After starting...saving...revising...and saving again...I think I'm finally ready to complete this review which has been in draft for a while.
For decades, the most notable landmark in this section of Alexandria was the Potomac River Generating Station. However, over the past 5-10 years, this section of Alexandria has been re-branded as "Old Town North." The purchase of the former power plant site in 2020, is scheduled for massive mixed use re-development to include residential and commerical use - https://www.alexandriava.gov/neighborhood-development/potomac-river-generating-station-prgs-power-plant-redevelopment-old-town
TBH, I had not really explored the Old Town North neighborhood in a while, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the wide variety of new restaurants, walkable areas, and green spaces to enjoy - https://visitalexandria.com/the-best-of/old-town-north/
A friend and I decided to grab dinner, and after perusing the options, decided upon Oak Steakhouse. Since it's 2005 founding in Charleston, SC, Oak Steakhouse has steadily expanding its national footprint with the Old Town location representing it's more Northern location.
Oak definitely leans into the steakhouse ethos with a darker color palette, hardwoods, and dim lighting (at least in the evenings). There are many floor to ceiling windows, which I assume provide ample natural lighting during the lunch hours.
The place was buzzing on a Friday evening, but we were luckily able to snag a coveted window table. Server arrived within a few minutes, greeted us in a friendly manner, and described the specials of the evening. We enjoyed a Port City Optimal Wit (since it's a local Alexandria brewery) and a glass of sauvignon blanc. Both were fine; served chilled as expected.
We skipped appetizers and for the mains, we shared the steak frites and seared sea scallops. Slices of so-called "butcher's steak" were cooked to an appropriate medium-rare doness. Steak was good; not tough...the side of au poivre sauce was good for adding much needed additional seasoning and saltiness. Housemade fries were cooked in beef-fat and stayed crispy, even after 20-25 minutes.
Scallops were just okay. The mollusks were cooked to temperature and given a quick sear on one side, so they wouldn't be mushy or rubbery in texture. They were served with fennel gonocchi, carrots, beet chips, avocado mousse, and finished off with a sherry-rum sauce. My main observation again, was the dish was underseasoned. The scallops were fine, but the sauce was too sweet and the entire dish just needed some finishing salt sprinkled on top.
Our server popped by a few times to check-in, and ensured water glasses were filled.
Many of my reviews will reference the monetary value during in today's economic climate, and this will be a factor here also. Here's the thing, I'm well aware that if I decide to dine out, I expect to spend money...especially at a steak house. On its Yelp page, Oak Steakhouse is marked with "$$$$," so we knew the price point before walking in.
For me (as well as my dining companion), we didn't feel the overall experience at Oak was anything "special" - and I concede that everyone defines that word differently. We certainly observed the large groups gathered, as well as the smaller parties enjoying themselves throughout the night. While there might not be many options for steak houses in Old Town, I feel there are other and frankly, BETTER choices for your dining dollar.
Dinner for two adults, with one glass of wine and one beer, two entrees was $135-ish with tax and tip. read more