Neighborhood Eats: Evening Star Cafe

Reviewed by Cynthia Hacinli , Ann Limpert , Sara Levine

Evening Star Cafe

2000 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA
Phone: 703.549.5051

Cuisines:
American, Modern

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
Braddock Road

Price Range:
Moderate

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Duck springrolls; Quail stuffed with goat cheese and shitakes; chicken-and-andouille-sausage gumbo; chicken-and-apple sausage with cheddar mashed potatoes; steamed mussels with ginger and lemongrass; rosemary-braised lamb shank; roast garlic-marinated duck breast; salmon with pureed fig; beef tenderloin with cheddar mashed potatoes; Cajun crabcakes; pinenut tart; milk and cookies; chocolate cream pie.

Price Details:
Lunch appetizers, $3.75 to $7; entrees, $6.50 to $14.
Dinner appetizers, $4 to $12; entrees, $15 to $25.
Sunday brunch entrees, $6 to $11.
Lounge menu, $5 to $9.

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Michael Babin’s Neighborhood Restaurant Group has grown in the last few years, spawning the spiffy pizza place Rustico and the late-night bakery/dessert lounge Buzz, but his empire began here. The menu at the funky, wine-savvy Del Ray dining room, a hit with twentysomethings and grandparents alike, is as eclectic as the vintage decor. Hungry-man plates of braised short ribs and house-cured bacon share space with beautifully fried duck spring rolls and an elegant cut of rare salmon drizzled with puréed fig. Buzz pastry chef Josh Short provides the desserts—highlights are his milk and cookies and meringue-topped chocolate-cream pie.

-March, 2008