Le Refuge in Old Town ALX — Delicious Country French Fare • Chic Dress Code • Charmingly Kitschy Décor

The oldest French restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia — just outside Washington DC. My favorite! And the perfect spot for a Birthday dinner.

Le Refeuge is a very small venue. Petite. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a kid. I loved the totality of the experience. Still do.

The cuisine. The courses. Conversation. Ambience. Atmosphere. Wine. Service. My outfit. Sneaking peeks at all the other diners, their chosen frocks and accessories. A night on the town eating French fare.

This spot is the oldest French restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia — a small town neighborhood just outside of Washington DC. The inter-web now sings it’s praises and it’s become more difficult in recent years to get a reservation. And, speaking as an old-timer — albeit a young one, dining there as a child in the 1980’s — when you go, you still want it to have that certain je ne sais quoi.

Le Refeuge handles the food, decor, and service to perfection. But the patrons also play a part in the totality of the experience with their manners, demeanor, and dress. It’s a very intimate space. Petite. I’ve seen newcomers in online dining groups mention that there’s no dress code. They are wrong. There’s an unspoken dress code. It’s implied you’ll put in some effort.

People really got dressed to go here back in the day. Think: Dallas. Think: Dynasty. Don’t let kitschy décor fool ya. It’s fine dining. And with that comes a sophistication with your attire. Not saying you can’t be a little casually chic nowadays. But you’ve gotta remember the chic. No yoga pants, sweatshirts, athletic gear. Hair coiffed. Think: luxury cruise closet. Think: country club chic.

Also, around the holidays people dress in the season’s finery. They’re festive! It’s typical to bring a little sparkle and sequence into the outfit equation. And no matter the time of year, if you’re not sure what to wear, all black in DC usually works. Nice all black separates, or an LBD (little black dress).

As you can see, I’ve got a few fresh fashion thoughts about La Refuge that I just mentioned. My original article is below, I wrote it for my Old Town Post blog in July of 2019. What I say there still stands — this restaurant has been consistent for 40-ish years. The story below will tell you a bit more about the le food, le culinary experience, and le birthday. Like I said, I’ve been going there since the 80’s, and still I think the only downside of Le Refuge dining is: no frites. lol. The kitchen is too small. Petite. But I know if they had them, they’d be amazing. Anyhow, I hope you’ll like my story from back then.

Bon appétit & happy dressing!

xx, Jen-Marie

p.s. Miles and I love both dinner and lunch there. They do close from 2 to 5:30, so no late lunching, which is a bit of a bummer as it fits into our normal “retired” schedule. lol. But it’s a good lunch option nonetheless.

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originally published: 7 July 2019

Le Refuge — A Favorite Spot for a Birthday Dinner in Old Town

My favorite spot for a fun, relaxed, and delicious birthday dinner in Old Town is Le Refuge on North Washington. The service: outstanding. The food: delectable.

Across from Christ Church, the famed French Restaurant was founded in 1983 and it’s remained in the family ever since. One can easily see why it’s the oldest running French Restaurant in Old Town. And why you need to make a reservation.

Historic Old Town ALX Side Note: George Washington helped fund the construction of Christ Church, and in 1804 his personal bible was presented to its parishioners. 

I won’t ruin the surprise if you haven’t had it yet. They have a happy birthday experience that’s sure to make you smile and feel special. And by “experience” it’s actually pretty subtle. I’m one to get embarrassed when people sing Happy Birthday to me but I’m fine with this.