Reviewing Evening Star Cafe: Neighborhood American restaurant & bar in Alexandria, VA.
On our way back from the local farmer’s market on a cool Saturday morning, my husband and I stopped outside the Front Porch at the Evening Star Cafe. Despite the chill in the air, the music trickling out and several lit heaters made the outdoor seating area seem very warm and inviting. We decided it was time to give their brunch a try.
Located about half a block down from the main restaurant, the Front Porch and the Backyard are the Evening Star Cafe’s two outdoor seating areas. Set up in front of a purple house, with the storm door permanently ajar, are groups of simple wood tables with wrought iron seating interspersed with open firepits. Strings of exposed lightbulbs dance overhead, creating a magical atmosphere as the sun goes down. You might actually forget that you are not just hanging out in front of a friend’s house while enjoying a meal or a great cocktail.
You won’t have to Google any of the menu items here; the brunch menu is small but mighty. It encapsulates all the usual favorites without any of the experimental dishes that run rampant at many brunch places. Instead, Evening Star has taken the classics and simply done them well. Much of their meat and produce is sourced locally, right down to their rooftop garden, and their coffee comes from local roaster Swing’s.
We each started with a cup of black coffee, which arrived piping hot and brewed exactly right for a smooth and easily drinkable cup of joe. I ordered the egg sandwich, while my husband opted for the breakfast-and-lunch combination of the breakfast burger. Both dishes came served with a side of home fries. While we both prefer our potatoes crisper, we both agreed that these were well-salted and deliciously complemented by a bit of fresh parsley.
Both sandwiches were what I can only describe as solid. This is just plain good food. The egg sandwich delivered exactly what I want in a breakfast sandwich. There was no limp, soggy bacon here; instead, it was golden brown and crispy, paired with a perfectly fried egg and a large slice of cheese. Served hot with a side of ketchup, this is an easy and delicious breakfast that has everything you want and nothing you don’t.
The burger, which was topped with pickles, lettuce, onion, an egg, and Evening Star’s secret sauce, was, well, a very good burger. Nothing fancy here, just the kind of burger you’d hope to find if you are craving one. It included well-seasoned and juicy meat, fresh and crisp vegetables, a hot fried egg, and their secret sauce, which is definitely mayo-based, not overpowering, and an excellent flavor accompaniment. Both of our sandwiches arrived on the same type of bun. Lightly toasted with a soft and fluffy inside and a delicate buttery flavor, this was one of the best buns I have encountered in a long time.
Whether you are dining inside or at one of the two outdoor areas, Evening Star Cafe is an easy choice for real food done well. Whether you are enjoying brunch by the fire or sipping a drink into the night under their twinkling lights, this is the place to dine like a local and feel like family.