Hard Times Cafe

Came here for lunch while exploring Alexandria. Nice little place. Service was excellent. We were given a free chili sampler with 4 different types. Enjoyed all 4. Wife got the sliders and I got the cheddar chili burger. Food was very flavorful. Definitely enjoyed our visit. Highly suggest if you love chili.

Ok... This was not planned, but because the weather was cold and rainy, we thought chili might be good. This place did not disappoint! They have a 4 different types of chili: Teralingua (our choice since from Texas, but IMO the best flavor), Texas (little more spicy), Cincinnati (it was good, but not for me), and vegetarian (sorry I like the beef). We had the Frito pie, but it does come with tomatoes on it... I'm not used to it like that. They give you samples and cornbread so you can try all 4. Very good menu choices though it's not all chili. Happy hour prices for beer is good too. Deborah was out server and she was amazing.

We made last minute decision to get some comfort food in place of finer dining when we were there. In fact we went back for a second visit during our stay! This was a GREAT choice! Deborah was amazing with service! The BEST! Mango also gave great service. We had different entrees both visits and everything was super good!

My daughter and I loved this place! Cozy, friendly atmosphere with great food and decent prices! We will definitely be returning!

I had a great experience at Hard Times Cafe. I really enjoyed the chili sampler and the corn bread was outstanding, and I hate corn bread. Our waitress was excellent, I wish I remembered her name. I highly recommend! Also the Blue Lagoon drink was great as well.

I had a three-day event catered at my sports club. It was AWESOME! The food never repeated itself, the quantities were great, the quality was great!!!!! I always loved Hard Times Cafe, but the one near my house closed. This Alexandria one catered my event, and it did not disappoint. The price was very good as well. I loved it and thank you guys! Especially Heather.

This place is awesome. The service is wonderful - every staff member we've ever had has been attentive and warm. The chilis are fabulous, especially the vegetarian one! For people who haven't been, you can try a sampler to see which one you like the best before ordering - and then you can order it with whatever accoutrements you want. If you love it as much as we do, you can even buy their seasoning to use at home :)

Good food that's reasonably priced in a relaxed setting. I really enjoyed my Bacon and Cheese Burger with Fries ($14.89). Next time I have to try some chili.

Absolutely amazing chili! I loved the Texas and Cincinnati, ultimately went with the Texas with beans. Adding their chili vinegar was a delicious touch!
Loved it so much I bought two of their spice packs to make at home.
I'm leaving tomorrow but wish I had come in here sooner!

My cousin's graduation party was held in their upstairs dining space. Their vegetarian chilli was delicious! The atmosphere was inviting for gathering with friends & family. Their staff was amazing!!

The food was great. Best cornbread around and the chili was great. Nachos were massive! Best of all was the service! Deb was fantastic and treated us like friends. Cannot go wrong with stopping in!

The chili sampler was great. My burger was done to perfection and the tater tots were piping hot! Edwin was a wonderful wait staff as well. You definitely won't regret going to the Hard Times Cafe!

Great Chili! Chicken sandwich was huge. They give you a little sampler plate of chili when you get in, so that you can try the different recipes. The service was great! It has been a while since we have had such attentive and fast wait staff. I would highly recommend stopping in for a bite. We definitely will return next time we are in town.

This is a great location to go to. I The servers were very friendly and smiling. I got the fish plattor and a chili sampler. I was worried about allergies, and the servers were very attentive to let me know which chili had soy, and which did not. The Texas Chili was probably my favorite, and every though I did not have the vegetarian chili, I received some good feedback from my friend. Fish platter was also tasty and delicious. I hope to come back here again.

I was staying across the river at Gaylord National Harbor and a friend said check out Hard Times. Very glad I did. Best chili Mac I’ve had in years. Fun little dive with killer food.

2nd time here! 8 years apart. First time I didn't even get my food so I just left. Staff is very friendly and funny, they forgot the order a little bit but we're over apologetic and we're happy to get the correct order. Highly recommend though.

Hard Times is a great neighborhood cafe. My go to guilty pleasure is the Cheddar Chili Cheeseburger with Texas Chili. The burger is always beautifully cooked to order and just a big old hot mess ( in a good way). The staff is great and always welcoming.

Although it may not look like much of anything from the outside, I went here for my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised by the food and the friendly waitstaff! I greatly appreciate the generous portions and strongly recommend “Chili Bubba”!

Update 2022. Stopped in for some more meals. Had to have the chili on rice of course. Burger still as good. Tried the ribs this time. Those were great too.
Ask about the Hard Times craft root beer!

Nice home town diner. Great food and great prices for the area . Loved their chili and burgers!

This chili is to die for! Our server was excellent, and her customer service was amazing. We had fried pickles, chili taters, and root beer floats. The environment is relaxed and cozy, with posters of Elvis, Texas, and other country related items on the walls. There's a full-sized working jukebox, that is full of old country western songs. The bar looks pretty stocked. The food was excellent, and they give you complimentary cornbread. Parking is street parking. Prices are reasonable.