RT's Restaurant

4.7

2256 Reviews

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 17 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
Gluten-free Options

Popular dishes

Fresh Jumbo Soft Shell CrabsUS$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 FlounderUS$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 MahiUS$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
- 14ozUS$29.95

Appetizers

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

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Andouille GumboUS$6.95
Chicken & "Comeaux" Andouille Sausage Gumbo with Garlic-Parsley Rice
She Crab SoupUS$6.95
Rich & Creamy with a hint of Cajun Spice
Chop SaladUS$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 SaladUS$7.95
With House Made Caesar Dressing & Spicy Cornbread Croutons
Mixed Green SaladUS$5.95
Mixed Greens with Cucumber & Cherry Tomatoes
Pan Seared Salmon SaladUS$19.95
Over Mixed Greens and Tomato Corn Salsa. We suggest Avocado Vinaigrette Dressing
Pop Corn Shrimp SaladUS$16.95
Southern Fried Shrimp over Seasonal Greens with Spring Onions & Diced Tomato. We suggest Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Fried Oyster SaladUS$18.95
Maryland Oysters served over Chopped Salad We suggest Creole Mustard Dressing

Sandwiches

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

Entrees

All Lump Crab CakesUS$26.95
Broiled or Pan Sauteed Served with Coleslaw and one side option
Crawfish EtouffeeUS$19.95
"Smothered" Cajun Style with a Rich Dark Roux, Served with Rice
"Death" by GumboUS$24.95
Shrimp, Oysters, Lump Crab, Crawfish Tails and Andouille Sausage Served with Rice
Maryland Fried OystersUS$26.95
An RT's Specialty. Served with Cole Slaw and one side option
New Orleans Steak FritesUS$24.95
10 oz USDA Angus Choice Flat Iron Served with a side salad and one side choice
Oysters NezpiqueUS$26.95
Maryland Fried Oysters Topped with Lump Crab & Tasso Ham Etouffe Served with Rice
Pasta JambalayaUS$19.95
Gulf Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Pork, Chicken and Penne Pasta
Shrimp and GritsUS$22.95
Gulf Shrimp Sauteed with Garlic, Spring Onions, Tasso Ham, Chopped Tomatoes & Fresh Basil, Served over Andouille Cheese Grits
Shrimp & Crab EtouffeeUS$20.95
Sauteed Shrimp & Lump Crabmeat, Served with Rice
Shrimp NormanUS$20.95
Fried Gulf Shrimp & Jumbo Lump Crab Etouffe Served with Rice
Smothered CatfishUS$20.95
Fried and Topped with Shrimp Etouffe. Served with Rice
Southern Fried CatfishUS$19.95
Lightly Dusted in Corn Flour Served with Cole Slaw and one side option
Spicy Pecan Crusted ChickenUS$19.95
Topped with Spicy Gulf Shrimp & Creole Mustard Sauce
Spicy Pecan Crusted HaddockUS$24.95
Topped with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & Creole Mustard Sauce
Pan Seared SalmonUS$23.95
Served on a bed of Horseradish Cream and Topped with tomato Corn Salsa
Spicy Crawfish Red Beans/RiceUS$19.95
Sauteed with Tasso Ham, Garlic Spring Onions and Cajun Spices
Crawfish N Lump Crab CatahoulaUS$22.95
Sauteed with Garlic, Spring Onions in an Andouille-Cheddar Cream Sauce, Served with Rice

Sides & Extras

Baked PotatoUS$4.95
Cole SlawUS$3.95
French FriesUS$4.95
Fried Brussell SproutsUS$6.95
Garlic Parsley RiceUS$3.95
Red Beans and RiceUS$5.95
Vegetables of the DayUS$5.95
Cajun Chef Green Hot SauceUS$7.00
12 oz bottle for real Cajun Flavor!!
Creamed SpinachUS$4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish SandwichUS$6.95
Served with Fries & Tartar Sauce
Chicken NuggetsUS$6.95
Served with Fries
Mac N CheeseUS$6.95
Popcorn ShrimpUS$6.95
Served with Fries

Desserts

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

Cocktails

Sazerac
Rye Whiskey, Peychaud & Angostura Bitters, Simple Syrup & Pernod. 2-3 Servings
- 12ozUS$20.00
Cosmopolitan
Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. 2-3 servings
- 12 ozUS$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 QuartUS$30.00
Hurricane
A New Orleans Favorite Cocktail !!! Bacardi, Myers Dark Rum, Our Own Passion Fruit Mix, Grenadine. (1 qt makes 5 cocktails)
- 1 QuartUS$30.00
Bayou Red Sangria
RT's Red Sangria Special, with Ginger, Lemon and Grapefruit (1 qt makes 5 cocktails)
- 1 QuartUS$25.00

Beers

Abita - Purple HazeUS$5.00
Raspberry Lager
Blue Point-Toasted Amber LagerUS$3.00
Lost Coast BreweryUS$4.00
Tangerine Wheat Ale
Miller LightUS$4.00
Stone IPAUS$5.00
This Golden Beauty explodes with Citrusy Flavor and Hop Aromas, Balanced by a Subtle Malt Character

Non Alcoholic

Abita Root BeerUS$3.00
Barrett's Ginger BeerUS$3.00
SaratogaUS$3.00
Sparkling Water

1/2 Price Wines

Etude "Lyric" Pinot Noir ('16) Santa Barbara CountyUS$19.95
This elegant wine has flavors of tart blackberry, cranberry, clove & vanilla
Arrowood ('16) Cabernet - Sonoma CountyUS$24.00
Full and rich with flavors of black fruits, dark cherry and wet stone, with a peppery finish
Caligiore ('13) Malbec - Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$27.00
This estate single vineyard organic wine is made from vines planted over 100 years ago
Ferrari-Carano ('18) Fume Blanc - Sonoma CountyUS$18.00
Fresh and Crisp with flavors of peach, mango & melon, highlighted with lemon, apple & grapefruit
Bollini ('18) Rose - ItalyUS$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 - ChileUS$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 2,256 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
4.3Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

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.

2,256 Reviews

D
Duane
VIP
Washington DC
82 reviews
5.0
82 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.
Is this helpful?
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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H
Harry
VIP
Washington DC
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good food, interesting menu choices, attentive staff and good value
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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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K
Kimberly
Washington DC
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious as always! I have come here so many times and it never disappoints! It is one of my favorite places!
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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 2256 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 17 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
Gluten-free Options

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 CrabsUS$29.95

Stuffed FlounderUS$24.95

Andouille Crusted Mahi MahiUS$26.95

New York Strip USDA Prime

Appetizers

Crawfish & Shrimp BeignetsUS$10.95

Fried OystersUS$11.95

Jack Daniels Shrimp & Lump CrabUS$12.95

Southern Fried CalamariUS$11.95

Scallops Wrapped in BaconUS$11.95

Oysters RockefellerUS$12.95

Soft Shell Crab AppetizerUS$14.95

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Andouille GumboUS$6.95

She Crab SoupUS$6.95

Chop SaladUS$7.95

Creole Caesar SaladUS$7.95

Mixed Green SaladUS$5.95

Pan Seared Salmon SaladUS$19.95

Pop Corn Shrimp SaladUS$16.95

Fried Oyster SaladUS$18.95

Sandwiches

Andouille Sausage Po' BoyUS$12.95

Gulf Shrimp Po' BoyUS$13.95

Catfish Po' BoyUS$13.95

Classic CheeseburgerUS$11.95

Crabcake SandwichUS$16.95

"Peacemaker" Oyster LoafUS$16.95

Tennesse Sour-Mash Pork BBQUS$11.95

Soft Shell Crab SandwichUS$16.95

Entrees

All Lump Crab CakesUS$26.95

Crawfish EtouffeeUS$19.95

"Death" by GumboUS$24.95

Maryland Fried OystersUS$26.95

New Orleans Steak FritesUS$24.95

Oysters NezpiqueUS$26.95

Pasta JambalayaUS$19.95

Shrimp and GritsUS$22.95

Shrimp & Crab EtouffeeUS$20.95

Shrimp NormanUS$20.95

Smothered CatfishUS$20.95

Southern Fried CatfishUS$19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted ChickenUS$19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted HaddockUS$24.95

Pan Seared SalmonUS$23.95

Spicy Crawfish Red Beans/RiceUS$19.95

Crawfish N Lump Crab CatahoulaUS$22.95

Sides & Extras

Baked PotatoUS$4.95

Cole SlawUS$3.95

French FriesUS$4.95

Fried Brussell SproutsUS$6.95

Garlic Parsley RiceUS$3.95

Red Beans and RiceUS$5.95

Vegetables of the DayUS$5.95

Cajun Chef Green Hot SauceUS$7.00

Creamed SpinachUS$4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish SandwichUS$6.95

Chicken NuggetsUS$6.95

Mac N CheeseUS$6.95

Popcorn ShrimpUS$6.95

Desserts

Creole Bread PuddingUS$6.95

Key Lime PieUS$7.95

Chocolate MousseUS$6.95

Coconut Cake MelvinUS$6.95

Southern Pecan PieUS$7.95

Whole Key Lime PieUS$35.00

Whole Pecan PieUS$35.00

Cocktails