Ada's on the River

3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria
(703) 638-1400

Recent Reviews

Tim A.

Went for brunch and was pretty disappointed with the service and the quality of this place, which is unfortunate considering how pricey the food is. Tried the wood-fired chicken thighs and the burger. Everything was incredibly salty, as in first bite my mouth went dry and all I could taste was salt. Onions on the burger were also overpoweringly smokey. So if you like smoke and salt then get the burger, but if you like good food then go somewhere else. As for the service, the waiter was ok, but we sat there for a good 15 minutes before he came to our table. The hostess/lady seating people was not friendly. We had a reservation, and when we were seated in the middle of the restaurant there was a window table available that we asked if we could have instead and she flat out said no. Maybe she didn't want to walk all the 10 feet back to the host stand to make the change or maybe they have a secret VIP reservation option. She also brought us 3 water glasses that were dirty. Anyway, plenty of other options in the area and as you can probably tell I won't be going back to this place.

Brittanie M.

This was the first time I have ever been here and it was nothing but AMAZING. We had a party of 7 and we were seated in the back party room. Our server was very attentive and patient. I was in awe of the brunch menu. So many options! I 10/10 recommend this restaurant and everything we ordered was delicious! We ordered: Beef Tartare Wood Fire Chicken Thighs Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad Pork Schnitzel House Ground Prime Dry Aged Burger Steam Blue Muscles

Jennifer C.

Excellent food and service. Views were great and Austin was a pleasant attendant to our group. A-

Shianne T.

Amazing food, drinks, and service!! I sat outside overlooking the water and it was absolutely beautiful

Tomaszek C.

Yes, excellent place not to mention, a good waterfront location. Constant noise of passing airplanes but that might be a part of appeal. Yes, there's an indoor option. Tried Grilled Octopus. It was too soft and not crunchy giving me an impression it was boiled which I was told it was not. Had 10 oz. Filet Mignon with Coal-Roasted Asparagus. Steak was very good. Simple, juicy, elegantly presented. Asparagus complemented my meat just right.

Libby K.

The food was absolutely amazing. I loved being so close to the water with large windows to view. Inside is gorgeous with massive fiddle leaf fig trees and is clean. Our server did great with a party of ten and the wait was not too long.

Billy P.

Good brunch. Make a reservation. Outside tables have a nice view of the Potomac River.

Kem B.

If Culinary Bliss had a name, it would be Ada's on the River! The location along the waterfront is so serene and my party enjoyed every food item that we ordered. From the moment you step foot into this restaurant, you are greeted with warmth, and an ambiance that sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable dining experience. We went here for brunch and enjoyed the wood-fired chicken thighs, avocado toast, lemon ricotta pancakes, main lobster omelet, and blueberry lemon drop martinis which paired perfectly with our meal. Every detail was crafted to perfection. The chicken thighs were perfectly seasoned and very flavorful. I enjoyed the smoky flavor, and the chicken was tender. My friend enjoyed the Avocado toast. The lemon ricotta pancakes were a hit!! They were fluffy clouds of pancake perfection infused with the zest of lemon and the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Every bite was a blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly balanced and delicious. My friend enjoyed the main lobster omelet with a side of potatoes and fresh greens. She felt satisfied and would order it again. If you are a martini lover, I would recommend trying the blueberry lemon drop. It was a burst of sunshine in a glass! It's a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hint of blueberry. It was the perfect compliment to our meal. Our server, Janice, was top tier. She provided exceptional customer service and provided a free dessert to my friend for her birthday. She made sure there was space in between meals to enjoy the appetizers before the entrees were brought to the table. She checked on us often and ensured that we had what we needed. Her pleasant attitude made our visit even more enjoyable. Ada's is a sensory experience that is above the ordinary. I'm recommending Ada's to all my friends and colleagues. Five stars across the board!

E A.

Ada's never disappoints! The food is incredible! The crab cake is delicious as is the hash brown pave (you didn't know what a pave is but it's the best thing you have never heard of!). Everyone always loves their meal. We had Abby as our server and she was excellent. Amazing service and attention to detail!

Glenn D.

A bit overrated but a beautiful view of the Potomac. Sit by a window for maximum benefit.

Beatrice P.

Joined Ada's for an early Saturday brunch and the view is really what drew me to this restaurant. I was hoping to sit outdoors but it was pretty windy so opted for an inside table which still does give a great view of the water. Started off with a latte which was good but I was surprised that they do not have any milk alternative options. We both had the smoked salmon Benedict and shared a shrimp and avocado salad. The salmon Benedict was alright - the portugese muffin was a bit soggy and the tomato had a strange flavor that didn't mesh well with the dish. Salmon was fresh and thinly sliced to my liking. The avocado and shrimp salad could have been great but fell short since there was barely any avocado and the lettuce was not sliced at all making it pretty difficult to eat. I would consider returning in the summer to grab a cocktail and sit outdoors but would skip on the food.

Colleen M.

Great service. Gorgeous atmosphere. We went in late (after 9) on a Monday night and staff could not have been more friendly. The food was awesome. Appetizers and wedge salad. Hangar steak, hash brown, lobster Mac & cheese. All delish. Loved it- will be back!

Dinh N.

The drinks were good, but nothing mind blowing but the food is definitely on another level. It was the first time I've had sunchokes and they did a fantastic job, I would love to get them again. The burger was also very memorable. The dry aged meat was definitely flavorful and tasted different than other burgers I've had. I would recommend not getting the brioche bun, although the butter was interesting and good, it filled me up. I would have saved more room for the sunchokes and burger! Super loud inside so I would recommend a table outside.

Hope C.

We went here with another couple and it was great! This was actually my third time here. I had been for lunch a couple times and thought it was good, but this dinner was much better by far. We started with the seared tuna and the beef tartare...both were amazing! Especially the tartare. We all loved our entrees as well as the sides. We got the lobster Mac and the creamed spinach. The creamed spinach was my favorite. The service was great and I also liked the ambiance, it felt much different than how it had been when I had come previously for lunch. Giving 4 stars instead of 5 just because I think that the dinner food and experience is better than the lunch. I was especially impressed this visit and would absolutely go back.

Stacy B.

Great service, food and ambiance. Highly recommend Ada's on the river!! What a wonderful day!!!

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