Things Old Town Alexandria Is Missing, According To Readers

ALEXANDRIA, VA—We asked what was one thing Old Town was missing, and you answered. In fact, the responses were overwhelming when we posed the question on Facebook.

We got more than 120 comments, not including replies, and went through each response to understand what residents want in their future here in Old Town Alexandria. We tallied the top responses by counting likes and multiple comments expressing the same concerns.

The top two choices got tons of support: more independently-owned small businesses and less chains, as well as a movie theater or something to replace the Old Town Theater. Similarly a popular response was creating more of a small-town feel, an interesting response for a community known for its small shops. (And we're not sure if other comments like "another wig shop" were meant to be serious, but they certainly got tons of responses too.)

Residents also have interesting ideas for development, from a pedestrian-only area for retail and dining near the waterfront to a rooftop bar at Torpedo Factory. Other things readers want include a bookstore, concert venue, food available for purchase on the street and a beer garden. Patch plans to follow up with the City of Alexandria to explore some of options.

The full vote tally is below:

82 - Movie theatre

80 - More independent/small businesses

50 - "Another wig shop"

43 - Bookstore

42 - Close King Street to vehicular traffic to make more room for pedestrians and businesses

37 - Rooftop/waterfront restaurant/bar (at Torpedo Factory)

35 - Family and pet-friendly beer garden

29 - Cafe for tea

22 - Concert venue

21 - Blow dry bar/DryBar

19 - More dining options (general)

15 - Union-Market type indoor market and food hall

14 - Walk-up coffee or snack shop

14 - Bagel shop

14 - Chick-fil-A

12 - More recycling bins

12 - Affordable housing

12 - More parking

11 - Small town feel

10 - Korean BBQ

10 - Discounts for residents

10 - Kids play space

10 - Independently-owned sandwich shop/deli

9 - Make King Street and Duke Street one way

9 - More fast casual restaurants

8 - Soul Cycle

8 - Fenced-in dog park

7 - More waterfront activities

6- Sports bar

6 - Mexican restaurant

6 - Ramen restaurant

6 - Toy store

6 - More pedestrian safety

6 - Affordable healthy food options

5 - Business improvement district

5 - More independent coffee shops

5 - JCrew

5 - Chop't

5 - Urban winery

5 - Independently-owned global cuisine restaurant

5 - Boutique with locally-made home goods

5 - Gourmet food store

5 - Public bathrooms

4 - Food trucks/street vendors

4 - Starbucks

4 - Bakery

4 - Steak house

3 - Board game store

3 - Coffee and wine bar

3 - True Food Kitchen

2 - More late-night dining options

2 - Sephora

2 - Spacious American-style restaurant

2 - Apple Store

1 - Outdoor public art

1 - Hookah lounge

Like Old Town Alexandria Patch on Facebook to stay in the loop on local stories.

Image via W. Connett/Visit Alexandria