RT's Restaurant

Name: RT's Restaurant
Address: 3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, United States, 22305
Telephone: (703) 684-6010
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2258 Reviews

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 15 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

RT's Alexandria's renowned neighborhood restaurant has been the place for fresh seafood in Northern Virginia for over 34 years. RT's has been a fixture on the Washingtonian Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants" list in the metropolitan area and is one of the highest rated seafood restaurants in the nationally acclaimed "Zagat Survey". Their unique menu features many Creole and Cajun specialties including Jack Daniel's Shrimp, Spicy She-Crab Soup, Crawfish Etouffée , Jambalaya and their popular "Death" by Gumbo . This "Little Gem" is located in the heart of Alexandria only steps away from The Birchmere music hall and not only features a great menu but also has an extensive special list that changes on a weekly basis.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Creole / Cajun / Southern, Seafood, American
Hours of Operation
Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(703) 684-6010
Website
http://www.rtsrestaurant.net/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
George Christou
Private party facilities
Private full service dining room adjacent to main dining room accommodating parties up to 40 people.

Location
3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305
Area
Alexandria
Cross Street
Glebe Rd
Parking details
On street - In the shopping center across the street - one block south of restaurant free parking lot
Public transit
Bus at corner of Russell and Mount Vernon Avenue
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Fresh Jumbo Soft Shell CrabsUSD 29.95
2 Jumbo Crabs, Sauteed with white wine, lemon, parsley and served over toasted points. Sides: French Fries, Garlic Parsley Rice, Creamed Spinach, Vegetables of the day, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Loaded Baked Potato $2, Red Beans and Rice $1, Chopped Salad / pick 1 dressing $2.50, Fried Brussel Sprouts $2.50
Stuffed FlounderUSD 24.95
Stuffed Flounder with Crabmeat and Crawfish Imperial, Served in a Crab Butter Cream Sauce. Sides: French Fries, Garlic Parsley Rice, Creamed Spinach, Vegetables of the day, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Loaded Baked Potato $2, Red Beans and Rice $1, Chopped Salad / pick 1 dressing $2.50, Fried Brussel Sprouts $2.50
Andouille Crusted Mahi MahiUSD 26.95
Baked and finished with Creole Mustard Sauce. Served on a bed of sauteed spinach. Sides: French Fries, Garlic Parsley Rice, Creamed Spinach, Vegetables of the day, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Loaded Baked Potato $2, Red Beans and Rice $1, Chopped Salad / pick 1 dressing $2.50, Fried Brussel Sprouts $2.50
New York Strip USDA Prime
14oz USDA Prime, Served with a side salad and one side choice. Side Salad - pick 1 dressing: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, Ceasar Dressing, Jalapeno Dressing, Avocado Vinaigrette, Creole Mustard. Sides: French Fries, Garlic Parsley Rice, Creamed Spinach, Vegetables of the Day, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Potato, Loaded Baked Potato $2, Red Beans and Rice $1, Fried Brussel Sprouts $2.50
- 14ozUSD 29.95

Appetizers

Crawfish & Shrimp BeignetsUSD 10.95
Served on a Bed of Garlic Aioli
Fried OystersUSD 11.95
Served over Horseradish Cream Sauce and Fresh Tomato Corn Salsa
Jack Daniels Shrimp & Lump CrabUSD 12.95
Our Specialty for 33 years
Southern Fried CalamariUSD 11.95
With Spicy Cajun Remoulade
Scallops Wrapped in BaconUSD 11.95
Drizzled with a Steen's Cane Syrup Glaze & Served on a bed of Cajun Onions Straws
Oysters RockefellerUSD 12.95
Four Oysters Topped with Creamed Spinach, Chopped Bacon and Hollandaise Sauce
Soft Shell Crab AppetizerUSD 14.95
One Jumbo Soft Shell Crab Sauteed with white wine, lemon, parsley

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Andouille GumboUSD 6.95
Chicken & "Comeaux" Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Garlic-Parsley Rice
She Crab SoupUSD 6.95
Rich & Creamy with a hint of Cajun Spice
Chop SaladUSD 7.95
Mix of Chopped Field Greens, Romaine, Tomato, Red Onion, Shoepeg Corn & Blue Cheese Crumbles (Balsamic Vinaigrette is suggested with this salad)
Creole Caesar SaladUSD 7.95
With House Made Caesar Dressing & Spicy Cornbread Croutons
Mixed Green SaladUSD 5.95
Mixed Greens with Cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes
Pan Seared Salmon SaladUSD 19.95
Over Mixed Greens and Tomato Corn Salsa. We suggest Avocado Vinaigrette Dressing
Pop Corn Shrimp SaladUSD 16.95
Southern Fried Shrimp over Seasonal Greens with Spring Onions & Diced Tomato. We suggest Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Fried Oyster SaladUSD 18.95
Maryland Oysters served over Chopped Salad We suggest Creole Mustard Dressing

Sandwiches

Andouille Sausage Po' BoyUSD 12.95
Grilled Andouille Sausage with provolone cheese, Arugula & Creole Olive Dressing
Gulf Shrimp Po' BoyUSD 13.95
Fried Shrimp with Garlic Mayo & Cajun Mayo
Catfish Po' BoyUSD 13.95
Southern Fried Catfish with Garlic Mayo & Cajun Remoulade
Classic CheeseburgerUSD 11.95
Topped with lettuce, tomato and Mayo
Crabcake SandwichUSD 16.95
All Lump Crabmeat with Lettuce & Tomato. Served with Cole Slaw and one side choice
"Peacemaker" Oyster LoafUSD 16.95
Fried Oysters with Lettuce, Tomato, Garlic Mayo and Cajun Remoulade
Tennesse Sour-Mash Pork BBQUSD 11.95
Made with a touch of Jack Daniels
Soft Shell Crab SandwichUSD 16.95
Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Lettuce, Tomato and Garlic Mayo. Served with Cole Slaw and one side choice

Entrees

All Lump Crab CakesUSD 26.95
Broiled or Pan Sauteed Served with Coleslaw and one side option
Crawfish EtouffeeUSD 19.95
"Smothered" Cajun Style with a Rich Dark Roux, Served with Rice
"Death" by GumboUSD 24.95
Shrimp, Oysters, Lump Crab, Crawfish Tails and Andouille Sausage Served with Rice
Maryland Fried OystersUSD 26.95
An RT's Specialty. Served with Cole Slaw and one side option
New Orleans Steak FritesUSD 24.95
10 oz USDA Angus Choice Flat Iron Served with a side salad and one side choice
Oysters NezpiqueUSD 26.95
Maryland Fried Oysters Topped with Lump Crab & Tasso Ham Etouffe Served with Rice
Pasta JambalayaUSD 19.95
Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Pork, Chicken and Penne Pasta
Shrimp and GritsUSD 22.95
Gulf Shrimp Sauteed with Garlic, Spring Onions, Tasso Ham, Chopped Tomatoes & Fresh Basil, Served over Andouille Cheese Grits
Shrimp & Crab EtouffeeUSD 20.95
Sauteed Shrimp & Lump Crabmeat, Served with Rice
Shrimp NormanUSD 20.95
Fried Gulf Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Etouffe Served with Rice
Smothered CatfishUSD 20.95
Fried and Topped with Shrimp Etouffe. Served with Rice
Southern Fried CatfishUSD 19.95
Lightly Dusted in Corn Flour Served with Cole Slaw and one side option
Spicy Pecan Crusted ChickenUSD 19.95
Topped with Spicy Gulf Shrimp & Creole Mustard Sauce
Spicy Pecan Crusted HaddockUSD 24.95
Topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & Creole Mustard Sauce
Pan Seared SalmonUSD 23.95
Served on a bed of Horseradish Cream and Topped with tomato Corn Salsa
Spicy Crawfish Red Beans/RiceUSD 19.95
Sauteed with Tasso Ham, Garlic Spring Onions and Cajun Spices
Crawfish N Lump Crab CatahoulaUSD 22.95
Sauteed with Garlic, Spring Onions in an Andouille-Cheddar Cream Sauce, Served with Rice

Sides & Extras

Baked PotatoUSD 4.95
Cole SlawUSD 3.95
French FriesUSD 4.95
Fried Brussell SproutsUSD 6.95
Garlic Parsley RiceUSD 3.95
Red Beans and RiceUSD 5.95
Vegetables of the DayUSD 5.95
Cajun Chef Green Hot SauceUSD 7.00
12 oz bottle for real Cajun Flavor!!
Creamed SpinachUSD 4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish SandwichUSD 6.95
Served with Fries & Tartar Sauce
Chicken NuggetsUSD 6.95
Served with Fries
Mac N CheeseUSD 6.95
Popcorn ShrimpUSD 6.95
Served with Fries

Desserts

Creole Bread PuddingUSD 6.95
Served with a Bailey's Irish Cream Toffee Sauce
Key Lime PieUSD 7.95
A Tart, Creamy Classic with Fresh Blueberry Compote
Chocolate MousseUSD 6.95
With Rich Belgian Chocolate
Coconut Cake MelvinUSD 6.95
Soaked with Dark Rum and Topped with Toasted Coconut
Southern Pecan PieUSD 7.95
Served with Chantilly Cream on the side
Whole Key Lime PieUSD 35.00
A Tart, Creamy Classic with Fresh Blueberry Compote. (6-8 Servings)
Whole Pecan PieUSD 35.00
6-8 Servings

Cocktails

Sazerac
Rye Whiskey, Peychaud & Angostura Bitters, Simple Syrup & Pernod. 2-3 Servings
- 12ozUSD 20.00
Cosmopolitan
Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. 2-3 servings
- 12 ozUSD 20.00
Watermelon Cooler
Refreshing summer cocktail made with White Rum, Fresh Watermelon, Strawberries and hint of mint, topped with Rose Cider (1 qt makes 5 Cocktails)
- 1 QuartUSD 30.00
Hurricane
A New Orleans Favorite Cocktail !!! Bacardi, Myers Dark Rum, Our Own Passion Fruit Mix, Grenadine. (1 qt makes 5 cocktails)
- 1 QuartUSD 30.00
Bayou Red Sangria
RT's Red Sangria Special, with Ginger, Lemon and Grapefruit (1 qt makes 5 cocktails)
- 1 QuartUSD 25.00

Beers

Abita - Purple HazeUSD 5.00
Raspberry Lager
Blue Point-Toasted Amber LagerUSD 3.00
Lost Coast BreweryUSD 4.00
Tangerine Wheat Ale
Miller LightUSD 4.00
Stone IPAUSD 5.00
This Golden Beauty explodes with Citrusy Flavor and Hop Aromas, Balanced by a Subtle Malt Character

Non Alcoholic

Abita Root BeerUSD 3.00
Barrett's Ginger BeerUSD 3.00
SaratogaUSD 3.00
Sparkling Water

1/2 Price Wines

Etude "Lyric" Pinot Noir ('16) Santa Barbara CountyUSD 19.95
This elegant wine has flavors of tart blackberry, cranberry, clove & vanilla
Arrowood ('16) Cabernet - Sonoma CountyUSD 24.00
Full and rich with flavors of black fruits, dark cherry and wet stone, with a peppery finish
Caligiore ('13) Malbec - Mendoza, ArgentinaUSD 27.00
This estate single vineyard organic wine is made from vines planted over 100 years ago
Ferrari-Carano ('18) Fume Blanc - Sonoma CountyUSD 18.00
Fresh and Crisp with flavors of peach, mango & melon, highlighted with lemon, apple & grapefruit
Bollini ('18) Rose - ItalyUSD 19.00
Made from 100% Pinot Grigio, this wine is dry and delicate with clean fruit flavors and a hint of minerality
Santa Rita 120 ('19) Chardonay - Reserva Especial - ChileUSD 14.00
The 120 Chardonay has a crisp, fresh, un-oaked style. It's aroma and flavors recall tropical fruit mingled with green apple and an alluring hint of zesty orange peel

What 2,258 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.4Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Neighbourhood gem
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Neighbourhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

RT's Restaurant is a cherished neighborhood gem celebrated for its "authentic Cajun and Creole" cuisine. Guests rave about the "best seafood" in the area, including oysters, crab cakes, and she crab soup. The "friendly and attentive service" complements the inviting atmosphere. Perfect for pre-show dining near The Birchmere.

2,258 Reviews

F
Fada
VIP
Washington DC
150 reviews
5.0
150 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful reception we received upon arriving; each of our party of five was greeted individually as if we were family members. Each dish was as delicious as it was beautifully plated (I had the shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and a marvelous sauce). The service was impeccable with the waitstaff being there when we needed him but he didn't hover. Thank you, RT's, from a group of reuniting friends who had THE BEST time in a remarkable setting.
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K
Kevin
VIP
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent pecan crusted haddock and shrimp/crayfish flounder. Large order of fried calamari (too salty for my taste) and excellent, attentive service.
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D
Duane
VIP
Washington DC
83 reviews
5.0
83 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
If you are looking for some of the best cajun and creole cuisine in the area, look no further than RT's. They've been around for ages and I was introduced to RT's by a friend. I think of it as a hidden gem and this was my second time dining here. Today I ordered the Jack Daniel's shrimp and crabmeat appetizer and a salad which was a perfect lunch. Previously I ordered the shrimp and crabmeat etouffe and was equally pleased. Portions are well-prepared and generous. Service was attentive and we weren't rushed at all. I'll definitely return and look forward to trying some new dishes.
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S
Scott
VIP
Washington DC
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on 17 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic as always. We ate lunch AND dinner there that day. Dinner included a friend in from London. Great food - I tried some different things. Beautifully decorated. Outstanding service.
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G
Geoffrey
VIP
Washington DC
48 reviews
4.0
48 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
There’s a reason RT’s has been around so long in this location. They are excellent at what they do. We were a small (4) birthday group on a Friday night at 6. It would be hard for me to find fault with any aspect of the experience, from check in and seating to settling the check. But the food and drinks are why folks keep coming back.
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A
Andrew
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 11 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My favorite restaurant for New Orleans style cuisine.
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A
Art
Washington DC
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I’ve been frequenting RT’s for 30+ years. I was disappointed today w/ the food. It’s NOT near as good as I’ve experienced in the past. There were 4 in our group . . one of my guest did not finish his entree. The bill was $150 and the meal did not meet expectations. Way too expensive for poor food quality.
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P
Peter
VIP
Washington DC
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Friendly atmosphere with Excellent food and service, as always!
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E
Elaine
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent and so was the service. My husband and I happened upon this restaurant and we will definitely visit again. The staff were very welcoming and our meals came out quick and delicious. We loved it!
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E
Elliott
Washington DC
47 reviews
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The staff was welcoming and attentive, as always. The rockfish and chicken Oscar specials were delicious and generous, and everything was evenly hot. And there's plenty of parking nearby.
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FAQs

RT's Restaurant offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. RT's Restaurant also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 684-6010.

RT's Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 2258 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305

Additional information

Cross Street
Glebe Rd
Area
Alexandria
Hours of Operation
Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Lunch Tue–Sun 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Creole / Cajun / Southern, Seafood, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
On street - In the shopping center across the street - one block south of restaurant free parking lot
Public transit
Bus at corner of Russell and Mount Vernon Avenue
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
George Christou
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.rtsrestaurant.net/
Phone number
(703) 684-6010
Private party facilities
Private full service dining room adjacent to main dining room accommodating parties up to 40 people.

RT's Restaurant

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Pasta Jambalaya

Crawfish Etouffee

All Lump Crab Cakes

Specials of the Day

Fresh Jumbo Soft Shell CrabsUSD 29.95

Stuffed FlounderUSD 24.95

Andouille Crusted Mahi MahiUSD 26.95

New York Strip USDA Prime

Appetizers

Crawfish & Shrimp BeignetsUSD 10.95

Fried OystersUSD 11.95

Jack Daniels Shrimp & Lump CrabUSD 12.95

Southern Fried CalamariUSD 11.95

Scallops Wrapped in BaconUSD 11.95

Oysters RockefellerUSD 12.95

Soft Shell Crab AppetizerUSD 14.95

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Andouille GumboUSD 6.95

She Crab SoupUSD 6.95

Chop SaladUSD 7.95

Creole Caesar SaladUSD 7.95

Mixed Green SaladUSD 5.95

Pan Seared Salmon SaladUSD 19.95

Pop Corn Shrimp SaladUSD 16.95

Fried Oyster SaladUSD 18.95

Sandwiches

Andouille Sausage Po' BoyUSD 12.95

Gulf Shrimp Po' BoyUSD 13.95

Catfish Po' BoyUSD 13.95

Classic CheeseburgerUSD 11.95

Crabcake SandwichUSD 16.95

"Peacemaker" Oyster LoafUSD 16.95

Tennesse Sour-Mash Pork BBQUSD 11.95

Soft Shell Crab SandwichUSD 16.95

Entrees

All Lump Crab CakesUSD 26.95

Crawfish EtouffeeUSD 19.95

"Death" by GumboUSD 24.95

Maryland Fried OystersUSD 26.95

New Orleans Steak FritesUSD 24.95

Oysters NezpiqueUSD 26.95

Pasta JambalayaUSD 19.95

Shrimp and GritsUSD 22.95

Shrimp & Crab EtouffeeUSD 20.95

Shrimp NormanUSD 20.95

Smothered CatfishUSD 20.95

Southern Fried CatfishUSD 19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted ChickenUSD 19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted HaddockUSD 24.95

Pan Seared SalmonUSD 23.95

Spicy Crawfish Red Beans/RiceUSD 19.95

Crawfish N Lump Crab CatahoulaUSD 22.95

Sides & Extras

Baked PotatoUSD 4.95

Cole SlawUSD 3.95

French FriesUSD 4.95

Fried Brussell SproutsUSD 6.95

Garlic Parsley RiceUSD 3.95

Red Beans and RiceUSD 5.95

Vegetables of the DayUSD 5.95

Cajun Chef Green Hot SauceUSD 7.00

Creamed SpinachUSD 4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish SandwichUSD 6.95

Chicken NuggetsUSD 6.95

Mac N CheeseUSD 6.95

Popcorn ShrimpUSD 6.95

Desserts

Creole Bread PuddingUSD 6.95

Key Lime PieUSD 7.95

Chocolate MousseUSD 6.95

Coconut Cake MelvinUSD 6.95

Southern Pecan PieUSD 7.95

Whole Key Lime PieUSD 35.00

Whole Pecan PieUSD 35.00

Cocktails