Stop in this hole in the wall for great service, ambiance and great food options for everyone. First timers get to sample their chili, and I recommend doing that before ordering! I had the chili/cheese sliders, delicious! read more

One of our favorite spots in Alexandria! We have been coming here for about 10 years! They start every table off with a chili Sampler! They are known for their chili, and yes its REALLY good. If you like spicy and meaty, Texas chili is the way to go! My wife gets the vegetarian chili, she loves it! You always get a side of corn bread! The location is a little small, but plenty of space for people to go out in a group. Love the western theme on the inside and the big horse outside! The service was quick, fast, and everyone was pleasant! read more

Hard Times Cafe - The complimentary chili Sampler that comes out - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

I "quickly" stopped by Hard Time Cafe because I was in the area to run some errands. I'll say that I had wonderful beverages, food, AND conversation during my visit. First, I really enjoyed the Country-Western ambiance of the restaurant and the low-key vibe of the restaurant. For my dining pleasure I went with the Chilli Cheddar Cheeseburger. Yes, I know the restaurant is known for it's chili, but I was not really in the mood for having chili as a main course for dinner. So, I figured that I could have best of both worlds because you can choose from one of four chili options for the Chilli Cheddar Cheeseburger. I thought the portion sizes were pretty huge for the $15 price tag. You definitely will get a deal here. Overall, I thought the food was great. I'll say that I wish the shredded cheese on the burger was melted prior to it arriving to me. If you are getting one of the chili burgers or hot dogs, I highly recommend that you dine in because the food can get very "squishy". ;) Half way through eating the cheeseburger, I had to use my knife and folk to finish it because the bun was too soggy to continue eating with my hands. What really set Hard Time Cafe apart for me was the friendliness of the patrons. Upon sitting down at the bar, I was greeted by two regulars. I assumed they were regulars because they seemed to know other customers and the staff. What was supposed to be a quick dinner ended up being an occasion where I was chatting with folks for about 1.5 hrs. I probably would have stayed longer, but I had a bit of a trek to return home, and I did not want to get home too late. Overall, I had a very good experience at Hard Times Cafe. The food was delicious; the atmosphere had a friendly vibe; service is pretty fast; and the prices were not too bad (my total without tip was about $60 - burger, three cocktails and a tall beer). read more

Hard Times Cafe - The outside of the restaurant definitely will make you stop if you are not from the area. - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

This is an institution in Old Town serving up chili. You can order Cincinnati or Texas style. I ordered the Cincinnati and then you choose whether to add beans, cheese, onions. Service is very quick and the staff are pleasant. The vibe is roadhouse with some funny bumper stickers. The prices are some of the more reasonable you will find in Old Town. read more

See all

hard times, oh hard times how I love you so your 4 way chili mac fills my belly your cornbread fills my heart you bring the family together I always have leftovers pls bring back your college park location thank you for kids eat free on sundays read more

Hard Times Cafe - 4-way Chili Mac - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Our server Deborah was an absolute gem! She was knowledgeable and very helpful when we were reviewing the menu. HTC is an authentic homey, southern style eatery. They have different types of chili that you can get any style. Also, they have the most delicious, buttery and moist cornbread I've ever had! The prices are moderately priced and the portions are hefty. Definitely looking forward to coming back and trying some more items on the menu. read more

See all

Do you love chili? Do you love a down and dirty friendly atmosphere? Good service? Tons of options that are all worth trying? I love this place and whenever I am in the area this is an institution not to be missed. read more

This was my second tine here. I was praying they still existed years after my first visit. First of all the service was excellent. My server was so friendly. Service was very fast. They start you off with a complimentary chili sampler of four chilis. I chose the Texas Chili with a bit of a kick and the Terlingua red chili which is just flavorful. The Cincinnati had a sweet flavor that I don't really care for and the Vegetarian chili is just not my thing!! You can order the chili in many different ways. I picked the two chilis over spaghetti and topped with cheese. This called the Chili Mac. All chili orders come with a great cornbread. The servings are very generous and was too much for me so I was happy to take leftovers to enjoy later!! This is a small, no frills place that delivers a lot of bang for your buck! If you like chili, you must come here and enjoy!! read more

See all

The FOOD. Mm mmmmmm so delicious and very healthy portion sizes (and by healthy I mean huge!). It's a small cafe that got bench seats for the most part, typical diner feel. Service was VERY fast (we ordered and food was out within 5 minutes) and generally friendly! Very happy with finding this place! Chili was delicious, no matter which one you pick! read more

Hard Times Cafe - Chili Tacos and Chili Bubba! - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

This place hasn't changed in all the years that it's been open. The decor is the same as it was when I went over 20 years ago they brought us a chili tasting to get started so we knew which chiles would best suit our pallets. The service was fast and the food was great! I have many offerings with and without chili however I'm always a big fan of getting some of their chili. This place is consistent for a fast reasonably priced meal for comfort foods. Large portions to satisfy your appetite. read more

I've gotta eat here in person as carry out everything gets squishy. Usually the chili was set aside separately so we could put together in hot dogs after, but this time it was piled on and when we got home the bread was total mush and the fries you gotta out back in the toaster oven/airfryer Next time I need to remember to please keep the chili separate for the 10 min drive home. You gotta ask for the ranch sauce for your fries too. Cincinnati chili is the way I go. Their cornbread is awesome but only ever got it when we sat outside to eat on their picnic tables. read more

First time coming here since you've been away from the area years ago. It's still the same food is great. Service is wonderful. Make sure that you put some chili vinegar on your chili. read more

First time here, what a joy. Brought out a sampler of chili to try. Every sample was amazing. I would like to take some of each one back home to Washington state. My favorite was the meatless but I just can't have meatless chili. All come without beans. I had the Texas style over tots with cheese, onions, and jalapeños. Amazingly good. Service was prompt and friendly. This is a place to be featured on diners drive-ins and dives. Just that type of atmosphere. Wood tables, wood benches and small in scale allow them to give great service. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Restaurant front - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

favorite chili spot and bar food in DC since 1980 hope this spot is here forever food is the best chili tots (i mix the chili) and toss a lot of hot sauce and house vinegar on it chili lime wings ambiance can't be beat nice to see the open kitchen service is great and beer is always cold enjoy read more

See all

We came in tonight to celebrate my brother's 30th birthday and grabbed a pool table in the back. The two female bartenders were friendly and attentive, but our experience was completely soured by Jean. When my sister tried to order food, Jean responded to a simple question by shaking his head "no" while saying "yes." When asked for clarification, he replied, "Now you know how it feels. Isn't that what you women do? Give us mixed signals?" 15 minutes later, he targeted my other sister with the same sexist "joke" when she asked for water. We immediately closed our tab and left. While the female staff and the manager on the phone handled our complaint professionally, I won't step foot in this establishment again as long as Jean is employed there. There's no room for that kind of behavior in 2026! read more

Delicious ass cheese dogs! I got the Terlingua chili cheese dog with fries. I devoured it. Didn't even get a pic. Ambiance is chill, small little hole in the wall but nice if you want quick, real food. Everything also comes with a complimentary corn bread read more

So delish! What awesome staff and loved the taste-testing they offer to help you decide staff were welcoming and VERY helpful. Excellent customer service...and especially on a busy Fall weekend. Dont Miss the chance to check this place out!!! read more

Hard Times Cafe - When you can't decide on ONE then pick two!!! - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Ordered through DoorDash - they sent four different dashers, each of whom waited 10 min and they were unable to get the (simple) order. Do not recommend. read more

The Hard Times Cafe celebrates cowboy culture and chili, hence, the horse out front. Our server was beyond friendly and gave us a complimentary tasting before asking which chilis we'd order. I had the Cincinnati and my date had the Vegetarian. Both were toothsome and tasty. The Long Island Iced Teas and onion rings rounded out the meal with deliciousness at a reasonable price. This was probably pretty high calorie but fairly Keto. I shall return with pleasure... 5/5 stars! Kudos to Debra for her amazing hospitality! read more

See all

Honestly upon walking in the place had a smell. Then we had a sampler of the chili and every one lack luster. I have zero complaints about the service but they food was awful. Got the wings and they were disgusting with a burnt taste. I literally haven't ordered wings in old town since because of this experience. read more

See all

Hard Times Cafe Pros: cool country vibe and the staff were very friendly! This place is known for their chili so of course we had to try it! They provide a complimentary sampling of their 4 chili options and we really liked the heat from the Texas Chili but the unique cinnamon flavor of the Cincinnati Chili was too good to pass up!! We went online after getting home and ordered a couple boxes of each mix. Cons: although I loved the flavor of the Cincinnati Chili, I wasn't a huge fan of the texture. It was a bit too thin for my liking so I'd like to try it again with the meat being thicker. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Cincinnati chili over cilantro rice - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We've been to this Hard Times many times over the years. It's just a good old time casual place to grab a decent meal. The only problem we had was we ordered nachos as an appetizer and they came out when our burgers did. I think they had been sitting a while because they all were soggy and not crispy. They were hardly edible. But the burgers and fries were AWESOME. read more

Been going here for years. Still great food and friendly service. I miss the old songs they used to play though. Still an old favorite.

One of my favorite places to go when I visit Cincinnati, Ohio is Skyline Chili. In Old Town Alexandria it's Hard Times Cafe. The Texas Chili has spicyness accompanied by awesome cornbread that is not dry and crumbly. This place is legendary and the perfect blend of divey bar and OK food. In other words a great place to spend a couple hours drinking good beer and eating good food in a very laid-back atmosphere. Like going back in time. Love it. read more

See all

Came in on a rainy day for the chili! Fast and friendly service. Cute and cozy vibe, like a small town diver and Cracker Barrel had a baby. The chili is good, prefer the spicy vegetarian version, which surprised me. Portions are generous as well. read more

Hard Times Cafe - Cafe vibes and bar - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Took my Aunt to lunch today on the recommendation of a friend. The food was delicious, the staff was friendly, kind and caring. We had a great experience. The chili is really great. My Aunt really loved all of the old fashioned photos on the walls. read more

Hard Times Cafe - National Chili Dog Day - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We came here after a lot of recommendations about the wings and they did not disappoint! Amazing wings, great service, beer, and an amazing chili flight. My husband got the chili five ways and it was awesome. This is exactly what you're hoping for, a hole in the wall Comfort food spot with great bar food and cold beer. read more

This small chain hits to my sentimental memories of Cincinnati Skyline Chili. They are centrally located in Old Town Alexandria. Street parking and nearby garages are available. Cool bar atmosphere. Great service from Dominique. I always come for the Cincinnati style Chili. However, there are three other options: Texas, Vegetarian, and Terlingua (another TX chili). It starts with the Cincinnati style...a layer of spaghetti, then chili, then shredded cheddar cheese on top. That is a 3-way. You can add onions and/or beans for a 4-way or 5-way. If I can't get it at Skyline in Cincinnati, this is a great 2nd best. Very good flavors. Maybe a little light on the cheese for Cincinnati enthusiasts. Probably good for others. I also wanted to try the chili cheese coney. Oh, I also liked the fries. Yeah, all three were pretty good. Give them a try. read more

See all

I got drunk off the chili. It was amazing. Ordered the frito pie chili with the Cincinnati chili. The cornbread was also amazing - moist and flavorful. Our waitress was also so sweet read more

Hard Times Cafe - They are four types of chili and they let you try them. We liked the Cincinnati the most - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Great atmosphere and great food. The sample of chilis they provide us helped us make the perfect selection! read more

Hard Times Cafe - Menu and Info - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

Love the chili. Actually I love everything about it including the ambiance. The wings are good too.

Three-way Texas chili - delivered! And it was so good, and so huge. And the chili had a great spice. And there was an incredible cornbread with butter! I was staying in Arlington for a business trip, and I did not feel like going out or having hotel fare. And I was cold, so chili seemed like the smartest choice, and I was not disappointed. The restaurant even including serving ware!!!! That was a very kind gesture, as finding eating utensils when at a hotel can become a little hard. Be prepared, though - huge portions of very tasty food. It was a great dinner! read more

Hard Times Cafe - The cornbread - so good!!!!!! - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

Fun place, great cincinnati chili, casual very friendly staff and reasonable prices, been eating there for many years

Had dinner on October 24, 2025 at Hard Times Cafe Alexandria. They served us cornbread with mold and smelt bad. We used to be regulars there but will never go back. I took pictures of the bad cornbread and will make a complaint to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. read more

Amazing food. I'm a HUGE skyline chili fan but MAN this is a close tie. The fricking cornbread DONT FORGET THE CORN BREAD!! You can choose different chilis! I'd recommend the cincy chili :D over all 5 stars P.S the service is great very nice employees and pretty quiet place read more

Hard Times Cafe - American Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

See all

Service - the staff here are so nice and welcoming. It's very homey, like visiting your grandma's house in Kentucky. Just sweet. Food-wise, it's worth your buck to get something basic and tasty. Hard Times doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. It's comfort food for ..hard times. I always get a chili spaghetti for my soul. read more

It's truly disturbing how this place is even open. I walk by this place often and finally decided to try it and whoa. I literally would've been better off eating canned dog food that expired 40 years ago. I'm can't seem to understand how this place stayed open. There wasn't really anyone there, but the host was just too busy doing anything else. We ordered beers that sat on the counter for way too long. They gave you a sample of the chili they offer which were all just.... Not chili- in any form. I got a hot dog which was cooked well but nothing to write home about. The chili on the dog was literally something from another planet. Poor service. Awful food. Truly confused as to what goes in there..... hard times for sure-but for the customer! read more

You get what you get at hard times. Famous around nova and a bit of a dive, the Alexandria location is homey but service is a bit slow and disjointed. Our server was very sweet but she would disappear at times when we needed something. Our beers were a bit warm which was a bummer. Chili Mac is still great but I'd say the frito pie at the same price as the chili Mac is a robbery- you get way less chili and I know Fritos aren't the reason the dish is $14.88 (Fritos are a cheap chip). Cornbread was great, our brand new hot sauces had broken caps which meant a ton of spicy hot sauce got on the chili. Wings flavor was good but they could have been more grilled. Super hot in here in winter and upstairs area was closed when we came on a Saturday night. read more

Been coming here for years and always appreciate the cozy atmosphere and excellent food. Let's face it. The place could use some sprucing up but that would detract from the ambiance. Over the years we've tried most things on the menu - Chile bowl, chili Mac, burgers, salads, tacos, chicken wings, hotdogs. Never had a bad meal nor walked away hungry. Portions are mostly extra large. And like most places service may vary based on how busy they are but always friendly. Hey, my kids worked there back in the day. There used to be several locations but they contracted over the years. If your near Old Town Alexandria and hungry you can't go wrong. read more

Excellent service. Feels like an old diner. I got a grilled chicken sandwich and French fries and it was great. Huge portion sizes as well. They gave us complimentary chili and cornbread too. read more