Nicole Roca
Perfect place for drinks and food with family. I loved everything the minute I walked up to the host stand, she was very friendly and sat us down right away. Our waiter and the waiter in training were both super knowledgeable about the food and recommended us what drinks & plates to order. Everything was very tasty & delicious. I can’t wait to go back!
We did get there by boat & by the time of our reservation 12:45pm- there was only one more space on the dock directly to the restaurant but there’s plenty more space on the other side!
… moreYolanda Harvey
Found out that this was a great place to watch the sunset. There were many tapas dishes to try. We tried the lamb chops, scallops, stuffed peppers, and a shrimp dish. Everything was delicious. Drinks were great as well! Our server was pleasant and attentive. Definitely recommend for a nice day or evening on the water.
… moreCynthia Brunson
First off, let me highlight the views from the pier and all around because they’re FANTASTIC! Next, our server Blake was a true rockstar and didn’t skip a beat. Last but certainly not least, the food (small plates) all excellent from the meatballs, scallops, flank steak, Ahi tuna and the hummus. Not one disappointed. Great place and great food!
… moreAlvin Brockway
Had a drink, an appetizer, and a tapa here for the first time, sitting outside in their waterfront section of their restaurant. It was a great setting on a nice fall day. Drinks and food came quickly. Watching boats and planes go bye along with the people watching and good conversation made for a pleasant afternoon. What’s more, the prices are reasonable for Old Town Alexandria. We’ll be back.
… moreKhalfani Gilbert
Barca is a must-visit if you love tapas and waterfront vibes. The service was absolutely immaculate—attentive without ever feeling rushed. Every dish tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully curated.
I sampled a variety of plates and was impressed across the board: the lamb and steak were both perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. The calamari came out crisp and golden, and the fried lemon alongside it was a culinary twist I didn’t know I needed.
Do not skip the whipped goat cheese with pistachio and honey served with warm, fresh pita—truly to die for.
Whether you’re there for a date night or a night out with friends, Barca delivers a dining experience that’s as memorable as the view
… moreNicole Torres
This place has seating along the river and while it was a cooler day with overcast they have heaters to keep you warm. Gabi was amazing. She gave great suggestions and was very attentive to us. We enjoyed all our tapas and drinks. The per person will be based on how many tapas you order. There were three of us and we split five plates and one dessert.
… moreLauren D.
I went to BARCA for Sunday brunch and had a great time. The restaurant is right on the pier so you have a waterfront view. The food is tapas style and everything was flavorful and delicious. Will definitely go back again!
… moreJanelle M Jackman MD
The food was phenomenal.. It came out quickly, was very flavorful and I enjoyed everything we ordered. However, note that it is tapas style, so small portions, making it a bit pricier. We ordered the lamb, steak, shrimp, beef kebab and calamari and they were all very very tasty with the steak, lamb, and beef being my faves in that order. Also the ambiance being on the water was really nice. Would definitely recommend
… moreMichael Wendell
This is a tapas only restaurant. The butternut squash dip I ordered was the best thing and very tasty. The calamari literally was over half breaded and fried lemon and the few calamari on the plate was over cooked. The other items were just average at best. Great environment but that is where it ends, certainly not worth the price and the service was below average.
… moreChris McNeil
Old Town Alexandria has been my home for 14 years. One of the most impressive developments during that time has been the upgrading of the waterfront abutting the Torpedo Factory, along Union Street and radiating to the north and south points of King Street. Walking from Jones Point Park to the waterfront near where the Potomac Water Taxi docks, you can take in the stunning view of where the Woodrow Wilson Bridge anchors in the Potomac River.
BARCA Pier and Wine Bar captures the river, the bridge, and the waterfront with grace and style. While its pier closes during the coldest winter weeks, four-foot ceiling-mounted heaters do a splendid job of keeping the counter and seats warm at this open-air bar. I’ve found the service to be personable, polite, and helpful. I’ve also found their mixed drink specials to be intriguing (see, e.g., Makers Mark on tap in a Red Light, with bourbon, Aperol, strawberry infused Spanish vermouth, $15) and tasty (see, e.g., the Sol y Sombra, made with Beefeater gin, St. Elder, cherry bitters, lemon, $13).
Crazy busy during the summer, I make a point to visit over the weekends in the late fall, when the temperatures drop below 40o F and the heaters are at full power. A double Beefeater’s with tonic, ($20) offers just the right amount of warmth to complement a brisk walk along the riverside.
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