Hard Times Cafe — Restaurant in Alexandria

Honestly, I really wanted to like this place, because I LOVE CHILI. However, I left feeling like I can’t think about chili for a while. It was that not great.

First, for the good part: they do give you a sampler of chili, with four different kinds, from which you can choose what you like. I picked the Texas Chili, because it tasted the closest to the flavors I like. I requested cheddar cheese and sour cream for my toppings.

The bowl came, and it looked like I wanted it to look, with maybe a bit more cheese than I’m used to on top of chili, but I’m never gonna complain about too much cheese.

I had a taste, and it was immediately clear that the flavor was just too much. There’s no other way to describe it. Not spicy, but heavy, salty, meat and nothing else. I have never in my life had chili that doesn’t have other items in it, like beans at least. I realized too late, after I’d eaten a few bites, that there are no beans in the chili, and they don’t come automatically in the bowl. You have to ask for them. At that point, I felt bad sending back my bowl, and I was super hungry, so instead of sending it back, I asked for tomatoes, and more sour cream, and tortilla chips, basically made my own nachos, hoping it’s a bit better. It was a bit more edible but still not edible enough to finish it. I’ve never felt like this about any food at any restaurant I’ve ever been at. I feel the waitress should ask if people want beans, especially when it was clear I’d never been there before, and that most people think of chili as a dish that comes with beans. I know, I know traditional chili doesn’t, apparently, which is something I found out tonight, but non-connoisseurs don’t know that. To be fair, she did ask “just the chili?” But I thought she’s asking about whether I want it on top of spaghetti or cornbread, all of which are options.

I think the place has potential, like maybe if I’d gotten the chili on top something else or maybe if I tried a less potent option of the 4, or if I’d known about the sans beans situation. I don’t know. But I couldn’t give the place a higher rating than this based on tonight’s experience; anything else will be speculation. I gave the waitress a 3 instead of a 2 because she was kind enough to keep bringing me water (at my request), even though I barely got anything. But honestly, I needed a bucket of water...

The employees there were very nice and welcoming and will get you anything you need. I can’t remember my server’s name I think it starts with an O but he was very good! He gave me the tastings for the chili and gave me great descriptions and pairings that he thought went well with the different chilis. My favorite was the Texas chili it was very good it reminded me of the back in the day chili you would get on your hotdog at a county fair. The rest didn’t impress me all that much.. I’m vegan but I still like to taste to see how it taste especially of you tell me that ya’ll “are known for ya’ll chili”. I tried the vegetarian and I did not like it at all. It had no flavor at all, it was underseasoned, and the beans tasted like it had been poured out of the can, rinsed then thrown in the bowl. Disappointing really.. He told me during the tasting to try the chilis with their signature chili vinegar. I would give the vinegar a 3/10 it wasn’t all that special and didn’t make the chili taste better. The cornbread was “okay” it lacked a little more sweetness (7/10). I got the “veggie veggie burger” it was the bun, the veggie burger patty, lettuce, tomato and the vegetarian chili and a small amount of finely chopped onions. The patty was underseasoned and just lacked flavor. Yes it has vegetables mixed together like carrots and others but it just tasted like someone put 1/4 tsp of salt on it and that’s it. If it’s a housemade patty at least put some garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, coriander, paprika, masala, etc. and SALT! You have to over season veggies in ordee to get flavor to seem in, it doesn’t absorb it like meat does. And like i said the chili was not good by itself but was even worse on the burger. It didn’t add any flavor to it. I tried adding mustard and ketchup, even the vinegar didn’t help. Overall the food experience was a 2/10, and that’s only because the fries were good . The staff experience was a 10/10. The food really did taste like...

Located on the main strip in Old Alexandria, you can't miss this restaurant with its truck featuring a horse in the bed—don't worry, it's not real. Don’t be deterred by its lack of flashy lights and outdoor seating; this place is a hidden gem.

Upon entering, you’re immediately welcomed, and the host will seat you promptly. Our server, Deborah, was energetic and personable, providing excellent customer service. She introduced us to their unique chili sampler, which arrived within minutes. This concept allows you to sample four different chilis before deciding on your favorite. Deborah flipped over the laminated drink menu and placed the sampler down, which included descriptions of each chili in case we forgot what she told us. It was a brilliant idea.

When it came time to order, we went with Deborah's recommendation of the grilled hot dog over the two coney dogs. She was spot on. The grilled flavor of the hot dog, cooked on a grill top in the back, was impressive and definitely the way to go. Our chili dogs arrived hot and fresh, generously topped with our chosen chili, toppings, and a mound of fresh hot fries. The cornbread is amazing also!

As we ate, we noticed others enjoying popular items like chili mac and cornbread. My only regret was not discovering this place sooner. Although we were too full to try any, they have a great selection of desserts.

The restaurant also features an upstairs area with larger tables and another bar. Downstairs, where we sat, had ample seating but filled up quickly. There is also parking behind the restaurant. We’re so glad we stopped in. This restaurant offers great food and service without breaking the bank, making it a rare find...