Description: After a relaxing day around the timeshare resort, we didn't feel much like venturing out too far for dinner, so we decided to take the recommendations of others to try Joe Theismann's Restaurant located directly across the street from the resort. Being an avid fan of the Redskins back "in the day" I have always had a mixed opinion of Mr. Theismann. I do have an NFL football with his autograph here on my desk, so I am more of a fan than not. During his playing days, he was not a very nice man, something he has later admitted while working the speaking circuit when his football career was cut short by Lawrence Taylor. It was back in 1985 when LT literally snapped Theismann’s leg in two during a Monday Night Football game on ABC TV, considered to be the "most shocking moment in history" by ESPN viewers.
Since that time, I have heard him speak publicly including at the ABC/YABA Workshop in Las Vegas in the late 90's. He sounds more reflective and apologetic for his antics and apparent lack of respect for his family and other around him. It was actually good to hear him acknowledge these things, as many living in and around the DC area during that time had lost respect for the man given what he put his family through so very publicly with TV personality Cathy Lee Crosby.
Anyway, I digress . . . this is supposed to be about his restaurant and not his personal life. Up front let me say we loved our meal, the ambiance and service at Joe Theismann's and would return there again if in the neighborhood in the future. Our server's name was Marie and she was a very pleasant woman, and helpful as we navigated the menu. The soup du jour (bowl $5.00/cup $4.00) was chili which seemed appropriate for this winter evening. The next challenge would be to find a dinner entree that would complement the chili, which was outstanding! They used shredded stew beef instead of the more traditional ground beef, plus just the right amount of kidney beans and stewed tomatoes.
We all agreed that it was more of a "soup and sandwiches" sorta meal so we opted for that area of the menu. But first, cocktails! I had a pina colada while David went for the bourbon and 7-up. They were so good, that we had a couple before our dining experience was over.
For dinner I chose the fish sandwich ($10.50) which was more like a hoagie, as it was served on a seven or eight inch roll. I don't recall the type of fish, but Marie said it was akin to grouper and was from the north Atlantic, but it was not cod. Anyway, it was very good with just American cheese on it. It came with fried onions (no thank you) and slaw (which I asked to have served on the side). I also had the sauce served on the side, which I didn't use because it was too spicy.
David had the pepperjack chicken sandwich ($9.00). He said it was outstanding, prepared just right and with great flavor. Both sandwiches were served with seasoned fries, which I'm not a fan of. They weren't served particularly hot, so I only nibbled on a few. I think David pretty much ate all of his, however, as he said his were served hot.
Back to the cocktails . . . if you're looking for a less expensive place to go out for a few, this is a great location with decent prices. David's drinks were a very reasonable $5 each, while my frozen beverage was $8.50. The bar area has several televisions for the sports enthusiast who wants to catch the game or perhaps ESPN Sports Center for the day's recap.
As previously stated, we thoroughly enjoyed Joe Theismann's Restaurant and would not hesitate to return during a future visit to Alexandria.
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