By: foodishways
Food, Virginia, , ,

Ada’s on the River

What’s one of the activities you missed earlier in the pandemic? I’m sure there’s not just one. Mine was brunch. I had two pandemic birthday brunches at home that I loved so much, but I missed meeting friends to try a new restaurant together. It was only right to have my first brunch at a new (to us) restaurant in years with my bestie, Justin.

Ada’s on the River is one of the newer restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, VA, and it is located near the waterfront park. It’s named after Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century English mathematician who is also known as one of the first computer programmers. While dining here, you get a stunning view of the Potomac River. The menu itself is one of the most interesting ones I’ve seen. Something I found even more interesting is that many of the menu items pass through the wood fire.

Note: Ada’s on the River is wheelchair accessible.

The inside of Ada's on the River, which is a restaurant located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Part of the interior of Ada’s on the River

WHAT I ORDERED

I strongly suggest that you make a reservation. I made one just to be on the safe side and was glad that I did since it was busy. I used OpenTable.

I thought the brunch menu covered all the bases–a solid cocktail menu, starters, brunch specials, salads, entrees, sandwiches, and signature sides. We got there toward the end of brunch, so some brunch drinks weren’t available.

Cocktails

Life on the Water

Before coming here, I already knew that I wanted to try Ada’s on the River’s Life on the Water cocktail. It’s made with Sauza Hornitos Plata tequila, fresh raspberries, Tres Agaves organic agave nectar, and lime juice. I was truly amazed at how beautiful this cocktail was.

A cocktail sitting on a table. The cocktail is called "Life on the Water." It's from Ada's on the River, which is a restaurant located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.
Ada’s on the River’s Life on the Water cocktail

I loved this drink so much that I would’ve ordered a second one! (I decided to try a different drink to add more to this blog post). I’m a fan of tequila-based cocktails, so this drink felt like the perfect way to start brunch. The raspberries were a beautiful way to garnish this drink.

Whiskey Landing Cocktail

My planned drink #2 wasn’t available, so I took a chance and tried the Whiskey Landing cocktail. It’s made with Knob Creek rye whiskey, cinnamon-nutmeg syrup, egg white froth, and lemon juice. I’m not exactly sure what the spice blend was on top of the froth.

  • The top of a cocktail called "Whiskey Landing" sitting on the table. The cocktail is from Ada's on the River, which is a restaurant located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
  • A cocktail called "Whiskey Landing" sitting on the table. The cocktail is from Ada's on the River, which is a restaurant located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

The Whiskey Landing was so good! It was a pretty cocktail that tasted just as good as it looked. This was the first time I tried a drink with egg white froth on top, and I thought it was a nice touch. I’d absolutely get this drink again.

Both of the cocktails I ordered were well balanced.

Giant French Toast

To know me is to know that French toast is my favorite breakfast food. I ordered the Giant French Toast, which is made with cinnamon, brown sugar, salted caramel, and a side of Chantilly cream.

Two large slices of French toast with a side of Chantilly cream on a plate
Ada’s on the River’s Giant French Toast

I think the photo above may not do this French toast justice. They meant it when they said it was “giant.” This toast was filling. The cinnamon, brown sugar, and salted caramel flavors worked so well together. This was my first time trying Chantilly cream, and it was perfect for this. I’d order this French toast again in a heartbeat.

CONCLUSION

If you love brunch with a great view, Ada’s on the River is the restaurant for you. The experience was lovely, and the staff was so kind and upbeat. I can’t wait to go back.

Address: 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria, VA 22314

Until next time.