First Look: Hank's Pasta Bar in Alexandria

PHOTOS of Hank’s Pasta Bar in Alexandria: (1) Lounge area features photos of Jamie Leeds’ family including the restaurant’s namesake, Hank, Leeds’ father (2) Interior of Hank’s Pasta Bar, entryway and lounge area (3) entrance to Hank’s Pasta Bar (4) Reclaimed barn doors slide open at the rear of the restaurant to reveal a private dining area (5) Original painting by Maggie O’Neill, at the entrance (6) Tables are set and ready for the opening (7) From the rear of the restaurant looking toward the entrance; bar is on the left (8) A cozy spot near the kitchen (Patch photos) Click on photos to enlarge

__________________

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- It all started with linguini with white clam sauce. Eight years ago, chef Jamie Leeds sat down at a bar in DC and noticed a fellow diner enjoying a bowl of linguini with clam sauce, a dish she recalls she and her Dad Hank enjoying when she was a girl.

She tried to order it, but the waiter told her they were all out. Awhile later, the chef came out of the kitchen with a steaming bowl of linguini and clam sauce for Leeds. The chef, Nic Flores, told her he had overheard her request and gone to get more clams.

Today, Flores serves as the Chef de Cuisine and Leeds as the Owner/Operator at the much-anticipated Hank’s Pasta Bar, opening Wednesday at 4 p.m. at 600 Montgomery St. (see map below) on the corner of Montgomery and N. St. Asaph streets in North Old Town Alexandria. Daniel Perkal is the general manager and Jessica Weinstein is the assistant manager and bar manager.

The menu celebrates the distinct flavors of Italy focusing on made-from-scratch pastas, freshly grilled whole fish and seasonally driven specials. A selection of cheese and charcuterie alongside authentic antipasti and small plates will also be featured. The eatery’s extensive wine list will feature 50-70 styles of wines by the bottle and 15-20 varietals by the glass. Menu prices will range from $4 to $23 for antipasti and small plates; $18 to $29 for fish and meat and $16 to $32 for pasta and risotto.

Standout dishes include:

• Pear and Fennel Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette (Pear, Savoy Cabbage, Baby Kale, Toasted Walnuts)
• Jamie’s Favorite Linguini with White Clam Sauce (Steamed Clams, White Wine, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
• Whole Oven Roasted Fish (Seasonal Selection)
• Goat Cheese & Beet Plin (Pillows of Tarragon, Black Pepper, Pecorino)

The restaurant will offer an “apertivo hour” from 4-7 p.m. at the bar featuring $1 meatballs and a variety of beverage specials. Be sure to also check out the homemade Italian sodas, including Raspberry Ginger Soda and Hazelnut & Coffee Cream.

Patch stopped by Monday morning for a quick tour of the restaurant. The restaurant was designed by Maggie O’Neill and the team at Swatchroom and built by M2 Construction. The 3,600-square foot space is rustic with a modern spin: Classic dark woods, aged steel and knockout floor-to-ceiling reclaimed barn doors that slide open to reveal a private dining area in the back. That area will be in use for the usual restaurant crowd when it’s not being used for a private event.

The bar is topped with luxurious Carrara marble (guests are also welcome to dine at the bar or in the lounge). Plans call for an outdoor patio to be added.

The restaurant will take calls from customers 30 minutes before arriving to shorten the wait time and they will take reservations for parties of six or more. The restaurant’s phone number is (571) 312-4117.

Hours for the restaurant are Monday-Thursday: 4-11 p.m; Fridays: 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant will begin offering brunch Feb. 13, on Saturdays and Sundays going forward.

Parking is available on the street or at a parking garage located across Montgomery Street.