Thursday, March 19, 2026
Old Town Alexandria welcomed a new addition to its nightlife and dining scene with the March 12 opening of The Commodore, a self‑described “five‑star dive bar,” at 220 North Lee Street. The new establishment occupies the former home of Mystic BBQ & Grill and marks the second location for the popular Washington, D.C.–based bar and restaurant.
Owned by Rob Van de Graaff and Executive Chef Steve Kim, The Commodore brings to Alexandria the laid‑back, neighborhood‑focused atmosphere that helped build a loyal following at its Dupont Circle location. The owners officially celebrated the opening with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony in mid‑March, using a large trident in a nod to the bar’s nautical theme.
“A lot of locals were there for the opening,” said Founders Park resident Sandy McDowell. “We are looking forward to having a place to go.”
The Alexandria location is significantly larger than its D.C. counterpart, spanning approximately 6,900 square feet and featuring multiple rooms designed for different experiences. Inside, guests will find two full‑service bars, a main dining room, game rooms with arcade machines, pool tables and dart boards, as well as a separate room intended for private events and programming such as trivia. Nautical décor — including a large mural of a diver battling a kraken — reinforces the playful “dive bar” concept.
Food and drink are central to The Commodore’s appeal. The menu closely mirrors the D.C. location while adding Alexandria‑exclusive items, including Chicago tavern‑style pizzas with thin, cracker‑like crusts, pub‑style shareables, burgers, sandwiches and pastas. The bar program includes 11 draft beer lines, classic cocktails, and draft cocktails such as the Navy Grog, along with espresso martinis served on tap.
According to Van de Graaff, the move to Alexandria was driven in part by longtime customers who lived in the area and encouraged the team to open closer to home. During the ribbon cutting, he thanked the City of Alexandria and Old Town residents for their support, describing the opening as a meaningful milestone after operating in D.C. for more than a decade.
With its mix of casual food, games, cocktails, and an intentionally unpretentious atmosphere, The Commodore aims to establish itself as a neighborhood gathering spot in Old Town, adding a new option for locals and visitors along the Lee Street corridor.
