Some places are clearly pubs, others are clearly dive bars. And then there is the Bilbo Baggins. To me it walks the line, despite pubby pretensions, and I am cool with that. Typical high DC prices, but with an interesting enough Belgian bottle selection that it would be the easiest trick to drop a load of money here. Big comfort food, can’t vouch for it. Several TV and lots of liquor bottles. Wants to be a pub but also wants to be all things to all people, and that’s a tricky business.

Located in wonderful Old Town, Alexandria. Next door to one of our favorite local sushi restaurants, we occasionally stop in Bilbo Baggins for a pint, and even had dinner there once or twice. The bar has ten taps, including German and Belgian (often Chimay and Aventinus) offerings, as well as American craft brews (often Bell’s and Rogue, among others). The bar area is quaint, and the vibe is very relaxed. The staff is friendly and service is prompt. The bar also has a fireplace, which is especially inviting during the winter months. The drafts don’t rotate too much, as over the years I repeatedly see the same brews on draft. My biggest complaint about Bilgo Baggins is the ridiculous price one has to pay to get a pint of beer. Considering that most, possibly all, of their beers are available at a store in the very same town for a fraction of the price, it’s hard to justify spending that much money just so I can grab a beer and relax for a while. Overall, a cozy place, and worth visiting if you’re in the area. Just be prepared to shell out a few more dollars than you may be accustomed to.

I liked this place. The ambiance was nice, and it had a very homey look to it that I just ate up. The only thing that seemed off were the TVs, which look far more modern that anything else in the building, but the place is a bar, so they’re to be expected. The tap list was surprising without being mind blowing (WWS on tap, oz for oz cheaper than retail). Overall, friendly and pleasant.

Pretty small place- you can go into the restaurant portion or the smaller beer bar. The bar is pretty cramped. 20 taps seems reasonable but only about 1-2 beers caught my eye. Pretty calm and bit empty. I wasn’t too impressed. But before Paradiso Old Town and Rustico, this was about your best bet in Alexandria. Thankfully it has improved.

This is an unassuming place located in historic downtown Alexandria. There are two front entrances, one to the bar and the other to the restaurant. The place was cheerful and quaint with an old-World feel. The beer selection is nice, with many bottles to choose from, though nothing stands out as spectacular. The food is well prepared and appropriately priced. The service is adequate and could improve with more beer knowledge and passion for the food offerings.

I have listed this place as I clould not find it but do find it on the map. This is a great neighborhood bar and restauarant. I wish I had one like this within walking distance. Ver y special beers, good food, the only drawback being the price typical of DC where all our taxes go. Coincidence? 2011 Second visit, still great friendly service, taps are OK but botttles are unique, good value for sure

As I was stuck in National Harbor for a few days while my partner attended a conference at the dire Gaylord Resort, I found myself hopping on the ferry over to Alexandria a couple of times. Although the Old Town is nice and there are a couple of convivial watering holes, there isn’t too much to attract the serious beer hunter and this was the best within walking distance of the waterfront. There’s a pub area and an eating area downstairs and more dining space upstairs (I think). Quite a comfortable and homely place. Number of taps seems to have gone down (10), bottles up (45). Some solid stuff - Stone, Victory, Climax, Clipper City and a few more - on tap but nothing ultra rare. Likewise for the bottles - quite a lot of Belgians No macros. Food was decent. Prices seemed a little high ($6 or $7 for draft pints) although I guess that is probably par for the course in the DC area. Certainly worth a visit if you are in Old Town Alexandria but wouldn’t merit a special trip.

I walked here from the Hotel Monaco. Cozy little atmosphere with a few tables and a standard bar area. Pretty typical pub-like atmosphere. 10 beers on tap, which were mildly interesting. No Micros. Arrogant Bastard, Heavy Seas x 2, German lagers x 2, Victory Stout, Penn and Brooklyn Octoberfests, and a couple others that I don’t really recall. They have a nice list of about 100 bottles that has something for everyone. I had a Bells Kalamazoo stout. I didn’t have any food, nor did I see the bathrooms. The bartender was nice, and proper glassware was used. Prices seem a little steep, though. Decent little place.---I returned to this place and figured I would have a nice beer and a cigar whilst there. A couple nights before, people were smoking cigarettes all over the place. I figured that a cigar would be fine. The bartender told me that CIGARS ARE NOT WELCOME, but cigarettes ARE welcome. WHAT THE FUCK? The lowered overall score and service are results of this asinine ideology.

I stopped here for dinner after arriving in Alexandria. Near the waterfront, it is quite a hike from most of the hotels or a quick trolley ride down King Street. Tucked away in a quieter residential area it is just a block off the main action. Pretty dead when I visited the service was decent but not exceptional. While I did not try any of the taps the selection was nice for a restaurant in the area. Food was above average with reasonable prices but that should be a secondary reason for coming. I may try to make it back during the week as the pickings are pretty slim elsewhere within walking distance.

I loved this place. The folks were friendly, including the owner who tends bar once a week. Great beer selection and the food was very enjoyable. I totally recommend this place