuits topped with crab meat and gravy taste as overkill as it sounds and are a bit salty. It's a good comfort food kind of place. It's casual, consistent, and offers good food and good service.
(4)
Judy N.
We ate here Friday night - what a find! I had the stuffed pork loin, my husband had the smothered hangar steak - they were both better than we've had in a while. When you walk in you enter the bar area and I could smell the smoke before I even opened the inner door. Fortunately, the dining room has an incredible filter/air system to keep the smoke in the bar and out of the dining room. We'll definitely go back.
(4)
Katie F.
I went here last night for a friends birthday. The service was great, our waitress was delightful. She even brought out a brownie sundae on the house, without any of us telling her it was my friends birthday. Food....yum....southern food....double yum.... I ordered the special of the night the Southern Fried Chicken. It was very crispy, which is just how I like it. The mashed potatoes that came with it where SO good--almost as good as I make them at home. The rainbow trout also got rave reviews at our table, as well as the mac and cheese. A veggie friend who was among us was relegated to side dishes, as the vegetable plate was "cooked in country ham", but at least it was denoted on the menu. She was not upset though with her side salad and mac and cheese. They had just painted the place the day before--so it looks nice and clean too. And I had gotten a beer at the bar before the rest of my party arrived, and the bartender was awesome at remembering names.
(4)
Rachel Z.
I've had three meals there and more drinks than I care to count. Brunch is good but nothing to write home about. Have the bread basket for sure. Apple butter? Sweet potato biscuits? Done and done. I can't remember any of the entrees I ate, but that means that they're just entirely middle-of-the-road, neither amazing nor gag-inducing. Their burgers are good, and I'll venture to say great during happy hour when they're half-priced. I always enjoy their fries, as well. Oh the drinks. Southside is a block away from my house. I may go to King Street if a friend is visiting form out of town or something, but if it's just me and my man then we go to Southside. I think my rail drink is $4.75 (not 100% on that number) and for whatever reason I hate that you get back a quarter if you're paying cash for each drink. I always feel obligated to leave the quarter with the dollar I leave for a tip. I could see a sane person saying "Rachel Z., just leave a dollar, pocket the quarter, and on the fifth drink you don't have to leave a dollar at all, just quarters." Well, friendly yelper, I don't talk to strangers. And I don't think logically when I drink. And I always think that I'm going to stop after two drinks, and I don't want my quarters rolling around in my purse. Of course I don't stop after two drinks so I spend an extra $2. That was just an amazing amount of words for $2. Lesson learned: I'll start a tab.
(3)
Tamieka M.
I had been to this place a few times before for lunch, so I knew the food was pretty solid. I also knew the hostesses or whoever answers the phone are usually unpleasant and unaccomodating. Their "about us" section of their website says: "Southside's lively atmosphere is perfect for any occasion- a special dinner for two, a quick dinner before a night at the theater, anniversaries, birthdays, office gatherings, or just a night out with family or friends." This is just false. Its awful for office gatherings like lunch because the service is slow and you cannot get out of there in an hour no matter how hard you try. It is also not good for anniversaries, because anniversary celebrations usually only consist of two people and they only accept reservations for large parties. But like I said, the food is solid. The mac and cheese is good, its not as good as Cheestique's, but its good. Everything I've ever had there has been good and flavorful minus the pecan crusted chicken, which is pretty bland.
(3)
Susan J.
Went here for happy hour on a Thursday night at 530pm with 7 other people. Sat around a little bit before realizing that you have you order from the bartender even though you are at a table. Beer on tap ranged from $2.50 to $3.00. Hubby ordered the Shock Top for $2.75 and a half priced Virginia burger with fries for around $4. I got the 3 mini bbq pork sandwiches for $1, 6 wings for 35 cents each and a rail rum and dt for $3. Those bbq pork sandwiches...more like pretty decent shredded pork bbq on yummilicious biscuits (not sure if these were the sweet potato biscuits, but they are really really really good). I had to give a sandwich away and couldn't finish up all the wings. Wings, they were decent hot wings, no celery sticks with them. Fries were battered and very tasty and hubby said the burger was pretty good too (made to order and can choose how you want it cooked). We got the food pretty quickly...service is mediocre but by 7-8pm, there were a few more bartenders to handle the crowd. Definitely not a meat market here if you're trying to meet people in your 20s/30s. The bar was stacked with older guys with a few cougars/lionesses in the hunt. We stayed there until 845pm and had a $17 bill. Not bad for a fun/cheap happy hour south of Old Town with great friends!
(4)
Cara R.
I have been to Southside four times now & will not be back. The food is very inconsistent. Twice I have been there and the food was fantastic. Twice I have been there and the food was terrible. I have ordered the same dish three different times - the Low Country Shrimp and Grits- once delicious - twice overcooked. Very disappointing.
(2)
Steve G.
We live nearby and saw some promising reviews on Yelp so have tried it a few times. My vote is better for lunch/ sandwiches than dinner. I tried the fried chicken everyone raved about and it was ok but doesn't get a rave from me. Also tried the meatloaf which was fair and the sauce had a taste I did not recognize. I'd order it again but sauce on the side. On the other hand several sandwiches we have tried have been excellent.
(3)
Michelle B.
My husband and I were looking for a good happy and were pleasantly surprised when we found Southside 815. When we got there around 6 the bar was packed. Great happy hour specials on both food and drinks. There was outside seating as well as a nice size dining room. We plan to take our in-laws there the next time they are in town. The only thing that kept this restaurant from a five star was the wait staff. The bartender that took our order and waiter that brought our food out were both stand-offish. No small talk, just "what can I get you?" end of conversation. We are not going to let that stop us from going back to future happy hours.
(4)
Kevin E.
815 is a total diamond in the rough in Old Town! It is a neighborhood place with character and gets steady business from loyal customers. About 60% of the space is devoted to the bar area vs 40% separate dining area. The full menu is served in either area and is overall amazingly good! The menu consists of all southern dishes, the prices are inexpensive and there are plenty of cheap daily specials on food and happy hour drinks. It's also a great brunch spot on weekends and is a good place to watch a game.
(5)
Tim H.
Had been once before for dinner, but went back for a happy hour that I had heard good things about. They were right. $1.50 for 4 mini oyster po-boys, $1.50 for 3 mini pulled pork sandwiches, $.35 wings, and $1.50 for nachos. I tried all of them and they were all awesome! The po-boys and pulled pork sandwiches are served on rolls which, although a bit dense, were very tasty. The remoulade sauce for the po-boys reminded me of the remoulade you'd get in New Orleans. The wings were very good, but not spicy enough. The nachos, covered in pulled pork, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings were the best of the lot. And to top it all off, they had a really good, cheap, beer selection, draft and bottles. Highly recommended for a regular happy hour spot.
(4)
Marissa C.
I always request for outdoor seating here and never had a problem since space is very limited. I cannot resist the fried oysters on mash potato and fried green tomatos! If you have a sweet tooth, better not leave w/ out trying their pineapple upside down cake. yum!
(4)
Will C.
Great local restaurant, the food is excellent no matter what you order and the bar is fantastic. They have great Happy Hour specials and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place to go to eat or just to hang out in the bar.
(4)
M T.
Service is average... but their food is great. We've always enjoyed dining here... even our children love it. They always ask to go back. A few of our personal favorite are the New Orleans BBQ shrimp and Boardinghouse Breadbasket and Jambalya... but everything there is pretty great.
(4)
J B.
Love the atmosphere and the food is GREAT!! You definitely get the bang for your buck here. We had fried green tomatoes, wings, macaroni and cheese and the other traditional southern fare. I pass by this restaurant every evening going home and can't believe it never dawned on me to stop!! That mistake won't happen again. GREAT service, RELAXED atmosphere, and enough food for the next day at a DECENT price. We loved it.
(5)
Some D.
Fatty but little flavor. 3 stars because the service is great!
(3)
Jenna G.
I have eaten here twice for lunch on a weekday. My boss loves this place as they allow cigars and the barstaff know him and are quick to get him his drinks. I have never been here when it was crowded but the bar area seemed rather big and had large tables. I had a burger the first time and a chicken sandwich the second time. Nothing too special about either of the plates but definitely not bad. Just your typical bar food as far as I could tell. My husband just came here for a work lunch, and judging by his comments, I am sure we will be going there again soon!
(3)
Joan H.
After living in Old Town Alexamdria for the past 8 years we finally decided to try this restaurant on a Monday night for dinner. We had the po boys specials and it was quite good along with decent service, Made the mistake for returning back tonight for dinner. Service was horrible and my fried chcken dinner special was way over fried. Waited for our dinners for an exoribantly long time while people that were seated after us got their dinners in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Did ask to speak to the manager you while apolozing for the time problems didn't offer to comp us for any part of the meal or offer us an incentive to return to the restaurant in the future. Needless to say we won't be coming back. There are too many restaurants in Alexandria to have to put up with this,
(1)
Yumi W.
Nice Local hang out to watch your favorite sports..no tourist! Super slow service almost like self service! Food is loaded but good bar food. Go get your own menu, drinks and place an order yourself just don't count on any service because there's none. NO SERVICE GOOD LOCATION!
(4)
Marivic L.
I've been here quite a few times and have tried a variety of items. My fave is the vegetable plate. Their cheese grits, greens, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and corn bread are fab. You know, all the healthy stuff. I'll definitely be back again and again.
(3)
Natasha S.
Good place to go, especially for locals. Had a waitress named Jennifer who was amazing and the best service I've ever had. Food isn't out of this world but its good. I go back fairly regularly.
(4)
Meg R.
My husband and I frequent Southside at least 2-3 times a month. Wonderful brunch, best Bloody Mary's! I'm pretty sure every time we go, we order something new, we've tasted much of the menu and we were not disappointed in the least. Best deal is the 1/2 price po'boys on Mondays. Bartenders and wait staff are always super nice and fast! We love Southside!
(5)
Brianne C.
How can such a simple evening trigger such conflicting emotions? With mounds of pulled pork, fresh melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos clinging to a platter of tortilla chips on the bar, and a strong John Daly gleefully tempting me from a formidable tumbler, I knew that Southside 815 wanted me to have a boisterous evening. Our lovely bartender Troy was professional, insightful, and interesting, and I enjoyed speaking with him about bicycling and local business. But even as I indulged my companions and belted out the chorus to a number of songs while wearing cutoffs and a tank top, I inwardly cringed at the level of tackiness while still contemplating a return visit to sample the other menu options. Conflicting emotions, indeed.
(3)
Wells W.
Other reviewers have already hit it on the head with this spot. It's fantastic. Don't miss the half price burgers at happy hour - they are the reason my wife and I frequent Southside. And the Mac n'Cheese is as previously stated a highlight you shouldn't miss. The staff is very nice and they have some great draft beer selections. Parking is very easy with the new garage located just behind Southside.
(4)
Barrie C.
I grew up in southern Virginia and Texas. I lived in Alabama for almost four years as an adult. I know what Southern food should be. Having established my credentials, let me say that the Southern food at Southside 815 was average at best. I ordered chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. The chicken fried steak was forgettable. The meat was tough, and the fried batter had very little taste. The mashed potatoes were pretty good, but the green beans were not. Southern green beans need to be cooked in butter and bacon for hours so that they're mushy, rich, and incredibly unhealthy. Unfortunately Southside's green beans were tasteless. Where's the butter and the bacon? Not only was the food not that great, but we were treated somewhat rudely. Last night was a big football night. NFL preseason's last games were played last night (including the best team of all time, the Washington Redskins), and college football had its first big night, with LSU and Louisville playing their first games. So some friends and I went to Southside with the intention of watching football because to their credit they have a bunch of TV's there, and we staked out a prime table right in front of a bank of TV's at the front of the bar. However, halfway into our night, just after we had finished our food, a waiter came up to us and said we had to move to make room for karaoke? WTF? Karaoke? Seriously? So he moves our table to a spot not too far away, but right in the middle of a central thoroughfare of the bar. In our new spot we were constantly getting jostled by patrons and waiters, one person in our party had to be pinned against the corner so we could all sit down, and we couldn't see any of the games because they were either too far away or obstructed by people. And the waiter who did this was not nice, was not apologetic, and acted like we had trespassed on his land by being at that table. I was ready to throw down Bruce Banner-style on him, but I refrained in the name of public decency. So then this old guy takes his sweet time setting up the karaoke, and then once he has it all set up, he starts it up. But nobody was participating because they were all watching football, so to encourage people to get into it, the old man starts singing himself. So we're sitting there trying to see our football games from across the bar and having some conversation, but we're drowned out by the horrible, shudder-inducing wails of this guy. My ears started to bleed. Damn, all we wanted to do was watch some football, drink, and have some good conversation, but instead we got kicked into the corner and subjected to some awful vocals. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not busting on the idea of karaoke. I won't admit to it in public around attractive women, but I won't deny that there have been allegations that some friends and I may have belted out horrible versions of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and thoroughly enjoyed it, but does Southside plan to have karaoke all football season? If Thursdays are karaoke nights, then are they going to have karaoke next Thursday night for the opening regular season NFL game, New Orleans vs. Indianapolis, which promises to be a huge game? If so, I sure as hell won't be there. And if you're a football fan, neither should you.
(2)
Brian C.
Wound up going here twice over the long weekend. The first time was for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant and bar were both crowded, but we only had a 15 minute wait for a table for 3. On a Friday night, that's not bad at all. The staff is friendly, even if not overly attentive. There was a pitcher of water on the sideboard near me, so I took the liberty of refilling my own glass a few times. We started with the bread basket, which was delicious. The biscuits and cornbread were both tasty, and I never thought I'd be a fan of pepper jelly, but it was really good at Southside. Sweet with a kick. The first time I went, I had the jalapeno honey pulled chicken, which I thought was a little dry, but my friends had a taste and really liked it. The Big Noodles is not your typical mac and cheese, but very good in it's own way. It had more Italian flavoring that I expected, but I enjoyed it. For dessert we split the peach pound cake, and a slice of key lime pie. I was not a fan of the pound cake, but again, my friends enjoyed it. I did find the key lime pie to be delicious though. When I went later in the weekend for lunch I ordered the roast beef sandwich which was overflowing with meat, the way a good sandwich ought to! It was flavorful, and moist, and I almost couldn't finish it all. Almost. I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Damian K.
This review is only about the bar, not the restaurant. The servers are fantastic, and will know your name (and your drink of choice) even if you have only been there a couple of times. The Happy Hour bar menu consists of mini-nachos ($1), mini pulled pork sandwiches on biscuits (3 for $1), mini oyster po'boy ($1.50) and hot wings for 20-25 cents each (I think). I only drink microbrews (Bells Two Hearted/Sierra Nevada etc.,) so I'm not up on the cheap rail drinks, although I did hear that they were going for $3 during HH.
(5)
Brett M.
Pretty good food. Been here several times and have tried most of the lunch items. Love their pulled pork sandwich.
(3)
Ethan L.
Great food. Fresh, prepared from scratch and it shows. Love this place...
(5)
Tony M.
I've been to Southside many times in the 4 years I've lived in the area and never had a bad meal. Yet again, here is another place that doesn't get any credit from the previous reviewers for having AMAZING chicken wings. Western New Yorkers, this is the closest you will get to authentic Buffalo hot wings. Every weekday from 4-7 and Sundays during football season they have specials on the wings. The nachos are great too, but make sure you order the chicken nachos. I'm not a fan of the pork nachos. I haven't gotten to everything on the menu yet, but I'm working on it. The Po' Boys are great. They also have some great bartenders. These are the type of bartenders that once you've ordered a couple of beers, they spot you coming from a few feet away and by the time you reach the bar they have your beer ready for you. Only negative is happy hour gets crowded sometimes. I've had to eat wings standing up before. Get there early if your only plan is to eat.
(5)
Kevin v.
Arguably the best and friendliest local establishment in old town. Great staff!!!
(4)
Becca S.
Most everything on the menu is pretty good. Love the fried oysters rockefeller, the dixie chicken sandwich is phenomenal. Excellent service as well.
(4)
M D.
The service was great for a busy Friday night...I had th pulled chicken jalapeño sandwich with grits..it was just ok...nothing to write home about..l.had the pimento fritters app..WAAAYYYYY too much gooey cheese...yuck....our server was nice enough to remove them for us...hubby had chicken Caesar salad...said that was pretty good..l might try again and order something different but I'm only giving two stars because our server was really sweet and attentive..wish I remembered her name!
(2)
Karis K.
Great neighborhood bar...food is good, the servers and bartenders are great and the bar area is a great place to hang out.
(4)
Angela L.
On a Monday night, my husband was craving fried chicken. After an extensive Yelp search, he found Soutside 815 and their Monday fried chicken special. I, on the other hand, decided on a shrimp po boy and a side of mac n cheese. Boy, did I over order. The po boy was HUGE with perfectly crispy shrimp and fries on the side. We live right around the corner so this place is dangerously within walking distance!
(4)
Douglas K.
It is what you'd expect it to be. I didn't try their full menu, only hung out at the bar for snack and beer. It wasn't smoky, but people were smoking so keep that in mind. Wednesday is steamed seafood special: ~$5-6 for a snack plate of oysters (half-shell), clams or shrimp (steamed), etc. two of which should do you nicely. Beer selection was pretty good by Old Town Alexandria standards--about 8-10 on tap--a little something for everyone. Dogfish 60min=$5; PBR=$3. Had a nice pub feel and parking was no problem on a week night. I'd recommend it to those wanting to watch a game and have a pint after work.
(4)
Lucy L.
Dark, dank, dusty all come to mind.... Let me preface by saying I don't think Southern cuisine is my thing. Too many years of saying no to butter, cream, lard, and carbs I guess. The guilt caused by this place was overwhelming. The fried pickles (something I absolutely love) were just gross. I struggled to even taste pickle, they were more like fried bits of nothing and strangely reminiscent of those weird little fried crumbs you get at Long John Silver (also gross). The menu sounded amazing, it appeared as though you couldn't make a wrong choice. I went with the Low Country Shortcake which was recommended on some sites I came across. It was beyond gross. Chunks of chicken, goopy oysters, soupy sweet potatoes stuffed between layers of dry cornbread on a bed of butter beans of all things. Still not convinced? All this was drowning in a flood of white, tasteless gravy. My husband was excited to take a trip back to his Texan roots with the Chicken Fried Steak (which is why I chose this place). He said it was decent which is why I gave this place 2 stars. Overall, total disappointment. Unless you have a severe craving for low country cuisine, don't go. There are too many better options in this area.
(2)
Michelle B.
Stopped by this ol' neighborhood Low Country cuisine joint for an early lunch (11:30 a.m.) The bar was already smoky and half-full of old timers, hard timers and done timers. Unfortunately, it's just a bit too nippy for the patio to be open. We sat in the dining room which filled quickly for lunch. It was a bit of an older crowd; not like the crowd you see in the summer's outside on the patio. The service was fine, the food was average (the piece of corn bread was the highlight). I woudn't go out of my way to get here, but it's an option if you're in Old Town/Del Ray and don't want to wander too far from home. I have heard their Po' Boys and burgers are very good, but haven't tried them.
(3)
Lisa B.
I went for brunch this past Sunday and I gotta say, I was impressed. I'm not talking about the food though it was quite good. My dining companion (boyfriend's sister) knew EVERYONE there, from the hostess to the waiters to the busboys and of course, the bartenders. This is one of her favorite hangouts in the area, and after our brunch and meet-and-greet with the staff, I could see why. The food was pretty darn good: I got the blackened chicken scramble, which came in a toureen-like dish with all of the yummy contents well, scrambled together. Eggs, cheese, peppers, onions, and potatoes, with a side of cornbread. Yum. The Bloody Mary I ordered was spicy, tomato, vodka goodness that hit the spot. Also good: The omelette of the day, which included asparagus and artichokes. All in all, good brunch fare at a decent price. Plus, it's next door to my favorite pizza place in the DC area, Faccia Luna. Can't beat that combination. Go eat, drink, be merry.
(4)
Joseph M.
Bar is always packed with an eclectic array of trust fund kids, lonely singles and displaced older people from the burbs lol. Not saying it's a bad place, it's just not the type of place that's worth being crammed into on a friday night, Unfortunately, the food is less then desirable..
(2)
Gin B.
I only gave it 4 stars instead of 3 because I've learned what to eat and not eat here. I am southern and though the food has some southern flare its not particularly on par. Basically, you have to know what to order and once you have that down you are good to go. The nachos are fantastic and they will put beans instead of meat for vegetarians. The cheese grits and the shrimp and grits are also some of my favorites. The big mac and cheese is enough for a meal. The vegetables are awful - the green beans are from a can and the greens just aren't good. The worst part is having to walk through the god awful smokey bar to get to the dining area. If you have asthma go in from the patio if possible. The bar is always hopping but with a mid-thirty crowd.
(4)
Duane S.
This is a great place to get lunch and brunch on Sunday. As was written before. get the sweet potato biscuit with crab & ham gravy. It is awesome! The fried green tomatoes are very good too. I got the Virginia burger as my entree and loved the sandwich. However, the fries left a lot to be desired. If I go back, I will see if I can substitute something else for the fries. If you find yourself in that part of Old Town, definitely check out Southside 815.
(4)
Dave H.
Definitely a good suggestion that others have made to get the bread basket -- that was the best of the dishes. Only one option for vegetarians and resembled piles of slop. The other two dishes were better, but nothing great. Took forever to get the check.
(2)
Sandie D.
Located in awesome Alexandria, Va. this place offers a great happy hour. My sister's and significant others meet here for happy hour on a Thursday. The only down side was the service. The bartender was not exactly people friendly. I arrived before the group and sat at a table for 15 minutes before I went to the bar and ordered a drink. Their happy hour is from 4 to 7 and they offer discounted beer and some great food choices. They offer 1/2 price burgers, small app plates, and other specials. The burgers are off the chart. I ordered some cheese grits off their regular menu and they were to die for. The bar has a great set up. There are several tables that are accessible for groups. My only disappointment was the lack of table service. We had to go to the bar to order all drinks and food. If you are a smoker, they still allow this in Alexandria. If the company is good you can over look the poor bar service.
(3)
Kelley S.
I REALLY wanted to like this. An evening out with hubby sans kids, good southern food - alas, it was not to be had. The food tasted like someone who is a good cook was given pre-prepared ingredients and told to follow a recipe - it was not fresh, home made food and if it was they need to seriously rework the kitchen staff. Here's a rundown of our food: Bread basket to start - sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, a peach chutney that was spicy and yummy but from a jar, apple butter Caesar salad - the highlight of the meal! Pecan chicken with greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, grits Shrimp in creamy gravy over cheddar grits It all tasted like it was from frozen, if that makes sense. The salad was dressed with a unique dressing that was the best part of the meal for me. In addition, the food came out really quick - that always makes me go "Hmmmm.........." The bread tasted like it was baked in house but was reheated from lunch. All said, I don't think we will go back unless we are right there with no other options. The pizza place next door looked fabulous........
(2)
Ken C.
Great place for bunch on the weekend with friends drinking irish coffee : )
(3)
Jessica B.
I met some friends for a few beers and I enjoyed it. I guess it can be a bit crowded, but I love the feel of a pub! Its a fun place to go.
(4)
David H.
I don't know who is in the kitchen at Southside, but whomever it is definitely knows southern cooking. This is the most southern food I've had in the DC area. Albeit, there are some places on U street that I haven't been to yet... This is a local hang-out for Alexandrians in Old Town. If you eat in the restaurant, order the bread basket because it's marvelous. Throw a dart at the menu and you'll more than likely come up having a great dinner. They are doing construction for, you guessed it, condos behind the strip mall that Southside is in so can do valet parking or park in the neighborhood. But for goodness sake, don't park in my parking spot...that sucks for me.
(4)
Jeff Q.
Sweet tea, gravy, biscuits, sweet potato rolls.... good service, live music on the bar side. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)
Russell Y.
I was looking for a place that served good southern food, and chose Southside 815 based on reviews I read elsewhere on the 'net. My mom had blackened fish, I had a biscuit/shortcake concoction with chicken and oysters, and my sister had meatloaf. The fish and my dish were okay bordering on mediocre, but my sister said her meatloaf was the worst restaurant food she had had in recent memory. I doubted her... until I tasted it. Oh my, it was Baaaaad. Dog food tastes better than that meatloaf (I cook for my dog, so I know it does!)
(1)
Tracy S.
They have by-far the best happy hour ever!!! Their 35 cent wings were amazing. They also have a half-price burger deal. My only concern was that the juke-box was not loud enough when I paid money for the straight 'hits' to drop. This place hooks it up with $2.75 pints and happy hour food. Plus their wait-staff is prompt and their bartenders are on the ball.
(5)
Courtney R.
Huge portions, you'll leave happy and satisfied if you know what to order. My favorites here are the fried green tomatoes and the 815 biscuits. I've never had anything like them--sweet potato biscuits smothered in a seafood type gravy. Savory, yet a bit sweet and a bit salty and the perfect portion size. Have tried the oyster po'boy--had better elsewhere and they're just to messy for me in general. I would recommend going during the week for lunch or for Sunday brunch--otherwise the crowd could turn you off. I usually eat in the bar and the service is on point.
(3)
Chris F.
Menu is somewhat limited, and I became ill the last two times I ate there.....which is why I refuse to go back.
(1)
Mandy L.
The only reason I am giving them four stars is because of the smoke. We did sit in the restaurant, but we were still close the bar (where the smoke was). The food was absolutely delicious. The special tonight was stuffed fried chicken. The portion was enormous and sooo yummy! My hubby got the gumbo and loved it. Both of my boys had grilled cheese and they cleaned their plates! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(4)
Sarah P.
A soulless bar, whose happy hour (which goes the latest of any in Alexandria, to 7:30) is packed with the types of people you rush out of work to get away from. The bartenders are rude and slovenly; the ONLY reason why I ever go in is proximity and cheapness of the happy hour menu (not delicious, just super cheap, 1.50 nachos, etc.). Very difficult to get a barstool, and if you get one, expect dirty looks for the rest of the night from those that don't.
(2)
Samantha R.
One word: AMAZING! My husband wanted to take me and our 4 month old daughter out to dinner. We wanted something yummy in the Old Town area so I came across the Southside menu online. Everything looked great, so we gave it a shot. The wait was about 30 minutes, but that was to be expected on a Friday night for a small restaurant. Our waitress was such a doll. Since it was our first time, I encourged her for suggestions. We started with fried pickles and an assortment bread basket. My husband got shrimp and sausage over cheesy grits and I got th country fried steak with collard greens and red skin mashed potatoes. We were in heaven. Let's me say, skimping on out on food they do NOT. We had to take the rest to go. We were very pleased with everything. We will surely be going back. The only reason I gave Southside 4 stars instead of 5 was because when I went to change my daughter in the restroom, the changing table was a litle oudated and looked to of had BBQ sauce on it from pevious kids. Other than that....very pleased.
(4)
LC G.
Had a great brunch today. Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Had the jambalaya cheese steak sandwich, my BF had the sausage eggs benedict, and we shared the bread basket. Food was tasty, service was good, prices are very reasonable. Love this place for happy hour food and drinks too. Great local hangout.
(4)
Mark D.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is bizarre, it feels like it used to be a cheesy seafood joint (as in with pirates and peg legs). But the food is southern-style comfort food. Everything was tasty, the mac and cheese was good, the steaks were covered with this cheese dressing which sounds blasphemous but was tasty, and my tuna steak was okay (though not rare enough). Service was good.
(4)
Kimberly L.
My advice, unless you have a bottomless stomach, is to stick either with appetizers or main dishes. DEFINITELY order the boardinghouse breadbasket (biscuits, sweet potato biscuits and cornbread with apple butter and pepper jelly). That and the fried pickles with remoulade and some iced tea were more than enough for me and my friend. I barely had room to taste my pulled chicken BBQ sandwich (though it was delicious). The restaurant, especially the bar side is really smoky, but the time Virginia outlaws smoking indoors will be the time hell freezes over.
(4)
Batman '.
I love this place. When Mrs Batman and I go downtown we make it point to hit Old Town as well for Southside 815. THE 815 BISCUITS ARE TO DIE FOR. There many selections of comfort food to choose from. I have never had a bad experience here. The service is great (ask for Melissa). Mrs Batman and I usually go here late afternoon and are quickly seated. We get several different items off the menu and share them. I always get an order of pickles to take home. Valet parking is available so parking the Batmobile is never an issue. Thinking about all of food is making me hungry. Time to go to Southside 815. Don't try to touch the car.
(5)
Bill V.
The southern/Cajun food is great but the bar is the place to be. Consistently packed with a lively crowd. The Happy Hour is the best I have found in Alexandria. The little pulled-pork sandwiches are a steal at $1.50.
(4)
Spicy G.
We ate there around March-April. I'd give this a 2.5 stars rating, mainly for the fried green tomatoes. They were awesome and we enjoyed the remoulade sauce that comes with them. There were 3 reasons we came here to eat: 1) We went to a premier movie screening in the area 2) They're a Steeler's hang out. 3) Reviews from Yelper's. Sorry guys-not impressed with the rest of the food. There were 3 adults and 4 older children. The kids didn't even finish their food which is simple kids food: chicken fingers, FF, mac and cheese, hamburgers. 2 of the 3 oldsters didn't finish our food either. I got the Po'Boy combo of oysters and crawfish. They were over fried and not juicy and succulent which is what I was hoping for. Too much batter, not enough juice. Not impressed with the bread as there was too much of it, and it wasn't fresh. My daughter, who was one of the 3 oldsters ordered their crab and artichoke dip as her main. We all tried it, and it was pretty decent. The table we were at was a long farm table, but it was too close to the other tables next to us. You couldn't get out to save your life. The kids would take off to the bathroom and would climb over the chairs. The 2 other tables on either side of us were as miserable as we were. You would stand there and wonder,"How do I get out of this mess?" The noise level was unreasonably loud. Service: Was so-so. Not impressed. Not sure if I'd go out of my way to try this one again. Maybe.
(2)
chris s.
Yes, it wreaks of smoke. So, what. What really kinda turned me off was how dingy the dining room was. I went with a group of 6. 3 real southerners there, who were unimpressed. Fried green tomatoes were good but how do you mess that up. I also had the shrimp over noodles. Interesting and tasty but all in all everybodys meals were average. Skip it. I should try the fried chicken before writing this place off but its supposedly their best dish but they only serve it once a week. HUH!?
(2)
Jennifer S.
Hmm. I wish I had the same experience as the previous reviewers, but I am not all that impressed with this place. We went here this past Sunday for brunch (and missed it - it ends at 2:30 PM just so you know) because the menu sounded amazing and my BF could get his favorite dish anywhere: Chicken (or Country) Fried Steak. I did a search on Yelp and this came up so here we are. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it is a couple stars up from a TGI Fridays. It's the same kind of food (with a Southern slant). I had a Jambalaya Sandwich - chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage with peppers and Jack cheese on a great, crispy bun with good seasoning. He had the CFS - and while he ate all of it, claimed that the same dish at The Silver Diner is much better. 'Not enough marbling - a cheaper cut of meat.' I know nothing of this because I don't eat meat (picked out the sausage from my sandwich). I will say that his mashed potatoes were delish - with about a pound of butter infused. My coleslaw was also good because unlike too many places, it wasn't swimming in a watery mayo sauce. Some other points: service was slow, decor was cute but not sure how applicable (a whole underwater theme) and the best feature: free valet. Would I go back? No, but I cannot complain about it either.
(3)
Laurie B.
I ate there on New Year's Eve last night. I had lobster, shrimp, and scallop risotto off of their special menu for the night. It was really good. It don't like mushrooms so they prepared it without it for me. The waitress knew the menu very well and steered us away from items on the menu that weren't so good.
(4)
Ed V.
Low Country Shrimp & Sausage is great. Lots of good beers on tap, lots of sports on the TVs. Friendly management & staff.
(5)
RonAnderson ..
Excellent Southern (Louisiana) home-style cooking, with reasonable prices for the HUGE portions they serve. You'd better come hungry or it's not worth it. My friend and I couldn't decide what to order--we could have picked at least 3 different main dishes each. If you have a craving for some good ol' fashioned fried green tomatoes, pot roast, meat loaf, blackened catfish, or country fried steak, come on down! I had a really good dinner special--the Tilapia stuffed with crabmeat. Key lime pie for dessert topped off a wonderful meal for both of us. The bar area, where you enter through, is really cool and jammed-packed with people--plus lots of flat-screen TV sets on the walls tuned to sporting events and great draft beer selection. Located on the same strip of restaurants as Faccia Luna just south of Old Town Alexandria.
(4)
P J.
My girlfriend and I love this restaurant. We have never had a bad meal here. Biscuits and gravy, awesome. Chicken fried steak, awesome. Pimento cheese fritters, awesome. Jambalaya cheesesteak, awesome. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, I love their sweet tea. DEEEELICIOUS
(5)
Carrie G.
This is a joke of a sports bar! We were watching a football game, got there at 12:15, to make sure we could see the one tv on which they had our game. We were even there last week. Well, just in to the second half, they decide to switch the game to soccer. Yup, middle of the game. We complained. They said there is a bigger group here to watch soccer, so basically, you lose. And they changed the channel. We will NEVER go he again, serious lack of respect.
(1)
Ashley W.
Yummy food and def worth the $. Fried pickles are the best! Crab club sandwhich is good. Chix ceasar salad with corn bread is awesome. Not crazy about the chix bbq. I saw a review on here about chix and waffles....must try this!!
(4)
Joseph E.
This is a good neighborhood bar. It is far enough south in Old Town that most tourists don't make it all the way down here. Bartenders (except for one) have always been very friendly, helpful, and work hard to learn your name. I have had their burger, grilled chicken sandwich and wings. All were pretty good, but nothing amazing. It is a bar though, so I don't expect a gourmet meal. If you make it for happy hour the wings are only $0.45 each - can't beat that!
(3)
Caitlin P.
I was so disappointed with my experience here. The only reason I'm awarding a second star is the outdoor seating. Southside has more outdoor tables than another place in Old Town that I've seen so availability was not an issue. However the rest of my experience was mediocre at best. The white peach sangria, which was on special, tasted like they had just poured the sangria out of my glass and refilled it with water. And we agreed that we didn't make the best ordering choices, but the menu claimed the po'boys were the best north of New Orleans so we ordered them. Lame. Dry, stale bread, watery slaw, and barely seasoned shrimp and oysters. Also got the bread basket to start. It was fine. I'd return only to sit outside and enjoy a well-priced beer (for this area).
(2)
Elizabeth H.
Southside has become my favorite happy hour location in the Old Town area. I can't say I have actually had a full meal in the dining room, but the happy hour specials are just fantastic! Last night the roomie & I ordered a dozen wings, an order of pulled pork sliders, a plate of nachos plus two rum & cokes and two Miller Lights and the bill was only $20! Also, fyi, the fried green tomatoes are delicious. And you have the option to add a fried green tomato to your burger which is extra delicious! Anddd the burgers happen to be half price during happy hour! Alot of wonderful things going on Southside! The service is always friendly & efficient, and the bar is nice & cozy. I highly reccomend Southside for after work drinks & snacks!
(4)
Jennifer B.
Great Brunch! I went her recently with a friend and we both very much enjoyed our dining experience. I'm a local and have been here a couple times and I really like the food. I've read some complaints about service, I've had hit or miss service. Nothing awful, but you know, just meh. Our service on Sunday was good. She was attentive and offered advice on different dishes. I was hungover and avoided alcohol, but my friend got the Pickled Bloody Mary (or 3) and loved it. It came with a full dill pickle spear and a enormous boiled shrimp as a garnish. Love an edible garnish! We had two appetizers, my favorite Fried Pickles, and Oyster Rockefeller. The Oysters were good. My friend enjoyed them more than I did, I think it is just different tastes though and not a reflection on the dish. I love the fried pickles. They are sweet! Which adds a wonderful element. For brunch I had the Southern Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached and wonderful, the pulled-pork was delicious and generously portioned, and the sweet potato biscuits were AWESOME. The home fries were the right consistency and properly seasoned. My friend had the 815 Biscuits, which are on the appetizer menu, as her main dish. She loved it. Not trying it, I can't comment, but she swears it was delicious, so take that as you will. All and all we really enjoyed our brunch. The restaurant wasn't too loud or crowded yet, and our server was friendly and attentive, and of course the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back.
(4)
Kenneth F.
Service great. Hot wings excellent!
(4)
Jonathan V.
So I have been coming here for the past few months during happy hour. This is a great spot in Old Town to sit down for a few beers after work. It does help that I live a block away, but still. They have a nice selection of of draft beers and micro brews. The happy hour specials are reasonably priced. Two things that I have tried there that were great were the fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Definitely appetizer food, but they were both executed very well. That being said I have been to dinner here a few times and no complaints, but I love coming for a few happy hour beers.
(4)
Leslie J.
Hands down they have the BEST shoestring fries I've ever had! Perfect and crinkly. Great southern food if you're in the mood for a po' boy or some gumbo. The bar gets super crowded and smoky so not a fan of that, but great food!
(4)
Yan W.
2.5 stars - I came here on the advice of a coworker. In summary, it's a place that I did not regret trying, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back to. First off, their "lemonade" is just Snapple. Why serve Snapple Lemonade when you have a full bar? Confusing! Second, their food is okay, but not something you would write home to momma about. I had the oysters served two ways. One of the ways they served it was extremely salty. Too salty to even finish! I'm a big fan of chefs tasting their food before it's sent out, so this one might have just slipped through under the radar. Their mac and cheese was pretty good. The only drawback was that it was too oily. Every spoonful of good mac and cheese came with a puddle of oil... I did like their ample parking in the garage in the back and their prime location in Alexandria is pretty cool. I was there around Christmas time and there were Carolers out in full 1860s gear!
(3)
Brian J.
Great hole in the wall kind of place. GET THE BISCUITS!!! I go there just for those.
(5)
Michael W.
Excellent. Staff fantastic. Every single food item on the menu is superb. They specialize in southern cuisine but they have about anything you could want. Easy parking in the garage to the rear of the restaurant. The happy hour food specials can't be beat (half price burgers, $1.00 - $1.50 pulled pork/chicken nachos, and mini po boys). A very fine selection of draft beers to compliment the happy hour food prices. The Mac N Cheese is the best you ever had- we are not talking Kraft here. If you haven't been to SS 815 you must go. You will assuredly come back again and again.
(5)
Vincent S.
It's a bar where everyone knows MY name, and there always glad I came. Order any thing with pulled pork or the chesapeake club with a few pints and you will be set.
(4)
Warren A.
3.5 Stars -- I will definitely try them again and hopefully bump up the rating. Dining room is adjacent to their bar and it is ok to wear casual clothes. The food was pretty darned tasty but the sides were just a little so-so. The crab and cornbread fritter appetizer didn't appeal to me at all though my wife liked them - could just be me but I think there are other options on the menu that would be more appealing. The blackened Bleu Ribeye was worth trying - no complaints at all. My wife had the pork chops and they were just a tiny bit on the dry side - not by much, mind you, just not quite perfect. I'll be happy to give them another shot too. I will return to the Southside 815 and recommend you try them - especially if you live w/in walking distance - it's nice to have them right in the neighborhood. --------- Update ------------ ive been back afew more times and i think it is definitely a solid 3.5 stars. the food is generally really good and imwill continue to visit.
(4)
Charles M.
Rodents! I don't care how tasty the food is - this place is infested with mice. The last time we ate there, we watched several mice scurry under tables. Won't be going back. Don't take my word for it. Read this: city-data.com/va-restaur… Multiple critical violations on almost every health inspection- going back for years. Roaches, mice droppings, improper food handling, hand washing, etc. Bon appetit!
(1)
Nina B.
Traditional southern food Southside 815 They've perfected the seasons grits gravy Fried Food Watch as my heart is clogged choked with a river of butter but my mouth tastes a piece of heaven as each bite of pulled pork slowly melts in my mouth fresh oysters delivered on Wednesdays happy hour specials for the poor and unemployed or underemployed One problem be told It's a Steelers Bar
(4)
Marie P.
"MMMMMM!" "YUM!" "Try this!" My friends and I commented throughout our dinner at Southside. I'm a Vol (high five to any of you that get that) and after my time in Tennessee have had some really good southern food. Southside made the list. We started with the Boardinghouse bread basket--a requirement, you must get it, it's a warm, soft, cuddly way to begin your meal. I had the pecan crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. Those quotes above describe my meal. The portion was huge and though I love southern food, I don't like overeating, it was enough for three meals for me. My friends ordered The brownie which I would have loved to try but was too full. Other than the food, I enjoyed the family and neighborhood casual vibe. The service was slow but kind. Leave enough time in your plans to account for that and you'll enjoy this place.
(4)
James N.
At Southside... I have never had a bad meal... I have had their cheese grits, their succotash, the tuna steak, the ribeye. I thought I had eaten everything until last Friday night- I had the pot roast. Yes does not sound sexy but it was amazing... There is a glaze on it and it was very tender. I would definitely recommend getting it next time at Southside for dinner. Southside also has great happy hour specials with burgers half-off. Make sure you try their fried green tomatoes... One of the house specials...
(5)
Kori B.
You can not leave here hungry. There's no friggin way. I had some friends from out of town staying in Old Town, so I made that journey across the river to greet them instead of making them try to find their way around D.C. on their first night in. Knowing one of my friends can be a little hesitant to eat new foods, I needed something American but awesome and that's where Southside came in. Though a little ways off the "Old Town" map, it's definitely worth the extra mile. I could eat anything on the southern-themed menu here and be 100 percent satisfied. But of course, I do have my favorites and they all happen to be sides. *The 815 Biscuits. Believe me when I say you've had nothing like this. They're like biscuits and gravy on speed. Crab, ham, gravy and SWEET POTATO biscuits. It comes out looking like soup and my boy ate it as such, scooping every last bit up with his spoon. *Big Noodle Mac "N" Cheese. This could definitely be a meal onto itself. Four cheese (Parm, cheddar, monterey jack, and smoked gouda) all gooey and melty over shells. I love shells! *Fries. The fries here are batter fries, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and plenty of flavor. *Fried Green Tomatoes. The perfect amount of batter is added to these babies before their flash fried, sealing in all the juices. You know a good fried green tomato with it's not a soggy mess. Every entree I've had here is great too from the ribs to the Jambalaya Pasta.
(5)
Scott H.
This review is for the bar and happy hour only. We did not go into the restuarant. My wife and I meet our friends there last night after work, and had a great time. The HH prices are very good, and the food prices are great. You can get 3 pork sandwiches for only $1.00! The drink prices were also very good as well. I can see us going back here often.
(4)
Zach R.
If it was in a better location it would get better reviews. Unfortunately, most of the tourists hang out on King and this place is about 8 or so blocks from the strip. We watched the first games of the college football season here - plenty of TVs so each pocket of fans could watch the game of their choice. We sat at a high-top in the bar area. Had to order our drinks and food with the bartender (physically located behind the bar) by getting out of our seats. Not that big of a deal, but slightly inconvenient. Food was above average bar food. We ordered fried pickles (not New Orleans quality, but still good), a seafood po'boy, and pulled pork nachos. All were really good. Beer, good bar food, football, fun environment. What's not to like?
(4)
Sandra F.
I visit Southside on an almost weekly basis. They serve excellent (southern) comfort food at a reasonable price, with the following items on a must-try list: - Macaroni & Cheese - Dixie Chicken Sandwich - Boilermaker Ribs (special item, not always on the menu) - Savannah Steak Salad The casual atmosphere is fantastic for groups, couples, and families at any time of day. Patrick is my favorite waiter, but the entire staff is attentive and easygoing. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Clarence J.
I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. This is a great 'little' place (actually a good size, but it feels little in a good way) where you can get a good, solid meal without spending too much. As so many others said, if you're not hungry, order as little as possible because the portions - not to mention the southern-style cooking - will fill you up. The appetizers, sides, and desserts are outstanding. I was underwhelmed with my meatloaf and wouldn't get it again or recommend it to others, but on the quality of the appetizers, sides, and desserts, I will definitely be back to try something else. Overall, I did think there could be more seasoning in the food, but I added pepper to my heart's content and, except for the meatloaf, that took care of any flavor gaps I thought I noticed. The menu is huge and filled with mouthwatering-looking items. The drink list is decently extensive also, and the after-dinner drinks / dessert menu is filled with unique creations. As many people have noted, the bar is a rare smoke-filled one in this area, but if this bothers you you will be in the clear once you enter the restaurant side.
(3)
Debbie F.
Very good spot for lunch. Great salads and Southern specialities.
(4)
Komal M.
This review is specifically for the nachos--LOVE 'EM! Nothing beats honey-jalapeno marinated chicken!
(5)
Donna B.
Great food! Great service! I have been here on a couple of occasions and the food is consistently on point. Both times we split the southside nachos with jalapeno honey pulled chicken, crab and corn drop fritters and each had a salad: creole Cesar and southside seafood. Not one bad word can be said about any of the above; not to mention the fact that we ordered the exact same thing twice within three months. The nachos have the perfect amount of sweetness followed up by a subtle heat from the peppers. The peach pepper jelly that comes with the crab and corn fritters could be eaten alone with a spoon it is so good! It also compliments the cornbread that accompanies the salads. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will go there again next time I am in the area.
(4)
Bryan P.
Outstanding southern food at great prices. Add their excellent service and you have one great restaurant. Things to try: Burgers and freedom fries (among the best anywhere). Crab dip. Hot wings. Charleston Chicken. Pecan Chicken breasts. Southern Benedict. It's a nice casual atmosphere that works for getting some suds and munchies with your buddies or taking your family out for a meal. I've been going there for years and Southside has yet to disappoint!
(5)
Andrew L.
I live across the street, so I make it over here a lot for Saints and Duke games. It has good, unpretentious New Orleans food (think poboys), and really great food specials. Drinks are a bit pricey, even cheap beer, but I like it none the less. Good brunch and outdoor seating too.
(4)
Vivian L.
This place was great! Aside from the fact that it smelled kinda like smoke (I'm a spoiled CA girl), the food and service at this place was outstanding!!!! Our server was so attentive, I loved it! As for the food, yum, good value, and huge portions!!!! We started with the blue crab and corn fritters with this great peach pepper jelly sauce, yum! We also had the fried green tomatoes that tasted good with that jelly sauce, too. On Mondays and Weds, they have some seafood specials. We ordered a dozen clams in wine sauce thing for like $7. Wow were these clam shells huge compared to what we get in SF usually. And the clams were amazing. I haven't had clams like that in like forever. The clams were sand free, very big, not a lot of guts which is great, and great chew to them. Tasted great when sprinkled with lemon and dipped into butter sauce. The house greens salad with their house bbq ranch dressing was also very good. I had the charleston chicken for my entree which was very big and yummy. I couldn't stop eating it even though I was getting really full. One person got the portobello mushroom po boy sandwich which was very large, looked great, and had yummy fries. My other friend had the full rack of baby back ribs and declared them the BEST ribs he's ever eaten, and he's eaten a lot of ribs in his time. My other friend had the low country shortcake which was chicken and oysters and some other stuff. Interesting, she liked it though. So that we would totally explode, we shared the upside down pineapple cake with ice cream which was good and also the peach pound cake with ice cream which I thought was even better since I've actually never had or heard of peach pound cake before. Lots of leftovers afterwards but even with drinks and tip, it came out to about $130 ish for 4 people, not bad. I'd totally go back. Great service!
(5)
Meredith H.
Unfortunately, it's really gone downhill in the past couple of years. I'm really not down with paying higher prices for mediocre food, and that's what you get here. I've gotten the Balsamic Vegetable Sub three times, and the last two times it was soggy, drowning in cheese, and tasted only of Balsamic Vinegar and nothing else. French fries are standard - I have a sneaking suspicion that they come from a bag, which really disappoints me. The mussles I've only ordered ONCE, and that was because they tasted funny and old. Steaks are mediocre, and they are usually overdone, even if you've ordered it rare or medium rare. The Bourbon Steak, which seems to be a "patron favorite" is essentially a steak covered in cheese, doused with a bland bourbon-esque sauce. Having said that, I have had their sides, which in my opinion are infinitely better than the entrees. Succotash is GOOD! Never thought those words would come out of my mouth. Sweet potato rolls are tasty, and are fought over at the table. Grits are ok - not as smooth as I've had, but good. I've heard that the Macaroni and Cheese is worth getting, but I've never tried it. Nothing really wows me, and the prices mislead you into thinking that the food might. Now, I'm a Northern girl at heart, but I feel like something's off when my best friend (born Georgia and raised in South Carolina) declares the food to be "imitation Southern". The atmosphere is neat, and there are plenty of cool things to look at on the walls and the ceilings as you're trying to justify your bill to your meal. Parking's rough, so park across the street or around the corner. Overall, I'd be interested in seeing what (if any) improvements are made, because I would really love to add this to my restaurant list again...
(2)
Daryl W.
Great food, Outstanding Service (server?)! I went to Southside 815 on the recommendation of a friend. As a Soldier in the US Army stationed in the DC area on a Private's salary, I'm a bit frugal when it comes to eating out, but this place was WELL worth the money. My server was quick to seat me and very attentive...her name was Jen as I recall, and it was pretty clear from the beginning that she was happy to be there and loves what she does. After my drink order (the bartender's take on a Long Island Iced tea), she brought out a quick appetizer of several breads and jellies the restaurant makes in-house. All were delicious. When I asked for menu recommendations, Jen knew the menu inside and out, which for me, is a major plus, as I'm sick for restaurants where I have no clue what to order, and the server just gives me the shallow "Well it's all good," answer. She asked me a few questions about my tastes and preferences, and advised me to get the Drunken Pot Roast and Macaroni and Cheese. I don't remember what sides the Pot Roast normally comes with, but I do remember wanting something else instead, and substitutions were no problem...ALSO a major plus. Now the moment of truth...the cocktail was great, the food was awesome! The flavor on the Pot Roast was divine, and the Macaroni had several kinds of cheese to scoop up in one bite. The portions on the Man n Cheese and the Pot Roast were large (even for a Soldier's appetite,) so I had some to take home. While I was eating, Jen seemed to have this intuitive cue to know when to stop and see if I needed anything, and when to leave me alone and let me eat, as she was bustling between tables...also, a nice change from restaurants with servers who are inattentive, or annoyingly hovering. As I came to the end of my meal, Jen asked me if there was anything else to do to make my experience there perfect, to which there was none. I asked my server if my perception was true...if she really did love what she does. "Yeah! I've served at several different chain restaurants, and I love the customers, I love the atmosphere, and I really love the food here, so I don't have to cross my fingers and hope something doesn't get sent back...'cause if it's from THIS restaurant, I KNOW they'll like it." Bottom line...while I can't speak for all the food there, as I haven't had it, I do HIGHLY recommend the Mac N Cheese and the Drunken Pot Roast. Don't know if the other servers are like Jen...they appeared to be, but I know you'll have a good experience if you're in her section.
(5)
Debra B.
Dinner here last week - I loved the amazing Mac 'n cheese, pasta jambalaya & Sangria. Reasonable prices & 2-meal servings. Casual setting, dining room was a bit loud, but not deafening.
(4)
Bryan V.
Really good. The fried green tomatoes were great appetizer.
(4)
Angela S.
Best Happy Hour spot in Old Town!! All of the super, rich poseurs stay on King street and allow the good timers to have some fun at this haunt. The food is SUPER cheap and if you are good the bartenders, they are good to you! I always leave here walking sideways and loving it! Try the nachos! They are amaze. PS - HH is only inside in the bar area. Sad, I know.
(5)
Bryant W.
My hockey team goes here after every one of our games at the Mount Vernon Ice rink. Greg & Co. treat us very well and they make sure to get to know us each by name. They keep the beers coming at an incredible rate and make sure we can get that final order in before last call (and they usually give us a little league discount). The late night menu is quite tasty as well. The buffalo wings are top-notch (ask for them extra spicy), and the pulled pork nachos are unmatchable. The burger is pretty average, but it gets the job done. With a kitchen open until 1am and sports on tvs in every direction, you get the full experience of a divey, neighborhood sports bar.
(4)
Cathy D.
Awesome good southern food with Low country flare. Fresh, hot and good soup is always changing and home made like the rest!
(4)
Matt D.
Time for an update. I average about 2 visits to Southside a week. I've been there at 12 in the afternoon, 6 at night, and one time I was there during a snowstorm at 11pm and aside from a couple, I was the only one in the bar. I've never seen rodents, a bug or even a stray hair in my food. I'm the first person to blast out of a restaurant at a hint of nastiness. I've never witnessed anything gross here. So I'm not sure what the other reviews are talking about. Now that that's out of the way...Southside is one of the coolest bars in Alexandria. The food is better than average, the beer is good but what makes this place great are the bartenders. Greg, Colin, Lee, Stacy, and Tara are all awesome. The crowd is pretty much local which adds to the appeal of Southside. In terms of food, the Old Town Burger is pretty much a no brainer. The wings are good too. My favorites are the ribs or the Fried Chicken Pasta. Oh the Po'Boys are good too. if you get there and the Fried Chicken or Boilermaker Ribs are on the specials, then definitely order one of them.
(5)
Whitney H.
I was born and bred in the South, and I can honestly say this is the best Southern fare I've found this far north! I was so excited about the buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, and cornbread, I just knew I'd be disappointed... but I wasn't! I was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful and amazing everything was! I got the pulled chicken salad, and my friend got the chicken-fried steak, both of which were major wins. =) Wish we'd had room for dessert... I'll be back!
(5)
Glenn P.
Southside is a great neighborhood bar and restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Their menu leans towards southern comfort food, so as a "damn yankee" I can't vouch for it's authenticity but it's mighty tasty to me. Favs include the jambalaya, gumbo and pecan chicken. The Virginia Burger (now that's a tasty burger) and Jambalaya Cheesesteak (ginormous and yummy) are great and their fries are my favorite fries. The bar half has good beers on tap and plenty of TVs to watch sports (for football, get there early to get a seat and beware that it can get overrun by Steelers fans). The bartenders are great and friendly. And probably the best traditional wings in Old Town. Southside is an old standby that I love.
(4)
Naima K.
Not bad...not bad at all. The breadbasket was decent ($3 or 1.50 with entree)...cornbread being the standout. Apple butter and jalapeno jam was a nice compliment. The biscuits were a little too authentic homemade-y though...I felt like I could improve on the recipe/cooking technique...and I don't even know how to make biscuits. Split the fried chicken (only available Mon and Thurs). Could have passed on that. Fried very dark; though the meat was fairly tender; it did not taste good enough to expend energy seeking chicken from the bones - my friend shocked me by being ok with sending the plate away very much unscavenged...but we had eaten a lot of bread. The mashed potatoes were palatable but was not feeling the gravy...it was meaty but undairied (i.e. no butter), which triggered the imagination in uncomfortable ways. Also shared the shrimp po-boy. It was pretty good...stuffed with small shrimp, slightly smaller than I'm used to, but for 1/2 off po' boy Monday, I had no complaints...except for the fries on the side...plentiful but I didn't feel guilty paying $5 for a meal with that being the side. Service was friendly and understanding/helpful, even though some seemed like teenagers (very infrequently encounter them). Very casual and old school country in the dining area...reminiscent of Cracker Barrel. Refreshing to know there is a place in Old Town (though fairly far south) with large portions and great specials, though I was slightly turned off by the preponderance of pork on the menu and being consumed by those around me, I understand why it's a popular neighborhood hangout. Did not feel well shortly after leaving, which is to say, they must put MSG in something, perhaps the breading for the shrimp, or frozen shrimp preservatives (I've felt similarly when I've had shrimp at cheap seafood restaurants). But I would return...not for fried chicken....should probably stay away from the po' boys too.
(3)
Todd W.
Simply chose to spend a night in Alexandria because hotels were in a lower reward category than those across the river in DC. Decided to get food and drink close to the hotel and am very happy with my choice of going to Southside 815. PLENTY of street parking, unlike other places further north on King Street, and the bartenders really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. There was a very good selection of beer, wine and spirits and the menu was much better than similar local places and had a Soul Food/Southern theme with the taste to back it up. On future visits to the area, I would not hesitate to visit Southside 815 again and bring friends to check it out. Cannot stress enough how cordial and hospitable the bartenders were the entire evening...both to regulars and new customers like myself.
(4)
Lauren S.
Overall: fun place to watch a football game on Sunday afternoons. Food: There was a half-priced burger special the Sunday we were there, pretty hard to pass up! They were juicy, flavorful and bonus points for having blue cheese crumbles as an add-on. Drink: The beer offerings are pretty typical, as are the alcohol/wine options. Service/Atmosphere: It's the type of place where there's stuff hanging all over the walls, but this one seems less dirty (no dust hanging off the memorabilia, thank goodness!) We were sitting at the bar area and ordered from the bartender who was nice and good at managing a big crowd. Food came out promptly. I'll be back!
(4)
Brian V.
The first impression: It's bad business to leave customers standing at the door while employees or chatting away. It's one thing when you are busy, but it's another when you see them standing there and ignore them. The service: It's only friendly service if you're a regular. For new comers, you have to fight to get attention. The servers could of told me what each dish were as he was setting it down. That's not asking too much, because they forgot one of my orders. Aside from this, Rachel, the bartender, was not only super nice she was also really quick. You have to order from the bar.* When I asked about making the correction on my order, the server told me to go to the bar for the mistake they made. When paying for the tab, they knew exactly where I was sitting and what I supposedly got. That is a plus in my book. The Food: Almost horrible. I ordered nachos, oysters (never got), pulled pork, and hot wings. Everything was over cooked. The only thing that had juice was the pulled pork. Even the buns were over toasted. Drinks were flat. Verdict: This is what I call drunk people food at a fair price. I felt unwelcomed. Would I come back here? Not a chance. Applebee's has better service and food. Two good things came out of this trip. 1. The awesome and friendly Rachel the bartender. 2. The price for happy hour.
(2)
Marshall N.
Myself and my friends have been coming to this friendly neighborhood bar almost weekly for about 20 years. We really like the atmosphere and the friendly bartenders and staff make our weekly visit complete . While we love the burgers here, I am also fond of the oyster Po'boys, the Chesapeake club, the fried chicken, the nachos, and the wonderful chicken wings. They also have a wide variety of beers on tap. There are few places where it is more enjoyable to sit down and watch a Nationals' game.
(5)
Alina S.
Went here with a group of 9 during Alexandria Restaurant week. They expanded the 2 entrees and 1 appetizer deal for $35 to the entire menu. My fam got buffalo wings, oysters, clams, onions straws, fried pickles, ny strip steak, prime rib, trout... and I think that's it. I can honestly say that everything was delicious, especially the ny strip steak. They also had a special asparagus and red potato soup, also delicious. The only reason I'm taking off a star was for the service. It was OK, but not out of this world. We will definitely be returning.
(4)
Gregg M.
It was a lazy Sunday morning and a perfect time for brunch. Carol W and I arrived at Southside 815, a veritable yin and yang of a place with half of it dedicated to a seeming sports bar and the other a cozy dining room with a Southern feel, at a little past 11 AM. Since we got there early in their brunch service, we beat the post-church crowd and were seated immediately in the virtually empty dining room. Given the "calm" before the typical brunch crowd arrived, we received attentive service throughout our stay as our water glasses were promptly filled and dirty dishes quickly removed. By the time we left, the dining room and the patio dining area were largely filled. Southside 815's brunch menu contained the usual suspects like pancakes, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, and Eggs Benedict, but also listed Southern-influenced offerings like Red Beans & Rice and Fried Green Tomato Benedict. I started with their Pickle Juice Bloody Mary ($6.95), made with a house made Bloody Mary mix and pickle juice and served with a pickle spear and chilled peel and eat shrimp, while I looked over the menu. While it may not have been very boozy strong, it had a nice spiciness with a very welcomed horseradish presence. It was, thankfully, not overly salty given the use of pickle juice. , I found it to be quite tasty and enjoyable and one of the best I've had in a long while especially considering the price. For my meal, I ordered another Southern-influenced item, the Pulled Pork Benedict ($10.95) made with two poached eggs served over Carolina-style pulled pork and buttermilk biscuits, topped with hollandaise sauce, and accompanied by home fries. I can't offer up a treatise on Southern cuisine or Carolina-style pulled pork, but Southside 815 served up a generous portion of juicy, tender pulled pork over two biscuit halves and topped with perfectly poached eggs. It was accompanied by a healthy portion of crispy, not greasy, nicely done home fries. My only critique (and I'm being nitpicky here) was that the Pulled Pork Benedict was also topped with a perfectly acceptable Hollandaise sauce, which I know is standard in Eggs Benedict. It may have been more interesting (and better suited) had it been sauced with country gravy instead? Nonetheless, my Pulled Pork Benedict was thoroughly enjoyable and I was comfortably full when I pushed back from the table. For brunch, Southside 815 serves up solid food and a surprisingly good value. I see a return visit in my future.
(4)
Tracy N.
Delicious! Awesome taste of home up in DC. Could benefit from more outdoor seating but really enjoyed the food. I had a salad and fried pickles and my dining companion loved his shrimp and grits!
(4)
Chuq Y.
I've been coming to Southside for a few years now. Guess what? Their fried chicken kicks chicken butt! It's not normally on the menu, but they have it on special sometimes. You probably want to go for lunch because they will sell out of it. They also have a great sweet tea, that tastes just like my maw maw used to make! Actually, she never made sweet tea really, but it's damn good. The other menu items are awesome, and the service has always been great for me. If you're lucky enough to get the fried chicken, then enjoy it. If not, the Jambalaya Pasta or Rainbow Trout, and chicken fried steak will not disappoint! My dream menu here: Starter: Boardinghouse Breadbasket Entree: Fried chicken with a side of greens Drink: Sweet tea That'll fill me up and then I'll probably have enough to take home.
(5)
Joe T.
Good hangout bar. Always have sports on the TV and they serve some good wings. Really fun on NFL Sundays.
(4)
Ronalyn T.
Forgive me but it's been a long while since I've written a Yelp review. I'll do my best. This restaurant is your average neighborhood restaurant (I literally live across the street) and it gets the job done. Whenever I'm craving a burger, a drink (for cheap), or whatever - I know I can swing by and satisfy my craving. It definitely has a southern feel to it - from the paintings on the walls & ceilings to the menu. Not always my thing - I sometimes find it too heavy for my appetite. I love their crab dip, though. As far as the bar goes - their happy hour is great and it ends at 7:30pm! When I worked in DC, I would still be able to grab 2 drinks + a burger for less than $15 at the end of the night. Holla. Ending on a good note - the bartenders are also very friendly. I never feel awkward or out of place when I come in to have a drink. Like I said, Southside your average neighborhood restaurant - they don't disappoint.
(4)
Conelta A.
Really, this place is about one thing, and one thing only, fried green tomatoes. Make sure those bad boys hit your plate and you'll be a fan. Otherwise the menu is simple southern cooking. Not the best you'll have, but certainly not the worst. The po boy bread is delicious as are some of the sides, especially the greens.
(4)
Leslie K.
I love this place. The atmosphere and environment in this bar is really chill and laid back and the bartenders are always so friendly. The food is also really delicious and there are a lot of different options. I wish I lived near Southside so I could walk there every day. Highly recommend!
(5)
Jen A.
Delicious ribs and chicken fried steak. We also had the fried pickles which I wouldn't order again...too much batter and too little pickle. The 815 biscuits were yummy as well. Overall all 4 in our party were satisfied with reasonable prices too. Matthew was a very nice and attentive waiter. Outdoor seating on a nice night
(4)
MelLid G.
SOUTHSIDE!!! *Raises hands with fabricated gang sign* Yes I actually do that... Kind of sad I know, but its fun! *Shrugs* I really like this spot... Not the best food in the world but its always satisfying. My favorite dish is the Jambalaya pasta. Just thinking about it is making me hungry! Its filled with penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, sausage, veggies, and a delicious Cajun sauce. I have yet to finish it in one setting. The last time I dined in I tried out the shrimp po-boy. I was hell bent NOT to get the pasta again! It's kinda hard for me to break habits but I fought my urges! I wasn't expecting the po-boy to be as massive as it was but then again this place doesn't sham you on portion size. My shrimp were a bit overcooked but not enough that I had to send the sandwich back. It comes loaded with shrimp on a huge toasted sub roll. The lettuce, tomatoes, slaw, and sauces are on the side (wasn't expected but no biggie). Once you get your sammich set up to your liking, you literally have to smash it down some to eat it (well at least I did.) You can easily make a mess of yourself if you don't eat with caution. The service has been hit and miss for me. Sometimes its great, sometimes its mehh... I've never had to use my pet raven to search for my waiter/waitress but I've encountered a few slow services. As long as the prices stay fair and portions stay large, I will return! *Jail poses with another fabricated gang sign* P.S. "Ain't Nothing But A Gangster Party" youtube.com/watch?v=3v-V…
(4)
Craig A.
It's really just a bar and there's nothing southern about it. All I got out of the place was high prices, noise, and yelling from drunks at the bar.
(1)
Kevin S.
Great restaurant. Excellent customer service. Came in during rush hour, seated reasonably quick, after getting on the call ahead list. Only take reservations for 6+. Waiter recommended an excellent local ipa. Table had some tasty nachos, couple of salads and the drunk pot roast . No complaints. Highlight was the waiter putting in a special order of gluten free grilled chicken for my son. If I lived around here, I'd be back. Had obvious regulars throughout, eagerly giving menu tips. Cool restaurant.
(5)
AL W.
I have been eating at Southside for years, but I haven't been in about 3. So I take a buddy of mine who lives in the area but has never been Well the Southside did not disappoint. Food was every bit as good as I remember. Service was lackluster. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes and they were tasty as ever. I finally tried the Roast Beef Poor Boy as I usually get one of the seafood ones and it was gooooood. My buddy said that the mac and cheese was the best he ever had.
(4)
Beck E.
My bro and I got po' boys to go from here on Sunday, and I regret not staying in town for another day to take advantage of the Monday 1/2-off po' boys special... because damn, $10.95 for a sandwich? The fried oysters were good, as were the cajun fries and spicy mayo that came with the sandwich... But my bro didn't really enjoy the fried shrimp in his fried shrimp & oyster po' boy. I was a bit put off by the "takeout charge" of $0.25 per item... and the fact that you still tip the bartender who takes your order doesn't really make me feel any better either. I *would* give this place 2-stars for rubbing me the wrong way (see above paragraph), but the fried oysters were good when fresh. Not so much later on that day as leftovers.
(3)
Sophie U.
Oooooh, boy! I'd been wanting to check this place out and finally got the opportunity when Eden Center suffered a power outage and I wasn't able to get banh mi... Southside 815 is very close to Boyfriend's apartment, which means I don't understand how neither he nor I ever went in for food; yesterday = problem fixed. We were HONGRY. Since he was making me choose between Viet food and chicken wings on our way back from Chantilly, the first item that we ordered was naturally the hot wings appetizer. And then there were the fried pickles, the steak salad (for him), and the shrimp po'boy (for me). And a cup of coffee just 'cause. The HOT Wings They were hot and wingy. The portion was much bigger than I'd anticipated and so I ate about 70% of it. Blue cheese dip de rigueur, with little chunks to my delight, celery, and carrot. What else can I tell you about them... Ah, yes: they were delicious. The Fried Pickles When I was at this pretty cool joint in NYC I wanted to get some fried pickles, but due to some ew-ing and wtf-ing from three (THREE) of my dining companions (aka "rude assholes"), I didn't get them. The last thing I need is people making faces at the table while I'm eating, and so...up until yesterday I had a massive hankering for some fried pickles. The fried pickles at Southside 815 are chips, not spears, which automatically puts them on my "yes" list. Lightly battered, they are also a little on the sweet side; being a lover of all pickles, and having a very sweet tooth, this was not something to complain about. The remoulade that they come with is mustardy and tangy and all kinds of tasty. Be careful, though... they come in huge numbers (never a problem for me)! The Steak Salad I didn't try it, but Boyfriend liked it. Steak is good. Salad is good. Given how awesome everything else was, and knowing that Boyfriend knows what's good, I have no reason to doubt that it was anything less than good. The Shrimp Po' Boy The shrimp... They, too, come in large numbers. Our server brought out three different sauces for my po' boy: cocktail, tartar, and the same remoulade that came with the fried pickles. On the same plate as the sandwich was a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato, both of which I wish were either bigger or less alone. There were also fries, which could have used a bit more time in the fryer -- they were good nonetheless. Also: cole slaw and pickled onions -- yum! The sauce that I preferred with the po'boy was the tartar sauce. Along with the tomato, lettuce, cole slaw, and a bit of hot sauce, it was the perfect condiment for the po' boy. I "lost" a few shrimp here and there, but they tasted just as good out of the sandwich. The service was very nice and attentive. I'm hoping it wasn't just because it was mid-afternoon and things weren't very busy, but even if that was the case it's not something that will keep me from returning. Big perk: finding out that there was a 50% deal from Scoutmob. So you haven't been to Southside 815 yet? What are you waiting for?!
(4)
Megan J.
For some things, Southside's a great deal. Happy hour pulled pork - a steal! The french fries were fine, sweet potato biscuits divine, and we all had an enjoyable meal.
(4)
Kapri J.
What an experience!!!! Went with sitting at a booth instead of the bar and the ambiance was wonderful. The menu is simple yet overwhelming in the sense that I wanted to try it all. I ended up ordering the chicken fried steak, big noodle Mac and cheese, and the boathouse of biscuits. I had the sweet tea to drink which was refreshing. The chicken fried steak was slightly overdone and it wasn't the steak, somehow the batter was overdone. Still very tasty though especially with the gravy and mashed potatoes. The Mac and cheese was so good that I have committed myself to duplicating the recipe. I am a big bread person so they could do no wrong with sweet potato biscuits and cornbread served with apple butter and reg butter. I will back because there a plenty of items I would like to try.
(4)
Dana Z.
Not bad... I only came here for a late night drink with some work friends so I wouldn't really know about their food, other than the nachos. After a few drinks we ended up getting the nachos with the pulled pork. I'm not big on nachos (I know... how is that even possible) but these ones were really good. As for the scene of people, it was a mixture of young and old. Pretty nice crowd. It's always a good night when I get compliments on my shoes but that is neither here nor there. :-) There's a lot of places to go in Old Town, and this is rather secluded from the other bars in the area. It's hard to say if I would return here, but I definitely won't scratch it off the list.
(3)
Greg M.
Despite only having visited twice, Southside 815 is a clear favorite of mine - or should I say thier meatloaf is. The food and service is outstanding, if only the parking were better! On my initial visit a couple of years ago with friends, I was encouraged to try their meatloaf - a dish I hadn't had much of since I was a kid. I'd never ordered it in a restaurant - seems too pedestrian to order and pay $15 for! Nonetheless, the peer pressure came from a Yelp Elite and I was so glad I did. The wonderful dish will keep me coming back for more. The combination of beef and pork perfectly spiced was wonderful - no ketchup needed or invited. The side of mashed potatoes was an unwelcome distraction - get away from the meatloaf!!! The generous and juicy cut of meatloaf was perfectly done with a nice crust done all the way through. Service was great, certainly loud in there at times but nothing abnormal for the area. It was strange to walk into an obvious old-school bar and have such wonderful food. The two problems are parking, and what to order next time - stick with the tried and true or try one of their other good-looking dishes?
(4)
Georgio B.
I wish I could say I loved it there, but I can't. The food was okay, but only okay. I've been there several times and it's always small portions of meh. The service has always been good. YMMV
(3)
Thomas L.
A lot of locals are all about the bar, but I'm all about the restaurant. My family dines here weekly, and often multiple times in a week. The staff is welcoming and the food is unpretentious comfort food. I've hesitated to review, because I selfishly don't want a long wait for tables! Now, the menu. I love the drunken pot roast; it's so tender and delicious! The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone and the best in town, if not Northern Virginia. The BBQ ribeye is another great choice, and I also like the fried chicken pasta. Rotating specials are often spectacular. I can't wait for them to have the short ribs over noodles again, or the chicken breasts stuffed with gouda and corn bread. Yum! My favorite appetizer is the pulled pork nachos! If only they offered liposuction in a back room... Prices are reasonable, and this includes items from the bar and desserts. Favorites are the French Quarter Iced Tea and their homemade sundaes. I am also convinced that Southside 815 is the best deal during Restaurant Week. And I haven't even mentioned brunch...
(5)
Ingrid W.
Great fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits. If you order food to go they force you to order from the bar which is so smoke filled you can cut it with a knife. The fried chicken is only served on Thursdays.
(3)
Joshua T.
Probably my favorite spot in Alexandria, especially for brunch. There's outdoor seating, restaurant seating, and bar seating -- they've got it covered. The menu has some fantastic southern fare, including Oysters Rockefeller in a mashed potato "soup" that will destroy your myfitness pal record. For 'Benedict fans, they have several regular options during brunch, and a rotating special Benedict which is usually interesting if not delicious. The main thing with Southside is that for service, the food, and the drinks, you always get consistently good quality. The food isn't light, but it is delicious.
(5)
Hannah B.
My boyfriend and I came here for date night and absolutely loved it. Our server, Jennifer, was courteous and very helpful. For apps we had the chicken tenders and the nachos, both of which were top notch. I particularly loved the nachos, which could have been a meal on their own. For entrees, he got the Virginia burger and I can't remember the name of mine but it was juicy chicken with jerk seasoning and a yummy peach & pepper sauce. We also split an order of the best mac n' cheese I've ever had outside of my mom's kitchen. If you are a drinker, I recommend the Autumn Sangria. All around great food, quality service and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
(5)
Angie T.
Southern food that warms the soul. This is a great little spot on the outskirts of Old Town Alexandria and the great part of it being in Old Town is that they have their own little parking garage so parking isn't a big issue. Don't come here if you're on a diet! What's southern food if it's not sopping with butter and deep fried? And I highly suggest the honey jalepeno pulled chicken.
(4)
Chris S.
This is an initial rating and I will certainly have to be trying this place again. I ordered a roast beef po'boy with fries. Here is my rant. This isn't a po' boy. This is a French Dip with au jus. The roast beef is more like deli meat than what I've had with other po'boys before. I'm not saying it wasn't good, just more disappointing to get a french dip when I wanted a po'boy. My wife god the omelette of the day. She enjoyed it but said it was way more food than she could have handled. 3 egg omelette, corn bread, home fries. With the scoutmob 50% off, our bill was around 11$. Great deal. I will try again, and be on the lookout for something besides a po'boy. The atmosphere was great, and the service was fun. The place looked fun, just walked away a little disappointed.
(3)
William T.
Amazing raw bar, which is half priced on Wednesday night! Amazing southern comfort food with a modern twist.
(5)
Alyson W.
I feel like I'm @ Southside pretty frequently--at least once every couple weeks--and it's become a go-to for after-work dinners and long Sunday brunches. I frequently find myself recommending it for a good brunch spot. Pros: Location, obviously. It's on the south end of Old Town so very convenient for those of us who live just down the parkway and have limited options nearby. But also, the food is really, really good. I am in love with the fried green tomatoes, the sweet potato biscuits, and anything with the pulled pork (nachos, benedict, etc.). The 815 biscuits (crab gravy!) are amazing. Good variety of beers on tap, lively but not overhelming ambiance, patio seating, competent service. Their Wednesday raw bar is slightly over-priced, but still good. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have never been disappointed. Cons: It can have a slightly funky college-bar smell occasionally, and it definitely needs a deep clean (especially in the bathrooms!).
(4)
Alexandra D.
The day we purchased a new Subi, we knew we wanted to immediately celebrate with some dinner, beer and by watching some March Madness. To avoid the King Street parking situation, we tried Southside for less parking drama and less pedestrians. Considering it was game day we were happy to wait just a couple minutes to find a seat in the bar. The nacho-lovers that we are, we ordered for an appetizer the Southside Nachos with jalapeño honey pulled chicken. These are in the top 3 of the nachos we've ever had! (And we literally order them whenever we try someplace new.) They were super plentiful with the right balance of toppings and a heaping pile of meat. We were so content just hanging out at the crowded bar, yummy beers at hand, and in the company of nice bar staff and patrons. Our next shareable plate was the Jambalya Cheesesteak with Mason-Dixon mashed. This dish was SO unbelievably tasty!! Other restaurants should take a queue from Southside's unique selection and great service. We are looking forward to going back! It was quite chilly last time, so we are definitely going to try the patio next time :)
(5)
Joanna M.
Great neighborhood bar I've gone to a few times for happy hour and watch caps games with a friend who lived nearby. Nice bartenders, decent priced drinks, great beer selection. Food isn't bad either- southern with a twist.
(3)
Samantha E.
My family celebrated my sister's birthday here and boy, were we pleased. Faccia Luna next door is one of our standard spots so I was happy we were able to force my parents to branch out and walk a few feet next door. Southside 815 is half bar, had dining room. The bar was absolutely packed with fans watching Sunday night football. The dining room was pretty small and had interesting murals on the ceiling of people swimming above you. Going to school in NC made both my sister and me huge fans of all things Southern, especially food. My family sampled basically every kind of thing on the menu. We started of with the delicious bread baskets which include cornbread, biscuits, and sweet potato biscuits. Soooo soft and delicious! My entree was the fried chicken pasta. They happily switched out the asparagus in the dish for some onions. My rest of my family ordered the following: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, the Virginia burger, pot roast, pecan crusted chicken, and shrimp po boy. The portions were huge and really matched well with the prices. Everything was fresh and flavorful and the service was great to boot.
(4)
Vivian H.
This place has it all... a bar, a patio, a large seating area (I sat outside to soak up the sun). a killer happy hour menu (if I came 4-7pm I'd literally try every app). really good southern food (I got the jambalaya cheesesteak.. genius!). attentive friendly staff (thanks for refilling my water a billion times, I was thirsty). accommodating/flexible menu (I swapped out cole slaw for pickles.. and had them fried). really reasonable prices ($11 for my meal and I took half the sandwich home). Yes, this place has it ALL... except good fries. WHY did you give me cold semi-crisp fries? I can tell they weren't fresh. Don't you know fries are sacred to me?
(4)
Chris F.
I have been here a few times and have never left disappointed. The food is awesome, the staff is friendly and the beer selection is good.
(5)
Mark B.
About 15 years ago, I had a very bad experience here. Hard to explain it, and not that interesting a story, but I hadn't gone back until last year. Now it's my "home" bar. The staff is fantastic. They keep the orders organized, are attentive, just friendly enough to be, well, friendly, but not overly chatty. Lots of TVs. The staff is smart about the TVs, too: For NFL days, they hang signs on the sets that say which game will be played on what. In fact, they print up the schedule ahead of time. Which you might want to consider checking out if you're headed in for an "obscure" NFL game on a Sunday (think, Bills/Chiefs). Then you have a good shot at claiming a decent seat. I like pub food, being a man of simple tastes, and theirs is pretty good. I generally go with the steak salad, or, when I'm just feeling like I need some extra protein, one of their half-price burgers during happy hour (I like the Virginia Burger myself). Lots of beers on tap, and Woodford Reserve behind the bar. Parking is much easier on this side of town than around King Street, which also means there are fewer tourists. This part of Alexandria has deep sidewalks, so the outdoor seating is actually quite pleasant during nice weather.
(5)
Karen D.
Should have listened to the Yelper who advised us to wear stretchy pants, because I'm stuffed! First time for fried pickles, and yes, they're delicious. Server was very understanding when one in our party, who has a severe shellfish allergy, asked about how things were fried and with what grease. Turns out, the pickles are dredged in the same batter as the shrimp, thereby possibly contaminating the fried pickles. When you have a food allergy, this kind of information is really important. Food was very good, but I'd be careful with the fried chicken. It came out almost burned crispy on the outside and almost raw on the inside. They have a good selection of beers, and excellent service. The place was hopping on a Monday night.
(4)
Earl S.
What a great place to pull up a chair and watch the game. This is the kind of place that DC needs. Lots of great beer and lots of great food. The bartender was really great to my table too, even though we were sitting away from the bar. It was nice being able to get a pint of PBR for $3. Appetizers and burgers were reasonably priced too. The nacho appetizer is huge and very filling. The chicken was loaded into the middle of the dish, under the chips, so the common problem of chip fatigue didn't arrive after the toppings are all gone. The chili cheddar burger I had was excellent too. I did not venture onto the dinner menu on my last visit but I'll give it a try next time.
(5)
Zack D.
This was an excellent dinner choice! Everything on the menu looked great, it was tough to decide what to try. Went with the steak and don't regret it! Can't wait to come back and try something else. Great food, reasonable prices.
(5)
David G.
A neighborhood tavern that I wish was in my neighborhood. You walk in the door, and the place feels warm and inviting. Southern victuals are the stock in trade. A good take on Carolina Pork BBQ, with just enough vinegary tang. A blackened catfish that's not so spiced that it destroys the fish itself. Chicken & Waffles as a midweek special. Po'Boys overflowing with shrimp, catfish, oysters, or a combo (at half-price on Mondays, its the best deal in the city). Brunches rock. Usual suspects, but also a Southern Benedict with the pork BBQ that must be tried. And their outstanding homemade biscuits come covered in a sausage gravy that is too good to pass up- perfect for a cold winter day. And the Cheesy Grits, oh lord, he Cheesy Grits. I've never set foot in the dining room, always opting for the bar, which is nearly always well occupied. The 'tenders have always been welcome and engaging, from the start. While they do have TVs, it is by no means a sports bar. It is, as I said, a watering hole, where you can come for some good food, s good drink, and meet some interesting folks. Damn, but I've just made myself hungry for that Biscuits & Gravy!
(4)
Britt M.
Still a great neighborhood spot after all these years. We've been coming for 15 years. Great beer selection, comfort food, sports, and casual friendly atmosphere. Come try some Southern food!
(4)
Bryan J.
South side is full of locals. Its in a part of old town you wouldn't necessarily make a destination. Warning: come hungry as the portions are large. I counted 6 tables with take home in the time we were there. That being said the food was delicious. The bbq shrimp and grits appetizer was delightful. I had the scallop special with kale. And another person had the jalepeno honey pulled chicken sandwich. I had a bite of the sandwich and it was everything the title says it is. Spicy and sweet. I enjoyed myself but I'm just not that in to this style of cooking anymore. Its heavy and everything is fried. I felt like the flavors were just blah. Don't get me wrong this type of food makes you smile while you're eating it but you regret it on the walk to the car. Im torn as to whether or not I'd go back. On the one hand they serve some southern classics. On the other, the bar is loud, the place is fairly dingy and there wasn't anything that blew my mind.
(3)
Jami H.
I absolutely love Southside! After ten years of dining at Southside (mostly carry out these days) I'm always satisfied. Although I almost always order the fried pickles and a pulled pork sandwich I sometimes venture out and order the daily special. But back to the fried pickles and pulled-pork -- the best ever! I crave these two things and it is always a requested destination (for pickles and pork!) when family visits from out of town. The servers and bartenders are helpful and nice. The bartenders do not act annoyed with to-go orders and servers do not give you the stink-eye when dining with kids. I love this place and have for ten years. Oh yeah, the shrimp at the raw bar on Wednesday nights is some of the best in town. Yummy!
(5)
Miss E.
Went for brunch on Sunday at noon. We made reservations the day before and had no trouble getting a table for 8 people. The service and food were fine. Nothing to write home about. Their prices are cheap, which might explain their charging-for-bread policy. All my friends liked their meals. My oyster po' boy was ok. Admittedly, my standards for po' boys are impossibly high after I made a trip to NOLA last year. I could also tell my food sat for a few minutes before it was brought to me. Fried food only works when it is served piping hot! Service slowed down after we got our food. I might have order another glass of wine if the waitress had asked. Overall, I'd give 815 a 2.5-star rating for food and service. I'm rounding up to 3 stars because the fried green tomatoes were actually pretty great (and those came out nice n hot). Tip: there's a FREE parking garage in the alley behind the restaurant.
(3)
Karisa D.
I am so excited about this restaurant!!! I went to Southside after my friend suggested it as a good dinner place. She is so wise! Lovely atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff. We were a large group and they were so accommodating to us; they even split the check multiple ways which is always a definite plus in my opinion :) I had the Crab Bisque- nice and creamy. A definite comfort for a cold day. But the star of my meal was actually a side dish, the house Mac and Cheese. This was one of the best Mac and Cheese dishes I've had in a recent memory. They use four different types of cheeses that melt well and complement each other and the dish as whole. Something you must try if you eat at Southside. Great food and excellent service. Our waiter was named Chris. Highly recommend you ask for him!
(4)
Adam F.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant. You'll see everyone from families to blue collar-types here depending upon the time of day. The bar staff is fantastic and prices are very reasonable. Of course, the food is solid. I recommend the pulled pork and chicken which they're known for. The pickles remind me of something that my grandma would have made. It sounds cheesy, but you can really taste the love in the food (outside of the fried stuff, of course). They do a great Mac and Cheese as well and I also enjoy the Virginia Burger. Highly recommend this place!
(4)
Sandra B.
Not sure what I am missing here. This place is getting so many rave reviews and I just don't get it. And it's a shame really because we live close by and had hoped to make it our go-to neighborhood place. My experiences there are always disappointing. First of all it's noisy as a place can get. I mean, the levels can be so loud you can hardly hear each other. We usually tried to get a booth for that reason. Wait staff is usually nice, but they rush you. The idea is to get you in and out as fast as possible and that's always annoying. We have tried the fried green tomatoes, the onion straws, the pulled pork and the chicken sandwiches along with the tuna, which was a big disappointment. All were ok, but nothing really stands out. The wine is awful. I had to send back two glasses, one a red and one a chardonnay that seemed more like a sauv. blanc. All were sour tasting....one was fizzy...and that isn't the way wine should be. The bartender gave me an attitude on top of it. That same evening we saw the waitress (who kept knocking into my chair all night without once apologizing) drop a whole tray of something right on the table next to us. She merely cleaned up the mess and barely said she was sorry to the customer who had some of the mishap down his back. The thing that really annoyed me is the servers. They are not your waiter or waitress, but someone who runs the food out to you from the kitchen as fast as humanly possible. I was reading a menu when me appetizer came out. This kid comes flying over and basically throws the plate on top of the opened menu and runs off. What the heck is that? My husband and I just laughed, and god forbid if you needed anything else because he wasn't asking . Not really the most enjoyable dining experiences, even for a pub.
(2)
Bill D.
No matter how hard I try to escape my southern roots, they grab me and shake me down like a Lafayette Park mugging at 2 am. This is one of those gotta-go places. Parking's tight and when you first come in you're going to experience the insanity that is the bar. Come in during any sporting event and you may wish you hadn't, unless you're a sports fan. Then it's fun as heck. The restaurant's off to the side and down a step. There are booths and tables. Unless you enjoy freezing your butt off, don't take a table by the window. Some of my past favorites were the fried green tomatoes and the jambalaya pasta, which are no longer on my diet. Today, I really like the gulf spiced chicken breast. Husbear says you can't go wrong with the Southside Meatloaf. Only complaint is the greens are kind of hit or miss. When they're good, they're awesome. When they're not? Oh. golly. Bitterness About the waitstaff: one word, *awesome*. Really, for the most part it's the same people for years. Friendly, funny and nice as can be. This is actually a pretty good place to take kids because it's already a loud as hell place because of the bar so if anybody stares, well - screw 'em. There's plenty of kid friendly stuff on the menu. It's not expensive or fancy, just kind of old home classic food.
(4)
Christina A.
I've been meaning to try this place out for a while, and now that I have, I am really upset that it has taken me this long to come! I came here for brunch last weekend and got the fried green tomato benedict which was AWESOME. The bacon was great, the sauce was delish... I am 100% coming back SOON to try dinner, as there were some very enticing items on the menu. The bf got chicken fried steak and eggs that was delicious. The atmosphere was nice for brunch as well, and the service was good. We also had the pineapple upside down cake for dessert and it is not to be missed!
(4)
Alyssa K.
Fried green tomatoes and pickles along with mac and cheese........now that's a menage a tois I want to be part of! Southside 815 is my favorite place to come and indulge in some seriously delicious and decadent food. Grab some friends, wear your stretchy pants and you are guaranteed a good time. The first time I came here I didn't really know what I was getting into. We took the metro from DC seeking out some Southern Comfort to cure a hangover. We got on the wrong train and then hiked from the metro to Southside, and it seemed like it took days to finally get here. As soon as the food arrived, I felt that this epic journey had all been worth it. On subsequent visits I took a more direct route and it is far less of a hike and still so worth a visit. We usually order one of everything from appetizers to sides. I have tried the breadbasket that come with the most delicious jellies, the southern fried pickles, the fried green tomatoes,the big noodle mac and cheese along with collard greens. On the brunch menu, the stuffed french toast, the blackened chicken scramble and a bloody mary. There is nothing I have had here I didn't love. Even just writing this review has made me so hungry for Southside....I am definitely going to take the trip to Alexandria soon and recommend you do too.
(4)
Peter K.
The wife and I went here hoping to get in on the happy hour specials but we had our 8 month old baby with us. Unfortunately, the happy hour specials are only available at the bar. I guess that sorta makes sense but I got the same amount of beer sitting in the dining area that I would have at the bar. Maybe next time, I'll grow some balls and just take my baby to the bar area. We got the pulled pork and fish and chips. We used to live in London a couple of times... it's actually been quite difficult to find fish and chips in the US that are even close to being as good as what we had in the UK (doesn't seem it'd be that hard, but for some reason, we Yanks aren't able to do it). Anyway, the fish and chips here were excellent and I'd come back here just for them. They have a decent selection of beers. The dining area is very kid friendly -- they give your kids a coloring sheet with crayons. I think there's supposed to be parking in the rear but we arrived right at 6pm when the far right lane on Washington St. closes to traffic and is available for parking. I was able to park right in front of the restaurant.
(4)
Paul S.
I've been here a few times for food and many times for drinks. The staff is on point - food and drinks are served quickly and the prices are better than in old town.
(5)
Slick M.
I just can't forgive ordering a Strip med rare, and it coming out med well. As it sat, it became well done, grey and so unappetizing. I NEVER send back food, but seriously, there wasn't any pink showing at the end. I tried to eat it, but.... no. Besides that, service was ok. I almost think my waiter was avoiding coming back. But my husband had an empty beer for a while, as he passed by twice. On the plus side, my husbands burger was great, and luckily for him, cooked as ordered. This was my second time here, but I don't think I'll be back.
(3)
Tracy L.
Southside is my friend's favorite bar in Alexandria and I think I understand why. A friendly neighborhood spot, it's really casual with nice bar tenders and servers. More importantly, the entrees here are really good and come with GIANT portions. The menu is actually very extensive too, with tons of reasonably priced options. We tried the Jambalaya pasta (awesome), meat loaf (huge) and stuffed chicken (tasty). Paired with beers, our dinner experience here has always been really pleasant. Btw, the bar and dining room are separated. Diners can enjoy their meals peacefully at the comfy space while drinkers hang out at the bar area. There is also an outdoor patio for nicer weather. Overall Southside is not bad for some beers and easy dinners.
(4)
Jon R.
Two Things I don't like: Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese. Two Things I tried at Southside 815: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Fritters. Guess what? Still don't like FGT's (that's just me... but they had a lovely batter) but I LOVED the fritters. I am also a bit of a macaroni and cheese snob. They had one of the best homemade macaroni and cheeses around. Yum Yum! Our waiter was really great too... Patrick was his name and he seemed to have many tables but never let it show. When he came to see if your table needed anything or to bring you or millionth refill of diet coke cause I am a diet coke junky (I exaggerate just a tad) he treats you like you are his only customer. I also enjoyed the chicken fried steak. My only ONLY complaint is they give you so much food that if you do not plan you do not get to enjoy any of the delicious sounding desserts. Alas, I know next time.
(5)
Andrew P.
Our server was outstanding. He gave us great recommendations. This was a very comfortable casual restaurant. Inexpensive for 3 of us to eat even though we got 3 alcoholic drinks for the table. The bar was packed, although we ate in the restaurant. Their breadbasket was a great way to start the meal...the rolls and cornbread came out warm. They also had apple butter and a spicy spread for it. It's not really in Old Town, but if you don't mind the walk then the location is ok. Personally, I don't mind the walk.
(4)
Monica W.
This review is for the bar only -- Great neighborhood bar if you live in the area. You can't beat their happy hour menu prices -- $1.50 nachos and half price burgers! It gets pretty crowded on weekends and is pretty much standing room only, so if you want to secure a seat, plant your fanny there early! The restaurant area leaves little to be desired, and I've tried just about everything on the menu. I did get a decent steak there once...once. The staff is super friendly though, so I don't want to knock them. They just need to revise their current menu. I have a feeling the restaurant survives on the lack of choices for southside residents.
(4)
Michelle K.
Let me start off by saying I have no clue how this restaurant has such a high rating. The consensus seems to be that patrons will come hungry and leave full; I left full of regret that I actually spent money on this food and full of worry that I may have just eaten something that may or may not have been regurgitated by an animal (see BBQ shrimp below). I also find it surprising that people don't immediately have a heart attack when they stand up after eating at this place - I'm all for some unhealthy, southern cooking but christ, does everything need to be smothered in 500 pounds of gravy or some special sauce? Southside 815 relies on covering everything with sauce in order to hide the fact that their food sucks. No, like seriously sucks. I'm pretty sure if I left my food outside that even wild animals would avoid it. I had the breadbasket, fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp and the oyster-shrimp combination po' boy. Let me break it down... Breadbasket: The sweet potato biscuits were decent but the corn bread was below average, while the regular biscutis aren't even worth mentioning. Fried green tomatoes: Who knew tomatoes could be so heavy? This dish was the biggest letdown of the night - after seeing everyone talk about how great these tomatoes were, I had high hopes. Maybe I had a bad batch because after one bite of this dish I thought about stabbing my fork into my face. BBQ shrimp: These shrimp were floating in a thick, viscous yellow liquid. I honestly think I may have been eating straight animal lard. I don't even know what it was, or why they thought it would be a good idea to pair it with shrimp, but it was probably one of the top 25 worst dishes I've ever had. Oyster-Shrimp combination po'boy: This sandiwch didn't come with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce or ANY sauce, for that matter. It was just a big, crusty slab of bread filled with big, crusty fried shrimp and oysters. Maybe my judgment is harsh considering I've had real po'boys in New Orleans, but I felt like I could have gotten the same thing at Long John Silvers (side note: I've never actually eaten at Long John Silvers, but I still think that's a fairly accurate comparison). Anyways, apparently the regular chef passed out in the kitchen right before my order (presumably from eating too much of this lard-laden food) and they had a rando off the street fill in for him, because my experience at Southside 815 was nothing like the vast majority of reviewers. Will I give this place another shot? Possibly, but it's going to take a good three months to get to the point where I don't physically gag just from hearing the word "southside."
(1)
David R.
I've been going to SouthSide several times a month for the last 7 years. The service is great. Greg and Tara, two of the regular bartenders, are pros. They are friendly and responsive and they clearly want you to enjoy your time there. They have a pretty big menu of Southern dishes and rotating specials and happy hours. I think their burgers are some of the best in old town. The more expensive menu items are hit and miss but all the staples are between good and great. It feels like this bar / restaurant is part of the fabric of Old Town now that they have been here for 20 years. Beyond being the local watering hole, they also organize community charity golf tournaments and bus trips to some local sporting events here and there. They also have occasional special meals like crab boils. All in all, it's a great place to grab a drink after work, a good meal or catch a game.
(5)
Jon M.
I've enjoyed every single southern morsel that has crossed my lips here. This is slap your momma good food, and I get giddy as a schoolboy just at the thought of going. From the amazing fried chicken to the meatloaf, I don't think you can go wrong; the same is true for the yummy side dishes. There are also tasty libations to sip on whilst enjoying your shrimp and grits!!! Oh, and thank goodness this place knows how to make a biscuit. Southside 815 is my southern cookery outpost in Alexandria... and pretty much all of the DC area. So, when I'm when I'm feeling homesick and can't venture out to Carolina Brothers BBQ in Ashburn, this place does the trick. PRO tip: The place is often busy... heck, I have yet to find a spot at the bar, so consider calling ahead for a table to reduce your wait on a Friday/Saturday. For what its worth, the two things keeping me from giving this place the perfect 5 stars are: 1 - the dining area is just lacking something to make it feel more homey/comfortable/southern... I can't quite put my finger on it, but its just vanilla feeling (aside from the murals). 2 - The service has been just OK the last two times in. During my last visit, my beer was completely in my belly just after the food arrived, and I didn't see our server until she came out to see if we wanted dessert : (
(4)
John E.
HH: $1.50 pork nachos, oyster sliders, wings, pork sliders Beer $3 The food is pretty good, crowd is older.
(3)
Juanita A.
Yummy deliciousness is how I describe Southside! I was introduced to this spot only recently but I've gone several times now and the food/service is consistently good! If you are looking for reasonably priced comfort food, this is the place to be! PLEASE try the Southside Nachos - you won't regret it.
(4)
Patrick B.
My girlfriend and I went here last weekend for the first time, and I must say it is my FAVORITE restaurant in Alexandria. Our food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. Our server was delightful. Did I mention our food was great? We started out with the bread basket. WHAT A DEAL! We had two buttermilk biscuits, two sweet potato rolls, and two pieces of cornbread. All of these were amazing! But the best part was the peach pepper jelly! Man it was amazing! It's the best bread topping I've ever had at a restaurant. The bread also came with apple butter, but I must say it wasn't on par with the peach pepper jelly. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But it wasn't the peach pepper jelly. For dinner, I had the bourbon barrel pork chops and my girlfriend had rainbow trout. The pork chops were amazing. They come with sauteed onions on top, and with green beans and dixie mashed potatoes. Cutting a piece of the pork, getting the onions, and then running them through the mashed potatoes was one of the best bites of food I ever had. The green beans were crisp, and had great flavor. I also added a side of greens to my meal, and they were great. They had great flavor, great texture, and reminded me of home. My girlfriend's fish was mild and tasty. She had a huge helping, and it was delicious. It was not recommended by our waitress because it was one of the more ordinary dishes on the menu, but she chose to get it anyways. She enjoyed it, but said she wouldn't order it again. Not that there was anything wrong with it, it was just kind of plain. However, she still enjoyed the meal. We finished off with pineapple upside down cake and that should NOT be missed! It was sweet, moist, came with delicious ice cream, and was topped with a great rum sauce. It was an amazing desert and it will be hard for me to try something different next time! All in all, in one night, Southside 815 became my favorite restaurant in Alexandria. I can't wait to go there again and try some of the other great menu items. Maybe I'll go for lunch so I can try one of their po' boys! If you're looking for good food and a fun night, go to Southside 815!
(5)
Brian B.
A favorite of my wife and I. We normally go every other Wednesday for raw bar night. I've liked everything I've tried on the menu, which is just about everything! Their burgers are my favorite in town. Great beer selection as well!
(5)
Andie C.
Southside has gone downhill recently. The biscuits and gravy just tastes like white gravy instead of sausage gravy. Also they took the veggie scramble off the menu, which was my favorite dish. I also think their dining room and tables need a good scrubbing- it feels grimy.
(2)
E L.
Boardinghouse Breadbasket - 4 stars Classic Red Bean Chili - 4 stars Lemon-Pepper Tuna Steak - 2 stars Jambalya Cheesesteak - 2 stars Service - 4 stars
(3)
Stacy R.
I absolutely love this place. My favorites were the friend pickles, fried green tomatoes, biscuits & gravy and the "Fresh North Atlantic salmon filet pan seared with a creole mustard and sweet bbq marinade then plated over tasso maque choux (spicy ham and corn succotash) and topped with crisp fried onion strings." The Southern Greens were overcooked and the Chicken Fried Steak was just "ok".
(5)
Cassie H.
I tend to listen to fellow yelpers when selecting somewhere and usually I am steered in the right direction. Today, however, was an epic fail. First of all you need to try to get a reservation....what sports bar takes reservations!?!?! This was our first clue it might be crowded. They do get a point though b/c you are able to call ahead and get on the wait list. So we walk in and all of the tables are full as are all the chairs by the bar. We went on a Sunday afternoon hoping to watch some football and pig out on burgers and fries. We stood around watching various games for about 45 minutes and NO ONE moved...aside from refilling their beers! Sucked to be me! So eventually hunger won out and we went to the dining side. We both ordered the blackened catfish...my friend had the grits with hers. But in the meantime we are starving so I order the fried oyster rockerfeller. Now in their defense I didn't thoroughly read the description b/c I figured I knew what that was. I pictured nice cooked oyster in a shell with spinach, cheese, and other things nicely laid on top. What I received was a hot, monkey mess. It was fried oysters laid on top of mashed potatoes with a tomato, spinach, and some other mysterious ingredient sauce. HORRID! The catfish was decent other than there was an ounce of oil sitting on top when my plate was handed to me. You read it right...handed...not laid....the guy brought the food and I sat up straight thinking he would lay it down but he just inched it closer for me to grab from him. REALLY...where they do that at....oh...Southside 815! My friends grits looked like clam chowder and the taste wasn't much better. My bright spot was most definitely the cornbread. It was AMAZING! However, unless the menu specifies that your entree comes with it you have to pay for a bread basket.....I have NEVER in my life had to pay for bread. Not even Red Lobster with the delicious cheddar bay biscuits charges for that! It was only $1.50 but still....ugh! I should have stuck with ordering a burger...I saw several and they looked like they would have been worth the wait. Oh well....you live, you learn, you rant on Yelp!
(1)
Robyn M.
The onion straw app was good. Everything else sucked. We had the meatloaf and veggie plate. It was also extremely loud. Good service.
(2)
Lisa P.
had to remove my positive review due to the roach that my boyfriend killed while we were here last night.
(1)
Nelson H.
Came here on a quiet weekday for lunch with my girlfriend. It's very country style inside. We had ordered a shrimp and oyster po boy and chicken tenders. It was okay, wasn't crazy about the batter used. But willing to try other dishes.
(3)
Kanye M.
Putting two bartenders on one shift would increase profits, tips, revenue, and yelp reviews. Still liked it overall despite painfully slow service.
(4)
S C.
What was'nt good here? Everything was great. Fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, greens, even the bread basket was crazy good. Just jump in and box up what's left. Note: its a long walk back to King Street on a full tummy not the smartest idea.
(5)
Christine R.
3.5 I love the location, outdoor seating (for warmer days), parking is super easy and all employees I entered on a very busy Sunday were very polite and prompt. We had a party of 6 and were sat very quickly. This was a plus since there was no seating at the bar to wait for the rest of the party. The food... it was okay. I ordered the jambalaya sub, it was so yummy, definitely not spicy enough. I feel like the rest of the party ordered the pulled chicken sammie. I tasted a bit and wasn't impressed at all. I probably would return for brunch again and to maybe catch a game or two. Nothing really stood out about this place. I was sad :( I was expecting to find a hidden gem. Oh well!
(3)
Angela G.
Want to avoid the touristy part of Old town and enjoy unpretentious good food? Southside 815 is a good choice. This restaurant, further down S. Washington with a good amount of outdoor seating, was the perfect place for lunch on a spring day following a nice stroll in Alexandria/Jones Point Park. Happy to find out they have brunch on Saturday also, so that was the menu I went with. My veggie frittata was very substantial--chock full of tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, home fries and swiss cheese. The cornbread that accompanied it was delicious. My fellow walker raved about her Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Quesadella. But there a number of menu items that caught my eye that I'd like to try another time. Our server was very friendly....and had no problem when a few other walkers from our group joined the table after we'd already ordered. They also had good things to say about their dishes, a pulled pork sandwich and a mushroom burger respectively. I'm not sure what others ordered when they stated their portions were small...everyone remarked at the large portions of food we all received. I felt so full I had to bring a 1/4 of my frittata home. Only somewhat negative thing was my coffee was a little weak for my taste and for some reason all the trees on the sidewalk had been cut down. I'd recommend this neighborhood restaurant and bar.
(4)
Casey K.
Brunch: went with the family and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The portions are quite large and all the food looked good! Exactly what you expect from a good Southern restaurant. Dinner: went with the bf and we both got sandwiches. I got the chicken & cheese steak sub - it was one of the best I have ever had! And the bf enjoyed his sandwich as well though I am blanking on what he ordered. We both had a beer and I believe our check was under $30 - great value for the food that you receive - whenever I am back in Old Town and looking for a good sandwich, I will definitely hit it up!
(4)
Heather C.
We actually really like this place. Their nachos with pulled chicken is amazing. Another one of my favorites is their cucumber mojito type drinks. I don't know if they always have it, but it was pretty slammin the time I tried it. My man also really loves the Cajun pasta something or other. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Eric G.
This has become my go to place for late night food. I enjoy the ambience and the grub is amazing. Wednesday night is Oyster night and the price is unbelievable for it to be not at the "wharf". Actually I'm on my way there now! Hello French Quarter Wings
(4)
Jaime S.
Great happy hour! Bartenders are very friendly, atmosphere is lively but not obnoxious, and the food is pretty good. We like the wings and the Chesapeake club in particular. Service is generally very good, however if you eat there for lunch be aware the cocktails tables in the bar are waited on by the bartender, so expect to be hollered at and to reach across the bar patrons for drinks/plates. Awkward at lunchtime.
(4)
Elaine M.
Yummy food, huge portions, fair prices, kid-friendly non chain restaurant. My husband and I did halfsies on the po boy sandwiches, oyster and crawfish. Both were overflowing with the seafood meat--awesome! Half of a sandwich is more than enough to satiate most appetites. And and and... they do half price on the po boy sandwiches on Mondays. So that's basically around $5 for a huge fried seafood sandwich. Yum! As other reviewers have stated, the fried green tomatoes are also very good. As of right now, there's also a foursquare special for this place for 50% off your entire table's order, up to a $20 discount (but keep in mind that it's not valid for the half price po boys on Mondays).
(4)
Mike K.
Great staff. Amazing bar. Try the pulled pork sandwich and the biscuits. A great place with an amazing atmosphere.
(5)
James W.
It was a long time but I remember it being very good. Slightly off the tourist route in south old town.
(4)
Mai T.
Walking into Southside 815, you are hit with this cozy.. just walked into your mom's house smell. It was perfect for the cold weather this past weekend. The interior is dim, brick, and feels like you're sitting next to a fire at the house you've lived in all your life. The food, however, is the opposite. I had the meatloaf with greens and mashed potatoes. The meatloaf was bland, as were the greens. The mash was ok.. garlicky, buttery.. ok. The bf had the Shrimp and Cheddar Grits. It was wayyy too salty with the sausage and the bacon in it. It would have been really good if they took out some of the bacon. Also, I wouldn't waste the $1.95 on the breadbasket.. it wasn't really worth it. The cornbread though, was good, if you have to have bread with your meal. The bar here, was packed and they did have a lot of beers available. For me, it's one of those.. been there.. done that places.. don't think I will be coming back.
(2)
G W.
The beer selection is very good and the food is good and hearty. There is even pub grub that my vegetarian wife enjoys here! They were nice enough to put the pulled pork on the side when we ordered the nachos. We've only eaten at the bar, never on the restaurant side, but I think that is because we are always treated so well and made to feel very welcome at the bar. This is a great place to watch a football game, and they always have some very good food specials during the NFL games. If you're going to come for happy hour, you have to get here early because it fills up fast. We've enjoyed the Sunday brunch here as well, there is so much to choose from it is always difficult to order, but you're never disappointed! FYI, if you're a football fan, this is a Steeler bar, big time. Lots of black and gold jerseys here!
(4)
Courtney F.
The food at Southside 815 was just okay. I had the greens and pork chop, while a friend had the Poe Boy. I was told that the menu had soul food options and was looking forward to it. The meal fell way short of soul food but was still okay.
(2)
Jaye V.
3.5 Stars Inexpensive prices and great service. I go here when I want both of those things and some comforting southern food. There's a mix of southern items on the menu, including low country stuff (think Charleston/South Carolina) and Cajun stuff. However, anything Cajun is always off in its seasoning/preparation and doesn't really taste anything like Cajun food to me (my best friend is Cajun, and I lived in East Texas along the Gulf Coast for 10 years). It tastes like it was made too quickly, while real Cajun food has complex flavors that painstakingly begin with a good rue. And the low country stuff often seems like they put way too many things together on the same plate. Stay away from the gumbo and low country shortcake. Your best bet here is to go for the seafood or anything *generally* southern or more simply prepared. For example, my pecan-crusted fish special was excellent. And the bread/biscuit basket they give you? The sweet potato biscuits with the hot pepper & fruit jelly are nom-nom good. Wednesday nights are raw bar night. Nowhere will you find a raw bar in the close-in DC metro area at these prices. Overall, I like this place and I've been back numerous times. It took a few times before I knew what to order, though.
(3)
Alok B.
I love this place for an occasional drink and some good bar food. This is typically a Steelers bar, however, I am an Eagles fanatic and the bar staff are very accommodating of other team fans. The bar is not smoky anymore as VA recently passed a law for prohibiting smoking inside the bars. I have had burgers here and they are delicious. The one great plus about this place is there are two sections in the restaurant. The bar area where you can watch sports and drink AND the other sit down restaurant area to have a good quiet meal. They have a good list of beers. The service is decent inside the restaurant sit-down area and the bartenders are polite. This bar is walking distance from my place so my wife and I are regulars here.
(4)
Stan Y.
If I lived in the DC area, I'd definitely visit this place again. I ordered the pecan chicken breast, which was really good, but what put it over the top were the cheddar grits. It doesn't get much better than this, folks. I didn't have a problem with the service, aside from waiting a few minutes to be seated. (The hostess was nowhere to be found when I arrived.) Also, a word to those who want to dine outside: this faces Washington St/Route 1 so it's bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Dear Southside 815, Why, oh why, would you put fried pickles on your menu and fail to mention that they're not dill pickles, which are, in fact, the only pickles worth frying? Love, Rebecca Seriously, though, that's the ONLY complaint I have about this place. We went on Saturday night, a little late for dinner, but were seated immediately, and it was nice enough to eat outside. We had appetizers first - along with the pickles (really, sweet pickles fried are NOT that exciting), fried green tomatoes (really good, but if I was doing them, I'd make the batter a little lighter, but really, no complaint), and oysters Rockefeller, 815 style (fried oysters on top of mashed potatoes with the normal Rockefeller stuff). Good stuff. But nothing compared to dinner. This might truly be my new favorite restaurant, which is bad because the stuff on the menu is not conducive to my master plan of losing 30 more pounds. Dammit. Friend had chicken fried steak. She'd had it before, and loves it. Matt had rainbow trout, and devoured it. He was very happy. I had shrimp and andouille sausage over cheddar grits. Holy crap. Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite dishes, and this take on it was amazing. I've never had grits ground that small. Either they just cooked them long enough that they became a big old mesh, or they grind their own hominy. Did I mention that it was amazing. And I had leftovers, which heat up REALLY well in the microwave. The only thing that might have made them a little better would be if the tails were taken off the shrimp. But that's not really a complaint. All in all, we were all very happy with Southside, and will be back. Probably far too often.
(4)
Carl J.
Great southern food and atmosphere in DC area.
(5)
Gabriela C.
I wish I could give half stars because I would give this place a 3.5. Not great enough for a 4 start though. The location and the atmosphere is pretty good but the food left me wanting more. For someone who lived in the south, I expected something more true to its name. The fried green tomatoes were ok, they weren't bad, but they weren't memorable. They would have been better if they didn't deep fried them in the same oil used for everything else because I could taste the flavors of fries/chicken tenders/etc. I do have to admit that the pairing sauce for the FGT was excellent. The fried pork chop with gravy was probably a C- but the mash potatoes and the green beans were excellent. The bar are was very nice and they had plenty of sports on the tv screens. The dining room was pretty crowded and more noisy than the bar at that time of day (1-2pm on sat). The crayfish po'boy was ok but not the best outside of New Orleans as the menu claims. The fries were nice and crispy, which I liked.
(3)
Steve A.
I'm from around the way so Southside is a place I've been to many many times. I'm not sure I would put it on a list of places that tourists must eat at in Old Town but it is definitely a good spot with good bartenders and good people.
(4)
N C.
Only been for brunch which was fun and tasty. Good vibe, friendly servers. The food's tasty, and you know I love fried pickles (which of course combined with the bread basket meant I was complete full before I even got to my entree.) Seemed like there was a corps of regulars that roll in around noon on Sunday.
(3)
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
Address :815 S Washington St
Alexandria, VA, 22314
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
A F.
The fried pickles with remoulade sauce as an appetizer were the best I've ever had. I ordered the tuna steak and it came with 4 sides. I don't know if that was a mistake cause the menu only mentioned 3 but I didn't complain. It came with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (the waitress may have added this cause I asked about them), collard greens and cheesy grits. The food was good and the ambiance was casual. It wasn't the best southern food I've ever had cause I like alot of seasoning and spices but everything was pretty tasty and I walked away stuffed.
(4)Kit O.
Fantastic food, staff and even the patrons are a warm, friendly and engaging. Greg a bartender extraordinaire made me a drink with crushed ice in the glass making it a frosty dirty martini to die for! even the patrons are friendly
(5)Crystal H.
I loved this place! This place is located in a very nice, well lit block in Alexandria and there was ample parking available. There is a nice outdoor seating area that would probably be perfect for nice Spring/Summer dining and people watching! But at night, there are nice white lights that light up the front entrance of the restaurant! Went there on a Saturday night around 5:30 ish and was seated right away! Upon entry there is a bar area where there were plenty of football games on! He loved that! You walk in and are greeted and seated! We were seated and right away and checked out the menu! The menu was a great variety of southern fare with pasta and sandwiches, po'boys, and even grill items! I usually stay away from Po'Boys unless I am in New Orleans! Going to school there and trying "New Orleans" style food outside of the N.O., has been a mistake in most instances! But we started with fried pickles and fried green tomatoes! I know, a lot of fried items, but I was looking at previous yelp reviews that say try the fried green tomatoes! First off, the pickles were very good! They were more wet than I have experienced at Hooters, which makes me believe they are from a jar! And they had a sweetness like bread and butter pickles. But they were very good! And so was the remoulade sauce! It was very good! The fried green tomatoes were good! Very thick cut though! But they were good! For an entree, I ordered the pot roast! It was delicious! The Beef was tender and the collard greens and mashed potatoes were awesome! Not a complaint in the world! However, my guy ordered the crab club sandwich, and it wasn't so good! However, they removed it from the bill and he ordered the ribs that were very good! All in all, the food was delicious and the service was great! I believe this place must be a little gem that people keep hidden because the place filled up pretty quickly. Its a wonderful place that I know I will be back to experience again!
(4)Keith Z.
This review is only for brunch. Eaten here a few times. I've tried their different takes on eggs Benedict, all were delicious. Also have had the chicken fried steak which is just as delicious. Nice and crispy as well as being tender. The gravy has great flavor as well. What's brunch without a bloody Mary? They make 'em the way I like 'em, a bit on the spicy side. One of the bloody Mary's even comes with a big steamed shrimp as well as the usual garnishes. Look forward to coming here as often as possible.
(5)Patrick J.
Great happy hour appetizers and drink specials. Try the 815 biscuits.
(4)Sharon P.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants for a casual dining experience. The meals are a hearty and the menu features a lot of southern comfort foods. My favorite is the jalapeño honey pulled-chicken sandwich. It's a reliable establishment with a friendly wait staff. An added bonus is the outdoor seating that can accommodate dogs. Southside is definitely a local hotspot.
(4)Robert M.
I lived behind Southside 815 for several years and a lot of the people in the neighborhood went there for food/drinks. In all the times I went to Southside, the service was never good. I went to the bar more than once and had to wait 10-15 minutes just to put in a drink order. I went to the restaurant side several times and on multiple occasions I was seated and then about 20 minutes would go by without hearing back from anyone. Two separate times I had waiters apologize and say "I'm sorry I forgot about you." On another occasion I was there with my girlfriend and we put in an appetizer order and the waiter asked if we'd like to go ahead and put in our entrees. We put in our orders and received our entrees after about 20 minutes. We asked about our appetizer and the waiter said he forgot. He offered to get us the appetizer we ordered and we said no thanks since our entrees were already on the table. The food is alright. It's nothing to write home about. I never had any significant problems with it. I think it's a bit overpriced. The nacho appetizer is $10 which I find absurd. I like that they have southern dishes that aren't on many menus in this area (fried pickles, fried green tomatoes) but again they aren't amazing. The place has real potential because it's got a great location and patio seating but the service is just awful. I was consistently treated poorly and the food is just alright. I would not recommend eating here.
(1)Mandana Y.
Good southern food, decent prices, poor service. I hate saying that because I WANT to like this place. I really do. There is ample parking, they have a nice patio and the food is well made. The servers aren't that bad, but they're not that great either. But their hostesses are just um... not hospitable. That's a PC way to put it right? I called in the morning asking for a table of 8 on the patio. "We don't take reservations for the patio, and anyway, we couldn't fit that many people on the patio." "Well could you squeeze us? What if we were just 7, we're not sure if the 8th person is coming." "No, it wouldn't fit." "Well can we have a table inside by the window?" "What do you mean by the window? Like a booth and a table? That wouldn't work." Lady, seriously, what is up your butt? I've been here before, I sat by a window, with a table of 8. Stop taking out your personal issues on me. It turned out that all we had to do was say we were willing to be split into two tables side by side on the patio and we got to sit outside. Which I told them when we arrived for lunch two hours later. But why was it that I had to think of that? What exactly is your job Ms. Hostess? Especially when at 12:30 your restaurant is 1/5 full, you'd think you'd want to be as accommodating as possible to such a large party. That aside, the service is just slow. The food took half an hour to come out, even though most of us had salads. The bill took another 20 minutes to come, granted he was nice enough to do separate checks, but still, come on bud. I would never suggest this place for a work lunch. Maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch where you weren't in a rush to eat, or do anything else for the rest of the day? The staff here takes their sweet time, whether you want to or not.
(3)Brandi C.
Food was not seasoned like southern food. Very bland. Service was good and everyone was very friendly.
(3)Molly P.
Excellent crab and artichoke dip. The food was pretty good, I had the pulled pork and was satisfied.
(4)Jen W.
Absolutely Amazing!! Food and service was excellent! Easy to find. My husband had a jambalaya cheesesteak, something we have never seen anywhere else! Fries were out of this world! I had a steak that was cooked perfectly although a tad bland, as well as the potatoes (a smidge of salt and it was perfect!). Overall, we would love to go there again!
(4)Matthew L.
Decent food Boring menu They tried to pass off one IPA as another - I'm more offended that they didn't think i could tell the difference.
(2)Jamieson R.
I followed another reviewers advice and got a bread basket, which was delicious. The food was good, service great, and the price reasonable.
(4)James G.
Nice chill spot were u can catch a sports game no too over crowded and the food is okay
(4)Nicole L.
Not bad, not great. We came here for brunch and the Bloody Mary was delicious with a nice spicy kick at the end. Eggs Benedict were also decent though not terribly eye-opening. They have patio seating, which was really lovely on a sunny day. Service was also fairly pleasant, though we glimpsed one of the waiters dripping syrup all over a table due to some mishandling of the syrup dispenser, and I'm not sure that he ever went back to clean it up.
(3)Naima K.
Not bad...not bad at all. The breadbasket was decent ($3 or 1.50 with entree)...cornbread being the standout. Apple butter and jalapeno jam was a nice compliment. The biscuits were a little too authentic homemade-y though...I felt like I could improve on the recipe/cooking technique...and I don't even know how to make biscuits. Split the fried chicken (only available Mon and Thurs). Could have passed on that. Fried very dark; though the meat was fairly tender; it did not taste good enough to expend energy seeking chicken from the bones - my friend shocked me by being ok with sending the plate away very much unscavenged...but we had eaten a lot of bread. The mashed potatoes were palatable but was not feeling the gravy...it was meaty but undairied (i.e. no butter), which triggered the imagination in uncomfortable ways. Also shared the shrimp po-boy. It was pretty good...stuffed with small shrimp, slightly smaller than I'm used to, but for 1/2 off po' boy Monday, I had no complaints...except for the fries on the side...plentiful but I didn't feel guilty paying $5 for a meal with that being the side. Service was friendly and understanding/helpful, even though some seemed like teenagers (very infrequently encounter them). Very casual and old school country in the dining area...reminiscent of Cracker Barrel. Refreshing to know there is a place in Old Town (though fairly far south) with large portions and great specials, though I was slightly turned off by the preponderance of pork on the menu and being consumed by those around me, I understand why it's a popular neighborhood hangout. Did not feel well shortly after leaving, which is to say, they must put MSG in something, perhaps the breading for the shrimp, or frozen shrimp preservatives (I've felt similarly when I've had shrimp at cheap seafood restaurants). But I would return...not for fried chicken....should probably stay away from the po' boys too.
(3)Todd W.
Simply chose to spend a night in Alexandria because hotels were in a lower reward category than those across the river in DC. Decided to get food and drink close to the hotel and am very happy with my choice of going to Southside 815. PLENTY of street parking, unlike other places further north on King Street, and the bartenders really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. There was a very good selection of beer, wine and spirits and the menu was much better than similar local places and had a Soul Food/Southern theme with the taste to back it up. On future visits to the area, I would not hesitate to visit Southside 815 again and bring friends to check it out. Cannot stress enough how cordial and hospitable the bartenders were the entire evening...both to regulars and new customers like myself.
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: fun place to watch a football game on Sunday afternoons. Food: There was a half-priced burger special the Sunday we were there, pretty hard to pass up! They were juicy, flavorful and bonus points for having blue cheese crumbles as an add-on. Drink: The beer offerings are pretty typical, as are the alcohol/wine options. Service/Atmosphere: It's the type of place where there's stuff hanging all over the walls, but this one seems less dirty (no dust hanging off the memorabilia, thank goodness!) We were sitting at the bar area and ordered from the bartender who was nice and good at managing a big crowd. Food came out promptly. I'll be back!
(4)Joseph E.
This is a good neighborhood bar. It is far enough south in Old Town that most tourists don't make it all the way down here. Bartenders (except for one) have always been very friendly, helpful, and work hard to learn your name. I have had their burger, grilled chicken sandwich and wings. All were pretty good, but nothing amazing. It is a bar though, so I don't expect a gourmet meal. If you make it for happy hour the wings are only $0.45 each - can't beat that!
(3)Caitlin P.
I was so disappointed with my experience here. The only reason I'm awarding a second star is the outdoor seating. Southside has more outdoor tables than another place in Old Town that I've seen so availability was not an issue. However the rest of my experience was mediocre at best. The white peach sangria, which was on special, tasted like they had just poured the sangria out of my glass and refilled it with water. And we agreed that we didn't make the best ordering choices, but the menu claimed the po'boys were the best north of New Orleans so we ordered them. Lame. Dry, stale bread, watery slaw, and barely seasoned shrimp and oysters. Also got the bread basket to start. It was fine. I'd return only to sit outside and enjoy a well-priced beer (for this area).
(2)Elizabeth H.
Southside has become my favorite happy hour location in the Old Town area. I can't say I have actually had a full meal in the dining room, but the happy hour specials are just fantastic! Last night the roomie & I ordered a dozen wings, an order of pulled pork sliders, a plate of nachos plus two rum & cokes and two Miller Lights and the bill was only $20! Also, fyi, the fried green tomatoes are delicious. And you have the option to add a fried green tomato to your burger which is extra delicious! Anddd the burgers happen to be half price during happy hour! Alot of wonderful things going on Southside! The service is always friendly & efficient, and the bar is nice & cozy. I highly reccomend Southside for after work drinks & snacks!
(4)Jennifer B.
Great Brunch! I went her recently with a friend and we both very much enjoyed our dining experience. I'm a local and have been here a couple times and I really like the food. I've read some complaints about service, I've had hit or miss service. Nothing awful, but you know, just meh. Our service on Sunday was good. She was attentive and offered advice on different dishes. I was hungover and avoided alcohol, but my friend got the Pickled Bloody Mary (or 3) and loved it. It came with a full dill pickle spear and a enormous boiled shrimp as a garnish. Love an edible garnish! We had two appetizers, my favorite Fried Pickles, and Oyster Rockefeller. The Oysters were good. My friend enjoyed them more than I did, I think it is just different tastes though and not a reflection on the dish. I love the fried pickles. They are sweet! Which adds a wonderful element. For brunch I had the Southern Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached and wonderful, the pulled-pork was delicious and generously portioned, and the sweet potato biscuits were AWESOME. The home fries were the right consistency and properly seasoned. My friend had the 815 Biscuits, which are on the appetizer menu, as her main dish. She loved it. Not trying it, I can't comment, but she swears it was delicious, so take that as you will. All and all we really enjoyed our brunch. The restaurant wasn't too loud or crowded yet, and our server was friendly and attentive, and of course the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back.
(4)Jonathan V.
So I have been coming here for the past few months during happy hour. This is a great spot in Old Town to sit down for a few beers after work. It does help that I live a block away, but still. They have a nice selection of of draft beers and micro brews. The happy hour specials are reasonably priced. Two things that I have tried there that were great were the fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Definitely appetizer food, but they were both executed very well. That being said I have been to dinner here a few times and no complaints, but I love coming for a few happy hour beers.
(4)Leslie J.
Hands down they have the BEST shoestring fries I've ever had! Perfect and crinkly. Great southern food if you're in the mood for a po' boy or some gumbo. The bar gets super crowded and smoky so not a fan of that, but great food!
(4)Yan W.
2.5 stars - I came here on the advice of a coworker. In summary, it's a place that I did not regret trying, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back to. First off, their "lemonade" is just Snapple. Why serve Snapple Lemonade when you have a full bar? Confusing! Second, their food is okay, but not something you would write home to momma about. I had the oysters served two ways. One of the ways they served it was extremely salty. Too salty to even finish! I'm a big fan of chefs tasting their food before it's sent out, so this one might have just slipped through under the radar. Their mac and cheese was pretty good. The only drawback was that it was too oily. Every spoonful of good mac and cheese came with a puddle of oil... I did like their ample parking in the garage in the back and their prime location in Alexandria is pretty cool. I was there around Christmas time and there were Carolers out in full 1860s gear!
(3)Brian J.
Great hole in the wall kind of place. GET THE BISCUITS!!! I go there just for those.
(5)Michael W.
Excellent. Staff fantastic. Every single food item on the menu is superb. They specialize in southern cuisine but they have about anything you could want. Easy parking in the garage to the rear of the restaurant. The happy hour food specials can't be beat (half price burgers, $1.00 - $1.50 pulled pork/chicken nachos, and mini po boys). A very fine selection of draft beers to compliment the happy hour food prices. The Mac N Cheese is the best you ever had- we are not talking Kraft here. If you haven't been to SS 815 you must go. You will assuredly come back again and again.
(5)Vincent S.
It's a bar where everyone knows MY name, and there always glad I came. Order any thing with pulled pork or the chesapeake club with a few pints and you will be set.
(4)Sandra B.
Not sure what I am missing here. This place is getting so many rave reviews and I just don't get it. And it's a shame really because we live close by and had hoped to make it our go-to neighborhood place. My experiences there are always disappointing. First of all it's noisy as a place can get. I mean, the levels can be so loud you can hardly hear each other. We usually tried to get a booth for that reason. Wait staff is usually nice, but they rush you. The idea is to get you in and out as fast as possible and that's always annoying. We have tried the fried green tomatoes, the onion straws, the pulled pork and the chicken sandwiches along with the tuna, which was a big disappointment. All were ok, but nothing really stands out. The wine is awful. I had to send back two glasses, one a red and one a chardonnay that seemed more like a sauv. blanc. All were sour tasting....one was fizzy...and that isn't the way wine should be. The bartender gave me an attitude on top of it. That same evening we saw the waitress (who kept knocking into my chair all night without once apologizing) drop a whole tray of something right on the table next to us. She merely cleaned up the mess and barely said she was sorry to the customer who had some of the mishap down his back. The thing that really annoyed me is the servers. They are not your waiter or waitress, but someone who runs the food out to you from the kitchen as fast as humanly possible. I was reading a menu when me appetizer came out. This kid comes flying over and basically throws the plate on top of the opened menu and runs off. What the heck is that? My husband and I just laughed, and god forbid if you needed anything else because he wasn't asking . Not really the most enjoyable dining experiences, even for a pub.
(2)Bill D.
No matter how hard I try to escape my southern roots, they grab me and shake me down like a Lafayette Park mugging at 2 am. This is one of those gotta-go places. Parking's tight and when you first come in you're going to experience the insanity that is the bar. Come in during any sporting event and you may wish you hadn't, unless you're a sports fan. Then it's fun as heck. The restaurant's off to the side and down a step. There are booths and tables. Unless you enjoy freezing your butt off, don't take a table by the window. Some of my past favorites were the fried green tomatoes and the jambalaya pasta, which are no longer on my diet. Today, I really like the gulf spiced chicken breast. Husbear says you can't go wrong with the Southside Meatloaf. Only complaint is the greens are kind of hit or miss. When they're good, they're awesome. When they're not? Oh. golly. Bitterness About the waitstaff: one word, *awesome*. Really, for the most part it's the same people for years. Friendly, funny and nice as can be. This is actually a pretty good place to take kids because it's already a loud as hell place because of the bar so if anybody stares, well - screw 'em. There's plenty of kid friendly stuff on the menu. It's not expensive or fancy, just kind of old home classic food.
(4)Christina A.
I've been meaning to try this place out for a while, and now that I have, I am really upset that it has taken me this long to come! I came here for brunch last weekend and got the fried green tomato benedict which was AWESOME. The bacon was great, the sauce was delish... I am 100% coming back SOON to try dinner, as there were some very enticing items on the menu. The bf got chicken fried steak and eggs that was delicious. The atmosphere was nice for brunch as well, and the service was good. We also had the pineapple upside down cake for dessert and it is not to be missed!
(4)Alyssa K.
Fried green tomatoes and pickles along with mac and cheese........now that's a menage a tois I want to be part of! Southside 815 is my favorite place to come and indulge in some seriously delicious and decadent food. Grab some friends, wear your stretchy pants and you are guaranteed a good time. The first time I came here I didn't really know what I was getting into. We took the metro from DC seeking out some Southern Comfort to cure a hangover. We got on the wrong train and then hiked from the metro to Southside, and it seemed like it took days to finally get here. As soon as the food arrived, I felt that this epic journey had all been worth it. On subsequent visits I took a more direct route and it is far less of a hike and still so worth a visit. We usually order one of everything from appetizers to sides. I have tried the breadbasket that come with the most delicious jellies, the southern fried pickles, the fried green tomatoes,the big noodle mac and cheese along with collard greens. On the brunch menu, the stuffed french toast, the blackened chicken scramble and a bloody mary. There is nothing I have had here I didn't love. Even just writing this review has made me so hungry for Southside....I am definitely going to take the trip to Alexandria soon and recommend you do too.
(4)Peter K.
The wife and I went here hoping to get in on the happy hour specials but we had our 8 month old baby with us. Unfortunately, the happy hour specials are only available at the bar. I guess that sorta makes sense but I got the same amount of beer sitting in the dining area that I would have at the bar. Maybe next time, I'll grow some balls and just take my baby to the bar area. We got the pulled pork and fish and chips. We used to live in London a couple of times... it's actually been quite difficult to find fish and chips in the US that are even close to being as good as what we had in the UK (doesn't seem it'd be that hard, but for some reason, we Yanks aren't able to do it). Anyway, the fish and chips here were excellent and I'd come back here just for them. They have a decent selection of beers. The dining area is very kid friendly -- they give your kids a coloring sheet with crayons. I think there's supposed to be parking in the rear but we arrived right at 6pm when the far right lane on Washington St. closes to traffic and is available for parking. I was able to park right in front of the restaurant.
(4)Paul S.
I've been here a few times for food and many times for drinks. The staff is on point - food and drinks are served quickly and the prices are better than in old town.
(5)Slick M.
I just can't forgive ordering a Strip med rare, and it coming out med well. As it sat, it became well done, grey and so unappetizing. I NEVER send back food, but seriously, there wasn't any pink showing at the end. I tried to eat it, but.... no. Besides that, service was ok. I almost think my waiter was avoiding coming back. But my husband had an empty beer for a while, as he passed by twice. On the plus side, my husbands burger was great, and luckily for him, cooked as ordered. This was my second time here, but I don't think I'll be back.
(3)Tracy L.
Southside is my friend's favorite bar in Alexandria and I think I understand why. A friendly neighborhood spot, it's really casual with nice bar tenders and servers. More importantly, the entrees here are really good and come with GIANT portions. The menu is actually very extensive too, with tons of reasonably priced options. We tried the Jambalaya pasta (awesome), meat loaf (huge) and stuffed chicken (tasty). Paired with beers, our dinner experience here has always been really pleasant. Btw, the bar and dining room are separated. Diners can enjoy their meals peacefully at the comfy space while drinkers hang out at the bar area. There is also an outdoor patio for nicer weather. Overall Southside is not bad for some beers and easy dinners.
(4)Jon R.
Two Things I don't like: Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese. Two Things I tried at Southside 815: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Fritters. Guess what? Still don't like FGT's (that's just me... but they had a lovely batter) but I LOVED the fritters. I am also a bit of a macaroni and cheese snob. They had one of the best homemade macaroni and cheeses around. Yum Yum! Our waiter was really great too... Patrick was his name and he seemed to have many tables but never let it show. When he came to see if your table needed anything or to bring you or millionth refill of diet coke cause I am a diet coke junky (I exaggerate just a tad) he treats you like you are his only customer. I also enjoyed the chicken fried steak. My only ONLY complaint is they give you so much food that if you do not plan you do not get to enjoy any of the delicious sounding desserts. Alas, I know next time.
(5)Andrew P.
Our server was outstanding. He gave us great recommendations. This was a very comfortable casual restaurant. Inexpensive for 3 of us to eat even though we got 3 alcoholic drinks for the table. The bar was packed, although we ate in the restaurant. Their breadbasket was a great way to start the meal...the rolls and cornbread came out warm. They also had apple butter and a spicy spread for it. It's not really in Old Town, but if you don't mind the walk then the location is ok. Personally, I don't mind the walk.
(4)Brian B.
A favorite of my wife and I. We normally go every other Wednesday for raw bar night. I've liked everything I've tried on the menu, which is just about everything! Their burgers are my favorite in town. Great beer selection as well!
(5)Andie C.
Southside has gone downhill recently. The biscuits and gravy just tastes like white gravy instead of sausage gravy. Also they took the veggie scramble off the menu, which was my favorite dish. I also think their dining room and tables need a good scrubbing- it feels grimy.
(2)Michelle K.
Let me start off by saying I have no clue how this restaurant has such a high rating. The consensus seems to be that patrons will come hungry and leave full; I left full of regret that I actually spent money on this food and full of worry that I may have just eaten something that may or may not have been regurgitated by an animal (see BBQ shrimp below). I also find it surprising that people don't immediately have a heart attack when they stand up after eating at this place - I'm all for some unhealthy, southern cooking but christ, does everything need to be smothered in 500 pounds of gravy or some special sauce? Southside 815 relies on covering everything with sauce in order to hide the fact that their food sucks. No, like seriously sucks. I'm pretty sure if I left my food outside that even wild animals would avoid it. I had the breadbasket, fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp and the oyster-shrimp combination po' boy. Let me break it down... Breadbasket: The sweet potato biscuits were decent but the corn bread was below average, while the regular biscutis aren't even worth mentioning. Fried green tomatoes: Who knew tomatoes could be so heavy? This dish was the biggest letdown of the night - after seeing everyone talk about how great these tomatoes were, I had high hopes. Maybe I had a bad batch because after one bite of this dish I thought about stabbing my fork into my face. BBQ shrimp: These shrimp were floating in a thick, viscous yellow liquid. I honestly think I may have been eating straight animal lard. I don't even know what it was, or why they thought it would be a good idea to pair it with shrimp, but it was probably one of the top 25 worst dishes I've ever had. Oyster-Shrimp combination po'boy: This sandiwch didn't come with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce or ANY sauce, for that matter. It was just a big, crusty slab of bread filled with big, crusty fried shrimp and oysters. Maybe my judgment is harsh considering I've had real po'boys in New Orleans, but I felt like I could have gotten the same thing at Long John Silvers (side note: I've never actually eaten at Long John Silvers, but I still think that's a fairly accurate comparison). Anyways, apparently the regular chef passed out in the kitchen right before my order (presumably from eating too much of this lard-laden food) and they had a rando off the street fill in for him, because my experience at Southside 815 was nothing like the vast majority of reviewers. Will I give this place another shot? Possibly, but it's going to take a good three months to get to the point where I don't physically gag just from hearing the word "southside."
(1)David R.
I've been going to SouthSide several times a month for the last 7 years. The service is great. Greg and Tara, two of the regular bartenders, are pros. They are friendly and responsive and they clearly want you to enjoy your time there. They have a pretty big menu of Southern dishes and rotating specials and happy hours. I think their burgers are some of the best in old town. The more expensive menu items are hit and miss but all the staples are between good and great. It feels like this bar / restaurant is part of the fabric of Old Town now that they have been here for 20 years. Beyond being the local watering hole, they also organize community charity golf tournaments and bus trips to some local sporting events here and there. They also have occasional special meals like crab boils. All in all, it's a great place to grab a drink after work, a good meal or catch a game.
(5)Bryant W.
My hockey team goes here after every one of our games at the Mount Vernon Ice rink. Greg & Co. treat us very well and they make sure to get to know us each by name. They keep the beers coming at an incredible rate and make sure we can get that final order in before last call (and they usually give us a little league discount). The late night menu is quite tasty as well. The buffalo wings are top-notch (ask for them extra spicy), and the pulled pork nachos are unmatchable. The burger is pretty average, but it gets the job done. With a kitchen open until 1am and sports on tvs in every direction, you get the full experience of a divey, neighborhood sports bar.
(4)Cathy D.
Awesome good southern food with Low country flare. Fresh, hot and good soup is always changing and home made like the rest!
(4)Matt D.
Time for an update. I average about 2 visits to Southside a week. I've been there at 12 in the afternoon, 6 at night, and one time I was there during a snowstorm at 11pm and aside from a couple, I was the only one in the bar. I've never seen rodents, a bug or even a stray hair in my food. I'm the first person to blast out of a restaurant at a hint of nastiness. I've never witnessed anything gross here. So I'm not sure what the other reviews are talking about. Now that that's out of the way...Southside is one of the coolest bars in Alexandria. The food is better than average, the beer is good but what makes this place great are the bartenders. Greg, Colin, Lee, Stacy, and Tara are all awesome. The crowd is pretty much local which adds to the appeal of Southside. In terms of food, the Old Town Burger is pretty much a no brainer. The wings are good too. My favorites are the ribs or the Fried Chicken Pasta. Oh the Po'Boys are good too. if you get there and the Fried Chicken or Boilermaker Ribs are on the specials, then definitely order one of them.
(5)Whitney H.
I was born and bred in the South, and I can honestly say this is the best Southern fare I've found this far north! I was so excited about the buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, and cornbread, I just knew I'd be disappointed... but I wasn't! I was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful and amazing everything was! I got the pulled chicken salad, and my friend got the chicken-fried steak, both of which were major wins. =) Wish we'd had room for dessert... I'll be back!
(5)Glenn P.
Southside is a great neighborhood bar and restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Their menu leans towards southern comfort food, so as a "damn yankee" I can't vouch for it's authenticity but it's mighty tasty to me. Favs include the jambalaya, gumbo and pecan chicken. The Virginia Burger (now that's a tasty burger) and Jambalaya Cheesesteak (ginormous and yummy) are great and their fries are my favorite fries. The bar half has good beers on tap and plenty of TVs to watch sports (for football, get there early to get a seat and beware that it can get overrun by Steelers fans). The bartenders are great and friendly. And probably the best traditional wings in Old Town. Southside is an old standby that I love.
(4)Mike K.
Great staff. Amazing bar. Try the pulled pork sandwich and the biscuits. A great place with an amazing atmosphere.
(5)James W.
It was a long time but I remember it being very good. Slightly off the tourist route in south old town.
(4)Mai T.
Walking into Southside 815, you are hit with this cozy.. just walked into your mom's house smell. It was perfect for the cold weather this past weekend. The interior is dim, brick, and feels like you're sitting next to a fire at the house you've lived in all your life. The food, however, is the opposite. I had the meatloaf with greens and mashed potatoes. The meatloaf was bland, as were the greens. The mash was ok.. garlicky, buttery.. ok. The bf had the Shrimp and Cheddar Grits. It was wayyy too salty with the sausage and the bacon in it. It would have been really good if they took out some of the bacon. Also, I wouldn't waste the $1.95 on the breadbasket.. it wasn't really worth it. The cornbread though, was good, if you have to have bread with your meal. The bar here, was packed and they did have a lot of beers available. For me, it's one of those.. been there.. done that places.. don't think I will be coming back.
(2)G W.
The beer selection is very good and the food is good and hearty. There is even pub grub that my vegetarian wife enjoys here! They were nice enough to put the pulled pork on the side when we ordered the nachos. We've only eaten at the bar, never on the restaurant side, but I think that is because we are always treated so well and made to feel very welcome at the bar. This is a great place to watch a football game, and they always have some very good food specials during the NFL games. If you're going to come for happy hour, you have to get here early because it fills up fast. We've enjoyed the Sunday brunch here as well, there is so much to choose from it is always difficult to order, but you're never disappointed! FYI, if you're a football fan, this is a Steeler bar, big time. Lots of black and gold jerseys here!
(4)Courtney F.
The food at Southside 815 was just okay. I had the greens and pork chop, while a friend had the Poe Boy. I was told that the menu had soul food options and was looking forward to it. The meal fell way short of soul food but was still okay.
(2)Jaye V.
3.5 Stars Inexpensive prices and great service. I go here when I want both of those things and some comforting southern food. There's a mix of southern items on the menu, including low country stuff (think Charleston/South Carolina) and Cajun stuff. However, anything Cajun is always off in its seasoning/preparation and doesn't really taste anything like Cajun food to me (my best friend is Cajun, and I lived in East Texas along the Gulf Coast for 10 years). It tastes like it was made too quickly, while real Cajun food has complex flavors that painstakingly begin with a good rue. And the low country stuff often seems like they put way too many things together on the same plate. Stay away from the gumbo and low country shortcake. Your best bet here is to go for the seafood or anything *generally* southern or more simply prepared. For example, my pecan-crusted fish special was excellent. And the bread/biscuit basket they give you? The sweet potato biscuits with the hot pepper & fruit jelly are nom-nom good. Wednesday nights are raw bar night. Nowhere will you find a raw bar in the close-in DC metro area at these prices. Overall, I like this place and I've been back numerous times. It took a few times before I knew what to order, though.
(3)Alok B.
I love this place for an occasional drink and some good bar food. This is typically a Steelers bar, however, I am an Eagles fanatic and the bar staff are very accommodating of other team fans. The bar is not smoky anymore as VA recently passed a law for prohibiting smoking inside the bars. I have had burgers here and they are delicious. The one great plus about this place is there are two sections in the restaurant. The bar area where you can watch sports and drink AND the other sit down restaurant area to have a good quiet meal. They have a good list of beers. The service is decent inside the restaurant sit-down area and the bartenders are polite. This bar is walking distance from my place so my wife and I are regulars here.
(4)Rebecca S.
Dear Southside 815, Why, oh why, would you put fried pickles on your menu and fail to mention that they're not dill pickles, which are, in fact, the only pickles worth frying? Love, Rebecca Seriously, though, that's the ONLY complaint I have about this place. We went on Saturday night, a little late for dinner, but were seated immediately, and it was nice enough to eat outside. We had appetizers first - along with the pickles (really, sweet pickles fried are NOT that exciting), fried green tomatoes (really good, but if I was doing them, I'd make the batter a little lighter, but really, no complaint), and oysters Rockefeller, 815 style (fried oysters on top of mashed potatoes with the normal Rockefeller stuff). Good stuff. But nothing compared to dinner. This might truly be my new favorite restaurant, which is bad because the stuff on the menu is not conducive to my master plan of losing 30 more pounds. Dammit. Friend had chicken fried steak. She'd had it before, and loves it. Matt had rainbow trout, and devoured it. He was very happy. I had shrimp and andouille sausage over cheddar grits. Holy crap. Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite dishes, and this take on it was amazing. I've never had grits ground that small. Either they just cooked them long enough that they became a big old mesh, or they grind their own hominy. Did I mention that it was amazing. And I had leftovers, which heat up REALLY well in the microwave. The only thing that might have made them a little better would be if the tails were taken off the shrimp. But that's not really a complaint. All in all, we were all very happy with Southside, and will be back. Probably far too often.
(4)Carl J.
Great southern food and atmosphere in DC area.
(5)Gabriela C.
I wish I could give half stars because I would give this place a 3.5. Not great enough for a 4 start though. The location and the atmosphere is pretty good but the food left me wanting more. For someone who lived in the south, I expected something more true to its name. The fried green tomatoes were ok, they weren't bad, but they weren't memorable. They would have been better if they didn't deep fried them in the same oil used for everything else because I could taste the flavors of fries/chicken tenders/etc. I do have to admit that the pairing sauce for the FGT was excellent. The fried pork chop with gravy was probably a C- but the mash potatoes and the green beans were excellent. The bar are was very nice and they had plenty of sports on the tv screens. The dining room was pretty crowded and more noisy than the bar at that time of day (1-2pm on sat). The crayfish po'boy was ok but not the best outside of New Orleans as the menu claims. The fries were nice and crispy, which I liked.
(3)Steve A.
I'm from around the way so Southside is a place I've been to many many times. I'm not sure I would put it on a list of places that tourists must eat at in Old Town but it is definitely a good spot with good bartenders and good people.
(4)N C.
Only been for brunch which was fun and tasty. Good vibe, friendly servers. The food's tasty, and you know I love fried pickles (which of course combined with the bread basket meant I was complete full before I even got to my entree.) Seemed like there was a corps of regulars that roll in around noon on Sunday.
(3)Stan Y.
If I lived in the DC area, I'd definitely visit this place again. I ordered the pecan chicken breast, which was really good, but what put it over the top were the cheddar grits. It doesn't get much better than this, folks. I didn't have a problem with the service, aside from waiting a few minutes to be seated. (The hostess was nowhere to be found when I arrived.) Also, a word to those who want to dine outside: this faces Washington St/Route 1 so it's bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
(4)Jess S.
We liked this place. We took some friends that were in town for the weekend here for dinner and had a good time. We got ribs, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and a shrimp po'boy. The ribs were good--when they say fall of the bone, they mean it! Lots of sauce with a smoky taste, not too spicy. The chicken tenders were OK; they came with a remoulade sauce which was really good! And the mac & cheese was everyone's favorite, made with a few different cheeses and baked until bubbling. Would be cool to go during football season and watch a couple games at the bar, and the outside seating was also quite nice. We live in Old Town and will come again. One tip: be prepared to sink into the booth cushions...and not in a good way. Better off in the wooden chairs in this case.
(4)Don Q.
Went to Southside 815 for the first time this weekend. I liked the place The food was good The service was attentive Outdoor seating was limited but we got a table. We sat outside, but got to see the great looking bar they have. I will be back!
(4)Steve R.
This place is a good neighborhood bar. Beer is good. Food is good. Ambience is good. Service is generally good with the exception of one bartender.
(2)Cassandra B.
Since I have family members that can actually cook southern food, I find it difficult to enjoy most southern restaurants. The cornbread was decent and the mashed potatoes were flavorful. Unfortunately, the chicken fried steak tasted odd. 'Odd' is the best way I can describe it. The steak was very overcooked and the gravy was marginal. The atmosphere is nice and our waiter was great. My friends have raved about the fried chicken but I won't be going back to find out.
(2)Mike R.
This is another old standby in the neighborhood. It's a pretty long walk which means we only go when we're really in the mood. The food here is southern in flavor and size. You get a lot of fried options and a lot of huge plates. Every time we go we have to start with the pulled pork nachos...they are reason enough to come here. The nachos are pretty good without the pork, but the pork takes it to another level. If you are turned off by plates swimming in grease then this isn't the dish for you, but you would really be missing out. Don't get me wrong, I always hate myself after eating these, especially when I can't finish my meal, but they are a must. As for the mains, I usually stick to the sandwiches. The dixie chicken is good, as are the po boys. I've also had the blackened chicken pasta, chicken fried steak (they are southern so you know you have to try chicken fried something), and others. The bread basket is also great with biscuits, sweet potato rolls, and cornbread, but honestly who has room for more carbs. This place used to be real smoky with the neighborhood bar portion usually packed and ventilation not the greatest, but the smoking ban has cleared that up. The bottom line...I always leave happy and sad at the same time. The food is good, but I always feel like I shouldn't eat for a day or 2 afterward. Which is why we limit our visits to once every 6 months or so.
(3)Tim M.
Let me start off with saying that I have been here a lot, and less frequently in the past couple years only because it used to be so smokey, now that the smoke it gone, the rif raf still isn't gone from the bar. Onto the food, its good, its nothing to write home about, but it tastes pretty good. I have had the bbq sandwiches and they were very good for bbq in this area. I have also had the shrimp and grits and it was very similar to the shrimp and grits in charleston, not as good, but close enough. I have also had their mahi mahi dishes and they were decent. The prices are good for a casual dinner and its a good neighborhood restaurant, but if you are looking for a bar for talent, look elsewhere, this is the old Alexandria type patrons.
(3)Lance D.
Southside 815 is the go to bar for all thing sports! The food is great, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is amazing. I haven't been on the restaurant side but all of the bartenders are definitely people friendly and insist on knowing you on a first name basis. I have yet to see an unsatisfied customer. They have some of the best happy hour prices around and during NFL games it gets even better with 35 cent wings and half price burgers to name a few! You should without a doubt make this a destination on any day! I love this place!
(5)Judy N.
We ate here Friday night - what a find! I had the stuffed pork loin, my husband had the smothered hangar steak - they were both better than we've had in a while. When you walk in you enter the bar area and I could smell the smoke before I even opened the inner door. Fortunately, the dining room has an incredible filter/air system to keep the smoke in the bar and out of the dining room. We'll definitely go back.
(4)Marina F.
A real disappointing experience. On our short trip to DC we wanted to experience some good southern food but instead we left Southside 815 knowing that there was better in NY. We ordered the pimento cheese fritters as appetizer. Though they were fried crispy and beautifully the inside was sickeningly sweet and I'm pretty sure that was velveeta. A golf ball sized ball of fried velveeta I kid you not! My friends ordered the Low Country Shrimp and Sausage which was supposed to come with cheesy grits but instead it was a bowlful of soupy velveeta cheese again. We couldn't find any grits on the plate. Both plates were sent back. One friend ordered the Charleston chicken which she claimed was "fine" but barely ate any of it and my other friend ordered the Gumbo instead. I tasted some of it and the gravy was canned and the shrimp were rubbery. I ordered the steak with bacon blue cheese butter - it was cooked to order but the meat was very tough and the butter had a grainy texture, I scooped as much off as I could. I ordered the maque choux as a side and it was a bowl full of raw bell peppers, I couldn't find any corn in it. Even more disappointing than the food was the service. The waiter seemed upset that we were sending food back but did not ask us what was wrong with the food. You'd think they'd want to know why 2 plates are going back to the kitchen. No manager came to visit us. They comped part of our meal which is why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1, but that gesture was not enough to make us visit this restaurant again on our frequent visits to DC. The atmosphere was very loud. Part of the restaurant is also a bar and it's not a good idea to go there on a night when there's an important game on. The screaming was deafening, definitely not suited for a group who wants to enjoy conversation.
(2)Megan K.
We love the bar (we go a couple of times a month and they know our names), great place to watch football, and their brunch is amazing. And free garage parking in Alexandria! That is hard to beat :)
(4)Bryan A.
I was first introduced to Southside 815 a few years ago, and it instantly became one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The atmosphere is inviting and unpretentious, the service is typically fast and friendly, and the food is delicious and well-priced. As others have said, you absolutely have to start off with the breadbasket. It comes with homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, and homemade apple butter and pepper jelly, all for under $2. With regards to appetizers, the fried green tomatoes are also incredibly well-done, as are the 815 Biscuits. Favorite entrees include the Chesapeake strip steak, the pecan chicken breast, chicken fried steak, meatloaf (though I usually ask for brown gravy instead of the tomato gravy that usually accompanies it, out of personal preference), and, of course, the fried chicken. With regards to sides, I typically stick to the mashed potatoes, the absolutely to-die-for mac and cheese, and the greens. On the down side, I have been underwhelmed in the past with the drunken pot roast -- it wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything spectacular -- and I also really dislike the stewed green beans, so I usually avoid them at all costs.
(4)Kristy B.
As a Southern girl, I had high expectations for Southside 815. Sadly, I believe I set the bar too high. As positives, the location and atmosphere was great. The residual smoke that previous reviews mentioned was not noticeable. Our table of six had plenty of room and a great view of the outside dinners and passersby on a beautiful Friday evening. To start, our table ordered several appetizers to share - fried green tomatoes, fried southern pickles, 815 biscuits and the bread basket. The 815 biscuits were the best item ordered of the evening and the sweet potato biscuits were great. But...thus ends the real highlights of the meal. The batter on the tomatoes was way too thick and they were cooked to a very dark brown. The remoulade sauce had far too much horseradish to render it worthy of using. The pickles were bread and butter, versus the usual dill found in southern diners, and were covered in the same dark batter making them tasteless. For entrees we had shrimp and grits, pecan crusted chicken, chicken fried steak , jambalaya and blackened catfish. We were going for a well rounded sampling. The shrimp and grits was mainly shrimp and cream, you had to dig around to find the grits underneath. This was the first time I had ever seen blackened catfish come soggy. Not sure if it was inexperience in blackening technique to get an appropriate crust, or plating them next to the soggy collard greens. Perhaps both. The pecan crusted chicken was passable, although there were so many pecans a huge pile was left on the plate after eating. The major foul play of the meal was the chicken fried steak, a true travesty. Hard pressed to say if the steak was cooked in bad oil, the meat was past its prime, or the horrible dark batter struck again however, it tasted of old dish water. Needless to say, this was returned uneaten. The sides were...eh....not even as good as some you can by canned. And certainly unlike any you would find in the South. Unfortunately, I do not think we will be returning to 815 anytime soon for Southern meals. I will probably just make them myself as a great excuse to entertain my wonderful friends. I am left to wonder if true Southerners assisted with the menu, or if the owners have eaten this food South of Fredericksburg.
(2)Dustin T.
I always go for the fried pickles. They are amazing. Everytime I take someone here for the pickles, they get hooked. Their crawfish poboy is good. Whenever they have BBQ salmon with macque chou as a special I get it; it is divine. Their brunch menu is great; the southern Benedict with cornbread is sinful. Their fried chicken, however, is just ok. Not sure why it's not better. Their Mac and cheese side dish is a meal unto itself. The prices are good, the service usually great and the food is excellent!
(4)Adam R.
Away from the mess of King Street, Southside is a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and eat some awesome food. Much more laid-back than a lot of the places in Old Town, but still friendly, professional, and courteous. This is my default choice when I want hit the bar for a casual evening.
(4)Dave L.
Great atmosphere, great beer and very good food. I really enjoyed the place and can recommend for everything from a date to the guys grabbing a beer.
(4)Patrick B.
My girlfriend and I went here last weekend for the first time, and I must say it is my FAVORITE restaurant in Alexandria. Our food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. Our server was delightful. Did I mention our food was great? We started out with the bread basket. WHAT A DEAL! We had two buttermilk biscuits, two sweet potato rolls, and two pieces of cornbread. All of these were amazing! But the best part was the peach pepper jelly! Man it was amazing! It's the best bread topping I've ever had at a restaurant. The bread also came with apple butter, but I must say it wasn't on par with the peach pepper jelly. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But it wasn't the peach pepper jelly. For dinner, I had the bourbon barrel pork chops and my girlfriend had rainbow trout. The pork chops were amazing. They come with sauteed onions on top, and with green beans and dixie mashed potatoes. Cutting a piece of the pork, getting the onions, and then running them through the mashed potatoes was one of the best bites of food I ever had. The green beans were crisp, and had great flavor. I also added a side of greens to my meal, and they were great. They had great flavor, great texture, and reminded me of home. My girlfriend's fish was mild and tasty. She had a huge helping, and it was delicious. It was not recommended by our waitress because it was one of the more ordinary dishes on the menu, but she chose to get it anyways. She enjoyed it, but said she wouldn't order it again. Not that there was anything wrong with it, it was just kind of plain. However, she still enjoyed the meal. We finished off with pineapple upside down cake and that should NOT be missed! It was sweet, moist, came with delicious ice cream, and was topped with a great rum sauce. It was an amazing desert and it will be hard for me to try something different next time! All in all, in one night, Southside 815 became my favorite restaurant in Alexandria. I can't wait to go there again and try some of the other great menu items. Maybe I'll go for lunch so I can try one of their po' boys! If you're looking for good food and a fun night, go to Southside 815!
(5)E L.
Boardinghouse Breadbasket - 4 stars Classic Red Bean Chili - 4 stars Lemon-Pepper Tuna Steak - 2 stars Jambalya Cheesesteak - 2 stars Service - 4 stars
(3)Stacy R.
I absolutely love this place. My favorites were the friend pickles, fried green tomatoes, biscuits & gravy and the "Fresh North Atlantic salmon filet pan seared with a creole mustard and sweet bbq marinade then plated over tasso maque choux (spicy ham and corn succotash) and topped with crisp fried onion strings." The Southern Greens were overcooked and the Chicken Fried Steak was just "ok".
(5)Monica W.
This review is for the bar only -- Great neighborhood bar if you live in the area. You can't beat their happy hour menu prices -- $1.50 nachos and half price burgers! It gets pretty crowded on weekends and is pretty much standing room only, so if you want to secure a seat, plant your fanny there early! The restaurant area leaves little to be desired, and I've tried just about everything on the menu. I did get a decent steak there once...once. The staff is super friendly though, so I don't want to knock them. They just need to revise their current menu. I have a feeling the restaurant survives on the lack of choices for southside residents.
(4)Cassie H.
I tend to listen to fellow yelpers when selecting somewhere and usually I am steered in the right direction. Today, however, was an epic fail. First of all you need to try to get a reservation....what sports bar takes reservations!?!?! This was our first clue it might be crowded. They do get a point though b/c you are able to call ahead and get on the wait list. So we walk in and all of the tables are full as are all the chairs by the bar. We went on a Sunday afternoon hoping to watch some football and pig out on burgers and fries. We stood around watching various games for about 45 minutes and NO ONE moved...aside from refilling their beers! Sucked to be me! So eventually hunger won out and we went to the dining side. We both ordered the blackened catfish...my friend had the grits with hers. But in the meantime we are starving so I order the fried oyster rockerfeller. Now in their defense I didn't thoroughly read the description b/c I figured I knew what that was. I pictured nice cooked oyster in a shell with spinach, cheese, and other things nicely laid on top. What I received was a hot, monkey mess. It was fried oysters laid on top of mashed potatoes with a tomato, spinach, and some other mysterious ingredient sauce. HORRID! The catfish was decent other than there was an ounce of oil sitting on top when my plate was handed to me. You read it right...handed...not laid....the guy brought the food and I sat up straight thinking he would lay it down but he just inched it closer for me to grab from him. REALLY...where they do that at....oh...Southside 815! My friends grits looked like clam chowder and the taste wasn't much better. My bright spot was most definitely the cornbread. It was AMAZING! However, unless the menu specifies that your entree comes with it you have to pay for a bread basket.....I have NEVER in my life had to pay for bread. Not even Red Lobster with the delicious cheddar bay biscuits charges for that! It was only $1.50 but still....ugh! I should have stuck with ordering a burger...I saw several and they looked like they would have been worth the wait. Oh well....you live, you learn, you rant on Yelp!
(1)Robyn M.
The onion straw app was good. Everything else sucked. We had the meatloaf and veggie plate. It was also extremely loud. Good service.
(2)Lisa P.
had to remove my positive review due to the roach that my boyfriend killed while we were here last night.
(1)Nelson H.
Came here on a quiet weekday for lunch with my girlfriend. It's very country style inside. We had ordered a shrimp and oyster po boy and chicken tenders. It was okay, wasn't crazy about the batter used. But willing to try other dishes.
(3)Kanye M.
Putting two bartenders on one shift would increase profits, tips, revenue, and yelp reviews. Still liked it overall despite painfully slow service.
(4)S C.
What was'nt good here? Everything was great. Fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, greens, even the bread basket was crazy good. Just jump in and box up what's left. Note: its a long walk back to King Street on a full tummy not the smartest idea.
(5)Christine R.
3.5 I love the location, outdoor seating (for warmer days), parking is super easy and all employees I entered on a very busy Sunday were very polite and prompt. We had a party of 6 and were sat very quickly. This was a plus since there was no seating at the bar to wait for the rest of the party. The food... it was okay. I ordered the jambalaya sub, it was so yummy, definitely not spicy enough. I feel like the rest of the party ordered the pulled chicken sammie. I tasted a bit and wasn't impressed at all. I probably would return for brunch again and to maybe catch a game or two. Nothing really stood out about this place. I was sad :( I was expecting to find a hidden gem. Oh well!
(3)Angela G.
Want to avoid the touristy part of Old town and enjoy unpretentious good food? Southside 815 is a good choice. This restaurant, further down S. Washington with a good amount of outdoor seating, was the perfect place for lunch on a spring day following a nice stroll in Alexandria/Jones Point Park. Happy to find out they have brunch on Saturday also, so that was the menu I went with. My veggie frittata was very substantial--chock full of tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, home fries and swiss cheese. The cornbread that accompanied it was delicious. My fellow walker raved about her Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Quesadella. But there a number of menu items that caught my eye that I'd like to try another time. Our server was very friendly....and had no problem when a few other walkers from our group joined the table after we'd already ordered. They also had good things to say about their dishes, a pulled pork sandwich and a mushroom burger respectively. I'm not sure what others ordered when they stated their portions were small...everyone remarked at the large portions of food we all received. I felt so full I had to bring a 1/4 of my frittata home. Only somewhat negative thing was my coffee was a little weak for my taste and for some reason all the trees on the sidewalk had been cut down. I'd recommend this neighborhood restaurant and bar.
(4)Casey K.
Brunch: went with the family and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The portions are quite large and all the food looked good! Exactly what you expect from a good Southern restaurant. Dinner: went with the bf and we both got sandwiches. I got the chicken & cheese steak sub - it was one of the best I have ever had! And the bf enjoyed his sandwich as well though I am blanking on what he ordered. We both had a beer and I believe our check was under $30 - great value for the food that you receive - whenever I am back in Old Town and looking for a good sandwich, I will definitely hit it up!
(4)Heather C.
We actually really like this place. Their nachos with pulled chicken is amazing. Another one of my favorites is their cucumber mojito type drinks. I don't know if they always have it, but it was pretty slammin the time I tried it. My man also really loves the Cajun pasta something or other. Will definitely be back.
(4)Eric G.
This has become my go to place for late night food. I enjoy the ambience and the grub is amazing. Wednesday night is Oyster night and the price is unbelievable for it to be not at the "wharf". Actually I'm on my way there now! Hello French Quarter Wings
(4)Jaime S.
Great happy hour! Bartenders are very friendly, atmosphere is lively but not obnoxious, and the food is pretty good. We like the wings and the Chesapeake club in particular. Service is generally very good, however if you eat there for lunch be aware the cocktails tables in the bar are waited on by the bartender, so expect to be hollered at and to reach across the bar patrons for drinks/plates. Awkward at lunchtime.
(4)Elaine M.
Yummy food, huge portions, fair prices, kid-friendly non chain restaurant. My husband and I did halfsies on the po boy sandwiches, oyster and crawfish. Both were overflowing with the seafood meat--awesome! Half of a sandwich is more than enough to satiate most appetites. And and and... they do half price on the po boy sandwiches on Mondays. So that's basically around $5 for a huge fried seafood sandwich. Yum! As other reviewers have stated, the fried green tomatoes are also very good. As of right now, there's also a foursquare special for this place for 50% off your entire table's order, up to a $20 discount (but keep in mind that it's not valid for the half price po boys on Mondays).
(4)Jon M.
I've enjoyed every single southern morsel that has crossed my lips here. This is slap your momma good food, and I get giddy as a schoolboy just at the thought of going. From the amazing fried chicken to the meatloaf, I don't think you can go wrong; the same is true for the yummy side dishes. There are also tasty libations to sip on whilst enjoying your shrimp and grits!!! Oh, and thank goodness this place knows how to make a biscuit. Southside 815 is my southern cookery outpost in Alexandria... and pretty much all of the DC area. So, when I'm when I'm feeling homesick and can't venture out to Carolina Brothers BBQ in Ashburn, this place does the trick. PRO tip: The place is often busy... heck, I have yet to find a spot at the bar, so consider calling ahead for a table to reduce your wait on a Friday/Saturday. For what its worth, the two things keeping me from giving this place the perfect 5 stars are: 1 - the dining area is just lacking something to make it feel more homey/comfortable/southern... I can't quite put my finger on it, but its just vanilla feeling (aside from the murals). 2 - The service has been just OK the last two times in. During my last visit, my beer was completely in my belly just after the food arrived, and I didn't see our server until she came out to see if we wanted dessert : (
(4)John E.
HH: $1.50 pork nachos, oyster sliders, wings, pork sliders Beer $3 The food is pretty good, crowd is older.
(3)Juanita A.
Yummy deliciousness is how I describe Southside! I was introduced to this spot only recently but I've gone several times now and the food/service is consistently good! If you are looking for reasonably priced comfort food, this is the place to be! PLEASE try the Southside Nachos - you won't regret it.
(4)Mac O.
3.5 stars. This place is so Southern, y'all. From the fried green tah-may-tahs and and po' boys, to the wrought iron accents and "Prince of Tides"-esque murals bedecking walls and ceiling. And it says something that Southside 815 has been around since the early 90s: they're clearly doing something right. When my family first moved here over 15 years ago (from Texas, where we were spoiled by true Southern cooking), I remember my father loving this place and bringing us here often for dinner...those murals, they really stick with you. But it had been several years since I'd been back, and I was curious to see how it held up over time. Turns out it's still holding its own quite nicely. The service here is great as a standard, although on my recent visit there were a few rather long stretches where our server was absent and we needed drink refills or more cutlery. Overall, however, southern hospitality reigns, and everyone from busers to hostesses to waitstaff are amiable and attentive. The food is mostly good, too. True connoisseurs of Southern cooking may be able to pick it apart on some finer points, but I find it more than passable, beginning with the bread basket (which isn't complementary, booo): soft, airy sweet potato and regular biscuits, not-too-dense cornbread, and delicious spreads of apple butter and -- my favorite -- spicy pepper jelly. Our party shared plates of nachos smothered by sweet barbequed pulled pork instead of the usual ground beef; a piping hot, creamy lump crab and artichoke dip accompanied by wafer-thin, homemade flour tortilla chips; and the deep fried oysters Rockefeller. While the oysters themselves were delicious, the breading was a bit heavy-handed and the thick sauce they rested atop baffled. What was it? We deduced some sort of potato concoction that was supposed to be the "Rockefeller," but it had an odd, hard-to-place flavor that reminded me of animal enclosure odors at the zoo. For entrées we chose the rainbow trout with rice and steamed veg (trout lovers delighted in the tenderly prepared, citrus-infused fillet); the BBQ salmon special (bright with flavor and accompanied by micro-greens and grits); the gumbo ("It tastes just like New Orleans!" its consumer exclaimed); and the lemon and cracked pepper Yellowfin tuna steak, which was joined on the plate by greens, cheese grits, mashed sweet potatoes, and mashed skin-on red potatoes. The tuna was flavored wonderfully, but another diner at the table ordered her steak *sans* cracked pepper -- guess the waiter just assumed I wanted mine the same way (I didn't), so it came out sadly and disappointingly naked as well. I also ordered it rare, and it was far from. I could have done with edited sides, too; I don't need every southern side-dish ever created on one plate, especially those zoo-smelling mashed potatoes! Wine list is rather limited and uncreative, but major props for the ever-popular, yeasty PBR on tap. Decor could use some updating -- it looks a bit rundown and worn, and it definitely hasn't changed since 1993. But the murals can stay.
(3)James L.
It is one of the hidden neighborhood gems in Alexandria. Great southern food at reasonable prices. It reminded me of home cooked food from back home in Atlanta. My gf and I got great service from a waitress also. The bar was a little too noisy and smoky so it was not the best atmosphere for us trying to have a romantic dinner. Just a comfy casual restaurant that was a walking distance from my apt. Two thumbs up. :)
(4)Weina F.
We got two appetizers: blackened shrimp and fried green tomato. No complaints, both are very tasty, the shrimp is marinated in really good cajun sauce, and smoked/grilled to perfection and were complemented by a bed of noodle pancake. The fried tomato is very crisy outside and soft to the right touch for the inside. The brunch entrees were okay. Jason got Southern benedict which has cornbread instead of the muffins, it was really tasteless, the hollandaise sauce supposed to be spicy, but I cant taste anything out of it. My Blackened Chicken omelette was just okay, I had to put lots of hot sauce on it because it was tasteless again. The chicken was cajun-ed, but the combined omelette just couldn't survive on just the taste of Chicken.
(3)Jessica M.
I love this place. It's a great neighborhood spot - I just *wish* I could walk/stumble to and from here a little bit better (the darkness of the GW Parkway probably makes that unsafe.) Anyway - the bar is always hopping - happy hour, game days, or otherwise. The last time I was there and waiting for friends to arrive - I managed to squeeze onto a stool of my own - only to have the bartender shake my hand and introduce himself. He seemed to know the "regulars" and their drinks of choice. Did I mention -- this was a random Tuesday night? The food is good bar food. I'm not a southerner - nor will I ever claim to be - so I will not debate the issue of authentic southern food. However - I do find their food to be good. I think their pulled pork / chicken entrees as well as their fried chicken are good bets. The ribs look delicious (though I've never tried them) - and all are reasonable priced. However - my favorite dish - hands down - is the Dixie Chicken Breast Sandwich (complete with fried green tomato and bacon.) Outrageous. Wednesdays are half-priced raw bar - I could easily down a few dozen oysters / clams / mussels - this is not Hank's quality - but isn't going to get you sick either. The only downside I could possible mention is that the bar tends to reek of smoke - the dining area stays pretty pleasant - but it is what it is. Great place, good prices, and I'd love to make it my local watering hole. *side note: brunch is decent too. went on mother's day - TOTALLY kid friendly and we didn't even have reservations. bonus.
(5)Anne I.
Really yummy comfort foods. Great service (Thanks, Donn). Serving size waaaayyyy too much food. But, we got leftovers so it was great!
(4)Danielle T.
Casual, low key spot with a nice patio for outdoor dining. The food is very heavy, but that's what people go here for. Definitely order the bread basket which comes with delicous homemade jams. All of our entrees have been good and service is the same, even on busy nights.
(4)Victoria A.
I was here on a friday night with a group of 12 for Alexandria restaurant week. Fabulous 2 for $35 dinner special. I had the ribeye steak, which was delicious and came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, brought 1/2 home. Appetizers and desserts were large and good. Friendly, efficient service. Fun, casual atmosphere in bar, with TVs tuned to sporting events.
(4)Steven R.
We stumbled upon this restaurant when searching Yelp for a spot for lunch. Excellent!!
(5)Shawnie B.
Picture it Alexandria, 2008. There are remnants of heavy drinking as I sluggishly and methodically crawl out of bed. The only thought that has room to form amongst the pounding rhythm in my head, is food. My body is craving greasy, brunchy, deliciousness. Of course my first inclination is to go to my favorite spot for that weekend favorite spot for the meal that means, at least for me, I missed breakfast, but still want something that has eggs and bacon . . .Bilbo Baggins (read review). I must have killed the brain cells that are used for critical judgment at DC's Fox and Hound with the Johnnie Walker and Ginger ale's that I had consumed en mass the night before; but I decided that I wanted to try something different. So . . .I searched for places that advertised brunch that I had not yet tried. I decided to try South Side 815. WHAT A MISTAKE! First off their website is a LIE. Posted are promises of a down home southern brunch complete with Waffles. Upon arriving, I opened my menu only to find that the food lacked the waffles that they had boasted on the site. STRIKE 1 Secondly, the waiter was standoffish. He did not make any effort to be anything other than an order taker and when I asked him a question about the Crab and Ham Biscuit gravy it seemed as though I had asked if it were possible to kill his dog while asking his daughter to watch.* This dish sounded different I decided to try it. My plate arrived it was cold and had that little film that gravy and syrup gets on it when it has been sitting out too long. Even if it had been warm the taste was sub par, it tasted like a cheap buffet where the food had been sitting around for hours. STRIKE 2 The final and most blowing STRIKE was that the waiter forgot my side of bacon. Yes I ordered a side of bacon, don't judge me . . .*hangs head in shame* I have no idea why I don't weigh 300 lbs. Anyway, after I asked the waiter I had fully finished the rest of my breakfast before I received my side of bacon, but I still ate every bite. The only bright point of the entire experience was a lady with an awesome red hat. Her entire ensemble was quite striking and amazing!! Moral of the Story . . . Don't try something new the day after Drinking heavily. But Most importantly . . .Ladies you should wear more hats, they are pretty and I like them. *Please note I have no idea if the waiter has a dog or a daughter.
(1)Kevin v.
Arguably the best and friendliest local establishment in old town. Great staff!!!
(4)Becca S.
Most everything on the menu is pretty good. Love the fried oysters rockefeller, the dixie chicken sandwich is phenomenal. Excellent service as well.
(4)M D.
The service was great for a busy Friday night...I had th pulled chicken jalapeño sandwich with grits..it was just ok...nothing to write home about..l.had the pimento fritters app..WAAAYYYYY too much gooey cheese...yuck....our server was nice enough to remove them for us...hubby had chicken Caesar salad...said that was pretty good..l might try again and order something different but I'm only giving two stars because our server was really sweet and attentive..wish I remembered her name!
(2)Karis K.
Great neighborhood bar...food is good, the servers and bartenders are great and the bar area is a great place to hang out.
(4)Rachid C.
We have been there twice so far and plan to go again for more. I've tried the the orchard pork chops, jambalaya cheesesteak, and French Quarter hot wings. The pork chops blew me away, actually. They were quite tender and juicy, and on par with--if not better than--the ones you get at Restaurant 3. The mashed potatoes were good, but the stewed green beans were just so-so. They probably could have been stewed a bit longer. We started with the French Quarter wings, which were also tasty. They weren't anything special, as the name might suggest, but simple and to the point. On our second visit, I tried the jambalaya cheesesteak, which came with French fries. The cheesesteak had chicken, shrimp and andouille in it. I thought it was great, but could have been a bit spicier for me. The sub roll it came on was perfect, too--not your standard flimsy Philly roll, but a much heartier one able to withstand all the bulk it carries within. The fries, as others pointed out, were some of the best I've had. The prices were very reasonable, the drinks selection wide, and the wait staff friendly. We had the same server twice and he was chatty (but not over the top), quick, and accommodating on both occasions. I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other items on the menu, such as the pulled pork and chicken. I had a taste of the mac and cheese--a meal in itself--and I plan on having my own plate of it soon.
(4)Rob R.
3.5 Stars. Whenever I feel like having some southern comfort food, or if my arteries just need a little abuse, S815 is the place to go. Everything I've had on the menu has been pretty good. The service is always friendly. This place may actually deserve 4 stars, if not for the fact that I go into a mini food coma afterwards! It's not the kind of place that you would eat at all the time. It's just good for a visit every now and again.... Recommend.
(3)Nic M.
So, the place can be anywhere from a bit loud to very loud, and it can be crowded during some sporting events, but it's a pub/bar more than a restaurant, so it should be approached as such. On that front they carry a couple local beers, and have a good variety of interesting nonlocal taps. Now that the slightly negative comment is out of the way, the service has always been prompt and efficient and the food is consistently good. - They make a good pork bbq sandwich, but the french fries are nothing special. - The pecan crusted chicken comes with a good pepper jam/relish. - The sweet potato biscuits as part of the bread basket are very good - actually this whole appetizer is excellent - the jams that are provided with it taste great as well. - However the same biscuits topped with crab meat and gravy taste as overkill as it sounds and are a bit salty. It's a good comfort food kind of place. It's casual, consistent, and offers good food and good service.
(4)Katie F.
I went here last night for a friends birthday. The service was great, our waitress was delightful. She even brought out a brownie sundae on the house, without any of us telling her it was my friends birthday. Food....yum....southern food....double yum.... I ordered the special of the night the Southern Fried Chicken. It was very crispy, which is just how I like it. The mashed potatoes that came with it where SO good--almost as good as I make them at home. The rainbow trout also got rave reviews at our table, as well as the mac and cheese. A veggie friend who was among us was relegated to side dishes, as the vegetable plate was "cooked in country ham", but at least it was denoted on the menu. She was not upset though with her side salad and mac and cheese. They had just painted the place the day before--so it looks nice and clean too. And I had gotten a beer at the bar before the rest of my party arrived, and the bartender was awesome at remembering names.
(4)Rachel Z.
I've had three meals there and more drinks than I care to count. Brunch is good but nothing to write home about. Have the bread basket for sure. Apple butter? Sweet potato biscuits? Done and done. I can't remember any of the entrees I ate, but that means that they're just entirely middle-of-the-road, neither amazing nor gag-inducing. Their burgers are good, and I'll venture to say great during happy hour when they're half-priced. I always enjoy their fries, as well. Oh the drinks. Southside is a block away from my house. I may go to King Street if a friend is visiting form out of town or something, but if it's just me and my man then we go to Southside. I think my rail drink is $4.75 (not 100% on that number) and for whatever reason I hate that you get back a quarter if you're paying cash for each drink. I always feel obligated to leave the quarter with the dollar I leave for a tip. I could see a sane person saying "Rachel Z., just leave a dollar, pocket the quarter, and on the fifth drink you don't have to leave a dollar at all, just quarters." Well, friendly yelper, I don't talk to strangers. And I don't think logically when I drink. And I always think that I'm going to stop after two drinks, and I don't want my quarters rolling around in my purse. Of course I don't stop after two drinks so I spend an extra $2. That was just an amazing amount of words for $2. Lesson learned: I'll start a tab.
(3)Tamieka M.
I had been to this place a few times before for lunch, so I knew the food was pretty solid. I also knew the hostesses or whoever answers the phone are usually unpleasant and unaccomodating. Their "about us" section of their website says: "Southside's lively atmosphere is perfect for any occasion- a special dinner for two, a quick dinner before a night at the theater, anniversaries, birthdays, office gatherings, or just a night out with family or friends." This is just false. Its awful for office gatherings like lunch because the service is slow and you cannot get out of there in an hour no matter how hard you try. It is also not good for anniversaries, because anniversary celebrations usually only consist of two people and they only accept reservations for large parties. But like I said, the food is solid. The mac and cheese is good, its not as good as Cheestique's, but its good. Everything I've ever had there has been good and flavorful minus the pecan crusted chicken, which is pretty bland.
(3)Susan J.
Went here for happy hour on a Thursday night at 530pm with 7 other people. Sat around a little bit before realizing that you have you order from the bartender even though you are at a table. Beer on tap ranged from $2.50 to $3.00. Hubby ordered the Shock Top for $2.75 and a half priced Virginia burger with fries for around $4. I got the 3 mini bbq pork sandwiches for $1, 6 wings for 35 cents each and a rail rum and dt for $3. Those bbq pork sandwiches...more like pretty decent shredded pork bbq on yummilicious biscuits (not sure if these were the sweet potato biscuits, but they are really really really good). I had to give a sandwich away and couldn't finish up all the wings. Wings, they were decent hot wings, no celery sticks with them. Fries were battered and very tasty and hubby said the burger was pretty good too (made to order and can choose how you want it cooked). We got the food pretty quickly...service is mediocre but by 7-8pm, there were a few more bartenders to handle the crowd. Definitely not a meat market here if you're trying to meet people in your 20s/30s. The bar was stacked with older guys with a few cougars/lionesses in the hunt. We stayed there until 845pm and had a $17 bill. Not bad for a fun/cheap happy hour south of Old Town with great friends!
(4)Cara R.
I have been to Southside four times now & will not be back. The food is very inconsistent. Twice I have been there and the food was fantastic. Twice I have been there and the food was terrible. I have ordered the same dish three different times - the Low Country Shrimp and Grits- once delicious - twice overcooked. Very disappointing.
(2)Steve G.
We live nearby and saw some promising reviews on Yelp so have tried it a few times. My vote is better for lunch/ sandwiches than dinner. I tried the fried chicken everyone raved about and it was ok but doesn't get a rave from me. Also tried the meatloaf which was fair and the sauce had a taste I did not recognize. I'd order it again but sauce on the side. On the other hand several sandwiches we have tried have been excellent.
(3)Michelle B.
My husband and I were looking for a good happy and were pleasantly surprised when we found Southside 815. When we got there around 6 the bar was packed. Great happy hour specials on both food and drinks. There was outside seating as well as a nice size dining room. We plan to take our in-laws there the next time they are in town. The only thing that kept this restaurant from a five star was the wait staff. The bartender that took our order and waiter that brought our food out were both stand-offish. No small talk, just "what can I get you?" end of conversation. We are not going to let that stop us from going back to future happy hours.
(4)Kevin E.
815 is a total diamond in the rough in Old Town! It is a neighborhood place with character and gets steady business from loyal customers. About 60% of the space is devoted to the bar area vs 40% separate dining area. The full menu is served in either area and is overall amazingly good! The menu consists of all southern dishes, the prices are inexpensive and there are plenty of cheap daily specials on food and happy hour drinks. It's also a great brunch spot on weekends and is a good place to watch a game.
(5)Tim H.
Had been once before for dinner, but went back for a happy hour that I had heard good things about. They were right. $1.50 for 4 mini oyster po-boys, $1.50 for 3 mini pulled pork sandwiches, $.35 wings, and $1.50 for nachos. I tried all of them and they were all awesome! The po-boys and pulled pork sandwiches are served on rolls which, although a bit dense, were very tasty. The remoulade sauce for the po-boys reminded me of the remoulade you'd get in New Orleans. The wings were very good, but not spicy enough. The nachos, covered in pulled pork, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings were the best of the lot. And to top it all off, they had a really good, cheap, beer selection, draft and bottles. Highly recommended for a regular happy hour spot.
(4)Marissa C.
I always request for outdoor seating here and never had a problem since space is very limited. I cannot resist the fried oysters on mash potato and fried green tomatos! If you have a sweet tooth, better not leave w/ out trying their pineapple upside down cake. yum!
(4)Will C.
Great local restaurant, the food is excellent no matter what you order and the bar is fantastic. They have great Happy Hour specials and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place to go to eat or just to hang out in the bar.
(4)M T.
Service is average... but their food is great. We've always enjoyed dining here... even our children love it. They always ask to go back. A few of our personal favorite are the New Orleans BBQ shrimp and Boardinghouse Breadbasket and Jambalya... but everything there is pretty great.
(4)J B.
Love the atmosphere and the food is GREAT!! You definitely get the bang for your buck here. We had fried green tomatoes, wings, macaroni and cheese and the other traditional southern fare. I pass by this restaurant every evening going home and can't believe it never dawned on me to stop!! That mistake won't happen again. GREAT service, RELAXED atmosphere, and enough food for the next day at a DECENT price. We loved it.
(5)Some D.
Fatty but little flavor. 3 stars because the service is great!
(3)Jenna G.
I have eaten here twice for lunch on a weekday. My boss loves this place as they allow cigars and the barstaff know him and are quick to get him his drinks. I have never been here when it was crowded but the bar area seemed rather big and had large tables. I had a burger the first time and a chicken sandwich the second time. Nothing too special about either of the plates but definitely not bad. Just your typical bar food as far as I could tell. My husband just came here for a work lunch, and judging by his comments, I am sure we will be going there again soon!
(3)Joan H.
After living in Old Town Alexamdria for the past 8 years we finally decided to try this restaurant on a Monday night for dinner. We had the po boys specials and it was quite good along with decent service, Made the mistake for returning back tonight for dinner. Service was horrible and my fried chcken dinner special was way over fried. Waited for our dinners for an exoribantly long time while people that were seated after us got their dinners in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Did ask to speak to the manager you while apolozing for the time problems didn't offer to comp us for any part of the meal or offer us an incentive to return to the restaurant in the future. Needless to say we won't be coming back. There are too many restaurants in Alexandria to have to put up with this,
(1)Yumi W.
Nice Local hang out to watch your favorite sports..no tourist! Super slow service almost like self service! Food is loaded but good bar food. Go get your own menu, drinks and place an order yourself just don't count on any service because there's none. NO SERVICE GOOD LOCATION!
(4)Marivic L.
I've been here quite a few times and have tried a variety of items. My fave is the vegetable plate. Their cheese grits, greens, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and corn bread are fab. You know, all the healthy stuff. I'll definitely be back again and again.
(3)Natasha S.
Good place to go, especially for locals. Had a waitress named Jennifer who was amazing and the best service I've ever had. Food isn't out of this world but its good. I go back fairly regularly.
(4)Meg R.
My husband and I frequent Southside at least 2-3 times a month. Wonderful brunch, best Bloody Mary's! I'm pretty sure every time we go, we order something new, we've tasted much of the menu and we were not disappointed in the least. Best deal is the 1/2 price po'boys on Mondays. Bartenders and wait staff are always super nice and fast! We love Southside!
(5)Brianne C.
How can such a simple evening trigger such conflicting emotions? With mounds of pulled pork, fresh melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos clinging to a platter of tortilla chips on the bar, and a strong John Daly gleefully tempting me from a formidable tumbler, I knew that Southside 815 wanted me to have a boisterous evening. Our lovely bartender Troy was professional, insightful, and interesting, and I enjoyed speaking with him about bicycling and local business. But even as I indulged my companions and belted out the chorus to a number of songs while wearing cutoffs and a tank top, I inwardly cringed at the level of tackiness while still contemplating a return visit to sample the other menu options. Conflicting emotions, indeed.
(3)Wells W.
Other reviewers have already hit it on the head with this spot. It's fantastic. Don't miss the half price burgers at happy hour - they are the reason my wife and I frequent Southside. And the Mac n'Cheese is as previously stated a highlight you shouldn't miss. The staff is very nice and they have some great draft beer selections. Parking is very easy with the new garage located just behind Southside.
(4)Barrie C.
I grew up in southern Virginia and Texas. I lived in Alabama for almost four years as an adult. I know what Southern food should be. Having established my credentials, let me say that the Southern food at Southside 815 was average at best. I ordered chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. The chicken fried steak was forgettable. The meat was tough, and the fried batter had very little taste. The mashed potatoes were pretty good, but the green beans were not. Southern green beans need to be cooked in butter and bacon for hours so that they're mushy, rich, and incredibly unhealthy. Unfortunately Southside's green beans were tasteless. Where's the butter and the bacon? Not only was the food not that great, but we were treated somewhat rudely. Last night was a big football night. NFL preseason's last games were played last night (including the best team of all time, the Washington Redskins), and college football had its first big night, with LSU and Louisville playing their first games. So some friends and I went to Southside with the intention of watching football because to their credit they have a bunch of TV's there, and we staked out a prime table right in front of a bank of TV's at the front of the bar. However, halfway into our night, just after we had finished our food, a waiter came up to us and said we had to move to make room for karaoke? WTF? Karaoke? Seriously? So he moves our table to a spot not too far away, but right in the middle of a central thoroughfare of the bar. In our new spot we were constantly getting jostled by patrons and waiters, one person in our party had to be pinned against the corner so we could all sit down, and we couldn't see any of the games because they were either too far away or obstructed by people. And the waiter who did this was not nice, was not apologetic, and acted like we had trespassed on his land by being at that table. I was ready to throw down Bruce Banner-style on him, but I refrained in the name of public decency. So then this old guy takes his sweet time setting up the karaoke, and then once he has it all set up, he starts it up. But nobody was participating because they were all watching football, so to encourage people to get into it, the old man starts singing himself. So we're sitting there trying to see our football games from across the bar and having some conversation, but we're drowned out by the horrible, shudder-inducing wails of this guy. My ears started to bleed. Damn, all we wanted to do was watch some football, drink, and have some good conversation, but instead we got kicked into the corner and subjected to some awful vocals. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not busting on the idea of karaoke. I won't admit to it in public around attractive women, but I won't deny that there have been allegations that some friends and I may have belted out horrible versions of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and thoroughly enjoyed it, but does Southside plan to have karaoke all football season? If Thursdays are karaoke nights, then are they going to have karaoke next Thursday night for the opening regular season NFL game, New Orleans vs. Indianapolis, which promises to be a huge game? If so, I sure as hell won't be there. And if you're a football fan, neither should you.
(2)Brian C.
Wound up going here twice over the long weekend. The first time was for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant and bar were both crowded, but we only had a 15 minute wait for a table for 3. On a Friday night, that's not bad at all. The staff is friendly, even if not overly attentive. There was a pitcher of water on the sideboard near me, so I took the liberty of refilling my own glass a few times. We started with the bread basket, which was delicious. The biscuits and cornbread were both tasty, and I never thought I'd be a fan of pepper jelly, but it was really good at Southside. Sweet with a kick. The first time I went, I had the jalapeno honey pulled chicken, which I thought was a little dry, but my friends had a taste and really liked it. The Big Noodles is not your typical mac and cheese, but very good in it's own way. It had more Italian flavoring that I expected, but I enjoyed it. For dessert we split the peach pound cake, and a slice of key lime pie. I was not a fan of the pound cake, but again, my friends enjoyed it. I did find the key lime pie to be delicious though. When I went later in the weekend for lunch I ordered the roast beef sandwich which was overflowing with meat, the way a good sandwich ought to! It was flavorful, and moist, and I almost couldn't finish it all. Almost. I will definitely be going back.
(4)Damian K.
This review is only about the bar, not the restaurant. The servers are fantastic, and will know your name (and your drink of choice) even if you have only been there a couple of times. The Happy Hour bar menu consists of mini-nachos ($1), mini pulled pork sandwiches on biscuits (3 for $1), mini oyster po'boy ($1.50) and hot wings for 20-25 cents each (I think). I only drink microbrews (Bells Two Hearted/Sierra Nevada etc.,) so I'm not up on the cheap rail drinks, although I did hear that they were going for $3 during HH.
(5)Brett M.
Pretty good food. Been here several times and have tried most of the lunch items. Love their pulled pork sandwich.
(3)Ethan L.
Great food. Fresh, prepared from scratch and it shows. Love this place...
(5)Tony M.
I've been to Southside many times in the 4 years I've lived in the area and never had a bad meal. Yet again, here is another place that doesn't get any credit from the previous reviewers for having AMAZING chicken wings. Western New Yorkers, this is the closest you will get to authentic Buffalo hot wings. Every weekday from 4-7 and Sundays during football season they have specials on the wings. The nachos are great too, but make sure you order the chicken nachos. I'm not a fan of the pork nachos. I haven't gotten to everything on the menu yet, but I'm working on it. The Po' Boys are great. They also have some great bartenders. These are the type of bartenders that once you've ordered a couple of beers, they spot you coming from a few feet away and by the time you reach the bar they have your beer ready for you. Only negative is happy hour gets crowded sometimes. I've had to eat wings standing up before. Get there early if your only plan is to eat.
(5)Angela L.
On a Monday night, my husband was craving fried chicken. After an extensive Yelp search, he found Soutside 815 and their Monday fried chicken special. I, on the other hand, decided on a shrimp po boy and a side of mac n cheese. Boy, did I over order. The po boy was HUGE with perfectly crispy shrimp and fries on the side. We live right around the corner so this place is dangerously within walking distance!
(4)Douglas K.
It is what you'd expect it to be. I didn't try their full menu, only hung out at the bar for snack and beer. It wasn't smoky, but people were smoking so keep that in mind. Wednesday is steamed seafood special: ~$5-6 for a snack plate of oysters (half-shell), clams or shrimp (steamed), etc. two of which should do you nicely. Beer selection was pretty good by Old Town Alexandria standards--about 8-10 on tap--a little something for everyone. Dogfish 60min=$5; PBR=$3. Had a nice pub feel and parking was no problem on a week night. I'd recommend it to those wanting to watch a game and have a pint after work.
(4)Lucy L.
Dark, dank, dusty all come to mind.... Let me preface by saying I don't think Southern cuisine is my thing. Too many years of saying no to butter, cream, lard, and carbs I guess. The guilt caused by this place was overwhelming. The fried pickles (something I absolutely love) were just gross. I struggled to even taste pickle, they were more like fried bits of nothing and strangely reminiscent of those weird little fried crumbs you get at Long John Silver (also gross). The menu sounded amazing, it appeared as though you couldn't make a wrong choice. I went with the Low Country Shortcake which was recommended on some sites I came across. It was beyond gross. Chunks of chicken, goopy oysters, soupy sweet potatoes stuffed between layers of dry cornbread on a bed of butter beans of all things. Still not convinced? All this was drowning in a flood of white, tasteless gravy. My husband was excited to take a trip back to his Texan roots with the Chicken Fried Steak (which is why I chose this place). He said it was decent which is why I gave this place 2 stars. Overall, total disappointment. Unless you have a severe craving for low country cuisine, don't go. There are too many better options in this area.
(2)Michelle B.
Stopped by this ol' neighborhood Low Country cuisine joint for an early lunch (11:30 a.m.) The bar was already smoky and half-full of old timers, hard timers and done timers. Unfortunately, it's just a bit too nippy for the patio to be open. We sat in the dining room which filled quickly for lunch. It was a bit of an older crowd; not like the crowd you see in the summer's outside on the patio. The service was fine, the food was average (the piece of corn bread was the highlight). I woudn't go out of my way to get here, but it's an option if you're in Old Town/Del Ray and don't want to wander too far from home. I have heard their Po' Boys and burgers are very good, but haven't tried them.
(3)Lisa B.
I went for brunch this past Sunday and I gotta say, I was impressed. I'm not talking about the food though it was quite good. My dining companion (boyfriend's sister) knew EVERYONE there, from the hostess to the waiters to the busboys and of course, the bartenders. This is one of her favorite hangouts in the area, and after our brunch and meet-and-greet with the staff, I could see why. The food was pretty darn good: I got the blackened chicken scramble, which came in a toureen-like dish with all of the yummy contents well, scrambled together. Eggs, cheese, peppers, onions, and potatoes, with a side of cornbread. Yum. The Bloody Mary I ordered was spicy, tomato, vodka goodness that hit the spot. Also good: The omelette of the day, which included asparagus and artichokes. All in all, good brunch fare at a decent price. Plus, it's next door to my favorite pizza place in the DC area, Faccia Luna. Can't beat that combination. Go eat, drink, be merry.
(4)Joseph M.
Bar is always packed with an eclectic array of trust fund kids, lonely singles and displaced older people from the burbs lol. Not saying it's a bad place, it's just not the type of place that's worth being crammed into on a friday night, Unfortunately, the food is less then desirable..
(2)Gin B.
I only gave it 4 stars instead of 3 because I've learned what to eat and not eat here. I am southern and though the food has some southern flare its not particularly on par. Basically, you have to know what to order and once you have that down you are good to go. The nachos are fantastic and they will put beans instead of meat for vegetarians. The cheese grits and the shrimp and grits are also some of my favorites. The big mac and cheese is enough for a meal. The vegetables are awful - the green beans are from a can and the greens just aren't good. The worst part is having to walk through the god awful smokey bar to get to the dining area. If you have asthma go in from the patio if possible. The bar is always hopping but with a mid-thirty crowd.
(4)Duane S.
This is a great place to get lunch and brunch on Sunday. As was written before. get the sweet potato biscuit with crab & ham gravy. It is awesome! The fried green tomatoes are very good too. I got the Virginia burger as my entree and loved the sandwich. However, the fries left a lot to be desired. If I go back, I will see if I can substitute something else for the fries. If you find yourself in that part of Old Town, definitely check out Southside 815.
(4)Dave H.
Definitely a good suggestion that others have made to get the bread basket -- that was the best of the dishes. Only one option for vegetarians and resembled piles of slop. The other two dishes were better, but nothing great. Took forever to get the check.
(2)Sandie D.
Located in awesome Alexandria, Va. this place offers a great happy hour. My sister's and significant others meet here for happy hour on a Thursday. The only down side was the service. The bartender was not exactly people friendly. I arrived before the group and sat at a table for 15 minutes before I went to the bar and ordered a drink. Their happy hour is from 4 to 7 and they offer discounted beer and some great food choices. They offer 1/2 price burgers, small app plates, and other specials. The burgers are off the chart. I ordered some cheese grits off their regular menu and they were to die for. The bar has a great set up. There are several tables that are accessible for groups. My only disappointment was the lack of table service. We had to go to the bar to order all drinks and food. If you are a smoker, they still allow this in Alexandria. If the company is good you can over look the poor bar service.
(3)Kelley S.
I REALLY wanted to like this. An evening out with hubby sans kids, good southern food - alas, it was not to be had. The food tasted like someone who is a good cook was given pre-prepared ingredients and told to follow a recipe - it was not fresh, home made food and if it was they need to seriously rework the kitchen staff. Here's a rundown of our food: Bread basket to start - sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, a peach chutney that was spicy and yummy but from a jar, apple butter Caesar salad - the highlight of the meal! Pecan chicken with greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, grits Shrimp in creamy gravy over cheddar grits It all tasted like it was from frozen, if that makes sense. The salad was dressed with a unique dressing that was the best part of the meal for me. In addition, the food came out really quick - that always makes me go "Hmmmm.........." The bread tasted like it was baked in house but was reheated from lunch. All said, I don't think we will go back unless we are right there with no other options. The pizza place next door looked fabulous........
(2)Ken C.
Great place for bunch on the weekend with friends drinking irish coffee : )
(3)Jessica B.
I met some friends for a few beers and I enjoyed it. I guess it can be a bit crowded, but I love the feel of a pub! Its a fun place to go.
(4)David H.
I don't know who is in the kitchen at Southside, but whomever it is definitely knows southern cooking. This is the most southern food I've had in the DC area. Albeit, there are some places on U street that I haven't been to yet... This is a local hang-out for Alexandrians in Old Town. If you eat in the restaurant, order the bread basket because it's marvelous. Throw a dart at the menu and you'll more than likely come up having a great dinner. They are doing construction for, you guessed it, condos behind the strip mall that Southside is in so can do valet parking or park in the neighborhood. But for goodness sake, don't park in my parking spot...that sucks for me.
(4)Jeff Q.
Sweet tea, gravy, biscuits, sweet potato rolls.... good service, live music on the bar side. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)Russell Y.
I was looking for a place that served good southern food, and chose Southside 815 based on reviews I read elsewhere on the 'net. My mom had blackened fish, I had a biscuit/shortcake concoction with chicken and oysters, and my sister had meatloaf. The fish and my dish were okay bordering on mediocre, but my sister said her meatloaf was the worst restaurant food she had had in recent memory. I doubted her... until I tasted it. Oh my, it was Baaaaad. Dog food tastes better than that meatloaf (I cook for my dog, so I know it does!)
(1)Tracy S.
They have by-far the best happy hour ever!!! Their 35 cent wings were amazing. They also have a half-price burger deal. My only concern was that the juke-box was not loud enough when I paid money for the straight 'hits' to drop. This place hooks it up with $2.75 pints and happy hour food. Plus their wait-staff is prompt and their bartenders are on the ball.
(5)Courtney R.
Huge portions, you'll leave happy and satisfied if you know what to order. My favorites here are the fried green tomatoes and the 815 biscuits. I've never had anything like them--sweet potato biscuits smothered in a seafood type gravy. Savory, yet a bit sweet and a bit salty and the perfect portion size. Have tried the oyster po'boy--had better elsewhere and they're just to messy for me in general. I would recommend going during the week for lunch or for Sunday brunch--otherwise the crowd could turn you off. I usually eat in the bar and the service is on point.
(3)Chris F.
Menu is somewhat limited, and I became ill the last two times I ate there.....which is why I refuse to go back.
(1)Mandy L.
The only reason I am giving them four stars is because of the smoke. We did sit in the restaurant, but we were still close the bar (where the smoke was). The food was absolutely delicious. The special tonight was stuffed fried chicken. The portion was enormous and sooo yummy! My hubby got the gumbo and loved it. Both of my boys had grilled cheese and they cleaned their plates! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(4)Sarah P.
A soulless bar, whose happy hour (which goes the latest of any in Alexandria, to 7:30) is packed with the types of people you rush out of work to get away from. The bartenders are rude and slovenly; the ONLY reason why I ever go in is proximity and cheapness of the happy hour menu (not delicious, just super cheap, 1.50 nachos, etc.). Very difficult to get a barstool, and if you get one, expect dirty looks for the rest of the night from those that don't.
(2)Samantha R.
One word: AMAZING! My husband wanted to take me and our 4 month old daughter out to dinner. We wanted something yummy in the Old Town area so I came across the Southside menu online. Everything looked great, so we gave it a shot. The wait was about 30 minutes, but that was to be expected on a Friday night for a small restaurant. Our waitress was such a doll. Since it was our first time, I encourged her for suggestions. We started with fried pickles and an assortment bread basket. My husband got shrimp and sausage over cheesy grits and I got th country fried steak with collard greens and red skin mashed potatoes. We were in heaven. Let's me say, skimping on out on food they do NOT. We had to take the rest to go. We were very pleased with everything. We will surely be going back. The only reason I gave Southside 4 stars instead of 5 was because when I went to change my daughter in the restroom, the changing table was a litle oudated and looked to of had BBQ sauce on it from pevious kids. Other than that....very pleased.
(4)LC G.
Had a great brunch today. Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Had the jambalaya cheese steak sandwich, my BF had the sausage eggs benedict, and we shared the bread basket. Food was tasty, service was good, prices are very reasonable. Love this place for happy hour food and drinks too. Great local hangout.
(4)Mark D.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is bizarre, it feels like it used to be a cheesy seafood joint (as in with pirates and peg legs). But the food is southern-style comfort food. Everything was tasty, the mac and cheese was good, the steaks were covered with this cheese dressing which sounds blasphemous but was tasty, and my tuna steak was okay (though not rare enough). Service was good.
(4)Kimberly L.
My advice, unless you have a bottomless stomach, is to stick either with appetizers or main dishes. DEFINITELY order the boardinghouse breadbasket (biscuits, sweet potato biscuits and cornbread with apple butter and pepper jelly). That and the fried pickles with remoulade and some iced tea were more than enough for me and my friend. I barely had room to taste my pulled chicken BBQ sandwich (though it was delicious). The restaurant, especially the bar side is really smoky, but the time Virginia outlaws smoking indoors will be the time hell freezes over.
(4)Batman '.
I love this place. When Mrs Batman and I go downtown we make it point to hit Old Town as well for Southside 815. THE 815 BISCUITS ARE TO DIE FOR. There many selections of comfort food to choose from. I have never had a bad experience here. The service is great (ask for Melissa). Mrs Batman and I usually go here late afternoon and are quickly seated. We get several different items off the menu and share them. I always get an order of pickles to take home. Valet parking is available so parking the Batmobile is never an issue. Thinking about all of food is making me hungry. Time to go to Southside 815. Don't try to touch the car.
(5)Bill V.
The southern/Cajun food is great but the bar is the place to be. Consistently packed with a lively crowd. The Happy Hour is the best I have found in Alexandria. The little pulled-pork sandwiches are a steal at $1.50.
(4)Spicy G.
We ate there around March-April. I'd give this a 2.5 stars rating, mainly for the fried green tomatoes. They were awesome and we enjoyed the remoulade sauce that comes with them. There were 3 reasons we came here to eat: 1) We went to a premier movie screening in the area 2) They're a Steeler's hang out. 3) Reviews from Yelper's. Sorry guys-not impressed with the rest of the food. There were 3 adults and 4 older children. The kids didn't even finish their food which is simple kids food: chicken fingers, FF, mac and cheese, hamburgers. 2 of the 3 oldsters didn't finish our food either. I got the Po'Boy combo of oysters and crawfish. They were over fried and not juicy and succulent which is what I was hoping for. Too much batter, not enough juice. Not impressed with the bread as there was too much of it, and it wasn't fresh. My daughter, who was one of the 3 oldsters ordered their crab and artichoke dip as her main. We all tried it, and it was pretty decent. The table we were at was a long farm table, but it was too close to the other tables next to us. You couldn't get out to save your life. The kids would take off to the bathroom and would climb over the chairs. The 2 other tables on either side of us were as miserable as we were. You would stand there and wonder,"How do I get out of this mess?" The noise level was unreasonably loud. Service: Was so-so. Not impressed. Not sure if I'd go out of my way to try this one again. Maybe.
(2)chris s.
Yes, it wreaks of smoke. So, what. What really kinda turned me off was how dingy the dining room was. I went with a group of 6. 3 real southerners there, who were unimpressed. Fried green tomatoes were good but how do you mess that up. I also had the shrimp over noodles. Interesting and tasty but all in all everybodys meals were average. Skip it. I should try the fried chicken before writing this place off but its supposedly their best dish but they only serve it once a week. HUH!?
(2)Jennifer S.
Hmm. I wish I had the same experience as the previous reviewers, but I am not all that impressed with this place. We went here this past Sunday for brunch (and missed it - it ends at 2:30 PM just so you know) because the menu sounded amazing and my BF could get his favorite dish anywhere: Chicken (or Country) Fried Steak. I did a search on Yelp and this came up so here we are. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it is a couple stars up from a TGI Fridays. It's the same kind of food (with a Southern slant). I had a Jambalaya Sandwich - chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage with peppers and Jack cheese on a great, crispy bun with good seasoning. He had the CFS - and while he ate all of it, claimed that the same dish at The Silver Diner is much better. 'Not enough marbling - a cheaper cut of meat.' I know nothing of this because I don't eat meat (picked out the sausage from my sandwich). I will say that his mashed potatoes were delish - with about a pound of butter infused. My coleslaw was also good because unlike too many places, it wasn't swimming in a watery mayo sauce. Some other points: service was slow, decor was cute but not sure how applicable (a whole underwater theme) and the best feature: free valet. Would I go back? No, but I cannot complain about it either.
(3)Laurie B.
I ate there on New Year's Eve last night. I had lobster, shrimp, and scallop risotto off of their special menu for the night. It was really good. It don't like mushrooms so they prepared it without it for me. The waitress knew the menu very well and steered us away from items on the menu that weren't so good.
(4)Ed V.
Low Country Shrimp & Sausage is great. Lots of good beers on tap, lots of sports on the TVs. Friendly management & staff.
(5)RonAnderson ..
Excellent Southern (Louisiana) home-style cooking, with reasonable prices for the HUGE portions they serve. You'd better come hungry or it's not worth it. My friend and I couldn't decide what to order--we could have picked at least 3 different main dishes each. If you have a craving for some good ol' fashioned fried green tomatoes, pot roast, meat loaf, blackened catfish, or country fried steak, come on down! I had a really good dinner special--the Tilapia stuffed with crabmeat. Key lime pie for dessert topped off a wonderful meal for both of us. The bar area, where you enter through, is really cool and jammed-packed with people--plus lots of flat-screen TV sets on the walls tuned to sporting events and great draft beer selection. Located on the same strip of restaurants as Faccia Luna just south of Old Town Alexandria.
(4)Brian V.
The first impression: It's bad business to leave customers standing at the door while employees or chatting away. It's one thing when you are busy, but it's another when you see them standing there and ignore them. The service: It's only friendly service if you're a regular. For new comers, you have to fight to get attention. The servers could of told me what each dish were as he was setting it down. That's not asking too much, because they forgot one of my orders. Aside from this, Rachel, the bartender, was not only super nice she was also really quick. You have to order from the bar.* When I asked about making the correction on my order, the server told me to go to the bar for the mistake they made. When paying for the tab, they knew exactly where I was sitting and what I supposedly got. That is a plus in my book. The Food: Almost horrible. I ordered nachos, oysters (never got), pulled pork, and hot wings. Everything was over cooked. The only thing that had juice was the pulled pork. Even the buns were over toasted. Drinks were flat. Verdict: This is what I call drunk people food at a fair price. I felt unwelcomed. Would I come back here? Not a chance. Applebee's has better service and food. Two good things came out of this trip. 1. The awesome and friendly Rachel the bartender. 2. The price for happy hour.
(2)Marshall N.
Myself and my friends have been coming to this friendly neighborhood bar almost weekly for about 20 years. We really like the atmosphere and the friendly bartenders and staff make our weekly visit complete . While we love the burgers here, I am also fond of the oyster Po'boys, the Chesapeake club, the fried chicken, the nachos, and the wonderful chicken wings. They also have a wide variety of beers on tap. There are few places where it is more enjoyable to sit down and watch a Nationals' game.
(5)Alina S.
Went here with a group of 9 during Alexandria Restaurant week. They expanded the 2 entrees and 1 appetizer deal for $35 to the entire menu. My fam got buffalo wings, oysters, clams, onions straws, fried pickles, ny strip steak, prime rib, trout... and I think that's it. I can honestly say that everything was delicious, especially the ny strip steak. They also had a special asparagus and red potato soup, also delicious. The only reason I'm taking off a star was for the service. It was OK, but not out of this world. We will definitely be returning.
(4)Gregg M.
It was a lazy Sunday morning and a perfect time for brunch. Carol W and I arrived at Southside 815, a veritable yin and yang of a place with half of it dedicated to a seeming sports bar and the other a cozy dining room with a Southern feel, at a little past 11 AM. Since we got there early in their brunch service, we beat the post-church crowd and were seated immediately in the virtually empty dining room. Given the "calm" before the typical brunch crowd arrived, we received attentive service throughout our stay as our water glasses were promptly filled and dirty dishes quickly removed. By the time we left, the dining room and the patio dining area were largely filled. Southside 815's brunch menu contained the usual suspects like pancakes, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, and Eggs Benedict, but also listed Southern-influenced offerings like Red Beans & Rice and Fried Green Tomato Benedict. I started with their Pickle Juice Bloody Mary ($6.95), made with a house made Bloody Mary mix and pickle juice and served with a pickle spear and chilled peel and eat shrimp, while I looked over the menu. While it may not have been very boozy strong, it had a nice spiciness with a very welcomed horseradish presence. It was, thankfully, not overly salty given the use of pickle juice. , I found it to be quite tasty and enjoyable and one of the best I've had in a long while especially considering the price. For my meal, I ordered another Southern-influenced item, the Pulled Pork Benedict ($10.95) made with two poached eggs served over Carolina-style pulled pork and buttermilk biscuits, topped with hollandaise sauce, and accompanied by home fries. I can't offer up a treatise on Southern cuisine or Carolina-style pulled pork, but Southside 815 served up a generous portion of juicy, tender pulled pork over two biscuit halves and topped with perfectly poached eggs. It was accompanied by a healthy portion of crispy, not greasy, nicely done home fries. My only critique (and I'm being nitpicky here) was that the Pulled Pork Benedict was also topped with a perfectly acceptable Hollandaise sauce, which I know is standard in Eggs Benedict. It may have been more interesting (and better suited) had it been sauced with country gravy instead? Nonetheless, my Pulled Pork Benedict was thoroughly enjoyable and I was comfortably full when I pushed back from the table. For brunch, Southside 815 serves up solid food and a surprisingly good value. I see a return visit in my future.
(4)Tracy N.
Delicious! Awesome taste of home up in DC. Could benefit from more outdoor seating but really enjoyed the food. I had a salad and fried pickles and my dining companion loved his shrimp and grits!
(4)Chuq Y.
I've been coming to Southside for a few years now. Guess what? Their fried chicken kicks chicken butt! It's not normally on the menu, but they have it on special sometimes. You probably want to go for lunch because they will sell out of it. They also have a great sweet tea, that tastes just like my maw maw used to make! Actually, she never made sweet tea really, but it's damn good. The other menu items are awesome, and the service has always been great for me. If you're lucky enough to get the fried chicken, then enjoy it. If not, the Jambalaya Pasta or Rainbow Trout, and chicken fried steak will not disappoint! My dream menu here: Starter: Boardinghouse Breadbasket Entree: Fried chicken with a side of greens Drink: Sweet tea That'll fill me up and then I'll probably have enough to take home.
(5)Joe T.
Good hangout bar. Always have sports on the TV and they serve some good wings. Really fun on NFL Sundays.
(4)Ronalyn T.
Forgive me but it's been a long while since I've written a Yelp review. I'll do my best. This restaurant is your average neighborhood restaurant (I literally live across the street) and it gets the job done. Whenever I'm craving a burger, a drink (for cheap), or whatever - I know I can swing by and satisfy my craving. It definitely has a southern feel to it - from the paintings on the walls & ceilings to the menu. Not always my thing - I sometimes find it too heavy for my appetite. I love their crab dip, though. As far as the bar goes - their happy hour is great and it ends at 7:30pm! When I worked in DC, I would still be able to grab 2 drinks + a burger for less than $15 at the end of the night. Holla. Ending on a good note - the bartenders are also very friendly. I never feel awkward or out of place when I come in to have a drink. Like I said, Southside your average neighborhood restaurant - they don't disappoint.
(4)Conelta A.
Really, this place is about one thing, and one thing only, fried green tomatoes. Make sure those bad boys hit your plate and you'll be a fan. Otherwise the menu is simple southern cooking. Not the best you'll have, but certainly not the worst. The po boy bread is delicious as are some of the sides, especially the greens.
(4)Leslie K.
I love this place. The atmosphere and environment in this bar is really chill and laid back and the bartenders are always so friendly. The food is also really delicious and there are a lot of different options. I wish I lived near Southside so I could walk there every day. Highly recommend!
(5)Jen A.
Delicious ribs and chicken fried steak. We also had the fried pickles which I wouldn't order again...too much batter and too little pickle. The 815 biscuits were yummy as well. Overall all 4 in our party were satisfied with reasonable prices too. Matthew was a very nice and attentive waiter. Outdoor seating on a nice night
(4)MelLid G.
SOUTHSIDE!!! *Raises hands with fabricated gang sign* Yes I actually do that... Kind of sad I know, but its fun! *Shrugs* I really like this spot... Not the best food in the world but its always satisfying. My favorite dish is the Jambalaya pasta. Just thinking about it is making me hungry! Its filled with penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, sausage, veggies, and a delicious Cajun sauce. I have yet to finish it in one setting. The last time I dined in I tried out the shrimp po-boy. I was hell bent NOT to get the pasta again! It's kinda hard for me to break habits but I fought my urges! I wasn't expecting the po-boy to be as massive as it was but then again this place doesn't sham you on portion size. My shrimp were a bit overcooked but not enough that I had to send the sandwich back. It comes loaded with shrimp on a huge toasted sub roll. The lettuce, tomatoes, slaw, and sauces are on the side (wasn't expected but no biggie). Once you get your sammich set up to your liking, you literally have to smash it down some to eat it (well at least I did.) You can easily make a mess of yourself if you don't eat with caution. The service has been hit and miss for me. Sometimes its great, sometimes its mehh... I've never had to use my pet raven to search for my waiter/waitress but I've encountered a few slow services. As long as the prices stay fair and portions stay large, I will return! *Jail poses with another fabricated gang sign* P.S. "Ain't Nothing But A Gangster Party" youtube.com/watch?v=3v-V…
(4)Craig A.
It's really just a bar and there's nothing southern about it. All I got out of the place was high prices, noise, and yelling from drunks at the bar.
(1)Kevin S.
Great restaurant. Excellent customer service. Came in during rush hour, seated reasonably quick, after getting on the call ahead list. Only take reservations for 6+. Waiter recommended an excellent local ipa. Table had some tasty nachos, couple of salads and the drunk pot roast . No complaints. Highlight was the waiter putting in a special order of gluten free grilled chicken for my son. If I lived around here, I'd be back. Had obvious regulars throughout, eagerly giving menu tips. Cool restaurant.
(5)AL W.
I have been eating at Southside for years, but I haven't been in about 3. So I take a buddy of mine who lives in the area but has never been Well the Southside did not disappoint. Food was every bit as good as I remember. Service was lackluster. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes and they were tasty as ever. I finally tried the Roast Beef Poor Boy as I usually get one of the seafood ones and it was gooooood. My buddy said that the mac and cheese was the best he ever had.
(4)Beck E.
My bro and I got po' boys to go from here on Sunday, and I regret not staying in town for another day to take advantage of the Monday 1/2-off po' boys special... because damn, $10.95 for a sandwich? The fried oysters were good, as were the cajun fries and spicy mayo that came with the sandwich... But my bro didn't really enjoy the fried shrimp in his fried shrimp & oyster po' boy. I was a bit put off by the "takeout charge" of $0.25 per item... and the fact that you still tip the bartender who takes your order doesn't really make me feel any better either. I *would* give this place 2-stars for rubbing me the wrong way (see above paragraph), but the fried oysters were good when fresh. Not so much later on that day as leftovers.
(3)P J.
My girlfriend and I love this restaurant. We have never had a bad meal here. Biscuits and gravy, awesome. Chicken fried steak, awesome. Pimento cheese fritters, awesome. Jambalaya cheesesteak, awesome. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, I love their sweet tea. DEEEELICIOUS
(5)Carrie G.
This is a joke of a sports bar! We were watching a football game, got there at 12:15, to make sure we could see the one tv on which they had our game. We were even there last week. Well, just in to the second half, they decide to switch the game to soccer. Yup, middle of the game. We complained. They said there is a bigger group here to watch soccer, so basically, you lose. And they changed the channel. We will NEVER go he again, serious lack of respect.
(1)Ashley W.
Yummy food and def worth the $. Fried pickles are the best! Crab club sandwhich is good. Chix ceasar salad with corn bread is awesome. Not crazy about the chix bbq. I saw a review on here about chix and waffles....must try this!!
(4)Sophie U.
Oooooh, boy! I'd been wanting to check this place out and finally got the opportunity when Eden Center suffered a power outage and I wasn't able to get banh mi... Southside 815 is very close to Boyfriend's apartment, which means I don't understand how neither he nor I ever went in for food; yesterday = problem fixed. We were HONGRY. Since he was making me choose between Viet food and chicken wings on our way back from Chantilly, the first item that we ordered was naturally the hot wings appetizer. And then there were the fried pickles, the steak salad (for him), and the shrimp po'boy (for me). And a cup of coffee just 'cause. The HOT Wings They were hot and wingy. The portion was much bigger than I'd anticipated and so I ate about 70% of it. Blue cheese dip de rigueur, with little chunks to my delight, celery, and carrot. What else can I tell you about them... Ah, yes: they were delicious. The Fried Pickles When I was at this pretty cool joint in NYC I wanted to get some fried pickles, but due to some ew-ing and wtf-ing from three (THREE) of my dining companions (aka "rude assholes"), I didn't get them. The last thing I need is people making faces at the table while I'm eating, and so...up until yesterday I had a massive hankering for some fried pickles. The fried pickles at Southside 815 are chips, not spears, which automatically puts them on my "yes" list. Lightly battered, they are also a little on the sweet side; being a lover of all pickles, and having a very sweet tooth, this was not something to complain about. The remoulade that they come with is mustardy and tangy and all kinds of tasty. Be careful, though... they come in huge numbers (never a problem for me)! The Steak Salad I didn't try it, but Boyfriend liked it. Steak is good. Salad is good. Given how awesome everything else was, and knowing that Boyfriend knows what's good, I have no reason to doubt that it was anything less than good. The Shrimp Po' Boy The shrimp... They, too, come in large numbers. Our server brought out three different sauces for my po' boy: cocktail, tartar, and the same remoulade that came with the fried pickles. On the same plate as the sandwich was a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato, both of which I wish were either bigger or less alone. There were also fries, which could have used a bit more time in the fryer -- they were good nonetheless. Also: cole slaw and pickled onions -- yum! The sauce that I preferred with the po'boy was the tartar sauce. Along with the tomato, lettuce, cole slaw, and a bit of hot sauce, it was the perfect condiment for the po' boy. I "lost" a few shrimp here and there, but they tasted just as good out of the sandwich. The service was very nice and attentive. I'm hoping it wasn't just because it was mid-afternoon and things weren't very busy, but even if that was the case it's not something that will keep me from returning. Big perk: finding out that there was a 50% deal from Scoutmob. So you haven't been to Southside 815 yet? What are you waiting for?!
(4)Georgio B.
I wish I could say I loved it there, but I can't. The food was okay, but only okay. I've been there several times and it's always small portions of meh. The service has always been good. YMMV
(3)Kapri J.
What an experience!!!! Went with sitting at a booth instead of the bar and the ambiance was wonderful. The menu is simple yet overwhelming in the sense that I wanted to try it all. I ended up ordering the chicken fried steak, big noodle Mac and cheese, and the boathouse of biscuits. I had the sweet tea to drink which was refreshing. The chicken fried steak was slightly overdone and it wasn't the steak, somehow the batter was overdone. Still very tasty though especially with the gravy and mashed potatoes. The Mac and cheese was so good that I have committed myself to duplicating the recipe. I am a big bread person so they could do no wrong with sweet potato biscuits and cornbread served with apple butter and reg butter. I will back because there a plenty of items I would like to try.
(4)Dana Z.
Not bad... I only came here for a late night drink with some work friends so I wouldn't really know about their food, other than the nachos. After a few drinks we ended up getting the nachos with the pulled pork. I'm not big on nachos (I know... how is that even possible) but these ones were really good. As for the scene of people, it was a mixture of young and old. Pretty nice crowd. It's always a good night when I get compliments on my shoes but that is neither here nor there. :-) There's a lot of places to go in Old Town, and this is rather secluded from the other bars in the area. It's hard to say if I would return here, but I definitely won't scratch it off the list.
(3)Greg M.
Despite only having visited twice, Southside 815 is a clear favorite of mine - or should I say thier meatloaf is. The food and service is outstanding, if only the parking were better! On my initial visit a couple of years ago with friends, I was encouraged to try their meatloaf - a dish I hadn't had much of since I was a kid. I'd never ordered it in a restaurant - seems too pedestrian to order and pay $15 for! Nonetheless, the peer pressure came from a Yelp Elite and I was so glad I did. The wonderful dish will keep me coming back for more. The combination of beef and pork perfectly spiced was wonderful - no ketchup needed or invited. The side of mashed potatoes was an unwelcome distraction - get away from the meatloaf!!! The generous and juicy cut of meatloaf was perfectly done with a nice crust done all the way through. Service was great, certainly loud in there at times but nothing abnormal for the area. It was strange to walk into an obvious old-school bar and have such wonderful food. The two problems are parking, and what to order next time - stick with the tried and true or try one of their other good-looking dishes?
(4)Megan J.
For some things, Southside's a great deal. Happy hour pulled pork - a steal! The french fries were fine, sweet potato biscuits divine, and we all had an enjoyable meal.
(4)Adam F.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant. You'll see everyone from families to blue collar-types here depending upon the time of day. The bar staff is fantastic and prices are very reasonable. Of course, the food is solid. I recommend the pulled pork and chicken which they're known for. The pickles remind me of something that my grandma would have made. It sounds cheesy, but you can really taste the love in the food (outside of the fried stuff, of course). They do a great Mac and Cheese as well and I also enjoy the Virginia Burger. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Thomas L.
A lot of locals are all about the bar, but I'm all about the restaurant. My family dines here weekly, and often multiple times in a week. The staff is welcoming and the food is unpretentious comfort food. I've hesitated to review, because I selfishly don't want a long wait for tables! Now, the menu. I love the drunken pot roast; it's so tender and delicious! The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone and the best in town, if not Northern Virginia. The BBQ ribeye is another great choice, and I also like the fried chicken pasta. Rotating specials are often spectacular. I can't wait for them to have the short ribs over noodles again, or the chicken breasts stuffed with gouda and corn bread. Yum! My favorite appetizer is the pulled pork nachos! If only they offered liposuction in a back room... Prices are reasonable, and this includes items from the bar and desserts. Favorites are the French Quarter Iced Tea and their homemade sundaes. I am also convinced that Southside 815 is the best deal during Restaurant Week. And I haven't even mentioned brunch...
(5)Ingrid W.
Great fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits. If you order food to go they force you to order from the bar which is so smoke filled you can cut it with a knife. The fried chicken is only served on Thursdays.
(3)Joshua T.
Probably my favorite spot in Alexandria, especially for brunch. There's outdoor seating, restaurant seating, and bar seating -- they've got it covered. The menu has some fantastic southern fare, including Oysters Rockefeller in a mashed potato "soup" that will destroy your myfitness pal record. For 'Benedict fans, they have several regular options during brunch, and a rotating special Benedict which is usually interesting if not delicious. The main thing with Southside is that for service, the food, and the drinks, you always get consistently good quality. The food isn't light, but it is delicious.
(5)Hannah B.
My boyfriend and I came here for date night and absolutely loved it. Our server, Jennifer, was courteous and very helpful. For apps we had the chicken tenders and the nachos, both of which were top notch. I particularly loved the nachos, which could have been a meal on their own. For entrees, he got the Virginia burger and I can't remember the name of mine but it was juicy chicken with jerk seasoning and a yummy peach & pepper sauce. We also split an order of the best mac n' cheese I've ever had outside of my mom's kitchen. If you are a drinker, I recommend the Autumn Sangria. All around great food, quality service and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
(5)Angie T.
Southern food that warms the soul. This is a great little spot on the outskirts of Old Town Alexandria and the great part of it being in Old Town is that they have their own little parking garage so parking isn't a big issue. Don't come here if you're on a diet! What's southern food if it's not sopping with butter and deep fried? And I highly suggest the honey jalepeno pulled chicken.
(4)Chris S.
This is an initial rating and I will certainly have to be trying this place again. I ordered a roast beef po'boy with fries. Here is my rant. This isn't a po' boy. This is a French Dip with au jus. The roast beef is more like deli meat than what I've had with other po'boys before. I'm not saying it wasn't good, just more disappointing to get a french dip when I wanted a po'boy. My wife god the omelette of the day. She enjoyed it but said it was way more food than she could have handled. 3 egg omelette, corn bread, home fries. With the scoutmob 50% off, our bill was around 11$. Great deal. I will try again, and be on the lookout for something besides a po'boy. The atmosphere was great, and the service was fun. The place looked fun, just walked away a little disappointed.
(3)William T.
Amazing raw bar, which is half priced on Wednesday night! Amazing southern comfort food with a modern twist.
(5)Alyson W.
I feel like I'm @ Southside pretty frequently--at least once every couple weeks--and it's become a go-to for after-work dinners and long Sunday brunches. I frequently find myself recommending it for a good brunch spot. Pros: Location, obviously. It's on the south end of Old Town so very convenient for those of us who live just down the parkway and have limited options nearby. But also, the food is really, really good. I am in love with the fried green tomatoes, the sweet potato biscuits, and anything with the pulled pork (nachos, benedict, etc.). The 815 biscuits (crab gravy!) are amazing. Good variety of beers on tap, lively but not overhelming ambiance, patio seating, competent service. Their Wednesday raw bar is slightly over-priced, but still good. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have never been disappointed. Cons: It can have a slightly funky college-bar smell occasionally, and it definitely needs a deep clean (especially in the bathrooms!).
(4)Alexandra D.
The day we purchased a new Subi, we knew we wanted to immediately celebrate with some dinner, beer and by watching some March Madness. To avoid the King Street parking situation, we tried Southside for less parking drama and less pedestrians. Considering it was game day we were happy to wait just a couple minutes to find a seat in the bar. The nacho-lovers that we are, we ordered for an appetizer the Southside Nachos with jalapeño honey pulled chicken. These are in the top 3 of the nachos we've ever had! (And we literally order them whenever we try someplace new.) They were super plentiful with the right balance of toppings and a heaping pile of meat. We were so content just hanging out at the crowded bar, yummy beers at hand, and in the company of nice bar staff and patrons. Our next shareable plate was the Jambalya Cheesesteak with Mason-Dixon mashed. This dish was SO unbelievably tasty!! Other restaurants should take a queue from Southside's unique selection and great service. We are looking forward to going back! It was quite chilly last time, so we are definitely going to try the patio next time :)
(5)Joanna M.
Great neighborhood bar I've gone to a few times for happy hour and watch caps games with a friend who lived nearby. Nice bartenders, decent priced drinks, great beer selection. Food isn't bad either- southern with a twist.
(3)Samantha E.
My family celebrated my sister's birthday here and boy, were we pleased. Faccia Luna next door is one of our standard spots so I was happy we were able to force my parents to branch out and walk a few feet next door. Southside 815 is half bar, had dining room. The bar was absolutely packed with fans watching Sunday night football. The dining room was pretty small and had interesting murals on the ceiling of people swimming above you. Going to school in NC made both my sister and me huge fans of all things Southern, especially food. My family sampled basically every kind of thing on the menu. We started of with the delicious bread baskets which include cornbread, biscuits, and sweet potato biscuits. Soooo soft and delicious! My entree was the fried chicken pasta. They happily switched out the asparagus in the dish for some onions. My rest of my family ordered the following: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, the Virginia burger, pot roast, pecan crusted chicken, and shrimp po boy. The portions were huge and really matched well with the prices. Everything was fresh and flavorful and the service was great to boot.
(4)Vivian H.
This place has it all... a bar, a patio, a large seating area (I sat outside to soak up the sun). a killer happy hour menu (if I came 4-7pm I'd literally try every app). really good southern food (I got the jambalaya cheesesteak.. genius!). attentive friendly staff (thanks for refilling my water a billion times, I was thirsty). accommodating/flexible menu (I swapped out cole slaw for pickles.. and had them fried). really reasonable prices ($11 for my meal and I took half the sandwich home). Yes, this place has it ALL... except good fries. WHY did you give me cold semi-crisp fries? I can tell they weren't fresh. Don't you know fries are sacred to me?
(4)Chris F.
I have been here a few times and have never left disappointed. The food is awesome, the staff is friendly and the beer selection is good.
(5)Mark B.
About 15 years ago, I had a very bad experience here. Hard to explain it, and not that interesting a story, but I hadn't gone back until last year. Now it's my "home" bar. The staff is fantastic. They keep the orders organized, are attentive, just friendly enough to be, well, friendly, but not overly chatty. Lots of TVs. The staff is smart about the TVs, too: For NFL days, they hang signs on the sets that say which game will be played on what. In fact, they print up the schedule ahead of time. Which you might want to consider checking out if you're headed in for an "obscure" NFL game on a Sunday (think, Bills/Chiefs). Then you have a good shot at claiming a decent seat. I like pub food, being a man of simple tastes, and theirs is pretty good. I generally go with the steak salad, or, when I'm just feeling like I need some extra protein, one of their half-price burgers during happy hour (I like the Virginia Burger myself). Lots of beers on tap, and Woodford Reserve behind the bar. Parking is much easier on this side of town than around King Street, which also means there are fewer tourists. This part of Alexandria has deep sidewalks, so the outdoor seating is actually quite pleasant during nice weather.
(5)Karen D.
Should have listened to the Yelper who advised us to wear stretchy pants, because I'm stuffed! First time for fried pickles, and yes, they're delicious. Server was very understanding when one in our party, who has a severe shellfish allergy, asked about how things were fried and with what grease. Turns out, the pickles are dredged in the same batter as the shrimp, thereby possibly contaminating the fried pickles. When you have a food allergy, this kind of information is really important. Food was very good, but I'd be careful with the fried chicken. It came out almost burned crispy on the outside and almost raw on the inside. They have a good selection of beers, and excellent service. The place was hopping on a Monday night.
(4)Earl S.
What a great place to pull up a chair and watch the game. This is the kind of place that DC needs. Lots of great beer and lots of great food. The bartender was really great to my table too, even though we were sitting away from the bar. It was nice being able to get a pint of PBR for $3. Appetizers and burgers were reasonably priced too. The nacho appetizer is huge and very filling. The chicken was loaded into the middle of the dish, under the chips, so the common problem of chip fatigue didn't arrive after the toppings are all gone. The chili cheddar burger I had was excellent too. I did not venture onto the dinner menu on my last visit but I'll give it a try next time.
(5)Zack D.
This was an excellent dinner choice! Everything on the menu looked great, it was tough to decide what to try. Went with the steak and don't regret it! Can't wait to come back and try something else. Great food, reasonable prices.
(5)David G.
A neighborhood tavern that I wish was in my neighborhood. You walk in the door, and the place feels warm and inviting. Southern victuals are the stock in trade. A good take on Carolina Pork BBQ, with just enough vinegary tang. A blackened catfish that's not so spiced that it destroys the fish itself. Chicken & Waffles as a midweek special. Po'Boys overflowing with shrimp, catfish, oysters, or a combo (at half-price on Mondays, its the best deal in the city). Brunches rock. Usual suspects, but also a Southern Benedict with the pork BBQ that must be tried. And their outstanding homemade biscuits come covered in a sausage gravy that is too good to pass up- perfect for a cold winter day. And the Cheesy Grits, oh lord, he Cheesy Grits. I've never set foot in the dining room, always opting for the bar, which is nearly always well occupied. The 'tenders have always been welcome and engaging, from the start. While they do have TVs, it is by no means a sports bar. It is, as I said, a watering hole, where you can come for some good food, s good drink, and meet some interesting folks. Damn, but I've just made myself hungry for that Biscuits & Gravy!
(4)Britt M.
Still a great neighborhood spot after all these years. We've been coming for 15 years. Great beer selection, comfort food, sports, and casual friendly atmosphere. Come try some Southern food!
(4)Bryan J.
South side is full of locals. Its in a part of old town you wouldn't necessarily make a destination. Warning: come hungry as the portions are large. I counted 6 tables with take home in the time we were there. That being said the food was delicious. The bbq shrimp and grits appetizer was delightful. I had the scallop special with kale. And another person had the jalepeno honey pulled chicken sandwich. I had a bite of the sandwich and it was everything the title says it is. Spicy and sweet. I enjoyed myself but I'm just not that in to this style of cooking anymore. Its heavy and everything is fried. I felt like the flavors were just blah. Don't get me wrong this type of food makes you smile while you're eating it but you regret it on the walk to the car. Im torn as to whether or not I'd go back. On the one hand they serve some southern classics. On the other, the bar is loud, the place is fairly dingy and there wasn't anything that blew my mind.
(3)Jami H.
I absolutely love Southside! After ten years of dining at Southside (mostly carry out these days) I'm always satisfied. Although I almost always order the fried pickles and a pulled pork sandwich I sometimes venture out and order the daily special. But back to the fried pickles and pulled-pork -- the best ever! I crave these two things and it is always a requested destination (for pickles and pork!) when family visits from out of town. The servers and bartenders are helpful and nice. The bartenders do not act annoyed with to-go orders and servers do not give you the stink-eye when dining with kids. I love this place and have for ten years. Oh yeah, the shrimp at the raw bar on Wednesday nights is some of the best in town. Yummy!
(5)Miss E.
Went for brunch on Sunday at noon. We made reservations the day before and had no trouble getting a table for 8 people. The service and food were fine. Nothing to write home about. Their prices are cheap, which might explain their charging-for-bread policy. All my friends liked their meals. My oyster po' boy was ok. Admittedly, my standards for po' boys are impossibly high after I made a trip to NOLA last year. I could also tell my food sat for a few minutes before it was brought to me. Fried food only works when it is served piping hot! Service slowed down after we got our food. I might have order another glass of wine if the waitress had asked. Overall, I'd give 815 a 2.5-star rating for food and service. I'm rounding up to 3 stars because the fried green tomatoes were actually pretty great (and those came out nice n hot). Tip: there's a FREE parking garage in the alley behind the restaurant.
(3)Karisa D.
I am so excited about this restaurant!!! I went to Southside after my friend suggested it as a good dinner place. She is so wise! Lovely atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff. We were a large group and they were so accommodating to us; they even split the check multiple ways which is always a definite plus in my opinion :) I had the Crab Bisque- nice and creamy. A definite comfort for a cold day. But the star of my meal was actually a side dish, the house Mac and Cheese. This was one of the best Mac and Cheese dishes I've had in a recent memory. They use four different types of cheeses that melt well and complement each other and the dish as whole. Something you must try if you eat at Southside. Great food and excellent service. Our waiter was named Chris. Highly recommend you ask for him!
(4)Warren A.
3.5 Stars -- I will definitely try them again and hopefully bump up the rating. Dining room is adjacent to their bar and it is ok to wear casual clothes. The food was pretty darned tasty but the sides were just a little so-so. The crab and cornbread fritter appetizer didn't appeal to me at all though my wife liked them - could just be me but I think there are other options on the menu that would be more appealing. The blackened Bleu Ribeye was worth trying - no complaints at all. My wife had the pork chops and they were just a tiny bit on the dry side - not by much, mind you, just not quite perfect. I'll be happy to give them another shot too. I will return to the Southside 815 and recommend you try them - especially if you live w/in walking distance - it's nice to have them right in the neighborhood. --------- Update ------------ ive been back afew more times and i think it is definitely a solid 3.5 stars. the food is generally really good and imwill continue to visit.
(4)Charles M.
Rodents! I don't care how tasty the food is - this place is infested with mice. The last time we ate there, we watched several mice scurry under tables. Won't be going back. Don't take my word for it. Read this: city-data.com/va-restaur… Multiple critical violations on almost every health inspection- going back for years. Roaches, mice droppings, improper food handling, hand washing, etc. Bon appetit!
(1)Nina B.
Traditional southern food Southside 815 They've perfected the seasons grits gravy Fried Food Watch as my heart is clogged choked with a river of butter but my mouth tastes a piece of heaven as each bite of pulled pork slowly melts in my mouth fresh oysters delivered on Wednesdays happy hour specials for the poor and unemployed or underemployed One problem be told It's a Steelers Bar
(4)Marie P.
"MMMMMM!" "YUM!" "Try this!" My friends and I commented throughout our dinner at Southside. I'm a Vol (high five to any of you that get that) and after my time in Tennessee have had some really good southern food. Southside made the list. We started with the Boardinghouse bread basket--a requirement, you must get it, it's a warm, soft, cuddly way to begin your meal. I had the pecan crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. Those quotes above describe my meal. The portion was huge and though I love southern food, I don't like overeating, it was enough for three meals for me. My friends ordered The brownie which I would have loved to try but was too full. Other than the food, I enjoyed the family and neighborhood casual vibe. The service was slow but kind. Leave enough time in your plans to account for that and you'll enjoy this place.
(4)James N.
At Southside... I have never had a bad meal... I have had their cheese grits, their succotash, the tuna steak, the ribeye. I thought I had eaten everything until last Friday night- I had the pot roast. Yes does not sound sexy but it was amazing... There is a glaze on it and it was very tender. I would definitely recommend getting it next time at Southside for dinner. Southside also has great happy hour specials with burgers half-off. Make sure you try their fried green tomatoes... One of the house specials...
(5)Kori B.
You can not leave here hungry. There's no friggin way. I had some friends from out of town staying in Old Town, so I made that journey across the river to greet them instead of making them try to find their way around D.C. on their first night in. Knowing one of my friends can be a little hesitant to eat new foods, I needed something American but awesome and that's where Southside came in. Though a little ways off the "Old Town" map, it's definitely worth the extra mile. I could eat anything on the southern-themed menu here and be 100 percent satisfied. But of course, I do have my favorites and they all happen to be sides. *The 815 Biscuits. Believe me when I say you've had nothing like this. They're like biscuits and gravy on speed. Crab, ham, gravy and SWEET POTATO biscuits. It comes out looking like soup and my boy ate it as such, scooping every last bit up with his spoon. *Big Noodle Mac "N" Cheese. This could definitely be a meal onto itself. Four cheese (Parm, cheddar, monterey jack, and smoked gouda) all gooey and melty over shells. I love shells! *Fries. The fries here are batter fries, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and plenty of flavor. *Fried Green Tomatoes. The perfect amount of batter is added to these babies before their flash fried, sealing in all the juices. You know a good fried green tomato with it's not a soggy mess. Every entree I've had here is great too from the ribs to the Jambalaya Pasta.
(5)Scott H.
This review is for the bar and happy hour only. We did not go into the restuarant. My wife and I meet our friends there last night after work, and had a great time. The HH prices are very good, and the food prices are great. You can get 3 pork sandwiches for only $1.00! The drink prices were also very good as well. I can see us going back here often.
(4)Zach R.
If it was in a better location it would get better reviews. Unfortunately, most of the tourists hang out on King and this place is about 8 or so blocks from the strip. We watched the first games of the college football season here - plenty of TVs so each pocket of fans could watch the game of their choice. We sat at a high-top in the bar area. Had to order our drinks and food with the bartender (physically located behind the bar) by getting out of our seats. Not that big of a deal, but slightly inconvenient. Food was above average bar food. We ordered fried pickles (not New Orleans quality, but still good), a seafood po'boy, and pulled pork nachos. All were really good. Beer, good bar food, football, fun environment. What's not to like?
(4)Sandra F.
I visit Southside on an almost weekly basis. They serve excellent (southern) comfort food at a reasonable price, with the following items on a must-try list: - Macaroni & Cheese - Dixie Chicken Sandwich - Boilermaker Ribs (special item, not always on the menu) - Savannah Steak Salad The casual atmosphere is fantastic for groups, couples, and families at any time of day. Patrick is my favorite waiter, but the entire staff is attentive and easygoing. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Clarence J.
I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. This is a great 'little' place (actually a good size, but it feels little in a good way) where you can get a good, solid meal without spending too much. As so many others said, if you're not hungry, order as little as possible because the portions - not to mention the southern-style cooking - will fill you up. The appetizers, sides, and desserts are outstanding. I was underwhelmed with my meatloaf and wouldn't get it again or recommend it to others, but on the quality of the appetizers, sides, and desserts, I will definitely be back to try something else. Overall, I did think there could be more seasoning in the food, but I added pepper to my heart's content and, except for the meatloaf, that took care of any flavor gaps I thought I noticed. The menu is huge and filled with mouthwatering-looking items. The drink list is decently extensive also, and the after-dinner drinks / dessert menu is filled with unique creations. As many people have noted, the bar is a rare smoke-filled one in this area, but if this bothers you you will be in the clear once you enter the restaurant side.
(3)Debbie F.
Very good spot for lunch. Great salads and Southern specialities.
(4)Komal M.
This review is specifically for the nachos--LOVE 'EM! Nothing beats honey-jalapeno marinated chicken!
(5)Donna B.
Great food! Great service! I have been here on a couple of occasions and the food is consistently on point. Both times we split the southside nachos with jalapeno honey pulled chicken, crab and corn drop fritters and each had a salad: creole Cesar and southside seafood. Not one bad word can be said about any of the above; not to mention the fact that we ordered the exact same thing twice within three months. The nachos have the perfect amount of sweetness followed up by a subtle heat from the peppers. The peach pepper jelly that comes with the crab and corn fritters could be eaten alone with a spoon it is so good! It also compliments the cornbread that accompanies the salads. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will go there again next time I am in the area.
(4)Bryan P.
Outstanding southern food at great prices. Add their excellent service and you have one great restaurant. Things to try: Burgers and freedom fries (among the best anywhere). Crab dip. Hot wings. Charleston Chicken. Pecan Chicken breasts. Southern Benedict. It's a nice casual atmosphere that works for getting some suds and munchies with your buddies or taking your family out for a meal. I've been going there for years and Southside has yet to disappoint!
(5)Andrew L.
I live across the street, so I make it over here a lot for Saints and Duke games. It has good, unpretentious New Orleans food (think poboys), and really great food specials. Drinks are a bit pricey, even cheap beer, but I like it none the less. Good brunch and outdoor seating too.
(4)Vivian L.
This place was great! Aside from the fact that it smelled kinda like smoke (I'm a spoiled CA girl), the food and service at this place was outstanding!!!! Our server was so attentive, I loved it! As for the food, yum, good value, and huge portions!!!! We started with the blue crab and corn fritters with this great peach pepper jelly sauce, yum! We also had the fried green tomatoes that tasted good with that jelly sauce, too. On Mondays and Weds, they have some seafood specials. We ordered a dozen clams in wine sauce thing for like $7. Wow were these clam shells huge compared to what we get in SF usually. And the clams were amazing. I haven't had clams like that in like forever. The clams were sand free, very big, not a lot of guts which is great, and great chew to them. Tasted great when sprinkled with lemon and dipped into butter sauce. The house greens salad with their house bbq ranch dressing was also very good. I had the charleston chicken for my entree which was very big and yummy. I couldn't stop eating it even though I was getting really full. One person got the portobello mushroom po boy sandwich which was very large, looked great, and had yummy fries. My other friend had the full rack of baby back ribs and declared them the BEST ribs he's ever eaten, and he's eaten a lot of ribs in his time. My other friend had the low country shortcake which was chicken and oysters and some other stuff. Interesting, she liked it though. So that we would totally explode, we shared the upside down pineapple cake with ice cream which was good and also the peach pound cake with ice cream which I thought was even better since I've actually never had or heard of peach pound cake before. Lots of leftovers afterwards but even with drinks and tip, it came out to about $130 ish for 4 people, not bad. I'd totally go back. Great service!
(5)Meredith H.
Unfortunately, it's really gone downhill in the past couple of years. I'm really not down with paying higher prices for mediocre food, and that's what you get here. I've gotten the Balsamic Vegetable Sub three times, and the last two times it was soggy, drowning in cheese, and tasted only of Balsamic Vinegar and nothing else. French fries are standard - I have a sneaking suspicion that they come from a bag, which really disappoints me. The mussles I've only ordered ONCE, and that was because they tasted funny and old. Steaks are mediocre, and they are usually overdone, even if you've ordered it rare or medium rare. The Bourbon Steak, which seems to be a "patron favorite" is essentially a steak covered in cheese, doused with a bland bourbon-esque sauce. Having said that, I have had their sides, which in my opinion are infinitely better than the entrees. Succotash is GOOD! Never thought those words would come out of my mouth. Sweet potato rolls are tasty, and are fought over at the table. Grits are ok - not as smooth as I've had, but good. I've heard that the Macaroni and Cheese is worth getting, but I've never tried it. Nothing really wows me, and the prices mislead you into thinking that the food might. Now, I'm a Northern girl at heart, but I feel like something's off when my best friend (born Georgia and raised in South Carolina) declares the food to be "imitation Southern". The atmosphere is neat, and there are plenty of cool things to look at on the walls and the ceilings as you're trying to justify your bill to your meal. Parking's rough, so park across the street or around the corner. Overall, I'd be interested in seeing what (if any) improvements are made, because I would really love to add this to my restaurant list again...
(2)Daryl W.
Great food, Outstanding Service (server?)! I went to Southside 815 on the recommendation of a friend. As a Soldier in the US Army stationed in the DC area on a Private's salary, I'm a bit frugal when it comes to eating out, but this place was WELL worth the money. My server was quick to seat me and very attentive...her name was Jen as I recall, and it was pretty clear from the beginning that she was happy to be there and loves what she does. After my drink order (the bartender's take on a Long Island Iced tea), she brought out a quick appetizer of several breads and jellies the restaurant makes in-house. All were delicious. When I asked for menu recommendations, Jen knew the menu inside and out, which for me, is a major plus, as I'm sick for restaurants where I have no clue what to order, and the server just gives me the shallow "Well it's all good," answer. She asked me a few questions about my tastes and preferences, and advised me to get the Drunken Pot Roast and Macaroni and Cheese. I don't remember what sides the Pot Roast normally comes with, but I do remember wanting something else instead, and substitutions were no problem...ALSO a major plus. Now the moment of truth...the cocktail was great, the food was awesome! The flavor on the Pot Roast was divine, and the Macaroni had several kinds of cheese to scoop up in one bite. The portions on the Man n Cheese and the Pot Roast were large (even for a Soldier's appetite,) so I had some to take home. While I was eating, Jen seemed to have this intuitive cue to know when to stop and see if I needed anything, and when to leave me alone and let me eat, as she was bustling between tables...also, a nice change from restaurants with servers who are inattentive, or annoyingly hovering. As I came to the end of my meal, Jen asked me if there was anything else to do to make my experience there perfect, to which there was none. I asked my server if my perception was true...if she really did love what she does. "Yeah! I've served at several different chain restaurants, and I love the customers, I love the atmosphere, and I really love the food here, so I don't have to cross my fingers and hope something doesn't get sent back...'cause if it's from THIS restaurant, I KNOW they'll like it." Bottom line...while I can't speak for all the food there, as I haven't had it, I do HIGHLY recommend the Mac N Cheese and the Drunken Pot Roast. Don't know if the other servers are like Jen...they appeared to be, but I know you'll have a good experience if you're in her section.
(5)Debra B.
Dinner here last week - I loved the amazing Mac 'n cheese, pasta jambalaya & Sangria. Reasonable prices & 2-meal servings. Casual setting, dining room was a bit loud, but not deafening.
(4)Bryan V.
Really good. The fried green tomatoes were great appetizer.
(4)Angela S.
Best Happy Hour spot in Old Town!! All of the super, rich poseurs stay on King street and allow the good timers to have some fun at this haunt. The food is SUPER cheap and if you are good the bartenders, they are good to you! I always leave here walking sideways and loving it! Try the nachos! They are amaze. PS - HH is only inside in the bar area. Sad, I know.
(5)N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Friendly competent service in a nice atmosphere. Homey feeling. The fried chicken dinner was over done. The gravy out of a can fit it well. The trout was OK but the vegetables were overdone. Average only on the best day.
(2)Christina S.
The staff was very accommodating when planning a work baby shower (our party was 12 people). They allowed us to bring a cake to serve after we were done eating and supplied the small plates, knife, and forks for us. They did not charge any extra fees for this, always a plus. The food was great. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. I had the oyster and shrimp po boy which was delish and brought me back to my visits to NOLA! I used a good amount of the remoulade which was very tasty. My meal was definitely filling for lunchtime, especially with the side of fries and the size of the po boy roll. We were alerted to the free parking in the garage behind the restaurant but some of us were able to easily find 2 hour street parking nearby. We look forward to coming back for future work lunches!
(4)Esther Z.
On a 10+ day (mid 80 degrees, some breeze, lower humidity) the patio table in the shade made this lunch special. If we had not selected the grits as a side to replace the potatoes on the Charleston Chicken breast entree, my positive view of the food would still be intact. The grits were the worse grits to ever pass my southern lips. Perhaps they were leftovers from the day before. I ordered them because other YELPERs said they were good. Definitely not today, a -5. On the other hand, the $7 Mac & Cheese is a 5+ and enough for 2 also. They made my tummy purr. So good they offset the horrible grits. I wonder if these 2 dishes came out of the same kitchen. Different sous chef, perhaps. The chicken breast was meh, nothing to write home about. The perfect temp Fat Tire beer offset that. Clean restrooms. There is an ATM machine next to the restrooms, go figure. The bar stools were full on this Friday at 12:30, not an empty seat. TGIF 1/2 work days in summer on full display. I want to come back to try the Poboys and hope the YELP reviews are not off about them being good. Note to Southside Chef: Take the grits off the menu. It's embarrassingly bad. Don't continue to ruin our proud southern tradition of serving good food. If not get it right and QC, QC, QC!
(3)Bryan K.
Half Southern food Resturant half neighborhood watering hole. Literally. The place is divided in half and separated by old roll up doors from when this location was a micro car dealership. Back in the 30's? There are pictures on the wall of these bygone days. Today you won't find any cars for sale but parking is plentiful along the street and a garage in the back. What you will discover is real good southern dishes like waffles and chicken, po boys dishes, the best fried oysters in old town. Also a good draught selection and tons of sports on the tvs around the bar There is outdoor seating on wide sidewalk adding to the neighborhood feel. During happy hour the bar area can get crowded but service is attentive and kitchen is fast and rarely apologetic for delays. But it has happened where food came out late. Manager took the charge off on that occasion.
(4)David H.
Great concept, friendly service, mediocre location, okay food, three stars. I'm a Southern expat and don't like "Yuppified" southern food at $35 a plate that most of DC tries to pass off as legit at tiny portions so this place was calling my name. This place is a low key neighborhood bar with a friendly staff. Their tap selection is okay but they should carry more Southern brews. The food is pretty good but not quite up to Southern par. The fried green tomatoes were tasty and not overly breaded so they tasted just right but one was a little thicker so the breading didn't quite fry all the way through. The fried pork chop was also good but not amazing. It was well fried without too much breading but it was a bone in chop and it was fairly fatty so there wasn't quite as much meat as you'd have hoped. It goes well with the onion gravy, which was excellent and would go well on anything. The accompanying mashed red potatoes were top notch and the green beans were fresh and tasty as well. The location of this place isn't as close to the Metro and Old Town as you'd first think so you'll earn your food on the walk. Enjoyed my meal and will be back but it isn't quite at the level of Southern perfection one might hope for.
(3)Stephen K.
Southside has some really good food. It's an interesting mix of Cajun, southern and bar food. I've been here a lot and have never had anything I didn't really like. Everything from the steak to the Cajun dishes and fried chicken is really good. Think it's one of the better restaurants in Old Town. The service is always good and friendly. They do have sweet tea...thankfully! They also have Happy Hour food on weekdays and game day specials as well.
(5)Mercedes R.
I'd come again, decent food, cute area. I'd probably order something a little lighter though. Patio seating was dog friendly.
(3)Sara W.
I have been going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this place for a while. I do like to sit in the bar. Their burgers and bloody mary's are great. I have never had great experiences outside the bar. Either because their food isn't that great or their servers are horrible and rude. Either way, I don't go unless someone else wants to. It is a shame because I live about 4 blocks from them and would love to have it a normal hangout.
(3)Alexis B.
3.5 STARS Southside is a lively neighborhood sports bar in the quiet part of Old Town. I wasn't sure what to expect visiting the night before Thanksgiving, but this spot was bustling. The bar area was crowded with people enjoying each and passively watching the Cavs beat the Wizards and college football. The dining area was moderately filled so we decided to grab a table to catch up over Southern comfort food. Once seated, I noticed there wasn't a lot of racial diversity among the staff and patrons. However, everyone who made eye contact gave us friendly closemouthed grins or nods. We ordered fried green tomatoes which were served with a tangy remoulade sauce and yummy apple cider drinks. The brims of the glasses featured crushed graham crackers. The drinks were soooo good and didn't taste like any alcohol was in them! I was drawn to the salmon entrée then remembered salmon was on my Thanksgiving menu, and ordered the blackened catfish instead. The catfish came with Mason Dixon potatoes (half white/half sweet potato) and Southern greens. My friend ordered the pecan crusted chicken with Mason Dixon potatoes, cheddar grits, and greens. Both dishes were tasty, huge portion sizes, and reasonable prices which equals great value. Service was good too. There was no room for dessert, in fact we had to wrap most of our food to go. We had a good time and will likely return.
(3)Nicole D.
Creative interpretations of New Orleans comfort dishes and then some here at Southside 815. This place was packed when we came in on a Wednesday night last month and, after dining here, I see why. The dishes are fun and tasty; there's live music and great specials throughout the week. Wednesday nights they feature raw bar specials with great deals on oysters and shrimp; Monday nights feature 1/2 price po' boys. The New Orleans-inspired menu features Crab & Corndrop Fritters, Southern Fried Pickles, Southern Greens, Cheddar Grits, Jalepeno-honey Pulled Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Biscuits (buttermilk, sweet potato and cirbbread), Gulf-spiced Chicken Breast, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish, jambalaya, gumbo and the list goes on. I decided on the Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy and was very pleased with my selection. A very nice helping of fried shrimp and oysters, lettuce and tomatoes wedged between a soft French loaf. The remoulade sauce sealed together and highlighted all of the enticing flavors. Go for the Big Noodle Mac 'n Cheese with a blend of parmesan, cheddar, smoked gouda and Monterey Jack. Such a wonderful blend of cheeses with an abundance of heart-warming flavors. Gave my friend a bite and she was instantly hooked. My friend got the Drunken Pot Roast, which she scarfed down and enjoyed immensely. Indulge in comfort cuisine in Old Town Alexandria at Southside 815. So glad we found this spot while in Alexandria.
(4)Allen P.
Southside has terrific food and service. We've enjoyed it every single time. Great southern cuisine with unique dishes all the time! The chocolate dipped key lime pie bar is fantastic. I could eat their ribs all day and the cobb salad is awesome. Their corn bread is also great and the stuffed fried chicken might be the best chicken dish I've ever had. Bar is good, especially if you are a Steelers fan. Management and staff are friendly and attentive. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(5)Erica A.
Everything is delicious. The staff if extremely attentive... And everything is delicious. No more to say. I love this place.
(5)Cathy H.
I've never been to The Big Easy, so Southside 815 and any cajun crawfish joint (my favorite being Seaside Crab House) are the closest I can get to being there for now. Southside 815's menu is extensive with something to please everybody. I've been twice -- once for lunch and again for dinner -- and have tried a multitude of dishes. Sampled appetizers include fried tomatoes, fried pickles, crab and artichoke dip, BBQ shrimp, and pimento cheese fritters. All were very tasty with the fried tomatoes and fried pickles being the most notable. As for my entree during the first visit, I had their southern fried pork chops topped with cream gravy and accompanied by red mashed potatoes and sauteed string beans. The pork chops were on the dry side due to over-frying. With breaded proteins that are subsequently drenched in sauce, it is very crucial to consume it in 15 minutes to maintain the crispy-creamy contrast. As enjoyable as that is, it causes me anxiety as there is only a 40% chance I can ever finish my entree before it becomes a soggy mess. This is, of course, not Southside 815's fault. The sides were executed very well. During my second visit, my buddy and I went halfsies on our shrimp and combo (shrimp and oyster) po' boys. I prefer the shrimp variety simply for the nice chunks. If you aren't familiar with a po' boy, it's breaded seafood (Southside 815 serves shrimp, crawfish, oyster, combo of any 2, and catfish), lettuce, and tomato on a baguette. The seafood appeared fresh that evening. My only gripe is the baguette -- it is not to my standards, which is crusty on outside and fluffy on inside. I am not sure if their baguettes are baked in-house or not, but they have a texture consistent with bread that has been sitting out for too long. I am curious to know if po' boys ordered during lunch are better. In my opinion, the quality of bread can make or break a sandwich no matter how great the fillings are. The accompanying fries are semi-battered and with some cajun seasoning. Tasty and crispy, I would say the fries were a hit. I haven't had the chance to try any desserts, so I can't comment. Service is pretty decent -- I've no complaints. I will consider returning to try a completely different entree or maybe order a multitude of appetizers as my meal. Parking tip: there is a free-all-day garage (in Old Town? say whaaat?) behind the restaurant, but you must drive down a small alley to get to it. 3.5 stars
(3)Carl S.
This is just a review of the food, since we didn't actually eat at Southside 815. But the food we had was surprisingly good. And the pricing is just right. My wife had a perfectly cooked Savannah Steak salad and I had my very first Gumbo. Although the Gumbo didn't blow me away, it was good enough to make me want to further explore Southside 815's menu!
(5)Angela M.
This is one of my favorite spots to go. Today is a day for brunch but this is a good spot for anything. Happy hour drinks, evening cocktails or anytime good country food.
(5)Ryan H.
We got the sweet tea, the clam chowder, and the Jalepeno-Honey chicken BBQ. South side 815 wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular, just an average place to eat. The sweet tea was less sweet than chic-fil-a, and the clam chowder was tasty and hot. The sandwich was good, but just didn't seem special. I felt like I could have made it at home, almost like a sloppy joe. Our waiter was good with the service however, he was on it. Average spot overall.
(3)Anna R.
We are traveling in town from California. One of our local friends recommended we meet here. We were with our entire family of 5. We ordered a Portobello mushroom sandwich, shrimp po boy, kids meals of grilled cheese sandwich, kids steak and jalapeno chicken sandwich. We ordered several beers, the local IPA and a Guinness. The food was excellent. The sandwiches were flavorful, cooked to perfection, properly spiced and portions were huge! The sides were cole slaw, pickles and fries. All sides were great! Aside from the delicious food, the service was fabulous. My cell phone was dying and needed to be plugged in for charging. I asked if there was a plug I could use, many restaurants aren't amenable to patrons using outlets. The host was more than happy to plug my phone into the employee area for their electronics. The server, Michael was friendly, informative, attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. I have nothing negative to say about our experience at this establishment. I recommend if you're in the Alexandria area, make this place a must visit on your schedule. It's close to Old Town but far enough away that the prices are more than reasonable. We give this place our highest recommendation!
(5)Ben T.
I came to Southside on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. After driving by many times I felt it was finally time to try out what they had to offer as their outdoor patio always looked inviting. Both my wife and I ordered from the lunch menu. Our service was great. I had a BBQ quesadilla and my wife had a burger. Hydrating from our 10 mile bike ride there I did not partake in a beer but could not help but glance at their offerings. Our meal was nice and we had a great time enjoying the nice weather outside. After inspecting the menu to be honest there was not much on there that was making me eager to come back. Our experience was a good one and if you desire a cool outdoor spot or late night sports bar atmosphere I feel you would be pleased with your choice here. Thanks!
(3)Tariq A.
The bartenders, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and the people makes this place great!
(5)Scott H.
I just moved to the area and after a day of unpacking I just wanted something nearby. I'm glad I did. Service was great and the food delicious. I never had a grit before today and I enjoyed it (along with the shrimp and corrizo). Very nice Cesar salad with the right amount of dressing (it was light and not creamy, just the way I like it.
(4)Rose M.
Really enjoyed the food here. Met up with friends for happy hour then ended up staying for dinner. We enjoyed the shrimp and sausage grits, hot wings, steamed and seasoned shrimp and the Virginia burger. Food was delicious, we were able to watch the ball game and the ambience was great. There's also patio seating available which we will enjoy next time. Overall it was a great dining experience and we'll be back!
(4)Terri R.
This was and still is one of my fav. sunday brunch spots. If you are looking for a nice little place to go and have great food that isnt too price but still offers great quality then this is the place for you. I adore this little spot. Not a huge fan of the parking struggle sometimes but I will deal with it for the fried pickles. :)
(4)Magic Mark L.
Southside 815 is located on the edge (Southern end) of Old Town... I used to hit this place a few times a week when I lived in Old Town. Now, although I think I can still claim "regular" status as a long time customer, I don't have that much of a chance to go. This review is based on around 30-40 visits. I see some people raving about Southern food and home cooking. No, it's bar food (they may have a Southern theme). But it's pretty good bar food. The customers are friendly, it's a neighborhood type setting. It has a long bar, which on some evenings fills up quickly. Let one of the bartenders know you'd like a spot and they'll let you know when someone's about to leave. Great happy hours - good prices for good beer and appetizers - specials from around 4-7, AWESOME WINGS, nachos, and pulled pork sliders. Good draft beer selection. People bring kids in there sometimes (it makes me feel a little awkward), but there is also a restaurant side. I never really enjoyed eating on that side - it's kind of a different experience. Oh, and you can't get happy hour prices in there. The crowed is mixed 20's - 60's, all types, great place to watch sports, chill, and hang with friends.
(4)Genelee P.
We ordered the buffalo wings to start off and loved every bite! Well cooked and tasty with the sauce. I ordered the vegetable plate. Not something usual for me because there were other tasty options. I was impressed with everything on it, except for the cheddar grits. I looooved the honey cornbread and sweet mashed potatoes!!!! If that was all that was served, I'd be good. My hunny had the roast beef po boy and he enjoyed every bite of it. For dessert, I had their key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. Honey yassssss!!!! The drinks was never empty and the service was superb. Our server was awesome! Thanks again... Will be back!
(4)Brian C.
Great night... great food...the bartender Kevin was fantastic.. this will definitely be a new spot to come hang out with me and my friends..
(5)Bailey S.
Great experience! Late night menu but they catered to my veg diet. Nice bartenders, down to earth, if I lived here I'd go back!
(5)Linda G.
We did not have any appetizers or desert, but the two things we did have were yummy. My husband's ribs were some of the best that I have had and I love ribs! They were fall-off-the-bone as described and had the best tasting sauce and plenty of it! My gumbo was nice and spicy but not too much. The shrimp were not over-cooked and very tasty. The sausage was good but nothing too special. Everything blended well together and I really enjoyed it. Could not eat it all though. The white wine the waitress recommended was very nice too.
(5)Kristophe C.
Ummm so when I saw New Orleans inspired I thought great food! However my gumbo was just average. Well simply put it was BLAND. The Charleston Chicken tasted like bland as well. The staff was friendly and I could really see this as more of a place for bar food to watch games. Ohh I almost forgot the greens? They had my grandmother turning over in her grave.
(2)Jeff C.
I've been coming here for what seems like forever. The food and service at Southside 815 always manages to make me smile. I am particularly fond of their happy hour with delicious pulled pork sliders and mini nacho plates dripping in gooey cheese. For less than $10, you can put together a tiny smorgasbord of goodness. Southside also offers a wonderful selection of Po-Boy sandwiches; my favorite is the shrimp Po-Boy overflowing crispy deep-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted bun. Warning, this sandwich has a spicy kick that can sneak up on you. Yum. This place also has an excellent staff that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Rachael's (daytime bartender) personality is infectious and sure to make you smile no matter what type of day you're having. And as for night, when sometimes it gets so packed you can barely move, Stacey and Tara manages to turn out the drinks and food with machine-like precision. But not only does this bar have a rocking staff and great food, it offers excellent activities for its customers. Their baseball trip always fills up and their charity golf outing is an amazing time for everyone. So why am I not giving Southside 5 stars? Well, ironically it is because they are too popular. It can be really hard to find a seat here in the evenings. I've popped in at times to find that there was zero chance of finding a seat. Wait! as I write this, I recall that Tara and Stacy often try to scope out someone who is leaving and slide me into their seat. What am I saying, Southside is an easy 5 stars!!
(5)Lauren W.
I tried to drop them only half a star, but I guess Yelp won't let me be great. We went back with my friend's son for dinner. He and I weren't too hungry so we ordered some chicken wings, tater tots and biscuits. All were yummy. However, we ordered drinks this time, and I was disappointed. All of the drinks were watered down and had no bite or flavor. Also, they forgot to place my friend's sons food order, causing our food to arrive before his. I know that mistakes happen, but as a former server, I know that a happy kid means a happy table. He seemed to enjoy the burger. I will still probably go back for their addictive Po Boy, but I was a little displeased with the service this go round.
(3)D M.
Great place for happy hour! Pretty busy though, only bar seating for hh but the patio is nice too. Interior for dinner a little more on the classier side. Apps are $2 and drinks about the same. Parking in the back. Quiet area of old town.
(4)Brian B.
The ribs here are fantastic! What's more is that they don't even advertise it. By far the best on the menu and in the area. We often take our out of town guests here for this reason alone. With that said, the rest of the menu leaves a lot to be desired. The service is consistently good and their bar is top notch.
(4)Alex P.
After just purchasing my wedding dress down the street, my bridesmaids and I went over to Southside to grab lunch and a celebratory drink. This rating was pretty much saved by the fact that they have incredibly well priced bottles of win. Nothing on the menu over $30. That being said the food was just okay. Their menu boasts they have the best po'boys north of New Orleans, but that is hardly true. I ordered the combo (shrimp and oyster) po'boy. It was dry and served on a plain french roll. They offered a selection of three sauces to accompany but they were all mayo based and I don't do mayo. I opted to eat the ingredients sans bread. It was all dry and a bit under seasoned. The french fries weren't bad though. I probably wouldn't go back for food, but drinks anytime.
(3)Christine R.
Great Mother's Day brunch here. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Service was fast despite being busy with large parties. They have a substantial brunch menu with good food for a sports bar/pub-like restaurant.
(4)Helene L.
Fried green tomatoes were not as tart as I like and breading was a bit heavy but po' boys was a generous portion with a good baguette and the service was quite prompt and friendly :) Good place for a quiet night to chat and have a beer.
(3)Jill W.
I visited this place last year for Alexandria restaurant week. It was delicious! I didn't eat here again until just now because I just assumed that the place would be very pricey. My mom is in town and leaving tomorrow. She wanted to eat at a restaurant that I have not taken her before and I thought, "what the hey". When we got there we found out they have happy hour on week days and even a daily special. We had the half price po boys. She had the roast beef and I had the shrimp oyster combo. Delicious! The money we saved on our entrees, we ordered friend green tomatoes for appetizer. Also very yummy! Now that I know that this place is a good value I will add to my rotation of favorite restaurants.
(4)Mimi T.
Stopped by for a drink the other day since it was a gorgeous day. It was still happy hour so we went inside and grabbed some drinks. We wanted to grab some food so we requested a table outside. HH is only for the bar area but the waiter was fine with us bringing our drinks to the table. Why 2 stars? Well the food was just OK but nothing really special stood out for me to want to come back. The crowd ranged from late 20's to early 30's crowd. I gave 1 star for the service and 1 star for the HH. Other than that, it seemed like a run of the mill bar with heavy southern food. Nice people and excellent service though.
(2)John M.
Great place to stop for a bite off the GW Parkway, southern style food so go hungry and not on a diet. Bar was hopping on a Tuesday night but we choose the more quiet outside to people watch. Good menu options.
(4)Mary Kate M.
You know this place is sort of the beaten path in Old Town even though it is right in the middle of it. It isn't located right in the heart of everything. I would take it to be more of the neighborhood hangout than a tourist attraction like most of Old Town is right off King Street. I came here for a late night and decided on a house wine and a quesadilla which believe it or not was actually pretty decent. I was surprised since it was more known for their burgers than Mexican food. They've got a nice patio out front. It is a bit small, but if you want to get away from the noise and lingering crowd around the bar, this area is definitely a good option. Also, great for people watching if you want to see patrons come in and out without getting in the middle of the mix. Bathroom is a bit dirty. I think that would be my only complaint. Prices are decent for what you get too.
(4)Michion L.
Despite that the first thing the waiter said to me before asking me do I want anything to drink he says" just to let you know we're out of fried chicken" I paused and had this blank look on my face and thought to my self "did look like I wanted to order fried chicken" so I just didn't reply to and ordered a glass of wine. I would hope that the restaurant wasn't brainwashed to think that all their african american patrons lusted after fried chicken, because you know we were the only ones in there, so that would tell you that all the other non african american patrons ate all your fried chicken. Other than that my food which consisted of fried oysters Rockefeller and for the first time ever fried green tomatoes were very tasty.
(3)Kimberly C.
This place has a very decent menu of southern comfort food, a bar with televisions for the sports- needy, and a quaint outdoor patio with a nice view of the street, which is well groomed. I really had no complaints and would definitely eat here again to determine what on the menu is on target and what is not. Maybe next time I will try the brunch.
(4)Brian K.
The vibe was laid back and cool - I can't rate the food (we went for late night drinks). so this rating is just for drinks and ambiance...
(4)Becky M.
Hands down favorite place in Old Town. Great atmosphere, great happy hours, and I've never ordered anything from the menu that I didn't love!
(5)Monique R.
I am so mad that I just found out about this place this summer! I live ten minutes away and have passed it several times without playing it any mind. I thought I was just another typical sports bar. A friend, who is a regular here, introduced me to this place a few months ago. I was expecting greasy bar food. The menu has a Southern theme. I saw the jambalaya cheesesteak on the menu and I had to try it! It is amazing! Most recently, I tried the jalapeño honey pulled chicken sandwich, it was also delicious! I've only ever sat bellied up the bar. The bartenders are always friendly and there is a large section of drinks. The kitchen stays open until 1am, which makes it a perfect stop on the way home from a night out in Old Town. Oh, and the bathrooms are always really clean, even late at night!
(5)Ziv B.
This place does southern right! I have had the meatloaf there as a form of comfort food and it is pretty good, not great. So I finally broke down and started ordering the southern dishes and they were even better. I had the oysters rockefeller and it was rich, tasty and very filling. I split a fried green tomatoes and it was good as well. The pulled chicken sandwich was tasty as well. The bread basket was outstanding, the cornbread was my fave but the biscuit was excellent as well and the pepper butter was outstanding. I also had the andouille and bean soup (special) which was excellent. The bloody marys with pickle were pretty decent as well. Waitress was very attentive and fun. All that for a party of three and it was just $70 before tip.
(4)Retna P.
The food is delicious. We had the crab and country ham over sweet potatoes biscuits, the pot roast, the country friend steak, the sweet tea.
(5)Renee J.
Brunch done right! My husband and I went around noon on a Saturday and were seated immediately. I did notice while ordering food the place did start to fill up quickly, so try to get here when they open if you don't want to wait. Brunch was delicious! I got the Pulled Pork Benedict and it was fantastic. Savory meat and excellent flavor, came on 2 biscuits with an egg and potatoes on the side. Hub got the fried chicken benedict and he was equally pleased. good cocktails too- I had the white peach sangria and I was feeeeelin good. Hub got the dill pickle bloody mary, which came with a huge shrimp, and he loved it. Service was excellent, and friendly, and affordable. Brunch for 2, with drinks, came to about $30. We will definitely be back!
(5)Tye H.
We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Drunken Pot Roast and the steak covered with a crab topping. The food and the sides (collards, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes) were all good with portions large enough to share or take home leftovers. Nothing was so amazing that it blew us away, but we would definitely go again. This a good spot for down-home meal sorta feel. Good for groups. Service was good too.
(3)Geoff O.
I would hardly call this legitimately Southern, but it's still good. Value-wise? Eh, not great, but it's manageable. Two entrees, water, and tip will still set you back around $40. If that seems egregious, go split a pizza next door at Faccia Luna for $18.
(3)Art N.
Nice, homey non-pretentious bar/restaurant that serves some of the most unique food in the Alexandria area. Every time I come here I am amazed at all the different options on the menu and though there may be some misses, overall the quality and portions of food are good. There are varying brews on tap and by the bottle (they have my Devil's Backbone!) and the friendly, helpful staff will guide you through all the choices. Enough tv's to let you comfortably watch the games, though they look like some should be upgraded pretty soon. All in all a great neighborhood jewel and when I need a Southside fix it always seems to deliver.
(4)Kristin W.
I just visited Southside 815 yesterday in an effort to catch the last day of Alexandria restaurant week and I was not disappointed! As it turns out, I've passed the restaurant several times before, but never went in. It has a bar attached to a restaurant dining which makes sense if you look at the menu (they have pub fare like wings and nachos, as well as great entrees). I looked at several menus that a fellow foodie and Yelper sent me, but it came down to three different places to include Southside. While I was trying to keep myself occupied at a weekend training activity, I visited Southside's website and discovered that not only was EVERYTHING fair game as far as the restaurant week menu, but the $35 was for two people - not just one! I went after the training activity (and was ravenous) and met up with a friend for dinner. We decided on fried oysters Rockefeller which came with a creamy garlic and spinach potato mash for the appetizer. She ordered the shrimp and sausage jambalaya that was in a cheese sauce over creamy grits, and I had the BBQ rubbed Ribeye (which was tender and juicy), and I was able to pick my sides which I chose French fries and greens. I assumed the greens were collards, but it turned out to be sautéed kale cooked in the way collards are typically cooked: with a little cider, onions, and pork. They were REALLY good despite not being what I expected! We were able to sit outside, which there was plenty of space since it's a few blocks away from Old Town which can be a little cramped depending on where you are. There was also parking right in front of the restaurant which was awesome for a Sunday evening on the last night of restaurant week. I'd definitely like to go back to try some of their other entries which are still reasonably priced.
(4)Bryce A.
I visited Southside 815 for happy hour on a Wednesday evening. It was really crowded, though the fact that it was July 3rd (aka, the day before a federal holiday) may have had something to do with it. The bar area was filled up so we ended up sitting on the dining side. The happy hour appetizer specials sounded really good, but you can only get them on the bar side so I ordered the daily special - chicken and waffles. With a sweet potato waffle base and thick sausage gravy on top, it wasn't your usual chicken and waffles. It was, however, very well done. The "sausage gravy" could have been more accurately described as ground sausage with some gravy on top and was fairly tasty. The chicken was crisp on the outside (despite being covered in gravy) and moist on the inside, and the sweet potato waffle was slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to stand up to the amount of food piled on top of it. It was $15 for chicken and waffles, but the portion size was very generous. In fact, it looked like a mini mountain on my plate, and the huge steak knife that it got served with was probably necessary in order to eat without making a gigantic mess. I was stuffed after getting about 2/3 of the way through - the addition of sausage gravy to the dish made it much more filling. On the way out we noticed a table that had ordered their sausage gravy on the side, which may be the way to go if you don't like massive amounts of gravy. I didn't end up trying a variety of dishes here, but based off of the chicken and waffles alone (and what I saw spying on tables while walking around), this is somewhere that I would be more than happy to come back to in order to try some more of the specials, the raw bar, and appetizers.
(4)Chrissy C.
I'm a regular here for at least 9 years now. Lol. However, I NEVER ate in the dining area. You'll pretty much see me at the bar watching tv and stuffing my face with buffalo wings... wearing my workout clothes. They have awesome buffalo wings, pork nachos, fried oysters for appetizers and meatloaf, fried chicken pasta... I am hooked on their fried chicken and waffles which is only served on Wednesdays. Great happy hour deals. They also have good brunch menu. They have a great special Bloody Mary that can be a meal on its own. The staff is great. The bartenders are very friendly. Lots of the regulars are sports fanatics. It's mainly a Pittsburg/Steelers bar but also supports the local Nationals, Redskins and Capitals teams. Lots of avid golfers come here too. It's a good cosmopolitan crowd. Its located off Washington street southern part of Old Town so its street parking. There's a parking garage behind the building at no charge.
(5)Laurie H.
This is one of the most amazing places to eat in the entire Washington DC area. Great southern food. If you are a lonely southern that missed your mom's food I suggest you find old town and 815 Southside right away. I discovered many years ago and the food has always been wonderful.
(5)Autumn G.
every time I come here I wonder- why do I come here? probably because I live across the street, they're kind enough to be open when every other place isn't, and there are a couple things on the menu that are fairly tasty. the mac and cheese is one. there is also a full bar... and the waitstaff are really nice, which isn't true of every spot in old town, not naming names. so, in conclusion, nothing to write home about, but they will have a table available on that random holiday or Monday morning when you want to eat brunch.
(3)Eric M.
Simply put. Went for Brunch. Food good. Portions big. Hot from kitchen. Bar is a bit slow to fill wait staff orders. Wait staff is stretched too thin leaving service lacking even in a partially full Resteraunt. Wait staff was friendly and accommodating when they did remember to come by the table of 7 patrons. Don't think they handle groups bigger than 4 very well. We will try another place who can handle a group better. This is a better place to take a date out to eat.
(3)Brittany C.
My favorite Old Town restaurant by far. From their HH Specials, brunch, daily specials, super friendly bartenders & staff - it's the best.
(5)Ms. G.
This was wonderful. I had the Cobb salad, husband had the jambalaya cheese steak, son and wife shared the ribs and Mac and cheese. Appetizers were fried green tomatoes, onion strings, and fried pickles. Everything was great. The service was wonderful even though the kitchen messed up a little, but it was all fixed so no complaints. Ask for Chris the waiter, he's awesome!
(5)Kenneth F.
Service great. Hot wings excellent!
(4)anna c.
Went here with my mom today who lives within walking distance. Their menu seemed varied and I ordered the "Pecan Chicken Salad" off the lunch specials menu. The server was very kind and attentive. Good iced tea, and the salad was amazing! A little southern food goes a long way. Also served with a slice of corn bread which was delightful. My mom had the "Old Town Burger" and was very satisfied. This place has been around for ages. A cool neighborhood bar and grill, will be back for sure. Must try the raved- about Mac & cheese next!
(4)Rachel N.
Our new favorite place off the beaten path. We came across this gem when we wanted a place to watch football on a Saturday and have been back many times since! The wings, shrimp po' boy and bloody marys are my favorites! They also have really good chicken tenders with a light breading and a delicious BBQ ranch sauce! The bartenders are really attentive and nice! It gets really busy on the weekends so we get there early to get a table or seat at the bar. Great prices, food and service!
(5)Paul C.
I give it 2 1/2 stars. My first visit was for lunch. Got Fried Chicken,mashed potatoes, gravy ,cole slaw and a bisquit. My death-row meal is southern fried chicken,so it's a very high bar. I was a bit disappointed, it was fried nicely with good spices but didn't wow me. It had an off taste(not so fresh maybe?) Potatoes and gravy were cold,slaw was average as was the bisquit. Good bar service and i plan to return, maybe for bisquits and gravy,meatloaf or pot roast, all favorites dishes of mine. 20yrs in business, they must be doing something good. I chalk it up to an off day.
(2)Madison F.
Service was awful, waiter had too many tables and was only able to check up on us 1 after I went inside and requester someone to bring me a water as for the good presentation was decent but food did not a have a ton of flavor.
(1)Sara W.
I have been going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this place for a while. I do like to sit in the bar. Their burgers and bloody mary's are great. I have never had great experiences outside the bar. Either because their food isn't that great or their servers are horrible and rude. Either way, I don't go unless someone else wants to. It is a shame because I live about 4 blocks from them and would love to have it a normal hangout.
(3)Christina S.
The staff was very accommodating when planning a work baby shower (our party was 12 people). They allowed us to bring a cake to serve after we were done eating and supplied the small plates, knife, and forks for us. They did not charge any extra fees for this, always a plus. The food was great. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals. I had the oyster and shrimp po boy which was delish and brought me back to my visits to NOLA! I used a good amount of the remoulade which was very tasty. My meal was definitely filling for lunchtime, especially with the side of fries and the size of the po boy roll. We were alerted to the free parking in the garage behind the restaurant but some of us were able to easily find 2 hour street parking nearby. We look forward to coming back for future work lunches!
(4)Esther Z.
On a 10+ day (mid 80 degrees, some breeze, lower humidity) the patio table in the shade made this lunch special. If we had not selected the grits as a side to replace the potatoes on the Charleston Chicken breast entree, my positive view of the food would still be intact. The grits were the worse grits to ever pass my southern lips. Perhaps they were leftovers from the day before. I ordered them because other YELPERs said they were good. Definitely not today, a -5. On the other hand, the $7 Mac & Cheese is a 5+ and enough for 2 also. They made my tummy purr. So good they offset the horrible grits. I wonder if these 2 dishes came out of the same kitchen. Different sous chef, perhaps. The chicken breast was meh, nothing to write home about. The perfect temp Fat Tire beer offset that. Clean restrooms. There is an ATM machine next to the restrooms, go figure. The bar stools were full on this Friday at 12:30, not an empty seat. TGIF 1/2 work days in summer on full display. I want to come back to try the Poboys and hope the YELP reviews are not off about them being good. Note to Southside Chef: Take the grits off the menu. It's embarrassingly bad. Don't continue to ruin our proud southern tradition of serving good food. If not get it right and QC, QC, QC!
(3)Bryan K.
Half Southern food Resturant half neighborhood watering hole. Literally. The place is divided in half and separated by old roll up doors from when this location was a micro car dealership. Back in the 30's? There are pictures on the wall of these bygone days. Today you won't find any cars for sale but parking is plentiful along the street and a garage in the back. What you will discover is real good southern dishes like waffles and chicken, po boys dishes, the best fried oysters in old town. Also a good draught selection and tons of sports on the tvs around the bar There is outdoor seating on wide sidewalk adding to the neighborhood feel. During happy hour the bar area can get crowded but service is attentive and kitchen is fast and rarely apologetic for delays. But it has happened where food came out late. Manager took the charge off on that occasion.
(4)David H.
Great concept, friendly service, mediocre location, okay food, three stars. I'm a Southern expat and don't like "Yuppified" southern food at $35 a plate that most of DC tries to pass off as legit at tiny portions so this place was calling my name. This place is a low key neighborhood bar with a friendly staff. Their tap selection is okay but they should carry more Southern brews. The food is pretty good but not quite up to Southern par. The fried green tomatoes were tasty and not overly breaded so they tasted just right but one was a little thicker so the breading didn't quite fry all the way through. The fried pork chop was also good but not amazing. It was well fried without too much breading but it was a bone in chop and it was fairly fatty so there wasn't quite as much meat as you'd have hoped. It goes well with the onion gravy, which was excellent and would go well on anything. The accompanying mashed red potatoes were top notch and the green beans were fresh and tasty as well. The location of this place isn't as close to the Metro and Old Town as you'd first think so you'll earn your food on the walk. Enjoyed my meal and will be back but it isn't quite at the level of Southern perfection one might hope for.
(3)Stephen K.
Southside has some really good food. It's an interesting mix of Cajun, southern and bar food. I've been here a lot and have never had anything I didn't really like. Everything from the steak to the Cajun dishes and fried chicken is really good. Think it's one of the better restaurants in Old Town. The service is always good and friendly. They do have sweet tea...thankfully! They also have Happy Hour food on weekdays and game day specials as well.
(5)Alexis B.
3.5 STARS Southside is a lively neighborhood sports bar in the quiet part of Old Town. I wasn't sure what to expect visiting the night before Thanksgiving, but this spot was bustling. The bar area was crowded with people enjoying each and passively watching the Cavs beat the Wizards and college football. The dining area was moderately filled so we decided to grab a table to catch up over Southern comfort food. Once seated, I noticed there wasn't a lot of racial diversity among the staff and patrons. However, everyone who made eye contact gave us friendly closemouthed grins or nods. We ordered fried green tomatoes which were served with a tangy remoulade sauce and yummy apple cider drinks. The brims of the glasses featured crushed graham crackers. The drinks were soooo good and didn't taste like any alcohol was in them! I was drawn to the salmon entrée then remembered salmon was on my Thanksgiving menu, and ordered the blackened catfish instead. The catfish came with Mason Dixon potatoes (half white/half sweet potato) and Southern greens. My friend ordered the pecan crusted chicken with Mason Dixon potatoes, cheddar grits, and greens. Both dishes were tasty, huge portion sizes, and reasonable prices which equals great value. Service was good too. There was no room for dessert, in fact we had to wrap most of our food to go. We had a good time and will likely return.
(3)Cathy H.
I've never been to The Big Easy, so Southside 815 and any cajun crawfish joint (my favorite being Seaside Crab House) are the closest I can get to being there for now. Southside 815's menu is extensive with something to please everybody. I've been twice -- once for lunch and again for dinner -- and have tried a multitude of dishes. Sampled appetizers include fried tomatoes, fried pickles, crab and artichoke dip, BBQ shrimp, and pimento cheese fritters. All were very tasty with the fried tomatoes and fried pickles being the most notable. As for my entree during the first visit, I had their southern fried pork chops topped with cream gravy and accompanied by red mashed potatoes and sauteed string beans. The pork chops were on the dry side due to over-frying. With breaded proteins that are subsequently drenched in sauce, it is very crucial to consume it in 15 minutes to maintain the crispy-creamy contrast. As enjoyable as that is, it causes me anxiety as there is only a 40% chance I can ever finish my entree before it becomes a soggy mess. This is, of course, not Southside 815's fault. The sides were executed very well. During my second visit, my buddy and I went halfsies on our shrimp and combo (shrimp and oyster) po' boys. I prefer the shrimp variety simply for the nice chunks. If you aren't familiar with a po' boy, it's breaded seafood (Southside 815 serves shrimp, crawfish, oyster, combo of any 2, and catfish), lettuce, and tomato on a baguette. The seafood appeared fresh that evening. My only gripe is the baguette -- it is not to my standards, which is crusty on outside and fluffy on inside. I am not sure if their baguettes are baked in-house or not, but they have a texture consistent with bread that has been sitting out for too long. I am curious to know if po' boys ordered during lunch are better. In my opinion, the quality of bread can make or break a sandwich no matter how great the fillings are. The accompanying fries are semi-battered and with some cajun seasoning. Tasty and crispy, I would say the fries were a hit. I haven't had the chance to try any desserts, so I can't comment. Service is pretty decent -- I've no complaints. I will consider returning to try a completely different entree or maybe order a multitude of appetizers as my meal. Parking tip: there is a free-all-day garage (in Old Town? say whaaat?) behind the restaurant, but you must drive down a small alley to get to it. 3.5 stars
(3)Angela M.
This is one of my favorite spots to go. Today is a day for brunch but this is a good spot for anything. Happy hour drinks, evening cocktails or anytime good country food.
(5)Ryan H.
We got the sweet tea, the clam chowder, and the Jalepeno-Honey chicken BBQ. South side 815 wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular, just an average place to eat. The sweet tea was less sweet than chic-fil-a, and the clam chowder was tasty and hot. The sandwich was good, but just didn't seem special. I felt like I could have made it at home, almost like a sloppy joe. Our waiter was good with the service however, he was on it. Average spot overall.
(3)Mercedes R.
I'd come again, decent food, cute area. I'd probably order something a little lighter though. Patio seating was dog friendly.
(3)Nicole D.
Creative interpretations of New Orleans comfort dishes and then some here at Southside 815. This place was packed when we came in on a Wednesday night last month and, after dining here, I see why. The dishes are fun and tasty; there's live music and great specials throughout the week. Wednesday nights they feature raw bar specials with great deals on oysters and shrimp; Monday nights feature 1/2 price po' boys. The New Orleans-inspired menu features Crab & Corndrop Fritters, Southern Fried Pickles, Southern Greens, Cheddar Grits, Jalepeno-honey Pulled Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Biscuits (buttermilk, sweet potato and cirbbread), Gulf-spiced Chicken Breast, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Fried green tomatoes, blackened catfish, jambalaya, gumbo and the list goes on. I decided on the Oyster and Shrimp Po' Boy and was very pleased with my selection. A very nice helping of fried shrimp and oysters, lettuce and tomatoes wedged between a soft French loaf. The remoulade sauce sealed together and highlighted all of the enticing flavors. Go for the Big Noodle Mac 'n Cheese with a blend of parmesan, cheddar, smoked gouda and Monterey Jack. Such a wonderful blend of cheeses with an abundance of heart-warming flavors. Gave my friend a bite and she was instantly hooked. My friend got the Drunken Pot Roast, which she scarfed down and enjoyed immensely. Indulge in comfort cuisine in Old Town Alexandria at Southside 815. So glad we found this spot while in Alexandria.
(4)Allen P.
Southside has terrific food and service. We've enjoyed it every single time. Great southern cuisine with unique dishes all the time! The chocolate dipped key lime pie bar is fantastic. I could eat their ribs all day and the cobb salad is awesome. Their corn bread is also great and the stuffed fried chicken might be the best chicken dish I've ever had. Bar is good, especially if you are a Steelers fan. Management and staff are friendly and attentive. Nice outdoor seating as well.
(5)Erica A.
Everything is delicious. The staff if extremely attentive... And everything is delicious. No more to say. I love this place.
(5)Anna R.
We are traveling in town from California. One of our local friends recommended we meet here. We were with our entire family of 5. We ordered a Portobello mushroom sandwich, shrimp po boy, kids meals of grilled cheese sandwich, kids steak and jalapeno chicken sandwich. We ordered several beers, the local IPA and a Guinness. The food was excellent. The sandwiches were flavorful, cooked to perfection, properly spiced and portions were huge! The sides were cole slaw, pickles and fries. All sides were great! Aside from the delicious food, the service was fabulous. My cell phone was dying and needed to be plugged in for charging. I asked if there was a plug I could use, many restaurants aren't amenable to patrons using outlets. The host was more than happy to plug my phone into the employee area for their electronics. The server, Michael was friendly, informative, attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. I have nothing negative to say about our experience at this establishment. I recommend if you're in the Alexandria area, make this place a must visit on your schedule. It's close to Old Town but far enough away that the prices are more than reasonable. We give this place our highest recommendation!
(5)Ben T.
I came to Southside on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. After driving by many times I felt it was finally time to try out what they had to offer as their outdoor patio always looked inviting. Both my wife and I ordered from the lunch menu. Our service was great. I had a BBQ quesadilla and my wife had a burger. Hydrating from our 10 mile bike ride there I did not partake in a beer but could not help but glance at their offerings. Our meal was nice and we had a great time enjoying the nice weather outside. After inspecting the menu to be honest there was not much on there that was making me eager to come back. Our experience was a good one and if you desire a cool outdoor spot or late night sports bar atmosphere I feel you would be pleased with your choice here. Thanks!
(3)Tariq A.
The bartenders, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere and the people makes this place great!
(5)Scott H.
I just moved to the area and after a day of unpacking I just wanted something nearby. I'm glad I did. Service was great and the food delicious. I never had a grit before today and I enjoyed it (along with the shrimp and corrizo). Very nice Cesar salad with the right amount of dressing (it was light and not creamy, just the way I like it.
(4)Rose M.
Really enjoyed the food here. Met up with friends for happy hour then ended up staying for dinner. We enjoyed the shrimp and sausage grits, hot wings, steamed and seasoned shrimp and the Virginia burger. Food was delicious, we were able to watch the ball game and the ambience was great. There's also patio seating available which we will enjoy next time. Overall it was a great dining experience and we'll be back!
(4)Terri R.
This was and still is one of my fav. sunday brunch spots. If you are looking for a nice little place to go and have great food that isnt too price but still offers great quality then this is the place for you. I adore this little spot. Not a huge fan of the parking struggle sometimes but I will deal with it for the fried pickles. :)
(4)Carl S.
This is just a review of the food, since we didn't actually eat at Southside 815. But the food we had was surprisingly good. And the pricing is just right. My wife had a perfectly cooked Savannah Steak salad and I had my very first Gumbo. Although the Gumbo didn't blow me away, it was good enough to make me want to further explore Southside 815's menu!
(5)A F.
The fried pickles with remoulade sauce as an appetizer were the best I've ever had. I ordered the tuna steak and it came with 4 sides. I don't know if that was a mistake cause the menu only mentioned 3 but I didn't complain. It came with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (the waitress may have added this cause I asked about them), collard greens and cheesy grits. The food was good and the ambiance was casual. It wasn't the best southern food I've ever had cause I like alot of seasoning and spices but everything was pretty tasty and I walked away stuffed.
(4)Magic Mark L.
Southside 815 is located on the edge (Southern end) of Old Town... I used to hit this place a few times a week when I lived in Old Town. Now, although I think I can still claim "regular" status as a long time customer, I don't have that much of a chance to go. This review is based on around 30-40 visits. I see some people raving about Southern food and home cooking. No, it's bar food (they may have a Southern theme). But it's pretty good bar food. The customers are friendly, it's a neighborhood type setting. It has a long bar, which on some evenings fills up quickly. Let one of the bartenders know you'd like a spot and they'll let you know when someone's about to leave. Great happy hours - good prices for good beer and appetizers - specials from around 4-7, AWESOME WINGS, nachos, and pulled pork sliders. Good draft beer selection. People bring kids in there sometimes (it makes me feel a little awkward), but there is also a restaurant side. I never really enjoyed eating on that side - it's kind of a different experience. Oh, and you can't get happy hour prices in there. The crowed is mixed 20's - 60's, all types, great place to watch sports, chill, and hang with friends.
(4)Genelee P.
We ordered the buffalo wings to start off and loved every bite! Well cooked and tasty with the sauce. I ordered the vegetable plate. Not something usual for me because there were other tasty options. I was impressed with everything on it, except for the cheddar grits. I looooved the honey cornbread and sweet mashed potatoes!!!! If that was all that was served, I'd be good. My hunny had the roast beef po boy and he enjoyed every bite of it. For dessert, I had their key lime pie dipped in chocolate on a stick. Honey yassssss!!!! The drinks was never empty and the service was superb. Our server was awesome! Thanks again... Will be back!
(4)Brian C.
Great night... great food...the bartender Kevin was fantastic.. this will definitely be a new spot to come hang out with me and my friends..
(5)Bailey S.
Great experience! Late night menu but they catered to my veg diet. Nice bartenders, down to earth, if I lived here I'd go back!
(5)Linda G.
We did not have any appetizers or desert, but the two things we did have were yummy. My husband's ribs were some of the best that I have had and I love ribs! They were fall-off-the-bone as described and had the best tasting sauce and plenty of it! My gumbo was nice and spicy but not too much. The shrimp were not over-cooked and very tasty. The sausage was good but nothing too special. Everything blended well together and I really enjoyed it. Could not eat it all though. The white wine the waitress recommended was very nice too.
(5)Kristophe C.
Ummm so when I saw New Orleans inspired I thought great food! However my gumbo was just average. Well simply put it was BLAND. The Charleston Chicken tasted like bland as well. The staff was friendly and I could really see this as more of a place for bar food to watch games. Ohh I almost forgot the greens? They had my grandmother turning over in her grave.
(2)Kit O.
Fantastic food, staff and even the patrons are a warm, friendly and engaging. Greg a bartender extraordinaire made me a drink with crushed ice in the glass making it a frosty dirty martini to die for! even the patrons are friendly
(5)Jamieson R.
I followed another reviewers advice and got a bread basket, which was delicious. The food was good, service great, and the price reasonable.
(4)James G.
Nice chill spot were u can catch a sports game no too over crowded and the food is okay
(4)Nicole L.
Not bad, not great. We came here for brunch and the Bloody Mary was delicious with a nice spicy kick at the end. Eggs Benedict were also decent though not terribly eye-opening. They have patio seating, which was really lovely on a sunny day. Service was also fairly pleasant, though we glimpsed one of the waiters dripping syrup all over a table due to some mishandling of the syrup dispenser, and I'm not sure that he ever went back to clean it up.
(3)Brandi C.
Food was not seasoned like southern food. Very bland. Service was good and everyone was very friendly.
(3)Jeff C.
I've been coming here for what seems like forever. The food and service at Southside 815 always manages to make me smile. I am particularly fond of their happy hour with delicious pulled pork sliders and mini nacho plates dripping in gooey cheese. For less than $10, you can put together a tiny smorgasbord of goodness. Southside also offers a wonderful selection of Po-Boy sandwiches; my favorite is the shrimp Po-Boy overflowing crispy deep-fried shrimp nestled in a toasted bun. Warning, this sandwich has a spicy kick that can sneak up on you. Yum. This place also has an excellent staff that makes you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door. Rachael's (daytime bartender) personality is infectious and sure to make you smile no matter what type of day you're having. And as for night, when sometimes it gets so packed you can barely move, Stacey and Tara manages to turn out the drinks and food with machine-like precision. But not only does this bar have a rocking staff and great food, it offers excellent activities for its customers. Their baseball trip always fills up and their charity golf outing is an amazing time for everyone. So why am I not giving Southside 5 stars? Well, ironically it is because they are too popular. It can be really hard to find a seat here in the evenings. I've popped in at times to find that there was zero chance of finding a seat. Wait! as I write this, I recall that Tara and Stacy often try to scope out someone who is leaving and slide me into their seat. What am I saying, Southside is an easy 5 stars!!
(5)Lauren W.
I tried to drop them only half a star, but I guess Yelp won't let me be great. We went back with my friend's son for dinner. He and I weren't too hungry so we ordered some chicken wings, tater tots and biscuits. All were yummy. However, we ordered drinks this time, and I was disappointed. All of the drinks were watered down and had no bite or flavor. Also, they forgot to place my friend's sons food order, causing our food to arrive before his. I know that mistakes happen, but as a former server, I know that a happy kid means a happy table. He seemed to enjoy the burger. I will still probably go back for their addictive Po Boy, but I was a little displeased with the service this go round.
(3)D M.
Great place for happy hour! Pretty busy though, only bar seating for hh but the patio is nice too. Interior for dinner a little more on the classier side. Apps are $2 and drinks about the same. Parking in the back. Quiet area of old town.
(4)Brian B.
The ribs here are fantastic! What's more is that they don't even advertise it. By far the best on the menu and in the area. We often take our out of town guests here for this reason alone. With that said, the rest of the menu leaves a lot to be desired. The service is consistently good and their bar is top notch.
(4)Alex P.
After just purchasing my wedding dress down the street, my bridesmaids and I went over to Southside to grab lunch and a celebratory drink. This rating was pretty much saved by the fact that they have incredibly well priced bottles of win. Nothing on the menu over $30. That being said the food was just okay. Their menu boasts they have the best po'boys north of New Orleans, but that is hardly true. I ordered the combo (shrimp and oyster) po'boy. It was dry and served on a plain french roll. They offered a selection of three sauces to accompany but they were all mayo based and I don't do mayo. I opted to eat the ingredients sans bread. It was all dry and a bit under seasoned. The french fries weren't bad though. I probably wouldn't go back for food, but drinks anytime.
(3)Christine R.
Great Mother's Day brunch here. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Service was fast despite being busy with large parties. They have a substantial brunch menu with good food for a sports bar/pub-like restaurant.
(4)Helene L.
Fried green tomatoes were not as tart as I like and breading was a bit heavy but po' boys was a generous portion with a good baguette and the service was quite prompt and friendly :) Good place for a quiet night to chat and have a beer.
(3)Jill W.
I visited this place last year for Alexandria restaurant week. It was delicious! I didn't eat here again until just now because I just assumed that the place would be very pricey. My mom is in town and leaving tomorrow. She wanted to eat at a restaurant that I have not taken her before and I thought, "what the hey". When we got there we found out they have happy hour on week days and even a daily special. We had the half price po boys. She had the roast beef and I had the shrimp oyster combo. Delicious! The money we saved on our entrees, we ordered friend green tomatoes for appetizer. Also very yummy! Now that I know that this place is a good value I will add to my rotation of favorite restaurants.
(4)Mimi T.
Stopped by for a drink the other day since it was a gorgeous day. It was still happy hour so we went inside and grabbed some drinks. We wanted to grab some food so we requested a table outside. HH is only for the bar area but the waiter was fine with us bringing our drinks to the table. Why 2 stars? Well the food was just OK but nothing really special stood out for me to want to come back. The crowd ranged from late 20's to early 30's crowd. I gave 1 star for the service and 1 star for the HH. Other than that, it seemed like a run of the mill bar with heavy southern food. Nice people and excellent service though.
(2)John M.
Great place to stop for a bite off the GW Parkway, southern style food so go hungry and not on a diet. Bar was hopping on a Tuesday night but we choose the more quiet outside to people watch. Good menu options.
(4)Mary Kate M.
You know this place is sort of the beaten path in Old Town even though it is right in the middle of it. It isn't located right in the heart of everything. I would take it to be more of the neighborhood hangout than a tourist attraction like most of Old Town is right off King Street. I came here for a late night and decided on a house wine and a quesadilla which believe it or not was actually pretty decent. I was surprised since it was more known for their burgers than Mexican food. They've got a nice patio out front. It is a bit small, but if you want to get away from the noise and lingering crowd around the bar, this area is definitely a good option. Also, great for people watching if you want to see patrons come in and out without getting in the middle of the mix. Bathroom is a bit dirty. I think that would be my only complaint. Prices are decent for what you get too.
(4)Michion L.
Despite that the first thing the waiter said to me before asking me do I want anything to drink he says" just to let you know we're out of fried chicken" I paused and had this blank look on my face and thought to my self "did look like I wanted to order fried chicken" so I just didn't reply to and ordered a glass of wine. I would hope that the restaurant wasn't brainwashed to think that all their african american patrons lusted after fried chicken, because you know we were the only ones in there, so that would tell you that all the other non african american patrons ate all your fried chicken. Other than that my food which consisted of fried oysters Rockefeller and for the first time ever fried green tomatoes were very tasty.
(3)Kimberly C.
This place has a very decent menu of southern comfort food, a bar with televisions for the sports- needy, and a quaint outdoor patio with a nice view of the street, which is well groomed. I really had no complaints and would definitely eat here again to determine what on the menu is on target and what is not. Maybe next time I will try the brunch.
(4)Brian K.
The vibe was laid back and cool - I can't rate the food (we went for late night drinks). so this rating is just for drinks and ambiance...
(4)Becky M.
Hands down favorite place in Old Town. Great atmosphere, great happy hours, and I've never ordered anything from the menu that I didn't love!
(5)Monique R.
I am so mad that I just found out about this place this summer! I live ten minutes away and have passed it several times without playing it any mind. I thought I was just another typical sports bar. A friend, who is a regular here, introduced me to this place a few months ago. I was expecting greasy bar food. The menu has a Southern theme. I saw the jambalaya cheesesteak on the menu and I had to try it! It is amazing! Most recently, I tried the jalapeño honey pulled chicken sandwich, it was also delicious! I've only ever sat bellied up the bar. The bartenders are always friendly and there is a large section of drinks. The kitchen stays open until 1am, which makes it a perfect stop on the way home from a night out in Old Town. Oh, and the bathrooms are always really clean, even late at night!
(5)Molly P.
Excellent crab and artichoke dip. The food was pretty good, I had the pulled pork and was satisfied.
(4)Jen W.
Absolutely Amazing!! Food and service was excellent! Easy to find. My husband had a jambalaya cheesesteak, something we have never seen anywhere else! Fries were out of this world! I had a steak that was cooked perfectly although a tad bland, as well as the potatoes (a smidge of salt and it was perfect!). Overall, we would love to go there again!
(4)Matthew L.
Decent food Boring menu They tried to pass off one IPA as another - I'm more offended that they didn't think i could tell the difference.
(2)Rachel N.
Our new favorite place off the beaten path. We came across this gem when we wanted a place to watch football on a Saturday and have been back many times since! The wings, shrimp po' boy and bloody marys are my favorites! They also have really good chicken tenders with a light breading and a delicious BBQ ranch sauce! The bartenders are really attentive and nice! It gets really busy on the weekends so we get there early to get a table or seat at the bar. Great prices, food and service!
(5)Paul C.
I give it 2 1/2 stars. My first visit was for lunch. Got Fried Chicken,mashed potatoes, gravy ,cole slaw and a bisquit. My death-row meal is southern fried chicken,so it's a very high bar. I was a bit disappointed, it was fried nicely with good spices but didn't wow me. It had an off taste(not so fresh maybe?) Potatoes and gravy were cold,slaw was average as was the bisquit. Good bar service and i plan to return, maybe for bisquits and gravy,meatloaf or pot roast, all favorites dishes of mine. 20yrs in business, they must be doing something good. I chalk it up to an off day.
(2)Ziv B.
This place does southern right! I have had the meatloaf there as a form of comfort food and it is pretty good, not great. So I finally broke down and started ordering the southern dishes and they were even better. I had the oysters rockefeller and it was rich, tasty and very filling. I split a fried green tomatoes and it was good as well. The pulled chicken sandwich was tasty as well. The bread basket was outstanding, the cornbread was my fave but the biscuit was excellent as well and the pepper butter was outstanding. I also had the andouille and bean soup (special) which was excellent. The bloody marys with pickle were pretty decent as well. Waitress was very attentive and fun. All that for a party of three and it was just $70 before tip.
(4)Retna P.
The food is delicious. We had the crab and country ham over sweet potatoes biscuits, the pot roast, the country friend steak, the sweet tea.
(5)Renee J.
Brunch done right! My husband and I went around noon on a Saturday and were seated immediately. I did notice while ordering food the place did start to fill up quickly, so try to get here when they open if you don't want to wait. Brunch was delicious! I got the Pulled Pork Benedict and it was fantastic. Savory meat and excellent flavor, came on 2 biscuits with an egg and potatoes on the side. Hub got the fried chicken benedict and he was equally pleased. good cocktails too- I had the white peach sangria and I was feeeeelin good. Hub got the dill pickle bloody mary, which came with a huge shrimp, and he loved it. Service was excellent, and friendly, and affordable. Brunch for 2, with drinks, came to about $30. We will definitely be back!
(5)Tye H.
We ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes, Drunken Pot Roast and the steak covered with a crab topping. The food and the sides (collards, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes) were all good with portions large enough to share or take home leftovers. Nothing was so amazing that it blew us away, but we would definitely go again. This a good spot for down-home meal sorta feel. Good for groups. Service was good too.
(3)Geoff O.
I would hardly call this legitimately Southern, but it's still good. Value-wise? Eh, not great, but it's manageable. Two entrees, water, and tip will still set you back around $40. If that seems egregious, go split a pizza next door at Faccia Luna for $18.
(3)Art N.
Nice, homey non-pretentious bar/restaurant that serves some of the most unique food in the Alexandria area. Every time I come here I am amazed at all the different options on the menu and though there may be some misses, overall the quality and portions of food are good. There are varying brews on tap and by the bottle (they have my Devil's Backbone!) and the friendly, helpful staff will guide you through all the choices. Enough tv's to let you comfortably watch the games, though they look like some should be upgraded pretty soon. All in all a great neighborhood jewel and when I need a Southside fix it always seems to deliver.
(4)N - Pyranhadoc - W.
Friendly competent service in a nice atmosphere. Homey feeling. The fried chicken dinner was over done. The gravy out of a can fit it well. The trout was OK but the vegetables were overdone. Average only on the best day.
(2)Kristin W.
I just visited Southside 815 yesterday in an effort to catch the last day of Alexandria restaurant week and I was not disappointed! As it turns out, I've passed the restaurant several times before, but never went in. It has a bar attached to a restaurant dining which makes sense if you look at the menu (they have pub fare like wings and nachos, as well as great entrees). I looked at several menus that a fellow foodie and Yelper sent me, but it came down to three different places to include Southside. While I was trying to keep myself occupied at a weekend training activity, I visited Southside's website and discovered that not only was EVERYTHING fair game as far as the restaurant week menu, but the $35 was for two people - not just one! I went after the training activity (and was ravenous) and met up with a friend for dinner. We decided on fried oysters Rockefeller which came with a creamy garlic and spinach potato mash for the appetizer. She ordered the shrimp and sausage jambalaya that was in a cheese sauce over creamy grits, and I had the BBQ rubbed Ribeye (which was tender and juicy), and I was able to pick my sides which I chose French fries and greens. I assumed the greens were collards, but it turned out to be sautéed kale cooked in the way collards are typically cooked: with a little cider, onions, and pork. They were REALLY good despite not being what I expected! We were able to sit outside, which there was plenty of space since it's a few blocks away from Old Town which can be a little cramped depending on where you are. There was also parking right in front of the restaurant which was awesome for a Sunday evening on the last night of restaurant week. I'd definitely like to go back to try some of their other entries which are still reasonably priced.
(4)Laurie H.
This is one of the most amazing places to eat in the entire Washington DC area. Great southern food. If you are a lonely southern that missed your mom's food I suggest you find old town and 815 Southside right away. I discovered many years ago and the food has always been wonderful.
(5)Bryce A.
I visited Southside 815 for happy hour on a Wednesday evening. It was really crowded, though the fact that it was July 3rd (aka, the day before a federal holiday) may have had something to do with it. The bar area was filled up so we ended up sitting on the dining side. The happy hour appetizer specials sounded really good, but you can only get them on the bar side so I ordered the daily special - chicken and waffles. With a sweet potato waffle base and thick sausage gravy on top, it wasn't your usual chicken and waffles. It was, however, very well done. The "sausage gravy" could have been more accurately described as ground sausage with some gravy on top and was fairly tasty. The chicken was crisp on the outside (despite being covered in gravy) and moist on the inside, and the sweet potato waffle was slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to stand up to the amount of food piled on top of it. It was $15 for chicken and waffles, but the portion size was very generous. In fact, it looked like a mini mountain on my plate, and the huge steak knife that it got served with was probably necessary in order to eat without making a gigantic mess. I was stuffed after getting about 2/3 of the way through - the addition of sausage gravy to the dish made it much more filling. On the way out we noticed a table that had ordered their sausage gravy on the side, which may be the way to go if you don't like massive amounts of gravy. I didn't end up trying a variety of dishes here, but based off of the chicken and waffles alone (and what I saw spying on tables while walking around), this is somewhere that I would be more than happy to come back to in order to try some more of the specials, the raw bar, and appetizers.
(4)Madison F.
Service was awful, waiter had too many tables and was only able to check up on us 1 after I went inside and requester someone to bring me a water as for the good presentation was decent but food did not a have a ton of flavor.
(1)anna c.
Went here with my mom today who lives within walking distance. Their menu seemed varied and I ordered the "Pecan Chicken Salad" off the lunch specials menu. The server was very kind and attentive. Good iced tea, and the salad was amazing! A little southern food goes a long way. Also served with a slice of corn bread which was delightful. My mom had the "Old Town Burger" and was very satisfied. This place has been around for ages. A cool neighborhood bar and grill, will be back for sure. Must try the raved- about Mac & cheese next!
(4)Chrissy C.
I'm a regular here for at least 9 years now. Lol. However, I NEVER ate in the dining area. You'll pretty much see me at the bar watching tv and stuffing my face with buffalo wings... wearing my workout clothes. They have awesome buffalo wings, pork nachos, fried oysters for appetizers and meatloaf, fried chicken pasta... I am hooked on their fried chicken and waffles which is only served on Wednesdays. Great happy hour deals. They also have good brunch menu. They have a great special Bloody Mary that can be a meal on its own. The staff is great. The bartenders are very friendly. Lots of the regulars are sports fanatics. It's mainly a Pittsburg/Steelers bar but also supports the local Nationals, Redskins and Capitals teams. Lots of avid golfers come here too. It's a good cosmopolitan crowd. Its located off Washington street southern part of Old Town so its street parking. There's a parking garage behind the building at no charge.
(5)Autumn G.
every time I come here I wonder- why do I come here? probably because I live across the street, they're kind enough to be open when every other place isn't, and there are a couple things on the menu that are fairly tasty. the mac and cheese is one. there is also a full bar... and the waitstaff are really nice, which isn't true of every spot in old town, not naming names. so, in conclusion, nothing to write home about, but they will have a table available on that random holiday or Monday morning when you want to eat brunch.
(3)Crystal H.
I loved this place! This place is located in a very nice, well lit block in Alexandria and there was ample parking available. There is a nice outdoor seating area that would probably be perfect for nice Spring/Summer dining and people watching! But at night, there are nice white lights that light up the front entrance of the restaurant! Went there on a Saturday night around 5:30 ish and was seated right away! Upon entry there is a bar area where there were plenty of football games on! He loved that! You walk in and are greeted and seated! We were seated and right away and checked out the menu! The menu was a great variety of southern fare with pasta and sandwiches, po'boys, and even grill items! I usually stay away from Po'Boys unless I am in New Orleans! Going to school there and trying "New Orleans" style food outside of the N.O., has been a mistake in most instances! But we started with fried pickles and fried green tomatoes! I know, a lot of fried items, but I was looking at previous yelp reviews that say try the fried green tomatoes! First off, the pickles were very good! They were more wet than I have experienced at Hooters, which makes me believe they are from a jar! And they had a sweetness like bread and butter pickles. But they were very good! And so was the remoulade sauce! It was very good! The fried green tomatoes were good! Very thick cut though! But they were good! For an entree, I ordered the pot roast! It was delicious! The Beef was tender and the collard greens and mashed potatoes were awesome! Not a complaint in the world! However, my guy ordered the crab club sandwich, and it wasn't so good! However, they removed it from the bill and he ordered the ribs that were very good! All in all, the food was delicious and the service was great! I believe this place must be a little gem that people keep hidden because the place filled up pretty quickly. Its a wonderful place that I know I will be back to experience again!
(4)Keith Z.
This review is only for brunch. Eaten here a few times. I've tried their different takes on eggs Benedict, all were delicious. Also have had the chicken fried steak which is just as delicious. Nice and crispy as well as being tender. The gravy has great flavor as well. What's brunch without a bloody Mary? They make 'em the way I like 'em, a bit on the spicy side. One of the bloody Mary's even comes with a big steamed shrimp as well as the usual garnishes. Look forward to coming here as often as possible.
(5)Patrick J.
Great happy hour appetizers and drink specials. Try the 815 biscuits.
(4)Sharon P.
This is one of our favorite local restaurants for a casual dining experience. The meals are a hearty and the menu features a lot of southern comfort foods. My favorite is the jalapeño honey pulled-chicken sandwich. It's a reliable establishment with a friendly wait staff. An added bonus is the outdoor seating that can accommodate dogs. Southside is definitely a local hotspot.
(4)Robert M.
I lived behind Southside 815 for several years and a lot of the people in the neighborhood went there for food/drinks. In all the times I went to Southside, the service was never good. I went to the bar more than once and had to wait 10-15 minutes just to put in a drink order. I went to the restaurant side several times and on multiple occasions I was seated and then about 20 minutes would go by without hearing back from anyone. Two separate times I had waiters apologize and say "I'm sorry I forgot about you." On another occasion I was there with my girlfriend and we put in an appetizer order and the waiter asked if we'd like to go ahead and put in our entrees. We put in our orders and received our entrees after about 20 minutes. We asked about our appetizer and the waiter said he forgot. He offered to get us the appetizer we ordered and we said no thanks since our entrees were already on the table. The food is alright. It's nothing to write home about. I never had any significant problems with it. I think it's a bit overpriced. The nacho appetizer is $10 which I find absurd. I like that they have southern dishes that aren't on many menus in this area (fried pickles, fried green tomatoes) but again they aren't amazing. The place has real potential because it's got a great location and patio seating but the service is just awful. I was consistently treated poorly and the food is just alright. I would not recommend eating here.
(1)Mandana Y.
Good southern food, decent prices, poor service. I hate saying that because I WANT to like this place. I really do. There is ample parking, they have a nice patio and the food is well made. The servers aren't that bad, but they're not that great either. But their hostesses are just um... not hospitable. That's a PC way to put it right? I called in the morning asking for a table of 8 on the patio. "We don't take reservations for the patio, and anyway, we couldn't fit that many people on the patio." "Well could you squeeze us? What if we were just 7, we're not sure if the 8th person is coming." "No, it wouldn't fit." "Well can we have a table inside by the window?" "What do you mean by the window? Like a booth and a table? That wouldn't work." Lady, seriously, what is up your butt? I've been here before, I sat by a window, with a table of 8. Stop taking out your personal issues on me. It turned out that all we had to do was say we were willing to be split into two tables side by side on the patio and we got to sit outside. Which I told them when we arrived for lunch two hours later. But why was it that I had to think of that? What exactly is your job Ms. Hostess? Especially when at 12:30 your restaurant is 1/5 full, you'd think you'd want to be as accommodating as possible to such a large party. That aside, the service is just slow. The food took half an hour to come out, even though most of us had salads. The bill took another 20 minutes to come, granted he was nice enough to do separate checks, but still, come on bud. I would never suggest this place for a work lunch. Maybe a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch where you weren't in a rush to eat, or do anything else for the rest of the day? The staff here takes their sweet time, whether you want to or not.
(3)Eric M.
Simply put. Went for Brunch. Food good. Portions big. Hot from kitchen. Bar is a bit slow to fill wait staff orders. Wait staff is stretched too thin leaving service lacking even in a partially full Resteraunt. Wait staff was friendly and accommodating when they did remember to come by the table of 7 patrons. Don't think they handle groups bigger than 4 very well. We will try another place who can handle a group better. This is a better place to take a date out to eat.
(3)Brittany C.
My favorite Old Town restaurant by far. From their HH Specials, brunch, daily specials, super friendly bartenders & staff - it's the best.
(5)Ms. G.
This was wonderful. I had the Cobb salad, husband had the jambalaya cheese steak, son and wife shared the ribs and Mac and cheese. Appetizers were fried green tomatoes, onion strings, and fried pickles. Everything was great. The service was wonderful even though the kitchen messed up a little, but it was all fixed so no complaints. Ask for Chris the waiter, he's awesome!
(5)Jess S.
We liked this place. We took some friends that were in town for the weekend here for dinner and had a good time. We got ribs, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and a shrimp po'boy. The ribs were good--when they say fall of the bone, they mean it! Lots of sauce with a smoky taste, not too spicy. The chicken tenders were OK; they came with a remoulade sauce which was really good! And the mac & cheese was everyone's favorite, made with a few different cheeses and baked until bubbling. Would be cool to go during football season and watch a couple games at the bar, and the outside seating was also quite nice. We live in Old Town and will come again. One tip: be prepared to sink into the booth cushions...and not in a good way. Better off in the wooden chairs in this case.
(4)Don Q.
Went to Southside 815 for the first time this weekend. I liked the place The food was good The service was attentive Outdoor seating was limited but we got a table. We sat outside, but got to see the great looking bar they have. I will be back!
(4)Steve R.
This place is a good neighborhood bar. Beer is good. Food is good. Ambience is good. Service is generally good with the exception of one bartender.
(2)Cassandra B.
Since I have family members that can actually cook southern food, I find it difficult to enjoy most southern restaurants. The cornbread was decent and the mashed potatoes were flavorful. Unfortunately, the chicken fried steak tasted odd. 'Odd' is the best way I can describe it. The steak was very overcooked and the gravy was marginal. The atmosphere is nice and our waiter was great. My friends have raved about the fried chicken but I won't be going back to find out.
(2)Mike R.
This is another old standby in the neighborhood. It's a pretty long walk which means we only go when we're really in the mood. The food here is southern in flavor and size. You get a lot of fried options and a lot of huge plates. Every time we go we have to start with the pulled pork nachos...they are reason enough to come here. The nachos are pretty good without the pork, but the pork takes it to another level. If you are turned off by plates swimming in grease then this isn't the dish for you, but you would really be missing out. Don't get me wrong, I always hate myself after eating these, especially when I can't finish my meal, but they are a must. As for the mains, I usually stick to the sandwiches. The dixie chicken is good, as are the po boys. I've also had the blackened chicken pasta, chicken fried steak (they are southern so you know you have to try chicken fried something), and others. The bread basket is also great with biscuits, sweet potato rolls, and cornbread, but honestly who has room for more carbs. This place used to be real smoky with the neighborhood bar portion usually packed and ventilation not the greatest, but the smoking ban has cleared that up. The bottom line...I always leave happy and sad at the same time. The food is good, but I always feel like I shouldn't eat for a day or 2 afterward. Which is why we limit our visits to once every 6 months or so.
(3)Tim M.
Let me start off with saying that I have been here a lot, and less frequently in the past couple years only because it used to be so smokey, now that the smoke it gone, the rif raf still isn't gone from the bar. Onto the food, its good, its nothing to write home about, but it tastes pretty good. I have had the bbq sandwiches and they were very good for bbq in this area. I have also had the shrimp and grits and it was very similar to the shrimp and grits in charleston, not as good, but close enough. I have also had their mahi mahi dishes and they were decent. The prices are good for a casual dinner and its a good neighborhood restaurant, but if you are looking for a bar for talent, look elsewhere, this is the old Alexandria type patrons.
(3)Marina F.
A real disappointing experience. On our short trip to DC we wanted to experience some good southern food but instead we left Southside 815 knowing that there was better in NY. We ordered the pimento cheese fritters as appetizer. Though they were fried crispy and beautifully the inside was sickeningly sweet and I'm pretty sure that was velveeta. A golf ball sized ball of fried velveeta I kid you not! My friends ordered the Low Country Shrimp and Sausage which was supposed to come with cheesy grits but instead it was a bowlful of soupy velveeta cheese again. We couldn't find any grits on the plate. Both plates were sent back. One friend ordered the Charleston chicken which she claimed was "fine" but barely ate any of it and my other friend ordered the Gumbo instead. I tasted some of it and the gravy was canned and the shrimp were rubbery. I ordered the steak with bacon blue cheese butter - it was cooked to order but the meat was very tough and the butter had a grainy texture, I scooped as much off as I could. I ordered the maque choux as a side and it was a bowl full of raw bell peppers, I couldn't find any corn in it. Even more disappointing than the food was the service. The waiter seemed upset that we were sending food back but did not ask us what was wrong with the food. You'd think they'd want to know why 2 plates are going back to the kitchen. No manager came to visit us. They comped part of our meal which is why I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1, but that gesture was not enough to make us visit this restaurant again on our frequent visits to DC. The atmosphere was very loud. Part of the restaurant is also a bar and it's not a good idea to go there on a night when there's an important game on. The screaming was deafening, definitely not suited for a group who wants to enjoy conversation.
(2)Megan K.
We love the bar (we go a couple of times a month and they know our names), great place to watch football, and their brunch is amazing. And free garage parking in Alexandria! That is hard to beat :)
(4)Dustin T.
I always go for the fried pickles. They are amazing. Everytime I take someone here for the pickles, they get hooked. Their crawfish poboy is good. Whenever they have BBQ salmon with macque chou as a special I get it; it is divine. Their brunch menu is great; the southern Benedict with cornbread is sinful. Their fried chicken, however, is just ok. Not sure why it's not better. Their Mac and cheese side dish is a meal unto itself. The prices are good, the service usually great and the food is excellent!
(4)Bryan A.
I was first introduced to Southside 815 a few years ago, and it instantly became one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The atmosphere is inviting and unpretentious, the service is typically fast and friendly, and the food is delicious and well-priced. As others have said, you absolutely have to start off with the breadbasket. It comes with homemade buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, and homemade apple butter and pepper jelly, all for under $2. With regards to appetizers, the fried green tomatoes are also incredibly well-done, as are the 815 Biscuits. Favorite entrees include the Chesapeake strip steak, the pecan chicken breast, chicken fried steak, meatloaf (though I usually ask for brown gravy instead of the tomato gravy that usually accompanies it, out of personal preference), and, of course, the fried chicken. With regards to sides, I typically stick to the mashed potatoes, the absolutely to-die-for mac and cheese, and the greens. On the down side, I have been underwhelmed in the past with the drunken pot roast -- it wasn't bad, it just wasn't anything spectacular -- and I also really dislike the stewed green beans, so I usually avoid them at all costs.
(4)Kristy B.
As a Southern girl, I had high expectations for Southside 815. Sadly, I believe I set the bar too high. As positives, the location and atmosphere was great. The residual smoke that previous reviews mentioned was not noticeable. Our table of six had plenty of room and a great view of the outside dinners and passersby on a beautiful Friday evening. To start, our table ordered several appetizers to share - fried green tomatoes, fried southern pickles, 815 biscuits and the bread basket. The 815 biscuits were the best item ordered of the evening and the sweet potato biscuits were great. But...thus ends the real highlights of the meal. The batter on the tomatoes was way too thick and they were cooked to a very dark brown. The remoulade sauce had far too much horseradish to render it worthy of using. The pickles were bread and butter, versus the usual dill found in southern diners, and were covered in the same dark batter making them tasteless. For entrees we had shrimp and grits, pecan crusted chicken, chicken fried steak , jambalaya and blackened catfish. We were going for a well rounded sampling. The shrimp and grits was mainly shrimp and cream, you had to dig around to find the grits underneath. This was the first time I had ever seen blackened catfish come soggy. Not sure if it was inexperience in blackening technique to get an appropriate crust, or plating them next to the soggy collard greens. Perhaps both. The pecan crusted chicken was passable, although there were so many pecans a huge pile was left on the plate after eating. The major foul play of the meal was the chicken fried steak, a true travesty. Hard pressed to say if the steak was cooked in bad oil, the meat was past its prime, or the horrible dark batter struck again however, it tasted of old dish water. Needless to say, this was returned uneaten. The sides were...eh....not even as good as some you can by canned. And certainly unlike any you would find in the South. Unfortunately, I do not think we will be returning to 815 anytime soon for Southern meals. I will probably just make them myself as a great excuse to entertain my wonderful friends. I am left to wonder if true Southerners assisted with the menu, or if the owners have eaten this food South of Fredericksburg.
(2)Adam R.
Away from the mess of King Street, Southside is a great place to grab a beer, watch the game, and eat some awesome food. Much more laid-back than a lot of the places in Old Town, but still friendly, professional, and courteous. This is my default choice when I want hit the bar for a casual evening.
(4)Dave L.
Great atmosphere, great beer and very good food. I really enjoyed the place and can recommend for everything from a date to the guys grabbing a beer.
(4)Lance D.
Southside 815 is the go to bar for all thing sports! The food is great, the atmosphere is fun, and the service is amazing. I haven't been on the restaurant side but all of the bartenders are definitely people friendly and insist on knowing you on a first name basis. I have yet to see an unsatisfied customer. They have some of the best happy hour prices around and during NFL games it gets even better with 35 cent wings and half price burgers to name a few! You should without a doubt make this a destination on any day! I love this place!
(5)Weina F.
We got two appetizers: blackened shrimp and fried green tomato. No complaints, both are very tasty, the shrimp is marinated in really good cajun sauce, and smoked/grilled to perfection and were complemented by a bed of noodle pancake. The fried tomato is very crisy outside and soft to the right touch for the inside. The brunch entrees were okay. Jason got Southern benedict which has cornbread instead of the muffins, it was really tasteless, the hollandaise sauce supposed to be spicy, but I cant taste anything out of it. My Blackened Chicken omelette was just okay, I had to put lots of hot sauce on it because it was tasteless again. The chicken was cajun-ed, but the combined omelette just couldn't survive on just the taste of Chicken.
(3)Jessica M.
I love this place. It's a great neighborhood spot - I just *wish* I could walk/stumble to and from here a little bit better (the darkness of the GW Parkway probably makes that unsafe.) Anyway - the bar is always hopping - happy hour, game days, or otherwise. The last time I was there and waiting for friends to arrive - I managed to squeeze onto a stool of my own - only to have the bartender shake my hand and introduce himself. He seemed to know the "regulars" and their drinks of choice. Did I mention -- this was a random Tuesday night? The food is good bar food. I'm not a southerner - nor will I ever claim to be - so I will not debate the issue of authentic southern food. However - I do find their food to be good. I think their pulled pork / chicken entrees as well as their fried chicken are good bets. The ribs look delicious (though I've never tried them) - and all are reasonable priced. However - my favorite dish - hands down - is the Dixie Chicken Breast Sandwich (complete with fried green tomato and bacon.) Outrageous. Wednesdays are half-priced raw bar - I could easily down a few dozen oysters / clams / mussels - this is not Hank's quality - but isn't going to get you sick either. The only downside I could possible mention is that the bar tends to reek of smoke - the dining area stays pretty pleasant - but it is what it is. Great place, good prices, and I'd love to make it my local watering hole. *side note: brunch is decent too. went on mother's day - TOTALLY kid friendly and we didn't even have reservations. bonus.
(5)Mac O.
3.5 stars. This place is so Southern, y'all. From the fried green tah-may-tahs and and po' boys, to the wrought iron accents and "Prince of Tides"-esque murals bedecking walls and ceiling. And it says something that Southside 815 has been around since the early 90s: they're clearly doing something right. When my family first moved here over 15 years ago (from Texas, where we were spoiled by true Southern cooking), I remember my father loving this place and bringing us here often for dinner...those murals, they really stick with you. But it had been several years since I'd been back, and I was curious to see how it held up over time. Turns out it's still holding its own quite nicely. The service here is great as a standard, although on my recent visit there were a few rather long stretches where our server was absent and we needed drink refills or more cutlery. Overall, however, southern hospitality reigns, and everyone from busers to hostesses to waitstaff are amiable and attentive. The food is mostly good, too. True connoisseurs of Southern cooking may be able to pick it apart on some finer points, but I find it more than passable, beginning with the bread basket (which isn't complementary, booo): soft, airy sweet potato and regular biscuits, not-too-dense cornbread, and delicious spreads of apple butter and -- my favorite -- spicy pepper jelly. Our party shared plates of nachos smothered by sweet barbequed pulled pork instead of the usual ground beef; a piping hot, creamy lump crab and artichoke dip accompanied by wafer-thin, homemade flour tortilla chips; and the deep fried oysters Rockefeller. While the oysters themselves were delicious, the breading was a bit heavy-handed and the thick sauce they rested atop baffled. What was it? We deduced some sort of potato concoction that was supposed to be the "Rockefeller," but it had an odd, hard-to-place flavor that reminded me of animal enclosure odors at the zoo. For entrées we chose the rainbow trout with rice and steamed veg (trout lovers delighted in the tenderly prepared, citrus-infused fillet); the BBQ salmon special (bright with flavor and accompanied by micro-greens and grits); the gumbo ("It tastes just like New Orleans!" its consumer exclaimed); and the lemon and cracked pepper Yellowfin tuna steak, which was joined on the plate by greens, cheese grits, mashed sweet potatoes, and mashed skin-on red potatoes. The tuna was flavored wonderfully, but another diner at the table ordered her steak *sans* cracked pepper -- guess the waiter just assumed I wanted mine the same way (I didn't), so it came out sadly and disappointingly naked as well. I also ordered it rare, and it was far from. I could have done with edited sides, too; I don't need every southern side-dish ever created on one plate, especially those zoo-smelling mashed potatoes! Wine list is rather limited and uncreative, but major props for the ever-popular, yeasty PBR on tap. Decor could use some updating -- it looks a bit rundown and worn, and it definitely hasn't changed since 1993. But the murals can stay.
(3)James L.
It is one of the hidden neighborhood gems in Alexandria. Great southern food at reasonable prices. It reminded me of home cooked food from back home in Atlanta. My gf and I got great service from a waitress also. The bar was a little too noisy and smoky so it was not the best atmosphere for us trying to have a romantic dinner. Just a comfy casual restaurant that was a walking distance from my apt. Two thumbs up. :)
(4)Anne I.
Really yummy comfort foods. Great service (Thanks, Donn). Serving size waaaayyyy too much food. But, we got leftovers so it was great!
(4)Danielle T.
Casual, low key spot with a nice patio for outdoor dining. The food is very heavy, but that's what people go here for. Definitely order the bread basket which comes with delicous homemade jams. All of our entrees have been good and service is the same, even on busy nights.
(4)Shawnie B.
Picture it Alexandria, 2008. There are remnants of heavy drinking as I sluggishly and methodically crawl out of bed. The only thought that has room to form amongst the pounding rhythm in my head, is food. My body is craving greasy, brunchy, deliciousness. Of course my first inclination is to go to my favorite spot for that weekend favorite spot for the meal that means, at least for me, I missed breakfast, but still want something that has eggs and bacon . . .Bilbo Baggins (read review). I must have killed the brain cells that are used for critical judgment at DC's Fox and Hound with the Johnnie Walker and Ginger ale's that I had consumed en mass the night before; but I decided that I wanted to try something different. So . . .I searched for places that advertised brunch that I had not yet tried. I decided to try South Side 815. WHAT A MISTAKE! First off their website is a LIE. Posted are promises of a down home southern brunch complete with Waffles. Upon arriving, I opened my menu only to find that the food lacked the waffles that they had boasted on the site. STRIKE 1 Secondly, the waiter was standoffish. He did not make any effort to be anything other than an order taker and when I asked him a question about the Crab and Ham Biscuit gravy it seemed as though I had asked if it were possible to kill his dog while asking his daughter to watch.* This dish sounded different I decided to try it. My plate arrived it was cold and had that little film that gravy and syrup gets on it when it has been sitting out too long. Even if it had been warm the taste was sub par, it tasted like a cheap buffet where the food had been sitting around for hours. STRIKE 2 The final and most blowing STRIKE was that the waiter forgot my side of bacon. Yes I ordered a side of bacon, don't judge me . . .*hangs head in shame* I have no idea why I don't weigh 300 lbs. Anyway, after I asked the waiter I had fully finished the rest of my breakfast before I received my side of bacon, but I still ate every bite. The only bright point of the entire experience was a lady with an awesome red hat. Her entire ensemble was quite striking and amazing!! Moral of the Story . . . Don't try something new the day after Drinking heavily. But Most importantly . . .Ladies you should wear more hats, they are pretty and I like them. *Please note I have no idea if the waiter has a dog or a daughter.
(1)Victoria A.
I was here on a friday night with a group of 12 for Alexandria restaurant week. Fabulous 2 for $35 dinner special. I had the ribeye steak, which was delicious and came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies, brought 1/2 home. Appetizers and desserts were large and good. Friendly, efficient service. Fun, casual atmosphere in bar, with TVs tuned to sporting events.
(4)Steven R.
We stumbled upon this restaurant when searching Yelp for a spot for lunch. Excellent!!
(5)Rachid C.
We have been there twice so far and plan to go again for more. I've tried the the orchard pork chops, jambalaya cheesesteak, and French Quarter hot wings. The pork chops blew me away, actually. They were quite tender and juicy, and on par with--if not better than--the ones you get at Restaurant 3. The mashed potatoes were good, but the stewed green beans were just so-so. They probably could have been stewed a bit longer. We started with the French Quarter wings, which were also tasty. They weren't anything special, as the name might suggest, but simple and to the point. On our second visit, I tried the jambalaya cheesesteak, which came with French fries. The cheesesteak had chicken, shrimp and andouille in it. I thought it was great, but could have been a bit spicier for me. The sub roll it came on was perfect, too--not your standard flimsy Philly roll, but a much heartier one able to withstand all the bulk it carries within. The fries, as others pointed out, were some of the best I've had. The prices were very reasonable, the drinks selection wide, and the wait staff friendly. We had the same server twice and he was chatty (but not over the top), quick, and accommodating on both occasions. I'm looking forward to checking out some of the other items on the menu, such as the pulled pork and chicken. I had a taste of the mac and cheese--a meal in itself--and I plan on having my own plate of it soon.
(4)Rob R.
3.5 Stars. Whenever I feel like having some southern comfort food, or if my arteries just need a little abuse, S815 is the place to go. Everything I've had on the menu has been pretty good. The service is always friendly. This place may actually deserve 4 stars, if not for the fact that I go into a mini food coma afterwards! It's not the kind of place that you would eat at all the time. It's just good for a visit every now and again.... Recommend.
(3)Nic M.
So, the place can be anywhere from a bit loud to very loud, and it can be crowded during some sporting events, but it's a pub/bar more than a restaurant, so it should be approached as such. On that front they carry a couple local beers, and have a good variety of interesting nonlocal taps. Now that the slightly negative comment is out of the way, the service has always been prompt and efficient and the food is consistently good. - They make a good pork bbq sandwich, but the french fries are nothing special. - The pecan crusted chicken comes with a good pepper jam/relish. - The sweet potato biscuits as part of the bread basket are very good - actually this whole appetizer is excellent - the jams that are provided with it taste great as well. - However the same biscuits topped with crab meat and gravy taste as overkill as it sounds and are a bit salty. It's a good comfort food kind of place. It's casual, consistent, and offers good food and good service.
(4)Judy N.
We ate here Friday night - what a find! I had the stuffed pork loin, my husband had the smothered hangar steak - they were both better than we've had in a while. When you walk in you enter the bar area and I could smell the smoke before I even opened the inner door. Fortunately, the dining room has an incredible filter/air system to keep the smoke in the bar and out of the dining room. We'll definitely go back.
(4)Katie F.
I went here last night for a friends birthday. The service was great, our waitress was delightful. She even brought out a brownie sundae on the house, without any of us telling her it was my friends birthday. Food....yum....southern food....double yum.... I ordered the special of the night the Southern Fried Chicken. It was very crispy, which is just how I like it. The mashed potatoes that came with it where SO good--almost as good as I make them at home. The rainbow trout also got rave reviews at our table, as well as the mac and cheese. A veggie friend who was among us was relegated to side dishes, as the vegetable plate was "cooked in country ham", but at least it was denoted on the menu. She was not upset though with her side salad and mac and cheese. They had just painted the place the day before--so it looks nice and clean too. And I had gotten a beer at the bar before the rest of my party arrived, and the bartender was awesome at remembering names.
(4)Rachel Z.
I've had three meals there and more drinks than I care to count. Brunch is good but nothing to write home about. Have the bread basket for sure. Apple butter? Sweet potato biscuits? Done and done. I can't remember any of the entrees I ate, but that means that they're just entirely middle-of-the-road, neither amazing nor gag-inducing. Their burgers are good, and I'll venture to say great during happy hour when they're half-priced. I always enjoy their fries, as well. Oh the drinks. Southside is a block away from my house. I may go to King Street if a friend is visiting form out of town or something, but if it's just me and my man then we go to Southside. I think my rail drink is $4.75 (not 100% on that number) and for whatever reason I hate that you get back a quarter if you're paying cash for each drink. I always feel obligated to leave the quarter with the dollar I leave for a tip. I could see a sane person saying "Rachel Z., just leave a dollar, pocket the quarter, and on the fifth drink you don't have to leave a dollar at all, just quarters." Well, friendly yelper, I don't talk to strangers. And I don't think logically when I drink. And I always think that I'm going to stop after two drinks, and I don't want my quarters rolling around in my purse. Of course I don't stop after two drinks so I spend an extra $2. That was just an amazing amount of words for $2. Lesson learned: I'll start a tab.
(3)Tamieka M.
I had been to this place a few times before for lunch, so I knew the food was pretty solid. I also knew the hostesses or whoever answers the phone are usually unpleasant and unaccomodating. Their "about us" section of their website says: "Southside's lively atmosphere is perfect for any occasion- a special dinner for two, a quick dinner before a night at the theater, anniversaries, birthdays, office gatherings, or just a night out with family or friends." This is just false. Its awful for office gatherings like lunch because the service is slow and you cannot get out of there in an hour no matter how hard you try. It is also not good for anniversaries, because anniversary celebrations usually only consist of two people and they only accept reservations for large parties. But like I said, the food is solid. The mac and cheese is good, its not as good as Cheestique's, but its good. Everything I've ever had there has been good and flavorful minus the pecan crusted chicken, which is pretty bland.
(3)Susan J.
Went here for happy hour on a Thursday night at 530pm with 7 other people. Sat around a little bit before realizing that you have you order from the bartender even though you are at a table. Beer on tap ranged from $2.50 to $3.00. Hubby ordered the Shock Top for $2.75 and a half priced Virginia burger with fries for around $4. I got the 3 mini bbq pork sandwiches for $1, 6 wings for 35 cents each and a rail rum and dt for $3. Those bbq pork sandwiches...more like pretty decent shredded pork bbq on yummilicious biscuits (not sure if these were the sweet potato biscuits, but they are really really really good). I had to give a sandwich away and couldn't finish up all the wings. Wings, they were decent hot wings, no celery sticks with them. Fries were battered and very tasty and hubby said the burger was pretty good too (made to order and can choose how you want it cooked). We got the food pretty quickly...service is mediocre but by 7-8pm, there were a few more bartenders to handle the crowd. Definitely not a meat market here if you're trying to meet people in your 20s/30s. The bar was stacked with older guys with a few cougars/lionesses in the hunt. We stayed there until 845pm and had a $17 bill. Not bad for a fun/cheap happy hour south of Old Town with great friends!
(4)Cara R.
I have been to Southside four times now & will not be back. The food is very inconsistent. Twice I have been there and the food was fantastic. Twice I have been there and the food was terrible. I have ordered the same dish three different times - the Low Country Shrimp and Grits- once delicious - twice overcooked. Very disappointing.
(2)Steve G.
We live nearby and saw some promising reviews on Yelp so have tried it a few times. My vote is better for lunch/ sandwiches than dinner. I tried the fried chicken everyone raved about and it was ok but doesn't get a rave from me. Also tried the meatloaf which was fair and the sauce had a taste I did not recognize. I'd order it again but sauce on the side. On the other hand several sandwiches we have tried have been excellent.
(3)Michelle B.
My husband and I were looking for a good happy and were pleasantly surprised when we found Southside 815. When we got there around 6 the bar was packed. Great happy hour specials on both food and drinks. There was outside seating as well as a nice size dining room. We plan to take our in-laws there the next time they are in town. The only thing that kept this restaurant from a five star was the wait staff. The bartender that took our order and waiter that brought our food out were both stand-offish. No small talk, just "what can I get you?" end of conversation. We are not going to let that stop us from going back to future happy hours.
(4)Kevin E.
815 is a total diamond in the rough in Old Town! It is a neighborhood place with character and gets steady business from loyal customers. About 60% of the space is devoted to the bar area vs 40% separate dining area. The full menu is served in either area and is overall amazingly good! The menu consists of all southern dishes, the prices are inexpensive and there are plenty of cheap daily specials on food and happy hour drinks. It's also a great brunch spot on weekends and is a good place to watch a game.
(5)Tim H.
Had been once before for dinner, but went back for a happy hour that I had heard good things about. They were right. $1.50 for 4 mini oyster po-boys, $1.50 for 3 mini pulled pork sandwiches, $.35 wings, and $1.50 for nachos. I tried all of them and they were all awesome! The po-boys and pulled pork sandwiches are served on rolls which, although a bit dense, were very tasty. The remoulade sauce for the po-boys reminded me of the remoulade you'd get in New Orleans. The wings were very good, but not spicy enough. The nachos, covered in pulled pork, sour cream, cheese, and other toppings were the best of the lot. And to top it all off, they had a really good, cheap, beer selection, draft and bottles. Highly recommended for a regular happy hour spot.
(4)Marissa C.
I always request for outdoor seating here and never had a problem since space is very limited. I cannot resist the fried oysters on mash potato and fried green tomatos! If you have a sweet tooth, better not leave w/ out trying their pineapple upside down cake. yum!
(4)Will C.
Great local restaurant, the food is excellent no matter what you order and the bar is fantastic. They have great Happy Hour specials and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place to go to eat or just to hang out in the bar.
(4)M T.
Service is average... but their food is great. We've always enjoyed dining here... even our children love it. They always ask to go back. A few of our personal favorite are the New Orleans BBQ shrimp and Boardinghouse Breadbasket and Jambalya... but everything there is pretty great.
(4)J B.
Love the atmosphere and the food is GREAT!! You definitely get the bang for your buck here. We had fried green tomatoes, wings, macaroni and cheese and the other traditional southern fare. I pass by this restaurant every evening going home and can't believe it never dawned on me to stop!! That mistake won't happen again. GREAT service, RELAXED atmosphere, and enough food for the next day at a DECENT price. We loved it.
(5)Some D.
Fatty but little flavor. 3 stars because the service is great!
(3)Jenna G.
I have eaten here twice for lunch on a weekday. My boss loves this place as they allow cigars and the barstaff know him and are quick to get him his drinks. I have never been here when it was crowded but the bar area seemed rather big and had large tables. I had a burger the first time and a chicken sandwich the second time. Nothing too special about either of the plates but definitely not bad. Just your typical bar food as far as I could tell. My husband just came here for a work lunch, and judging by his comments, I am sure we will be going there again soon!
(3)Joan H.
After living in Old Town Alexamdria for the past 8 years we finally decided to try this restaurant on a Monday night for dinner. We had the po boys specials and it was quite good along with decent service, Made the mistake for returning back tonight for dinner. Service was horrible and my fried chcken dinner special was way over fried. Waited for our dinners for an exoribantly long time while people that were seated after us got their dinners in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Did ask to speak to the manager you while apolozing for the time problems didn't offer to comp us for any part of the meal or offer us an incentive to return to the restaurant in the future. Needless to say we won't be coming back. There are too many restaurants in Alexandria to have to put up with this,
(1)Yumi W.
Nice Local hang out to watch your favorite sports..no tourist! Super slow service almost like self service! Food is loaded but good bar food. Go get your own menu, drinks and place an order yourself just don't count on any service because there's none. NO SERVICE GOOD LOCATION!
(4)Marivic L.
I've been here quite a few times and have tried a variety of items. My fave is the vegetable plate. Their cheese grits, greens, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and corn bread are fab. You know, all the healthy stuff. I'll definitely be back again and again.
(3)Natasha S.
Good place to go, especially for locals. Had a waitress named Jennifer who was amazing and the best service I've ever had. Food isn't out of this world but its good. I go back fairly regularly.
(4)Meg R.
My husband and I frequent Southside at least 2-3 times a month. Wonderful brunch, best Bloody Mary's! I'm pretty sure every time we go, we order something new, we've tasted much of the menu and we were not disappointed in the least. Best deal is the 1/2 price po'boys on Mondays. Bartenders and wait staff are always super nice and fast! We love Southside!
(5)Brianne C.
How can such a simple evening trigger such conflicting emotions? With mounds of pulled pork, fresh melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos clinging to a platter of tortilla chips on the bar, and a strong John Daly gleefully tempting me from a formidable tumbler, I knew that Southside 815 wanted me to have a boisterous evening. Our lovely bartender Troy was professional, insightful, and interesting, and I enjoyed speaking with him about bicycling and local business. But even as I indulged my companions and belted out the chorus to a number of songs while wearing cutoffs and a tank top, I inwardly cringed at the level of tackiness while still contemplating a return visit to sample the other menu options. Conflicting emotions, indeed.
(3)Wells W.
Other reviewers have already hit it on the head with this spot. It's fantastic. Don't miss the half price burgers at happy hour - they are the reason my wife and I frequent Southside. And the Mac n'Cheese is as previously stated a highlight you shouldn't miss. The staff is very nice and they have some great draft beer selections. Parking is very easy with the new garage located just behind Southside.
(4)Barrie C.
I grew up in southern Virginia and Texas. I lived in Alabama for almost four years as an adult. I know what Southern food should be. Having established my credentials, let me say that the Southern food at Southside 815 was average at best. I ordered chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. The chicken fried steak was forgettable. The meat was tough, and the fried batter had very little taste. The mashed potatoes were pretty good, but the green beans were not. Southern green beans need to be cooked in butter and bacon for hours so that they're mushy, rich, and incredibly unhealthy. Unfortunately Southside's green beans were tasteless. Where's the butter and the bacon? Not only was the food not that great, but we were treated somewhat rudely. Last night was a big football night. NFL preseason's last games were played last night (including the best team of all time, the Washington Redskins), and college football had its first big night, with LSU and Louisville playing their first games. So some friends and I went to Southside with the intention of watching football because to their credit they have a bunch of TV's there, and we staked out a prime table right in front of a bank of TV's at the front of the bar. However, halfway into our night, just after we had finished our food, a waiter came up to us and said we had to move to make room for karaoke? WTF? Karaoke? Seriously? So he moves our table to a spot not too far away, but right in the middle of a central thoroughfare of the bar. In our new spot we were constantly getting jostled by patrons and waiters, one person in our party had to be pinned against the corner so we could all sit down, and we couldn't see any of the games because they were either too far away or obstructed by people. And the waiter who did this was not nice, was not apologetic, and acted like we had trespassed on his land by being at that table. I was ready to throw down Bruce Banner-style on him, but I refrained in the name of public decency. So then this old guy takes his sweet time setting up the karaoke, and then once he has it all set up, he starts it up. But nobody was participating because they were all watching football, so to encourage people to get into it, the old man starts singing himself. So we're sitting there trying to see our football games from across the bar and having some conversation, but we're drowned out by the horrible, shudder-inducing wails of this guy. My ears started to bleed. Damn, all we wanted to do was watch some football, drink, and have some good conversation, but instead we got kicked into the corner and subjected to some awful vocals. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not busting on the idea of karaoke. I won't admit to it in public around attractive women, but I won't deny that there have been allegations that some friends and I may have belted out horrible versions of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and thoroughly enjoyed it, but does Southside plan to have karaoke all football season? If Thursdays are karaoke nights, then are they going to have karaoke next Thursday night for the opening regular season NFL game, New Orleans vs. Indianapolis, which promises to be a huge game? If so, I sure as hell won't be there. And if you're a football fan, neither should you.
(2)Brian C.
Wound up going here twice over the long weekend. The first time was for dinner on a Friday night. The restaurant and bar were both crowded, but we only had a 15 minute wait for a table for 3. On a Friday night, that's not bad at all. The staff is friendly, even if not overly attentive. There was a pitcher of water on the sideboard near me, so I took the liberty of refilling my own glass a few times. We started with the bread basket, which was delicious. The biscuits and cornbread were both tasty, and I never thought I'd be a fan of pepper jelly, but it was really good at Southside. Sweet with a kick. The first time I went, I had the jalapeno honey pulled chicken, which I thought was a little dry, but my friends had a taste and really liked it. The Big Noodles is not your typical mac and cheese, but very good in it's own way. It had more Italian flavoring that I expected, but I enjoyed it. For dessert we split the peach pound cake, and a slice of key lime pie. I was not a fan of the pound cake, but again, my friends enjoyed it. I did find the key lime pie to be delicious though. When I went later in the weekend for lunch I ordered the roast beef sandwich which was overflowing with meat, the way a good sandwich ought to! It was flavorful, and moist, and I almost couldn't finish it all. Almost. I will definitely be going back.
(4)Damian K.
This review is only about the bar, not the restaurant. The servers are fantastic, and will know your name (and your drink of choice) even if you have only been there a couple of times. The Happy Hour bar menu consists of mini-nachos ($1), mini pulled pork sandwiches on biscuits (3 for $1), mini oyster po'boy ($1.50) and hot wings for 20-25 cents each (I think). I only drink microbrews (Bells Two Hearted/Sierra Nevada etc.,) so I'm not up on the cheap rail drinks, although I did hear that they were going for $3 during HH.
(5)Brett M.
Pretty good food. Been here several times and have tried most of the lunch items. Love their pulled pork sandwich.
(3)Ethan L.
Great food. Fresh, prepared from scratch and it shows. Love this place...
(5)Tony M.
I've been to Southside many times in the 4 years I've lived in the area and never had a bad meal. Yet again, here is another place that doesn't get any credit from the previous reviewers for having AMAZING chicken wings. Western New Yorkers, this is the closest you will get to authentic Buffalo hot wings. Every weekday from 4-7 and Sundays during football season they have specials on the wings. The nachos are great too, but make sure you order the chicken nachos. I'm not a fan of the pork nachos. I haven't gotten to everything on the menu yet, but I'm working on it. The Po' Boys are great. They also have some great bartenders. These are the type of bartenders that once you've ordered a couple of beers, they spot you coming from a few feet away and by the time you reach the bar they have your beer ready for you. Only negative is happy hour gets crowded sometimes. I've had to eat wings standing up before. Get there early if your only plan is to eat.
(5)Kevin v.
Arguably the best and friendliest local establishment in old town. Great staff!!!
(4)Becca S.
Most everything on the menu is pretty good. Love the fried oysters rockefeller, the dixie chicken sandwich is phenomenal. Excellent service as well.
(4)M D.
The service was great for a busy Friday night...I had th pulled chicken jalapeño sandwich with grits..it was just ok...nothing to write home about..l.had the pimento fritters app..WAAAYYYYY too much gooey cheese...yuck....our server was nice enough to remove them for us...hubby had chicken Caesar salad...said that was pretty good..l might try again and order something different but I'm only giving two stars because our server was really sweet and attentive..wish I remembered her name!
(2)Karis K.
Great neighborhood bar...food is good, the servers and bartenders are great and the bar area is a great place to hang out.
(4)Angela L.
On a Monday night, my husband was craving fried chicken. After an extensive Yelp search, he found Soutside 815 and their Monday fried chicken special. I, on the other hand, decided on a shrimp po boy and a side of mac n cheese. Boy, did I over order. The po boy was HUGE with perfectly crispy shrimp and fries on the side. We live right around the corner so this place is dangerously within walking distance!
(4)Douglas K.
It is what you'd expect it to be. I didn't try their full menu, only hung out at the bar for snack and beer. It wasn't smoky, but people were smoking so keep that in mind. Wednesday is steamed seafood special: ~$5-6 for a snack plate of oysters (half-shell), clams or shrimp (steamed), etc. two of which should do you nicely. Beer selection was pretty good by Old Town Alexandria standards--about 8-10 on tap--a little something for everyone. Dogfish 60min=$5; PBR=$3. Had a nice pub feel and parking was no problem on a week night. I'd recommend it to those wanting to watch a game and have a pint after work.
(4)Lucy L.
Dark, dank, dusty all come to mind.... Let me preface by saying I don't think Southern cuisine is my thing. Too many years of saying no to butter, cream, lard, and carbs I guess. The guilt caused by this place was overwhelming. The fried pickles (something I absolutely love) were just gross. I struggled to even taste pickle, they were more like fried bits of nothing and strangely reminiscent of those weird little fried crumbs you get at Long John Silver (also gross). The menu sounded amazing, it appeared as though you couldn't make a wrong choice. I went with the Low Country Shortcake which was recommended on some sites I came across. It was beyond gross. Chunks of chicken, goopy oysters, soupy sweet potatoes stuffed between layers of dry cornbread on a bed of butter beans of all things. Still not convinced? All this was drowning in a flood of white, tasteless gravy. My husband was excited to take a trip back to his Texan roots with the Chicken Fried Steak (which is why I chose this place). He said it was decent which is why I gave this place 2 stars. Overall, total disappointment. Unless you have a severe craving for low country cuisine, don't go. There are too many better options in this area.
(2)Michelle B.
Stopped by this ol' neighborhood Low Country cuisine joint for an early lunch (11:30 a.m.) The bar was already smoky and half-full of old timers, hard timers and done timers. Unfortunately, it's just a bit too nippy for the patio to be open. We sat in the dining room which filled quickly for lunch. It was a bit of an older crowd; not like the crowd you see in the summer's outside on the patio. The service was fine, the food was average (the piece of corn bread was the highlight). I woudn't go out of my way to get here, but it's an option if you're in Old Town/Del Ray and don't want to wander too far from home. I have heard their Po' Boys and burgers are very good, but haven't tried them.
(3)Lisa B.
I went for brunch this past Sunday and I gotta say, I was impressed. I'm not talking about the food though it was quite good. My dining companion (boyfriend's sister) knew EVERYONE there, from the hostess to the waiters to the busboys and of course, the bartenders. This is one of her favorite hangouts in the area, and after our brunch and meet-and-greet with the staff, I could see why. The food was pretty darn good: I got the blackened chicken scramble, which came in a toureen-like dish with all of the yummy contents well, scrambled together. Eggs, cheese, peppers, onions, and potatoes, with a side of cornbread. Yum. The Bloody Mary I ordered was spicy, tomato, vodka goodness that hit the spot. Also good: The omelette of the day, which included asparagus and artichokes. All in all, good brunch fare at a decent price. Plus, it's next door to my favorite pizza place in the DC area, Faccia Luna. Can't beat that combination. Go eat, drink, be merry.
(4)Joseph M.
Bar is always packed with an eclectic array of trust fund kids, lonely singles and displaced older people from the burbs lol. Not saying it's a bad place, it's just not the type of place that's worth being crammed into on a friday night, Unfortunately, the food is less then desirable..
(2)Gin B.
I only gave it 4 stars instead of 3 because I've learned what to eat and not eat here. I am southern and though the food has some southern flare its not particularly on par. Basically, you have to know what to order and once you have that down you are good to go. The nachos are fantastic and they will put beans instead of meat for vegetarians. The cheese grits and the shrimp and grits are also some of my favorites. The big mac and cheese is enough for a meal. The vegetables are awful - the green beans are from a can and the greens just aren't good. The worst part is having to walk through the god awful smokey bar to get to the dining area. If you have asthma go in from the patio if possible. The bar is always hopping but with a mid-thirty crowd.
(4)Duane S.
This is a great place to get lunch and brunch on Sunday. As was written before. get the sweet potato biscuit with crab & ham gravy. It is awesome! The fried green tomatoes are very good too. I got the Virginia burger as my entree and loved the sandwich. However, the fries left a lot to be desired. If I go back, I will see if I can substitute something else for the fries. If you find yourself in that part of Old Town, definitely check out Southside 815.
(4)Dave H.
Definitely a good suggestion that others have made to get the bread basket -- that was the best of the dishes. Only one option for vegetarians and resembled piles of slop. The other two dishes were better, but nothing great. Took forever to get the check.
(2)Sandie D.
Located in awesome Alexandria, Va. this place offers a great happy hour. My sister's and significant others meet here for happy hour on a Thursday. The only down side was the service. The bartender was not exactly people friendly. I arrived before the group and sat at a table for 15 minutes before I went to the bar and ordered a drink. Their happy hour is from 4 to 7 and they offer discounted beer and some great food choices. They offer 1/2 price burgers, small app plates, and other specials. The burgers are off the chart. I ordered some cheese grits off their regular menu and they were to die for. The bar has a great set up. There are several tables that are accessible for groups. My only disappointment was the lack of table service. We had to go to the bar to order all drinks and food. If you are a smoker, they still allow this in Alexandria. If the company is good you can over look the poor bar service.
(3)Kelley S.
I REALLY wanted to like this. An evening out with hubby sans kids, good southern food - alas, it was not to be had. The food tasted like someone who is a good cook was given pre-prepared ingredients and told to follow a recipe - it was not fresh, home made food and if it was they need to seriously rework the kitchen staff. Here's a rundown of our food: Bread basket to start - sweet potato biscuits, cornbread, a peach chutney that was spicy and yummy but from a jar, apple butter Caesar salad - the highlight of the meal! Pecan chicken with greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, grits Shrimp in creamy gravy over cheddar grits It all tasted like it was from frozen, if that makes sense. The salad was dressed with a unique dressing that was the best part of the meal for me. In addition, the food came out really quick - that always makes me go "Hmmmm.........." The bread tasted like it was baked in house but was reheated from lunch. All said, I don't think we will go back unless we are right there with no other options. The pizza place next door looked fabulous........
(2)Ken C.
Great place for bunch on the weekend with friends drinking irish coffee : )
(3)Jessica B.
I met some friends for a few beers and I enjoyed it. I guess it can be a bit crowded, but I love the feel of a pub! Its a fun place to go.
(4)David H.
I don't know who is in the kitchen at Southside, but whomever it is definitely knows southern cooking. This is the most southern food I've had in the DC area. Albeit, there are some places on U street that I haven't been to yet... This is a local hang-out for Alexandrians in Old Town. If you eat in the restaurant, order the bread basket because it's marvelous. Throw a dart at the menu and you'll more than likely come up having a great dinner. They are doing construction for, you guessed it, condos behind the strip mall that Southside is in so can do valet parking or park in the neighborhood. But for goodness sake, don't park in my parking spot...that sucks for me.
(4)Jeff Q.
Sweet tea, gravy, biscuits, sweet potato rolls.... good service, live music on the bar side. I'll definitely be returning.
(4)Russell Y.
I was looking for a place that served good southern food, and chose Southside 815 based on reviews I read elsewhere on the 'net. My mom had blackened fish, I had a biscuit/shortcake concoction with chicken and oysters, and my sister had meatloaf. The fish and my dish were okay bordering on mediocre, but my sister said her meatloaf was the worst restaurant food she had had in recent memory. I doubted her... until I tasted it. Oh my, it was Baaaaad. Dog food tastes better than that meatloaf (I cook for my dog, so I know it does!)
(1)Tracy S.
They have by-far the best happy hour ever!!! Their 35 cent wings were amazing. They also have a half-price burger deal. My only concern was that the juke-box was not loud enough when I paid money for the straight 'hits' to drop. This place hooks it up with $2.75 pints and happy hour food. Plus their wait-staff is prompt and their bartenders are on the ball.
(5)Courtney R.
Huge portions, you'll leave happy and satisfied if you know what to order. My favorites here are the fried green tomatoes and the 815 biscuits. I've never had anything like them--sweet potato biscuits smothered in a seafood type gravy. Savory, yet a bit sweet and a bit salty and the perfect portion size. Have tried the oyster po'boy--had better elsewhere and they're just to messy for me in general. I would recommend going during the week for lunch or for Sunday brunch--otherwise the crowd could turn you off. I usually eat in the bar and the service is on point.
(3)Chris F.
Menu is somewhat limited, and I became ill the last two times I ate there.....which is why I refuse to go back.
(1)Mandy L.
The only reason I am giving them four stars is because of the smoke. We did sit in the restaurant, but we were still close the bar (where the smoke was). The food was absolutely delicious. The special tonight was stuffed fried chicken. The portion was enormous and sooo yummy! My hubby got the gumbo and loved it. Both of my boys had grilled cheese and they cleaned their plates! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(4)Sarah P.
A soulless bar, whose happy hour (which goes the latest of any in Alexandria, to 7:30) is packed with the types of people you rush out of work to get away from. The bartenders are rude and slovenly; the ONLY reason why I ever go in is proximity and cheapness of the happy hour menu (not delicious, just super cheap, 1.50 nachos, etc.). Very difficult to get a barstool, and if you get one, expect dirty looks for the rest of the night from those that don't.
(2)Samantha R.
One word: AMAZING! My husband wanted to take me and our 4 month old daughter out to dinner. We wanted something yummy in the Old Town area so I came across the Southside menu online. Everything looked great, so we gave it a shot. The wait was about 30 minutes, but that was to be expected on a Friday night for a small restaurant. Our waitress was such a doll. Since it was our first time, I encourged her for suggestions. We started with fried pickles and an assortment bread basket. My husband got shrimp and sausage over cheesy grits and I got th country fried steak with collard greens and red skin mashed potatoes. We were in heaven. Let's me say, skimping on out on food they do NOT. We had to take the rest to go. We were very pleased with everything. We will surely be going back. The only reason I gave Southside 4 stars instead of 5 was because when I went to change my daughter in the restroom, the changing table was a litle oudated and looked to of had BBQ sauce on it from pevious kids. Other than that....very pleased.
(4)LC G.
Had a great brunch today. Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Had the jambalaya cheese steak sandwich, my BF had the sausage eggs benedict, and we shared the bread basket. Food was tasty, service was good, prices are very reasonable. Love this place for happy hour food and drinks too. Great local hangout.
(4)Mark D.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is bizarre, it feels like it used to be a cheesy seafood joint (as in with pirates and peg legs). But the food is southern-style comfort food. Everything was tasty, the mac and cheese was good, the steaks were covered with this cheese dressing which sounds blasphemous but was tasty, and my tuna steak was okay (though not rare enough). Service was good.
(4)Kimberly L.
My advice, unless you have a bottomless stomach, is to stick either with appetizers or main dishes. DEFINITELY order the boardinghouse breadbasket (biscuits, sweet potato biscuits and cornbread with apple butter and pepper jelly). That and the fried pickles with remoulade and some iced tea were more than enough for me and my friend. I barely had room to taste my pulled chicken BBQ sandwich (though it was delicious). The restaurant, especially the bar side is really smoky, but the time Virginia outlaws smoking indoors will be the time hell freezes over.
(4)Batman '.
I love this place. When Mrs Batman and I go downtown we make it point to hit Old Town as well for Southside 815. THE 815 BISCUITS ARE TO DIE FOR. There many selections of comfort food to choose from. I have never had a bad experience here. The service is great (ask for Melissa). Mrs Batman and I usually go here late afternoon and are quickly seated. We get several different items off the menu and share them. I always get an order of pickles to take home. Valet parking is available so parking the Batmobile is never an issue. Thinking about all of food is making me hungry. Time to go to Southside 815. Don't try to touch the car.
(5)Bill V.
The southern/Cajun food is great but the bar is the place to be. Consistently packed with a lively crowd. The Happy Hour is the best I have found in Alexandria. The little pulled-pork sandwiches are a steal at $1.50.
(4)Spicy G.
We ate there around March-April. I'd give this a 2.5 stars rating, mainly for the fried green tomatoes. They were awesome and we enjoyed the remoulade sauce that comes with them. There were 3 reasons we came here to eat: 1) We went to a premier movie screening in the area 2) They're a Steeler's hang out. 3) Reviews from Yelper's. Sorry guys-not impressed with the rest of the food. There were 3 adults and 4 older children. The kids didn't even finish their food which is simple kids food: chicken fingers, FF, mac and cheese, hamburgers. 2 of the 3 oldsters didn't finish our food either. I got the Po'Boy combo of oysters and crawfish. They were over fried and not juicy and succulent which is what I was hoping for. Too much batter, not enough juice. Not impressed with the bread as there was too much of it, and it wasn't fresh. My daughter, who was one of the 3 oldsters ordered their crab and artichoke dip as her main. We all tried it, and it was pretty decent. The table we were at was a long farm table, but it was too close to the other tables next to us. You couldn't get out to save your life. The kids would take off to the bathroom and would climb over the chairs. The 2 other tables on either side of us were as miserable as we were. You would stand there and wonder,"How do I get out of this mess?" The noise level was unreasonably loud. Service: Was so-so. Not impressed. Not sure if I'd go out of my way to try this one again. Maybe.
(2)chris s.
Yes, it wreaks of smoke. So, what. What really kinda turned me off was how dingy the dining room was. I went with a group of 6. 3 real southerners there, who were unimpressed. Fried green tomatoes were good but how do you mess that up. I also had the shrimp over noodles. Interesting and tasty but all in all everybodys meals were average. Skip it. I should try the fried chicken before writing this place off but its supposedly their best dish but they only serve it once a week. HUH!?
(2)Jennifer S.
Hmm. I wish I had the same experience as the previous reviewers, but I am not all that impressed with this place. We went here this past Sunday for brunch (and missed it - it ends at 2:30 PM just so you know) because the menu sounded amazing and my BF could get his favorite dish anywhere: Chicken (or Country) Fried Steak. I did a search on Yelp and this came up so here we are. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it is a couple stars up from a TGI Fridays. It's the same kind of food (with a Southern slant). I had a Jambalaya Sandwich - chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage with peppers and Jack cheese on a great, crispy bun with good seasoning. He had the CFS - and while he ate all of it, claimed that the same dish at The Silver Diner is much better. 'Not enough marbling - a cheaper cut of meat.' I know nothing of this because I don't eat meat (picked out the sausage from my sandwich). I will say that his mashed potatoes were delish - with about a pound of butter infused. My coleslaw was also good because unlike too many places, it wasn't swimming in a watery mayo sauce. Some other points: service was slow, decor was cute but not sure how applicable (a whole underwater theme) and the best feature: free valet. Would I go back? No, but I cannot complain about it either.
(3)Laurie B.
I ate there on New Year's Eve last night. I had lobster, shrimp, and scallop risotto off of their special menu for the night. It was really good. It don't like mushrooms so they prepared it without it for me. The waitress knew the menu very well and steered us away from items on the menu that weren't so good.
(4)Ed V.
Low Country Shrimp & Sausage is great. Lots of good beers on tap, lots of sports on the TVs. Friendly management & staff.
(5)RonAnderson ..
Excellent Southern (Louisiana) home-style cooking, with reasonable prices for the HUGE portions they serve. You'd better come hungry or it's not worth it. My friend and I couldn't decide what to order--we could have picked at least 3 different main dishes each. If you have a craving for some good ol' fashioned fried green tomatoes, pot roast, meat loaf, blackened catfish, or country fried steak, come on down! I had a really good dinner special--the Tilapia stuffed with crabmeat. Key lime pie for dessert topped off a wonderful meal for both of us. The bar area, where you enter through, is really cool and jammed-packed with people--plus lots of flat-screen TV sets on the walls tuned to sporting events and great draft beer selection. Located on the same strip of restaurants as Faccia Luna just south of Old Town Alexandria.
(4)P J.
My girlfriend and I love this restaurant. We have never had a bad meal here. Biscuits and gravy, awesome. Chicken fried steak, awesome. Pimento cheese fritters, awesome. Jambalaya cheesesteak, awesome. You can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Also, I love their sweet tea. DEEEELICIOUS
(5)Carrie G.
This is a joke of a sports bar! We were watching a football game, got there at 12:15, to make sure we could see the one tv on which they had our game. We were even there last week. Well, just in to the second half, they decide to switch the game to soccer. Yup, middle of the game. We complained. They said there is a bigger group here to watch soccer, so basically, you lose. And they changed the channel. We will NEVER go he again, serious lack of respect.
(1)Ashley W.
Yummy food and def worth the $. Fried pickles are the best! Crab club sandwhich is good. Chix ceasar salad with corn bread is awesome. Not crazy about the chix bbq. I saw a review on here about chix and waffles....must try this!!
(4)Joseph E.
This is a good neighborhood bar. It is far enough south in Old Town that most tourists don't make it all the way down here. Bartenders (except for one) have always been very friendly, helpful, and work hard to learn your name. I have had their burger, grilled chicken sandwich and wings. All were pretty good, but nothing amazing. It is a bar though, so I don't expect a gourmet meal. If you make it for happy hour the wings are only $0.45 each - can't beat that!
(3)Caitlin P.
I was so disappointed with my experience here. The only reason I'm awarding a second star is the outdoor seating. Southside has more outdoor tables than another place in Old Town that I've seen so availability was not an issue. However the rest of my experience was mediocre at best. The white peach sangria, which was on special, tasted like they had just poured the sangria out of my glass and refilled it with water. And we agreed that we didn't make the best ordering choices, but the menu claimed the po'boys were the best north of New Orleans so we ordered them. Lame. Dry, stale bread, watery slaw, and barely seasoned shrimp and oysters. Also got the bread basket to start. It was fine. I'd return only to sit outside and enjoy a well-priced beer (for this area).
(2)Elizabeth H.
Southside has become my favorite happy hour location in the Old Town area. I can't say I have actually had a full meal in the dining room, but the happy hour specials are just fantastic! Last night the roomie & I ordered a dozen wings, an order of pulled pork sliders, a plate of nachos plus two rum & cokes and two Miller Lights and the bill was only $20! Also, fyi, the fried green tomatoes are delicious. And you have the option to add a fried green tomato to your burger which is extra delicious! Anddd the burgers happen to be half price during happy hour! Alot of wonderful things going on Southside! The service is always friendly & efficient, and the bar is nice & cozy. I highly reccomend Southside for after work drinks & snacks!
(4)Jennifer B.
Great Brunch! I went her recently with a friend and we both very much enjoyed our dining experience. I'm a local and have been here a couple times and I really like the food. I've read some complaints about service, I've had hit or miss service. Nothing awful, but you know, just meh. Our service on Sunday was good. She was attentive and offered advice on different dishes. I was hungover and avoided alcohol, but my friend got the Pickled Bloody Mary (or 3) and loved it. It came with a full dill pickle spear and a enormous boiled shrimp as a garnish. Love an edible garnish! We had two appetizers, my favorite Fried Pickles, and Oyster Rockefeller. The Oysters were good. My friend enjoyed them more than I did, I think it is just different tastes though and not a reflection on the dish. I love the fried pickles. They are sweet! Which adds a wonderful element. For brunch I had the Southern Benedict. The eggs were perfectly poached and wonderful, the pulled-pork was delicious and generously portioned, and the sweet potato biscuits were AWESOME. The home fries were the right consistency and properly seasoned. My friend had the 815 Biscuits, which are on the appetizer menu, as her main dish. She loved it. Not trying it, I can't comment, but she swears it was delicious, so take that as you will. All and all we really enjoyed our brunch. The restaurant wasn't too loud or crowded yet, and our server was friendly and attentive, and of course the food was fantastic. I'm definitely going back.
(4)Kenneth F.
Service great. Hot wings excellent!
(4)Jonathan V.
So I have been coming here for the past few months during happy hour. This is a great spot in Old Town to sit down for a few beers after work. It does help that I live a block away, but still. They have a nice selection of of draft beers and micro brews. The happy hour specials are reasonably priced. Two things that I have tried there that were great were the fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Definitely appetizer food, but they were both executed very well. That being said I have been to dinner here a few times and no complaints, but I love coming for a few happy hour beers.
(4)Leslie J.
Hands down they have the BEST shoestring fries I've ever had! Perfect and crinkly. Great southern food if you're in the mood for a po' boy or some gumbo. The bar gets super crowded and smoky so not a fan of that, but great food!
(4)Yan W.
2.5 stars - I came here on the advice of a coworker. In summary, it's a place that I did not regret trying, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back to. First off, their "lemonade" is just Snapple. Why serve Snapple Lemonade when you have a full bar? Confusing! Second, their food is okay, but not something you would write home to momma about. I had the oysters served two ways. One of the ways they served it was extremely salty. Too salty to even finish! I'm a big fan of chefs tasting their food before it's sent out, so this one might have just slipped through under the radar. Their mac and cheese was pretty good. The only drawback was that it was too oily. Every spoonful of good mac and cheese came with a puddle of oil... I did like their ample parking in the garage in the back and their prime location in Alexandria is pretty cool. I was there around Christmas time and there were Carolers out in full 1860s gear!
(3)Brian J.
Great hole in the wall kind of place. GET THE BISCUITS!!! I go there just for those.
(5)Michael W.
Excellent. Staff fantastic. Every single food item on the menu is superb. They specialize in southern cuisine but they have about anything you could want. Easy parking in the garage to the rear of the restaurant. The happy hour food specials can't be beat (half price burgers, $1.00 - $1.50 pulled pork/chicken nachos, and mini po boys). A very fine selection of draft beers to compliment the happy hour food prices. The Mac N Cheese is the best you ever had- we are not talking Kraft here. If you haven't been to SS 815 you must go. You will assuredly come back again and again.
(5)Vincent S.
It's a bar where everyone knows MY name, and there always glad I came. Order any thing with pulled pork or the chesapeake club with a few pints and you will be set.
(4)Warren A.
3.5 Stars -- I will definitely try them again and hopefully bump up the rating. Dining room is adjacent to their bar and it is ok to wear casual clothes. The food was pretty darned tasty but the sides were just a little so-so. The crab and cornbread fritter appetizer didn't appeal to me at all though my wife liked them - could just be me but I think there are other options on the menu that would be more appealing. The blackened Bleu Ribeye was worth trying - no complaints at all. My wife had the pork chops and they were just a tiny bit on the dry side - not by much, mind you, just not quite perfect. I'll be happy to give them another shot too. I will return to the Southside 815 and recommend you try them - especially if you live w/in walking distance - it's nice to have them right in the neighborhood. --------- Update ------------ ive been back afew more times and i think it is definitely a solid 3.5 stars. the food is generally really good and imwill continue to visit.
(4)Charles M.
Rodents! I don't care how tasty the food is - this place is infested with mice. The last time we ate there, we watched several mice scurry under tables. Won't be going back. Don't take my word for it. Read this: city-data.com/va-restaur… Multiple critical violations on almost every health inspection- going back for years. Roaches, mice droppings, improper food handling, hand washing, etc. Bon appetit!
(1)Nina B.
Traditional southern food Southside 815 They've perfected the seasons grits gravy Fried Food Watch as my heart is clogged choked with a river of butter but my mouth tastes a piece of heaven as each bite of pulled pork slowly melts in my mouth fresh oysters delivered on Wednesdays happy hour specials for the poor and unemployed or underemployed One problem be told It's a Steelers Bar
(4)Marie P.
"MMMMMM!" "YUM!" "Try this!" My friends and I commented throughout our dinner at Southside. I'm a Vol (high five to any of you that get that) and after my time in Tennessee have had some really good southern food. Southside made the list. We started with the Boardinghouse bread basket--a requirement, you must get it, it's a warm, soft, cuddly way to begin your meal. I had the pecan crusted chicken with mashed potatoes. Those quotes above describe my meal. The portion was huge and though I love southern food, I don't like overeating, it was enough for three meals for me. My friends ordered The brownie which I would have loved to try but was too full. Other than the food, I enjoyed the family and neighborhood casual vibe. The service was slow but kind. Leave enough time in your plans to account for that and you'll enjoy this place.
(4)James N.
At Southside... I have never had a bad meal... I have had their cheese grits, their succotash, the tuna steak, the ribeye. I thought I had eaten everything until last Friday night- I had the pot roast. Yes does not sound sexy but it was amazing... There is a glaze on it and it was very tender. I would definitely recommend getting it next time at Southside for dinner. Southside also has great happy hour specials with burgers half-off. Make sure you try their fried green tomatoes... One of the house specials...
(5)Kori B.
You can not leave here hungry. There's no friggin way. I had some friends from out of town staying in Old Town, so I made that journey across the river to greet them instead of making them try to find their way around D.C. on their first night in. Knowing one of my friends can be a little hesitant to eat new foods, I needed something American but awesome and that's where Southside came in. Though a little ways off the "Old Town" map, it's definitely worth the extra mile. I could eat anything on the southern-themed menu here and be 100 percent satisfied. But of course, I do have my favorites and they all happen to be sides. *The 815 Biscuits. Believe me when I say you've had nothing like this. They're like biscuits and gravy on speed. Crab, ham, gravy and SWEET POTATO biscuits. It comes out looking like soup and my boy ate it as such, scooping every last bit up with his spoon. *Big Noodle Mac "N" Cheese. This could definitely be a meal onto itself. Four cheese (Parm, cheddar, monterey jack, and smoked gouda) all gooey and melty over shells. I love shells! *Fries. The fries here are batter fries, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and plenty of flavor. *Fried Green Tomatoes. The perfect amount of batter is added to these babies before their flash fried, sealing in all the juices. You know a good fried green tomato with it's not a soggy mess. Every entree I've had here is great too from the ribs to the Jambalaya Pasta.
(5)Scott H.
This review is for the bar and happy hour only. We did not go into the restuarant. My wife and I meet our friends there last night after work, and had a great time. The HH prices are very good, and the food prices are great. You can get 3 pork sandwiches for only $1.00! The drink prices were also very good as well. I can see us going back here often.
(4)Zach R.
If it was in a better location it would get better reviews. Unfortunately, most of the tourists hang out on King and this place is about 8 or so blocks from the strip. We watched the first games of the college football season here - plenty of TVs so each pocket of fans could watch the game of their choice. We sat at a high-top in the bar area. Had to order our drinks and food with the bartender (physically located behind the bar) by getting out of our seats. Not that big of a deal, but slightly inconvenient. Food was above average bar food. We ordered fried pickles (not New Orleans quality, but still good), a seafood po'boy, and pulled pork nachos. All were really good. Beer, good bar food, football, fun environment. What's not to like?
(4)Sandra F.
I visit Southside on an almost weekly basis. They serve excellent (southern) comfort food at a reasonable price, with the following items on a must-try list: - Macaroni & Cheese - Dixie Chicken Sandwich - Boilermaker Ribs (special item, not always on the menu) - Savannah Steak Salad The casual atmosphere is fantastic for groups, couples, and families at any time of day. Patrick is my favorite waiter, but the entire staff is attentive and easygoing. Definitely worth checking out.
(4)Clarence J.
I'd give this a 3.5 if I could. This is a great 'little' place (actually a good size, but it feels little in a good way) where you can get a good, solid meal without spending too much. As so many others said, if you're not hungry, order as little as possible because the portions - not to mention the southern-style cooking - will fill you up. The appetizers, sides, and desserts are outstanding. I was underwhelmed with my meatloaf and wouldn't get it again or recommend it to others, but on the quality of the appetizers, sides, and desserts, I will definitely be back to try something else. Overall, I did think there could be more seasoning in the food, but I added pepper to my heart's content and, except for the meatloaf, that took care of any flavor gaps I thought I noticed. The menu is huge and filled with mouthwatering-looking items. The drink list is decently extensive also, and the after-dinner drinks / dessert menu is filled with unique creations. As many people have noted, the bar is a rare smoke-filled one in this area, but if this bothers you you will be in the clear once you enter the restaurant side.
(3)Debbie F.
Very good spot for lunch. Great salads and Southern specialities.
(4)Komal M.
This review is specifically for the nachos--LOVE 'EM! Nothing beats honey-jalapeno marinated chicken!
(5)Donna B.
Great food! Great service! I have been here on a couple of occasions and the food is consistently on point. Both times we split the southside nachos with jalapeno honey pulled chicken, crab and corn drop fritters and each had a salad: creole Cesar and southside seafood. Not one bad word can be said about any of the above; not to mention the fact that we ordered the exact same thing twice within three months. The nachos have the perfect amount of sweetness followed up by a subtle heat from the peppers. The peach pepper jelly that comes with the crab and corn fritters could be eaten alone with a spoon it is so good! It also compliments the cornbread that accompanies the salads. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will go there again next time I am in the area.
(4)Bryan P.
Outstanding southern food at great prices. Add their excellent service and you have one great restaurant. Things to try: Burgers and freedom fries (among the best anywhere). Crab dip. Hot wings. Charleston Chicken. Pecan Chicken breasts. Southern Benedict. It's a nice casual atmosphere that works for getting some suds and munchies with your buddies or taking your family out for a meal. I've been going there for years and Southside has yet to disappoint!
(5)Andrew L.
I live across the street, so I make it over here a lot for Saints and Duke games. It has good, unpretentious New Orleans food (think poboys), and really great food specials. Drinks are a bit pricey, even cheap beer, but I like it none the less. Good brunch and outdoor seating too.
(4)Vivian L.
This place was great! Aside from the fact that it smelled kinda like smoke (I'm a spoiled CA girl), the food and service at this place was outstanding!!!! Our server was so attentive, I loved it! As for the food, yum, good value, and huge portions!!!! We started with the blue crab and corn fritters with this great peach pepper jelly sauce, yum! We also had the fried green tomatoes that tasted good with that jelly sauce, too. On Mondays and Weds, they have some seafood specials. We ordered a dozen clams in wine sauce thing for like $7. Wow were these clam shells huge compared to what we get in SF usually. And the clams were amazing. I haven't had clams like that in like forever. The clams were sand free, very big, not a lot of guts which is great, and great chew to them. Tasted great when sprinkled with lemon and dipped into butter sauce. The house greens salad with their house bbq ranch dressing was also very good. I had the charleston chicken for my entree which was very big and yummy. I couldn't stop eating it even though I was getting really full. One person got the portobello mushroom po boy sandwich which was very large, looked great, and had yummy fries. My other friend had the full rack of baby back ribs and declared them the BEST ribs he's ever eaten, and he's eaten a lot of ribs in his time. My other friend had the low country shortcake which was chicken and oysters and some other stuff. Interesting, she liked it though. So that we would totally explode, we shared the upside down pineapple cake with ice cream which was good and also the peach pound cake with ice cream which I thought was even better since I've actually never had or heard of peach pound cake before. Lots of leftovers afterwards but even with drinks and tip, it came out to about $130 ish for 4 people, not bad. I'd totally go back. Great service!
(5)Meredith H.
Unfortunately, it's really gone downhill in the past couple of years. I'm really not down with paying higher prices for mediocre food, and that's what you get here. I've gotten the Balsamic Vegetable Sub three times, and the last two times it was soggy, drowning in cheese, and tasted only of Balsamic Vinegar and nothing else. French fries are standard - I have a sneaking suspicion that they come from a bag, which really disappoints me. The mussles I've only ordered ONCE, and that was because they tasted funny and old. Steaks are mediocre, and they are usually overdone, even if you've ordered it rare or medium rare. The Bourbon Steak, which seems to be a "patron favorite" is essentially a steak covered in cheese, doused with a bland bourbon-esque sauce. Having said that, I have had their sides, which in my opinion are infinitely better than the entrees. Succotash is GOOD! Never thought those words would come out of my mouth. Sweet potato rolls are tasty, and are fought over at the table. Grits are ok - not as smooth as I've had, but good. I've heard that the Macaroni and Cheese is worth getting, but I've never tried it. Nothing really wows me, and the prices mislead you into thinking that the food might. Now, I'm a Northern girl at heart, but I feel like something's off when my best friend (born Georgia and raised in South Carolina) declares the food to be "imitation Southern". The atmosphere is neat, and there are plenty of cool things to look at on the walls and the ceilings as you're trying to justify your bill to your meal. Parking's rough, so park across the street or around the corner. Overall, I'd be interested in seeing what (if any) improvements are made, because I would really love to add this to my restaurant list again...
(2)Daryl W.
Great food, Outstanding Service (server?)! I went to Southside 815 on the recommendation of a friend. As a Soldier in the US Army stationed in the DC area on a Private's salary, I'm a bit frugal when it comes to eating out, but this place was WELL worth the money. My server was quick to seat me and very attentive...her name was Jen as I recall, and it was pretty clear from the beginning that she was happy to be there and loves what she does. After my drink order (the bartender's take on a Long Island Iced tea), she brought out a quick appetizer of several breads and jellies the restaurant makes in-house. All were delicious. When I asked for menu recommendations, Jen knew the menu inside and out, which for me, is a major plus, as I'm sick for restaurants where I have no clue what to order, and the server just gives me the shallow "Well it's all good," answer. She asked me a few questions about my tastes and preferences, and advised me to get the Drunken Pot Roast and Macaroni and Cheese. I don't remember what sides the Pot Roast normally comes with, but I do remember wanting something else instead, and substitutions were no problem...ALSO a major plus. Now the moment of truth...the cocktail was great, the food was awesome! The flavor on the Pot Roast was divine, and the Macaroni had several kinds of cheese to scoop up in one bite. The portions on the Man n Cheese and the Pot Roast were large (even for a Soldier's appetite,) so I had some to take home. While I was eating, Jen seemed to have this intuitive cue to know when to stop and see if I needed anything, and when to leave me alone and let me eat, as she was bustling between tables...also, a nice change from restaurants with servers who are inattentive, or annoyingly hovering. As I came to the end of my meal, Jen asked me if there was anything else to do to make my experience there perfect, to which there was none. I asked my server if my perception was true...if she really did love what she does. "Yeah! I've served at several different chain restaurants, and I love the customers, I love the atmosphere, and I really love the food here, so I don't have to cross my fingers and hope something doesn't get sent back...'cause if it's from THIS restaurant, I KNOW they'll like it." Bottom line...while I can't speak for all the food there, as I haven't had it, I do HIGHLY recommend the Mac N Cheese and the Drunken Pot Roast. Don't know if the other servers are like Jen...they appeared to be, but I know you'll have a good experience if you're in her section.
(5)Debra B.
Dinner here last week - I loved the amazing Mac 'n cheese, pasta jambalaya & Sangria. Reasonable prices & 2-meal servings. Casual setting, dining room was a bit loud, but not deafening.
(4)Bryan V.
Really good. The fried green tomatoes were great appetizer.
(4)Angela S.
Best Happy Hour spot in Old Town!! All of the super, rich poseurs stay on King street and allow the good timers to have some fun at this haunt. The food is SUPER cheap and if you are good the bartenders, they are good to you! I always leave here walking sideways and loving it! Try the nachos! They are amaze. PS - HH is only inside in the bar area. Sad, I know.
(5)Bryant W.
My hockey team goes here after every one of our games at the Mount Vernon Ice rink. Greg & Co. treat us very well and they make sure to get to know us each by name. They keep the beers coming at an incredible rate and make sure we can get that final order in before last call (and they usually give us a little league discount). The late night menu is quite tasty as well. The buffalo wings are top-notch (ask for them extra spicy), and the pulled pork nachos are unmatchable. The burger is pretty average, but it gets the job done. With a kitchen open until 1am and sports on tvs in every direction, you get the full experience of a divey, neighborhood sports bar.
(4)Cathy D.
Awesome good southern food with Low country flare. Fresh, hot and good soup is always changing and home made like the rest!
(4)Matt D.
Time for an update. I average about 2 visits to Southside a week. I've been there at 12 in the afternoon, 6 at night, and one time I was there during a snowstorm at 11pm and aside from a couple, I was the only one in the bar. I've never seen rodents, a bug or even a stray hair in my food. I'm the first person to blast out of a restaurant at a hint of nastiness. I've never witnessed anything gross here. So I'm not sure what the other reviews are talking about. Now that that's out of the way...Southside is one of the coolest bars in Alexandria. The food is better than average, the beer is good but what makes this place great are the bartenders. Greg, Colin, Lee, Stacy, and Tara are all awesome. The crowd is pretty much local which adds to the appeal of Southside. In terms of food, the Old Town Burger is pretty much a no brainer. The wings are good too. My favorites are the ribs or the Fried Chicken Pasta. Oh the Po'Boys are good too. if you get there and the Fried Chicken or Boilermaker Ribs are on the specials, then definitely order one of them.
(5)Whitney H.
I was born and bred in the South, and I can honestly say this is the best Southern fare I've found this far north! I was so excited about the buttermilk biscuits, sweet potato biscuits, and cornbread, I just knew I'd be disappointed... but I wasn't! I was pleasantly surprised with how wonderful and amazing everything was! I got the pulled chicken salad, and my friend got the chicken-fried steak, both of which were major wins. =) Wish we'd had room for dessert... I'll be back!
(5)Glenn P.
Southside is a great neighborhood bar and restaurant with a casual atmosphere. Their menu leans towards southern comfort food, so as a "damn yankee" I can't vouch for it's authenticity but it's mighty tasty to me. Favs include the jambalaya, gumbo and pecan chicken. The Virginia Burger (now that's a tasty burger) and Jambalaya Cheesesteak (ginormous and yummy) are great and their fries are my favorite fries. The bar half has good beers on tap and plenty of TVs to watch sports (for football, get there early to get a seat and beware that it can get overrun by Steelers fans). The bartenders are great and friendly. And probably the best traditional wings in Old Town. Southside is an old standby that I love.
(4)Naima K.
Not bad...not bad at all. The breadbasket was decent ($3 or 1.50 with entree)...cornbread being the standout. Apple butter and jalapeno jam was a nice compliment. The biscuits were a little too authentic homemade-y though...I felt like I could improve on the recipe/cooking technique...and I don't even know how to make biscuits. Split the fried chicken (only available Mon and Thurs). Could have passed on that. Fried very dark; though the meat was fairly tender; it did not taste good enough to expend energy seeking chicken from the bones - my friend shocked me by being ok with sending the plate away very much unscavenged...but we had eaten a lot of bread. The mashed potatoes were palatable but was not feeling the gravy...it was meaty but undairied (i.e. no butter), which triggered the imagination in uncomfortable ways. Also shared the shrimp po-boy. It was pretty good...stuffed with small shrimp, slightly smaller than I'm used to, but for 1/2 off po' boy Monday, I had no complaints...except for the fries on the side...plentiful but I didn't feel guilty paying $5 for a meal with that being the side. Service was friendly and understanding/helpful, even though some seemed like teenagers (very infrequently encounter them). Very casual and old school country in the dining area...reminiscent of Cracker Barrel. Refreshing to know there is a place in Old Town (though fairly far south) with large portions and great specials, though I was slightly turned off by the preponderance of pork on the menu and being consumed by those around me, I understand why it's a popular neighborhood hangout. Did not feel well shortly after leaving, which is to say, they must put MSG in something, perhaps the breading for the shrimp, or frozen shrimp preservatives (I've felt similarly when I've had shrimp at cheap seafood restaurants). But I would return...not for fried chicken....should probably stay away from the po' boys too.
(3)Todd W.
Simply chose to spend a night in Alexandria because hotels were in a lower reward category than those across the river in DC. Decided to get food and drink close to the hotel and am very happy with my choice of going to Southside 815. PLENTY of street parking, unlike other places further north on King Street, and the bartenders really went out of their way to make me feel welcome. There was a very good selection of beer, wine and spirits and the menu was much better than similar local places and had a Soul Food/Southern theme with the taste to back it up. On future visits to the area, I would not hesitate to visit Southside 815 again and bring friends to check it out. Cannot stress enough how cordial and hospitable the bartenders were the entire evening...both to regulars and new customers like myself.
(4)Lauren S.
Overall: fun place to watch a football game on Sunday afternoons. Food: There was a half-priced burger special the Sunday we were there, pretty hard to pass up! They were juicy, flavorful and bonus points for having blue cheese crumbles as an add-on. Drink: The beer offerings are pretty typical, as are the alcohol/wine options. Service/Atmosphere: It's the type of place where there's stuff hanging all over the walls, but this one seems less dirty (no dust hanging off the memorabilia, thank goodness!) We were sitting at the bar area and ordered from the bartender who was nice and good at managing a big crowd. Food came out promptly. I'll be back!
(4)Brian V.
The first impression: It's bad business to leave customers standing at the door while employees or chatting away. It's one thing when you are busy, but it's another when you see them standing there and ignore them. The service: It's only friendly service if you're a regular. For new comers, you have to fight to get attention. The servers could of told me what each dish were as he was setting it down. That's not asking too much, because they forgot one of my orders. Aside from this, Rachel, the bartender, was not only super nice she was also really quick. You have to order from the bar.* When I asked about making the correction on my order, the server told me to go to the bar for the mistake they made. When paying for the tab, they knew exactly where I was sitting and what I supposedly got. That is a plus in my book. The Food: Almost horrible. I ordered nachos, oysters (never got), pulled pork, and hot wings. Everything was over cooked. The only thing that had juice was the pulled pork. Even the buns were over toasted. Drinks were flat. Verdict: This is what I call drunk people food at a fair price. I felt unwelcomed. Would I come back here? Not a chance. Applebee's has better service and food. Two good things came out of this trip. 1. The awesome and friendly Rachel the bartender. 2. The price for happy hour.
(2)Marshall N.
Myself and my friends have been coming to this friendly neighborhood bar almost weekly for about 20 years. We really like the atmosphere and the friendly bartenders and staff make our weekly visit complete . While we love the burgers here, I am also fond of the oyster Po'boys, the Chesapeake club, the fried chicken, the nachos, and the wonderful chicken wings. They also have a wide variety of beers on tap. There are few places where it is more enjoyable to sit down and watch a Nationals' game.
(5)Alina S.
Went here with a group of 9 during Alexandria Restaurant week. They expanded the 2 entrees and 1 appetizer deal for $35 to the entire menu. My fam got buffalo wings, oysters, clams, onions straws, fried pickles, ny strip steak, prime rib, trout... and I think that's it. I can honestly say that everything was delicious, especially the ny strip steak. They also had a special asparagus and red potato soup, also delicious. The only reason I'm taking off a star was for the service. It was OK, but not out of this world. We will definitely be returning.
(4)Gregg M.
It was a lazy Sunday morning and a perfect time for brunch. Carol W and I arrived at Southside 815, a veritable yin and yang of a place with half of it dedicated to a seeming sports bar and the other a cozy dining room with a Southern feel, at a little past 11 AM. Since we got there early in their brunch service, we beat the post-church crowd and were seated immediately in the virtually empty dining room. Given the "calm" before the typical brunch crowd arrived, we received attentive service throughout our stay as our water glasses were promptly filled and dirty dishes quickly removed. By the time we left, the dining room and the patio dining area were largely filled. Southside 815's brunch menu contained the usual suspects like pancakes, Sausage Biscuits and Gravy, and Eggs Benedict, but also listed Southern-influenced offerings like Red Beans & Rice and Fried Green Tomato Benedict. I started with their Pickle Juice Bloody Mary ($6.95), made with a house made Bloody Mary mix and pickle juice and served with a pickle spear and chilled peel and eat shrimp, while I looked over the menu. While it may not have been very boozy strong, it had a nice spiciness with a very welcomed horseradish presence. It was, thankfully, not overly salty given the use of pickle juice. , I found it to be quite tasty and enjoyable and one of the best I've had in a long while especially considering the price. For my meal, I ordered another Southern-influenced item, the Pulled Pork Benedict ($10.95) made with two poached eggs served over Carolina-style pulled pork and buttermilk biscuits, topped with hollandaise sauce, and accompanied by home fries. I can't offer up a treatise on Southern cuisine or Carolina-style pulled pork, but Southside 815 served up a generous portion of juicy, tender pulled pork over two biscuit halves and topped with perfectly poached eggs. It was accompanied by a healthy portion of crispy, not greasy, nicely done home fries. My only critique (and I'm being nitpicky here) was that the Pulled Pork Benedict was also topped with a perfectly acceptable Hollandaise sauce, which I know is standard in Eggs Benedict. It may have been more interesting (and better suited) had it been sauced with country gravy instead? Nonetheless, my Pulled Pork Benedict was thoroughly enjoyable and I was comfortably full when I pushed back from the table. For brunch, Southside 815 serves up solid food and a surprisingly good value. I see a return visit in my future.
(4)Tracy N.
Delicious! Awesome taste of home up in DC. Could benefit from more outdoor seating but really enjoyed the food. I had a salad and fried pickles and my dining companion loved his shrimp and grits!
(4)Chuq Y.
I've been coming to Southside for a few years now. Guess what? Their fried chicken kicks chicken butt! It's not normally on the menu, but they have it on special sometimes. You probably want to go for lunch because they will sell out of it. They also have a great sweet tea, that tastes just like my maw maw used to make! Actually, she never made sweet tea really, but it's damn good. The other menu items are awesome, and the service has always been great for me. If you're lucky enough to get the fried chicken, then enjoy it. If not, the Jambalaya Pasta or Rainbow Trout, and chicken fried steak will not disappoint! My dream menu here: Starter: Boardinghouse Breadbasket Entree: Fried chicken with a side of greens Drink: Sweet tea That'll fill me up and then I'll probably have enough to take home.
(5)Joe T.
Good hangout bar. Always have sports on the TV and they serve some good wings. Really fun on NFL Sundays.
(4)Ronalyn T.
Forgive me but it's been a long while since I've written a Yelp review. I'll do my best. This restaurant is your average neighborhood restaurant (I literally live across the street) and it gets the job done. Whenever I'm craving a burger, a drink (for cheap), or whatever - I know I can swing by and satisfy my craving. It definitely has a southern feel to it - from the paintings on the walls & ceilings to the menu. Not always my thing - I sometimes find it too heavy for my appetite. I love their crab dip, though. As far as the bar goes - their happy hour is great and it ends at 7:30pm! When I worked in DC, I would still be able to grab 2 drinks + a burger for less than $15 at the end of the night. Holla. Ending on a good note - the bartenders are also very friendly. I never feel awkward or out of place when I come in to have a drink. Like I said, Southside your average neighborhood restaurant - they don't disappoint.
(4)Conelta A.
Really, this place is about one thing, and one thing only, fried green tomatoes. Make sure those bad boys hit your plate and you'll be a fan. Otherwise the menu is simple southern cooking. Not the best you'll have, but certainly not the worst. The po boy bread is delicious as are some of the sides, especially the greens.
(4)Leslie K.
I love this place. The atmosphere and environment in this bar is really chill and laid back and the bartenders are always so friendly. The food is also really delicious and there are a lot of different options. I wish I lived near Southside so I could walk there every day. Highly recommend!
(5)Jen A.
Delicious ribs and chicken fried steak. We also had the fried pickles which I wouldn't order again...too much batter and too little pickle. The 815 biscuits were yummy as well. Overall all 4 in our party were satisfied with reasonable prices too. Matthew was a very nice and attentive waiter. Outdoor seating on a nice night
(4)MelLid G.
SOUTHSIDE!!! *Raises hands with fabricated gang sign* Yes I actually do that... Kind of sad I know, but its fun! *Shrugs* I really like this spot... Not the best food in the world but its always satisfying. My favorite dish is the Jambalaya pasta. Just thinking about it is making me hungry! Its filled with penne pasta, shrimp, chicken, sausage, veggies, and a delicious Cajun sauce. I have yet to finish it in one setting. The last time I dined in I tried out the shrimp po-boy. I was hell bent NOT to get the pasta again! It's kinda hard for me to break habits but I fought my urges! I wasn't expecting the po-boy to be as massive as it was but then again this place doesn't sham you on portion size. My shrimp were a bit overcooked but not enough that I had to send the sandwich back. It comes loaded with shrimp on a huge toasted sub roll. The lettuce, tomatoes, slaw, and sauces are on the side (wasn't expected but no biggie). Once you get your sammich set up to your liking, you literally have to smash it down some to eat it (well at least I did.) You can easily make a mess of yourself if you don't eat with caution. The service has been hit and miss for me. Sometimes its great, sometimes its mehh... I've never had to use my pet raven to search for my waiter/waitress but I've encountered a few slow services. As long as the prices stay fair and portions stay large, I will return! *Jail poses with another fabricated gang sign* P.S. "Ain't Nothing But A Gangster Party" youtube.com/watch?v=3v-V…
(4)Craig A.
It's really just a bar and there's nothing southern about it. All I got out of the place was high prices, noise, and yelling from drunks at the bar.
(1)Kevin S.
Great restaurant. Excellent customer service. Came in during rush hour, seated reasonably quick, after getting on the call ahead list. Only take reservations for 6+. Waiter recommended an excellent local ipa. Table had some tasty nachos, couple of salads and the drunk pot roast . No complaints. Highlight was the waiter putting in a special order of gluten free grilled chicken for my son. If I lived around here, I'd be back. Had obvious regulars throughout, eagerly giving menu tips. Cool restaurant.
(5)AL W.
I have been eating at Southside for years, but I haven't been in about 3. So I take a buddy of mine who lives in the area but has never been Well the Southside did not disappoint. Food was every bit as good as I remember. Service was lackluster. We had the Fried Green Tomatoes and they were tasty as ever. I finally tried the Roast Beef Poor Boy as I usually get one of the seafood ones and it was gooooood. My buddy said that the mac and cheese was the best he ever had.
(4)Beck E.
My bro and I got po' boys to go from here on Sunday, and I regret not staying in town for another day to take advantage of the Monday 1/2-off po' boys special... because damn, $10.95 for a sandwich? The fried oysters were good, as were the cajun fries and spicy mayo that came with the sandwich... But my bro didn't really enjoy the fried shrimp in his fried shrimp & oyster po' boy. I was a bit put off by the "takeout charge" of $0.25 per item... and the fact that you still tip the bartender who takes your order doesn't really make me feel any better either. I *would* give this place 2-stars for rubbing me the wrong way (see above paragraph), but the fried oysters were good when fresh. Not so much later on that day as leftovers.
(3)Sophie U.
Oooooh, boy! I'd been wanting to check this place out and finally got the opportunity when Eden Center suffered a power outage and I wasn't able to get banh mi... Southside 815 is very close to Boyfriend's apartment, which means I don't understand how neither he nor I ever went in for food; yesterday = problem fixed. We were HONGRY. Since he was making me choose between Viet food and chicken wings on our way back from Chantilly, the first item that we ordered was naturally the hot wings appetizer. And then there were the fried pickles, the steak salad (for him), and the shrimp po'boy (for me). And a cup of coffee just 'cause. The HOT Wings They were hot and wingy. The portion was much bigger than I'd anticipated and so I ate about 70% of it. Blue cheese dip de rigueur, with little chunks to my delight, celery, and carrot. What else can I tell you about them... Ah, yes: they were delicious. The Fried Pickles When I was at this pretty cool joint in NYC I wanted to get some fried pickles, but due to some ew-ing and wtf-ing from three (THREE) of my dining companions (aka "rude assholes"), I didn't get them. The last thing I need is people making faces at the table while I'm eating, and so...up until yesterday I had a massive hankering for some fried pickles. The fried pickles at Southside 815 are chips, not spears, which automatically puts them on my "yes" list. Lightly battered, they are also a little on the sweet side; being a lover of all pickles, and having a very sweet tooth, this was not something to complain about. The remoulade that they come with is mustardy and tangy and all kinds of tasty. Be careful, though... they come in huge numbers (never a problem for me)! The Steak Salad I didn't try it, but Boyfriend liked it. Steak is good. Salad is good. Given how awesome everything else was, and knowing that Boyfriend knows what's good, I have no reason to doubt that it was anything less than good. The Shrimp Po' Boy The shrimp... They, too, come in large numbers. Our server brought out three different sauces for my po' boy: cocktail, tartar, and the same remoulade that came with the fried pickles. On the same plate as the sandwich was a leaf of lettuce and a slice of tomato, both of which I wish were either bigger or less alone. There were also fries, which could have used a bit more time in the fryer -- they were good nonetheless. Also: cole slaw and pickled onions -- yum! The sauce that I preferred with the po'boy was the tartar sauce. Along with the tomato, lettuce, cole slaw, and a bit of hot sauce, it was the perfect condiment for the po' boy. I "lost" a few shrimp here and there, but they tasted just as good out of the sandwich. The service was very nice and attentive. I'm hoping it wasn't just because it was mid-afternoon and things weren't very busy, but even if that was the case it's not something that will keep me from returning. Big perk: finding out that there was a 50% deal from Scoutmob. So you haven't been to Southside 815 yet? What are you waiting for?!
(4)Megan J.
For some things, Southside's a great deal. Happy hour pulled pork - a steal! The french fries were fine, sweet potato biscuits divine, and we all had an enjoyable meal.
(4)Kapri J.
What an experience!!!! Went with sitting at a booth instead of the bar and the ambiance was wonderful. The menu is simple yet overwhelming in the sense that I wanted to try it all. I ended up ordering the chicken fried steak, big noodle Mac and cheese, and the boathouse of biscuits. I had the sweet tea to drink which was refreshing. The chicken fried steak was slightly overdone and it wasn't the steak, somehow the batter was overdone. Still very tasty though especially with the gravy and mashed potatoes. The Mac and cheese was so good that I have committed myself to duplicating the recipe. I am a big bread person so they could do no wrong with sweet potato biscuits and cornbread served with apple butter and reg butter. I will back because there a plenty of items I would like to try.
(4)Dana Z.
Not bad... I only came here for a late night drink with some work friends so I wouldn't really know about their food, other than the nachos. After a few drinks we ended up getting the nachos with the pulled pork. I'm not big on nachos (I know... how is that even possible) but these ones were really good. As for the scene of people, it was a mixture of young and old. Pretty nice crowd. It's always a good night when I get compliments on my shoes but that is neither here nor there. :-) There's a lot of places to go in Old Town, and this is rather secluded from the other bars in the area. It's hard to say if I would return here, but I definitely won't scratch it off the list.
(3)Greg M.
Despite only having visited twice, Southside 815 is a clear favorite of mine - or should I say thier meatloaf is. The food and service is outstanding, if only the parking were better! On my initial visit a couple of years ago with friends, I was encouraged to try their meatloaf - a dish I hadn't had much of since I was a kid. I'd never ordered it in a restaurant - seems too pedestrian to order and pay $15 for! Nonetheless, the peer pressure came from a Yelp Elite and I was so glad I did. The wonderful dish will keep me coming back for more. The combination of beef and pork perfectly spiced was wonderful - no ketchup needed or invited. The side of mashed potatoes was an unwelcome distraction - get away from the meatloaf!!! The generous and juicy cut of meatloaf was perfectly done with a nice crust done all the way through. Service was great, certainly loud in there at times but nothing abnormal for the area. It was strange to walk into an obvious old-school bar and have such wonderful food. The two problems are parking, and what to order next time - stick with the tried and true or try one of their other good-looking dishes?
(4)Georgio B.
I wish I could say I loved it there, but I can't. The food was okay, but only okay. I've been there several times and it's always small portions of meh. The service has always been good. YMMV
(3)Thomas L.
A lot of locals are all about the bar, but I'm all about the restaurant. My family dines here weekly, and often multiple times in a week. The staff is welcoming and the food is unpretentious comfort food. I've hesitated to review, because I selfishly don't want a long wait for tables! Now, the menu. I love the drunken pot roast; it's so tender and delicious! The pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone and the best in town, if not Northern Virginia. The BBQ ribeye is another great choice, and I also like the fried chicken pasta. Rotating specials are often spectacular. I can't wait for them to have the short ribs over noodles again, or the chicken breasts stuffed with gouda and corn bread. Yum! My favorite appetizer is the pulled pork nachos! If only they offered liposuction in a back room... Prices are reasonable, and this includes items from the bar and desserts. Favorites are the French Quarter Iced Tea and their homemade sundaes. I am also convinced that Southside 815 is the best deal during Restaurant Week. And I haven't even mentioned brunch...
(5)Ingrid W.
Great fried chicken and sweet potato biscuits. If you order food to go they force you to order from the bar which is so smoke filled you can cut it with a knife. The fried chicken is only served on Thursdays.
(3)Joshua T.
Probably my favorite spot in Alexandria, especially for brunch. There's outdoor seating, restaurant seating, and bar seating -- they've got it covered. The menu has some fantastic southern fare, including Oysters Rockefeller in a mashed potato "soup" that will destroy your myfitness pal record. For 'Benedict fans, they have several regular options during brunch, and a rotating special Benedict which is usually interesting if not delicious. The main thing with Southside is that for service, the food, and the drinks, you always get consistently good quality. The food isn't light, but it is delicious.
(5)Hannah B.
My boyfriend and I came here for date night and absolutely loved it. Our server, Jennifer, was courteous and very helpful. For apps we had the chicken tenders and the nachos, both of which were top notch. I particularly loved the nachos, which could have been a meal on their own. For entrees, he got the Virginia burger and I can't remember the name of mine but it was juicy chicken with jerk seasoning and a yummy peach & pepper sauce. We also split an order of the best mac n' cheese I've ever had outside of my mom's kitchen. If you are a drinker, I recommend the Autumn Sangria. All around great food, quality service and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
(5)Angie T.
Southern food that warms the soul. This is a great little spot on the outskirts of Old Town Alexandria and the great part of it being in Old Town is that they have their own little parking garage so parking isn't a big issue. Don't come here if you're on a diet! What's southern food if it's not sopping with butter and deep fried? And I highly suggest the honey jalepeno pulled chicken.
(4)Chris S.
This is an initial rating and I will certainly have to be trying this place again. I ordered a roast beef po'boy with fries. Here is my rant. This isn't a po' boy. This is a French Dip with au jus. The roast beef is more like deli meat than what I've had with other po'boys before. I'm not saying it wasn't good, just more disappointing to get a french dip when I wanted a po'boy. My wife god the omelette of the day. She enjoyed it but said it was way more food than she could have handled. 3 egg omelette, corn bread, home fries. With the scoutmob 50% off, our bill was around 11$. Great deal. I will try again, and be on the lookout for something besides a po'boy. The atmosphere was great, and the service was fun. The place looked fun, just walked away a little disappointed.
(3)William T.
Amazing raw bar, which is half priced on Wednesday night! Amazing southern comfort food with a modern twist.
(5)Alyson W.
I feel like I'm @ Southside pretty frequently--at least once every couple weeks--and it's become a go-to for after-work dinners and long Sunday brunches. I frequently find myself recommending it for a good brunch spot. Pros: Location, obviously. It's on the south end of Old Town so very convenient for those of us who live just down the parkway and have limited options nearby. But also, the food is really, really good. I am in love with the fried green tomatoes, the sweet potato biscuits, and anything with the pulled pork (nachos, benedict, etc.). The 815 biscuits (crab gravy!) are amazing. Good variety of beers on tap, lively but not overhelming ambiance, patio seating, competent service. Their Wednesday raw bar is slightly over-priced, but still good. I've been for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and have never been disappointed. Cons: It can have a slightly funky college-bar smell occasionally, and it definitely needs a deep clean (especially in the bathrooms!).
(4)Alexandra D.
The day we purchased a new Subi, we knew we wanted to immediately celebrate with some dinner, beer and by watching some March Madness. To avoid the King Street parking situation, we tried Southside for less parking drama and less pedestrians. Considering it was game day we were happy to wait just a couple minutes to find a seat in the bar. The nacho-lovers that we are, we ordered for an appetizer the Southside Nachos with jalapeño honey pulled chicken. These are in the top 3 of the nachos we've ever had! (And we literally order them whenever we try someplace new.) They were super plentiful with the right balance of toppings and a heaping pile of meat. We were so content just hanging out at the crowded bar, yummy beers at hand, and in the company of nice bar staff and patrons. Our next shareable plate was the Jambalya Cheesesteak with Mason-Dixon mashed. This dish was SO unbelievably tasty!! Other restaurants should take a queue from Southside's unique selection and great service. We are looking forward to going back! It was quite chilly last time, so we are definitely going to try the patio next time :)
(5)Joanna M.
Great neighborhood bar I've gone to a few times for happy hour and watch caps games with a friend who lived nearby. Nice bartenders, decent priced drinks, great beer selection. Food isn't bad either- southern with a twist.
(3)Samantha E.
My family celebrated my sister's birthday here and boy, were we pleased. Faccia Luna next door is one of our standard spots so I was happy we were able to force my parents to branch out and walk a few feet next door. Southside 815 is half bar, had dining room. The bar was absolutely packed with fans watching Sunday night football. The dining room was pretty small and had interesting murals on the ceiling of people swimming above you. Going to school in NC made both my sister and me huge fans of all things Southern, especially food. My family sampled basically every kind of thing on the menu. We started of with the delicious bread baskets which include cornbread, biscuits, and sweet potato biscuits. Soooo soft and delicious! My entree was the fried chicken pasta. They happily switched out the asparagus in the dish for some onions. My rest of my family ordered the following: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, the Virginia burger, pot roast, pecan crusted chicken, and shrimp po boy. The portions were huge and really matched well with the prices. Everything was fresh and flavorful and the service was great to boot.
(4)Vivian H.
This place has it all... a bar, a patio, a large seating area (I sat outside to soak up the sun). a killer happy hour menu (if I came 4-7pm I'd literally try every app). really good southern food (I got the jambalaya cheesesteak.. genius!). attentive friendly staff (thanks for refilling my water a billion times, I was thirsty). accommodating/flexible menu (I swapped out cole slaw for pickles.. and had them fried). really reasonable prices ($11 for my meal and I took half the sandwich home). Yes, this place has it ALL... except good fries. WHY did you give me cold semi-crisp fries? I can tell they weren't fresh. Don't you know fries are sacred to me?
(4)Chris F.
I have been here a few times and have never left disappointed. The food is awesome, the staff is friendly and the beer selection is good.
(5)Mark B.
About 15 years ago, I had a very bad experience here. Hard to explain it, and not that interesting a story, but I hadn't gone back until last year. Now it's my "home" bar. The staff is fantastic. They keep the orders organized, are attentive, just friendly enough to be, well, friendly, but not overly chatty. Lots of TVs. The staff is smart about the TVs, too: For NFL days, they hang signs on the sets that say which game will be played on what. In fact, they print up the schedule ahead of time. Which you might want to consider checking out if you're headed in for an "obscure" NFL game on a Sunday (think, Bills/Chiefs). Then you have a good shot at claiming a decent seat. I like pub food, being a man of simple tastes, and theirs is pretty good. I generally go with the steak salad, or, when I'm just feeling like I need some extra protein, one of their half-price burgers during happy hour (I like the Virginia Burger myself). Lots of beers on tap, and Woodford Reserve behind the bar. Parking is much easier on this side of town than around King Street, which also means there are fewer tourists. This part of Alexandria has deep sidewalks, so the outdoor seating is actually quite pleasant during nice weather.
(5)Karen D.
Should have listened to the Yelper who advised us to wear stretchy pants, because I'm stuffed! First time for fried pickles, and yes, they're delicious. Server was very understanding when one in our party, who has a severe shellfish allergy, asked about how things were fried and with what grease. Turns out, the pickles are dredged in the same batter as the shrimp, thereby possibly contaminating the fried pickles. When you have a food allergy, this kind of information is really important. Food was very good, but I'd be careful with the fried chicken. It came out almost burned crispy on the outside and almost raw on the inside. They have a good selection of beers, and excellent service. The place was hopping on a Monday night.
(4)Earl S.
What a great place to pull up a chair and watch the game. This is the kind of place that DC needs. Lots of great beer and lots of great food. The bartender was really great to my table too, even though we were sitting away from the bar. It was nice being able to get a pint of PBR for $3. Appetizers and burgers were reasonably priced too. The nacho appetizer is huge and very filling. The chicken was loaded into the middle of the dish, under the chips, so the common problem of chip fatigue didn't arrive after the toppings are all gone. The chili cheddar burger I had was excellent too. I did not venture onto the dinner menu on my last visit but I'll give it a try next time.
(5)Zack D.
This was an excellent dinner choice! Everything on the menu looked great, it was tough to decide what to try. Went with the steak and don't regret it! Can't wait to come back and try something else. Great food, reasonable prices.
(5)David G.
A neighborhood tavern that I wish was in my neighborhood. You walk in the door, and the place feels warm and inviting. Southern victuals are the stock in trade. A good take on Carolina Pork BBQ, with just enough vinegary tang. A blackened catfish that's not so spiced that it destroys the fish itself. Chicken & Waffles as a midweek special. Po'Boys overflowing with shrimp, catfish, oysters, or a combo (at half-price on Mondays, its the best deal in the city). Brunches rock. Usual suspects, but also a Southern Benedict with the pork BBQ that must be tried. And their outstanding homemade biscuits come covered in a sausage gravy that is too good to pass up- perfect for a cold winter day. And the Cheesy Grits, oh lord, he Cheesy Grits. I've never set foot in the dining room, always opting for the bar, which is nearly always well occupied. The 'tenders have always been welcome and engaging, from the start. While they do have TVs, it is by no means a sports bar. It is, as I said, a watering hole, where you can come for some good food, s good drink, and meet some interesting folks. Damn, but I've just made myself hungry for that Biscuits & Gravy!
(4)Britt M.
Still a great neighborhood spot after all these years. We've been coming for 15 years. Great beer selection, comfort food, sports, and casual friendly atmosphere. Come try some Southern food!
(4)Bryan J.
South side is full of locals. Its in a part of old town you wouldn't necessarily make a destination. Warning: come hungry as the portions are large. I counted 6 tables with take home in the time we were there. That being said the food was delicious. The bbq shrimp and grits appetizer was delightful. I had the scallop special with kale. And another person had the jalepeno honey pulled chicken sandwich. I had a bite of the sandwich and it was everything the title says it is. Spicy and sweet. I enjoyed myself but I'm just not that in to this style of cooking anymore. Its heavy and everything is fried. I felt like the flavors were just blah. Don't get me wrong this type of food makes you smile while you're eating it but you regret it on the walk to the car. Im torn as to whether or not I'd go back. On the one hand they serve some southern classics. On the other, the bar is loud, the place is fairly dingy and there wasn't anything that blew my mind.
(3)Jami H.
I absolutely love Southside! After ten years of dining at Southside (mostly carry out these days) I'm always satisfied. Although I almost always order the fried pickles and a pulled pork sandwich I sometimes venture out and order the daily special. But back to the fried pickles and pulled-pork -- the best ever! I crave these two things and it is always a requested destination (for pickles and pork!) when family visits from out of town. The servers and bartenders are helpful and nice. The bartenders do not act annoyed with to-go orders and servers do not give you the stink-eye when dining with kids. I love this place and have for ten years. Oh yeah, the shrimp at the raw bar on Wednesday nights is some of the best in town. Yummy!
(5)Miss E.
Went for brunch on Sunday at noon. We made reservations the day before and had no trouble getting a table for 8 people. The service and food were fine. Nothing to write home about. Their prices are cheap, which might explain their charging-for-bread policy. All my friends liked their meals. My oyster po' boy was ok. Admittedly, my standards for po' boys are impossibly high after I made a trip to NOLA last year. I could also tell my food sat for a few minutes before it was brought to me. Fried food only works when it is served piping hot! Service slowed down after we got our food. I might have order another glass of wine if the waitress had asked. Overall, I'd give 815 a 2.5-star rating for food and service. I'm rounding up to 3 stars because the fried green tomatoes were actually pretty great (and those came out nice n hot). Tip: there's a FREE parking garage in the alley behind the restaurant.
(3)Karisa D.
I am so excited about this restaurant!!! I went to Southside after my friend suggested it as a good dinner place. She is so wise! Lovely atmosphere with attentive and friendly staff. We were a large group and they were so accommodating to us; they even split the check multiple ways which is always a definite plus in my opinion :) I had the Crab Bisque- nice and creamy. A definite comfort for a cold day. But the star of my meal was actually a side dish, the house Mac and Cheese. This was one of the best Mac and Cheese dishes I've had in a recent memory. They use four different types of cheeses that melt well and complement each other and the dish as whole. Something you must try if you eat at Southside. Great food and excellent service. Our waiter was named Chris. Highly recommend you ask for him!
(4)Adam F.
Great neighborhood bar and restaurant. You'll see everyone from families to blue collar-types here depending upon the time of day. The bar staff is fantastic and prices are very reasonable. Of course, the food is solid. I recommend the pulled pork and chicken which they're known for. The pickles remind me of something that my grandma would have made. It sounds cheesy, but you can really taste the love in the food (outside of the fried stuff, of course). They do a great Mac and Cheese as well and I also enjoy the Virginia Burger. Highly recommend this place!
(4)Sandra B.
Not sure what I am missing here. This place is getting so many rave reviews and I just don't get it. And it's a shame really because we live close by and had hoped to make it our go-to neighborhood place. My experiences there are always disappointing. First of all it's noisy as a place can get. I mean, the levels can be so loud you can hardly hear each other. We usually tried to get a booth for that reason. Wait staff is usually nice, but they rush you. The idea is to get you in and out as fast as possible and that's always annoying. We have tried the fried green tomatoes, the onion straws, the pulled pork and the chicken sandwiches along with the tuna, which was a big disappointment. All were ok, but nothing really stands out. The wine is awful. I had to send back two glasses, one a red and one a chardonnay that seemed more like a sauv. blanc. All were sour tasting....one was fizzy...and that isn't the way wine should be. The bartender gave me an attitude on top of it. That same evening we saw the waitress (who kept knocking into my chair all night without once apologizing) drop a whole tray of something right on the table next to us. She merely cleaned up the mess and barely said she was sorry to the customer who had some of the mishap down his back. The thing that really annoyed me is the servers. They are not your waiter or waitress, but someone who runs the food out to you from the kitchen as fast as humanly possible. I was reading a menu when me appetizer came out. This kid comes flying over and basically throws the plate on top of the opened menu and runs off. What the heck is that? My husband and I just laughed, and god forbid if you needed anything else because he wasn't asking . Not really the most enjoyable dining experiences, even for a pub.
(2)Bill D.
No matter how hard I try to escape my southern roots, they grab me and shake me down like a Lafayette Park mugging at 2 am. This is one of those gotta-go places. Parking's tight and when you first come in you're going to experience the insanity that is the bar. Come in during any sporting event and you may wish you hadn't, unless you're a sports fan. Then it's fun as heck. The restaurant's off to the side and down a step. There are booths and tables. Unless you enjoy freezing your butt off, don't take a table by the window. Some of my past favorites were the fried green tomatoes and the jambalaya pasta, which are no longer on my diet. Today, I really like the gulf spiced chicken breast. Husbear says you can't go wrong with the Southside Meatloaf. Only complaint is the greens are kind of hit or miss. When they're good, they're awesome. When they're not? Oh. golly. Bitterness About the waitstaff: one word, *awesome*. Really, for the most part it's the same people for years. Friendly, funny and nice as can be. This is actually a pretty good place to take kids because it's already a loud as hell place because of the bar so if anybody stares, well - screw 'em. There's plenty of kid friendly stuff on the menu. It's not expensive or fancy, just kind of old home classic food.
(4)Christina A.
I've been meaning to try this place out for a while, and now that I have, I am really upset that it has taken me this long to come! I came here for brunch last weekend and got the fried green tomato benedict which was AWESOME. The bacon was great, the sauce was delish... I am 100% coming back SOON to try dinner, as there were some very enticing items on the menu. The bf got chicken fried steak and eggs that was delicious. The atmosphere was nice for brunch as well, and the service was good. We also had the pineapple upside down cake for dessert and it is not to be missed!
(4)Alyssa K.
Fried green tomatoes and pickles along with mac and cheese........now that's a menage a tois I want to be part of! Southside 815 is my favorite place to come and indulge in some seriously delicious and decadent food. Grab some friends, wear your stretchy pants and you are guaranteed a good time. The first time I came here I didn't really know what I was getting into. We took the metro from DC seeking out some Southern Comfort to cure a hangover. We got on the wrong train and then hiked from the metro to Southside, and it seemed like it took days to finally get here. As soon as the food arrived, I felt that this epic journey had all been worth it. On subsequent visits I took a more direct route and it is far less of a hike and still so worth a visit. We usually order one of everything from appetizers to sides. I have tried the breadbasket that come with the most delicious jellies, the southern fried pickles, the fried green tomatoes,the big noodle mac and cheese along with collard greens. On the brunch menu, the stuffed french toast, the blackened chicken scramble and a bloody mary. There is nothing I have had here I didn't love. Even just writing this review has made me so hungry for Southside....I am definitely going to take the trip to Alexandria soon and recommend you do too.
(4)Peter K.
The wife and I went here hoping to get in on the happy hour specials but we had our 8 month old baby with us. Unfortunately, the happy hour specials are only available at the bar. I guess that sorta makes sense but I got the same amount of beer sitting in the dining area that I would have at the bar. Maybe next time, I'll grow some balls and just take my baby to the bar area. We got the pulled pork and fish and chips. We used to live in London a couple of times... it's actually been quite difficult to find fish and chips in the US that are even close to being as good as what we had in the UK (doesn't seem it'd be that hard, but for some reason, we Yanks aren't able to do it). Anyway, the fish and chips here were excellent and I'd come back here just for them. They have a decent selection of beers. The dining area is very kid friendly -- they give your kids a coloring sheet with crayons. I think there's supposed to be parking in the rear but we arrived right at 6pm when the far right lane on Washington St. closes to traffic and is available for parking. I was able to park right in front of the restaurant.
(4)Paul S.
I've been here a few times for food and many times for drinks. The staff is on point - food and drinks are served quickly and the prices are better than in old town.
(5)Slick M.
I just can't forgive ordering a Strip med rare, and it coming out med well. As it sat, it became well done, grey and so unappetizing. I NEVER send back food, but seriously, there wasn't any pink showing at the end. I tried to eat it, but.... no. Besides that, service was ok. I almost think my waiter was avoiding coming back. But my husband had an empty beer for a while, as he passed by twice. On the plus side, my husbands burger was great, and luckily for him, cooked as ordered. This was my second time here, but I don't think I'll be back.
(3)Tracy L.
Southside is my friend's favorite bar in Alexandria and I think I understand why. A friendly neighborhood spot, it's really casual with nice bar tenders and servers. More importantly, the entrees here are really good and come with GIANT portions. The menu is actually very extensive too, with tons of reasonably priced options. We tried the Jambalaya pasta (awesome), meat loaf (huge) and stuffed chicken (tasty). Paired with beers, our dinner experience here has always been really pleasant. Btw, the bar and dining room are separated. Diners can enjoy their meals peacefully at the comfy space while drinkers hang out at the bar area. There is also an outdoor patio for nicer weather. Overall Southside is not bad for some beers and easy dinners.
(4)Jon R.
Two Things I don't like: Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese. Two Things I tried at Southside 815: Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Fritters. Guess what? Still don't like FGT's (that's just me... but they had a lovely batter) but I LOVED the fritters. I am also a bit of a macaroni and cheese snob. They had one of the best homemade macaroni and cheeses around. Yum Yum! Our waiter was really great too... Patrick was his name and he seemed to have many tables but never let it show. When he came to see if your table needed anything or to bring you or millionth refill of diet coke cause I am a diet coke junky (I exaggerate just a tad) he treats you like you are his only customer. I also enjoyed the chicken fried steak. My only ONLY complaint is they give you so much food that if you do not plan you do not get to enjoy any of the delicious sounding desserts. Alas, I know next time.
(5)Andrew P.
Our server was outstanding. He gave us great recommendations. This was a very comfortable casual restaurant. Inexpensive for 3 of us to eat even though we got 3 alcoholic drinks for the table. The bar was packed, although we ate in the restaurant. Their breadbasket was a great way to start the meal...the rolls and cornbread came out warm. They also had apple butter and a spicy spread for it. It's not really in Old Town, but if you don't mind the walk then the location is ok. Personally, I don't mind the walk.
(4)Monica W.
This review is for the bar only -- Great neighborhood bar if you live in the area. You can't beat their happy hour menu prices -- $1.50 nachos and half price burgers! It gets pretty crowded on weekends and is pretty much standing room only, so if you want to secure a seat, plant your fanny there early! The restaurant area leaves little to be desired, and I've tried just about everything on the menu. I did get a decent steak there once...once. The staff is super friendly though, so I don't want to knock them. They just need to revise their current menu. I have a feeling the restaurant survives on the lack of choices for southside residents.
(4)Michelle K.
Let me start off by saying I have no clue how this restaurant has such a high rating. The consensus seems to be that patrons will come hungry and leave full; I left full of regret that I actually spent money on this food and full of worry that I may have just eaten something that may or may not have been regurgitated by an animal (see BBQ shrimp below). I also find it surprising that people don't immediately have a heart attack when they stand up after eating at this place - I'm all for some unhealthy, southern cooking but christ, does everything need to be smothered in 500 pounds of gravy or some special sauce? Southside 815 relies on covering everything with sauce in order to hide the fact that their food sucks. No, like seriously sucks. I'm pretty sure if I left my food outside that even wild animals would avoid it. I had the breadbasket, fried green tomatoes, BBQ shrimp and the oyster-shrimp combination po' boy. Let me break it down... Breadbasket: The sweet potato biscuits were decent but the corn bread was below average, while the regular biscutis aren't even worth mentioning. Fried green tomatoes: Who knew tomatoes could be so heavy? This dish was the biggest letdown of the night - after seeing everyone talk about how great these tomatoes were, I had high hopes. Maybe I had a bad batch because after one bite of this dish I thought about stabbing my fork into my face. BBQ shrimp: These shrimp were floating in a thick, viscous yellow liquid. I honestly think I may have been eating straight animal lard. I don't even know what it was, or why they thought it would be a good idea to pair it with shrimp, but it was probably one of the top 25 worst dishes I've ever had. Oyster-Shrimp combination po'boy: This sandiwch didn't come with tartar sauce or cocktail sauce or ANY sauce, for that matter. It was just a big, crusty slab of bread filled with big, crusty fried shrimp and oysters. Maybe my judgment is harsh considering I've had real po'boys in New Orleans, but I felt like I could have gotten the same thing at Long John Silvers (side note: I've never actually eaten at Long John Silvers, but I still think that's a fairly accurate comparison). Anyways, apparently the regular chef passed out in the kitchen right before my order (presumably from eating too much of this lard-laden food) and they had a rando off the street fill in for him, because my experience at Southside 815 was nothing like the vast majority of reviewers. Will I give this place another shot? Possibly, but it's going to take a good three months to get to the point where I don't physically gag just from hearing the word "southside."
(1)David R.
I've been going to SouthSide several times a month for the last 7 years. The service is great. Greg and Tara, two of the regular bartenders, are pros. They are friendly and responsive and they clearly want you to enjoy your time there. They have a pretty big menu of Southern dishes and rotating specials and happy hours. I think their burgers are some of the best in old town. The more expensive menu items are hit and miss but all the staples are between good and great. It feels like this bar / restaurant is part of the fabric of Old Town now that they have been here for 20 years. Beyond being the local watering hole, they also organize community charity golf tournaments and bus trips to some local sporting events here and there. They also have occasional special meals like crab boils. All in all, it's a great place to grab a drink after work, a good meal or catch a game.
(5)Jon M.
I've enjoyed every single southern morsel that has crossed my lips here. This is slap your momma good food, and I get giddy as a schoolboy just at the thought of going. From the amazing fried chicken to the meatloaf, I don't think you can go wrong; the same is true for the yummy side dishes. There are also tasty libations to sip on whilst enjoying your shrimp and grits!!! Oh, and thank goodness this place knows how to make a biscuit. Southside 815 is my southern cookery outpost in Alexandria... and pretty much all of the DC area. So, when I'm when I'm feeling homesick and can't venture out to Carolina Brothers BBQ in Ashburn, this place does the trick. PRO tip: The place is often busy... heck, I have yet to find a spot at the bar, so consider calling ahead for a table to reduce your wait on a Friday/Saturday. For what its worth, the two things keeping me from giving this place the perfect 5 stars are: 1 - the dining area is just lacking something to make it feel more homey/comfortable/southern... I can't quite put my finger on it, but its just vanilla feeling (aside from the murals). 2 - The service has been just OK the last two times in. During my last visit, my beer was completely in my belly just after the food arrived, and I didn't see our server until she came out to see if we wanted dessert : (
(4)John E.
HH: $1.50 pork nachos, oyster sliders, wings, pork sliders Beer $3 The food is pretty good, crowd is older.
(3)Juanita A.
Yummy deliciousness is how I describe Southside! I was introduced to this spot only recently but I've gone several times now and the food/service is consistently good! If you are looking for reasonably priced comfort food, this is the place to be! PLEASE try the Southside Nachos - you won't regret it.
(4)Patrick B.
My girlfriend and I went here last weekend for the first time, and I must say it is my FAVORITE restaurant in Alexandria. Our food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. Our server was delightful. Did I mention our food was great? We started out with the bread basket. WHAT A DEAL! We had two buttermilk biscuits, two sweet potato rolls, and two pieces of cornbread. All of these were amazing! But the best part was the peach pepper jelly! Man it was amazing! It's the best bread topping I've ever had at a restaurant. The bread also came with apple butter, but I must say it wasn't on par with the peach pepper jelly. Don't get me wrong, it was good. But it wasn't the peach pepper jelly. For dinner, I had the bourbon barrel pork chops and my girlfriend had rainbow trout. The pork chops were amazing. They come with sauteed onions on top, and with green beans and dixie mashed potatoes. Cutting a piece of the pork, getting the onions, and then running them through the mashed potatoes was one of the best bites of food I ever had. The green beans were crisp, and had great flavor. I also added a side of greens to my meal, and they were great. They had great flavor, great texture, and reminded me of home. My girlfriend's fish was mild and tasty. She had a huge helping, and it was delicious. It was not recommended by our waitress because it was one of the more ordinary dishes on the menu, but she chose to get it anyways. She enjoyed it, but said she wouldn't order it again. Not that there was anything wrong with it, it was just kind of plain. However, she still enjoyed the meal. We finished off with pineapple upside down cake and that should NOT be missed! It was sweet, moist, came with delicious ice cream, and was topped with a great rum sauce. It was an amazing desert and it will be hard for me to try something different next time! All in all, in one night, Southside 815 became my favorite restaurant in Alexandria. I can't wait to go there again and try some of the other great menu items. Maybe I'll go for lunch so I can try one of their po' boys! If you're looking for good food and a fun night, go to Southside 815!
(5)Brian B.
A favorite of my wife and I. We normally go every other Wednesday for raw bar night. I've liked everything I've tried on the menu, which is just about everything! Their burgers are my favorite in town. Great beer selection as well!
(5)Andie C.
Southside has gone downhill recently. The biscuits and gravy just tastes like white gravy instead of sausage gravy. Also they took the veggie scramble off the menu, which was my favorite dish. I also think their dining room and tables need a good scrubbing- it feels grimy.
(2)E L.
Boardinghouse Breadbasket - 4 stars Classic Red Bean Chili - 4 stars Lemon-Pepper Tuna Steak - 2 stars Jambalya Cheesesteak - 2 stars Service - 4 stars
(3)Stacy R.
I absolutely love this place. My favorites were the friend pickles, fried green tomatoes, biscuits & gravy and the "Fresh North Atlantic salmon filet pan seared with a creole mustard and sweet bbq marinade then plated over tasso maque choux (spicy ham and corn succotash) and topped with crisp fried onion strings." The Southern Greens were overcooked and the Chicken Fried Steak was just "ok".
(5)Cassie H.
I tend to listen to fellow yelpers when selecting somewhere and usually I am steered in the right direction. Today, however, was an epic fail. First of all you need to try to get a reservation....what sports bar takes reservations!?!?! This was our first clue it might be crowded. They do get a point though b/c you are able to call ahead and get on the wait list. So we walk in and all of the tables are full as are all the chairs by the bar. We went on a Sunday afternoon hoping to watch some football and pig out on burgers and fries. We stood around watching various games for about 45 minutes and NO ONE moved...aside from refilling their beers! Sucked to be me! So eventually hunger won out and we went to the dining side. We both ordered the blackened catfish...my friend had the grits with hers. But in the meantime we are starving so I order the fried oyster rockerfeller. Now in their defense I didn't thoroughly read the description b/c I figured I knew what that was. I pictured nice cooked oyster in a shell with spinach, cheese, and other things nicely laid on top. What I received was a hot, monkey mess. It was fried oysters laid on top of mashed potatoes with a tomato, spinach, and some other mysterious ingredient sauce. HORRID! The catfish was decent other than there was an ounce of oil sitting on top when my plate was handed to me. You read it right...handed...not laid....the guy brought the food and I sat up straight thinking he would lay it down but he just inched it closer for me to grab from him. REALLY...where they do that at....oh...Southside 815! My friends grits looked like clam chowder and the taste wasn't much better. My bright spot was most definitely the cornbread. It was AMAZING! However, unless the menu specifies that your entree comes with it you have to pay for a bread basket.....I have NEVER in my life had to pay for bread. Not even Red Lobster with the delicious cheddar bay biscuits charges for that! It was only $1.50 but still....ugh! I should have stuck with ordering a burger...I saw several and they looked like they would have been worth the wait. Oh well....you live, you learn, you rant on Yelp!
(1)Robyn M.
The onion straw app was good. Everything else sucked. We had the meatloaf and veggie plate. It was also extremely loud. Good service.
(2)Lisa P.
had to remove my positive review due to the roach that my boyfriend killed while we were here last night.
(1)Nelson H.
Came here on a quiet weekday for lunch with my girlfriend. It's very country style inside. We had ordered a shrimp and oyster po boy and chicken tenders. It was okay, wasn't crazy about the batter used. But willing to try other dishes.
(3)Kanye M.
Putting two bartenders on one shift would increase profits, tips, revenue, and yelp reviews. Still liked it overall despite painfully slow service.
(4)S C.
What was'nt good here? Everything was great. Fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, greens, even the bread basket was crazy good. Just jump in and box up what's left. Note: its a long walk back to King Street on a full tummy not the smartest idea.
(5)Christine R.
3.5 I love the location, outdoor seating (for warmer days), parking is super easy and all employees I entered on a very busy Sunday were very polite and prompt. We had a party of 6 and were sat very quickly. This was a plus since there was no seating at the bar to wait for the rest of the party. The food... it was okay. I ordered the jambalaya sub, it was so yummy, definitely not spicy enough. I feel like the rest of the party ordered the pulled chicken sammie. I tasted a bit and wasn't impressed at all. I probably would return for brunch again and to maybe catch a game or two. Nothing really stood out about this place. I was sad :( I was expecting to find a hidden gem. Oh well!
(3)Angela G.
Want to avoid the touristy part of Old town and enjoy unpretentious good food? Southside 815 is a good choice. This restaurant, further down S. Washington with a good amount of outdoor seating, was the perfect place for lunch on a spring day following a nice stroll in Alexandria/Jones Point Park. Happy to find out they have brunch on Saturday also, so that was the menu I went with. My veggie frittata was very substantial--chock full of tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, home fries and swiss cheese. The cornbread that accompanied it was delicious. My fellow walker raved about her Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Quesadella. But there a number of menu items that caught my eye that I'd like to try another time. Our server was very friendly....and had no problem when a few other walkers from our group joined the table after we'd already ordered. They also had good things to say about their dishes, a pulled pork sandwich and a mushroom burger respectively. I'm not sure what others ordered when they stated their portions were small...everyone remarked at the large portions of food we all received. I felt so full I had to bring a 1/4 of my frittata home. Only somewhat negative thing was my coffee was a little weak for my taste and for some reason all the trees on the sidewalk had been cut down. I'd recommend this neighborhood restaurant and bar.
(4)Casey K.
Brunch: went with the family and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The portions are quite large and all the food looked good! Exactly what you expect from a good Southern restaurant. Dinner: went with the bf and we both got sandwiches. I got the chicken & cheese steak sub - it was one of the best I have ever had! And the bf enjoyed his sandwich as well though I am blanking on what he ordered. We both had a beer and I believe our check was under $30 - great value for the food that you receive - whenever I am back in Old Town and looking for a good sandwich, I will definitely hit it up!
(4)Heather C.
We actually really like this place. Their nachos with pulled chicken is amazing. Another one of my favorites is their cucumber mojito type drinks. I don't know if they always have it, but it was pretty slammin the time I tried it. My man also really loves the Cajun pasta something or other. Will definitely be back.
(4)Eric G.
This has become my go to place for late night food. I enjoy the ambience and the grub is amazing. Wednesday night is Oyster night and the price is unbelievable for it to be not at the "wharf". Actually I'm on my way there now! Hello French Quarter Wings
(4)Jaime S.
Great happy hour! Bartenders are very friendly, atmosphere is lively but not obnoxious, and the food is pretty good. We like the wings and the Chesapeake club in particular. Service is generally very good, however if you eat there for lunch be aware the cocktails tables in the bar are waited on by the bartender, so expect to be hollered at and to reach across the bar patrons for drinks/plates. Awkward at lunchtime.
(4)Elaine M.
Yummy food, huge portions, fair prices, kid-friendly non chain restaurant. My husband and I did halfsies on the po boy sandwiches, oyster and crawfish. Both were overflowing with the seafood meat--awesome! Half of a sandwich is more than enough to satiate most appetites. And and and... they do half price on the po boy sandwiches on Mondays. So that's basically around $5 for a huge fried seafood sandwich. Yum! As other reviewers have stated, the fried green tomatoes are also very good. As of right now, there's also a foursquare special for this place for 50% off your entire table's order, up to a $20 discount (but keep in mind that it's not valid for the half price po boys on Mondays).
(4)Mike K.
Great staff. Amazing bar. Try the pulled pork sandwich and the biscuits. A great place with an amazing atmosphere.
(5)James W.
It was a long time but I remember it being very good. Slightly off the tourist route in south old town.
(4)Mai T.
Walking into Southside 815, you are hit with this cozy.. just walked into your mom's house smell. It was perfect for the cold weather this past weekend. The interior is dim, brick, and feels like you're sitting next to a fire at the house you've lived in all your life. The food, however, is the opposite. I had the meatloaf with greens and mashed potatoes. The meatloaf was bland, as were the greens. The mash was ok.. garlicky, buttery.. ok. The bf had the Shrimp and Cheddar Grits. It was wayyy too salty with the sausage and the bacon in it. It would have been really good if they took out some of the bacon. Also, I wouldn't waste the $1.95 on the breadbasket.. it wasn't really worth it. The cornbread though, was good, if you have to have bread with your meal. The bar here, was packed and they did have a lot of beers available. For me, it's one of those.. been there.. done that places.. don't think I will be coming back.
(2)G W.
The beer selection is very good and the food is good and hearty. There is even pub grub that my vegetarian wife enjoys here! They were nice enough to put the pulled pork on the side when we ordered the nachos. We've only eaten at the bar, never on the restaurant side, but I think that is because we are always treated so well and made to feel very welcome at the bar. This is a great place to watch a football game, and they always have some very good food specials during the NFL games. If you're going to come for happy hour, you have to get here early because it fills up fast. We've enjoyed the Sunday brunch here as well, there is so much to choose from it is always difficult to order, but you're never disappointed! FYI, if you're a football fan, this is a Steeler bar, big time. Lots of black and gold jerseys here!
(4)Courtney F.
The food at Southside 815 was just okay. I had the greens and pork chop, while a friend had the Poe Boy. I was told that the menu had soul food options and was looking forward to it. The meal fell way short of soul food but was still okay.
(2)Jaye V.
3.5 Stars Inexpensive prices and great service. I go here when I want both of those things and some comforting southern food. There's a mix of southern items on the menu, including low country stuff (think Charleston/South Carolina) and Cajun stuff. However, anything Cajun is always off in its seasoning/preparation and doesn't really taste anything like Cajun food to me (my best friend is Cajun, and I lived in East Texas along the Gulf Coast for 10 years). It tastes like it was made too quickly, while real Cajun food has complex flavors that painstakingly begin with a good rue. And the low country stuff often seems like they put way too many things together on the same plate. Stay away from the gumbo and low country shortcake. Your best bet here is to go for the seafood or anything *generally* southern or more simply prepared. For example, my pecan-crusted fish special was excellent. And the bread/biscuit basket they give you? The sweet potato biscuits with the hot pepper & fruit jelly are nom-nom good. Wednesday nights are raw bar night. Nowhere will you find a raw bar in the close-in DC metro area at these prices. Overall, I like this place and I've been back numerous times. It took a few times before I knew what to order, though.
(3)Alok B.
I love this place for an occasional drink and some good bar food. This is typically a Steelers bar, however, I am an Eagles fanatic and the bar staff are very accommodating of other team fans. The bar is not smoky anymore as VA recently passed a law for prohibiting smoking inside the bars. I have had burgers here and they are delicious. The one great plus about this place is there are two sections in the restaurant. The bar area where you can watch sports and drink AND the other sit down restaurant area to have a good quiet meal. They have a good list of beers. The service is decent inside the restaurant sit-down area and the bartenders are polite. This bar is walking distance from my place so my wife and I are regulars here.
(4)Stan Y.
If I lived in the DC area, I'd definitely visit this place again. I ordered the pecan chicken breast, which was really good, but what put it over the top were the cheddar grits. It doesn't get much better than this, folks. I didn't have a problem with the service, aside from waiting a few minutes to be seated. (The hostess was nowhere to be found when I arrived.) Also, a word to those who want to dine outside: this faces Washington St/Route 1 so it's bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hour.
(4)Rebecca S.
Dear Southside 815, Why, oh why, would you put fried pickles on your menu and fail to mention that they're not dill pickles, which are, in fact, the only pickles worth frying? Love, Rebecca Seriously, though, that's the ONLY complaint I have about this place. We went on Saturday night, a little late for dinner, but were seated immediately, and it was nice enough to eat outside. We had appetizers first - along with the pickles (really, sweet pickles fried are NOT that exciting), fried green tomatoes (really good, but if I was doing them, I'd make the batter a little lighter, but really, no complaint), and oysters Rockefeller, 815 style (fried oysters on top of mashed potatoes with the normal Rockefeller stuff). Good stuff. But nothing compared to dinner. This might truly be my new favorite restaurant, which is bad because the stuff on the menu is not conducive to my master plan of losing 30 more pounds. Dammit. Friend had chicken fried steak. She'd had it before, and loves it. Matt had rainbow trout, and devoured it. He was very happy. I had shrimp and andouille sausage over cheddar grits. Holy crap. Shrimp and grits is one of my favorite dishes, and this take on it was amazing. I've never had grits ground that small. Either they just cooked them long enough that they became a big old mesh, or they grind their own hominy. Did I mention that it was amazing. And I had leftovers, which heat up REALLY well in the microwave. The only thing that might have made them a little better would be if the tails were taken off the shrimp. But that's not really a complaint. All in all, we were all very happy with Southside, and will be back. Probably far too often.
(4)Carl J.
Great southern food and atmosphere in DC area.
(5)Gabriela C.
I wish I could give half stars because I would give this place a 3.5. Not great enough for a 4 start though. The location and the atmosphere is pretty good but the food left me wanting more. For someone who lived in the south, I expected something more true to its name. The fried green tomatoes were ok, they weren't bad, but they weren't memorable. They would have been better if they didn't deep fried them in the same oil used for everything else because I could taste the flavors of fries/chicken tenders/etc. I do have to admit that the pairing sauce for the FGT was excellent. The fried pork chop with gravy was probably a C- but the mash potatoes and the green beans were excellent. The bar are was very nice and they had plenty of sports on the tv screens. The dining room was pretty crowded and more noisy than the bar at that time of day (1-2pm on sat). The crayfish po'boy was ok but not the best outside of New Orleans as the menu claims. The fries were nice and crispy, which I liked.
(3)Steve A.
I'm from around the way so Southside is a place I've been to many many times. I'm not sure I would put it on a list of places that tourists must eat at in Old Town but it is definitely a good spot with good bartenders and good people.
(4)N C.
Only been for brunch which was fun and tasty. Good vibe, friendly servers. The food's tasty, and you know I love fried pickles (which of course combined with the bread basket meant I was complete full before I even got to my entree.) Seemed like there was a corps of regulars that roll in around noon on Sunday.
(3)