A New Slice

With plenty of entrepreneurial spirit and hopes of filling a gap in the Del Ray restaurant scene, Del Ray Pizzeria opened its doors last weekend at the corner of Mt. Vernon and East Del Ray Avenues.

The family-style restaurant hopes to be a local hangout for sports fans and pizza-loving households alike.

With an open dining room, bar area and a bevy of high-definition televisions throughout, it certainly appears to be a fine place to catch a game.

"We thought that Del Ray really needed a pizzeria, sort of a local hangout place, whether it's for adults coming in to watch sports or for families with kids coming in on Friday nights, Saturday nights or after soccer games," said Mark Ragland, one of four partners behind the new restaurant. "That's what we're trying to shoot for, something along those lines. … It's definitely a work in progress, but we're getting better at it each day."

Ragland admits that the restaurant is "sort of an at-night kind of thing" for him at the moment, as he still holds down a day job at Burke and Herbert with fellow partner Erik Dorn. All four owners, which also include Mike Mallon and Bartolo Paz, have ties to the Alexandria area. They were all attracted to the Del Ray community for its tight-knit reputation.

Of course, the menu at the restaurant begins with pizza; both Chicago-style deep dish and thin-crust pies are available. Appetizers, bar food, pasta entrees, calzones, dessert options and a kids menu are also listed.

Carryout is currently available and Ragland said delivery should be an option in the weeks ahead. (No word on any bake-at-home options.)

What seems to set Del Ray Pizzeria apart, however, is its appeal as a sports bar. Along with its multitude of televisions, the bar offers eight beers on tap, several craft brews out of the cooler and a decent wine selection. A beer of the month is also in the plans, according to Ragland.

"The closest sports bars, you have to go to Crystal City or you have to go to Old Town. There's nothing right here," Ragland said. "With so much walking traffic and so many people living here, I think it's a great thing to get people coming in here on football Sundays, hanging around and watching the games."

Ragland said that they've ordered several sports television packages to ensure fans of everything from the New England Patriots to the Edmonton Oilers can watch the games they want.

"That's key in this area because you have people from Chicago or Minnesota or wherever it is," Ragland said. "They can come in here and watch their team play."

Del Ray Pizzeria, located at 2218 Mt. Vernon Avenue, is open everyday at 11:30 a.m. The bar stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Carryout orders can be made by calling 703-549-2999. Visit the Del Ray Pizzeria website for more information.