Come 2020, the dining scene in Alexandria will become even more robust, thanks to Alexandria Restaurant Partners’ new venture, Barca.
Located along the waterside pier of the historic city, Barca is inspired by traditional chiringuitos (translating to beach bars) in the city of Barcelona. The location will feature two concepts—a full-service, year-long wine bar, Barca Wine Bar, and an outdoor restaurant along the adjacent pier, called Barca Pier, made from carved-out shipping containers.
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“First of all, we really just think it’s a cool look,” says founding member of Alexandria Restaurant Partners Scott Shaw about the design. “Second, it’s easier to close down come winter. We have a lease with the city for the pier that states it has to be removed at the end of each day.”
Barca Pier will be open from March through the end of October; its neighboring 32-square-foot Barca Wine Bar will be open throughout the year. The outdoor eatery can seat 200 guests, and the indoor site will fit just 64 in an intimate, sophisticated setting.
The menu at Barca Pier will consist of small plates of mostly Mediterranean food, as well as Greek, Italian and Moroccan flavors.
“It [Mediterannean cuisine] isn’t here in Old Town, and the flavors seem fitting for a seasonal, outdoor restaurant,” says Shaw. “A lot of people are looking for a lighter, small-plate dining experience here.”
According to Shaw, Construction for Barca is set to begin in late February or early March. In addition, Alexandria Restaurant Partners has plans to open a steakhouse and seafood concept in early 2020, also in the same area. While a name hasn’t been decided on, the space includes 18-foot glass windows overlooking the water.
“I don’t want to open both at the same time,” says Shaw. “That will be a little too much brain damage.”
