Welcome to Hard Times Cafe
"Hard Times Cafe" in Alexandria, VA is a cozy dive bar serving up delicious comfort food like loaded fries, deep-fried pickles, and chili nachos. The menu also features mouth-watering burgers like the Black and Bleu Burger and the Whiskey River BBQ Bacon Burger. Customers rave about the amazing wings, chili flights, and the unique pasta dishes topped with a variety of chili sauces. The restaurant's friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite spot for those seeking a casual dining experience with a twist. Don't forget to try the cornbread and indulge in the hearty portions of flavorful dishes at Hard Times Cafe.
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1404 King St Alexandria, VA 223141404 King St Alexandria, VA 22314 Hotline: (703) 837-0050
If you're on the hunt for some of the best comfort food around, look no further than Hard Times Cafe. Nestled at 1404 King St, Alexandria, VA, this vibrant eatery captures the essence of American bar food with a twist. The inviting atmosphere and dedicated service create a perfect backdrop for indulging in hearty dishes that warm the soul.
One standout feature of Hard Times Cafe is its renowned chili, crafted with care and available in various styles that cater to every palate. From the 3-Way Chili Mac, complete with spaghetti, chili, and cheese, to the adventurous 5-Way Chili Mac, featuring onions and beans, each bowl is a celebration of flavors that embodies the spirit of culinary comfort. The homemade cornbread served alongside these dishes is a must-try, acting as the perfect companion to soak up the savory goodness.
Beyond chili, the cafe boasts an array of mouthwatering burgers, such as the indulgent Whiskey River BBQ Bacon Burger. With its thick BBQ sauce, crispy onion rings, and perfectly chargrilled beef, this burger delivers a flavor explosion with every bite. For those looking for lighter fare, the salads, like the Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Salad, offer a delicious, fresh alternative, topped with sweet corn and a zesty mexi-ranch dressing.
Customer feedback underscores the magic of this beloved spot. One reviewer, Heather T., praised the wings and the unique chili flight, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere that makes dining here feel like a home away from home. Another patron, Winston V., shared his enthusiasm for the varied chili offerings, proclaiming that Hard Times Cafe is his go-to spot whenever he visits the area.
In a bustling city often filled with trends and gourmet distractions, Hard Times Cafe remains dedicated to providing comfort food that feels both timeless and indulgent. With a menu packed with delightful options and notable service, it is an experience not to be missed. So come in, relax with a cold beer, and let the heartwarming dishes invite you to fall on "hard times" — you won’t regret it.
For more inquiries, you can reach them at (703) 837-0050. Drop by and immerse yourself in flavor!
We came here after a lot of recommendations about the wings and they did not disappoint! Amazing wings, great service, beer, and an amazing chili flight. My husband got the chili five ways and it was awesome. This is exactly what you're hoping for, a hole in the wall Comfort food spot with great bar food and cold beer.
Amazing food. I'm a HUGE skyline chili fan but MAN this is a close tie. The fricking cornbread DONT FORGET THE CORN BREAD!! You can choose different chilis! I'd recommend the cincy chili :D over all 5 stars P.S the service is great very nice employees and pretty quiet place
Great value for the money, didn't try the chili. Had the Chicken Tacos was tasty. Dominique was very attentive and a great server.
I had the BBQ chicken sandwich which was very good. My wife enjoyed the same sandwich except she had a hamburger patty. My grandsons had the chili which they enjoyed. We were promptly seated and the service was ok. It was hot and humid in the DC area. I was drinking a lot of water and had to wait a few times for refills. Otherwise it was fine.
Listen...... I am from Cincinnati, the birth place of chili. Every time I come to the area, I'm coming here. Edwin was GREAT and the food was amazing!! I just knew I was coming into this restaurant to laugh at this wack attempt to mimic something they know nothing about. He gave me a chili history lesson and I realized I didn't know as much as I thought. Then he let me try 4 different types of chili and I LIE TO YOU NOT, they were amazing!!! If you want to have the best day "fall on HARD TIMES" and get you some of this chili comfort !
I am writing this review years later because I forgot to do it but I found it in my check-ins. This place was so worthy of a great review because I recommend it to everyone. And my husband and I always talk about it. We have never again experienced a restaurant that serves pasta and allows you to choose three different chili sauces to put over your pasta. At first, I thought that was the weirdest thing but boy am I glad that we all tried it. Everyone in my family loved it. This is not a fancy place but it has a great diner feel with a diverse menu and great service! Go for the pasta with chili sauces!!
Came in on a rainy day for the chili! Fast and friendly service. Cute and cozy vibe, like a small town diver and Cracker Barrel had a baby. The chili is good, prefer the spicy vegetarian version, which surprised me. Portions are generous as well.
Three-way Texas chili - delivered! And it was so good, and so huge. And the chili had a great spice. And there was an incredible cornbread with butter! I was staying in Arlington for a business trip, and I did not feel like going out or having hotel fare. And I was cold, so chili seemed like the smartest choice, and I was not disappointed. The restaurant even including serving ware!!!! That was a very kind gesture, as finding eating utensils when at a hotel can become a little hard. Be prepared, though - huge portions of very tasty food. It was a great dinner!
One of my favorite places to go when I visit Cincinnati, Ohio is Skyline Chili. In Old Town Alexandria it's Hard Times Cafe. The Texas Chili has spicyness accompanied by awesome cornbread that is not dry and crumbly. This place is legendary and the perfect blend of divey bar and OK food. In other words a great place to spend a couple hours drinking good beer and eating good food in a very laid-back atmosphere. Like going back in time. Love it.