Ada's on the River

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States
$$$ American restaurant
(1697 Reviews)
Price Range $50–100

Welcome to Ada's on the River, a true gem nestled along the picturesque banks of the Potomac in Alexandria, VA. This American restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey, blending classic flavors with contemporary flair, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

As you step inside or take a seat on the inviting patio, you're greeted by a warm and vibrant atmosphere, accentuated by cozy string lights and a gentle riverside breeze. The scenic views of the water and the iconic DC skyline create a backdrop that enhances every dining experience, whether it’s a romantic date night or a gathering with friends.

The menu at Ada's is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and American cuisine. Start your culinary adventure with the Beef Tartare, a succulent blend of hand-cut tenderloin, Dijon, and fresh herbs served with crunchy dill crackers—an exquisite beginning that astounds the palate. For seafood lovers, the house favorite Giant Crab Cake promises to impress, crafted with generous amounts of lump crab and a hint of lemon that bursts with freshness.

Salads and entrées further showcase Ada's dedication to quality. The Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad offers a delightful mix of textures with spiced buttermilk dressing, crispy bacon lardons, and a medley of fresh vegetables. The Hanger Steak Salad is another highlight, served with charred gem lettuce and garlic-anchovy vinaigrette, delivering a symphony of savory flavors that both satiate and excite.

No visit would be complete without indulging in one of Ada's signature sides. Consider the Lobster Mac & Cheese, a luxurious twist on a comfort classic that melts in your mouth, or the Spiced Crispy Fingerlings, perfectly seasoned, crisp potatoes that are addictive. To top it all off, don’t skip dessert—guests rave about the Apple Beignets, a sweet ending to an unforgettable meal.

Customer reviews echo the warm hospitality that Ada's is known for. Diners like Angelyn Harris recount evenings spent on the patio, where the atmosphere alone elevates their dining experience to something special. Others, such as Amy Witt, speak highly of knowledgeable staff like Alex, who make superb recommendations to enhance their meals. The attentive service, coupled with flavorful dishes, keeps patrons returning, as noted by Kacy C, who praises the consistency in quality and the seamless dining experience.

Whether indulging in a charming brunch or an elegant dinner, Ada's on the River captures the essence of great American dining infused with local charm. So be sure to reserve your table ahead of time—this hot spot is in demand, particularly on weekends when the vibe is lively and full of anticipation. Experience the warmth of this exceptional restaurant for yourself, and savor every moment by the riverside at Ada's on the River.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Has changing table(s)
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

1697 Reviews
Angelyn Harris

17 Aug 2025

My sister Ada and I dined at Ada’s on the River this past Saturday night, and everything about the evening felt effortlessly special. We sat out on the patio, where the breeze off the Potomac and the glow of the string lights created a vibe that was both relaxed and refined. We started with the giant crab cake, which lived up to its name—packed with lump crab and just the right amount of lemony brightness. The crab-stuffed Carolina trout was a standout too: delicate, buttery, and perfectly balanced with capers and herbs. For sides, we shared the roasted sweet potatoes with goat cheese and pomegranate-citrus honey (a sweet-savory masterpiece), and the curry sunchokes, which were bold, earthy, and totally unexpected in the best way. The staff was warm and attentive, and they even got a kick out of the fact that Ada was dining at Ada’s. Between the food, the view, and the easy energy of the patio, it was one of those nights that just felt right. If you’re looking for a place that delivers on flavor and atmosphere, this one’s a must.

Amy Witt

12 Aug 2025

Had such a lovely dinner at Ada’s! The food and wine were amazing, but what really made our experience was our server, Alex. From the first recommendation he made from the menu we knew he was extremely knowledgeable. He made incredible recommendations and was so professional and polite. We were so impressed that we’re looking to bring our holiday party to Ada’s. Can’t recommend enough!

Hannah K

08 Aug 2025

Fun date night or friends night out spot, by the Potomac river with scenic views of the water and DC. We had a great time at Ada's, delicious food and fun atmosphere. Definitely recommend getting reservations if dining there on the weekend. We sat outside with beautiful views of the river. The food was flavorful and had really different flavors. We had the black brioche loaf, which was soft and fluffy. We also had the scallops and the filet mignon, both were really really good. They were accommodating to our dietary restrictions as well. The service was a bit slow towards the end but they were very busy during dinner time. The food, however, made up for it!

Sharon Keyser

24 Jul 2025

One of my friends had been raving about this restaurant, so I was excited to try it out. It didn't take long to see why she spoke so highly of it. First, the location is right at the river, which is a lovely setting. Many people were seated outside, but we chose to sit inside. The restaurant was bustling, so it was good that we had made a reservation. The menu has a lot of appealing options, but I had already decided to get the crab cake. It was delicious. Between the three of us, we also had swordfish, prawns, brussel sprouts, creamed spinach, and fries. Everything was scrumptious. Our server, Brenda, was great. I wouldn't hesitate to dine there again.

Audrey Maddox

16 Jul 2025

Saw this place walking by and noticed people's plates and vowed to go back. They did not disappoint. My father got the Mahi Mahi sandwich. I'm not a fan of fish sandwiches but when I tasted his, I quickly changed my thoughts. I got the smoked swordfish with brussel sprouts and a side of Lobster mac. Everything was so flavorful, perfectly so!! We finished with the apple beignets suggested by our waiter and that was the cherry on top! Amazing food, nice atmosphere and a great staff 10 out 10!

Kacy C

04 Jul 2025

Been back multiple times to Ada’s! It’s always delicious food and the service is great. Make a reservation so you don’t have to wait. Highly recommend the crab cakes as they don’t use filler. Our server split the crab cakes for us on different plates without us asking. So kind of him and that’s another reason why the service is always amazing. I’ve liked every dish I’ve had. Was too full for dessert this time but I’ll be back!

5 Morgans247

08 Jun 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had the pleasure of dining at Ada's for brunch/dinner today and the highlight of the day—aside from the delicious food—was the exceptional service provided by our waiter, Peter. From the moment we were seated, Peter made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. His attentiveness, warm demeanor, and deep knowledge of the menu elevated our experience beyond expectations. Peter anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, offered thoughtful recommendations, and ensured every detail was perfect throughout the meal. It’s rare to encounter someone so passionate about hospitality, and Peter truly embodies it. He turned a simple brunch/dinner into a memorable occasion. If you're dining at Ada's, ask for Peter. You won’t regret it.

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