RT's Restaurant

Very authentic cajun/creole restaurant with a huge menu of both food & drink optionsI came here with my GF and we started our experience with their complimentary bread. It was solid, but it would have been nice if the butter was a little softer so that it was easier to spread For drinks, I got a hurricane (which I polished off more quickly than I likely should have) and then followed it off with a guava fresca. Both were very tastyFor food, I got a gumbo dish. It was very large (stuffed with lots of shellfish & meat), authentic, and delicious. My GF and I also split a slice of pie for dessert, and we really enjoyed it as wellPrices are a little on the higher end, but that is understandable given the size of the portions & the amount of high quality meat & shellfish used in the dishesService was very quick & attentiveBoth bar and table seating

Amazing Creole, Cajun, and seafood spot in Alexandria!We enjoyed the smothered catfish, bread pudding, and cocktails. The lunch crowd was flowing in and out, but there was still street parking available. I loved the quick service, generous portions, and the smooth jazz/show tunes playing quietly in the background.They advertise their ability to host large groups, which I might take them up on this year. The atmosphere is a little dated with wood-paneled walls and black leather booths, but the Mardi Gras decorations made it feel festive.I'll be back!

Heard about this place through some friends visiting and figured I'd try it out. We were greeted, seated, and our drink orders were put in/received pretty quickly. I can't remember the drink I had, but it was on the specialty list and had a cherry as a garnish (gotta do better at the pictures). For an appetizer, we had some amazing fried oysters (they also give complimentary bread), and I got the catfish and Brussels sprouts as my entree. I've been in the area for about 10 years, and this was probably the best catfish I've had. The crispiness and flavor of the catfish reminded me of a simpler time, and words cannot describe the brussel sprouts. I saw some other items on the menus that were calling my name, so I'll definitely be back. 10/10 would recommend.

At this point I'm hooked as always the food is delicious great service and the ambiance is unmatched.. straight bar action

Let's assume that the ranking scale for Cajun/creole restaurants was the New Orleans metro area itself; the best restaurants are in the CBD/quarter and the worst are in Baton Rouge. RT's would be in Metairie; pretty good for being 900 miles from NOLA, but probably can't compete with Commanders Palace. The inside is nice and cozy. When I went they were doing a $30 three-course special; one app, one entree, and one dessert. I chose gumbo, etouffee, and bread pudding. Again, everything was good for being 900 miles from New Orleans, but it was missing something. The gumbo was missing the smokiness you can only get from a slow-cooked roux, same with the etouffee. Also, the bread was good, but was definitely not NO French bread, which was disappointing in DC where you can get anything. Overall, a solid option though.

Delicious seafood pasta! The kids menu was also good with big servings (Mac and cheese was very good). The service was excellent and had a good ambiance.

This little stretch of Mt. Vernon Avenue is not a foodie hot spot, but RT's is the exception. We live in the area and thought we'd try it out. The style of food served here is not obvious from the outside; we were shocked at what we found. They claim to be the "best Creole and Cajun food outside of Louisiana!" Well, geaux there. You won't be disappointed. Great service and great food.

Very authentic Creole food. My only wish was softer butter for the bread. Coconut Cake Melvin was amazing!Excellent service! Fast and friendly. Clean restaurant and family friendly ambiance. I would come back!

Service was quick and the cocktails were pretty good. The food left a lot to be desired generally under seasoned and was disappointed that they decided to have pork in every charbroiled oyster dish. When I asked the waiter if they could do any of the charbroiled oysters without pork I was told know because they he filled was all ready "wrapped". We also had a jack Daniel's shrimp dish that came with a cream sauce. Didn't taste any resemblance of Jack Daniel's in it . Had a branzino Dish it was ok had to add a lot of salt and pepper. Not sure where there version of creole / cajun food is from but it's certainly not New Orleans.

Although my recent visit was during Alexandria's Winter 2025 Restaurant Week ($30 3-course prix fixe menu), RT's has long been my year-round favorite go-to for Cajun specialities in the DMV - like the cup of she-crab soup and southern fried catfish smothered with a dark brown shrimp and crab étouffée. Indeed, I recently learned that RT's has been named among Forbes Magazine's top 50 Southern Restauants in the country! For this visit, I had a cup of the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo and the shrimp and crawfish étouffée. Both were served piping hot, with Tabasco on hand for those who are so inclined. With the bar tab (a strong shot of Wild Turkey neat and a draft Abita Amber) and tip it came to $65, and I had half of the étouffée for dinner the next day. Not a bad deal for Alexandria, Virginia. (Note also the restaurant is right across the street from the Birchmere Music Hall - Over the Rhine will be performing there later in February 2025!)I've been a fan for more than ten years, and service has been consistently excellent - not obtrusive but attentive; tolerant of kids and accommodating of those in need of accommodation. Prices, including bar prices, are well within the norm for the area, and daily specials are especially tempting. We'll be a party of six (three adults and boys 7, 5 and 3 years) for Mardi Gras this March 4, and I know I'll order the outstanding alligator stew as an appetizer and either the Trout Orleans or the very traditional crawfish étouffée, with Abita Amber and a shot of Wild Turkey.