Climb the narrow staircase tucked above the iconic Hank’s Oyster Bar, and a different world opens up. Hank’s Pasta Bar Old Town Alexandria welcomed its first dine-in guests on May 7th, transforming what was once a quiet takeout operation into Old Town’s most charming new trattoria.
Chef Jamie Leeds of the Jamie Leeds Restaurant Group joined creative forces with Chef Darren Norris of Shibuya to dream up the concept. Hanging ferns sway above low-lit tables. String lights flicker overhead. The room hums with the kind of intimacy you stumble upon by accident, then return to on purpose. As Leeds puts it, this is the kind of place you’d find down a side street in a Tuscan hill town, tipped off by a trusted friend who leans in and says, trust me.
Build Your Own Pasta Bowl Experience in Alexandria VA
Here’s where things get fun. The Build Your Own format anchors the menu at $16, handing diners the keys to their own bowl. Pick from seven artisanal pastas, swirl in one of nine house-made sauces, then layer on proteins, vegetables, and toppings until the combination feels right. Gluten-free options sit comfortably alongside the rest.
For those who’d rather hand the wheel back to the chef, Norris delivers signatures worth ordering: Mafalde & Sausage with broccoli rabe and a kiss of Calabrian chili, Fusilli Pesto crowned with shrimp and pistachio, Four Cheese Lasagna, and Rigatoni Bolognese in classic meat or earthy mushroom. Antipasti, a kids menu, Italian wines, and craft cocktails complete the full menu. Browse our Old Town guide for more Alexandria gems nearby.
Grand Opening Prosecco Promotion at Hank’s Pasta Bar
Now for the celebration! From May 14–17, the first 50 dine-in guests each night will be greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco at lunch and dinner service, with a non-alcoholic sparkling option for those skipping the bubbles.
Behind the scenes, the kitchen sources single-origin pasta from Italy’s Le Marche region, and the team’s longtime partnership with Real Food for Kids continues to feed the mission beyond the menu. Follow @hankspastabar for more.
Visit Hank’s Pasta Bar 600 Montgomery St, Alexandria, VA 22314 (near Hotel AKA, Trader Joe’s, and Sisters Thai) Hours: Monday–Saturday 11am–9pm | Sunday 4pm–9pm Average pasta bowl: starting at $16.
The Washington Lobbyist proudly champions DC’s most inventive chefs and the neighborhood gems that make our region’s dining scene unmatched. Climb the staircase, grab a seat, and tell them The Washington Lobbyist sent you!
