Hank’s Oyster Bar In Old Town Alexandria
Currently residing in the old Bohio’s space is Hank’s Oyster Bar. This is Chef and owner Jamie Leed’s second location for her very popular Dupont Circle restaurant. I couldn’t be happier that she chose to cross the river and come to Alexandria. I hope this continues the fantastic food trend in Old Town with more talented chefs choosing to join the ranks of Cathal Armstrong and Morou.
Hank’s space is is long with clean lines and gentle yellow tones. There is a seating area in front, followed by the kitchen/prep area which leads to another dining area in back. They don’t take reservations but we were able to be seated immediately at 6:45 on a Friday night. Another hour later and the place was packed.
Nightly specials are listed on a large chalkboard. There were several types of oysters, fish and the “meat and two” of the day. The meat and two on Friday was a flat iron steak with a chimichuri sauce. Frank ordered this with Old Bay fries and roasted cauliflower. I chose the lobster bisque and the sablefish.
First, our water glasses were filled quickly without the old “sparkling, still or tap?” chestnut. If I want bottled water, I’ll ask for it. Meanwhile please assume that plain old tap water will quench my thirst. Next came a bread basket with a small ramekin of butter. Soft butter, another thing I truly appreciate. Our bread stayed on the table throughout our meal, which was lovely since I used the bread to mop up the lobster bisque. Ah, the bisque was a big thumbs up for me. The lobster stock was made hearty with a smokey tomato base. It was thick, pleasing and held at least one large claw full of lobster meat.
On to our mains, Frank’s flat iron steak was cooked perfectly to medium rare as ordered. The steak was tender and beefy (I know that sounds funny, but some cuts have very little flavor). The chimichuri sauce was verdant and punched up nicely with lemon. Old Bay fries were a bit on the thin side and some suffered from languishing in the heat a bit too long. Thin fries have to be made a la minute and served immediately. If cut a bit thicker ,the fries would be just fine. Roasted cauliflower was cooked perfectly and seasoned with curry, which complimented the nutty flavor that cauliflower acquires when roasted.
My sabefish was a large fillet with a soy balsamic glaze. It was served over lightly dressed watercress and which sat on a drizzled balsamic reduction. The sablefish was moist and velvety with a mild fish flavor. Overall, a great dish but I would suggest adding a side or two if no appetizer is ordered. At $19, it doesn’t hurt too much to add a bit more and round out the meal. And you might as well go for it, because Hank’s does not do dessert. “Desserts in a glass” are offered if you want an after dinner drink, however. Not that you’ll leave without your sweet tooth sated. Hank’s treats diners with large chunks of bitter-sweet chocolate after your dinner or with a cup of cappuccino. There’s always a fried snickers bar down King St. at Eamonn’s.
Service was pleasant and timely. I’m looking forward to returning because that lobster roll is calling my name. Welcome to the neighborhood, Hank’s. I hope you stay a good long while.
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
1026 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314
T 703.739.HANK (4265) - F 703.739.7788 OLDTOWN@HANKSRESTAURANTS.COM
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OPEN
Lunch Tuesday-Friday 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Dinner Tuesday-Friday 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, open all day for a la carte brunch starting at
12 Noon and dinner until 11:00pm
Sunday, open all day for a la carte starting at
12 Noon and dinner until 9:00 pm
I’m happy to see more non-tourist restaurants making an appearance in Old Town. I don’t need to make the trek across anymore if I want good food. I enjoy your blog. Keep writing.
Oh, thank you!