A Pasta Pivot? Hank’s Takes a Tasty Turn in Old Town

For nearly two decades, Jamie Leeds has built a loyal following on oysters, lobster rolls, and the catch of the day. Now she’s proving to us that there’s plenty of room for pasta on the menu.

You’ll find it above Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town Alexandria. Hank’s Pasta Bar, which opened in May 2026, marks an unexpected — and delicious! — departure for the celebrated restaurateur. Created with Chef Darren Norris, the cozy trattoria swaps shellfish for spaghetti, introducing a chef-driven Italian concept.

The biggest draw? A customizable Build Your Own pasta where you can mix and match artisan pastas, house-made sauces, proteins, vegetables, and toppings. Prefer to leave the decisions to the chefs? That works, too. Signature dishes like Rigatoni Bolognese, Mafalde with sausage and broccoli rabe, Four Cheese Lasagna, and Fusilli Pesto with shrimp showcase the kitchen’s Italian pedigree.

The concept is as fresh as the food. Diners order electronically from their table for a little fast-casual convenience, but the full bar and the feel of a tucked-away Tuscan trattoria gives a more full-service dining experience.

Find it hidden upstairs 600 Montgomery St. in Alexandria with twinkling lights, hanging ferns, and “generous portions at an exceptional value,” according to Norris.