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Tiffany Tavern
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
1116 King StAlexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-8844
- Nearest Transit:
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King Street Metro Station (Blue, Yellow)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 5 pm - 12 am
Thu 5 pm - 11:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Tiffany Tavern
Review Highlights
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Dave S.
Lombard, IL
Nostalgia warning! This is all past tense. I haven't been to Tiffany Tavern in three years because my wife and I moved to Chicagoland, but we'd come back for the open mike if we could do it quickly and cheaply.
TT was where I first performed as a singer-musician in front of others. I was allotted five songs, ending with a couple of Beatles numbers. I was so nervous playing that Thursday night that I didn't even let my wife come. But Brian (the host) was supportive, as was the entire crowd. Years later, I'd still get the occasional request for that second Beatles song. (For the record, it was "Julia.")
On a reductionistic level, this place probably deserved either three or four stars. Not everything on the menu is worth the price, though the french onion soup was great, the blue max and olive burgers were tasty, and the reuben had its appeal. Service was friendly and sometimes less than speedy, but only because of the small staff on popular nights. TT's calling card was bluegrass on the weekends, for which I never came. (What was I thinking?) Nope, I'd come for the open mike, which had a different flavor every night, as each night of the week had a different host. Some nights worked better than others for me, according to my tastes.
The talent varied considerably, thank goodness. If you only wanted to sing and couldn't do it well, someone (or sometwo) would back you up. If you were trying out original material, you could do it if it was well-received, and if it wasn't, choose your two-minute diddy over your eight-minute epic. Folks appreciated effort and applauded talent.
I'm not a fantastic musician; my voice holds up my guitar work and vice versa. But on some nights, the place would be packed and lively, yet I'd suddenly have the entire place quiet for a song, the lone ignorer getting shushed for talking while I played through every emotion a song dear to me could provide. I've always treasured those moments, especially these days, when I can't find a decent weekly open mike for the life of me in the Chicago suburbs. I didn't know how good I had it at Tiffany Tavern until it was gone.
Until I was gone, rather. The place is still there. If you enjoy live music, try to see what I saw and hear what I heard. If you do, you'll want to return, just as I do. -
Review from Lindsay R.
Arlington, VA
Went here for a friend's birthday because she REALLY wanted to listen to some bluegrass.
I'll start off by saying that bluegrass is not my thing, but it was tolerable. I like that it was quiet enough in the back to still talk. The music saved this place from getting 1 star.
Atmosphere was appropriate for a mom and pop pub (crowded and dingy full of eccentric patrons), but menu is not. There's hardly any "bar food" to munch on and they only have 2 beers on tap. Why even bother? Also, service was very slow. I think they had 1 server for 30 people and we had to wave her down several times.
What makes matters worse is that there are no other good bars on the same block. So if you decide to bounce early, there aren't many options nearby.
So.....if you want to hang out with 40+ year olds, drink Yuengling on tap and wait 30 minutes between drinks, this place is for you. -
Review from Ashley V.
Alexandria, VA
Okay, so after such a great experience, I brought an out-of-town friend here. It was super-crowded at 9 p.m. You can't see the band from the back room, so that's a bit disappointing. We finally got a seat at the bar (where we could see the band), and my friend went to order her beer, and received less than stellar service from the lady working behind the counter who was somewhat short and curt with her - yet, surprisingly, very pleasant with the others (mostly all older) at the bar. I'm not sure if we just had bad timing, or if she doesn't care for younger folks. Regardless, it was a bit disappointing, and I am a little more hesitant about bringing friends here after that experience. Truly sad, as I do love their bluegrass music - it's always fantastic!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2011
So, I'm not even sure what brought me into Tiffany Tavern on a Saturday night in Old Town. We walked… Read more »
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6/13/2011
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Review from Mark A.
Think of Tiffany Tavern as your Mom and Pop type Tavern. It's rather small, isn't packed out like the other pubs down the street, and you can actually hear the music being played by the band. Service is good and with that you can't go wrong stopping in.
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Review from Renee C.
Alexandria, VA
Don't come for the food. Come for the awesome live bluegrass, to talk to the regulars, and for the great low-key atmosphere. Always fun, always feel like we fit in, great beer and just so-so food (good onion rings, though). AWESOME music and awesome overall experience.
Hint: Music starts at 8:30 every Fri and Sat. If you get in at 7:30/7:45, get some munchies and a beer, and you'll have a great seat when the show starts :). -
Review from Andrew L.
Alexandria, VA
Great blue grass music, and can be a fun place to go. However, gets PACKED fast and is very narrow and it is often very difficult to find a place to sit or get a drink. Does have a nice vibe though.
I've eaten here twice, and the food was both times passable if a little pricey for what I got (like 13.00 for a hamburger steak). Doesn't charge a cover though even or Friday and Saturday, which is nice. Not a place for a cocktail or wine snob, but they do have a full bar and beer selection is good. -
Review from Jason C.
Interior is cramped and dark. Service was friendly but slow. Food was basically a trainwreck. Mushroom gravy couldn't save the hockey puck that was my chop steak, nor ketchup and cheese the hockey puck of my fellow diner's burger.
The only saving grace is that it's cheap and casual in a neighborhood that is neither. -
Review from Kristen S.
Alexandria, VA
I almost feel like I shouldn't even write a review for Tiffany Tavern because it is my "Cheers", so I'm slightly biased. I am a regular there and have been during the week as well as for Bluegrass Fridays and Saturdays.
The food is not the reason to go here. This is regular old pub fare - nothing fancy.
The reasons to come here are: it's casual, comfortable, friendly, non-touristy and fun. It's the type of place where you sit at the bar, nurse your drink and talk to friends. It is, for lack of a better word, a dive. But a nice dive, not seedy.
During the week you can find "the regulars" hanging out, and some good open-mic music without the weekend crowds.
On Friday and Saturday, if you want a good seat in the bar area, get there by 7:00 - no later than 7:30. The Bluegrass is always top-notch and is a great way to see local talent in action. -
Review from MacRae O.
We met up with friends at Tiffany Tavern for some beers and Bluegrass. Fortunately, it delivered on one count: Bluegrass. Extra points for not charging a cover. If I were going to rate TT on the Bluegrass atmosphere alone, I'd give it four stars. The band was talented and entertaining and had the crowd -- and there *was* a crowd -- singing along. Once they started playing, the whole scene changed from "blah" to "yee-haw."
Unfortunately, all's quiet on the beer front here at TT. Yuengling and Blue Moon are the only tap options. That's just lunacy at *any* bar worth its suds, let alone a Faux-rish bar. They're decent beers, but where's the Smithwick's, the Beamish? Or even the Guinness and Harp for Patrick's sake?
Unfortunately, the décor is a bit sad and misses the Irish Pub Mark, too. TT doesn't really come close to replicating the charming little watering holes you find in charming little Irish villages. It's a little like Denny's meets Bennigan's: vinyl seats and waxed tablecloths meet fake exposed beams and knock-off Tiffany windows.
Unfortunately, service was inconsistent. Our server started out attentive, but once TT got a lot busier we sort of fell off her radar. It took awhile for rounds to be refreshed. A woman I can only assume is one of the owners was chipping in to take orders and bus plates, which was much appreciated. But the food we ordered -- a burger and a salad -- took FORTY minutes to come out.
Unfortunately, the food is mediocre at best. Husband liked his burger, especially that the patty was handmade and cooked just to his specifications. But the french fries were fried so long that they were translucent and had no insides left. And I thought my Greek salad was a complete bore with mushy kalamatas, dried out cukes, and overly-fishy anchovies...but then again, I wasn't exactly expecting a knock-out Greek salad at an I-Wish bar.
I'd say I'd come back for the Bluegrass -- because it really *was* fun -- but I can drink Blue Moon on my couch and listen to Old Crow Medicine Show on iTunes for next to nothin'. Maybe if I just so happen to be walking by on a Friday or Saturday night... -
Review from Julie M.
Ashburn, VA
It pains me to give TT 2 stars. I really wanted to love it. Perhaps I would have loved it had I gone a night when the blue grass music was playing ... I didn't, though, so you're getting a review of the food and drinks only.
The happy hour special was good the night I was there ... $2 for a pint of Yuengling (heck yeah!). No problem there, right? Wrong ... our Yuengling was warm when it arrived. It was like the glasses had just been washed and were still hot when the beer was poured into them. Warm beer = total bummer.
The food was nothing special. I ordered a french dip with fries. The french dip was pretty fatty and the fries were mediocre. My one friend ordered a steak salad. It looked decent. My other friend ordered the scallop plate. It was way overpriced for what she got. I believe it was almost $20 for five tiny scallops. Sorry, TT, that's a rip-off.
Bottom Line ... Go when the blue grass is playing and eat before you go. -
Review from Jenn H.
Alexandria, VA
For the live music.
My friend and I stopped in since we had a hankering for live music. The band on Saturday night was terrific (they start around 8:30) and just hit the spot.
The drinks were pretty standard. If you are a wine or cocktail connoisseur, you will not get your itch scratched here. The Malbec was passable (but at $8, relatively inexpensive).
Didn't eat here, but the clientele was really friendly. There was a great crowd, and overall it was a fun stop. -
Review from Daniel P.
Alexandria, VA
Food is fair (mediocre at best), but the music was fantastic. Dive bar atmosphere with good bluegrass.
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Review from Steve H.
Alexandria, VA
I used to go play my original compositions at this "open" mic a few years ago. The next time I played open mic, there was a sign on the sign-up sheet that says "play covers only," so I played some Beethoven, Favorite Things, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. The next time I played open mic, there was a sign on the sign-up sheet that says "play only top-40 covers." Why do they even bother calling this an "open" mic? It's places like this that kill the DC music scene.
The owner, Ted, is a douchbag. I was playing open mic there, to promote a show I had later that week at another venue. After playing, I pass out flyers in the audience to my show. Ted goes up to me and says "no promoting your show allowed."
Also, I brought my African American co-worker there afterwork to grab a beer and chill. My co-worker felt uncomfortable there, and says that some old Caucasian guys were giving him an evil gaze.
Also, this is not a real bluesgrass venue. The crowd is mostly happy-hour corporate yuppies, probally lawyers from the nearby law firms in Old Town. -
Review from Michelle B.
Long Beach, CA
Burgers are good (get the one with Canadian bacon). I agree about the clientele.... loud, obnoxious (I guess they go hand in hand) and that was only at happy hour. This place is 25% dive 75% tavern so you get what you get. If you're looking for PC bar chatter this isn't your place. (Last night's conversation behind us was flavored with some homophobia and misogyny... but aren't the best exchanges that way?) JOKE.
The open mics (Mon-Thurs) can be entertaining on many different levels. Ted, the man who owns the place, is quite friendly and so is the rest of the staff. Burgers, beer, ear muffs. -
Review from Paul L.
Washington, DC
I've only been twice, both times for live bluegrass on Friday's. I heart bluegrass, and beer, and bar food - so I am definitely a fan!
Prices, location, music, and food are all pretty good. I definitely recommend checking it out. Particularly for live bluegrass if you are into that sort of thing (and you should be into that sort of thing).Listed in: I drink, drank, drunk
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Review from Erika W.
Arlington, VA
Meh. I wouldn't go here for the food. If I did go back again it would be because of the atmosphere. VERY laid back. Not what I was expecting in Alexandria for sure. It's one of those places where the outside world, King Street in this case, has SO much going on, and then you walk into TT and it's a whole different world. Dive-y at best. But who doesn't like that once and awhile?
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Review from Gayle G.
Woodbridge, VA
Agree with Andrew on the crowd- not really my type of peeps. But, if I am in the mood for bluegrass, this is a great spot. They present Bluegrass music Friday and Satuday-- no cover-- and have an open mic every other night.
It never seems to be super crowded here, and the food is "meh" but the real reason to go is to hear some good live music. -
Review from Aryn L.
Alexandria, VA
Went here tonight for a quick dinner after work. My boyfriend has the greek burger plus bacon w/ onion rings and I had a regular hamburger and fries. We both enjoyed our food and thoughts the burgers were pretty good. It's a small, cozy, hole in the wall. Service was slow but we had drinks and chatted about the day so we barely noticed. I would definately go again. We were too early for the live music but saw everyone coming in with their guitars and equipment.
Will definately go again!!! I don't know why the reviews aren't better for this place. -
Review from Nina U.
There were 70 year olds jamming in their seats to the live music! A hot pot of coffee was ready and the band was awesome. I love Tiffany Tavern's "divey" feel. There was a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. Simple drinks, no cover, I'll stop here for a drink again.
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Review from Kate N.
I recently checked out Tiffany Tavern for dinner and Bluegrass. I would definitely return, and I encourage anyone who might enjoy Bluegrass to check it out!
Expect a certain degree of simplicity: It seems like a more basic, small-town bar. The food is bar food; it's not great, but it can be tasty if that's what you are expecting. The staff is kind, and the Bluegrass is AWESOME! -
Review from Christopher Yates J.
Alexandria, VA
Unfortunately, this place was a supreme let down. Without the bluegrass music, the charm/appeal was completely missing.
The food was not fresh- seemed microwaved and pre-packaged (Fish and Chips)...didn't want to guess the age of the Tartar sauce or at what price it was purchased at on sale.
The burger was cooked incorrectly, served too quickly, and underspiced (read bland). I cannot even imagine having ordered one of their entrees for $17+. It would have been like paying $17 for an entree at a barber shop- not their forte.
The atmosphere seemed updated 12 years ago with shabby old curtains looking like they were made out of a salvation army sofa. The wood floors and location were nice though.
The poor food, very weak service, and dated atmosphere paved the way for the one star. Just as the cherry on top: as a beer guy...one beer on tap at a "Tavern" is not doing it for me.
I'd go back to listen to music and enjoy the Yuengling on tap- but won't return for a meal.
This place should be called Tiffany Let Me Down. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Montgomery, MD
Some friends came to visit us for the long Columbus Day weekend and one of the items on our To Do list was a pub crawl in Old Town. It didn't exactly work out as we planned, the pub crawl consisted of two bars, but it was still a lot of fun!
We popped into Tiffany Tavern on Saturday evening and were very happy to find four empty bar stools. We took our seats and ordered a couple of drinks. I don't recall the selection to be that amazing, but they had Yuengling on tap which was good enough for me.
The crowd around us seemed nice. There was a wide age range in attendance and everyone seemed to get along just fine. The size of the place itself isn't bad at all.
What really did it for me was the bluegrass band that played that night. I've never really been a fan of blue grass and this wound up being my first time ever hearing it live, and I must say- I think I can call myself a fan now. The group that played were awesome! They just looked so happy and like they were having so much fun and I truly enjoyed the experience of hearing them play.
The best part of the night? Singing along to "Country Road" with the two folks from Scotland and one Englishman in our party. That was cool :)
We didn't have anything to eat because we had just dined elsewhere, but I'm definitely looking forward to showing up early one night soon for dinner and staying for the Yuengling and blue grass. -
Review from Jason Vuong D.
Washington, DC
My friend had the Greek Burger while I had the Bacon Cheeseburger. Of course it wasn't the best burger of our lives, although the Angus beef was outrageous (in a good way), but you know, I like this place. It truly reminded me of a pub in Ireland. The owner is a couple that had the joint since 1981. The crowd is older, families, and chill. The food is good for what it is.
And not to mention they have live bluegrass on Saturdays. How freaking awesome is that!
Tiffany Tavern, go on with your bad self. -
Review from Katy D.
Alexandria, VA
Eh, I will not go back here again. My SO's father picked this place out, mainly for the bluegrass, so we gave it a shot. The inside is a little dinky, sort of with a divey feel, which is fine by me. We sat at a table that was very wobbly, asked to move, that table was wobbly, as were all the tables they moved us too. And the ground under our table was covered in food.
On to the food. I wasn't to hungry, so I got the chicken pita plater, mainly because it had the magic words - tzatziki. I love tzatziki. However, the whole plate was rather bland. The "pita" was just two pieces of flat bread with a heaps of chicken strips on it, chicken strips that were pretty dry and flavorless. On the menu it said it was served with tomatoes and lettuce...and it came with one slice of tomato on the side. The feta was dry and also lacked any taste. The french fries were cold and hard, not crispy at all. My BF got a burger, which was much better than my meal, but at a place known for their burgers, I think I'd still pick Five Guys over here. -
Review from Ben S.
Washington, DC
I'm glad that this place exists. I might even come back again sometime. That said, I can't really give it more than 3 stars.
The food is mediocre at best. Not-cheap Americana. We had burgers, they were ok, but definitely not anything special. The beer list is limited and a bit pricey, but I can always make due with a Guinness so I wasn't too put off, even if it was out of a bottle.
The atmosphere is lots of old folks, but so what if that is who likes the music... they were at least lively and polite. The band was ok, but a bit less bluegrassey than I'd like, but it was only one night. No cover is always good. Next time I'd skip the food, grab a drink at the bar to enjoy the music. -
Review from Tom T.
Alexandria, VA
Good Bluegrass music-Patrons are great, laid back, salt of the earth feel-inside is tired, outdated, wornout...part of the charm of this place i suppose but it could use a bit of tlc-Service is slow, food average-
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Review from CarlSalad K.
New Bern, NC
A classic "small town tavern" with everything one would expect from just that; a tavern. Earns it's "woohoo" status by having some of the best and most consistent quality live Bluegrass around. Patronage generally an older crowd with a few younger ones having an appreciation for some of the best live music around.
Food & drink quality? C'mon folks, it's a tavern! (interesting that some commenters walked into this place looking for Wolfgang Puck and staff). The Greek Burger is quite tasty, as is the Blue Max Burger (Who's ordering the Scallops? In a tavern? Really?)
Music usually starts around 8:30. Get there early for a seat; the place is COZY. Friendly, down-to-earth, "non-patronizing" staff serving basic drink fare; nothing eclectic or chic... and THAT, along with the live music, is exactly why I go there whenever I'm in town! -
Review from Nicole G.
Alexandria, VA
Not the best burger. Enticed by the sign in the window, I was sorely disappointed. The burger was like cardboard. Comparable to McDonald's.
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Review from Bret B.
Denver, CO
I have been researching the "Tiffany Tavern" for hours. Slyly reading the other reviews with purpose; investigating the bands performing on the DC Bluegrass Union website (http://www.dcbu.org). I suppose it was in the hope that my first live music experience out in the DC area wouldn't be spoiled. I assure you my friends, nothing about my experience was spoiled.
Everything about this place, reviews and website, conveys "what you see is what you get." thank bog.
Arriving upon the Tiffany Tavern tonight with my friend, Andrew, we began to look for a high ground from which to launch our binge. The musical entertainment, simply "The Pluckers", all members being of retirement age. There is only one beer on tap, but at least it's yeungling. There's plenty in the bottle if you're looking for something else.
Writing the above, another idea all together infused my head. The Tiffany Tavern is a great place to say, "Of Course", about. Of course they only beer they have on tap is yeungling , it's local and inexpensive. This is an idea that permeates the long hardwood bar and the sweaty currency from days passed mounted on the wall. Of course the elderly lady listening to the live bluegrass well after midnight was adorable in the way that only a smiling/beaming elderly lady can. It was even entertaining to see some of the people come in who couldn't handle the authenticity of the environment make a break for it after one beer.
We arrived just in time to grab the last two seats at the bar at 9:30pm on a Cold Rainy winter night. Shortly there after, the place was packed with diners, lovers holding hands, dates chatting, and people looking for a place to continue their evening. The band's charm was unstoppable, as was the crowd's.
We left at midnight, but the band said that they played until 1am. This happens every weekend, as informed by their website. Me and my friend drank for $30, and I was drunk at the end of this evening. For real, no cover, sweet deal.
Tiffany Tavern = Good time. Again, it is what it is, but for what it is, it is a fine place. I will definitely be back. -
Review from Mike F.
Arlington, VA
Stumbled upon this gem on St. Patty's day. Tiffany Tavern offers tasty burgers, a small but great selection of beer, and awesome live music of the Bluegrass persuasion on the weekend. I was never a fan of bluegrass but it always sounds good here. Monday through Thursday is open mic night which generally draws some pretty good live music. When it comes to the food, give the Greek burger a try!
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Review from Art A.
Berkeley, CA
The seafood platter was tasty, the blue moon mellow and the bluegrass band twangy. It was a nice choice for a casual local dinner out in old town Alexandria. They didn't have much of a selection of beers on tap- just yuengling, blue moon, coors or bud light and Sam Adams, so I took off some stars- I would've thought there would be more at a place like this, with perhaps some local brews.
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Review from Andrew K.
San Francisco, CA
The bluegrass was good. My beer was fine. My beef is with the clientele. Not that they were rude, just not "my people." They were like Audi-driving Southerners, and people who make quasi-problematic statements about Hispanics. I did like the wide age range, and the place had an authenic air. Just not my bag.
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Review from Nina B.
This place is very interesting. You definitely notice it when you go by on a weeknight and blue grass music is being pumped out the door, and you look into the window and the performers live. It kinda draws you in, if you're into blue grass. But, I'm not, and never could get into it, so I've only been to Tiffany Tavern when I wanted a drink and some food. Our bartender was probably the owner, and he just seemed like he knew what he was doing. The kind of bartender who's been doing the same thing for 40 years, doesn't take bullshit, knows how to serve you quickly. Doesn't chat you up with small talk. But, really knows how to run a bar and run it well. I respected that. I particularly liked all the wall decorations. You'll have to go in there to see them.
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Review from Hilary G.
I wanted to check out another pub besides Murphy's so I gave this place a try. The music was ok but it was not a bluegrass night. The service was not very friendly and we didn't get a hello or told what the specials were and it seemed like it was a chore just to take our order. The rainbow trout special was good as far as fish quality but there were no spices or flavor. The decor is very tavern like (wood and stained glass) but how can you have a tavern with one beer on draft? Not worth going to in my opinion.
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Review from Matt D.
Alexandria, VA
The place isn't much to look at, but the Bluegrass nights are great. The bar staff was moderately friendly and the prices were decent. I have not had the chance to eat here. I like that it is a few blocks off the river so the tourist factor is dialed down here a bit. I would definitely head back and the next time I'll try the food.
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Review from Alex K.
Alexandria, VA
Fun, friendly Irish Bar (is that redundant)? The real draw for us is the bluegrass music. Food is basic, but good value.Now that smoking is not permitted, it is even nicer.
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Review from A. J. F.
San Francisco, CA
In a neighborhood with a lot of cookie-cutter bars featuring generic music (or DJs) and twentysomethings overflowing the door and looking for a place to smoke, this place was lively but not unpleasantly crowded (even late on a Friday night) and had *four hours* of great bluegrass, and a good burger to boot. Other people have complained about the lack of beer selection, but this is a bluegrass bar, not a beer tasting room. The Yueng Ling was plenty good for the burger. And just a short walk fromt he King St metro station...I'll be back!
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Review from Marc A.
Arlington, VA
The burgers are great, perhaps the best in old-town. The service was good and the live music was excellent (lots of festive, Christmas tunes). The calamari appetizer was only so-so. The decor is old, but warm. The restaurant feels clean and seems well managed.
Overall, Tiffany is a classic. -
Review from Ebony C.
Washington, DC
Friendly but they do NOT DELIVER.
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Review from Daniel B.
Mechanicsville, VA
What a dump, but that didn't stop us from going in. My group was the only patrons in the place but it was early in the evening and two people came in before we finished. The staff seemed friendly enough but busy for nobody else in the place. The food was mediocre. I had restaurant service crab cakes and the salad was semi-fresh. There was the local radio station pumped through the speakers, the wobbly tables and rickety chairs for ambiance. Yep! I experienced this place and will walk on by the next time I am in Alexandria. Chalk this one up to been there, done that, no point in going in again.
