Blue & White Carry Out — Restaurant in Alexandria

Somewhere on the corner of Wythe Street, wedged into the fabric of Alexandria like a stubborn brick in a centuries-old wall, lies Blue & White Carry Out—an immaculate white temple that defies zoning laws and mortal expectations, so unassuming and magnificently modest, it could easily be mistaken for an abandoned tool shed. But inside this fortress of fried meats and hot grits, destinies are forged. A portal to another realm where breakfast is eternal, lunch is divine, and rations are served in Styrofoam clamshells.

I had long heard whispers of this establishment, spoken in reverent tones by those who had survived its fried pork chops and lived to tell the tale. Finally, I approached. The exterior: Coca-Cola signage weathered like battle standards, a blue door creaking like the gateway to Valhalla, and a promise of “Lunches & Dinners” contradicted boldly by its actual hours of 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Only the bravest warriors eat Salisbury steak before dawn.

Inside, space is not measured in square feet but in human endurance. Perhaps 15 souls can cram within the walls at once, pressed shoulder to shoulder like pilgrims before a shrine. Nearly all of the interior belongs to the sizzling kingdom of the kitchen, separated by glass as though to shield mere mortals from witnessing too much glory at once. Behind the stockade, labor three culinary priestesses in symphonic unison summoning forth feasts with the intensity of blacksmiths forging steel. The shopkeeper herself presides conducting the symphony of sizzling meat.

I ordered the Legends’ Twin Bones (a humble platter of chicken leg and thigh, baptized in salt, pepper, and holy hot sauce—the trinity that has carried mankind since the dawn of flavor). To accompany this, I chose the Emerald Spears of Endurance (green beans, capable of granting agility to those who consume them), the Pillows of the Earth’s Heart (mashed potatoes, smooth as clouds yet grounding as mountains), and to quench my thirst, the nectar of my youth, the lost elixir of forgotten kings, a can of Crown of the Ancients (RC Cola).

As I waited, the temple bore witness to conflict. A patron demanding the sacred grill be purged of its seasoned wisdom, her words a blasphemy against the patina of flavor. Voices were raised and a duel of words ensued, but the shopkeeper wielded patience like a blade, granting a refund and thus restoring peace to the realm. The customer retreated, coins jingling like a consolation prize of war, defeated not by hostility but by hospitality.

My meal soon arrived—though fate intervened. The head priestess, having exhausted the chosen cut, bestowed upon me another blessing instead, an offering of equal might. Alongside it came the Silver Dollar of Uncertain Purpose (a virgin dollar bill). Was it for dessert? A token of apology? A test? A tribute? Or a talisman ensuring safe passage on my culinary quest? The mystery remains unsolved, yet I accepted it as one accepts an omen from the gods.

I carried my feast outside and found a solitary bench upon which I unwrapped my bounty. The Legends’ Twin Bones granted me the vigor of warriors past. The Emerald Spears sharpened my senses—I swear I could hear pigeons whispering stock tips. The Pillows of the Earth’s Heart filled me with the strength of soil and stone. And the Crown of the Ancients fizzed through my veins, rewiring my very destiny.

And then there was an unexpected surprise, the Bread of Eternal Wonder—two slices of the simplest white bread, soft like parchment upon which the story of my lunch was written. Plain, yes, but within its fluff lay the eternal truth: that greatness often hides in the humble.

I devoured it all, inducted swiftly into the Clean Plate Guild, where the hungriest of mortals ascend after proving themselves worthy.

To eat here is to know life, love, and the seasoning of eternity. This is not a restaurant. This is a pilgrimage, not just for the nobility like King Arthur himself, but the common folk like you and I. Five stars. Would recommend....

I've wanted to try Blue and White for awhile. Having always seen it while driving to King Street and learning that it's only open during normal weekday work hours and that it's still open and functioning, I thought it either had to be really good or really cheap. Finally a couple of weeks ago, a snow episode caused the government to close and my boyfriend and I were able to come here for lunch.

It's an inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall shack off of Wythe Street near Braddock Road metro station. And apparently it's been operating for more than 40 years, dishing out huge portions of Southern comfort good. When I walked in, I noticed worn counters and a single-file passageway to order and pay. However, the good food and witty enthusiasm of those working behind the counter are what keeps people coming back for more. The gentlemen behind the counter traded humorous and witty remarks with us as they prepared the food. I asked for a chicken leg/thigh with two sides of mashed potatoes. When one of them asked if I wanted salt and pepper on my mashed potatoes and spicy sauce on my chicken, I said yes and he said, "Oh yeah, the works! That's what I'm talking about." Very enthusiastic and easily loves his job. I love it.

HUGE portion of chicken that was very tasty. Mashed potatoes were good as well. Best of all, besides the delicious comfort food and great sense of humor from the employees, was the price. All menu items are less than $5, including hefty dinner combos that include a choice of two Southern sides. Our order came out to be $9. My boyfriend even ordered two chicken legs and a side and it was the same price as mine. What a deal! Next time there's a snow day, I'm...

BLUE AND WHITE BEEN AROUND SINCE I WAS A CHILD AND I'VE BEEN EATING THERE EVERY SINCE I WAS BORN ME AND MY (FARMER.FAMILY)THEM CHICKEN SANDWHICHES IS THE BEST EVER AS WELL AS THEM HAMBURGER STEAKS,CHICKEN N RICE,BREAKFAST SANDWHICHES,SIDE ORDERS,COLLARDS,AND MUCH MORE,,NICE BEVERAGES,CORNA.FREE,SOCIAL DISTANCES IS A MUST..VERY WELL RESPECTED...MR.CHARLES UZ THE MAN UP THERE AS WELL AS MS.CYNTHIA FARMER,NOT BEING A FAMILY MEMBER BUT VERY WELL RESPECTED,GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICES,SHE'S A PLEASURE TO HAVE THERE..SHE'S A PEOPLE PERSON...SUCH AS MR.CHARLES HIMSELF..GREAT PEOLPE TO WORK AROUND...AND THE OWNER HE'S A PLEASURE TO BE AROUND GREAT GUY..VERY WELL RESPECTED..HE HAS A SENSE IF HUMOR AS WELL AS EACH AND EVERY EMPLOYEE THAT WORKS THERE..IT'S A GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE BLUE AND WHITE IN OUR COMMUNITY..THEY JUST NEED LONGER HOURS,BUT OVER ALL IT'S A GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE BLUE ANDWHITE IN OUR COMMUNITY..GREAT WELL RESPECTED PLACE TO EAT AT IN ANY GIVEN DAY.IT'S A GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY,HANDS DOWN...SATISFACTION...