Where do I start! What an experience. I do not go to Old Town Alexandria often but I am sure glad that I decided to go this time. I never been to the Bayou Room but it was a great experience. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by a waiter who welcomed us. The ambiance and vibes were great. They had a guitar band that night who were phenomenal. They were really talented. I wish I knew their name. Apparently, the Bayou Room has live entertainment every night. I hope that I am able to see them again. They were very engaging and interactive with the audience. It added to the ambiance. It was pretty crowded so I did not get to walk around too much but they have seating upstairs, bar seating as well as a general area for tables on the main floor. And you can hear the music and enjoy the entertainment no matter where you sit. They also allow you to smoke inside so many people had cigars which adds to the ambiance. If you don't like the smoke smell then it might not be the place for you. Unfortunately, we did not order any food. However, I ordered an old fashioned which was very tasty. I asked for it to be a little sweeter than traditionally made and it was delicious. It was a little strong but I really enjoyed it. Overall, it was a great experience. I really enjoyed the live entertainment and the incredible vibes. I recommend checking it out if you are in the area. I will be back soon. Cheers! read more

I had the best mule of my life here!!! Their Christmas decorations also, were a nice addition to the bar. As other reviews said, the service was hit or miss. The bartender that we had, was somewhat attentive. She was kinda in and out with service, also acknowledging that there were other customers in the room. But I do wish she was a little more attentive. Other than the missed service, this Bayou Bar was decent. An okay place to get some drinks or relax a little bit before going upstairs for a jazz performance or some dinner reservations. read more

Bayou Room - Lounges Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

A good place for cocktails and cigars, although the bartender usually has to run upstairs to get cigars. Service is hit or miss. Sometimes helpful and attentive, sometimes not. It is usually very cold inside during the winter. read more

Bayou Room - Changing the rules! - Lounges Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Automatic 20% gratuity for for sub-par service. Also terrible smell throughout the entire room. I wish no stars was a n option read more

HORRIBLE! We made a reservation for 7:30 and were the only people there. A dog in a crate in one of the rooms as we were led to our table and the owner and waitress then hovering over our table as we debated what to order. It became so uncomfortable that we decided to get the bill for the drinks and leave.... they were pissed! Charged a full gratuity and it was $60 for 4 drinks!!!!! Beware this place.... read more

Came to the Bayou Room, the only thing that stood out more than the music was the ridiculously rude service from the bartender. She/he refused to tell me their name. I was polite, but all I got in return was attitude and eye rolling. Honestly, they're lucky they caught me on a good day, because they definitely deserved some words. read more

The bouncer there is dangerously aggressive!! I saw him pick a poor girl up by her legs and throw her out for no good reasons at all. She was asking for her jacket and then picks her up without consent and throws her out. Couldn't believe my eyes. He needs to be fired immediately so women can feel safe again. Do waaaaaay better bayou room! read more

Friends and I decided to try something new . We took a 45 minute drive just to come eat . From the hostess , to our waiter , to the presentation of our food ... Everything was great . The only downside was that we sat in a small room behind the hostess stand ... you could feel the rush of coldness coming through every time the front door open . They have a cigar bar down stair w/ a dj ... that experience was one all in itself read more

Bayou Room - Grilled chicken fettuccine - Lounges Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Trying something new I came here for an appetizer. I arrived during happy hour. I saw they had pork belly so I'm all about that. I sat down at the small bar and I ordered the pork belly appetizer. It was good and crispy. I started with water but thought a red wine would go well with it so I ordered a Shiraz I think. The staff looked busy and constantly in motion. I might have to go back and try a main entree. read more

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I ALWAYS have fun at Bayou Room (in the basement). If you like dive bars, dancing, and don't mind cigarette smoke wafting through the air this is the place for you. No frills, no pretentiousness, just good vibes and fun. read more

Pleasant surprise. It took me a minute to understand that they have 3 levels, but once I figure that out it was great. I felt bad and loungy so I picked the middle floor. The service was pretty good and the food was great. Aesthetically, it's great to see the unique decor and experience the ambiance. Definitely recommend checking it out. Side note, upstairs they had live music... Lots to experience here. read more

Had a nice steak, drinks were good and the service excellent! Watched a game in the back room as I smoked my cigar then went and listen to the band! It was a super night at the Bayou! read more

Live band plus cigars, what more can one ask for?! This was a great experience. There is a separate sitting area for those who just want to catch the game. read more

Great atmosphere, awesome drinks! Live band was superb. Smoked a cigar at the bar and met some great people.

The smoke I could do without that ... didn't realize you could still smoke in establishments anymore ..lol So, let's get into this review ..the drinks was good and decently priced. I'll go so far as to say it was the cheaper drinks we'd had the entire night of being out .The DJ was pretty good he played a nice selection of music . It's diff a dive bar and if can't deal with cigarette smoke then I suggest you walk away. If you can then yes go on in and give it a try. Ambiance is dark, loud, smoky with lots of dancing going on. No food is served here just drinks. read more

The divest dive bar! It's a tiny basement bar. I'm not knocking this at all! The music was great and the drinks were strong. Energy of the crowd was great but in times of COVID, I definitely was feeling the crowdedness. Really fun times tho. read more

Amazing service and phenomenal food. I really enjoyed it here. We will definitely be back!

It's basically a low grade college bar with plastic cups. We came in during happy hour on a Friday and not one person was there. The beer taps were ok. But I will never go back. They had paper printed caveats all over the bar about open tabs, leaving your wallet/purse, no restroom, etc. It was weird and I guess they don't have a dishwasher to clean real glasses. A bar that can't offer a cold glass is not a bar. read more

If you don't mind smoke this place was a great dance scene at night! Drinks were average price and they had a good dj. Intimate, seating limited to benches on the edges of the walls but a lot of fun. Went for my birthday and will be going back! read more

Stopped here to meet up with a friend. Weekday night, so it wasn't busy and sat at the bar. Bartender was a nice guy. Grabbed some pork belly bites and gumbo, which were ok. Nice enough place to hang out, but decided to go upstairs to the Basin St. Lounge to listen to some music. read more

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Would give 0 stars if possible. Could forgive the gross interior and bad music if it weren't for the out right theft that occurs, and I'm not just talking about them charging $3 for a cup of water. This place will scam you and try to steal your money. My wife and I were there over the weekend and ordered a round of shots for our group (4 people total) and closed out the tab immediately per the bars "policy." The receipt showed a charge for 6 shots and when confronted the bar tender lied to my face and said we had a tab open. I asked how we could have a table when they made us close out each time we had ordered, not to mention that we just walked in and the bar tender just walked away. My wife was tired and just wanted to go home rather than call the police to deal with the scammers over $20, but we wanted to post this to ensure other people are aware of what goes on in this extremely shady dive. read more

My favorite dive bar in the area. I work in Old Town, so we frequent this place during the week. Glen, the bartender, is the best - he has our drinks waiting when we open the door basically. He knows everyone by name - one of those bars that Billy Joel writes about in the "Piano Man" without the piano man. He plays great jams on the xm radio (80s new wave/rock), pours good drinks, has a wicked politically incorrect sense of humor and the place is drenched in business cards from the past 30 years. They also have a decent bar menu which is better than the stereotypical French fare upstairs - a good steak frites (cheapest in the area, decent taste!), and the best shecrab soup in town. If you love windowless basement bars with a lot of character in all ways, this place is for you. It's also a local secret for weeknights. Note: On the weekends it becomes a nightmare of crappy music and crappy townies/people. A DJ moves in with stupid music, tables are cleared and the "party starts," so stick here during the day/early evening, or weeknights. read more

Bayou Room - Lounges Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

The place to go if you want to dance!! Not the biggest space but had a great time. Hard to get a drink because it's so packed but don't think it has anything to do with bartenders discriminating they are just overwhelmed. Was only 2 bartenders for a packed bar one was on point but the older lady with short black hair can't keep up at all. The most diverse group of people were here all dancing having a good time. No bad vibes at all felt very safe will definitely be back when I'm in the area and want to have a good time. You can smoke inside but the smell wasn't as bad as it could have been so they must have a decent ventilation system. read more

Stopped by the bayou room randomly on a Tuesday night and ran into an unexpected party. The room is located downstairs in a quaint space equipped with a full bar and decor nostalgic of a New Orleans experience. They have happy hour everyday and the overall drink prices were pretty reasonable especially for the area. A quiet scene initially when I arrived quickly turned into a large group of patrons dancing and drinking as a DJ played a wide variety of hits ranging from the 80's to more current music. This warm and cozy little bar is definitely worth checking out for the experience. read more

disappointingly dark and small. immediately felt unwelcomed upon entering so we turned around and left.

Food was fantastic!!! Service was fantastic. Small romantic spot. Drinks were expensive so byob. read more

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The fried pork belly could use a little flavor. Without the soy sauce, it doesn't taste like anything. However, the true redemption came in the form of our entrees, and HOLY COW were they amazing. The salmon....to die for. But the real MVP....the real deal, the cheddar grits. I'm on the verge of selling my soul for them. Amazing place. Amazing food. Amazing staff. One of my new favorite spots in Alexandria. read more

The bartender was racist and rudely spoke to my friends and I when we gave her no reason to. She made the establishment uncomfortable for a person of color. read more

Got a bad vibe from the bouncer. Turned away and he kept staring at us giving you the creepy feeling. Won't be back.

This is a basement in Old Town. Adjust your expectations accordingly, and you will be satisfied. It is the kind of place with a DJ set up on the bar next to the bartender, a concrete floor, and a crowd that is a mix of regulars and whoever happens to be walking by. It's about the size of a small apartment, and gives the feel of someone throwing a basement houseparty. So if you are in the neighborhood, come in, hang up your coat, and don't expect too much - you might have a good time. If you don't, try again - the crowd might be completely different. Either way, it's worth a trip down the stairs to find out. read more

Kicked me out for refusing to pay an unknown person's drink on my tab. Didn't have to pay luckily but still what kind of service is that???

Live jazz, outstanding selection of booze and cigars. Sit back towards the beautiful bar if you want to have music and conversation. Try to sit under one of the air cleaners as well and you can bring folks in that aren't smokers. Well maintained cigar selection and all the instruments to fire up a relaxing Churchill. Only downside, they allow cigarettes. Will definitely be back! read more

Great dancing floor in Old Town. We came here for St. Patrick's, and it got packed late that night. Pretty divey place with good music and nice crowds. read more

The bar/dance floor is a hole in wall. The music is mixture of '80s'90's and current artists T.I...Usher...... It is a good place to come to and drink, dance, and have good time. There is no cover and it can be really crowded, so crowded you can't move. Everyone there was pretty cool and seemed to have fun. read more

Happened in here one Sunday after hanging out in Old Town! It's just a little bar in a basement, but hey! The drinks are good, they have TV's and Jake is a personable bartender that remembers who you are!! What a plus in this day and age! We have been back a few times since and don't plan on stopping! read more

The Bayou room is a home not a restaurant. Patty makes authentic New Orleans cuisine with an extra flare filled with love. The collards are amazing, along with everything else. Eliza is the gem of a hostess, along with Jordan making an amazing margarita this side of Mexico!!!! If you choose not to stop in, you will regret it!!!!!!! 5 SATRS. read more

This is one of the changes that took place due to the change in cuisine and ownership at the 219 upstairs. The same guys now own the restaurant and the Bayou Room, which makes things run much smoother. The decor down here is amusing---the ceiling and walls have business cards pasted all over them, evidently left by patrons as they leave (we left ours, too). I was expecting some sort of jazz club, but this place turned out to be a basement bar. The DJ plays 80's and 90's tunes on the weekend and there is typically a sports game on the TV during the week. The bar menu isn't long, but the food was great. The options are what I would expect from a place with Bayou in its name. Catfish nuggets and gumbo. Y'all come back now, ya hear? read more

This could end up being the best or worst bar experience of your life, but it all just depends on the mood of the bartenders. I have had them offer some stellar service only to come in the next night to find them screaming at my friends and I for the smallest of infractions. One one occasion we had massive bar crawl working with something like 100+ We started to move a few tables together only to have a psychotic bartender scream bloody murder .. "Really, Dude? I guess you don't work for tips" Well, needless to say , we al walked out. Other notable bar mishaps include giving me someone else's credit card and they mine and hooking me up with wrong drink, but they have also hosted great nights out so it is really hard to gate this ultimate dive bar read more

Great laid back cigar smoking atmosphere. Good food too! I had the drunken sausage, freed green tomatoes and the mussels. I've been waiting to come here to smoke cigars for a while now and I was not disappointed except for my server in the smoking room. After we complained to him directly about his service, he stand he had only been here for 4 days. He might not make it to 7 with his attitude. But we didn't let his sarcasm prevent us from our relaxation. I will be back! read more

Bayou Room - Cheers to the weekend! - Lounges Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

What happened to this place?! I swear, this used to be my underground dance club for the best 90s hip hop over the past few years. I came in a couple weekends ago: pop EDM?? Come on. We come here for hip hop! The DJ is a real turd too, he doesn't take requests. He literally won't even look at or acknowledge you. A friend I was with wanted to hear Ludacris and asked the front staff/bartenders who told us we could write down our requests on a cocktail napkin but we are not to speak to the DJ. Who is this princess???? Seriously. You realize people only come here for a cool hip hop place, not for some washed out EDM DJ who takes himself too seriously. What a shame, no more cool places in Old Town to dance. read more