RT's Restaurant

4.7

2264 Reviews

$30 and under

Creole / Cajun / Southern

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Neighborhood 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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Fresh Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs$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 Flounder$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 Mahi$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
- 14oz$29.95

Appetizers

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

Soups & Salads

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

Sandwiches

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

Entrees

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

Sides & Extras

Baked Potato$4.95
Cole Slaw$3.95
French Fries$4.95
Fried Brussell Sprouts$6.95
Garlic Parsley Rice$3.95
Red Beans and Rice$5.95
Vegetables of the Day$5.95
Cajun Chef Green Hot Sauce$7.00
12 oz bottle for real Cajun Flavor!!
Creamed Spinach$4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish Sandwich$6.95
Served with Fries & Tartar Sauce
Chicken Nuggets$6.95
Served with Fries
Mac N Cheese$6.95
Popcorn Shrimp$6.95
Served with Fries

Desserts

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

Cocktails

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

Beers

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

Non Alcoholic

Abita Root Beer$3.00
Barrett's Ginger Beer$3.00
Saratoga$3.00
Sparkling Water

1/2 Price Wines

Etude "Lyric" Pinot Noir ('16) Santa Barbara County$19.95
This elegant wine has flavors of tart blackberry, cranberry, clove & vanilla
Arrowood ('16) Cabernet - Sonoma County$24.00
Full and rich with flavors of black fruits, dark cherry and wet stone, with a peppery finish
Caligiore ('13) Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina$27.00
This estate single vineyard organic wine is made from vines planted over 100 years ago
Ferrari-Carano ('18) Fume Blanc - Sonoma County$18.00
Fresh and Crisp with flavors of peach, mango & melon, highlighted with lemon, apple & grapefruit
Bollini ('18) Rose - Italy$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 - Chile$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 2,264 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
4.4Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Neighborhood gem
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

RT's Restaurant offers "fantastic food" and "exceptional service," with a menu rich in authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Diners rave about the "outstanding" seafood and "delicious" specialties like gumbo and crab cakes. The restaurant boasts a "friendly atmosphere," making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.

2,264 Reviews

R
Robert
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always a great meal at RT's. Haven't had lunch there is a very long time. Light customer load and great service. Best crab cakes in the DMV, IMO.
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C
Chris
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent Cajun/Creole food . We have been going there for over 30 years! Excellent etouffe, both shrimp and Crawfish . We always order the Arcadian pepper shrimp and oysters Rockefeller as appetizers.
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S
Susan
VIP
Washington DC
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Things often change over the years and often not for the best. I take great comfort in knowing over the several decades I’ve been a faithful customer, RT’s has never changed in all the ways that count - top food, top service, fun ambiance, and always a special place to bring out-of-towners. (Just wish they’d bring back the Ginger Rogers cocktail!). Thank you, RT’s, and here’s to many more years.
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A
Aracelli
Washington DC
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
RT’s is a gem of a restaurant that is consistently great with food and service. I must add that the friendliness and efficiency of the waiters, bartenders and bus boys is exceptional even on a busy night like New Year’s Eve. Thank you!
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A
Amy
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
RT's has the perfect blend of neighborhood joint and great food - and good service too! My husband, a NOLA native, swears it has the best N'awlins food in DC area. I particularly love the she-crab bisque. RT's is nice for a quick dinner - or a special night out!
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F
Fada
VIP
Washington DC
151 reviews
5.0
151 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful reception we received upon arriving; each of our party of five was greeted individually as if we were family members. Each dish was as delicious as it was beautifully plated (I had the shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and a marvelous sauce). The service was impeccable with the waitstaff being there when we needed him but he didn't hover. Thank you, RT's, from a group of reuniting friends who had THE BEST time in a remarkable setting.
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K
Kevin
VIP
Washington DC
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent pecan crusted haddock and shrimp/crayfish flounder. Large order of fried calamari (too salty for my taste) and excellent, attentive service.
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M
Monica
Washington DC
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service were exceptional, as always! The gumbo never disappoints and the trout was as it should be, flaky and delicious. Cocktails are always fun to try there as well.
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D
Duane
VIP
Washington DC
84 reviews
5.0
84 reviews
Dined on December 19, 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 December 17, 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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FAQs

RT's Restaurant offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. RT's Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 684-6010.

RT's Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 2264 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305

Additional information

Cross street
Glebe Rd
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Pasta Jambalaya

Crawfish Etouffee

All Lump Crab Cakes

Specials of the Day

Fresh Jumbo Soft Shell Crabs$29.95

Stuffed Flounder$24.95

Andouille Crusted Mahi Mahi$26.95

New York Strip USDA Prime

Appetizers

Crawfish & Shrimp Beignets$10.95

Fried Oysters$11.95

Jack Daniels Shrimp & Lump Crab$12.95

Southern Fried Calamari$11.95

Scallops Wrapped in Bacon$11.95

Oysters Rockefeller$12.95

Soft Shell Crab Appetizer$14.95

Soups & Salads

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo$6.95

She Crab Soup$6.95

Chop Salad$7.95

Creole Caesar Salad$7.95

Mixed Green Salad$5.95

Pan Seared Salmon Salad$19.95

Pop Corn Shrimp Salad$16.95

Fried Oyster Salad$18.95

Sandwiches

Andouille Sausage Po' Boy$12.95

Gulf Shrimp Po' Boy$13.95

Catfish Po' Boy$13.95

Classic Cheeseburger$11.95

Crabcake Sandwich$16.95

"Peacemaker" Oyster Loaf$16.95

Tennesse Sour-Mash Pork BBQ$11.95

Soft Shell Crab Sandwich$16.95

Entrees

All Lump Crab Cakes$26.95

Crawfish Etouffee$19.95

"Death" by Gumbo$24.95

Maryland Fried Oysters$26.95

New Orleans Steak Frites$24.95

Oysters Nezpique$26.95

Pasta Jambalaya$19.95

Shrimp and Grits$22.95

Shrimp & Crab Etouffee$20.95

Shrimp Norman$20.95

Smothered Catfish$20.95

Southern Fried Catfish$19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted Chicken$19.95

Spicy Pecan Crusted Haddock$24.95

Pan Seared Salmon$23.95

Spicy Crawfish Red Beans/Rice$19.95

Crawfish N Lump Crab Catahoula$22.95

Sides & Extras

Baked Potato$4.95

Cole Slaw$3.95

French Fries$4.95

Fried Brussell Sprouts$6.95

Garlic Parsley Rice$3.95

Red Beans and Rice$5.95

Vegetables of the Day$5.95

Cajun Chef Green Hot Sauce$7.00

Creamed Spinach$4.95

Kids Corner

Catfish Sandwich$6.95

Chicken Nuggets$6.95

Mac N Cheese$6.95

Popcorn Shrimp$6.95

Desserts

Creole Bread Pudding$6.95

Key Lime Pie$7.95

Chocolate Mousse$6.95

Coconut Cake Melvin$6.95

Southern Pecan Pie$7.95

Whole Key Lime Pie$35.00

Whole Pecan Pie$35.00

Cocktails