Jan 1

Jan 1 Milk & Honey Delivers Southern Inspiration

By Nicole Gill Council CouncilMag.com

On the corner of King and North Columbus streets in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, sits Milk & Honey, Southern Inspired Kitchen. If that intersection sounds familiar, it was home to Hen Quarter, with its iconic red wall facing Columbus Street. Milk & Honey opened in July 2025.

Milk & Honey sits on the corner of King Street and North Columbus Street.

The two-story location focuses on conventional southern cuisine, including a fried green tomato, a crispy fish sandwich, chicken and waffles, smothered chicken & biscuits and Carolina low country gumbo.

We visited Milk & Honey for brunch on a recent Sunday morning. The artwork on the walls featured many recognizable personalities, such as James Baldwin and Eartha Kitt, lending the spot an air of sophistication. Greenery provided a contrasting touch that added warmth on a cool winter morning. Large windows on the second floor offered plenty of natural light, and dining al fresco is an option during the warmer months.

While the menu leans traditional, there are a few twists: pancakes are served with a slice of cheesecake on top and the waffles are infused with Biscoff cookie butter.

The brunch menu comprises “lighter fare,” including avocado toast with a fried egg. Add smoked salmon for an omega-3 fatty acid boost. The crispy fish sandwich features a lightly breaded catfish that wasn’t overpowering.

The dinner menu adds a few hearty dishes that don’t appear on the brunch menu. There’s M&H signature steak with asparagus and Caribbean jerk lamb chops with potatoes and asparagus.

Milk & Honey opens at 9 a.m. every day, with reduced-priced signature cocktails on Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.