Landmark Del Ray Restaurant to Close Christmas Eve

PHOTO of Monroe’s by M. Enriquez for Visit Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Monroe’s, a landmark restaurant in the Del Ray neighborhood, will be closing its doors for good on Christmas Eve, according to the manager of the restaurant.

Owners Mark and Laura Abraham are retiring from the restaurant business, according to restaurant manager Rusty Coburn, who also serves as bartender and server at the well-known eatery at 1603 Commonwealth Ave.

Read: Monroe’s Celebrates 15 Years

A new restaurant will open in the space, after closing for renovations for a few months, Coburn said. It will reopen with a new name.

Monroe’s, a fixture in Del Ray since opening in June 1996, is popular for its Italian fare including pizza, crab pasta and fresh fish dishes. Monroe’s has been the recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence since 1997.

“We have such a connection with our customers,” said Coburn, who has worked at the restaurant for 20 years. “Most of our staff has been here at least 12 years or more. Lisa, one of our waitresses, has been here for 17 years, our chef has been here for 18 years, one of our prep cooks has been here the whole 20 years. It’s going to be a real disturbance.”

Coburn said that longtime customers should “come on in in the next two weeks and enjoy it one last time. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

The restaurants is open from 5-9 p.m. for dinner and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch on Sundays. It will serve up its last drinks and dinner on Christmas Eve from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Also read:

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• Mancini’s Cafe & Bakery to Close, But New Plans Afoot
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