Hard Times Cafe

  4.4 – 1,443 reviews   • Restaurant

Social Profile:

Chili. Wings. Burgers. Sports. How does a little hole-in-the-wall chili parlor in Old Town Alexandria grow into a popular regional chain? One reason: Our food. Some people come for the chili. Others for the Hard Times grilled wings and our great char-grilled burgers. No matter what you come for, we’ll always make sure it’s made to your liking.

Local chain dishing up chili dishes, wings & burgers in a simple setting with flat-screen TVs.

✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery Hard Times Cafe 22314

Hours

Thursday11 AM–9 PM
Friday11 AM–11 PM
Saturday11 AM–11 PM
Sunday11 AM–9 PM
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11 AM–9 PM

Address and Contact Information

Address: 1404 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: (703) 837-0050

Website: https://www.hardtimes.com/locations/alexandria/

Menu Photos

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Photo Gallery

Related Web Results

Menus | Hard Times Cafe in Alexandria, VA

See the menu for Hard Times Cafe in Alexandria, VA. Open daily for dine-in and delivery!

Alexandria | American Restaurant with 5 Locations in The US

… Alexandria, VA 22314 · (703) 837-0050 · [email protected]. Monday … In 1980, the first Hard Times Cafe opened on this very site in Old Town Alexandria.

Hard Times Cafe Alexandria (@hardtimesfun) – Facebook

Hot Chili, Cold Beer, NFL Playoffs. We are open until 9pm today. Stop in and show us your snowfit! #hardtimes #snowday #chili #alexandriava #localbusiness.

Reviews

Mind Set On Travel
We have traveled to Alexandria for many years and lots of times were on Monday and Tuesday when they are closed. Today was different and was a Sunday in Alexandria. The food and service were amazing. You have to get the chili sampler (it’s free) which also came with cornbread (amazing). We decided to have 3 chilis on the nachos and the Veggie Chili on the Nathan’s Hard Times Chili Dog. We left full and couldn’t eat anything else this trip. We are going to make sure next business trip is when they are open. Looking forward to our next visit.
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marj1st
We had to go with a group of friends after the Celtic Christmas parade. I’ve been here twice and regretted my decision both times. The second time I knew enough to order something mild and got the remarkably dry grilled chicken sandwich. Our server was friendly and helpful – a shining star in this dismal experience. She brought us a sampler of the different chili types. The amount of grease in every type of chili is impressive, if not slightly alarming. Go if you must, but be forewarned! Take some Tums with you if you are brave enough to try their famous chilis.
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Lianette Gonzalez
This may very well be the kindest staff I’ve ever interacted with. Just remarkably sweet people! I felt comfortable right away, and after mentioning that I had never been before they brought me a cute sampler. The Texas chili was the heavy hitter, but they were all great.

It’s cozy, it’s tasty, it’s welcoming, what more could you want.
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Gary D. Drechsel
Oh my goodness. If you like a quaint, local mom and pop shop than has old neighborhood charm, folks Hard Times Cafe is must visit destination! For sake of clarity, we visited on a Sunday afternoon, so the crowd was down, but believe me, during tge the week, Hard Times Cafe is hopping!
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Abbi Rankin
Best chili you will ever have! I recommend the Texas chili, but you will be able to sample all 4 kinds and pick up to two options for your chili bowl. The cornbread is also delicious!

Their chili is so good and filling, I always have some to take home after!
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John John
This location seems to fit its name. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but in a way that’s a throwback to a simpler time. I’m a history nerd so I kinda like that. Anyway, this place specializes in chili. We’re talking bowls of chili, chili on spaghetti, noodles, chili burgers, chili hotdog, and chili on cornbread. They have different styles of chili, but the dish I went for were the three chili hamburger sliders. I chose the Cincinnati style chili. I would have liked to have had a bowl of chili and even on the spaghetti since that seems to be a signature dish, but I was in the mood for burgers and boy. Did they fill me up even though they were sliders. I really enjoyed this place. Great service!
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Danny Ruiz
Just tried the chili sampler at Hard Times cafe and wow it’s good stuff. I’d recommend you try this place next go round.
The Vegetarian chili was actually really really good. Never would have ordered it had I not tried a sample.
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Miya Menskey
Texas chilli was veryyy greasy. You will be running to the restroom after eating here. Also waiter with long dreads was not very attentive. Took a break at the back table to eat a piece of fried chicken with a coworker while servicing my table and took his sweet time to return. Don’t waste your money. Chili flavors are good though.
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Matthew Pyeatt
It has been 24 years since I was a regular at Hard Times. It was a nostalgic trip back in time as we had lunch here on vacation to Alexandria/DC.

Interestingly, my favorite chili was the Cincinnati chili years ago, but the Terlingua chili hit the spot all these years later.

How did I know? Because they let you taste a sample of their 4 chilis before making your decision.

I had Terlingua chili over Cilantro rice, and my wife had Cincinnati chili over Cilantro rice.

Service was amazing, food was delicious…this was a blast from the past. The restaurant was Established in 1980 and has a country, southern feel to it.

This is a great place for a smaller group of 1-4 people!
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Joe Seif (Perkasie Joe)
Lorna was a fantastic waitress. She kept our cups full, and she introduced us to what makes the hard times Cafe unique, the chili. This place is definitely a one of a kind dining experience. A dive bar atmosphere in a good way. Unique atmosphere and unique foods. A chili based menu. I wasn’t planning on chili until Lorna brought us the chili sampler, and I tried the Cincinnati chili. The corn bread was fantastic as well, it was not gritty. The half rack of ribs was huge, thick, and juicy. The root beer was legit from the keg. The margaritas were delicious. Everyone at the table was full and had leftovers. Absolutely would eat there again, and I give them a strong recommendation, especially if you like chili or ribs.
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