One of the best things about a duty station at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is the access to not only the traditional Washington, D.C. monuments and museums and the plentiful dining and shopping options in Old Town Alexandria, but the unique, tucked away specialty spots that so many people crave—like a great whiskey bar.
If you’ve just started learning the whiskey ways, you’ll see that bars and restaurants refer to their collections as whiskey or whisky. That’s because the major producers (the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Canada) differentiate. Those of us in the U.S and our friends in Ireland use the “e,” while our neighbors to the north in Canada and Scotland go without.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a new or seasoned whiskey or whisky fan; you’re in the right place. The area surrounding Fort Belvoir has some of the best places to sip and linger. These are seven of the top sites to try new and rare whiskey blends.
1) Daniel O’Connell’s
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
You can’t have a “Best of Whiskey” list and not mention one of Ireland’s most famous adult beverages. Have a seat at the bar and sample one of the Irish whiskies O'Connell's has on the shelf. Try the lamb stew if you want a taste of authentic Irish fare. And, later, savor another Jameson’s and hear the live music. Daniel O’Connell’s was also voted one of Washington, D.C.’s best Irish Pubs.
Photo by Daniel O'Connell's
2) Whiskey and Oyster
Old Town Alexandria
Well, if Whiskey is the restaurant's name, it must be a legitimate place to sip a few new-to-you blends. Whiskey and Oyster is an upscale neighborhood restaurant that locals love during the week and out of towners flock to on the weekends. Try one of their scheduled weekly events for the full experience.
- Happy Hour Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Taco Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Whiskey Wednesdays 50% off whiskey 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
We have everything you need to know about your PCS in the Fort Belvoir Relocation Information Base Guide.
3) 219 Restaurant Basin Street Lounge
Old Town Alexandria
If you’d love a little jazz and blues music while savoring fine whiskey, Basin Street Lounge is calling your name. Operating since 1979, its elegant atmosphere, and if you choose, a cigar bar, accompany an extensive whiskey list. The lounge is open every night of the week, and live music starts at 9 p.m.
Moving to the Fort Belvoir area?
If walkability to the Metro, food, and shopping are high on your priority list, check out this town house in Alexandria.
- 538 North West Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
- 3 Bed, 2 Bath (Townhouse)
- Rent: $3,200/mo.
- MilitaryByOwner Listing MBO 1477427
The owners have maintained the property to high standards and recently installed new carpeting and updated the paint. The updates flow outside with the addition of a new deck. Inside, the neutral color palette (including the hardwood floors) invites your furnishings to fit in perfectly. The kitchen is updated with gorgeous 42-inch cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The townhouse has four floors and plenty of natural light streams throughout the home. If you need household storage, the lower level has an extensive amount of free space to house work equipment, extra furniture, and more.
4) Union Street Public House
Old Town Alexandria
One of Old Town’s most recognized restaurants and frequent host to parties of all sizes, Union Street Public House also has the fan-favorite Whiskey Bar, dedicated to featuring more than 200 selections from around the world. The colonial warehouse’s atmosphere is the perfect setting for enjoying your favorite blends and trying new choices. The Whiskey Bar has select hours Wednesday through Saturday, opening at 5 p.m.
Are you thinking of calling Alexandria home? You should read the Alexandria Guide For Newcomers.
5) King's Ransom
Old Town Alexandria
King's Ransom is where Japanese-inspired food meets Virginia’s first and only Toki Highball Machine. Newbies take note: This machine provides whiskeys and other rare spirits a cold water bath, chilling them to the perfect temperature for mixing, ensuring that you have a perfectly smooth highball cocktail. You’ll find traditional highball drinks like a Bourbon Old Fashioned as well creative combinations like Yuzu Whiskey Sour.
6) Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Washington, D.C.
Not only Washington, D.C.’s best, but a contender for one the country’s most prestigious whiskey bars, the Jack Rose Dining Saloon has more than 2,700 bottles on its shelves, including some of the rarest collections. Don’t feel like you have to leave empty-handed; you can browse the Bottle Shop for exclusive single barrel selections.
7) The Dignitary
Washington, D.C.
Crave a traditional whiskey experience? The Dignitary hits the mark with a cozy yet stately atmosphere. Leather furniture and low-lighting exude sophistication—perfect for trying the hand-picked Scotch whisky and bourbon selections. Also, check the schedule for the bar’s popular tasting events and specially priced whiskey flights.
If you’re headed to Fort Belvoir and the Washington D.C. area, take advantage of all the resources MilitaryByOwner has to offer. You'll find area homes listed for rent and for sale, and location specific PCS guides, like our guide to Alexandria, VA, below!
