 Bringing Blues to the Neighborhood
Great food and a fun atmosphere makes the brand-new King Street Blues anything but sad.
By Monica Cardenas
 King Street Blues opened recently at the Court House metro station on Clarendon
Boulevard. While it’s a chain restaurant, with other locations in Arlington and
Alexandria, this is the first to the Clarendon-Courthouse area.
Competition is stiff on the corridor, but King Street Blues stands on its own.
With a diverse menu, happy hour specials and a great ambience, it will certainly
rival other restaurants in the area.
The first King Street Blues opened in Old Town Alexandria in 1990. According to
the restaurant website, the owner was disappointed his new place was not located
on King Street; hence the name King Street Blues. From the inception, “Country
Food with a Southern Accent” was the plan. Although the reason for the name may
banish any hopes of a Blues bar, rest assured the music has a mellow, blues
vibe.
Quiet yet lively, the inside is bold and colorful. Papier-mâché figures playing
the blues are scattered throughout the restaurant, and murals cover the red,
yellow, and blue walls. The dining room is small and makes for a cozy
atmosphere. A long row of booths and tables ends at the bar, which is also
inviting.
King Street Blues is still very new to the area, and despite its prime location,
it is fairly quiet inside. It certainly won’t be long before the new restaurant
becomes the hit of the block and dinner-goers are forced to wait at the bar for
a table. Blue-plate specials are offered for diners before 6 p.m., but with a
crowd that likes to eat late, that may not be enticing enough.
The menu offers a wide variety without becoming overwhelming, and the southern
accent is never too heavy and always delicious. From salmon cakes to ribs and
salads, there is something for everyone. There are quite a few options for the
health conscious as well, such as Grilled Margarita Chicken, which is bright
with flavor, filling, and only $9.99.
The bar offers several draft options, including the house KSB Roadhouse Red,
Guinness, Yuengling Lager, and other domestic options. Happy hour offers special
draft and rail liquor prices, plus half-priced appetizers.
And although King Street Blues has a grown-up atmosphere, it is very
kid-friendly. With a special kid’s menu (meals just $4.25), birthday mailing
list and lots of coloring, it is sure to put a smile on any face.
The service is conducive to a relaxing meal with friendly help at each turn. No
one is rushing you out the door as soon as you set down your fork, yet it seems
you never wait for anything.
And in a location with so many non-profit organizations and fund-raising groups,
King Street Blues offers help. Blues Benefits is a way to raise funds and have
some fun with your group. Organize a dinner at King Street Blues and a portion
of the proceeds from your check will be donated to your cause.
With excellent food and service, fun fund-raising options and a new atmosphere,
King Street Blues is bound to bring joy to the neighborhood.
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