This is one of my favorite restaurants and I recently went here for my Mom's Birthday! Calvin was our Waiter and he was great. He made us feel welcome and at home. He also was hilarious and made up laugh -a lot! I had the Mixed Seafood Grill and it was amazing. It was so good and I was starving so it was perfect. It is a lot of food, so I took some home but I really enjoyed it. We also had the Chocolate Lava Cake, which you have to order 30 mins. beforehand, but it was delicious and we split it 4 ways. It is delicious and very rich so be prepared. Overall, I loved it as usual and we will definitely be back soon.
(5)
L H.
Two friends and I renewed our restaurant week traditon and on the "insistence" of 1 of our trio who prefers American seafood, we bestowed the honor on Chart House. What a mistake ----EXCEPT for the fantastic view, good friends and great conversation, the easy parking (for me, at least), and the service (more about that below). First, the restaurant week menu for lunch was pretty bad - 1) choice of salad or CUP of clam chowder, 2) choice of burger, coconut shrimp and, I believe a chicken sandwich (or some other sandwich - not in the running for any of us) and 3) creme brulee or NY style cheesecake. All 3 of us ordered the soup and shrimp, and as a group got both the cheesecake and the creme brulee. The soup was not bad, but only after we sent it back to be heated - it was served tepid. Our server, Angel, took it back graciously and brought back soup that was nice and hot. Oddly, we were initially served the soup in a bowl, but when it was served hot it was in a cup --albeit the portion was cup sized both times. Then the coconut shrimp..... I think we each got about 4 small butterflied shrimp in a pretty greasy coconut batter and a small serving of room temp. skinny fries. It looked like they were both just dropped onto the plate, scattering as they hit. A watery sweet sauce and ketchup were served in two small condiment cups on each side of the plate. Presentation was terrible. However, the shrimp were not totally awful, just not good and very anemic in size and portion amount. I liked the creme brulee; it was a small serving, but good and served with several raspberries on top - a nice bonus. I was the recipient of my friend's cheesecake. She didn't like either choice offered. The flavor was not good and it was served frozen stiff in the center. No need to wonder if it was made in house. All in all, the food was an epic failure --- but the view was just fantastic and it was a beautiful day. As noted above, the service was generally good. Angel checked on us many times, thruout the meal and especially after we finished (we couldn't tell, but assumed she was trying to move us along...), but I don't believe she refilled our empty water glasses one of those many times until specifically asked to. I was very disappointed by the food at the Chart House - at least with the restaurant week selections. However, I also looked over the regular menu and checked out the $16 salad bar ($6 when ordered with a sandwich or, I assume, an entree. The prices are way too high for what I saw of the very mediocre salad bar and food we got. Restaurant week is a restaurant's oppty to showcase their menu to lure new customers in and get customers who haven't been for a while to come back -- obviously not Chart House's view of restaurant week. I will NOT be back -- even for that fantastic view.
(2)
Elizabeth B.
Amazingly great food and awesome server "Lance" my husband had the New York strip he gets it well done most places char the outside to get it well done not here cooked consistent through the whole piece of meat! The seafood same way. I got the seafood trio or sampler salmon, shrimp and crab cake with mashed potatoes for dessert the cheesecake! Absolutely amazing the best yet I've ever had! If I visit DC again I will visit the chart house again
(5)
Tawanna W.
We arrived on time for our reservation and was seated immediately at a very nice table by the window. The server was excellent. He suggested the blue crab dip as an appetizer. The crab dip was bland and definitely needed more crab meat. Our entrees were excellent and cooked perfectly. Of course I had to have the chocolate lava cake for dessert, which never disappoints. I tried two of their cocktails, the sangria was pretty good, but I did not like the fiery cucumber martini. The flavor combinations in that drink were all wrong!! Overall it was a very enjoyable visit and I will definitely return
(4)
Maria S.
Not that impressed with the service. Took a long time to get our food and then crab legs came cold/partly frozen and had to send back. They did offer to comp the crab legs. But still our experience was tainted after so much waiting. Chilean sea bass was good.
(3)
Marcus M.
I'm sitting here at the chart house. My waiter hasn't checked on us in over thirty minutes. Got an attitude when we remanded him we asked for straws. It's hot as hell and he hasn't refilled our water. Awful service. I suspect it's because we only got apps and drinks. The waiter completely ignored us for the tables around us. Never coming back. I think he assumed that we weren't going to entrees so we weren't worth the time, but we had planned on buying a rack of alcohol. Too bad dude.
(1)
Tumani T.
Pretty decent food with a nice view; although I've had better seafood in Maryland. I made reservations 2 days earlier, it wasn't crowded on a Sunday evening, the staff was friendly and pleasant. Free street parking available on Sundays.
(3)
Beatrice G.
This place is really good. My husband and I decided to stop in one evening after taking a stroll in Old Towne. We sat at a table that faced the water and it was absolutely beautiful. The food was okay for the prices...but I am a hard critic because my husband is a darn good cook too. We both ordered alfredo. Next time we go I hope to try something else on the menu. The atmosphere is great and relaxing so I don't think this will be a restaurant that you will want to deal with small children.
(4)
Marie M.
My husband and I both had one of the Chef Specials - Cedar Plank Salmon and Lobster Stuffed Cod. Both were mediocre - over cooked and just not that special. Our waiter was very nice and attentive and we had a beautiful table overlooking the water. This restaurant is more about the view than the food.
(3)
B S.
A friend recommended this place as "the best". It was very good. It was expensive. We sat in the bar to avoid the wait. Clam chowder was good. Fresh bread. I had the blackened swordfish, and would recommend it.
(4)
Gerald W.
What a bummer! I trust the experience we encountered is not a regular happenstance. My wife and I had looked forward to a Chart House Prime Rib dinner and booked 7:30 P.M. reservation. We arrived early and enjoyed a drink in the lounge near the fireplace overlooking the Potomac. We were seated for dinner at a nice table with a good view. After waiting approximately 20 minutes with no service, a waitress approached and asked if anyone had taken care of us. We simply said, " no" and she returned to take our order for two medium-rare prime rib dinners, a cup of clam chowder and a salad bar, along with a bottle of red wine. So far so good.. A short time later the manager approached to apologize for the poor service. A few minutes later I went to the salad bar to prepare a salad so that when my wife's clam chowder arrived we could dine together. Whoops! No lettuce on the salad bar and the other items were for the most part pretty well picked over. It's tough to make a salad without lettuce. I asked a server to get lettuce and she said she would tell the chef. Fifteen minutes later the lettuce arrives and all this time my wife is waiting to eat her clam chowder as it got cold. As we start to eat the manager again approached, this time to inform us that they had no medium-rare prime rib and that the prime rib would not be very red. We had come for the prime rib, so we asked for it as red as possible. It arrived well over cooked and dry. In fact for the most part it was inedible. It must have been sitting in the kitchen since the day before. Again the manager apologized and said he would take care of us and provide a complimentary lava cake dessert and not charge for the prime rib; which he did. But, we had not come to the Chart House for a lousy cheep dinner. We had looked forward to a special evening. This was a terrific disappointment at so many levels that I wonder about the qualifications of the kitchen staff and management at this location.
(1)
Kathy R.
Flounder was unseasoned, short rib (only one) was ok, but nothing fantastic for the price. Hair in the salad bar and never asked if we wanted bread. Waiter Paul was very bland and has no idea about customer service. The Manager did take the cost of the salad bar off the $70.00 bill.
(1)
Morgan G.
This is the type of dining experience that you enjoy for the view. (And chart house better be worried when the Alexandria waterfront development happens). This place looks like a bad early 90's cruise ship. And honestly the food is reminiscent of such. Deep fried plantains sticking out of dishes? Seriously? They charge an outrageous menu price because they can. They are the only waterfront establishment in old town. Some of the menu options are worth while. The seafood seems fresh but nothing memorable. So many better places in old town. Don't settle for this place.
3.5 stars. Romantic ambience and decently good food at best. Although chart house's atmosphere delivers as a romantic date setting, its food did not quite match up. Lets cut to the chase on the food shall we? The raw oysters were decent, but did not taste fresh. The calamari appetizer was decently good, but probably on the lower end of the totem pole of the copious amounts of calamaris I have tried at various restaurants (don't judge me, calamari is my go-to appetizer). The dish was a bit odd in that the plate was a mix of fried calamari, carrots, jalpanenos as well as other miscellaneous vegetables. The main dish that was chosen for the night was the chart house cut prime rib (10 oz) served with a side of mashed potatoes. This hunk of meat was juicy, cooked to perfection at the requested medium-rare level, and tender, yet it did lack in flavor. The dish came with a side of beef au jus to dip, however this did not effect the flavor as much as I had hoped. The mashed potatoes were also decent but I did not care for them. I prefer my mashed potatoes light and whipped, but this particular one was very heavy and dense and also lacked flavor for it had no seasoning or sauce to go with it. This place is a great one to try since it is next to the water and provides a intimate dining experience, however its not a restaurant I would visit regularly.
(3)
Abbas T.
I have taken my girl there a few times, and we have also taken other couples to the Chart House. The Chart House is the absolute perfect place to go for a Sunday Brunch. You can get there at 1:30 PM and its still Brunch time. Either way, ever if you order off the regular menu, the food is great, if you sit in the lower section, where its carpeted, the noise level is very low. The waiters/waitresses are all great and very attentive. The management does an amazing job. I have never ever gone there and didn't have a great time. The only advise I would give you, is that if you're going to buy wine by the bottle, do your homework. Enjoy the Chart House.
(5)
Jeremy B.
I don't go here for anything but the happy hour. Happy hour is great! Good finger foods
(4)
Scott W.
The first time I came to the Chart House, I must say I wasn't much impressed. With that said, I made reservations to bring my gf for Vday because the view from the restaurant is hard to beat. For some reason, this meal was far superior to my first. For an appetizer, we got oysters which were incredibly fresh. Also, the blue crab dip is very rich, but delicious. We ordered entrees and let's say my prime rib was unbelievable. It was cooked perfectly and the meat was delectable. She got the Medallions and Crab Stuffed shrimp; the filet medallions were awesome and the crab stuffed shrimp.. eh, I could do without next time. There was absolutely no room for dessert by that point, so we paid out tab (about $175 with a couple drinks/tip if I remember correctly) but would definitely return. Enjoy fellow yelpsters!
(4)
Will K.
We keep coming back from Christmas lunch as a yearly tradition. The food, service, atmosphere, and water views remain consistent year to year.
(5)
Tina T.
Went to the Chart House last Friday for Restaurant Week. We were seated right away, but then again we had reservations. To start my boyfriend and I got the calamari. Now it wasn't the best calamari I have ever had, but it was still delicious. There was plenty of calamari and it accompanied two different dipping sauces. One marinara and one a sweet chili sauce. I preferred the marinara over the sweet chili sauce with a squirt of lemon. For our entree we both ordered the pan seared scallops (ended up not ordering from the restaurant week menu). From the previous time that I went to the Chart House, I remembered the scallops being on a bed of risotto of some sort accompanied by green beans. So when I saw scallops on the menu, I didn't bother to read the rest since the first time I've had it was excellent. This time around it was on wasabi mashed potatoes and accompanied by green beans. I honestly was disappointed that it was with mashed potatoes versus the risotto because the risotto complimented the scallops well. Overall, the service was superb just as I remembered it a year ago. The food was also excellent especially the scallops. However the miso glazing or whatever it was kinda threw off my taste a little bit since I found it overwhelming. Will definitely be back again.
(4)
A T.
If I could do 2.5 stars.... The strength of this place is location. You could not have a better sight line to the Potomac River. But this is about where it ends. The food is very mediocre. And the servers are very mediocre. The white napkins will leave lint all over your clothes. And the food can be overpriced if you're not careful. The servers will try to serve the most expensive things. Just be careful here. Seafood is mediocre- crab is too minced and not lump. Bread for sandwiches is not fresh. Food can be too greasy. But the lava cake is impressively not too sweet. Look at the recommendations on Yelp and ask about the prices for specials. We got two specials and were shocked that they were twice as much as any other lunch menu item. We did not order alcohol and our bill was shocking. Just be careful. A light lunch and trip to the torpedo factory could be nice, but be careful with this place. Did I say be careful?
(3)
Trina H.
The food was really good! The service was a little slow but it's with purpose! Loved the atmosphere and the view was beautiful! Made for a great way to celebrate our anniversary!
(4)
Cathy H.
I've never had a meal here, so this review is strictly about their molten chocolate lava cake. This cake takes thirty minutes to make, so be prepared to wait. Your patience will pay off when this masterpiece of a dessert arrives at your table. It's a half-baked chocolate cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup, and subsequently topped with toffee bits. The cool ice cream balances the warm, gooey chocolate cake so extremely well. Great textural contrast with the toffee bits, too. Simply amazing. I am not a choc-a-holic, so I hope that says something about this dessert. The service was really spotty, but the dessert was 5 stars, so the overall rating is 4 stars. I cannot vouch for any other item on their menu, but if you are looking to extend your time by the waterfront and have a sweet tooth, stop by here and grab a seat by the window. You can thank me later!
(4)
Pamela C.
Fresh and delicious seafood and nice view while you dine. Love this place!
(5)
Bryce A.
I visited Chart House Alexandria for happy hour on a Friday evening. You can only get happy hour specials in the bar/lounge area and it was packed when we got there, but we were able to order from the bar and stand around a counter area to eat until a table opened up. I tried the Ahi Nachos, Lettuce Wraps, and Tempura Shrimp, and was pretty happy with all of them. The tempura was fried perfectly (and the fries were awesome), the lettuce wraps and ahi nachos were fresh and flavorful. Service was fine. The bartenders were friendly and I liked how the open kitchen next to the bar let you watch the chefs cooking. The happy hour prices are just so-so for a happy hour, but the food is delicious and you get an awesome view over the Potomac.
(4)
Pegah Y.
My bf and I decided to spend a nice April day walking around Alexandria. It was such a beautiful sunny day outside and the flowers were at the height of their bloom. The sky was blue and Old Town Alexandria was full of people. We traversed the cobblestone streets and noted many a shop and restaurant. We were also quite hungry so we tried to decide on what to eat. I had eaten at a fish restaurant in Alexandria in Nov 2011 which wasn't that great, so we decided to go all out and eat at Chart House (right on the water in the fisherman's village area) instead. I'd previously been to Chart House in California (namely the one in Marina Del Rey) and had nothing but good experiences there in the past, so I was definitely game for eating at Chart House in Alexandria. We sat in a really pretty, airy room, where we could feel the breeze of the water and enjoy the sun streaming through the large windows of the restaurant. We decided to get some nice afternoon drinks and we stared over with hazy, happy eyes at each other. My mojito was so refreshing and delicious. We both also ordered the Blue Crab Club Sandwich, which came with jumbo lump crabmeat, crab boursin, crisp bacon, field greens and tomatoes, and tasted exquisite. I loved my experience at Chart House and will certainly be back again! They have quite a few locations across the country: chart-house.com/ourMenus… .
(5)
Rick B.
A revisit to a place I'd visited long ago -- well before Yelp was created -- yet despite being a frequent visitor to the area in intervening period I'd avoided since. Location: Excellent - right on Potomac waterfront in Alexandria with views to Washington DC. A good percentage of tables are aligned to exploit this view, and those in the raised "Lighthouse" section (surrounding a central flame) probably make the most of this. Food: selection reasonable, well prepared and presented. Prices par for type of location. Wine list: Average, with selection and pricing by the glass not ideal. Service: A weak spot - the reception / allocation process for both myself and other dinners seemed Inefficient and chaotic, and the mealtime service was both intrusive and rushed - I do not take kindly to having main course delivered before I've finished my starter! So, many years after my last visit, the weak Service -- that had put me off visiting again -- still persists ...
(2)
Pamela M C.
We went back and the manager went out of his way to make sure that our experience this time was great. We appreciated the attention to detail and we will be back.
(5)
Justin W.
This spot is a staple in the Old Town Alexandria community as the lead seafood restaurant. I love the open salad bar. The fish and other entrees though are not too different from other specialized seafood restaurants. If you go, you must try to ask for a great view of the Potomac River. That's the main selling point of this place.
(3)
Frank G.
the Chart House is one of my Old Town Faves and they just always deliver the finest of foods. This date was no different. We stayed at the National Harbor and decided to take a quick run across the river to Old Town. Three different orders. All sea food. What's funny is, every dish looked the same. Maybe changing the plating will make you Ooooow and Aaaahhh when the food arrives, but I was like, Really? We all got the same dish. oh I forgot, I can not start without getting that Crab, Avocado & Mango Stack. Oh yeah! One of my favorites things to have in my mouth. IJS Only recommendation is they should be aware that the blender is very loud and disturbing to the patrons seated next to the bar. An older couple asked to be moved to another table and we were closer than them. but we were well in our meals by the time the orders were being processed. We did have to wait to talk. Loud the, blender is...in my best Yoda impression. Seated further away, we should be.
(4)
Thomas B.
Another disappointing restaurant in Old town Alexandria. Overpriced terrible food with a great view. The staff thinks they are too good and they smell like roses, sorry guys but you smell like poo poo - get over yourselves. I've been in this town for 4 years and have yet to uncover the restaurant gem in Old Town. King St has become a great go to spot for trips to CVS and Starbucks, the restaurants unfortunately are mediocre.
(2)
Rebecca F.
We sat outside on a beautiful night. We ordered drinks and one appetizer which were served to us 15 mins later. Cucumber martini was delicious. We were never offered any more drinks including water. Our glasses remained empty and appetizer plate remained empty on table. We ordered our food and waited and waited and waited. When it had not arrived 45 mins later, we gave up. My son approached the waitstaff and said we were leaving. The mgr came out and apologized with no excuses. We paid our bill and left. This was my second time here with lousy service. I will not go again.
(2)
Antonia N.
Overall the experience was very good. The restaurant is in a prime location on the water. We had a gorgeous view from our table that really enhanced our meal. Great service and food came out in a timely manner. The food is good - but not great. A few things on the menu are mislabeled. The crab tater tots are really just deep fried crab balls and there's no "lava" in their chocolate lava cake (maybe ours was over cooked).
(3)
Melinda Z.
I went yesterday for Fathers Day. It was a decent time. The wait staff provided good service. There food was average at best. I had chopped salad and it tasted watered down along with the balsamic dressing that was extremely thick. The prime rib was good but relatively unseasoned. I had key lime pie that tastes equally unexciting. The chocolate lava cake was very good and added a great end to an otherwise so so meal. My second time here and although I like the atmosphere the food is just marginal. I do like the chef bringing the food to the table. The water view is very nice even on days that are drab and dreary. Third time here. Food average. Great views of the water. Noisy on busy days, reminding me of a cafeteria.
(3)
Carrie H.
Although I have not had a full meal here for four years, I was touring Alexandria, it was hot and we were in need of a little libation. We stopped in at the bar here where they had a very nice area to sit and view the water. The bartender was extremely efficient and friendly and what I liked most about it was they let us sit there as long as we like. No one pushing food on us or pushing us out the door (we only had one drink) The drinks we had were made perfectly! Next visit will go back to eat again
(4)
Gia H.
Went to Chart House for NYE. One of the best experiences for dining, minus a few hiccups, in a long time. Made reservations online and asked for a table overlooking the water - There was a note on the reservation that tables next to the water were not guaranteed... Completely understood. However, when we arrived, we did receive a booth that faced the water. Perfect! However, the table was not cleaned thoroughly, when they sat us down. Minor setback, although we understood how this was missed because they were so busy. Our server was very nice and attentive. One of our concerns since it was so busy, but he was great. The drinks were great and the crab dip even better. However, the crunchy French bread that came with it was not the best. Preferred to have a nice soft baguette. Bf had the Salmon Rockefeller and I had the stuffed flounder - Both delicious. My original request of the Prime Rib was sold out by the time we sat down a little before 11 PM. Not a problem until I looked around and everyone was nibbling on their PR :( We ordered lava cake, but after the ball dropped at midnight, our server told us he had to forgot to put it in. Another minor setback. Since he was so nice all evening and by that time we were stuffed, we didn't make a big deal and just asked not to worry about it anymore. However, as the other lava cakes passed our table, I thought about the prime rib and lava cake I did not have tonight :( 10 minutes before the ball dropped, party hats, noise makers and champagne were passed to each table. Very nice gesture! At midnight, a firework display on the water right in front of our table started. Can I say what a perfect evening? I would LOVE to give this restaurant a '5' but because of the few hiccups, I couldn't. But I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. I will be back again soon, so I can have my prime rib and lava cake!
(4)
Cathy C.
This was truly one of the worst dining experience I have ever had. The service was slow and unattentive. The food was distasteful, bland and poorly presented. The location was the only saving grace for this place but you'd be far ahead of the game if you bought a fast food dinner and sat on the dock eating and watching the scenery. Never again will I dine at this restaurant or any in the chain.
(1)
Ben G.
My wife and I ate there earlier this week in what we hope was winter's last gasp. We had not been to the Chart House in years. We both thought the food was excellent. We sat near a window and they had a (fake) fire going in a pit - which was nice.... It's a pricey place but definitely very good tasting food...
(4)
Jeffrey E.
My wife and I decided to have lunch at the Chart House Saturday afternoon. We approached the outside reservation desk and were told it would be about a 20 minute wait for outdoor seating. We walked around for over 20 minutes and returned to the outdoor reservation desk and were told we had to go inside to make a reservation. We were seated once the communication issue between the staff was resolved. Both the table and chair had pieces of lettuce stuck on them from previous customers (I took a picture). Apparently the staff who clean tables at the Chart House do not believe in paying attention to detail. We ordered the coconut shrimp as an appetizer and were disappointed with the size and quantity for the price. I have paid less for better coconut shrimp at other restaurants. My wife ordered the strawberry salad and was satisfied with her choice. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder. Although the clam chowder was delicious the bowl was more the size of a large cup. The most disturbing aspect of our visit was the service. After we were seated our waiter, Mike, failed to introduce himself and his first words were "what can I get you to drink besides water." Mike failed to check on us as we ate our meal and was indifferent to our dining experience. We always said thank you when he brought us our drinks, meal, and check yet he only responded once with you are welcome. Based on our experience we will not be returning to the Chart House. There are much better and cheaper restaurants in downtown Alexandria where customer service is not an oxymoron.
(1)
Erin M.
After taking the boat from boat from Georgetown to Alexandria, we needed to eat. We decided to try the Chart House for our late lunch. We were seated right away, and finally greeted by our server - he seemed like he was in a rush.
(4)
Joan L.
Reading the other reviews that were less than four stars was surprising. I have been here twice, once with my family and another time with my boyfriend. The food and service were great from beginning 'till the end for both times I went. The view was great and the ambiance really made this restaurant five stars for me. Plus the hot chocolate lava cake helped seal the deal. I love this place and I highly recommend it :)
(5)
Candice B.
Ate at the Chart House today for a business meeting. The service was very attentive, they were a little over whelming though. The waiter took my bread and butter while I was still eating. I had the crab cake sandwich. This being my first Maryland?!? Style crab cake I am not exactly sure how it is suppose to be, I thought it was a little too messy. Hard to eat especially while at a business meeting. They have shoestring fries which I am not a huge fan of but I know almost everyone on earth loves. The view is beautiful, and even though it was raining, well worth the trip.
(3)
Sunny B.
Great views, delicious food options, and attentive (but at times awkward) service. My husband and I went here for our anniversary. We didn't have a reservation and were told it would be an hour wait for the patio only (dining room was booked up for the night). Luckily we found a table in the lounge right away, where they offered the full menu! We started with an interesting avocado, mango, and crab tower, followed by a trip to the salad bar and fish entrees. All were delicious and fresh tasting. I only wish we had saved enough room for the lava cake. Prices were a little steep, but considering the waterfront location and proximity to Old Town Alexandria, I guess it was right on par.
(4)
Michael W.
Good food with great service. The coconut crusted shrimp with crab cake was delicious. Others in our party also had the cream of crab soup and fish and chips. All left the restaurant content.
(4)
Amanda B.
High price does not always equate to quality and I sadly learned that lesson here. I decided I wanted to try this place out because it was restaurant week and what better way to find a new a haunt by trying out what I would expect to be some signature dishes to entice me back to pay the hefty prices the rest of the menu boasts. Sadly, I will not be back. I was extremely disappointed by the lack of dimension and flavor in my braised ribs, they were absolutely tender and could be cut apart with a fork without any effort but the glaze was barely noticeable and it was just meat. The mashed taters were creamy yet seemed to be missing something and even though the plate the potatoes already had the look of solidifying (the way those fake ones get out of a box). My boyfriend's shrimp pasta was bland, it came with 3 breaded shrimps that were not bad but the bulk of the plate was angel hair buttered sauce pasta that lacked garlic and again was bland. He had three or four bites and didn't want anymore which in all honesty made me quite sad but he just wasn't impressed. :( He isn't *that* hard to impress but he likes to eat like I do too. The only highlights were the Moscato Sangria which had a nice sweetness and was quite lovely with all the fruit in the glass, even if the fruit looked like regular bar fruit that's been out all night (when I'm paying $11 a glass, I don't expect garnishes but edible fruit). Oh well. The tiny exact cup (seriously measured it'd be that small though to me even smaller cause it was in one of those really thick ceramic bowls) of clam chowder was chock full of seafood and very very yummy, it had plenty of clams and I enjoyed they didn't use potato pieces as filler. :) Lastly, the crème brulee was to die for! It's been a long time since I found a place that could make it correctly, nice and cool custard with a very warm crunchy top that was thick and delicious. The highlights are probably the only reason I gave them a 3 star. Overall: Portions are small, the atmosphere is charming new England, the view lovely. Service: Could have been better, had to ask for the bread twice, had to wait awhile for menus would have understood if they were busier. Food: Bland for the price, most dishes were in the twenties through thirties. I should have listened to my dad when he said he and my mom only thought it was alright. So sad... I had higher expectations.
(3)
Steve D.
Really a 3.5. Had the lava cake and that was amazing. I'm not a big seafood fan but my gf is. She had the lobster which she liked. I had the filet. Bring New Year's Eve it was packed. May try it again.
(3)
Danielle H.
I love the happy hour specials.... This is definitely my first stop every time I arrive in DC. I ate dinner here for the first time this week and I must say the swordfish was cooked perfectly and overall I enjoyed the meal. It does get crowded so the sooner u arrive for happy hour the better, that is if you want a seat.
(5)
Gary D. S.
Went on Sunday...Brunch yowwwwzaaa!! Best salad bar ever. Smoked salmon with numerous tasty extras. Crab cakes were excellent. Wife loved it 2.
(5)
Pete A.
Ok, I am not going to delete my post from a year ago when my party got sick from eating here, but the other day we gave it another chance. We came in for happy hour. The waitress in the bar section was very nice. Drink prices for happy hour are good and coupled with the view it's worth coming here for them. We rolled the dice and got some happy hour appetizers. The ahi nachos were delicious but there were just four of them. The humus trio was very bland. Even the wasabi humus had no spice. The fried calamari were tasty and the portion wasn't too small for the happy hour price. The firecracker shrimp were teeny but very tasty. I was pleased with our visit this time.
(3)
Andrew L.
Had the Calamari and Friends, Shrimp Fresca, Medallions and Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Raspberry Sorbetini. Though the food was quite good, I've had better for less expensive. The place was also very crowded, to the point that you could hear other people's conversations. For the price, I'd expect more privacy.
(3)
Sharein C.
The crab cakes were all crab meat and less of other ingredients so it was delicious. My husband had prime rib Callahan cut and was so soft and juicy. Calamari was average. The waiter was very nice and even told us how to reheat the leftover meat the right way. Our only complaint was that it was too warm inside.
(5)
Scarlett B.
Very great view beside the river at Old Town Alexandria.Tried crab cake and coconut shrimp, Crab Avocado & Mango Stack, and Mango Mojito, all good!
(4)
Brandon B.
So damn good. Literally pick any fish order and you will be satisfied. Overall great experience.
(4)
Richard F.
I was traveling on business with a vegetarian, so we looked for places that had some vegetarian entrees and apps. The hotel recommended this place. It was not bad at all. The decor was upscale and the layout of the restaurant had most of the tables at windows facing the river. As this place seemed to specialize in seafood, that is what I ordered. And I enjoyed what I ordered. I did feel bad form my business partner however, she had very little to choose from. None the less, she managed to pick a few items and we muddled through it. She did enjoy the huge chocolate and peanut butter ice cream concoction that she ordered for dessert. I guess chocolate heals all wounds. I'd go back.
(3)
Paul A.
Consistently good, one of the restaurants in Old Town that won't let you down whatever the reason you are going there for.
(4)
Chris S.
So I'd like to start off by saying we went here for my wife's 30th birthday brunch, partly because of their ability to serve .99 cent mimosas. The week before I submitted a reservation for 12 people, and they were very bit accommodating to the request for not only such a large party but also for the request for a water-view for our party. They had it set up and were ready to rock as soon as we showed up. The most popular items on the brunch menu were the Maryland Eggs Benedict, Asparagus and Crab Omelette, then I myself for the Rib-eye and Eggs. The food is, made to order, and of pretty decent quality. For 24.99 brunch, you're getting coffee / hot tea / orange juice (included), Salad Bar (including cereals, bagels, salad, etc), and then finally your entree. My steak was a thin rib-eye (6 oz?) with two eggs and home fries. The Steak was blackened and had a decent flavor to it, nothing overwhelming, but enough to be enjoyable. Honestly the highlight of the breakfast was the spicy (chili's?) home fries that went perfect with the steak and eggs. Food alone would have garnered three stars. Atmosphere, service, and ambiance, combined up to a great four star restaurant. Our party was there for 2 and a half hours, not once were we rushed or pressured to leave or hurry. When they found out it was my wife's birthday they brought our a huge piece of coffee toffee cake with a little candle. Excellent service, great atmosphere, I would certainly recommend if you're in the mood for an upscale weekend brunch, this is your spot.
(4)
Emily M.
I looooove their food! I have been here 3 times and the waiters are great, they are knowledgeable of all the food on the menu and make great recommendations. Their cocktails and inspired classics are out of this world! Above all, the dinning experience is fabulous and the food is sensational. Five stars!
(5)
Maki S.
I dragged myself from CT to DC for the weekend and met up with friends here. I was dazzled by the ambiance. They had some beers and offered me their last slider. I can't say that I can talk about much more than how incredibly flavorful and juicy that slider was, and how surprisingly filling it was considering I only had a granola bar in 7 hours of a bus ride, but what I will write is that it was so delicious that this review was worth creating. From one glance at the bill, some could say the price reflects the quality. With an ocean view to aid the richness of the sample I had, it's hard to imagine that anything else on the menu wouldn't be worth the price.
(4)
Cliff M.
Had a really nice dinner tonight with a few friends. Ordered the clam chowder which was quite good and the NY Strip which was spot on medium rare and very tasty. We had the calamari and lobster spring rolls which were above average but not exactly breathtaking. The service was attentive and very friendly. Our waitress had a great sense of humor and we enjoyed bantering with her a few times throughout the evening. Atmosphere is wonderful. The view of the harbor is a sight to behold. If you go here, try to get a table on the upper floor: you'll get the best view here. Really nice joint. I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Kevin W.
Came to Chart House after proposing to my now-fiance. We had a window table with a fantastic view of the river. Excellent, knowledgeable service.The food was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend their East meets West tuna appetizer and the snapper entree.
(5)
Cameron B.
Came here mid week around 8:30. So no problem getting in. They have some interesting cocktails and some decent wines. Appetizer was the crab, avocado and mango stack. It was quite tasty. I had Chilean sea bass and gnocchi for a main. Usually when they include gnocchi as part of an entree, they give you like 5 or 6 gnocchi. Not so here. In fact, they gave me more than I could eat. Probably 20 or more. This was in addition to a generous portion of sea bass. No complaints about the food. Everything I had was very good. Service was also very attentive (though like I said it was a slow time). And to top it off there was a nice window seat with a view of the harbor. Nice.
(4)
Jason R.
Just a review of the patio, we sat with a friend for a lazy couple of drinks overlooking the harbor. The staff was OK with a table of four just chatting and sharing appetizers. The normal scene there is wealthy middle aged folks and $42 lobster lunches, but they were surprising cool with a younger group with tattoos and weird hair having a couple of beers and snacking on a delicious $14 app of shrimp with lobster meat.
The food was good and the location is very nice. It's right in Old Town Alexandria. What really made this place stand out, however, was our sever, Mac. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, quick, and professional. This is the best service I have had in a long time.
(4)
Rowland S.
My wife and i had dinner here for her birthday. She had the cream of crab soup and the lobster tail which she enjoyed. I had the Teriyaki top sirloin steak which had good flavor but was over cooked (i had ordered it medium and it was well done). We both had mixed drinks from the menu which were well made and tasted good. We found the service to be very good, the young man who attended to us was personable and attentive. In my personal opinion they need to update the interior (looks like the 1970's all over again). In the end though the awesome view and your company are what you should be looking at.
(4)
Terry H.
The Chart House is one of my all time favorites for cocktails in Old Town. It's right on the water and it is always fun and an enjoyable experience. The staff is excellent and is very attentive. They have a VIP dining card, which allows preferred seating and other fantastic benefits if you dine there often.
(5)
Passion R.
Before you read this review, let me tell you a little about where my perspective is coming from. (1) I am a seafood LOVER. (2) I am a fan of views on the water and upscale dining. So with that in mind, as far as upscale dining and seafood, Chart House is the best restaurant in the area that I've been to so far. Hence the 5 star. The details-- Location/Crowd: It makes me very happy that Chart House is on the water front but isn't downtown or at the harbor. This reduces the amount of college kids, the single-ready-to-mingle crowd, and the tourist. There aren't any bad smells or traffic/parking problems like there are in the city either. And even though it's in Olde Town, it's away from the hustle and bustle on the main strip. It is in a family friendly neighborhood. I saw plenty of people outside with their children even late at night. And is very couple friendly--young or old. The crowd at Chart House seemed relaxed and refined. Classy but not pretentious. And I liked that. My boyfriend and I felt welcomed even though we're young. Even though the dress is sort of formal, he came in jeans. So it's not the type of restaurant where you have to wear a tie and a jacket--although it is nice to do so. Food/Beverages: I ordered the tilapia and my man ordered the surf and turf. I took one bite of my tilapia and completely melted. The fish was cooked perfectly, the sauce was very delicate, and the avocado added a nice texture. Tilapia is such a meaty fish but the way its prepared here felt light and airy. If I ever go to jail and they ask me what I want to eat before they execute me, this tilapia would be on the menu. I had a glass of blush wine to accommodate my meal. The waiter was very good at bringing it out exactly when I wanted him to. Service: The service is stellar. A whole star worth. It boosts this restaurant from a 4 star to a 5 star. On a Friday night without reservations, they managed to seat us very quickly. That made me happy.The manager came to our table just to say hello. And the waiter was very thorough and efficient. His descriptions of the food and knowledge of the menu was impressive. Decor: Ambiance is a big restaurant factor for me. So the suave decor, gaudy chandeliers, and tables overlooking the water really delighted me. Who doesn't like to look at pretty things while they eat? It's so much more romantic. It is expensive. But you get what you pay for. And I paid for the PERFECT romantic evening. This is a great foreplay restaurant for any couple needing to get some spark back. And a great first date restaurant to impress a lucky someone.
(5)
Carrie G.
Chart House saved us from a night of disappointment over the holidays when Virtue, around the corner, failed to seat us within an hour and a half of our reservation, we called chart house and they told us to come right over. In the pouring rain, eight of us ran over, they seated us immediately, had bread on the table instantly and took great care of us. The fried calamari and hummus appetizers were great to share. My fish dish was amazing - sushi grade tuna. Yum. The wine list is above par, and the manager made sure we enjoyed our night. Thanks chart house for turning a potential disaster into a great night. Ps - friends of mine had their lunch wedding reception in the upstairs balcony and it was a wonderful day.
(4)
Josean R.
This was my third visit here and it seems like it gets better and better each and everytime i go. This last time, i took my gf with me and that gave us a window seat with an amazing view. The our waiter was excellent, friendly, and showed us a lot of attention. The food was perfect. No other words could explain how great it was. And to top it off, i ordered the hot chocolate lava cake and we nearly died and went to heaven. I will def come back and recommend it to everyone!!
(5)
Annette R.
The food was mediocre but the service was great. I was a little disappointed in the portion sizes. I had a crab cake, which in the past was delicious and filling. The crab cake lost its flavor. I guess the recipe was altered and the price increased, yet the portion sizes decreased. My daughter and father in-law both had the cream of crab soup and were both dissatisfied. It was runny not creamy with very little crab meat. They enjoyed the salmon, nice portion size. The coconut shrimp was tasty, but did not receive very many. The crab dip was awesome! It was worth the price. I don't believe we will be visiting this restaurant again. The Chart House in Annapolis actually provides larger portions for your bucks.
(3)
Angelique P.
The view was beautiful and that was the best part. The menu was confusing as they don't list sides with the steak and fish so we thought you order sides separately and that's what we did. We were then surprised to get way too many sides with our meal and annoyed that the waiter didn't inform us of this. It seemed like a way to run up your bill. The waiter was ok, the service on whole was below what it should be. Our waiter seemed ambivalent to our upset about so many sides and just walked away. The server seemed stressed and had a hard time putting our plates on the table. The salad bar was ok. Our baked potatoes were overcooked and tasted burnt and rubbery. The ladies restroom had way too few stalls for the size of the resturaunt and was dirty. We will not be returning here and as much as we liked the view it just wasn't worth it, especially for the prices.
(2)
Tony C.
Ate at the Chart House on Tuesday. Hadn't been there in a few years and after this visit I will not return. Sadly, the only redeeming quality about this place is its view of the water. Went there with my parents before the dinner rush. Despite an apparent abundance of open tables we were taken to the back the house. We asked if we could have a table with a view but were refused. We then asked for a table not a booth. Again our request was refused. Unclear why because the restaurant was no where near full. Base upon other reviews this is a common trend for the restaurant. What ever happened to the customer is always right? After being seated we were forgotten for a considerable period of time before a waiter from another section saw us twiddling our thumbs and came over to take our drink order. Appreciated his effort until it became apparent that he did not know the drink menu and could not answer any questions about the beers on tap. Once drinks were ordered we were passed off to another staff member. This waitress was friendly; however, she couldn't provide any specific details about the menu items. What is worse is that she spent most of the time at our table aggressively up selling. Mostly we were forgotten about. Found the menu to be limited, out dated, and overpriced. Frankly, we should have passed and headed up King Street to Hank's Oyster Bar. Much better options up the hill.
(1)
Serene J.
Wow, I thought that such a landmark would have amazing food and service. Both were below average. Service was really slow and the food was average and although the place was empty, we felt like the server wanted us out. While I totally get it when it is busy, the place was dead. Later we moved to the bar and the service was better, much much more attentive and friendly (and why I didnt score the place a one star), but the food was still below average and don't even get me started on the prices for the portions-where is the minus one star? The view is great!
(2)
Jim W.
very disappointing. booked table for 6, requested window. explained window table was paramount. arrived early for cocktails etc inbar area. explained again importance of a wwindow and we wouldn't mind waiting. I was told that was fine. In spite of our willingness to patiently wait and having made our desires for a window table abundantly clear they gid not give us the table. Eventually they tried to squeeze us, at a table for 4. I had to insist on speaking to the manager to get two nearby tables pushed together.... I have eaten at the Chart house many times and nereceded such poor service . they tried to rush us and were not attentive. All this hassle for a party of 6 that spent over 450.oo ! Never again. I won't be back.
(1)
Mattie C.
I will repeat what Paul W. said because it pretty much sums it up: this place is way overpriced for the quality of the food. Spot on. While I did enjoy the pretty views and the classy atmosphere, I found it expensive and the food was just OK. I was particularly disappointed with the oysters. First they got my order of "oysters on the half shell" wrong and brought out "oysters rockefeller" instead and then tried to convince me to keep it instead of sending it back for my actual order. When they brought out the actual oysters I wanted though, they were extremely tiny - smallest oysters I have ever seen. I have had much better elsewhere, and the six tiny oysters cost $14!! I also had the cream of crab soup, which was excellent, but cost $10 for a not very large portion. My pomegranate mojito was also pretty good but was around $14. There is a salad bar there too, which you can either pay a hefty amount to have on its own, or pay an extra $6 to have it as a side if you purchase an entree. I examined the offerings on the salad bar and didn't find it impressive compared to similarly priced places I have been to. No smoked salmon, no mozzarella balls, no fancy vegetables like asparagus or something. If you are charging that much for a salad bar there should be something fancy other than anchovies. So that's that. I don't remember what the others in my group had to eat honestly, but the consensus was that the place was overpriced and didn't blow anyones mind. I am willing to pay a lot for good seafood - I love Oceanaire, I love Hank's Oyster Bar and Pearl Dive - all of these are pretty expensive but in the end the cost is worth it because the food is AMAZING. And I would never expect to see puny midget oysters at any of those places. This place just didn't cut it compared to the far superior options and I would have to say it is a "skip it" for me.
(2)
Rye M.
Really want to give 2.5 stars but can't round up to a 3 rating for OK. Far better restaurants in the area for seafood. We last came here years ago and wanted to try this place again. The views and ambiance is what makes this place stellar and expensive. However the quality of the food can vary from lackluster to just ok. Our server was just ok and vanished for several minutes during our stay. Tried the crab bisque and it had a really bad after taste to it (almost chemical like). The waiter politely suggested that I try the clam chowder and it wasn't that much better either. Now I just recently came from San Francisco and maybe my tastes are biased but the bisque and clam chowder over there is far superior. Tried the swordfish entree and it was horrible! The fish came out cold which is unacceptable. Tried the spouse's snapper and that was fine however but not worth the price. The lava cake was pretty good but I remember it being better. I would only come again for some drinks and the views. Other than that, you can get better food for less the price at other places in old town.
(2)
Andrew A.
I like Chart House for the food, service and view. Been there a few times now and have always had a good experience. Went on a date last night and sat at a table in the bar. I forget what appetizer we got but it was like seafood fritters... not very memorable obviously. The 10oz Prime Rib is amazing, biggest 10oz ever. Don't waste your time on the mashed potatoes. My date got the Mixed Seafood entre - crab meat and shrimp were pretty good. It's all expensive. Mostly worth it.
(4)
Gayle H.
Food , drinks and service were all excellent! I had the a Chilean Sea Bass which was exceptional! We had the key lime pie and Aspen Coffee for dessert. Everything was so good. We got a window view watching the boats and National Harbor. Great service with Jason! Update: 6 hours after eating, my husband and I got sick. Not a good way to end a nice evening.
(5)
Stephen C.
Definitely plan on eating here the next time I'm out in the DC area. Got the filet mignon was cooked to perfection. For me I like my steaks to be a nice medium, and that's exactly what I got. The sides and drinks were delicious, and the staff was super friendly and very prompt. The co-workers I went with all enjoyed their food as well, we didn't have any complaints, or any food sent back. I highly recommend this place if you're wanting an upscale, delicious seafood and steak place!
(5)
Tiffany F.
The view of the water was beautiful, but happy hour specials are only available at the bar. A shame they don't combine specials with a good view. My mango mojito was too sweet and the hummus platter lacked flavor.
(2)
Steve G.
Consistently good food and service in a great venue. Crab cakes were very good.
(4)
Camden S.
We love the Chart House! My family and I eat here all the time (it was my wedding reception location almost a year ago!) and its one of our favorites. There is almost always a wait, but its so worth it. The Rib eye steak is THE BEST!
(5)
Michael N.
Went to dinner with some friends. The restaurant was nice. The view was incredible. However when we got the menu, It seemed everything was overpriced for what we were given. I heard the salad bar was popular, so I took a walk to see if I really wanted to get it. Just your basics when it comes to a salad bar, nothing really stood out. There was a salad sitting out in a bowl already pre-dressed and the lettuce looked wilted/old. Salads should be dressed right before serving so the lettuce remains nice and crisp. No salad bar for me. I ended up ordering the stuffed flounder, and my friends ordered the short ribs, shrimp with angel hair pasta, blackened salmon, scallops, pork chop, and a grilled chicken dish. We were given some crackers, bread and butter to nibble on. Crackers were tasty, they had some seeds on them and seasoned well. One of my friends ordered a salad as an appetizer and it didn't look very appetizing as the lettuce looked old and it was drenched in whatever sauce it came with. Our entrees came out within 30 min or so. However one of my friends dishes did not come out with the rest. The server asked if my friend wanted a salad or anything while he waited, but he politely declined the offer and just ordered a nice cold beer. 5 min later the server brings him a caesar salad, saying the chef insisted he take it. Again what do you think the salad looked like? The same, old, wilted lettuce, over dressed topped with a ton of cheese. Let's just say that salad wasn't touched. We finally dug in and everyone seemed to enjoy their food. My flounder came with asparagus and yukon gold mashed potatoes. The flounder was nice and moist as well as the crab stuffing inside. The mashed potatoes were meh, could have used some fresh herbs to liven it up a bit. I couldn't figure out what the sauce was on the dish, it was ok too, it needed something to bring the dish together cohesively. My friend who ordered the shrimp pasta, yeah $28 bucks for that dish? really? I mean it was just pasta topped with a little bit of tomato sauce and fried shrimp on the side, nothing special there, Thats something you could make at home for just a fraction of the price. My other friend who got the pork chop, it was freakin huge. My friends who ordered the short ribs were only given 2 pieces. We all finished eating and decided to order the chocolate lava cake. However, we didn't order in the beginning and had to wait for 30 minutes. I guess they fresh bake them, which is really nice, but its a waste of time to be honest. But I commend them for doing that because most restaurants just pre-make them and just pop them in the microwave before serving. Chocolate lava cake was just your standard cake, nothing special about it here. All in all Service: 3.5/5 Food: 2.5/5 Overall Experience: 3/5 Nice restaurant, but I don't see myself coming back again anytime soon.
(3)
Amanda W.
Like all Chart House chains, this one has great food and impeccable service. Our server, Mike, was great. He recommended a great wine, and treated my young daughter like a regular patron, instead of talking down or ignoring her like some fancy restaurants do. I would recommend the seared ahi with ginger glaze... It was to die for! Skip the swordfish, as it was too dry and a bit overcooked. Phenomenal ambiance, and delicious food.
(5)
Hj W.
This review is for the bar area. I have been told that the dinner section is a little bit more upscale. Chart House's bar is something of a dive bar wrapped in gold foil. The venue is beautiful, the aesthetics are pleasing... and their rail gin is aristocrat, their rum of choice is Malibu. The calamari was good and adequately portioned. The firecracker shrimp was a very small portion of salad shrimp overbreaded and doused in sauce. For a dollar more during the happy hour specials, I could've gotten a delicious pair of sliders twice the volume of food than the shrimp which was comically ill proportioned for the cost. God help me if I ever pay full price. Service was pleasant... it wasn't as great as it could be but I'm pretty sure one waitress ran all the tables at the bar section and it was packed. Sort of all over the place experience that ran good and bad, hot and cold. Fries get sugar when it comes out with the tempura shrimp. Huh.
(3)
Adelina V.
This restaurant is right on the river with amazing views! Definitely would recommend this place -- very beautiful and classy.
(5)
Keith S.
Chart House in Alexandria was excellent, with a beautiful building and a waterfront view of the Potomac. Happy hour menu wasn't really advertised but we knew better, and it was excellent. Great fish tacos and great spinach artichoke dip. Did not have a chance to come back to try their main dishes, but every Landry's restaurant is excellent. Thanks and will be back soon.
(5)
Nepsa N.
Customer Service: A- View: A+ Food Flavor: B+ Quantity: C- My fish tacos had two TINY pieces of fish. And my plate was dirty with food from the previous meal. If I lived in town, I'd give them another chance. But new management would be perfect for this place. The customer service is great. But everything else is lacking. The tea was so bitter. This place has so much potential. Too bad dirty dishes and just "okay" food is holding them back.
(2)
Rochelle R.
Excellent!! From the warm bread, the appetizer, to the wine, all 5 entrees that myself and my family ordered, and a plus, the server Ben, was great! Delish!! Glad this place was recommended!!
(5)
Colleen M.
If you've read any of my previous reviews you know that it doesn't matter how good the food or atmosphere of a restaurant is - if the service sucks, your restaurant sucks. Visited this spot on a Saturday in April for lunch. We arrived around 11:30 and were seated quickly as the place had just opened up and we were one of the few people there. It took over 15 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us and ask us for our drink orders. Our waitress remained just as disinterested for the remainder of the meal. She took forever to get drinks, forever to come back and refill water and forever to bring us our food. I will typically give the waitstaff the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the kitchen's fault. I don't have to do that here - as she clearly brought our food out, set it down on the outdoor bar, chat with coworkers, refill someone elses' water and THEN bring me my now-cold soup. I got McDonalds service with a Ritz Carlton pricetag.
(1)
Elina Y.
I'm no math wiz but ..... Outdoor patio seating + nighttime water view + bottle of wine = bliss
(3)
White Devil C.
Went for lunch with a small group of business colleagues midweek, and the restaurant was very quiet with only seats along the windows taken. The attraction of the space is some limited water views, though the building and decor is quite tired and dated. Our group of four waited ten minutes to be seated at a table while the hostess finished a long call (take-out order?) on the phone and then had to seat two other groups in front of us as well before getting to us. Once seated the order process was rapid and the explanation of food professional, but the turnaround time from the kitchen far too long. The consensus among the table was that food quality was acceptable, but not particularly inspired or differentiated. I can't think of a reason to return.
(2)
Mia N.
This place has changed. Well, we went for lunch, the prices are not bad. Better than dinner. However, the beautiful basket of a different assortment of bread from rye to fried bread is gone! I think they used to get bread from the Corner Bakery or someplace similar. They used to have that sweet butter. Now it's just rolls of boring bread with plain butter. The old appetizer of the 4 inch sweet and succulent crab pieces mixed with avocado is gone! That was the most heavenly stack of crab I had ever tasted and was worth its price. I got the crab cake with shrimp combo for $18, but they only gave me 3 fried and overcooked shrimp! Hey shrimp is cheap! If I ever return, then I will just get a cheap sandwich. My husband got the fish and chips, which is still a substantial amount of food for $13. If you get the crab cake/shrimp, then make sure you get the salad bar to fill you up as I did because the portions were small and not likely to fill you up. They even threw a small smattering of baby thin cut fries, when they should have put a whole boatload on the plate! We did the famous chocolate lava cake for $11 as we always do. That is still good at least. Salad bar is still good, but I used to love the basket of artisan breads with sweet butter and the huge stack of fresh crab. Now they're gone so it really is a sad day! We have been coming here for 15 years, and now they have cut corners to be economical. Still the views are always lovely here.
(3)
Kathleen W.
My husband and I had a awful dinner at the Chart House in Alexandria. The entire night went from bad to worse. After complaining I I have received a phone call from the manager who left a message that of course he is sorry but sorry does not help. After being seated in a booth for four and not at a table for two and no person even talked to us for over thirty minutes. Finally a server noticed and she asked if we had had a server or if any one had talked to us. We said no. She did bring us water. She must of talker to the manager on duty and he sent another waitress who said that this was not her station but that she would take care of us. We both ordered the prime rib medium well and it was tough. It tasted like they defrosted it in the microwave. The prime rib had no flavor and was cooked at least to medium. The potatoes were cold. I ordered the claim chowder and my husband ordered the salad bar. There was no lettuce on the salad bar and everything else was picked over. By the time of waiting over thirty minutes my soup was cold. It did not come really hot. Between the soup, salad and prime rib dinner we had an awful night.
(1)
Joe G.
Very well positioned place, right near the water off King Street. There was no wait on a Friday night, but the place was busy. Service was good. There is a great selection of fish, but not a lot of other seafood. Extensive wine list. The food was very good though. Cost about $40 per person.
(4)
CC C.
Nice view and a pleasant atmosphere, also very good seafood. I would definitely be open to be back here.
4 stars prices for 2 star service. We went there for Sunday brunch. Getting seated was a bit of a hassel. We started off with the salad bar which was decent but not much for selection. I ordered the blackened prime rib with eggs. The beef was spiced so heavily with pepper it was almost inedible. The eggs were cooked perfectly. The art and decor overlooking the water makes for a great dinning experience but the food was a bit lacking considering the high prices.
(3)
Janet B.
Staff friendly. Server nice but got "land st" for several minutes. Came here with grandson and a friend for nice dinner and to enjoy the view. The view was nice but we were very disappointed with overpriced, tasteless meals; sea bass Barimundi, crab chunk stuffed flounder (not crab chunks but something like overbtraded crab cake), and coconut shrimp. Perhaps rations small. Red Lobster is much better.
(1)
Rogue J.
Great location on the water...excellent service and ambient lighting! Public parking just across the street is convenient and it's a close walk to King St. for other bars, shops, and restaurants. Overall a great time by my party of 4 and I.
(4)
Graham C.
Loved the atmosphere and the proximity to the Potomac. Ended our Labor Day at chart house and thoroughly enjoyed the deck seating. The drinks were great and the crab stuffed mushrooms were awesome. However, the ahi tuna main course was average. Way too much sauce and I'm surprised they paired it with potatoes. Would have preferred jasmine rice and/or some fresh greens. Atmosphere/drinks/apps are awesome...but it's a very high price tag for a mediocre main course.
(3)
Angela R.
Chart house is always a safe bet. I ate at the one in Cali and loved it so when I saw they had one on Alexandria I knew it was the place to go. Scallops ate delish. But I have to say my daughter got the grouper and omg might be my new fav. The molten cake is our go to dessert. Our waiter DJ was awesome!!
(5)
Jennifer M.
Spotty service and consistency. Also not the cleanest, but a trade-off for a window-side table and nice view of the harbor. Three of us ordered the fish tacos but the side of sweet potato chips all looked (and came mixed with) different things! The calamari was decent and also came with sweet potato chips. Did I mention that everything came with sweet potato chips? Soup was a wash, but creme brulee was good! Hard to mess up, but still not prepared the standard way. All in all, a decent place to go for a casual afternoon meal.
(3)
Daniel H.
We went for a happy hour. The drinks were good the food was okay but had good presentations. I would have drinks there again but probably would not eat again the happy hour prices for both food and drink were good overall I give this place 3.5 stars
(3)
Oksana I.
Went for Dinner yesterday. We came around 8 pm and ask to sit outside. It was no problem and host seated us right away. Our server Lance was incredible. Very knowable and polite. Food was awesome: apps - great (fried oysters and tuna).Main course was great as well. We ordered Prime Rib - huge piece of meat. It was pretty fat but this is what Prime Rip about - highly recommend. I got Scallops - wonderful choice. Again, Lance was super nice and we could not wish for better restaurant experience! Thank you and next time will order famous cake.
(5)
Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: Great Happy Hour destination. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4 pm - 6:30 pm and is available in the bar and lounge only. There is outdoor seating but the happy hour prices do not apply. Happy Hour prices are great! $4 PREMIUM Drafts, $5 WINES BY THE GLASS We had the Starr Hill 'The Love' Hefeweizen. Excellent. $4 Hummus Trio A classic combination of traditional, roasted red pepper & edamame served with grilled pita & plantain $5 Firecracker Shrimp Tempura fried and tossed in a spicy kim chee sauce Ahi Nachos* Seared and served atop fried wontons, with pickled ginger & wasabi cream $6 Chart House Sliders Grilled mini-burgers with caramelized onions, Cheddar cheese & diner sauce Prime Rib Sliders With caramelized onions & Jack cheese
(3)
Zelly W.
Staff was incredibly friendly. Our server was awesome. He was all ears, paid attention to detail, was there when we needed him, he was helpful and very pleasant. The food was excellent. The table ordered hummus as an appetizer and I was never a huge fan of it but after tasting it here, I have changed my mind. The food was delicious, well cooked, full of flavor and the drinks were well made. I love that it overlooks the river and the interior of this place is gorgeous, especially the fire place they have in the back corner. We managed to get there for their lunch menu which serves perfect portions at a great price however I noticed that if we had gone for the dinner menu, most of the options change (which is expected) but some of the choices that were the same were almost triple the price. I don't think you will find any meals at dinner time for under $20 each so it gets pricey but again, I think it's to be expected.
(5)
Kelly G.
I stopped in for dinner after the church Christmas play. I had the firey cucumber martini. The crab bisque. The seafood mixed grill and they were ALL delicious. Incredible. I will always return to chart house. I love this spot.
(4)
Rafi A.
After my initial review dated 4/7/2014, two representatives from Chart House (including Dan - the manager) contacted me to offer apologies and do damage control. As a result, I went back to Chart House in July, had a much better experience and enjoyed a great meal.
(3)
Mike H.
Food was okay, but "help staff" screwed up on one order, so -- to be polite -- I had to sit and watch my dinner get cold while the other order was redone. Prices are outrageous; two entrees ( very small portions by the way, but the presentation was pretty) and a couple of drinks came to over $100! No "comps" for the order foul up. Probably won't return to the Chart House in Alexandria.
(2)
Lea C.
So, it's a chain. A more upscale chain, but a chain nonetheless. I have been to several outposts of Chart House around the country. This one is the worst of them. It's not because of the food. Food is why there are 3 stars here, especially the specials. The other day when we came in, we had a spinach salad with strawberries and a gorgonzola waffle that was inventive and crazy delicious. No serious complaints there. But the service is just abysmal. Here, they basically have the entire market for waterfront dining in Old Town and an enormous space to work with. It appears they just don't want to pay to staff it adequately. Each time we come here, we hope that it will be different, maybe it was an off night, maybe a bad server, but I am now convinced after coming enough times, that this is a staffing volume issue. It couldn't possibly be that they hire only the worst servers. I have spent an entire 2-hr dinner service without a water refill. Ditto for silverware, which my BF once had to go behind the server station on the patio AND RETRIEVE HIMSELF after asking twice and getting nothing, despite the food having been served. A 45-minute wait for a cocktail which never arrived even after dessert has occurred. One server seemingly poaching another's table (with an expected level of confusion to ensue) happened once. We have eaten in the dark outside because no one thought to light our candle. A 30-min wait between courses or requests is common. It's seriously depressing when I just want to have a nice evening relaxing by the water. And I'm sure it is reflected in the tips the staff gets, which isn't really fair. I really wish management would address this so that we can give them more business.
(3)
Cameron H.
Great staff, great food great service great view. Need I say more?
(5)
Ali A.
The restaurant seemed a little overpriced for their quality of food. I ordered the Parmesan crusted cod, it was very plain and the fish barely had any seasoning. Then I got the lava cake dessert, it tasted deliciously even though I'm not a fan of chocolate. Overall this restaurant felt mediocre at best.
(3)
Ken E.
It's Chart House. It's a chain. Not some place I'd normally eat, but you can dine here and not leave starving or with brain fog. It's on the water in Old Town so I threw in an extra star.
(3)
KimAnh P.
We went here for a birthday dinner and really regret coming here. Besides the view of the bridge, there isn't much here worth it. The team of hostesses at the entrance looked annoyed that we showed up. They weren't courteous and didn't seem like they wanted to be there. We ordered swordfish, which was salted way too much and had no flavor. I probably could've cooked a better fish steak at home. Prices are way too much considering the low quality. I think we paid $35 for this dish. It should've been something like $10. This place is a tourist trap. Make no mistake, you're only coming here for the mediocre view. The staff and food are not worth it.
(2)
Meg H.
This place is on fire!! Ok but literally I was seated in a room with a huge fire pit, which was aesthetically pleasing but kind of awkward/hot! We had a great table with a view of the river, and the lighting was definitely romantic....I was there with my mom so that wasn't what I was looking for but it seemed to be working for the couples surrounding us. We both ordered fresh fish, she ordered Tilapia which was delish and I had the salmon. YUM The waiter was very helpful with wine selections, and was able to find my mom a great Riesling while I had a Pinot Grigio. We had the key lime pie as well, and it was delish! It is a great place for special occasions!
(4)
Robyn S.
My husband & I chose Chart House as our "fancy" dinner while visiting Alexandria this week. At first I thought the prices were steep until I checked out the menus of the other seafood restaurants on King Street. The price were the same, but they did not offer waterfront dining, so we chose Chart House! We asked for a seat near the window, overlooking the river, and we were seated right away. Unfortunately, the seat we were given was next to an indoor fire and it was HOT. The staff was extremely accommodating and we were moved to another window seat with-in minutes. The fire looked nice, but it was nearly 90 degrees and muggy outside, which is why we chose to sit inside in the AC. For starters, I had crab soup, my husband had New England clam chowder, and both were very good. For dinner I chose the lobster tail and he chose steak medallions in a mushroom sauce. Again, both dishes were very good. My husband had a Manhattan cocktail that was so strong he had to add water to it! The waiter was very friendly and service was prompt. Overall, it was a very pleasant dining experience and I am glad we chose Chart House. They offer a dessert that takes 30 minutes to prepare - maybe next time I will try that!
(4)
Sarah B.
Let me start off by saying the waitstaff and the hosts are very friendly and pleasant. They are accommodating and prompt. However, for all the hype of being in Old Town Alexandria and on the water, this place leaves a lot to be desired. The food was mediocre at best. My chopped salad had little flavor. My filet mignon was cooked as requested but there was little flavor. The mashed potatoes were clumpy and luke warm. My husband's ahi tuna dinner was good but not as good as the price suggests. We didn't stay for dessert. The decor was circa 1980 with colorful blown glass and geometric lampshades. There are plenty of places in Old Town that far surpass The Chart House. Our whole experience was very underwhelming.
(2)
Gene E.
One of the better prime ribs I've had recently. Good wine selection. Strong choice for business dinners, as there are no frills or flares with this restaurant. I wouldn't make too much effort to go out of my way to come here, but definitely a good restaurant.
(3)
James B.
Go for the location, impressive, spectacular view, right on the Potomac River. Good service. I got the crab cakes, they were delicious. Had a Mohito as well, which was refreshing and properly made. Others with me enjoyed their meals as well.
(4)
Chris C.
With expensive restaurants it's hard to blow me away because my expectations are high due to the price. At Chart House, while not mind blowing you get what you pay for. The seafood was fresh, filling, and properly cooked. My girlfriend ordered the steak medallions with stuffed shrimp only because this was the only choice of "Surf and Turf." It's odd that they didn't have a choice of Steak and Lobster/Crabcake/Scallops. At most restaurants the steak medallions are cheap pieces of beef usually overcooked. At Charthouse the medallions were more like beef tenderloin properly cooked to medium and tender. The shrimp were good size and topped with crabcake. I ordered the Mixed grill which was the variety platter with a bit of everything. I was a bit disappointed they used Salmon which doesn't come from the Sea but nonetheless it was good and didn't taste frozen like most cooked salmon. The crabcake was solid but not the best I've ever had, it was mostly lump crab meat and it was probably the canned variety. The meat wasn't quite as sweet as other crab cakes I've had. The waiter Melvin was rushing us which is not the worst, but for a nice expensive dinner I'd like to relax and enjoy the experience. He wasn't enthusiastic or really going the extra mile to make our experience more enjoyable BUT he was prompt and was there to fulfill any requests. We felt rushed to order as if they're trying to get us out quick so other guests can be seated. Chart House simply met my expectations and didn't blow me away. I've had worse food experiences in the tourist trap end of King St. I just wish that more restaurants could be built on the waterfront to actually compete with Chart House.
(3)
Gigi K.
I loved this place, their food is great the atmospher is sooo good and the server was nice and did a great Job.I will say that their food potions are kind a small comparing to the pricing that's why I would give it 4 stars. but overall had a great experince!
(4)
Michelle B.
I love the happy hour here. But I would definitely stay away from the Hummus trio...Yuck. Don't know what that was all about. Hummus is supposed to be kinda smooth. This stuff was clumpy. The drinks are good for happy hour, and I like to sometimes add their crab cake appetizer to my fish tacos. This place is my spot.
(4)
Lisa M.
My favorite seafood restaurant hands down. I've been here plenty of times and I've never had a bad experience. It's more enjoyable in the warmer months because you can sit outside near the water.
(5)
DeBorah W.
We just got home from the Happy Hour at the Chart House and it was a major disappointment. We live at the National Harbor but ferry over to the Chart house for dinner at least twice a month because the food is really delicious. However, we tried the Happy Hour this time and could not believe the service, the attitude of the bartenders and the Manager on duty. Things started out great, like in the dining room or on the deck, but then when we ordered our 2nd round of drinks we had problems. My husband had a no issue with his beer, but my Gingerita was nothing like the first. I mean it didn't even look the same as the first one that I received. There should be a specific recipe that can be easily replicated so customers get the same drink regardless of which bartender makes it. When I sent the drink back the bartender, a loud blond female of about 48, told my waiter, who was in training, to go back and tell me there was nothing wrong with the cocktail and he then asked me what I thought it was missing. When I told him I wasn't sure, he went back to the bar and brought me back the SAME drink. When I asked him if that was the same cocktail I sent back, the waiter told me that it was. I asked to speak to the manager, and we sat and waited..and waited for him but he never came over. Instead, he sent our waiter back over to ask if we wanted our appetizers to go! We were appalled at not only the behavior of the bar staff, but the Manager on duty's behavior was reprehensible! That person either has no understanding of what excellent customer service is or doesn't care. Either way, we were disgusted at that point and asked for our check. When the waiter brought it over, it INCLUDED the cost of the cocktail that I sent back, so I sent for the manager on duty AGAIN and again he refused to come over. Instead, he sent the check and our boxed up appetizers over via another server, a female blond server training our waiter. The bill was STILL including the 2nd gingerita we sent back, so we asked for the manager on duty AGAIN. Our waiter came over and by this time I had the opportunity to look in our bag and saw the most despicable boxes. Whoever boxed our appetizers had a lot of some kind of red sauce on their hands, which was all over our boxes. It was clear to us that the staff and manager was sending us a message that we were no longer welcome. We've been frequenting this restaurant since we moved to the National Harbor in 2010 and have never been treated this way, ever. I don't know whether there has been a management/ownership change or what, but It's clear to me and my husband that the Chart House management and staff doesn't understand that in a time when restaurants are closing or fighting over customers you have to treat ALL of them with the utmost courtesy and respect. This was a small issues that was poorly handled by every employee from management on down. Bottom line, the bar staff could have handled this easily by remaking the cocktail thereby making our evening enjoyable. The manager supported the behavior of the bartender by not addressing our concerns after the fact and in CHOOSING to not address our concerns he has lost regular customers. We have a lot of wonderful choices at the National Harbor and throughout the Washington DC area for dining. We will be frequenting them instead from now on.
(1)
Chris M.
Favorite place in Old Town, Alexandria to go out and have a nice lunch or dinner. This restaurant is a fun place to dine in at and the food is always great. Wherever you sit, you can see the water which is nice. There seafood is excellent especially their fish of the day. One Con: Took off the Crab and Shrimp dip hot appetizer:/ from the menu, that was by far the best dip. All in all, worth the price every visit. Thanks
(4)
Terri R.
As we do on most Sundays, my son and I have lunch in Olde Towne. Today we decided to forgo our irresistible favorite, Bugsy's Tavern, and go to Chart House..GREAT CHOICE!! From the moment we walked in at 2:00 p.m. today, we were wowed. The staff treated us like we were the only people in the restaurant, and could not do enough for us. Alfonzo was our main waiter, and he was wonderful. What a pleasent personality, and quite attentive. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Appetizer with fried Plantains, and my son ordered the Filet Mignon dinner. BRAVO! Both were so amazing. He said it was the best filet he had ever tasted...it even LOOKED succulent..lol. My Ahi was perfect as well, and the Fried Plantains were an unusual and welcomed addition to the plate..sooo gooood!! When we ordered our entree's, Alfonzo told us that if we were thinking of having dessert, that he reccomended the Chocolate Lava Cake. He told us that it takes half an hour to create for each guest so if we thought we might want it, we should put our order in now. Great call Alfonzo! It was decadent! Just outstanding.. Our experience was wonderful from Hello! We will be back many more times in the future I am sure...a real gem in Olde Town!!!
(5)
Sonta J.
The ambiance and outdoor views are spectacular. The staff is wonderful. Our server, Jason was outstanding. Now, if they could just bring their menu selections and preparation up to meet the expectations of the visual experience. The food wasn't horrible. It just wasn't remarkable. And while I realize it to be a part of the Landry's chain, for the visual impact; I just expected to be gastronomically wowed and regrettably, I wasn't.
(2)
Katie B.
They ran out of filet mignon. On a Wednesday. 'Nuff said.
(2)
Bai H.
The food is good, but not living up to the expectation. There is always something that needs to be improved, except the lava cake, which was great. It has a nice view inside.
(4)
Shirelle K.
My date and I arrived at 9:45 afraid that we would not be served since the place closed at 10:00. The host was very nice and friendly and we were taken immediately to our table. I had the moscata sangria, cream of crab soup and baked stuffed shrimp. The server was a little stuffy for our taste but polite. We asked several times for water before getting it. The soup came out room temperature. I was not impressed with the food at all but give my date 5 stars for the beautiful view from our patio seats.
(2)
Mike M.
Gotta love the view right on the Potomac. It's a shame this place isn't close to DC or Arlington because I would totally go more often.
(3)
Renie E.
The only reason i'm giving ot 4 Stars is because of it being a bit on the expensive. However, we went for Happy Hour on Thursday nite and sat at the bar. The two bartenders were very friendly and very helpful. The 1/2 off appetizers were so delicious, we decided to order some more after Happy Hour was over and weren't dissapointed. We will be back in April for my birthday dinner!
(4)
Aubrie A.
This restaurant was very good - I thought the duck potstickers and coconut shrimp was excellent :)!
I went there one evening for a dinner night out. We had been looking forward to an opportunity to go there for many months. The food was decent. I've had better and I've had worse. My wife had the lobster and I had the mixed seafood grill. She enjoyed the lobster but I thought it tasted like ordinary frozen lobster tail. I felt the same way about the salmon that I had. The glaze brought the flavor up but it just wasn't that fresh. The shrimp were average. What kept me happy about my meal were the crab cakes. I've had crab cakes in various places in Alexandria and these were very good. Wish I had skipped the rest of the meal and just got them. The prices are high and the quality isn't deserving. My wife had a glass of wine that can be bought in the bottle for around $15 but her glass was $9. I had a brandy old fashioned and I'm pretty sure the bartender had no idea how to make it and didn't bother to follow a recipie. Our server was very good.
(2)
Maggie M.
Went here for a quick lunch a few weeks ago. Chart house is always a go-to when I'm Old Town. Service is always on point, the food is fresh and the view is pretty. I sat outside watching the boats go by and people watched while I waited for my salmon to come out. They cooked my salmon nicely, i had roasted vegetables next to it which were very fresh and crisp. I prefer their brunch but if I need a quick lunch and I'm in the area I'll stop by again!
(3)
Jen M.
This was one of my favorite spots for YEARS (at one point I would go 1-2x a week), but I am seeing a downhill trend. This review is based on my visit on July 29. I brought a friend from out of town visiting. We were seated upstairs on the right side near the window. The air conditioning was apparently not working very well that day - everyone upstairs was sweating, waving themselves with their napkins and menus, etc. I am usually the one who is always chilly when everyone else is warm - but this time, even I was hot. They have made some changes to the decor and menu in the past few months. They've removed my favorite entree, Sweet & Spicy Chilean Sea Bass (said they can't get the sauce). The calamari is great, but it's now "Calamari and Friends", padded w/ fried veggies and lots of tentacles and crap. Fried Lobster Spring Rolls w/ the wasabi sauce are gone, replaced with chilled spring rolls - stuffed w/ cabbage/shredded carrots, very little crab, and lacking flavor. After the disappointing appetizers, I ordered crab soup for my dinner and received clam chowder. Server apologized and brought crab soup...and when it finally came out, it had NO lump crab meat in it whatsoever and tasted TERRIBLE (the manager said they overcooked it). At this point, my friend already had his food and was part of the way through his meal, and I was disgusted...so I figured I'd just skip to dessert - can't go wrong with the lava cake, right? WRONG!!! The lava cake was overcooked - I cut down the middle and nothing at all came out, dry as a bone! Our server came back, saw it and whisked it away...came back with a new one 10 mins later which was better. Still, it didn't taste like it used to - I think they removed one type of chocolate sauce they used to use (or didn't put it on mine, at least). An irritant about this place has been the dirty silverware. There's nothing worse than going to a nice restaurant and getting dirty utensils, glasses, etc. I've brought this up in a review in the past....and someone from the restaurant even called to tell me they've changed their dishwashing system. So why are things still coming out dirty? I went for the brunch once or twice, but I wasn't too impressed. I had some kind of seafood / breakfast dish and I recall it being pretty bland. On the positive side...decor is nice (although I think I liked it better before the recent upgrades!)...our server was very personable, attentive, and offered his food recommendations (he said he is originally from Vegas - very nice guy!)...nice outdoor seating with scenic view, salad bar is good, macadamia crusted mahi is really tasty (at least it was the last time I had it a few months ago). At any rate, I will be returning (as I always do) - and hopefully I will have better things to say next time! UPDATE 8/14/11 - Shortly after posting my review, I received an email from someone at Chart House requesting my phone number so they can contact me. Two weeks later, the manager called to apologize. This particular manager was on duty that night and remembered the incident and coming to our table, and he wanted to apologize again and make sure I know my comments did not fall on deaf ears. He said to let him know the next time I visit in the restaurant so they can make sure I have a great experience. I appreciated his follow up, so I bumped up my rating 1 star.
(3)
Will J.
Just about everything you could expect. Awesome ambiance, outstanding service. Not that much of a creative twist on their dishes, but everything you could ask for from a solid steak and seafood joint.
(5)
Je N.
Holy hell this place is an unorganized mess. Foods pretty good but the annoyance of the hostesses and waitstaff being so unorganized and dumb isn't worth it. We were told our table was ready two separate times and it wasn't only to have us walking back and forth like fools. No apology. Had to ask for bread when our soup came that everyone else that had just sat down had already gotten. Waiter had to ask us again what we had ordered. Not a relaxing night out at all.
(1)
Ms. E.
I've been to the Chart House about 5 times since it opened years ago....I recently went July 2013 and decided to order one of it's newer menu items the "Pine Nut Crusted Shrimp" which was accompanied with linguine and lobster crumbled on the top. When the plate arrived it looked delicious and I proceeded to start off with the linguine which was slighty greasy but tasty....I then proceeded to taste the shrimp, which looked delicious crusted with the pine nuts...but to my disgust...OMG...it tasted like AMMONIA !!! I picked up another shrimp and once again AMMONIA!!! What in the world was going on here? I'm not sure if anyone is familiar with seafood as I am but when seafood tastes like ammonia, it is a sure indicator that the item wasn't as fresh as it should have been.....I informed the waiter that I didn't want to make a big deal out of it (I didn't want them to think I was attempting to get a free meal) but I absolutely needed someone to know. The manager came to my table and as I explained to her how the shrimp tasted she looked at me as though I belonged in the looney bin. I told her....I would pay, but I wanted her to know for the future....They apologized but I do know that they didn't believe me. I won't be going back.
(2)
Charmie S.
This place is a DREAM come true. It reminds me a ton of Nancy's on Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. The water views are breathtaking. They alone left me full before my meal even arrived. Fancy does not do this place justice. This is fancy without the pretentiousness. The waiter was not as quick as I expected, but he was deliberate and patient in taking orders. There's an amazing salad bar to go along with your meal. I had the coconut shrimp entree, which came with pineapple fried rice. Well seasoned and delish. They don't skim on the shrimp either. Amazing. It's pricey but well worth it!
(5)
Stephanie S W.
The food is delicious, but holy moley - break the bank much? I went to the Chart House at the excitement of my mother who loves to dine there whenever she's in California. The service was great, our waiter was extremely friendly and kept joking with my mom that she should do marketing for CH. Start with the warm spinach salad or the Creamy Crab soup...either are delicious, you can't go wrong. For entrees, we had steaks and shrimp and stuffed flounder for the table - everyone loved their meal. Sit outside for a nice view of the water and boats coming in and out - just don't be startled by any boat horns that sound during your meal.
(4)
Kathy H.
I had high hopes for the Chart House but was really disappointed. Service and ambiance were amazing. The view of the river and bridge were fabulous. Service was really top notch but the food left much to be desired. Our party chose from the restaurant week menu and most of it was very bland. The clam chowder soup was amazing but everyone's entrees and desserts were not up to par with a $$$ restaurant in Old Town. Bland cheesecake, overcooked salmon, bland short ribs. Yuck. I'll be back to have a drink and appetizers to enjoy the view but will avoid dinner. There are tons of restaurants in Old Town where you can have an amazing meal. Skip this for dinner but consider getting before or after cocktails.
(2)
Carol W.
I've been to the Chart House twice now. I've also been to Landry's in San Antonio. Not normally my go to place, but worth a try again. This is probably more like a 2.5 star experience, but I'll round it up to 3. Gregg M and I went here with several other friends on Friday. We decided to start off with a few appetizers and drinks while we waited for another couple to show up. I ordered the Pineapple mint caipirinha. I like caipirinha. Caipirinhas have a very distinctive "bite" to them. They should let you know they have alcohol in them. Unfortunately, this one was so sweet, it made me wonder if they put pineapple juice in it rather than just chunks of pineapple. Yuk! Definitely not what I was looking for. Gregg M got the fiery cucumber - There was no fire to be had with this drink! Thank goodness for wine of which both Gregg and I switched too - a very enjoyable bottle I might add. For our appetizer, we got the mussels. These mussels were kind of small, definitely not as plump as others we have had recently and though okay, they were slightly salty and perhaps a little sweeter than I like (most likely due to the sherry?) For my dinner, I got the Spicy Ahi Tuna cooked medium rare. It was a nice piece of fish, cooked perfectly and the spice rub on it was reminiscent of a "blackened" style. I really liked it. Gregg's Grouper though was perhaps a little overdone? I agree with Gregg that our service was exemplary, but that the Chart House should be left to the tourists.
Came here for happy hour and quite frankly the best part of our experience was our waiter. He was one of the best waiters I've ever had. It gets pretty busy during happy hour which makes finding a table by the bar difficult. He helped us secure a table where some customers were about to pay their check. Awesome move! He also checked to see if we wanted another drink before HH was over. Usually it's just the opposite with servers disappearing 10 minutes before HH ends. Props! As for the food they have a great HH menu with dishes ranging from $4-$7. In the $4 category we had the fried artichokes which were probably my favorite overall. The $5 spinach and artichoke dip was so so. Nothing amazing. As for the $6 dishes the Mediterranean chicken pita was pretty good and a decent size. Filling even for two people. The $7 category is where things get a bit dicey. The fish tacos weren't impressive and certainly not worth $7. One of the first things we ordered were the prime rib sliders. Even though there was an hour left of HH we were told the sliders were 86ed for the night. Then we were told they might bring them back. Not sure how this could happen. Did they go to the basement and get some old beef or something? Usually when you 86 a plate it's gone for good and there's no confusion. I suspect this was probably some misunderstanding between the front of house (happy hour?) prep area next to the bar and the back of house kitchen but who knows. After our waiter said they "might" have more sliders the table next to us (who arrived AFTER us and placed their order AFTER us with another waiter) got a nice ol plate of prime rib sliders! Our waiter was awesome. He realized this was messed up and made sure we got our prime rib sliders. Unfortunately, the meat was pretty fatty and hard to chew but that's not his fault. Seems like the kitchen needs to work on their communication skills. Lastly, laugh all you will, but I love a good salad bar. Even if I was here for HH their "famous" salad bar intrigued me. So I eagerly checked it out. At $17.50 a pop without an entree, I soon realized the only thing that could possibly make it famous is the price! For $17.50 I was expecting sheer salad bar glory but found a salad bar less impressive than those at the grocery store. It's not even worth the $9 with an entree! Luckily I know better and gave it a look before potentially ordering it. Of course I opted out and stuck with the HH food. To my fellow salad bar lovers: it is absolutely NOT worth it!
(3)
Christina V.
We had a Landry's gift card we wanted to use up, and we decided to visit Chart House while we were in DC since we don't have one back home. You can only go to Mortons or McCormick & schmicks so many times. The seafood was great - also something we don't have much of back home. The prices were high, but pretty much what we expected. All in all, a solid visit, but nothing really "wowed" us.
This is one of the first places you see when you take a ferry ride into Old Alexandria. I'm surprised the reviews weren't very favorable and am glad I took a chance on this, cause the food did not disappoint! We started with the calamari and the crab and avocado tower appetizers, both of which were delicious. Your meal comes with an assortment of different breads, which were nice and fluffy (though the whipped butter appears to be the true winner). We all had different entrees, but their seafood was what won everyone over. So effin good! Also, it is definitely worth it to try their mango mojito. You barely taste the mango in there, but it was probably the best mojito I've ever had! My friends had different cocktails, and they were all very impressed. I'm a stickler for good service and the people at CH came through. I think you should resist the negative reviews and give this place a shot if you're on the fence about it.
(5)
Susan M.
Eggs Benedict came out cold-ish. I guess I could have sent it back but didn't feel like being "that person" during our Sunday brunch. Great salad bar - everything was fresh and plentiful. Parking can be a challenge - go early!
(3)
Angela P.
I think a lot of the reviews have been overgenerous. The services was good, but that's about it. Our view was obstructed by a large tug boat so arriving early for a window seat didn't really work out. Here's what's good about Chart House: 1) They potentially have a view, if you arrive early and you get a table closer on the boardwalk side. This was; however, closed off for a private party when we were there. 2) They have excellent pumpernickel bread. The waiter lend on that it was made with molasses. MM. 3) They have excellent lava cake. Just sweet enough with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Here's what's extra mediocre about CH: 1) All of the food was far worse than what you would get from a TGI Friday, Ruby Tuesday, etc. establishment. I ordered the stuffed shrimp w/ orzo which was gravely overcooked. The crab used in the dish was also funky tasting and not fresh. 2) The soup. Clam chowder was strangely similar to Progresso chunky clam chowder from my college days. 3) salad bar has a few gourmet accompaniments, but nothing special. 4) decor reminded me of a cruise ship. With a few broken mirrors here or there. 0_o The restaurant is facing the harbor so if you see the torpedo factory to your right, walk toward the water and you'll see chart house on your left. Parking in garage, find one with an after 5 pm flat rate toward the pub. Overall, the bland food will keep me away and the view is not enough to draw me back.
(2)
Geneva H.
Great happy hour with TERRIBLE service. It took forever to get our table bussed so we stood awkwardly by a dirty table in the bar for about 10 minutes. The service was painfully slow (took an hour to get fish tacos and French fries). We had to flag down our waitress every time we needed something because she did not check on us. It was busy but not that busy. Just disappointing. The food was ok. The view was good but overall maybe check out somewhere else.
(1)
Alexis B.
I have dined at Chart Houses all across the country, from Malibu to Denver now to Alexandria, VA. This location is spectacular in that it sits river front in beautiful Old Town. If you get the chance sit on the patio or near the window, the view cannot be denied. That being said, the view is part of the reason I rate this CH so high. Our wait staff was sub-par and the restaurant is actually a little tacky for such a high society place. The other locations I have visited have been much fancier. Maybe that is why the restaurant service was not as gracious. Great happy hour for DC, and lasts until 6:30 pm which is a little later than most. I went for the Margarita, was just one of those days. We snacked on the fries and on the lettuce wraps, although many items on the menu looked divine! Someone in my party was not a fan of seafood, otherwise I would've gone for the ahi nachos. I think nachos are a personal weakness. This CH is soso, may return for the Happy Hour but don't promise that I will become a regular, especially for their hefty prices. There are better places to have your steak in the area.
(4)
Bill B.
Just because a place charges a lot of money and serves steak and seafood, doesn't mean you're getting an excellent meal or a fine dining experience. I went there for a big group dinner with a menu fixe so I can only speak to the few dishes I saw and tried, but they all seemed like something you'd expect to pay about half as much for. My crab cakes were ok but nothing special. The sides were just dry mashed potatoes and the cop-out of steamed broccoli and carrots. American cuisine has moved on from this. One other pet peeve: the (unlisted) vegetarian option was "vegetable medley"--not an entree at all but just everyone else's sides thrown on a plate. I'm not a vegetarian but I often find the veggie options are the best thing on the menu. Not having any serious vegetarian options is another sign that this chain is stuck in the past. I know: people don't go to a surf and turf joint for the veggies, but not everyone always has a say on where a group goes out to eat, and these days many people prefer or exclusively eat vegetarian.
(3)
Landon C.
Been here several times but this will likely be the last. Granted, Alexandria is a rough town for restaurants. There are several new places competing for business in the area so every night has to be an "A game" night. Salad bar is $17.50 as an entree. Not nearly enough variety or premium ingredients to support the price (think their brunch salad bar cut by half or so). Maybe understaffing or inexperienced staff leads that led extended wait times. We just ordered two drinks, a salad bar, and an appetizer and were there long enough for a meal. Cocktails aren't topped off so the value is questionable. I guess you're paying for the view.
(2)
Greg K.
The good: Great view, clean and pleasant restaurant. Love the decor. The bad: Long wait for food despite the restaurant not being overly crowded TINY portions. I got the crab cake and crunchy coconut shrimp for $20. Came with 3 bite sized shrimp and a bite sized crab cake. The crab cake was good but the shrimp was just ok. Came with a lot of fries. But who comes to a restaurant for seafood only to get a few samples and a plate full of fries?
(2)
Meredith V.
I had been looking forward to dining here because Chart House is basically the only restaurant in Old Town with sweeping views of the harbor. I called about a week in advance and there were no reservations available but because there is not a bad seat in the house I decided we could try to sit outside or at the bar. When we arrived on Saturday evening around 6pm there were several bar tables available so do not be discouraged if there is no dining room seating available when you call. Let me start with the positives: the views are impressive. The decor is beachside chic; fun, bubble lighting fixtures and a laid-back nautical theme abounds. Service is accomodating and professional. Cocktail list is interesting and done with creativity; I ordered the Fiery Cucumber, which was an excellent cocktail with cucumber vodka, cucumber syrup, grated cucumber and then rimmed with cayenne pepper, spicy salt and lime juice. It was amazing and one of the best cocktails I've had in awhile so I really have to commend the bartender on the creativity of the bar menu. We ordered the cheese & charcuterie plate as an appetizer and it was easily one of the best plates I've had in a long time, if not ever (this is even to rival the cheese/charcuterie at Cheesetique). Meat and cheese selections were high-end and all my favorites: spicy salami, proscuitto, brie, and a hard nutty parmesean! There was also a gouda, which is not my favorite but my bf enjoyed it so at least someone ate it. Also included was a fantastic fig jam that we spread on the crostini and added a grape, making the best little sweet delight after all the savory cheese & charcuterie. I am actually giving another full star solely for the exceptional drinks and cheese & charcuterie plate. Here is where things were not so great. I ordered the bronzed swordfish and my boyfriend ordered the NY Strip. While I'm not normally a fan of NY Strip to begin with, I must say, the size and girth of his steak was puny and unacceptable for the price; it was something you would expect to receive at Applebees perhaps and the flavor was underwhelming. Again, nothing ostensibly wrong with it but when you order a $40 steak, you expect a little more which leads me to believe this is the kind of place you want to stick to a more simple entree. Go to a Chop House for a proper steak. My swordfish, while delicious and flavorful, was very, very small for a $35 entree. Also, there is something completely uninspiring about serving it with a side of jasmine rice. Come on, WOW me, chef. For dessert, we split the lava cake that everyone obsessed over on Yelp. It was excellent, sure, but at this point my bf was a little grumpy about the prices of the food and it kind of started weighing on me. With a wait time of 30 minutes to order this dish, you would have thought you were getting something spectacular. It was delicious, sure, but I think I'd rather blow my calories on Grand Marnier creme brulee or a flourless chocolate torte. But that's just me. Overall, it was decided that the food here is not the winning component of Chart House; it's the views and drinks. And generally, I'm okay with that. But to be a foodie and come here and expect a meal on par with Founding Farmers or Rose's Luxury you will leave dissapointed. You can get better seafood elsewhere, FOR SURE. They have excellent happy hour specials so in the future, I would stick with that and DO NOT miss that cheese & charcuterie plate.
(3)
Marcel W.
So disappointed in this place. Went there with friends for Restaurant week and out of 7 people, only 2 people did the Restaurant week special because there wasn't much good options on the pre-fixe Restaurant week special. A friend and I got the Brunch Special with the Crab Cake Benedicts. They brought mine out first along with everyone else's food and made her wait for hers which was the same order. Hers came out without the seasoning that they had put on my eggs and forgot her ketchup. We both agreed the poached eggs weren't runny (so did the waitress), the crab cakes were really dry, and the English muffin was stale. My wife got the chicken on the pre-fixe and said that it tasted ok, nothing special which fails expectations for a $$$ restaurant. later on, she got an upset stomach and not sure if it was the chicken or the clam chowder that made her sick. The waitress wasn't rude, but she wasn't really friendly either. She was really slow and kept forgetting to bring us things we asked for, then she screws up our bills which took even longer to resolve. We were there for over 2 hours!! I don't even know why we even tipped her or that we didn't complain to the manager about the awful dining experience today. There were a couple of positives though.....the salad bar and the desserts were pretty good. But overall, I won't be coming back to the place and regret spending my time and money here. Back to the Great American Restaurants for us.....everything is always good, consistent and great customer service.
(1)
Samantha L.
The Chart House is located at the pier in Old Town Alexandria. It has a great view of the waterfront and neighboring towns (e.g. National Harbor, DC). My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate our six months. I was surprised that there was no bread and butter with our meal yet other tables had it. I'm not sure if we had to ask for it or it was an additional fee. For cocktails, the Moscato Sangria was just what I need to cool off for this summer weather. The Moscato Sangria consisted of a blend of Malibu Mango Rum and Luccio Moscato and garnished with cherry, lemon rings, and fresh basil leaves. It was sweet, light, and refreshing. The service was really slow - there was a long wait (20-30 minutes) between drinks and food. My boyfriend ordered Crabcake and Coconut Crunch Shrimp entree. It consisted of a crabcake, three coconut battered shrimp, skinny fries and two dipping sauces - sweet and tangy citrus chili sauce and a traditional ketchup. I loved the taste of this dish. My boyfriend usually doesn't love coconut but there was a faint hint of coconut. The only thing he'd complain about was the portion was kind of small and not filling. I ordered a bowl of Cream of Crab Soup which consisted of a tasty, creamy, not too thick cream based soup with sherry and spices and topped with lump jumbo crabmeat. It was a bit too spicy for me so I let my boyfriend have the rest.
(3)
Julie O.
Update on the update... I received a letter from the Chart House HQ in Houston apologizing for the disappointing service. It was nice that the Sr. VP/COO was informed (to whatever extent he was informed) and sent the letter under his name. The letter included a GC for $25 to visit any Landry's locations nationwide. While I'm not sure if I will go back to this exact location, it does help encourage me to do so.
(4)
Kyle M.
DC restaurant week and it's our first anniversary. I love Sarah so much. We have 3 restaurants planned for our anniversary week. Starting off with the Chart House, the one place in old town with great 180 + water views!! Aside from my two exclamation points and two stars for the views the food was lacking in originality and taste. It takes a truly lackluster or great meal to actually have me write a yelp review and chart house topped the charts on very bland cafeteria food. I'm very disappointed as I was hoping to show my new bride DC and NoVa have great food just like NY. However, she left saying it was alright, but I wouldn't need to head back anytime soon. My first course was a bland clam chowder, and hers was a soggy salad. Second course was an overcooked steak and a chicken that looked and tasted like a chicken schnitzel. It didn't say schnitzel but that's what it was. Great for the 5 year old sitting three tables down from us at 8 pm (Have some fun with each other and grab a $10 an hour babysitter for the night:). Anyways, the final course was a creme Brule and a cheesecake. Both looked and tasted like they were froZen the night before. Usually a creme Brule is crisp and hard on top with a nice crunch as you dig in and this was a soggy mess. The cheesecake is definitely the way to go but also very underwhelming. I'll just take my bride to Mai Thai next time. That's the gem no one knows about in old town. Have fun this week.
(2)
Brian M.
the 1st thing i noticed upon walking up to the chart house is the view. it sits right on the potomac river and the breeze coming off it was wonderfully refreshing on a warm & humid sunday afternoon. we met my wife's aunt for a birthday brunch. it's one of her aunt's favorite restaurants in old town. it's definitely upscale, but it doesn't feel "uppity". i'm not a person who normally spends $20+ on a meal, but i felt comfortable here. our server was nice enough, but once our meals were delivered, she was almost invisible. she walked by our table several times without even looking at us, even just to make sure we were enjoying our meals. we were fortunate enough to get a table right by a window. while there was a ferry blocking our view for awhile, it eventually moved and we were able to enjoy the views around alexandria. the 3 of us all ordered from the brunch menu,which included the salad bar. i ordered the tenderloin benedict and a mimosa. all in all, worth the money. the eggs were poached perfectly, not too runny, and the hollandaise sauce could not have been better. i asked for the tenderloin to be medium well, and it was exactly as ordered. overall, it was a good experience. and should another special occasion warrant, i wouldn't hesitate going again. i just hope we get a more attentive server.
(3)
Burcu B.
Ambiance: nice - especially outdoor patio Service: poor Food: so so (would recommend their lava cake) Parking: hard to find on the street but there are several parking garages for 5-7$. Price: very high for low quality food
(2)
Phoenix Simone W.
This location is perfect- it's the only restaurant actually on the water in Old Town. It's also huge and has a ton of space. I went on a weekend around happy hour time and it wasn't too crowded. The food was really good (expensive but good). P.S. one of their drinks comes with a jalapeño in it and that's pretty awesome.
(3)
VJ V.
This is a chain-type restaurant, think McCormick and Shmick's, located in the old charming town of Alexandria near DC. The restaurant is by the water, offering great views, including that of landing airplanes as they make their final approach given Reagan Int'l is few miles down the river. The service was friendly. The cocktails were delicious. I had a delicious Chilean Sea Bass that did not disappoint. They have a fully-loaded salad bar that includes caviar. This was not bad, not bad at all.
(4)
Magic Mark L.
I would never think to come to this Chart House on my own. It has to be some time of special occasion. My 83 y.o. partner seems to pick this place for our "holiday lunch" every year. And it was here that I first met my wife's sisters and mother... What the place has going for it is a great view of the Potomac in the heart of Old Town, and so it's somewhere to bring guests, particularly if their more into ambiance than anything else. They're a bit strange on how they assign window requests. We requested our 6-person holiday lunch table 2 weeks before and got a window seat, but crammed into the back. It's random. The salad bar is pretty good. I like that they have caviar and caviar accoutrements (crackers, egg, minced onion, capars) on there and the items seem pretty fresh. Add it onto an entree and its $6 instead of $16 during lunch (at dinner it's $9 with an entree and $18 a la carte - ouch). Want something same? The old town burger is good. The calamari "and friends" is good too. I don't know what the friends are... Don't order the crab dip - bad. Martini's are good here... (For some reason the review has at the top "seated by open table" - no I was not)
(3)
Evelyn A.
Went here recently on Sunday for a friend's birthday brunch. Thank goodness for the beautiful view, as there wasn't anything enjoyable about the boring, bland, incredibly over-priced food. Several of us ordered the crab eggs benedict. You know how the egg is supposed to be runny when you cut into it? These eggs were completely over done, so there was no runny yolk to moisten the plain, stale muffin they were on. The salad bar had a Ruby Tuesday's quality to it- very underwhelming. We won't be going back.
(2)
Carol K.
What a nice night out in Alexandria! The Chart House pulled it off beautifully the other night with excellent service, good food and a view of the water that was really nice. Since it's a chain- I have been to other locations, but none have done as good of a job at getting it all to work together. Our concierge at the hotel suggested that we go here for dinner. He called and got us a reservation for 8:30. We actually got there about an hour early and planned to sit in the bar for awhile knowing we would have to wait as the place was packed. In the bar- the bartender, Will, was great and made a mean dirty martini. My friends were having some difficulty ordering a wine that they liked. Will gave them some tastes of various wines and then actually suggested a wine that was cheaper than what my friend's were going to order. Love it when taste is more important than the price tag! We had no sooner gotten our drinks when our "buzzer" went off indicating that our table was ready. Really? So soon? We walked over to the hostess stand where she said our "VIP table" was ready. I was quite sure at this point that they had us confused with someone else but who I am to ruin a good thing? We were seated at a great table overlooking the water.The moon had risen and if not for sitting with colleagues- I might have called it romantic. We were handed our menus where we got another surprise- my name had been printed on the menu welcoming me and my party. Nice touch! The menu has a wide range- seafood, steaks, chicken, and all the sides and appetizers that you could want. There was also a "specials of the day" menu that listed some great sounding items like a poached pear salad and a short rib. I started with some oysters (so fresh!) and my dining companions all had the special salad of the day. For entrees- I had the NY strip (it was good but not great- should have gone with my second choice of fish) served with mashed potatoes and some sauteed mushrooms on the side. Other entrees included prime rib, mahi-mahi and ahi tuna. The prime rib and the fish entrees were the winners of the night and the service was great including the manager who came over no less than three times to make sure we had everything we needed. On his last visit to the table - he then tells us that our hotel concierge bought dessert for us and that it would be out in a minute. Really? How wonderful. And how wonderful was this dessert! It was the specialty of the house- their molten lava cake. Gooey, soft chocolate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some type of crunch over the top. Decadent, indulgent and worth every calorie! Dinner for 4 with drinks, and wine came to about $220 which was reasonable for the quality and the large amount of food that we received. Next time you are looking for some good seafood or steaks with a view that is second to none in the area- check out the Chart House at the Alexandria City Marina. You can bet on a good night out!
(4)
Jenny C.
I've been here for both dinner and happy hour, dinner-eh, there's other restaurants you'll enjoy. Charthouse does have the reputation of being pricey, but with the right planning you can enjoy it for considerably less money. Happy hour is nice, the drinks were wonderful and actually reasonably priced. Food is good, I would say, I enjoyed the drinks more than the food, but it's fine. When I went for dinner and paid around $50 dollars for a cocktail and seafood combo --leaving still hungry. :( (that was a hit to the self esteem..hahah), we had to sit in the very VERY middle of the restaurant--what gorgeous view of the water?? During HH, early in the week is the best time to go, plenty of tables and chairs FACING the water. Last time I was there, HH only ran from 4-6PM, so it is best to get there closer to the 4 o'clock hour due to Old Town traffic.
(4)
Warren M.
Sunday Brunch, middle of Winter, overnight snow, frozen Potomac, bright sun..... Perfect ambiance. Breakfast entrees and full menu. Mimossas, Eggs Bene, family together..... Wonderful time. Food cooked as ordered, staff solicitous but not intrusive, salad/fruit bar.... What more could you ask? Oh yeah, because of snowfall, it seems the early birds hadn't ventured out and we had an hour to ourselves before the normal Sunday hoards. I'd say a great experience to be repeated the next time we venture south to DC.
(4)
Sam M.
Very tasty meal, from start to finish, and our waiter was perfectly attentive. We were given a window seat at our request enjoyed the view immensely. The bill was more than I thought it should be, but the again I set a high bar in that department.
(4)
Amy Lauren S.
We went here when we visited Washington, DC, and stayed in Alexandria. We dined for lunch, and it wasn't super packed, so we got a great seat with a view of the water. The view was worth it, and the food was pretty good too. I had the salmon with coconut ginger rice, and for the mixed vegetables, our server let me substitute the Asian green beans. Everything was delicious- the salmon was cooked just right and not super salty. I liked the lemon butter in it, it had a great lemon-y taste. The rice wasn't super coconut-y and complimented the salmon well, it was also in a little pyramid- great plate presentation! Three of us also shared the crab tater tots as an appetizer, and they were really good! I highly recommend them as an appetizer, but you may want a few orders if you have a big party. They come with a sauce to dip them in, too. I could have probably eaten the entire order! Our service was really good, the waiter was helpful and attentive, and we enjoyed our meal. This is a nicer restaurant, even if it is a chain, so it would be a great place for a date night or for a business lunch.
(4)
Mackenzie K.
If you're in Old Town and looking for a nice place to have dinner, this is it. I was here on Valentine's Day and it was awesome! Usually on holidays food and service is ehh, but they aced it. They seem to always be busy so I'd call ahead and make a reservation. When you walk in the hostess stand and bar welcome you, the lighting is nautical and dim. Chart house does have a upstairs, the stairs are equal to a couple flights so if you can't walk that far I'd ask for a table downstairs. The views by the window is what I'd go for, cool to see all of the boats. Overall great experience, the only debbie downer, our waiter forgot our leftovers!:( food: coconut shrimp as a appetizer was really good! Not greasy at all, very fluffy and light. Teriyaki sirloin was awesome! The sauce is glazed over the steak and gives it a crispy shell, served over garlic mashed potatoes with a onion ring on top! yum! New York strip with garlic mashed potatoes and a side of parmesan crusted asparagus was also very good! For desert you have to try the lava cake!!!! It's prefect. Just be sure to order it at least 30 min ahead of time, they make them when you order!
(5)
Chris S.
My meal tonight was far, far better than my previous two visits. Laura, my server, was outstanding! Always a big smile, great food recommendations, fast and attentive. She really helped to make it an excellent dining experience. The salad bar is great. This seems to be one of the few locations that still he's one. Lots of choices, several kinds of lettuce, lots of fresh veggies, olives, onions, and plenty of blue cheese. It is really excellent. The oysters were fresh and shucked perfectly. The seared ahi was cooked exactly as ordered and was terrific with wasabi mashed potatoes. Their key lime pie is very good, and a HUGE portion. I'm glad I gave it another try after past disappointments.
(4)
William B.
Had dinner here last week and the food, service, and location are all fantastic. Our server Elias gave us great recommendations and kept the wine flowing! Everyone had a great time!
(5)
Tammy Y.
Hands down the best thing about dinner here was the salad bar. Not saying that's a good or bad thing. I had the 3 course meal option with clam chowder to start, followed by crab stuffed shrimp, and lava cake. Total overkill when I added the salad bar. The chowder was good but nothing out of the ordinary. The shrimp was "meh," and the lava cake was average. I could've been just as satisfied had I forgone the 3-courses. $5.99 to add on the salad bar was a little steep considering this is a trend many chains are following and most cost less than this. Of course here there is a view from the salad bar, but let's not be fooled - the view is of National Harbor - nothing to write home about! Service was good but incredibly slow. I probably would not return to this location again.
(3)
Pam P.
Had a party of 7. Had reservations. Took us to our seats right away. Immediately 3 people were over filling water glasses. The food was delightful. The kids portions are huge. One person in our group got the wrong dish. The manager was over immediately. Offered a free soup or salad bar. Took that item off the bill. The server was slow on refills but we had water for back up. All in all it was excellent.
(5)
Jon L.
Went here for a post Firefly lunch w/mi hijo. We stopped in for lunch before his DCA to CLT flight. We arrived just @1130a on Mon 6/23/14 when they opened. Nice day outside and the patio tables looked inviting but we opted to sit inside in the AC & enjoy a great view of the Potomac. We sat in the bar area overlooking the patio and had a great waterfront view. Mr Le, our server was very professional and helpful with the menu. I had the Blue Crab sandwich and the salad bar. Mi hijo had the Chicken Francese & salad bar. I was somewhat disappointed that there were not more fresh fish options. Lot's of fried & breaded stuff but it would have been nice to have some fresh fish options as well. My blue crab sammie was average. Mi hijo ate only half of his. This place is upscale and classy and has an old world charm about it. The seating hostess asked if I had made lunch reservations. At 1130a on a Monday? Really?? You pay for the ambience, the location and the service. More of a 'take a client to lunch' or a special occasion place in my opinion. Might be nice to have a nice lunch on the patio when you wanted to enjoy the weather and some good company. Nice that's it's on the Waterfront to enoy the proxmity to the nearby parks and the Torpedo Factory.
I used to love this restaurant. It had great food and service. Those days are gone. We came on a Sunday night and got the three course dinner. After we ordered our food, it took twenty minutes to get bread and thirty minutes to get the first course. The entrees came out after an hour. My food was bland and the orzo was terrible. My friend got the steak which was overlooked and had no flavor. She sent it back and her new entree was not much better. The restaurant didn't seem to care when it screwed up the first time. Then the server brought her dessert while she was still eating. The ice cream melted by the time she started on the dessert. Overall our server was never around. I would not go back again and I wouldn't this place to someone unless I really disliked them.
(2)
Meg G.
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.... 1. I absolutely hate the fact that I may very well be into the last 2/3 of my life, and I have yet to acquire property overlooking any blue waters on God's green earth. Chart House, it hurts. 2. Salad bar for Sunday brunch. Of COURSE you'd have the most flavorful smoked salmon in Old Town. Fresh, fresh, fresh EVERYTHING.... can't stand a show off. 3. I pride myself in my omelets. (I know the secret to fluffy, un-scorched eggs, and keep a regular supply of mushrooms, spinach, sausage, onions, sweet peppers, fresh herbs, etc. in my fridge.) I find your crab & asparagus omelet to be abhorrent..... Can I get the recipe? It's filling, succulent, fresh, flavorful, and the best omelet I've ever had. 4. Another Landry's joint? Seriously? If envy is the best form of flattery, then, Chart House, you now know where I stand.
(4)
Christine P.
This was one of the few restaurants in town with availability after our out of town Thanksgiving plans fell through. They had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner option with turkey and all the trimmings, but we opted for their standard menu. The restaurant sits right on the waterfront and has a more upscale feel. This place would be fitting for a special dinner or date night, but I wish they would turn up the lights a bit more - there were times when it was a bit hard for me to read the menu and I'm in my 30s with no major vision problems. Most of the items (not surprisingly) are seafood, but they do have 3 types of steak dishes and one chicken entree. I chose the Shrimp Fresca, and this pasta dish was quite tasty and came in a big portion; it reminded me of my favorite dish from Cheesecake factory with a bit less grease. My husband got the oven roasted Mahi Mahi with garlic sauce and brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. We were pleased with the two entree dishes (would definitely order them again) and also shared the molten lava cake for dessert. Anyone who enjoys chocolate cake should give this one a try, but I would probably not order it again. Our server forgot to offer us coffee/espresso when the dessert came in, but he was nevertheless attentive and friendly throughout the whole evening so it's all good.
(4)
Steven H.
Beautifully situated on the waterfront in Old Town, the Chart House exudes a big city restaurant vibe, with prices that match. I had a wonderful kale salad along with a delicious fried asparagus appetizer - lightly breaded and doused in blue cheese, an unexpectedly excellent way to dress up the mundane green spears that I love so much. The swordfish I had as my entree was prepared nicely, though I was not a big fan of whatever it was they flavored it with, so my advice here is to get specific about what you want them to put on your fish. And yes, you need to leave room for at least a couple of bites of their chocolate lava cake.
(4)
Lydia R.
Located right along the water in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, the Chart House is romantic, relaxing, and luxurious. I have so many wonderful memories here, including birthday lunch, prom dinner, and romantic dinners. The restaurant is huge, so it is able to accommodate large groups. The ambiance is very ornate and romantic and the wait staff will take good care of you! To kick off the meal, a plentiful bread basket arrives at the table. Other favorites here include the salmon, cooked to perfection, along with the amazing salad bar (which may just be for brunch now). The salad bar comes with a variety of tasty, seasonal flavors and options and I highly recommend it! The desserts are so cute and delicious, and the restaurant will gladly accommodate special occasions, as I have been pleased with celebrating many here! Walk right outside the restaurant and take in the views of the water, snap a few photos and capture the moment, and walk around Old Town - instant lasting memories!
(4)
Nandi B.
Christmas lunch with my favorite girls -- mommy and my sisters. And I must say-- yum yum yum! Everything was delish. We started with calamari & Friends -- which needed some salt but the sauce (not the marinara) it came with was delish. The blue crab dip was to live for! We completely loved it. (Had to ask for more bread, because it only came with 4) Two had salmon; one mahi and one short ribs. And let's not forget about dessert. Lava cake --ahh -- it was aiight (lol) - view pic. #nosurviving Our waiter Kalvin was awesome! Only 4 stars because it's a first impression-- gotta leave room for improvement.
(4)
Peaches P.
I haven't been here in awhile but let me tell you this establishment is official. When the weather is lovely and I'm in my diva mode, I'll park my car at the National Harbor and take the ferry across the Potomac to eat at this restaurant. I normally dine alone and I'll specifically ask for a scenic table by the water. It's so nice. The bartenders and servers have always been pleasant and knowledgeable about their drink and menu offerings. My favorite item on the menu?? The Tuna Tartare...its absolutely to die for. I could probably eat it all day. I've tried Tuna Tartare countless times before, all over the world, but quite frankly, this is one of the very best. It's fresh; seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of spices and oils. Mmmmm mmmmm....which reminds me, a near future visit is definitely in order. Love it and highly recommend.
(5)
M H Z.
We had reservations through our Wyndham ownership and they had our menus personalized with our names on it. Unnecessary but thoughtful. It's the only restaurant in Old Town on the water and a good place for a special night out. We started with theEast meets West Tuna tartare. Tuna was fresh and clean, didn't need all the bells and whistles that came with it. The plaintain chips were not as crunchy as I would've liked though. I had the seared scallops and just like the tuna, the seafood was crisp, fresh and perfectly seared, leaving a nice crust but soaring the delicate flesh underneath. Hubby had the Prime Rib wich was meltingly good and tasty. Pricey but worth it for a celebration night out.
(4)
See W.
Perfect place for a special occasion or just a great dinner. Recommendation: make reservations! This place is crazy busy but I made reservations and was seated immediately. We also go a great seat by the window. Larsen was our waiter and he was very attentive. Note: they do serve beer but don't have a list. You have to ask the waiter and they rattle it off by memory. I'll save you the time: it's a basic beer list. Nothing fancy. We had the Charcuterie and Cheese plate and the a pomegranate martini. Fabulous! Dinner: the 14oz Prime Rib was very yummy as was the grilled Halibut. All in all it was a wonderful dinner. No complaints.
(5)
Catharine C.
Good food - Very poor service. I have always enjoyed the food at Chart House, however, the past two times I have eaten there I have been extremely disappointed by the service- or lack there of. The past two times I have been I have experienced the same disappointing service by the waitress ( I thought the first time was just a bad day so I wanted to give it another chance): once seated the waitress did not come to our table until we had brought it to someone's attention at least 10 min after being sat, our water glasses were never filled - we were constantly having to ask someone, our waitress was constantly disappearing, our food (which consisted of salads with salmon) took almost an hour and a half and finally when the food did arrive one person from our party was missing food for nearly 10 minutes with our waitress yet again missing, we were never checked on once through our meal (by waitress or some type of manager), and finally our bill request took nearly 20 minutes. I want to stress again that the food here is good but for the prices they are charging, their service standards are incredibly low making the meal not worth the high price. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be giving chart house another chance after my experience today. I should also mention that the past two times I have been to the resturant it was around 4pm and there was not many people there eating - so there is absolutely no reason for the slow and un-attentive service. I cannot imagine the type of service they are providing at rush dinner hours!
(2)
S L.
Been here few times and today I leave a feed back. Filet was good.... Lobster spring roll was great too. Snapper had no flavor and very buttery. Mango martini was bad, Kim chee calamari was very greasy on the bottom. Over all I would have to say not really good. View is awesome and place is nice. After we paid I spoke with the manger and he went backed and fixed the check for us. It was nice of him. Would we go back?? I will let u guys know. Haha
(3)
Eric A.
Great view with mediocre food. Nice salad bar though. Nothing special but nice to come here
(3)
Danny H.
Great view. Right over the water. Service was a bit slow to begin with but the server was very attentive. We had the crab appetizer poppers. Great! Nice taste, texture, lots of crabmeat. Cream of Crab Soup - Again, lots of crabmeat...this place does not skimp out! Next was the sandwiches. My girlfriend got the blue crab sandwich (it was a crab kinda day), was very crisp and refreshing which is odd to say. Tasted very light but the buttery/garlic bread held it down. I got the french dip....and what can I say. With the au jus sauce, it was very satisfying. Great balance of fat to meat. We finished it off with a few cocktails, manhattan was solid and she got a nice berry infused vodka cocktail which was very fruity and sweet. Lovely.
(4)
Genie C.
Service and drinks were amazing. I ordered the calamari and shrimp scampi. The calamari was really good and the portions was for two. Sadly my shrimp scampi was gross. The pasta tasted undercooked and the shrimp overcooked. I asked the waitress to send it back to the chef and then it tasted like they just through it back in the pan and added water. For their prices i was disappointed. The only reason i'm giving them four stars is because the waitress took care of us. Party of 15 and didn't skip a beat.
(4)
Gigi L.
I would say it was good, not great. There was no room in the restaurant so we sat in the bar and had apps. They were good, but pricey for what you got, in my opinion. The drinks were okay, but one I ordered tasted like a bad pre mix and so I switched to beer. The apps were just so sparse, and we were really hungry. Our bill was HUGE and we were all shocked, and agreed that we could have gone somewhere else and had a lot better food, more of it, for less money. Last time I was there I went to a different place and I will probably go back there next time. The atmosphere at Chart House is amazing because the VIEWS!!!!! But I hate when restaurants crutch on that, and I feel like they did a bit. :(
(3)
Phil L.
After running the Marine Corps Marathon, I was hankering for some food hardcore. After hopping into my car and make the quick drive down I was ready to chow down. First off, Chart House like it's location in Jersey City is right on the water with an amazing view. There is no doubt the location in Chart House here is an awesome place. Since we showed up at 2:00 PM on a Sunday, I was hoping that they would have brunch at that point, unfortunately they had the dinner menu. First big downer of the day. However, I ended up opting for the dynamite barramundi. Never had barramundi before but it turns out to be a pretty small fish filet much like tilapia, perhaps a bit denser. The fish was well cooked and the sauce that was over the top was pretty good. ] The restaurant itself is very spacious with plenty of space between you and other guests and you can't beat the view here. Our waiter Reggie was fantastic and was on top of his game for sure. If there was one thing I would have changed about our meal was have the brunch menu longer during into Sunday! Thought it was a bit crazy the dinner menu was out already at 2:00 PM.
(4)
Andy B.
9 of us met for Easter dinner. Staff was not prepared for our reservation. My steak was medium well when it was supposed to be medium. Kids Mac and cheese was out of a box. Friend ordered blackened mahi and she got salmon. They were quick and apologetic to replace the meal.
(3)
Steve H.
Special dress-up night with reunited friends/family. Food was good - very pricey endeavor to eat here. Extremely uppity douche waiter apparently in between jobs at a major think tank doing work beneath him to pay the bills... I am not a professional athlete. musician, actor, or politician - we are not at all an "obnoxious" group. I hate to judge the whole wait staff on this one guy though... maybe he was just constipated (?). Why would you come here? I think it would be good if you were looking to impress a shallow or materialistic lady who has certain "expectations" before laying down with you (?). Otherwise, you're likely doing well in the disposable income section of your Quick Books report. Nevertheless, if that's the case, I would recommend chowing down on a few corn dogs and getting a good buzz on before coming here. You'll save major cash and thank me tomorrow! :)
(2)
Dave S.
Had dinner here with the working team, there was a variety of meals ordered and everyone was satisfied. I had the salmon plank which was moist, thoroughly cooked and delicious. Prior to the main course I had the roasted beet salad which is a very large portion of fresh vegetables with a unique & very tasty warm dressing that was drizzled on.
(5)
Bri H.
Exactly what this 5 five stars stands for "As Good As It Gets" - Located in Old Town Alexandria, Chart House is perfectly set near the water. This location has amazing views and the ambiance inside is beautiful. I love how open the restaurant is. Not only does it have a nice ambiance inside, there is also an outside dining area that is to die for. I loveeeee Old Town Alexandria but this is truly the place to dine while here. If you want great elegant seafood that you will truly enjoy, get your butt to Chart House immediately. The food is absolutely amazing and refined. We started with drinks; I had the pomegranate martini, while my date had moscato sangria. Both were very refreshing and they were not shy on the liquor. :D They served complimentary bread for the table and we ordered salads for our first course -we decided not to be such fatties that night and be good but we both regretted it because they have amazing options for appetizers!!!! For our entrees, I ordered the Stuffed Flounder and he ordered the Best of Shrimp. Now listen, .... and I'm not going to say this again, but that FLOUNDER literally melted in my mouth. It was incredible!!! Stuffed with crab and topped with an amazing cream sauce. I about died! I mean really, who is back there working such magic and making my taste buds go crazy! WHO? Whoever you are, can you please be my next date so you can cook for me because I can eat like that forever. Well, I highly suggest it if you can't tell. Haha. My date ordered the Best of Shrimp which was great as well (yes! I did make him let me try it). All in all, the experience was great! Great service, awesome food, tasty drinks....Just amazingness! Favs: Stuffed Flounder with Crab and the amazing views of the water! Would Change: The fact that I didn't indulge with one of their yummy appetizers
(5)
Lilly E.
I just want to update and make sure that people are aware that this review was for the Chart House in Alexandria Virginia. Management pays attention! I was contacted at first via yelp by someone in corporate - then I was called directly by a manger who listened to my concerns and was extremely pleasant. I made sure that he knew what a great experience we had at The Chart House in Philly and that we were not going to stop our patronage at that location. A few weeks later a gift certificate arrived in the mail. And that my friends is one of the ways to run a successful business! You listen to your customers and what a great use for social media! Well done Chart House!
(4)
Nika S.
We came for a dinner with my friends . It was my second time and the same successful experience! We had mussels as an appetizer and each had entree : snapper , crab and salmon . Food was amazing !! Our server was polite and attentive . Bill for one starter and 3 main courses was 125$ which is not that low but its worth it.
(5)
Melissa G.
Love this place. Been coming for years. Great atmosphere and food is amazing. Love going in the summer outdoor patio.
(5)
Camille F.
The Chart House is off course. Spent $300+ for party of 4 to celebrate my son's 29th birthday. Last time we visited was in 2001 and it was fabulous with large salad bar, and great food. This is no longer the case regretfully. Paltry salad bar - plain bowls on ice - no garnish, mashed potatoes tasted like they had been sitting out, prime rib that I ordered to be just pink in the middle turned out to be overcooked. We received our appetizer after a party of 4 who sat near us and came later received their main course. When our main course was delivered, the waiter asked if we wanted lava cake because it takes 30 min; we said we would make a dessert decision when we were done. He asked if we would like a side of mushrooms and creamed spinach and we said yes. It arrived for dessert! Not worth the money, tourist trap at best. Very disappointing.
(2)
Elizabeth W.
In Sum: Decent food, EPICALLY AWFUL SERVICE. My two friends and I arrived at Chart House for Happy Hour on Friday at 5:45pm. We were approached by our server who asked for our drink orders. My friend ordered a Sauvignon Blanc and he repeated back to her "Riesling". This happened about three times until she gave up and ordered a Ginger Rita. They had run out (despite it only being 5:45pm) of the cocktail I had ordered. The waiter clearly had no knowledge of what was on the menu and didn't care to listen to what we were saying. We had to repeat our food selection several times as well and our server was as animated and happy to be there as an inconsolable widow at a funeral. We had to repeat ourselves several times to him throughout the night and could barely hear his responses as he stared down at his notepad and mumbled to himself. The drinks, when they eventually arrived, were tasty. We ordered two appetizers and did not receive the second one until 60 minutes later and after asking five different waiters about the status of it, each time one of them told us it would be up in a few minutes. This was never taken off the bill and a manager never came by to apologize. The main server, if there was one, never apologized for the long wait nor asked how the first small appetizer or drinks was. I eventually told another server that our server was not up to par. This next server did not address this concern but rather decided to insult my fashion taste. I had a purse holder hanging from the table holding my purse in place off the floor and he informed me that "purse holders were so three years ago". Towards the end, someone came around refilling waters and my friend informed him that she did not want anymore water. He informed her that he was going to fill her glass anyway, even though she didn't want him too. It felt like we were a burden on the restaurant just for being there and the servers behaved as if they were working in a frat house.
(1)
Kristin H.
I came here while I was in-processing post-deployment and wow. The service was excellent. The food and cocktails- delicious. I didn't even makeit to the entree- ordered a meal to eat later! I was a little nervous because I was alone and you don't always get great service, but I was sat in a booth with a great view and the server made a point to tell me to take my time and not feel rushed. It was a great experience. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Dennis L.
Nice location on water and a nice outdoor patio area. From there it went downhill. Ordered a bottle of wine and the waitress had to come back 3 times to ask what wine we ordered. We asked about a fish on the menu and she could not describe it. She went to ask another server and came back with a description that was not still not helpful. The server seemed to be not at all familiar with the menu or what was being served. There was a long wait for our food. Spotted a bus person bringing a tray of food outside and placing it near the outside serving station. Food sat there uncovered for several minutes before another server checked the ticket and brought our order to our table. As one would imagine, if the food was hot coming from the kitchen, it was no longer hot. Choices seemed to be having the food reheated or reordering and suffering another long wait. Only time we saw our server on the patio was when she asked if we wanted desert. She didn't even clear the table or bring us our check. We had to ask another server to bring our check. Chart House use to be an upscale restaurant with prices to match. The upscale prices are still there but the food and service are no longer upscale.
(1)
Mark C.
Ambience of this restaurant is awesome with a beautiful view of the Potomac River. Add to that great service and really good food and you have a really nice evening. Had coconut shrimp for the appetizer and the Tour of Shrimp for the meal, both beautifully presented and both really good. I think you will like this experience.
(4)
Ni C.
I will give props for an amazing view. Helas, one can not be nourished on views alone. Chart House is right on the prime waterfront of Old Town Alexandria - and its been around for 20+ years, so you would expect a certain level of service and quality and elegance(they got that one...). So on the other two... Service: Ok - not great, but I think the waiter had too many tables, and was stretched a bit thin. He was friendly enough and I don't expect a minute by minute update, but not long stretches to the point that you are ready to flag down another waiter since yours is not available. Food: For the price - meh. I had the "best of shrimp" entree which was 2/3 well done- the crab stuffed shrimp were delicious, and the coconut crunch were crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside - perfect. The shrimp scampi came with overcooked angel hair(as in one blob of pasta stuck together) and equally overcooked shrimp-like hard. No vegetables - really, not even a sad broccoli garnish?! For a 28.99 dish that's really not acceptable. It was like they had left over scampi from another dish that was served 20 minutes prior and that's what I got as my sample. Desserts were fine, but nothing mind blowing. I left yesterday a bit sad - not the Chart House I remember. One I would rather forget - while eating at Red Lobster - at least they have those Cheddar Biscuits. for the price - I say go to the Fish Market instead. Or the above mentioned Red Lobster for a fraction of the price.
(2)
Scott H.
As the saying goes, there's no school like the Old School. And Chart House is very Old School. Walking into Chart House is literally like waling into a time warp. The decor is straight out of a 1970's upscale hotel - lots of big, bold, bright colors and patterns and retro-modern furniture. The menu is straight-forward, the portions are big, and the plating is neat but uncreative. It reminded me of when my parents would take us to "Fisherman's Wharf" in Norfolk as a kid. My wife and I were in Old Town Alexandria around lunchtime and were weighing our options. My handy-dandy Yelp app reminded me that Chart House was nearby. We had a birthday reward and regular reward to use from our Landry's reward card and decided to give Chart House a try. (Landry's is the restaurant chain that owns, amongst others, M&S and Morton's.) We were seated in the windowed alcove area. This is a nice quiet area that offers a great view - but it also is cooled by fans and the bright sun can make it a bit warm in there. But we managed. Our server was fantastic - typical of Landry's restaurants. Their on-tap beer selection was not extensive, but did feature a few local craft brews (I went with a DBB 8-Point.) It's definitely better than McCormick's in Reston. The wife and I started with the Blue Crab Dip for an appetizer. It's a bit pricy ($13) for a crab dip appetizer, but the portion is HUGE. It came out really fast and the dish was really hot which made me suspect that it could have been microwaved, although more likely is that it is pre-made and ready to go into a VERY hot oven to warm and melt. And you know how with crab dip you usually skimp on the portions early to ensure you have a perfect crostini to dip ratio? Feel free to dip away at Chart House. We had crostini left over and ate it with a spoon. It wasn't the best crab dip we'd ever had, but we both enjoyed it. For entrees my wife got the Chicken Francese sandwich. The ample sandwich was very tasty, the wife really enjoyed the sourdough bread. I went with the braised short ribs with Yukon Mash. The meat was beautifully fork tender, the demi-glaze was just enough to add flavor without overpowering the meat, and the mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. It was my wife's birthday so, despite being stuffed, she decided to get dessert. They had Key Lime Pie. The wife is a sucker for Key Lime Pie. So Key Lime Pie was ordered. Nowadays, it's not unusual to pay $7 for a small slice of pie in a restaurant. And that's what we paid ... except the slice was freaking head-sized. I had no intentions of splitting dessert with her, but the shear enormity of the portion made it necessary. We both thought the Key Lime Pie was a tad on the sweet side for our liking, but still tasty. Foodies that want to get a feel for what fine dining was like 30-40 years ago need not look further. Chart House is a pristine example, held in a time warp for your dining pleasure. It's dated for sure ... but in a positive way. It's like a classic rock station for fine dining, and that is fine by me.
(4)
Michaele M.
Came here for lunch today. Classy, yet relaxed atmosphere, Beautiful view. Absolutely delicious drinks! Pomegranate mojito - Amazing!! Refreshing, flavorful, delicious Mango mojito - very sweet Moscato Sangria - Light and tasty! Cream of Crab soup - rich and delicoussssss Crab cake & Shrimp entree - very good crab. Only 4 shrimp, but still, the dish was filling. I highly recommend giving this restaurant a go!
(4)
Michelle S.
My boyfriend took me here for Valentine's Day. I previously have been here before. The service is good. The atmosphere is very classy. The food is delicious. I always end up getting a steak because I'm not much of a seafood fan. I recommended the filet mignon, coconut shrimp and lastly the lava cake! I've had the salad bar before and it is fresh and they have a variety of toppings and salad dressings. I recommended the salad bar to anyone who isn't getting an appetizer. The main downfall to this restaurant is the prices. I understand it's meant to be a high scale restaurant but some of the prices I just a bit ridiculous. My only other recommendation for this place is to have wheat rolls and white breaded rolls (I prefer wheat) Overall, if your looking for a nice meal (like for a date) this is the place to go. If your concerned about prices then it'd be best to skip this place.
(5)
Sara S.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Old Town, hands down. The Chart House features a great view and atmosphere, very good service, and a menu full of fresh flavorful dishes. Definitely worth the extra bucks. All of the seafood dishes are incredibly fresh, would recommend oysters on the half shell or calamari as an appetizer. The calamari is cooked perfectly, not too fried and very tender. The Seafood Grille is my favorite entree! It gives you a nice taste of everything, shrimp, salmon, and crab cakes. Of course, every meal there must be finished with their signature Lava Cake! Super moist and always delicious. I would recommend making a reservation if going on a weekend or with a big party. Service is wonderful, all of the servers are very polite and outgoing!
(5)
Bryan W.
The location is awesome!!!! Great buzz in the room but the place was hit extremely hard right at happy hour. I grabbed a seat at the bar and just checked the place out.. There is a huge bar area with a few self seating tables and a large dinning room. Right out of the box an appetizer caught my eyes! Sweet Pea and Edamame Pot Stickers with pesto beurre blanc.! Sounded awesome but out of stock... I had to go for the backup items. The bartender offered me a different menu with a few reduced priced appetizers. I grabbed the calamari and an order of fritters. Calamari and Friends were lightly battered and fried with thin slices of sweet potatoes , red bell peppers and thin slices of jalapeno peppers. Nice light coating on the food but with the exception of the bell peppers, there was not a very big texture difference with the remaining items. Needed a little salt but the two sauces that were served with this dish helped it out a great deal. The citrus chili sauce was the favorite. light,crisp and clean. The marinara sauce was a bit on the bland side. The fritters were AWESOME!!!!! FYI If you are ordering these as well as other appetizers, EAT THESE FIRST!! The hot finished product combined with the serving plate mad a considerable amount of condensation on the bottom of the fritters. Not a big problem. The shrimp and crab fritters were topped with a "salsa of roasted corn. avocado and a Kimchee sauce. Just flat... No spice our pungent/ sour taste of fermented anything... It tasted like a simple aioli. Don't get me wrong. It tasted great ! It actually tied all of the flavors together.....just no flavor of Kimchee. Who goes to a seafood restaurant and orders short ribs of beef? This guy! No frills and straight to the point. Seared, braised and served with grilled asparagus, grilled tomato, garlic mashed potatoes and topped with a Cabernet Demi-glace. Very tender and juicy. Great flavor from the sauce. My only complaint was the heat of the dish. It wasn't cold just warm. Not that much of a problem .
(3)
Paula S.
Old Town VA is a quaint area perfect for strolling when the weather is cooperative. Chart House is situated at the harbour it is a good vantage point to watch the planes on final approach to National. My partner & I were seated in the windowed alcove area. I would recommend this area--its quieter than the general seating areas of the restaurant. We ordered a starter of Calamari and mains of stuffed flounder and barramundi which was the special of the day. The calamari came with additional bits of fried peppers, avocado and chillies which was an interesting combination. Portion size was decent and the squid was tender. My main of crab stuffed flounder was excellent--served with yukon gold mashed potatoes, the serving size was adequate a few asparagus spears accompanied it. The crab filling was very flavorful--real crab meat is used not imitation--the fish was flaky and fresh. My partner wasn't impressed with the barramundi. The portion size was very small and thinly sliced--not good value for the price paid. Overall we would definitely return--the ambiance and food make it a worthwhile option for seafood in the area.
(4)
Yvonne A.
Came here for a birthday dinner. Love the views of the water while dining. The food was amazing, especially the calamari as an appetizer and the paneed chicken as an entree. Also got the lava cake as a desert. The staff was really friendly too. Loved the fact that you can customize the menus for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc). Will definitely be coming back here in the near future.
(4)
Jesse J.
We celebrated our graduation here which was just a quick Ferry Ride from National Harbor where the ceremony was and we were staying. We love Chart House's in general and this experience did not disappoint. We had reservations for 8pm but had jumped off the ferry at about 7 and were ready to eat then. We asked if we could sit at the bar until our table was ready and they actually set us immediately. We ordered the Crab Bisque (we generally get the lobster bisque but they didn't' have it this time... crab bisque was a close amazing second to the LB), the filet and added the crab stuffed shrimp which was delicious. My fiance's steak was cooked a bit more than we ordered, but it was still delicious. As usual, we also ordered the chocolate lava cake which was a tad overcooked, but again, still delicious. We also ordered a bottle of wine from the Washington Region which was pretty good. Including tip and the bottle of wine, I paid about $250, pretty average for a night out at The CH We were in a little bit of a hurry in order to catch the next ferry back, and felt that the service lacked just a little bit (i.e we didn't get steak knives for about 5 min after our steaks were served, etc) We'll be back if and when we're in the Alexandria area.
(4)
Sahra N.
First off let me just say the views are beautiful! Second of all, the food here is so exquisite! I ordered the grilled sea food mix and it was to die for! It included salmon, shrimp, a crab cake and I substituted green beans for the Veggie orzo! It was just perfect, the sea food was cooked to perfection and had so much flavor. I would go here any way for a nice fancy dinner! A perfect place for the summer time
(5)
Natalie M.
Beautiful place. A little pricy but its worth it. Must try their oysters and chopped house salad!
(4)
Jason G.
My friends and I went to Chart House for a birthday celebration, and overall I thought it was a very corporate experience - kind of like a high-end Red Lobster. Even though I live in DC, I don't really go out in Alexandria that often, so we purposely chose something down there. Before I went, I didn't realize how much of a tourist destination this restaurant is. It is a massive restaurant, one of the biggest I've ever been in. For whatever reason, it wasn't busy at all when we were there, so it felt almost cavernous. Luckily, we were able to get a table right by the window, so that was nice to be right by the water. Now, it's not directly on the water because you still have to look at the pedestrians and boats showboats that block the view of the river, but it's at least somewhat of a view. The food was...fine. As I said above, Chart House is just a high-end Red Lobster, with steak as well. It had a good selection of all types of fish, so that's good. The salad bar was also very expansive, and even had some Californian caviar. I personally had the flounder stuffed with crab meat, and while there was a generous portion of flavorful crab meat inside, the flounder kind of fell flat for me. To be honest, for the price that's charged, I expected better than I've got. The service was inoffensive, but the fact that I don't remember anything about it says all you need to know. Overall, I don't think I would recommend Chart House over any other restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. The restaurant is just one of a massive national chain, so there's no real "something special" about this restaurant that you can't get in Los Angeles or Cincinnati or wherever.
(3)
Aunne N.
When I walked in no one acknowledged that I was there for a meal. Finally I asked if they were open for business and was told they would find me a hostess. While I was waiting an older woman walked in. Once someone arrived they disregarded myself and assisted the older lady inquiring about a retirement party. When I was finally addressed and states I wanted a table for 1 over looking the water the man assisting me gave me a snide look and picked up the phone. Once seated I waited again about 10 min for some to come offer a beverage. The appetizer recommended that I ordered was bland. The chef special for the evening was delicious.
(2)
Paulette P.
Nice place! Nothing to brag about. The food was pretty good. The view was fantastic! I kind of expected more from the food.
(3)
Aramide A.
Great drinks, awesome view, but the food could have been better. I expected more attention to details. The server was very helpful.
(3)
Chelsey R.
Pretty good experience. I do have to say the service wasn't great for the cost. He wasn't very attentive and it took a long time for our food to come out, probably a one server thing over that being representative of the place.
(4)
Joel T.
Great ambience, first. I went last night. Excellent clam chowder! Excellent coconut shrimp! I ordered filet mignon. My first bite made my eyes widen as the SALTY spice was intense. A bit too much. Still, it was perfectly tender and exactly the rare/medium I requested. Watch out for the salty POW though if you order it. Lava cake yum! Especially if you share it. Very romantical.
(4)
Eric J.
I like their drinks. Other than that, they kind of shoved us into a tight corner, not cool. The potato side dish was probably something I would've made in college; toss potatoes into a pot of water, undercooked, no salt. Overall, an OK experience with the food. Good drinks, though
(3)
Jenny K.
I came here for dinner when visiting my friend who lives in Maryland. We were celebrating two occasions (a) 5-year union since we last saw each other (b) my belated birthday. We were seated by a window with a view of the Potomac River and treated to excellent service by our waiter. I got the crusted mahi mahi and my friend got the snapper Hemingway - both of which were delicious! My mahi mahi came with a flavorful peanut sauce - good consistency (not too watery or thick) and you could taste the peanut flavor but it wasn't overwhelming. The green beans that came with my fish had a nice texture and a tasty salty seasoning. I tried the snapper as well, which was topped with crab and a cream sauce - yummy! For dessert the waiter brought out a complimentary hot lava cake and it was hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had! Godiva liqueur, Heath toffee, vanilla ice cream and molten chocolate cake! So rich and satisfying! He also sang happy birthday to me in his Elvis voice - perfect impersonation! The wine list was a good mix of whites, reds and bubblies and there was also a cocktail menu. Mostly seafood selections but there were also a couple steak selections. Definitely recommend for a date night or celebrating a special occasion.
(5)
W R.
The food was good, the service was adequate, but it was really overpriced. Four first courses, four main course, three desserts, and four cocktails and a total bill close to $400. I'd expect that from a top restaurant in DC, and Chart House while good does not meet up to the service and quality of those places. Next time I come to Old Town I will find somewhere else to eat.
(2)
J B.
View was great, decor and servers were fine. Food was overpriced and terrible. I had the hummus trio to start which had no flavor. I couldn't tell the difference in taste between any of the three hummus choices. I had the chicken which was to have a bruschetta mixture on top, but there was a sauce which tasted like mayo, and really grossed me out. The mashed potatoes were the best part of the meal. I sincerely don't mind spending $100 on dinner for two, but spending that much on two burrito bowls from Chipotle would be better then spending it at the Chart House. Don't eat here.
(1)
Scott T.
Food is great, pricey, but amazing seafood and right on the water in old town! Best time to go is summer and eat out on the deck when weather is warm. I always get crab or salmon, and great lava cake for desert!
(4)
Ben T.
Brought my out of town Mom into our new home of Alexandria. Here the views make for an impressive lunch or dinner. The sights of the airport and the monuments are great. I was impressed with the meal however the seafood dishes were a little creamy and too heavy for my taste. Another good option is the salad bar which looked equally impressive as the views. If I were going back this would be my choice. A little on the pricy side but as to be expected in such a prime location.
(3)
Aaron P.
Hot damn! I'm cheap and I don't mind saying it. One thing I will always pay for is good food. I went to chart house during happy hour because a friend spoke about how amazing it was and how they have discounted appetizers during the weekday. OMG! This food was amazing. The restrooms were immaculate. The service was slow. The food was reasonably priced for happy hour (which includes discounted drinks), but I'm too poor to come for dinner. Normally slow service will attribute to a lower rating in my book but the food is so good, I am willing to give chart house a pass.....this time.
Wow, what a disappointment. I was looking forward to some great seafood from this place and maybe my expectations were just too high or something. For the amount of money we paid for the dinner, which was basically $40 per person, the good was just nothing to write home about. We ordered mahi and cod, asparagus and mushroom sides. The fish was underwhelming in both cases. Dry, barely seasoned, didn't feel like it was fresh at all. The sides were just okay, both heavily smothered in butter and both were slightly burnt. I specially asked the server about the side dishes and how they were cooked. He said the asparagus is served fresh and the mushrooms are steamed. Turned out both are basically fried in butter and smothered in breadcrumbs. Totally not what we expected. Chopped salad was chopped alright. Seriously. It looked like it was blended in a food processor. Lastly the service basically sucked. Our server was obviously overworked and overextended, but he was not enthused about other servers helping him out. He made faces at them and told them 'he got this'. All while we observed it and were very aware of what he was doing. I've had way better fish and service at Bonefish in Kingstowne!
(2)
Down Like Four Flats S.
Not too sure what all the hype is about with the Chart house I've gone there several time of a course of several years, but I don't remember the experiences being this bad. I chose to go to the chart house for a early birthday dinner with friends, and it was a mistake. The biggest complaint is after waiting hour and 20 minutes for our food, it came to use extremely cold, i mean cold as if i had walked away for two hours and came back , the food was not room temperature at all. The best part about the Chart House was the bread and crackers, and the view of the National Harbor. I rather spend money at Black Salt then eat a free meal at Chart House.
(1)
Tiffany D.
The Chart House is Aaaa-mazing! I really enjoy their seafood. The location is also nice and it makes for a cute date night. I have been to the Chart House several of times and have not been disappointed. I love the stuffed salmon, and I absolutely love the the chocolate lava cake ! Yummy in my tummy ! Definitely a must try !
(4)
Amanda M.
Thursday night dinner with at friend. Chart House was packed but we were able to get two seats together at the bar and since the full menu was available, decided to simply eat there. My friend went with one of the tap beers and I selected the Fiery Cucumber - a martini made with cucumber vodka and served with a spiced rim. While it wasn't spicy it was refreshing, however, I wouldn't order it again and switched to a glass of wine for my second drink. Aside from the lack of spice in my drink the rest of the evening was great. We started with the Oysters Rockefeller, provided you like spinach and oysters, you can't go wrong with this dish. For our mains my friend ordered the blackened swordfish and I went with the mahi. The plating left a bit to be desired (the rice was served in the shape of a pyramid) but the fish was fresh and the swordfish in particular was delightfully seasoned. Is Chart House the best place for seafood in the area? No. Is Chart House a decent place for a mid-priced dinner on the water? Yes. It is a bit touristy but the food is good and if you can get a table on the water it is a nice place to take out of town guests.
(3)
Jessie L.
I made reservations a couple weeks ahead of time, since it was for my husbands birthday I put in a request for a window seat. I figured I would be able to get a window seat if I reserved it 2 weeks ahead of the date. When we got there, they said sorry no window seats are available. The window seats are not guaranteed. Why do you use reservations if you don't even plan for them. They told us we could wait 30 minutes to have a window seat...I planned this 2 WEEKS ahead of time. There should have been a table by the window that was RESERVED for us. On to the food...My husband got crab legs and he loved them. I got chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus. We also had salads. My salad was a spinach salad! It was AMAZING!! I will go back just for that salad! They have a gluten free menu, which was nice!! Overall it was a nice experience, I would go back but only for the salad.
(3)
Marc D.
BOTTOM LINE: I would not go here again. I'd give it 2 1/2. Visiting from out of town, my girlfriend and I came here for date. We enjoyed the food but it was overpriced for what how it was prepared and service was subpar. Server was not very attentive and food came out slow. We made reservations but still had to wait. Our waters were never refilled unless we asked and I was never asked if I wanted another beverage. We did bring our own bottle of mostcato d'asti but after that was gone we were just sitting there until we asked. $20 corkage fee and they didn't bring champagne flutes. Not upscale or that classy.
(2)
Danny N.
Wow... Can't say anything wasn't delicious. Ha the crab mango tower for appetizer. Tasted all the soups in the soup sampler. I had the seared mahi which is covered in lobster and shrimp while my girl Had the crab cakes and key line pie for dessert. I can't walk literally so stuffed!! I need to go to sleep right now and can't get up :-)
(5)
Sarah P.
Pros: Beautiful location and view up the river of the capitol. Nice environment for a classy, upscale but not too stuffy meal with good service. Cons: Food was just OK. Prices were obnoxiously high for the quality of the food, I guess you are paying for the location and view. Long version: went here to meet family who were visiting and really wanted to eat at the Chart House. Parking was pretty easy in a garage just a block from the restaurant. Place itself was very nice, the floor to ceiling windows result in a spectacular view for pretty much every seat in the house. We were kind of cramped into a table I thought was too small for 6 people but it was right against the windows. Oddly they had trouble getting a reservation even though the restaurant was half empty the whole time we were there. Service was good, a little slow getting the food out, but that's on the kitchen. I had the pork chop which unfortunately came out fried (a fact omitted from the menu description) and, though tasty, was certainly not worth $23. It was heavy and greasy and I wouldn't order it again. Husband got the mixed grill and liked the fish and shrimp but wouldn't finish the crab cake, he said it was awful. The desserts were really good and the salad bar looked pretty fabulous, maybe that would have been a better bet. Maybe I just picked the wrong thing to order, but I am of the opinion that if it's on your menu, you should do it well. Bonefish Grill has much better-executed food, but not the view that Chart House does.
Absolutely flawless lunch. Fam bam came here on father's day & I can NOT tell ya'll how wonderful the meal as. 1) Their salad bar is dream-worthy. 2) I ordered the crab stuffed salmon..... My tastebuds were in heaven. The texture was perfect, the fish cut like butter, & the lemon butter sauce on the side? PERFECT. 3) The lava cake to finish off, the ONLY mildly, mildly bad thing.... it took 30 minutes to get out to us. Which they tell you on the menu to expect, so no surprises. It was HUGE. It took four of us to chip at it & we still didn't finish. The wait staff was perfect & the manager on at the time was an absolute gentleman (wish I could remember names!!).... All in all, a wonderful experience. Will definitely return.
(5)
D M.
The happy hour is pretty laid back, great items for less than $5, good wine choices. The atmosphere is amazing. The downfall is happy hour is only indoors (so we couldn't enjoy the beautiful weather on the patio) and the hostess are stuck up. No one greeted us upon entrance and there were two girls at front. The one that brought us outside never smiled and had her head lowered the entire time. Waitress outside took a minute to greet us when there were only a couple of other tables there. And general vibe from staff was stuck up. I'll go back for hh but not for dinner, doesn't seem pleasurable.
(3)
Daniel T.
Went here on Valentines day this year. The place is very romantic and has a great view of the harbor area in Old Town. The service was excellent and the food as well. We had the clam chowder, crab cake, scallops and cod/lobster dishes. Everything was delightful. There were 5 scallops on the dish as opposed to 3 or 4 as other places. The crab cake and clam chowder were very good. The cod/lobster dish was good, not exceptional. This is definitely a good place for a special occasion. Tip: try getting reservations for a window seat so you can take in the view.
(4)
Elissa L.
The food was excellent and the atmosphere was pleasant, but a few issues with the menu: The first menu that pops up when you Google "Chart House Happy Hour" (which is from the restaurant's website) states that Happy Hour is Wed-Sun 4:30-7. The more updated menu you can find when you visit the site itself states that it is Monday-Friday 4-6:30. They would NOT honor the other menu so make sure you order all of your drinks by 6:30 or they get crazy expensive. When I had dinner here on another occasion, there was also a menu issue. Our menu listed one dessert- chocolate lava cake. Although I was craving dessert, I wasn't really into the lava cake so we asked for our check and planned another place to go for dessert. As we were paying our bill, we saw a variety of desserts delivered to the next table over. The waiter had not mentioned that there was an additional dessert menu. Why is there a dessert section on a menu if it does not list all of the desserts? Anyway, good food and the happy hour is a great deal!
(4)
Thomas O.
Amazing food amazing view amazing service couldn't find one thing bad about the place will definitely be coming back
(5)
Lynn G.
Good Food and great service. The only thing is even through they advise to order the lava cake 30 mins beforehand, it still takes FOREVER to come out.
(4)
Steve T.
I stopped in Chart House with my family while we were in the area for business, and we were had a very pleasant evening. The food was excellent, the service was good, and the view was great. My son loved watching the traffic move up and down the Potomac, and really loved watching airplanes take off from nearby Reagan Airport. We would definitely consider eating here again if we find ourselves in Alexandria.
(4)
Meghan F.
This review is for the happy hour only. My husband and I went here recently to check it off our To Eat in Alexandria list and were satisfied with our experience. The happy hour prices are good, drinks for $4-$7 dollars and apps for $5-$10 (approximately). I had the pomegranate mojito which was quite tasty and not overly sweet. Their beer selection is definitely lacking, especially during HH, but it's not really catering to the craft beer crowd, so I'll let it slide. We shared the fish tacos and ahi nachos. The tacos came with two well-stuffed soft tortillas with mahi, cabbage, pico & mayo. They were pretty good, nothing to write home about, but they were enjoyable. The ahi nachos were a fun twist on the now ubiquitous "Asian tacos" that have popped up on every chain menu (i.e. Applebee's). The tuna was good and the wonton was tasty. I am not a big fan of wasabi and should have asked for it to be left off but I still enjoyed them anyway. I was wishing that the orange sauce (I'm assuming it was Sriracha mayo) was on the wonton instead of on the plate. The atmosphere in the restaurant is a little peculiar. It's almost tiki themed and the carpet is just horrendous. It looks like a bar attached to a hotel. But the views are beautiful and the bartenders were great. I would definitely recommend this place for happy hour for cocktails and apps - just don't look at the carpet!
(3)
Tony M.
Forgot to make reservation this time and therefore eating out in the patio. 4 hr wait or 30 min for patio. The weathers nice so not too bad.
(4)
George M.
Nice view, tasty food, decent service. Gets very busy on nice days. Went for brunch the first warm Sunday after a series of snow storms and by 1:30 pm was completely packed. Prime rib and eggs, perfectly cooked, really. And huge size. I guess it got busy so there was a 40 minute delay between coffee refills..... Otherwise a good experience. Still like the Annapolis Chart House better though. Get there before 12:30 or if you make reservation ask for table 2-4 for best views.
(3)
Doyin G.
I think had an orgasm, food orgasm that is when I ate the lava cake. Lava cake is decadent and the clam chowder soup was relish! Again, It should be a sin for the lava cake to taste that good! Im getting chills down my back just thinking about how good that chocolate taste!
(5)
Linh N.
Great place for special occasions. I came here for my birthday and the service was excellent. Everything my bf and I had were delicious. The crab cake was meaty and the coconut shrimps were so crispy and the Asian inspired sauce was perfect with it. They also bring you a huge mud pie for your birthday. Overall great experience!
(4)
Jen R.
If you are coming for a birthday, make sure to mention when you make your reservation ahead of time- they definitely do not disappoint! Filet mignon was great. Awesome views of the Potomac river and big windows to enjoy it.
(4)
Ritah K.
Brunch brunch brunch.I couldn't stress just how good their brunch really is.The salad bar is amazing.I load up on that smoked salmon and caviar. Had the French toast,a friend of mine had the maryland Benedict and both dishes were really tasty.Totally worth the price.
(5)
Emily H.
Our company (Coast Guard) holiday party at the Chart House was a resounding success, and our group of 27 loved the view and the food! Some small slips in service and getting the check settled were the only things keeping them from a 5 star review. I researched restaurants for my office's holiday party for quite some time before stumbling upon this gem. Justin Cadmen, the Catering & Sales Coordinator was great in setting us up with a private room, and went above and beyond to satisfy all our requests (like ordering off the standard menu instead of having a more limited prix-fixe menu). When we arrived, our room was all set up for us on the second floor, and the view was just downright awesome! Not everyone arrived at once, but the servers immediately started taking drink and appetizer orders as people got settled which was nice. I did hear a few grumbles that some people got "skipped" over during this process (understandable as we were a very large party), but overall I was very pleased with the speed of service. Our orders were taken efficiently and the refills were flowing throughout the meal. The food was pretty awesome as well - I got to try several appetizers and must highly recommend that you definitely try the Crab, Shrimp & Vegetable Fritters because they are to die for - perfectly crisp layer followed by zesty, flavorful bites of crab and shrimp - YUM! I'd skip the Caesar Salad since I wasn't a huge fan of the dressing (I prefer it to be creamy and this was more Italian-like). For my meal, I got the crab cake sandwich - it was decent, and I really enjoyed the shoestring fries that came with it. The only issue I had was when the check came... First, it took a little longer than expected for it to come out in the first place. But the bigger issue was that I had sent a form to Justin days before the event to make sure that we wouldn't be charged taxes (we are tax-exempt when using these particular funds), but the first one came out with taxes on it. I meant to bring a copy of the form with me as well, but in my rush to leave the office, I forgot it. So, we had to send the check back to have the taxes taken off, but since Justin was out of the office, this proved to take almost 20 mins. Everyone from my party had left, and I had to stay and wait for them to bring out another check. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations for food and ambiance, and I would recommend it. The place is great for large parties, but I can also see how it could work for a romantic dinner for two in the evening as well - In fact, I'm considering bringing my boyfriend to try it in the future.
(4)
Alexis B.
Went to the Chart House for a birthday dinner on 5/29/13. Party of 3. Yes, I know tourists frequent this place but my guests wanted something on the water and Old Town is close. We ordered crab stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer and the portion size was huge. I ordered jumbo lump crab cakes with shallot butter and Asian green beans. All of our food was good and service was great. My only complaint was the very dim lighting at the tables outside. It was difficult to see our food after dark even with the candle lit but great view...
(4)
Jeremy C.
I think this is the best outdoor seating in old town. Food is always fresh and the staff is very professional. It's the first place I think of in old town when the weather is nice.
(5)
Brenda L.
Came here last night for a late night dinner with my best friend. My friend has frequented this place before and has raved about the food AND the service. I'm a huge fan of a place that can deliver both great food AND great service. We requested to sit outside and there was plenty of seating to choose from. The view was awesome overlooking the water and the new Ferris Wheel at the National Harbor could be seen in the distance. Our server quickly took our drink order and brought us water and bread in a timely manner. I didn't like the first drink I ordered so the server quickly switched it out for a yummy glass of Moscato. At my friend's suggestion, I had the crab cakes with the asparagus. It was so delicious. So flavorful and the asparagus was cooked to absolute perfection. At first, the amount of food on the plate didn't look like much but I was definitely stuffed by the end of the meal. I only took one star off because it is REALLY pricey, but then again it IS a really nice restaurant and you are definitely getting your money's worth with the superb service and food. I would definitely come here again, but perhaps for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
(4)
Shamika G.
I love love LOVE this restaurant!! Everything I taste here was AMAZING! I had the Blue Crab Dip and the Mixed Seafood Grill. I left stuffed and I shared my crab dip with someone. The crab cake that came with my mixed seafood grill had a lot of crabmeat in it and hardly any breading.....which is how I like it. They also make the most amazing green beans! The restaurant has a very romantic vibe at night. And you're looking out over the water. It's located right on the boardwalk. It is a bit pricey but it is def worth the coins. I will be visiting again in the near future!
(5)
G S.
I've been to this location countless times and have yet to be disappointed with the menu items or the professional staff.
(4)
Jami A.
You want to come here for the views then the food. I ate here for my best friends rehearsal dinner and wasn't expecting anything too crazy. I've eaten at the Chart House is in Jersey plenty of times and while the food doesn't disappoint and the view of the city is nice its just I don't know vanilla. Chart House Alexandria's views were stunning. The servers were very nice and accommodating. We had a set menu so I had the crab cakes for dinner which at my table most people went with and they were incredible. Overstuffed with lump crab meat, delish. Chains can sometimes fall short but that's not the case here. Would love to go back if Im ever in Alexandria again.
(4)
Zo G.
The manager is extremely rude. I took my folks out for a decent dinner, but I got flu so I lost my appetite. We ordered two entries one appetizer, one salad and wine pairings. The salad bar showed up as full price (17.99) instead of (8.99) if order entries. I talked to the manager about it and he insists he saw the salad dish is in front of me instead of my mom which is not true. And educated me a great deal about how the salad bar is designed for one person instead of sharing. But we only went to the salad bar ONCE! The food is ok.
(1)
Alek Z.
Not a bad place, but perhaps a little overpriced for what you get.
(3)
Mary Kate M.
I could not have asked for a better birthday evening... well, the weather could have been warmer, but I guess I just have to accept my birthday is February 4 and not May 4. I came here on with a date who chose the venue. I chose Old Town and he chose Chart House. I had been to Chart House in Boston, but was unaware of the existence of one here. How convenient and fun to find out! For my dinner I decided to have the crab stuffed shrimp with mashed potatoes. It was absolutely delish. I couldn't help myself but to finish the whole meal because it was so amazingly good. My date got the seafood sampler that came with a little bit of everything. He gave me a bite of the glazed salmon. That was very well prepared and tasty. When we were waiting for the bill, our server brought out a birthday surprise. I was full by that point, but we tried eating some of it for what we could. I took the rest home. I had a great experience. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday dinner!!
(4)
Mara E.
This restaurant is delicious. This is my 2nd time going and it is always just as good! Service is amazing. If you can request the fire room. It is amazing to sit song the river. The food is amazing, there isn't one thing I have had that I would recommend again.
(5)
Joseph M.
I used to love this place. Perfect for date night, special occasions, or a seat at the bar. Food was always stellar, particularly the fresh seafood. Still is! No complaints about the food. Over the last 5 years, it's become dated (in need of an update), and the service is hit and miss. Lately, it reminds of a cruise ship dinning area that's peaked, and lost it's edge. If that makes any sense. I hope that with all of the planning for the new Waterfront in Old Town, that this location will be revamped and updated to shift with the changing tide. Pun intended!
(3)
Billy M.
Valentines day reservation, waiter Mike started off ok. But went South fast. We waited an enormous amount of time for our food. After waiting and waiting Mike never said anything to I'd and avoided our table. After finally getting his attention he tried to feed us bread and water. I don't want no damn bread. So food finally comes and what? But both plates of food grossly undercooked. Asked to see the manager (Jimmy) came to the table and acted dumbfounded when told what was going on. Now I know restaurant policies are always to try and compensate the customer. Jimmy walks away, and we had to ask Mike to have Jimmy come back to the table. Then he comes back with a discounted bill. We bagged our food up then Mike acted like he didn't want to bag up my salad. Bag everything. We couldn't even enjoy our Valentines dinner. No thank you #ChartHouse. So I ended up eating in my hotel room.
(1)
Flavio L.
Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and atmosphere. Really liked our server, he was a young guy, served our table outside...I believe his name was Francis. He knew the area and recommended great places to check out. Cheers
(5)
Michael W.
The food here is always consistent. It's good, brunch is good on Sunday, the view is great. Make sure to sit by the many Windows.
(4)
Jessica B.
So we have had various experiences with Chart House over the years but since our first date was there we go back every so often. Last night was one of those times. We are going to be apart for Valentines Day plus we were celebrating our anniversary. Made the reservation on open table and mentioned it was our anniversary and a window would be great. Well they came through. We sat in the small round room with the fire pit. It was perfect. Our waiter Lance was exceptional and his recommendations for dinner were spot on. The service and the meal made our anniversary one to remember. And the menus printed with a congratulations on our anniversary presented by the manager were a very nice touch!
(5)
Peter M.
The Chart House is one of the best seafood restaurants that I have ever visited. The wait staff was super attentive and helpful in making selections. I had the lump crab/mango/avocado stack as an appetizer. The combination of flavors was unique and delicious. The sweetness of the crab along with the richness of avocado and the slightly tart mango paired well. For my entreè I selected parmesean crusted snapper topped with lump crab and drizzled with lemon shallot butter. This was paired with a side of coconun ginger rice. Portion size was good and the fish was cooked to perfection. The rice was a little under seasoned but that may have been intentional as it prevented the fish from being overpowered. Pricing was on par with a restaurant of this caliber and location. I would definitely visit the Chart House again next time I'm in Alexandria.
(5)
Erica B.
3 stars for the awesome view, wait staff and the hummus trio but the dinner fell a little short. I was there on a Tuesday night for a busines dinner.. party of 8. Everyone enjoyed. Their apps but most of us was slightly disappointed with the entires. I honestly think its a little over priced for just "ok" seafood...I know plenty of places on my hometown. (Baltimore) for the same.. sometimes cheaper prices. Very cool place for a date tho!
(3)
Devon M.
Good food at solid prices but what really makes the restaurant is the location on the water. Decor on the inside is also nice.
(4)
Rob H.
A great place to have a drink and view the sunset, unfortunately, the Chart House has become more of a Red Lobster type chain. Very pedestrian. If you value creative cuisine go elsewhere. If you want to watch the boats in the harbor and enjoy the atmosphere, it will do.....
(3)
Lynia D.
The staff here is very professional and friendly. Our waiter was Benjamin. He was excellent. We had the stuffed flounder and the New York Strip. Both were prepared properly and perfectly. We enjoyed the mango mojitos and my date said the margarita was the "best ever". They accommodated me and my birthday requests for my special someone. I believe Dave (or David) helped me the most when I called; he was awesome. She was truly impressed by the food, the personalized menu, and the server. We had a water view and it was great!
(5)
Danielle P.
I had a delicious meal and tasty appetizers. It was great to sit outside on the deck, as it overlooks the water which makes for a beautiful view. My beau's meal was much less impressive than mine (though I forget what he ordered, my apologies). The drinks were tasty and our server was pleasant. All in all I'd say it's worth a try if you haven't been here yet. Especially when the weather is nice and you can enjoy the view this waterfront restaurant has to offer.
(3)
Stefan L.
This is by far the best seafood restaurant I've ever been to. When I first walked in, I was taken aback by the ambience because it is very sophisticated and very roomy. Not to mention it is directly by the water which enhances the experience. The wait staff was very friendly and knowledgable of what was on the menu. I was impressed. They were also very patient as I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat. I settled for the "Best of Shrimp" which consisted of cocunut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and crab stuffed shrimp. It was delicious! I ordered a side of creamed spinach and that was good as well. It's a little on the expensive side but I didn't mind because I would gladly pay top dollar for quality, which this restaurant provided me with. I anticipate eating there more in the future.
(5)
Brian W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the area. I go often and my favorite thing on the menu is the macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi, but just about everything on the menu is good. It has been a big surprise to me living so close to the ocean that it has been very difficult to find fresh seafood in the area. This is pretty much the only seafood restaurant in the area that I would recommend. Otherwise I'd recommend going to the maine avenue fish market in D.C., buy the fish, and cook it yourself. I noticed that a lot of people have mentioned that the restaurant is pricy, but for the area this is pretty much what you're going to be paying. Most places in old town have prices on par with Chart House, except the food here is much much better than most. Also, there is a Landry Restaurants discount card for people that frequent and other places in the group (i.e. Rainforest cafe, the crab house, brenner's steakhouse, etc.).
(5)
Margaret G.
Great place! Had the scallops, recommended by the server, and they were amazing! The view is beautiful! Guests with me had the salmon and raved out it as well. We all shared the HUGE piece of key lime pie. I hope to go back here again!
(5)
Frank G.
The Chart House is a good, unassuming place to take out-of-town guests. They'll be wowed by the fantastic views of the river, and the straight-forward menu ensures that everyone will find something they want to eat. Your parents and grandparents will love it! So why the three star rating? The food, while good, is generally uninspired. For nearly $30 an entree, I want something more exciting than crab meat stuffing and lemon-butter sauce. After living in this area for fifteen years, I'm getting the "been there, done that" feeling with the seafood restaurants. These places are great for tourists and other out-of-towners wanting a taste of the DC-area experience, but I'm just over it.
(3)
Gio D.
The great location and view is why I'm giving this place 3 stars (and not 2). The food really isn't that good. I had the steak and could get the same steak at Outback for a lot less money. When you consider the price, it seems you're first paying for the lovely view (which I'm sure they have a nice rental check to write every month) and secondly for the food. It's almost as though the food is an afterthought to the location. The opposite should be true of any good quality Restaurant.
(3)
Gregg M.
I've been aware of the Chart House from Day 1 from moving to Alexandria. My pre-conceived notion since that time was that it's a seafood restaurant catering to tourists. After over two years time, I finally made the trip to the Chart House with the GF to have a Fri night dinner with two other couples. Immediately upon arrival, my notion was confirmed...very "tourist-y". Shortly after being seated indoors since there was a two-hour wait to get a table outside, I discovered from a brochure on the table that the Chart House is a part of the Landry Restaurant Group that operates the Oceanaire and Rainforest Cafe restaurants among many others. I have to say I was thinking to myself, "Oh no, this is not shaping up to be a good night of dining." While we were waiting for the last couple to arrive, we decided to start off with cocktails. Big mistake. I had the Fiery Cucumber martini made with cucumber-flavored vodka and garnished with sliced cucumber ($12) and the girlfriend had the Pineapple Mint Caipirinha ($10). Both cocktails must've seemed like a good concept at corporate HQ, but they were better on the drawing board than at execution at the the bar. I must've missed the memo that said that martinis must be sweet. My Fiery Cucumber was not "fiery", cucumber-y, crisp, or refreshing as it was seemingly sweetened by a healthy shot of simple syrup which was shocking and unlike anything I was expecting to taste. The GF's caipirinha was also excessively sweet likely from the use of syrup-packed pineapple or simple syrup instead of a couple of teaspoons of refined sugar. Note to the bartender: Use fresh ingredients and always err on the side of less sweet. We sent back our unconsumed cocktails which our server took off of our bill. We ordered a bottle of wine, the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah, which was a very enjoyable full-bodied red at $45. For our food, we started off with the mussels in a garlic, shallot and sherry sauce ($12). The mussels were smaller, less plump and tasty than the much-better executed mussels that can be found at Brabo. The sauce was a bit salty for my tastes. For my entree, I had the Key Largo Grouper ($35) which was a good-sized piece of fish with good flavor, but unfortunately was overcooked, dry, and therefore, tough. The GF's Spiced Yellowfin Ahi ($30) was also a generous size of fish, but was cooked to the correct medium-rare. In their totality, both entrees were above-average in portion size, but average to below-average in execution. The one truly positive aspect of the night was the service. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the evening. Water glasses were kept filled, plates were cleared off quickly, and our service needs were handled quickly. If only the rest of our Chart House experience was executed like the service. In the end, my thought is to leave the Chart House to the tourists. There are better restaurants in the area that us locals can enjoy.
(2)
Sean O.
This is a great sea food restaurant right on the river. Gets pretty packed for dinner, but the food is well worth it in my opinion. I've never had a bad meal here. Went here tonight with my parents and some family friends...I had the Costa Rican Mahi Mahi...the only thing I would have changed would be the seasonal vegetables. They should have just said broccoli.
(4)
John F.
Meant to pull in the tourist. Nice view. Nice salad bar. Good fish if you don't mind the frozen variety.
(2)
Debbie L.
Have been twice in the past month, will rank food below. Service was better the first time and we were a party of 6 versus the second time of only a party of 2. I think this has to do with the wait staff and they must put the more experienced waiters on larger tables (no complaints, it makes sense, just an observation!). Drinks at bar: Mojito was average, not strong enough, but a great selection of wine, so I give 3 stars for that. Tuna: Awesome the first time, average the second time, but still a very good meal! Apps: Hummus plate was just average as other reviewers have said. Calamari was great, salads are good. Dessert: Key Lime Pie AWESOME!!!! Ok that was my favorite part of the meal, oh my, I love key lime and have had it everywhere (including Key West) and by far Charthouse has the best. I would return, a very crowded happy hour on Fridays, but great deals in the bar area as long as you dont mind standing part of the time.
(3)
Gabriel G.
Birthday dinner for a friend, party of four. Tuesday night so not crowded and easy/cheap ($4) parking nearby. Super service -- waiter Leslie great; we were astonished this is just his first week there (but he's been at several other upscale eateries). Nice table with water view, watched water taxi arrive/depart several times. Three people had/loved huge salad bar as appetizer; I had tuna-two-ways (whatever they call it), tartare and seared. Two people had prime rib (at Chart House? Why?!) and loved it; wife had tasty fish (I forget which), I had lobster/shrimp salad (was great last night and for lunch today). Leslie brought free/huge mud pie with birthday candle we all shared, and they had specially printed birthday-greetings menu. Leslie was very attentive, checked throughout meal we were happy and whether we needed anything. Towards the end, manager also came by to check on happiness level.
(5)
Joohee K.
If I went back to Korea and told my grandparents I was going to stick sushi in my burger, they'd rant about sacrilegious act of placing a slab of precious fish between two coarse and barbaric slices of bread. But that didn't stop me from ordering an Ahi Burger today at Chart House in Old Town Alexandria. My friend C and I had ventured out to VA as a celebratory measure in memory of all the finals that have passed. It's a cute little town with a waterfront, art galleries, trollies, and boutiques. We took a spot on the deck at Chart House, a calm decored restaurant on the waterfront. I ordered a medium rare Ahi Tuna Burger, which looked excellent and tasted excellent. I love the look of rare meat. When my mother is preparing meals, I can't help but drool over raw meat. I would be such a fan of the French Steak Tartare, but I have yet to try! That red and pink, juicy and tender tuna just made my mouth drool when it came out.The sandwich itself was clean but additionally extraordinary with a touch of the sweet mustard spread.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Came here for Sunday brunch and left a very happy yelper. Here's why: Atmosphere: Absolutely stunning. High ceilings, cool decor (gorgeous blown glass peices), comfy tables and booths. You're never too close to the table next to you. There is a patio right on the water that offers a fantastic view, but if you can't deal with the summer humidity you're fine sitting inside, as there are enormous windows that wrap around the side of the building facing the water. Service: Prompt, kind, thorough, followed proper etiquette (addressed guests as "ma'amoiselle" or "Sir" and took ladies' orders first). You'd expect nothing less from a place like this. Menu: Offered a lot of traditional waterfront finds, such as crab cakes, stuffed rockfish, shrimp scampi, oysters on the half shell, etc. Shrimp cocktails with enormous shrimp in them. It's definitely pricey, but you're paying for quality food in a gorgeous environment. Food: My boyfriend and I both ordered off the Sunday brunch and it was a great deal. While other entrees cost $30 or more and charge $8 to add on the salad bar, the brunch came with a salad bar included for $25.99 and offered a 99 cent mimosa too! Salad Bar: EXCELLENT! One side features premade salads such as caesar (anchovies on the side) and marinated tomato and artichoke and the other has spinach, spring mix and regular lettuce and pretty much anything you'd ever want on a salad -- chick peas, edamame, baby corn, cucumber, tomato, shredded radish, eggs, egg whites, lots of dressings -- you name it. They also have strawberries with fresh cream, pineapple and other fruits, smoked salmon and fixings like capers, minced onions and sour cream as well as breads and bagels. Crab Cakes Maryland (benedict): I can't recommend this enough. The eggs were poached just perfectly, the hollandaise was lemony and smooth and the crab cakes were so perfect. Sometimes crab cakes can be dry and a little over-padded with breading and other fillings but these were practically all crab. When you pull a little part off with your fork and it's stringy with crab meat you know the restaurant is doing something right. Also came with seasoned potatoes. The brunch menu also offers omelets, classic eggs benedict and eggs benedict with tenderloin. Can't recommend it enough!
(4)
Jocelyn H.
Ive been to this place several times over the years even after their renovations which i really like. lately ive gone for their brunch on sunday...but i think they have brunch everyday...can beat the .99cent mimosas with brunch...the lava cake is pretty darn good & worth the 30min wait it takes to prepare it...if your a chocolate lover i highly suggest it!! BTW awesome view and a nice place to go on a date or with you kids & walk along the potomac waterfront.
(4)
Jennette L.
Great atmosphere and location. Salad bar was not worth 8.95 and food was a bit bland. Appetizer of mango crab stack had no taste. Cod was also lacking flavor. Scallops were pretty good though! Will give it one more chance.
(3)
David L.
I took a date last night to the Chart House last night. My service was excellent right now from the start. I requested for a table right by the window overlooking the water and i actually got it! Cody was our server and he was excellent. He knew the menu in and out and recommended great dishes! I was really impressed with his customer service skills! Definitely recommend this place to others!
(5)
Candice M.
my husband and I go here every year for our anniversary, but to the one one in Dana Point CA. We just had our 10 year anniversary and decided to keep the tradition going and went to the one in Alexandria VA since we moved out here. We were very excited because we LOVE the food here and it's a big treat for us to do this. We were VERY dissapointed. The service was TERRIBLE. Our waitress took forever to even get us some water! She kept saying she would be right there, but 10 minutes goes by and still no water! Then we went to the salad bar. The lettuce already had the dressing on it and it looked like it had been sitting there all day! At the one in CA, they make the salad right there in front of you. It NEVER just sits there with the dressing already on it. It was so soggy I couldn't even pick it up with my fork! Then my main meal was chicken. It was ok. Just not as good as the one in CA. That night when we got home, I felt SO sick! I am very sad to say that we will never go back there again as long as we live on the east coast and I will not recommend this location to anyone
(1)
Justin B.
Service = 4 Stars Food = 4 Stars Decor = 3 Stars Bar = 0 Stars Overall = 2 Stars We had a graduation lunch at Chart House on Satruday and enjoyed it very much. Our server was fantastic; attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The reason I give them 4 stars is because the food runners were slow and delivered our entrees in 5 min intervals, so by the time all of our group had food, half were already finished. The food was all great, no complaints there. The servings were decent sized for lunch, but I was a tad disappointed to only get about a dozen green beans with my order - the cook could have at least given me a handful. My crab cake was fantastic - obviously made with a ton of fresh crab meat and nice seasoning. The decor is aging - when I went to prom there 8 years ago, it was the same. I think they should invest in some large mirrors so the folks facing away from the water can still see it. (Thanks to Grandpa for making that observation). The bar gets ZERO stars for having a pathetic beer selection. If I'm paying over $20 for a gourmet meal, why am I stuck choosing between Bud Lite, Miller Lite and Coors Lite? Is this a fine dining restaurant or a frat house? There are plenty of fine craft beers they can carry (including a microbrewery just down the street), but they choose to carry a bunch of crappy beers which cheapens their restaurant.
(2)
Phil W.
Went here expecting a great dinner. Ordered the King Salmon and my date ordered the blackened Salmon. Both of which had little favor. The salad bar and the Lemon Martinis were good but at 11 bucks each they should be. Bottom line.... way to pricey for a repeat visit for the quality of food.
(1)
Brian G.
Great food and a nice location!
(5)
Nina U.
Never thought of Chart House as a lunch place but is soooo the perfect lunch spot. We sat ourselves by the tables on the bar side by the large glass panes overlooking the water and boats. The restaurant was pretty empty and that meant we received great service. I enjoyed my fabulous chicken BLT. Couldn't have asked for more flavor. It was on grilled thickly sliced but light bread with just the about of bacon, arugula (loved it!), and of course tomato. Didn't pay attention to what kind of sauce or mayo/etc. was on there but I wish I had. It is served with delicious potato chips that have a mixture of some sort of yellow sweet potato or yam chips as well. 5 stars Chart House. well done.
(5)
Matthew B.
We came here because we were given a gift certificate by our hotel to use while in vacation in DC. Apparently the hotel has a great relationship with the restaurant as we were given personalized menu's, had the manager check on us, and later one of the chefs. The food was fairly good, I had the whole lobster, my friend had the fillet Mingon. Both were good... but not quite great. Drinks were fairly good, and strong, and the wait staff was also quite attentive. For good food, and a great view... this is a good place. If you're looking for a fantastic foodie restaurant... this isn't it.
(3)
Josh S.
3.5 Stars. The location is great. Sits by water and interior is also very nice. When I got there, it was a classy modern waterfront luxury restaurant and when sun came down, it became modern, hiphop, trendy restaurant with neon lights. Cool. The foods are alright. I've had better seafood elsewhere. It's also expensive. I guess i should have expected being on a waterfront property -- that's just extra 15% price hike. The service was great. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The house specialty is the chocolate lava cake, that must be ordered 30 minutes before you actually want it. We didn't get it -- and it was $12. I thought $4/cupcake was expensive. DC is definitely getting overrated/overpriced city day by day. If you want to do your birthday, don't come. They don't give you anything for free. Cheap bastards. However, I do think it's cute and solid romantic dining spot.
(4)
Nabiha C.
We tried the $29.95 per person dinner. Clam Chowder- very yummy but it was too rich for me Macademia crusted shrimp- very very good!! the shrimp was so nice, melted in my mouth T-bone steak- my husband ordered this. It wasn't great, he went to the bathroom thrice the next day Mud pie- just okay, nothing special Overall ambiance was nice, our server was sweet. But I mean for this food I wouldn't pay $30 a person.. it was overall ok..
(3)
Alan S.
Good food, but bad service. Last time I was here the food was a tad better and service MUCH better. The food was great, I love the calamari and the Sea Bass was very good. The people I was with had the Shrimp Trio and the Pork Chops... both like their food too. But the service just annoyed me. From the get go I knew this waiter and I were not gonna get along. He took our bread plates and butter while we were still eating bread. Then once the stuff was gone, we still sat around 15 more minutes for our food. Then my order was wrong! Ugg... thankfully the food was good. This visit was almost a 3, but the last visit was so good that I'll just go with an over all 4.
(4)
Michael G.
After driving through Old Town Alexandria you come to what on any coast would appear to be a fishing village, along the lines of Monterey Bay before the sardines decided they were swimming to their certain deaths and that perhaps there were safer waters elsewhere. Like Monterey, this area has transformed its warehouses into tourist attractions and artists' lofts. Now along this portion of the Potomac you mostly see dinner boats and historical paddle-wheelers. Situated on the edge of the wharf is one of my favorite Chart Houses. Although the locations here in Malibu and Redondo Beach are very nice, this location, among the quiet boats resting for the night, is the most enchanting and romantic. The location really earns this restaurant its 4-stars. As with every other Chart House that I have visited, the food is probably a solid 3-stars plus, but not quite to the coveted 4-star rating. I also give kudos to our server, whose name I am sorry I have forgotten. He seemed to be happy to be there, grateful to be serving The First Lady, her mother, and me, and sincerely a professional. I could complain about little details that were deficient, but nothing was substantial enough to take away from the wonderful night of dining with two special ladies of the South. For example, having returned to our table after visiting the salad bar, complete with caviar, I had to share my observation of the patron licking his fingers. Salad bars are a bit passe, and rightfully so for this very reason. Next time I will hopefully have more freedom to explore without time restrictions the area that is Old Town Alexandria. My lack of time and opportunity were my only regret.
(4)
Donald S.
I've been here a number of times and I've finally come to the conclusion that The Chart house is alright. Not great, not terrible, just alright. The place is always packed to the rafters, despite that they still manage to keep things moving along. The food is decent but for what they charge, they can do better.
(3)
Tom F.
It was ok. The food seemed commercialized and not worth what you paid for. You could could go to a much better seafood restaurant in old town, like the Warehouse. Prime rib was rubbery. Fish was decent. Service was too fast for entrees and then too slow for after dinner drinks.
(2)
Angela G.
Three stars mainly because of the spectacular view and great location by the Potomac in Old Town Alex...and nice service. The food overall was sort of underwhelming actually, I met up with friends for lunch during January Restaurant Week, and they had one of the most limited menus I've seen for RW, basically just two items per course (not even your normal three choices). One of my friend's sandwich was pretty skimpily filled. Their salad bar looked pretty impressive, so that might be the way to go.
(3)
Rhonda W.
Came here to have a nice seafood dinner when I arrived into the city and I enjoyed every bit of it! We started with the stuffed mushrooms and they were delicious, I'm not sure what kind of sauce they place on them but it was tasty. I've tried the CH here in Las Vegas and while it was good they cannot compete with the VA b/c they have a huge delicious salad bar. You can literally miss your meal enjoying the salad bar alone. For dinner we had the al fresco shrimp pasta. For a pasta dish it was very lite almost insurmountable amount of sauce with fresh tomatoes and large jumbo shrimp that made my heart sing. The servers were beyond. My dinner that night along with the view and that wonderful fireplace could easy give this a 5 star meal but b/c they're by the water immediately upon entering or exiting you smell the sea water. Not quite what I wanted upon leaving but couldnt be avoided. I felt bad for people eating on the patio. Dah well, good non the less.
(4)
Miss M.
Overall, the food was really great - our server was just a bit "uppity". We came here for my birthday after wanting to try it for awhile. They did not ask if we were there to celebrate anything so I did not get a birthday dessert or anything. Though I did not care too much. The food did not disappoint. Everything was delicious. I'd rate the food 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it very much and though nothing blew me away, I'd enjoy eating here again. The decor and views were amazing and definitely made for a romantic evening with my significant other. But I had mixed feelings about our server - not rude but just unfriendly and kind of snooty. I understand this is a classy place but there's no reason to be so uptight and haughty while waiting on people. I've been to more upscale restaurants with much friendlier service. I'd go again, but only for a special occasion.
(3)
Josh B.
I had the Mahi blackened, and it was great.
(4)
Shon R.
Nice views and consistently good food and service keeps me coming back. While this place has been going through a number of renovations, I have yet to have a bad experience. The food is good and the service is even better. While lunch isn't bad, this place is better for a Sunday brunch or nice dinner date. Bottom line - with nice views and good food, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)
Jen K.
Walked in on a Saturday at 1:30pm, and they were dead. Waited like 15 minutes for the 3 hostesses to figure out how to seat the 1 party of 3 that was in front of us and eventfully just left. Didn't eat there, but man that was just not a good way to start or give an impression to first timers.
(1)
michael d.
Was here middle of May 2013 for Happy hour. Glorious day, no tables outside so we sat inside with a great view of the water. Drinks were passable and the bar bites were excellent. Staff overworked. Went back for dinner seafood was fresh and nicely prepared. Salad bar is what it Is. Service was better than I expected from a chain. So all said, solid experience, no fireworks, but didn't expect any. The view is worth the price of admission. Better than a 3 but not a 4.
(3)
Mary Fletcher J.
Let me tell you something. For the first 39 years of my life, I did not eat seafood. The Chart House changed my life! Not only do I now eat seafood, I love it, and The Chart House is my favorite seafood restaurant. I think I have dined here about a dozen or more times over the past couple of years. My favorite dishes appetizers are the raw oysters and seared tuna. I've had raw oysters everywhere since my first sampling here, and I still think The Chart House does the best presentation and presents the most succulent ones. The fish and shrimp dishes I have tried have been excellent (really loved the shrimp trio), as was an entree of pork chops. Creme brulee with raspberries was just heavenly, and for lighter, try the raspberry sorbet. I like the key lime tart but it is so rich, I usually don't order it after dinner. The standout at Sunday brunch is caviar on the salad bar. You don't see that everywhere. Now to the drinks. You know I am going to talk about the drinks! The Chart House bar concocts an excellent martini. They also have this lovely yellow drink called a Fleur de Lis. It is one of their house drinks. Try it -- I think you'll like it. I have taken my fidgety son to the deck for dinner and he was happy watching the boats on the water. One test of a restaurant for me is how nice they are to my kid. Chart House passes the test! Always enjoy the excellent service here. It is worth it for me to pay more (than say the sub-par Fish Market down the street) for the great, friendly service. But the real reason I go to the Chart House (besides the amazing oysters) is the view of the Alexandria waterfront, making this restaurant one of the most romantic settings in the DC area. THE date restaurant!
(5)
Prashanth N.
Overpriced seafood! Food was just okay, nothing spectacular .. i had the fresh fish of day, Macadamia crusted mahi.. it was decently prepared.. but not worth $30.. drinks were expensive ($10 range).. maybe a nice place for a date because of the water view, other than than that, not worth the visit.
(3)
Matt W.
I like this place so much I went here twice in less than a week. My service was shaky yesterday, but great food and ambiance make up for this in my opinion. Today I ordered the seared Swordfish and I'd def order that again. I also had the oysters they were great too. I joined there club program last week (it costs $25 to join, but you get it back and then some) and got $25 off my order plus another $25 for my birthday. So the check for two was only around $50. Forget McCormick and Legal, in my mind this place is hands down better.
(5)
john s.
Great place to eat on the water in old town. The food is great, a little expensive but worth it. Highly recommend the volcano chocolate cake desert.
(4)
Jacqueline P.
5 stars for the brunch and the view. Everything on the brunch menu is indulgent and everyone in my group was quite pleased with their options. Most importantly, the salad bar was exquisite. With salmon, bagels, cavier, and capers...not to mention fruit and various salads, one has to wonder why they ordered an entree at all! Very good, especially when you have guests.
(5)
Hana K.
An Old Town classic and tradition. Ambiance: The restaurant chain has a fantastic view of the Potomac River. The place is dimly lit and the noise level is good enough so that you don't have to yell to be heard yet don't have to speak in your "quiet" voice so that the table next to you won't hear what you're saying. The place is a "classic." Meaning, when mentioning or recommending of restaurants in the Old Town Alexandria area, Chart House almost always seems to be recognized and visited by the locals. Food: It's a restaurant chain. Don't go in expecting something spectacular or exotic. Their menu is similar to that of any other restaurant chain on the same level as them -mediocre. For appetizers we ordered the calamari, crab stuffed mushrooms, and threw in a bowl of the cream of crab soup. Of the three dishes, the stuffed mushrooms stood out the most. The stuffing was seasoned well and tender. Again, nothing spectacular but acceptable. I had the snapper hemingway as my main. The fish was on a bit of the dry side but the crab meat on top made up for the fish. The portion was more than expected and the entire dish couldn't be finished. We were advised to order the hot chocolate lava cake in the beginning of our meal, if dessert was to be a part of the meal. The description of the dessert sounded delicious, so we opted for the lava cake and an order of the raspberry creme brulee. Though the lava cake was delicious, as promised, it was too much chocolate after an extremely filling meal. The creme brulee had great texture but not enough raspberry to taste. Service: Our waiter was attentive as he could be for a full house, on a Saturday evening. Although, when asked for recommendations on wines, he couldn't come through and didn't seem too familiar with the menu. Overall: If you go here, you're almost undoubtedly going for the view, not the food. The portions are on the heavier side, for a restaurant of their level. My stomach left happy and full but I can't say the same for my taste buds.
(3)
Katie M.
I came here on a first date with my boyfriend and had a pleasant evening. Everything went smoothly for the most part. We had reservations and upon our arrival, we were told we would have to wait. It wasn't a big deal so we ended up heading to the bar for a cocktail while we waited. Our reservation was at 8 PM and we didn't get seated until around 20 minutes after that. Service was very timely and on point. No complaints there. The food was decent, but nothing spectacular that would distinguish this place from your run of the mill seafood chain. The atmosphere and prices are probably the major point that sets this place apart. The location is also great, right by the water perfect for a stroll after dinner. I probably would return here, but it wouldn't be my top choice as far as seafood restaurants.
(3)
Marissa J.
Definitely overpriced food. The shrimp cocktail presentation was great, but it didn't taste very fresh. Gazpacho and clam chowder were good, but the crab chowder was just ok. Lemon drop was way too sweet. I sat outside on a warm fall evening, choosing this place because I wanted to sit by the water. They clearly rely on location rather than food to draw people in. It wasn't horrible, but I probably wouldn't go back unless the food prices were cut in half. You can't get happy hour on the deck, which seals the deal.
(3)
Matthew P.
We visited the Chart House on April 14, 2012. It is ideally located in heart of Old Town Alexandria overlooking the Potomac River. Its picturesque view is one of a kind in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The restaurant itself is inviting yet commercialized. Upon entering the establishment, there were several guests that were conflicted with the host staff regarding seating outside and certain preferential treatment of other guests before their own. Regardless, a reservation on a weekend is definitely necessary. Our party didn't have this problem, as we reserved ahead of time and chose a window view inside. The wait staff is charming, yet slightly over-accommodating. Our waiter was attentive and polite. An optional salad bar looked inviting, but we did not partake. Water and beverages were accurately gauged for consumption and refilled throughout the experience. Then came the meals. Personally, I decided on the Stuffed Flounder. It was delectable, fresh, varied and not composed of any filler. It was flavorful and refreshing. The accompanying Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes were top notch and tasty. The side of vegetables was a perfect complement. My only reservation of the Chart House includes its close proximity among tables resulting in a less personal dining experience. Conversations of others were clearly audible, though all guests were respectful. I would firmly recommend the Chart House for the true Old Town experience. Plan accordingly for a warm spring or summer day, and it will be enjoyable!
(4)
Keon D.
I have been here twice and would say that I thoroughly enjoyed my meal both times. The food is not cheap, but it's not what I would consider really expensive (20-25 gets you most dishes). I like the ambiance and the location. Nice and classy feel. Try to get a window seat if possible as you'll be able to see the water (quite romantic if you're on a date). Pros: decent service, tasty food. I would try the blue crab dip appetizer, its absolutely delicious. It's in a good price range where the things are tasty and well presented... but not at that point where you get a plate that is all dressed up and fancy looking but barely has any food on it... Cons: Not much, parking is a pain in the area... The menu is mainly seafood, so if you can't eat it... you're kind of out of luck. I think there is only one or two non seafood things.
(4)
Jennifer A.
Went here on a date on a Thursday evening at 8:15 pm. We made reservations beforehand because we didn't know what the wait would be like if we hadn't. We were seated immediately. The hostess and waiter were great. The food was good, but not amazing. My meal was a bit oily for my liking. I still enjoyed myself nonetheless. I'd recommend Chart House to someone for a special occasion because the location is nice and we received wonderful service.
(3)
Meghan T.
Crazy busy on a Saturday night in the summer, but the food was damn good and our waitress was lovely. There's a bar area where you can wait for your table. It got pretty hectic at the bar but, again, what can you expect for a Saturday night? Of all the food my table ordered, I recommend the macadami crusted mahi, the dynamite fish (I forget what specific catch), and the key lime pie.
(3)
James A.
Good, fantastic views with good service. Went there on a recommendation for seafood. The place itself is classy and on the water. Plus! Food was good but I've had much better much cheaper. I got the scallops my wife the shrimp al fredo. There were 8 in our party and everyone liked their meals, but no one was raving about it. We tried a bunch of their appetizers all were fair to good. Based on the inputs from the table recommend the yellow fin tuna, Caesar salad and the chowder. Don't recommend the calamari. Service was good and quick and our waiter was on it. Aside from the food just being okay, prices were high. Biggest complaint that someone else mentioned was the beer selection. A full spread of wines, but when I asked about beer the waiter scoffed and told me I had a choice between yingling, "some wheat beer that comes with a lemon," and miller lite. At this point your beer selection should mirror your wine selection. Overall, if we go back it will be for the atmosphere and not the food.
(3)
Tracy P.
5 star starts with the crab cake. 5 star endings with the chocolate lava cake. Mediocre and over-priced fish (both tllapia and swordfish) that surprisingly was bland given the crab meat and other sauces thrown on it. Two glasses of wine, one appetizer and 2 entrees was $130 including the tip- wow. It actually would have been more but they comped the desert. The service was odd - that's all I can say. It went from unfriendly, borderline rude, to overly attentive, solely on the basis that they discovered we were VIPs. All of sudden, the waiter, maitre de, and the chef visit our table to ensure that everything is all right. Go here for the view, not the food. I won't be back -- there are far too many other great tastings restaurants in the area.
(2)
Mara G.
This is a nice out-of-the-way spot for Happy Hour with friends if you are in the area. However, the happy hour prices should be extended! 6:30 pm on a Friday afternoon doesn't leave much wiggle room after work, what with the traffic and parking - one of our party just missed the deals by a few minutes. The drinks were excellent; I had the Granny Smith Appletini and the Firecracker Martini. Excellent appetizers, too. I will return.
(3)
Michael F.
Dinner here was great. I had the yellowfin ahi which was prepared rare. Excellent! The overall environment was nice and if the weather is nice the patio will be open. Recommend going!
(4)
Jim W.
Have been here dozens of time, to celebrate special occasions or just to have dinner with family or friends! Food is normally very good, the menu can be overwhelming, but with great choices. Service can sometimes be hit or miss, but I've been here so often I know to "go with the flow". Eat outside if you get the chance. The view is nice...but just being on the water is priceless. Crab cakes are very good. She-crab soup or chowder is exceptional. My wife gets this crab and avocado stack appetizer, often as a meal. She loves it. Order just about anything, eat outside, and enjoy!
(4)
Watrbb W.
I'll start by saying this is always one of my favorite restaurants! But, I'll follow that with it was TERRIBLE (service wise) when we went for lunch during restaurant week. You would think all restaurants would be on their best behavior at that time since people who may not normally dine out, do so for restaurant week. Our server was horrible; never checked back with us to see how things were. When he did, my friend pointed out that her meal was lacking a sauce that was called for in the menu. He immediately said yes it is, let me get it. Now, if he would have been attentive and good, we would have seen that previously, without having to be told. Or, perhaps he did see it but was too lazy to go and make it right! After that, he basically disappeared as we waited, and waited, and WAITED for the dessert that was ordered. When my friend loudly made it know that we had been waiting a long time, all the waiter said was sorry about that - and disappeared again. The general manager was walking around, and we pointed this out to her. She never bothered to offer some sort of restitution, just said that's not right and I'll go talk to the chef - and then she was gone! I of course will go again as I very much like their food and the ambiance, but come on - RESTAURANT WEEK or any day for that matter, and this is how you treat your customers? I know you are basically giving food away at this time, but if you do it right, you get repeat business. Please Chart House, do not fall down on your good reputation!
(4)
Jon K.
I really like this restaurant. They seem to care about their guests and do everything right. The management and wait staff are all around great. The food is really good too. Not the best Seafood on the East Coast but perfect for a Friday night dinner or Sunday Brunch. My friends and I always enjoy coming here. Reservations are painless, and they will sit you where you want if they aren't too busy. They have outdoor seating in the summer time right next to the Potomac River which is a nice treat. The food is great, and they do a real good job on it. Some of my favorite dishes are Chesapeake Eggs Benedict for Brunch. Two of my favorite for dinner are the Crab Cake Platter and the Pecan Crusted Mahi Mahi. Their crab dip is always good too. Also, they make a mean mojito and bloody Mary as well.
(5)
Katherine R.
Very nice place. I went here one weekend after visiting old town Alexandria, and it was a very nice experience. The food was really good i had the rib eye. What really won me over was the view! It was so beautiful! and the lava cake with the ice cream was just so amazing! i would definitely recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Nick W.
Tourist trap with terrible service.
(1)
Victoria S.
Great location but the praise ends there...the Chart House in Old Town is not worth the trip. It is a over-crowded, upscale Red Lobster with a great view. It was average at best and a few people in our party ended up with a sick feeling at the end of the night. The service was lacking and the meal was less than great. I ordered the Ahi Tuna blackened rare and it came out almost well done and I didn't bother to send it back because the waiter already looked annoyed to be serving us. Plus, I don't like to send back food because let's just say I have worked in enough restaurants to know better. The one in Annapolis is better and nicer. Go there!
(2)
Sasha B.
The location is superb - during the summers you get to enjoy some cocktails on the deck while staring out at the Potomac. We came here for a work lunch. I was looking forward to it because they specialized in seafood. Pros: Service Portions Quality of food Furniture comfort (chairs were pretty comfortable) Cons: Not enough lunch options! This is what kept me from giving this place more stars. There are only a few seafood options on the lunch menu and the few seafood options that are available are super expensive and inappropriate to order during a business lunch. I had the club sandwich - really tasty. I think they fry the bread in garlic butter before constructing this goodness. The side of fries was also flavorful and a gigantic size. Others had an entree salad (it was huge and the person was highly satisfied). Someone ordered the clam chowder and it came in this cute little iron bowl/pot. I know they just redecorated by why redecorate it in an old fashion way? Instead of installing that new carpet they should have put in a dark hardwood - would have been so much classier and give the place so much more style! Eh - oh well. Again - everything was good but the atmosphere is a little stuffy and the lunch menu is lacking seafood options.
(3)
Brianne C.
Darling, you need to include more edible things on your brunch bar.
(2)
John K.
We purposely arrived early to snag an outside deck seat for lunch, and within 30 minutes all 30 tables had filled up. Our first good sign. We started with the stuffed mushrooms-- always a test for a restaurant, as so few of them know that they shouldn't be sent out mushy and watery. The Chart House mushrooms were delicious, beautifully seasoned and just the right size. We had the chicken parmigiana and the nut-crusted tilapia. I'm always used to dry chewy chicken, but both were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The crispiness of the fish along with the crunchy nut coating and the extraordinary tenderness of the fish made this a fantastic meal. We then decided to spend an extra hour lounging on the deck to chat and finish our drinks, and we never got rushed nor were we given dirty looks by the staff. Since I always try to offer a well-rounded opinion, while I understand their specialty cake takes 30 minutes to prepare, to be told that when we first sat down and hadn't even looked at the menu-- odd, and a bit obtrusive. Otherwise it was a perfect dining experience!
(4)
Julia M.
We actually just went back for dinner this Sunday, it was great (admittedly overpriced in my opinion) but we had a great time. Good food, and our server, Luke, was excellent, great personality, attentiveness, and professional and fun. we will deifnitely be back, but I think the buffet is a MUCH better deal!
(5)
Maxwell S.
The classic American Chart House on the Potomac is an Arlington landmark. The place is a great time and has a nice beer and wine menu. I haven't actually had dinner at this Chart House but the bar menu had some great options, like oysters for instance. We joked with our waiter in broken English about the deleterious effects... good times.
(4)
Chris H.
A small group of us headed out to the Chart House off of a recommendation from the our hotel. A seafood restaurant, on the water, has to be good right? The Chart House is your stereotypical seafood restaurant; wood paneling everywhere, large windows looking over the water, business carpet and that musty on-the-water smell. The restaurant was fairly busy and we did not have a reservation. The hostess told us that a table would be an hour wait but they have seating outside or upstairs. What? Service was consistent, gracious but not over the top. The food is where the night suffered. We started off with crab cakes and calamari. The crab cakes had great flavor, not over powered by seasonings. The calamari was tender but lacked flavor. None of that matters because they both came out cold! For my entree I ordered the crab stuff shrimp with garlic rice and a side of mashed potatoes. The shrimp were okay, cooked perfectly though. The rice was also okay, and the potatoes were stiff and had a skin on top as if it's been sitting too long. I'm guessing the dish would have been more palatable if everything wasn't lukewarm! I was expecting much more from the Chart House. It's in a great area in Alexandria and right on the water, but I wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Paul R.
Really enjoyed the food at the Chart House. They have a great atmosphere and the servers and staff were all very pleasant. Food was prepared in a timely fashion and their drink selection was excellent. I would definitely recommend this to other people looking for a nice dining experience (though a bit expensive).
(4)
Scot W.
I have been to Chart House a few times and have always enjoyed myself. I would really put this in the 3.5 area of Yelp allowed halves. Many of the reviews here have negative things to say about the service; I have never found this to be the case. The few times I've been, our server has been friendly, the staff generally have kept water glasses filled and stopped by to see if we wanted ground pepper and the like. The food is good, but not spectacular; you are paying for the view and the location and, in my opinion, the service. The salad bar is solid and provides a way to get good, fresh fruit for dessert without having to spend any extra. Their side dishes are, to me, always lackluster, especially the coconut rice. But last time I visited, I had the Rockfish Hemingway and it was pretty delicious. My girlfriend had Chicken Romano (she loves chart house but doesn't care for seafood?) and said it was the best chicken ever. She does eat a lot of chicken. I must mention the mango mojitos; they were delicious and not as expensive as I expected them to be, though certainly not cheap. (9 bucks)
(3)
Jennifer A.
Great view. Nice selection of fresh seafood. My server was attentive but not intrusive. I had the salad bar--it's huge and full of fresh selections. I'm not sure it's worth $16 in its own, but you can add it to your entree for $6, which is a good deal. The crab cake and coconut shrimp were delish!
(5)
Adrienne A.
The Chart House for Sunday Brunch. It's a good thing. Included in the $25.99 price is their generously appointed salad bar including the complete salmon and bagel set-up, lovely salads, fruits, pastas and breads and more. (You can have salad bar only for $14.99). The full brunch though at the higher price also includes a choice of about 12 substantial entrees including prime rib and a fabulous eggs benedict with crab meat. And bonus: mimosa, champagne and bloody mary's refilled up request, so it's a great value as well. The sevice is charming and the view is really, really lovely. Parking is not too bad, right across the street in a garage for a fee, but you can find street parking relatively easily and it's free on the weekends. I would say this brunch has a lot going for it - - good food, nice selection, great service, lovely views of the river and a darn good value.
(4)
Dan W.
Went last night with the family. Wasted a ton of money. My drink was never refilled the entire time (until I asked). Never served bread( Until I asked). Salad bar was missing items every time I went up there. No bacon bits. No croutons. At one point, no Caesar salad, caviar low. Food took extra long time to receive. My meal looked and tasted like it was under the hot lamp for long, long time. Very dissapointed
(2)
Venkatesh B.
My wife and I ate here yesterday and had a great experience... making a reservation was painless, the atmosphere was pleasant with nice views of the river and boats, the wait staff was personable and attentive. the lighting where we were seated was a bit too dim for my wife's taste as she felt like she couldn't see her food very easily. We shared the asparagus appetizer which was a great start to the evening. I had the macadamia nut-crusted mahi with coconut ginger rice, which was perfectly cooked and supremely tasty. My wife got the prime rib and white lobster tail which she loved. Finally, we shared the lava cake which is a marvelous conclusion to the meal. This was our second time at chart house this year and it has been everything we asked of it both times.
(5)
South Riding M.
We ate there last night..8/17. I had the tuna for $33/plate. The mash potatoes were extremely dried out and the tuna was ok. No veggie came with it! My husband had the mixed grill he said was good but he only received 2 pieces asparagus. The crab dip was to die for though. I likely wouldn't eat there again just because for $33 I want a large portion of vegetable for the nutrition and my health rather than no veggie at all.
(2)
Martha W.
I hope my date doesn't see this review. The view was great - so I can see why he chose it - but, otherwise, it was like eating mediocre hotel food. Had the Sunday brunch special that was anything but: poached eggs with crab meat (meh) and a handful of strange hash browns with mushy melon bits. They even served a small ramekin of ketchup on the plate - tacky. The buffet was really disappointing, too: again, just hotel fare (melon, salad, tiny muffins, etc.) and not very much of it - at $30 a piece. So, to sum up: the view was great, but the food was a big thumbs down.
(2)
Q.Q. A.
I've gone to Chart House twice this summer for happy hour. Although the food and drinks were excellent, I'm only giving them 2 stars because their happy hour specials are limited to the bar area, which gets so crowded that the wait time for a table or a seat near the bar becomes utterly ridiculous. During my last visit, which was about 2 weeks ago, there were plenty of empty tables on the patio which is right outside the bar area, so my friend and I asked if we could sit on the patio for happy hour. We were told we couldn't get happy hour prices on the patio. I couldn't believe that they would risk losing business rather than let patrons sit a few feet outside of the bar area! We were on the verge of leaving when we finally (after about 20 minutes) scored 2 seats at the bar. We were rewarded for our patience by a very friendly and skilled bartender, whose excellent customer service made me forget about the inconvenience of having to wait so long, and about the restaurant's bizarre policy of not allowing customers to get the happy hour specials on the patio. I'll likely go back for lunch or dinner; I'm not so sure about returning for happy hour though.
(2)
Jay S.
I once read that the quality of a restaurant's food is inversely proportional to the quality of its view. At Chart House, the view is unparalleled in Alexandria, but the food struck me as mediocre. We started the meal with a crab dip appetizer that was basically cheese with a few morsels of crab sprinkled in. A pretty bland (but gigantic) Ceasar salad followed. Then I had the spiced Ahi. It was decent, but hard to really taste much spice. It sat on a smear of mashed potatoes. They clearly focus on fish and it was good, but not particularly astounding. I will say, though, that the lava cake was very good. Of course, it's hard to go wrong with brownie, ice cream, and hot fudge. Overall, dinner for two came to $120. Not terrible, but for the level of food we got, I found it pricey. Service was very good and of course it's a great place to get a sense of Potomac (without the smell). Overall, though, I think I don't think I'll look to return any time soon with a number of other excellent restaurants in Old Town.
(2)
Shawn K.
We took my in-laws here for there anniversary and we all were AMAZED with our food! Service was good but the food was delicious! We all enjoyed our dinner. Shrimp, steaks and the drinks were outstanding! Can't wait to go again!
(5)
Carina M.
Love the view! Heads up thought - if the weather is nice, expect a long wait for lunch because it gets busy but it's to be expected from a gorgeous waterfront dining venue. Food is good, nothing extraordinary but definitely above par.
(4)
Michael M.
Went for lunch and everything was great! The view overlooking the river was nice. Prices were high but you're paying for the view and service. Our waitress was attentive and had nice suggestions. Try the lava cake dessert!
(5)
Kalie B.
BRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH!!!!! CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH!!! That's what the Charthouse is good for. Good (NOT great) breakfast/brunch food. Interesting recipes that could be great, but the potatoes kind of suck and sometimes the portions of whatever the expensive ingredient in the entree is are small. BUT, the redeeming thing about the Charthouse is the CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH. The only place in Old Town (that I have found) that has a Sunday, 11-3pm brunch that is $25 a plate w/ 50c mimosas. The mimosas used to be free w/ brunch and then the Charthouse would have gotten a solid 4 stars form me, but its still worth it if you want: an absolutely fun, sordid Sunday brunch full of bloody steak, eggs, potatoes, a caviar salad bar a sloppy lot of mimosas with a view that would be gorgeous if you weren't so drunk that you could focus on it.
(3)
Ashley A.
This review is strictly on the LAVA CAKE dessert! It's like a little piece of heaven right on your dessert plate. I had to dreadfully share my lava cake with a friend of mine, although I would've been perfectly capable and wiling to finish that glorious cake on my own. It takes about half an hour to prepare, so make sure you tell your server in advance that you plan on ordering it, if you don't want to wait that long, but if you do have to wait, just know that it is WELL WORTH THE WAIT! Words can't really describe how awesome the lava cake is. It is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and every time you take your spoon/form and break into the cake warm Godiva chocolate gushes out. It is also drizzled with I believe, butterscotch bits, which is a great compliment to the chocolate and vanilla flavors. The restaurant's view is nice and I think all the other food there is pretty good too, but all is forgotten after eating the dessert. My Marylander friends and I drive all the way to Alexandria for this thing. Don't believe the hype? Try it out yourself!
(5)
Mickey C.
Had the calimari. OK with good sauces, but counted 8 squid heads! They must have thought I liked them....yuk. Had the NY Strip and $5.99 ala carte baked potato. Both were excellent, but for almost $40, it should have been! Wife had stuffed flounder which was cooked OK, but someone poured on the salt! Almost unpalatable! Music was young pop, loud bass was all you heard! Worst music EVER. $8.50 wine with an estimated 5 oz pour. Loud restaurant due to poor acoustics! Great views of docks and river! Might try again, unless the music runs us off.
(3)
My Pet Yeti R.
If the weather is nice... outside seating is were you want to be. Right on the Potomac with a view of the Wilson bridge and the marina at the old town waterfront. I've done both lunch and dinner at the chart house. I tend to lean towards their lunch because to get a bowl of "chowdah" or a crab cake sandwich and their salad bar! Last time I got dinner it was tuna and they overcooked it and dried it up... but all the other times have been great!
(4)
Melissa M.
With so many excellent restaurants in Alexandria and the Washington DC area, why bother? The best part of our meal was the Lava cake, but I'd never go here just for dessert. Yes, the views are beautiful, but there are better places to go...and I'm sure the views are the only reason this place survives. My friends and I ordered several appetizers.... the coconut shrimp was weird and overcooked. How could you mess up prime rib sliders? Well, they did. I have NEVER in all my years, lifted a bun and thought...is this a joke? Nestled between 2 thick, dry pieces of bun like bread was a piece of meat smaller than a a quarter piece of bacon (same thickness too.) I'm not kidding! Drinks were just above nightclub standards (not a compliment) and the bar staff was more concerned with their own personal drama than paying any attention to us. We had to ask for menus 3 times, and were never given a refill on our waters. If you sit at the bar, you'll have to beg for service. No wonder the bar top was empty here!
(2)
Chryssa R.
Great food, decent service if you can catch a waiter! I arrived on a Sunday evening and was encouraged to dine in the lounge area since I didn't have a reservation. I had to wrestle a table from some other customers (after waiting 30 minutes) and sat for another 15 before flagging down a waiter. The beer was ice cold and served in a frozen glass, the CH Chopped Salad was fresh and flavorful with just a hint of dressing (perfect!), although I would order it without the overpowering red onions next time. I also had the crab-stuffed shrimp, which was delicious. I was hoping the orzo that came with it would be light and somewhat healthy, but it was a creamy and cheesy as any homemade mac and cheese. Also, the portions were giant and I would have been happy with 50% less on both the salad and entree.
(3)
Allison T.
Not sure where all these 2 and 3 star reviews are coming from! My husband and I go here about once a month and are part of the Landry's Select Club and earn points every time we eat here. We always have exceptional service and the food is always outstanding. They can usually accommodate our preference for a window seat too! If you're in the Alexandria area definitely check this place out! It could easily become a favorite as it did for us.
(5)
Nelson A.
My wife and I were in the District on government business. I chose to treat her to the Chart House for dinner. As always, the experience was Phenomenal!
(5)
Lauren T.
The waiter was definitely trying to upsell us on stuff, but he was just doing his job. I had the filet mignon and lobster tail special. Give me a break, I was on vacation. It was delicious. The molten chocolate cake or lava cake or whatever it's called is awesome. The view is worth the price.
(4)
Gaftie M.
Very Pricy, but from what I have ordered in the past. The food is great.
(4)
Amy G.
Not worth the price. The view is great but.... The food is just okay and service disappointing. We had a great view of the water but the server was not very thorough and it was very noisy. Not a desirable atmosphere. The food is just not worth the high price. If you want a nice view go here. If you want a nice dinner go somewhere else. I will not be back.
(1)
Leah K.
My husband and I have made this restaurant our go-to for celebrating our anniversary for multiple reasons. The location is in the heart of the gorgeous Old Town Alexandria directly on the Potomac River so the views are beautiful. You can see the National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and all the famous DC landmarks, depending the side of the restaurant you're sitting at. You have the choice to dine in (the place is all glass so you can appreciate the views) or you can dine outside on their dock/patio area. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant is very trendy and modern but also very romantic and relaxed. The bathrooms are always clean and are also very modern. The staff are very polite, especially the servers. They're definitely there to make you happy. The food is fantastic, especially my personal favorite, the filet mignon, it melts in your mouth and is tender, absolutely amazing. The cocktails are a bit pricey but well worth it, especially their Mojitos, definitely try one when you're there. I highly recommend this place, especially at sunset because the place lights up in a romantic way and is very nice for a romantic night out with your loved one!
(5)
Peter K.
The restaurant was very elegant and beautiful. Its located by the shoreline and the scenic view was beautiful. Ordered our dinner and wine. Service was wonderful and the food was delicious. Recommend everyone to come here if they are celebrating an event together or enjoying a formal date night.
(5)
Drew S.
Mistake mistake mistake. The food was decent but service was horrible. Really does seem to be a place that preys on tourists because of its location. It's been awhile since I've gotten lousy service so I figured I was on a roll and would roll the dice at the Chart House. I got off work early and was able to meet my wife there and take advantage of lunch prices. She ordered Coconut Shrimp and I got the fried fish and shrimp lunch special. Both meals were decent, the sauce you're supposed to dip the coconut shrimp was fruity and weird. But our server couldn't be more detached from our table if she was at home. Long story short, she pretty much forgot our table, and we had to rush through our meal, asking for the check once she brought out our food because I had about 5 minutes left on the parking meter before the price of lunch would double for me. Again, the food was done well, just wish the service was able to match it.
(3)
Sophie S.
great view,, and awsome seafood it wasnt those super swanky place. the fireplace room is cozy and warm. reservation ahead of the time is recommended
(3)
Gloria M.
We made a reservation for 9pm the only time available but arrived early! the hostess was extremely kind and gracious and did not make us wait for a long time. She even gave us a window seating :) The Food was good, service was pleasant and we had a great evening!
(5)
Eva G.
Chart House - in theory - could be great. It is right on the water down in Old Town Alexandria. I have been there a few times just having a cocktail on their deck and the drinks are good (though not the strongest) and the setting not so bad. Last night I went there for dinner for the first time. It was OK. The ambience inside is OK. Very crowded, loud, busy. They do have a approx. $30 an entree price tag which I think is a bit over the top. They really are just average. There is nothing special about this place. The waitstaff friendly but generic with their pre-prepared sentences using the exact same overly formal words every time with every customer. We split an appetizer that was a crab/mango/avocado tower that was pretty tasty. My friend had a crabcake entree and I had a Mahi Mahi. The safron risotto that came with it was pretty good and the fish was OK. A bit dry and not a lot of flavors. Our cocktails - I had the Mango mojito - were tasty. We skipped dessert because with all the cocktails there just was not room of it ... (-: So yes, I would not argue with people if they wanted to come back here - especially if somebody else is paying - bit it is definitely not one of the places I on my own would go back to.
(3)
Malinda H.
You have been forewarned, please do not waste your time or money by eating at a high priced, poor service, and low quality of food restaurant. Chart House was my favorite seafood restaurant. I've had many special occasions and memories over the past 10 years; however, something has changed. My last two visits left me disappointed and sad. There has either been a change in management or cooking staff. By the time we received our food, corrected the order, asked to speak with a manager, ate a soggy salad and semi-cold meal, and waited for our bill, we had been there for three hours. The best part (w/sarcasm), it was my birth celebration!! The server clearly was inexperienced by joking around (which we didn't find appropriate) so it was a long night. The prices are extremely high for the overall experience. You'll have a better experience and quality meal at the WHARF!!!
(1)
Michael M.
I don't say this often but I'd encourage you to stay away from this place. Ate here with a small group on a nice summer evening. Pros: we were seated quickly, really nice waiter who provided very good service, we received our food quickly, and the bread was fresh and good. Cons: The food and the price. Every entree on the menu is about $30 or higher. Appetizers are about $13 (the price of calamari I believe). The salad bar (probably a bad sign that they've got a salad bar) is $15 or $7 with an entree (not a terrible deal with entree but not a Fogo de Chao quality salad bar or anything). The reviews of the food in my group varied from 'ok' to 'one of the worst meals I've eaten in DC - I'm still feeling the ill effects'. This place serves primarily seafood but I wouldn't let the nice view of the water dupe you into thinking the seafood is fresh. Everything tastes frozen. I tasted a crabcake, a shrimp, and a piece of salmon. The salmon was ok but bland. The crabcake tasted a little off and wasn't packing any really delicate or nice flavor. The shrimp tasted like a cracker - it was clearly frozen and wasn't saved by a decent lemon butter sauce. These three items were served on a plate with 'coconut rice' and broccoli. It was a platter that I assume would look very much in place at a senior citizens meal. Not terrible (in my view) but really boring with subpar ingredients and uninteresting preparations.
(1)
Stephanie H.
I had friends visiting from London and since they always whisk us away to wonderful dinners when we visit London, I was very excited to host a dinner at the Chart House- a restaurant, i hoped would live up to its grandiose self-image. Instead, it was an embarrassment. It began to go wrong when we were served wine while waiting to be seated. One of our English friends sampled the cabernet sauvignon, at first she nodded, but a second later, she literally gagged and violently shook her head while gasping: No! (it had a terrible after kick), however, the server was already pouring the wine into our glasses although we were fussing with our friend: Such a hasty and oblivious server! She left the table while we stared at each other unsure how to proceed, finally, I assertively told the server we needed a different bottle and that she had continued to pour although our friend was literally gagging. She was not pleased, but at the nod of her boss, she brought us a different, much better wine. We were moved into the main dining room, it was a cavern... and very loud. The decor at this point is boring, the views obscured, and a complete void of charm. Our server came by and while very animated, she was so friendly that it smacked of artificiality and was clearly brown-nosing for a tip. She could not hear our orders over the constant clatter and chatter in the dining room- which also silenced conversation for the four of us. Literally, she got my order wrong and brought out an appetizer size of my entree. The whole meal was uncoordinated, and no one seemed to think their food was remarkable. So, my poor friends, displaying standard english manners, feigned delight at the meal, and I could only feel embarrassment at an experience that I expect from places like Mc Donalds. I was going to plan a wedding event at the Chart House, but 'll never step foot inside again (although, i may be persuaded into just drinks on their deck).
(1)
S L.
Great view, great decor, great service, and amazing food. I went for Alexandria restaurant week, and ordered tilapia from the rw menu. It was paired with crab meat and rice. It was perfect.
(5)
Fred E.
We've been to the Chart House in New Jersey and was curious to compare their Alexandria spot. As expected, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The layout of the restaurant provides a nice view of the Potomac pretty much wherever you sit. Have to say the view is not as spectacular as the New York City skyline. The eating experience was on par with what you would expect- efficient, cordial, rapid service. But I would only rate the food itself as Good. For what you pay, I've had much better meals. So from a value perspective, there are better choices. But if ambiance and service is what you're looking for, the Chart House is a great selection.
(3)
Brian C.
Great dinner. Went here with a party of about 15. Cocktails were great, food was delicious, views of the water were amazing. Started off with their basic salad which was very good. Moved on to the shrimp stuffed with crab meat with filet mignon and mashed potatos. Amazing. Very good food. Finished off with cheesecake which was delicious. I am sure it was pricey but luckilly I wasn't paying. The servers were very attentive and the hostesses were ready for us when we arrived. Everything went very smoothly and everything tasted great. I would recomend this place to anyone willing to spend the money.
(4)
Ari W.
I went in today for their lunch buffet. Total waste of time! If you have the car, time, and money... Do yourself a huge favor... Go someplace like McCormicks, Sequoias, Legal seafood.... Even Red Lobster has one up on this pretendo place! I agree with Nicole L. This is just a tourist place. I wish I'd known better before going here with Co workers for lunch today. The buffet looked awesome because of all the amazing choices. Yet it was nothing but some of the most disgusting food I've ever tasted! The shrimp and calamari were like rubber. The scallops spewed water, and the bacon was gristly and way old...Being like rock hard! The clams were okay... But the salad was the only thing that seemed like it was fresh! For $30 bucks you can go to almost any seafood joint and eat a hearty meal. This place, when I finished the first plate, I knew anything more, would be either a virus or some kind of other food born bug! Ohh and the service was tragically pathetic! Half the time we couldn't even find our server. And the rest of the time she was either taking forever to get things like A1 or just not giving us any attention. Total rip off! The only thing even remotely worth mentioning was the stiff drinks!
(1)
Dan R.
Went here with Kristin J. a few days ago. The restaurant is very well laid out and has a great view. Service was not bad - though at times our waiter would kind of hover at the table as he wasn't confident enough to step into the conversation and ask to take something. It was a little awkward. The busboys were not on their game either. I'm usually picky about service but it wasn't enough to bother me, so you may find it perfectly acceptable. The blue crab cheese dip is a must-order. In fact, if you have more than 3 people, order two. It's that good. The crostini that come with it aren't bad but if you have to stick your fingers into the dip and suck it down, then you'll do it -- as I said, it's that good. Calamari and friends appetizer - would have been nice if they told us what the "friends" were, because they were good! fried and lightly tempura-ed green peppers, a couple jalapenos (could have been more), some shrimp I believe, and of course the calamari. Pretty tasty, but I would have appreciated some more garlic in the mix. Lobster spring roles - a must order. Crispy, sweet, has the right spring roll texture (but twice as long and sliced on the diagonal, so it's more like a long thin wrap). The mustard sauce was very good. My seared ahi tuna was fine - two fairly small sized wedges rubbed in cajun spices, seared, and then glazed with both some sort of sweet beef stock sauce and some wasabi cream sauce. The wasabi was actually not overpowering except for one bite at the end that cleared my sinuses; kudos on getting that right. I was glad for the smaller fish portion given the amount of other food we ate but on a different occasion I would have probably been displeased at the small size. The sear was pretty well done. That other sauce, however, turned out to be perfect to mix in with the garlic mashed potatoes: creamy, thick, flavorful. When you order the side, beware, it's more than enough for two, probably even three. I didn't enjoy the lava cake as much - I've had way better lava cakes. There was a distinct lack of the "molten" part in the middle. And if there's a "wait" time on the lava cake, then it better be up to par. It wasn't bad, just nothing you couldn't get elsewhere and not worth an extra wait. On the plus side, there's a funnel cake place next door. I'll definitely come back though, I was pleased with the overall quality of the restaurant and it seems like a solid choice for a regular go-to weekend joint.
(4)
Adrienne K.
They are SO close to getting 5 stars from me... I've been here twice now. If I was grading on their salad bar alone, they'd be getting 7 stars from me. Everything is fresh, their plates are chilled, and they have artichoke hearts, olives, baby corn, FRESH GRATED carrots (not bagged), FRESH GRATED cheddar cheese (also not bagged), capers, caviar, beets, I mean... if you want it on your salad, I'm pretty sure they have it. I always wind up with a true mountain of salad on my plate. I get weird looks. I don't care. Their salad dressings taste home made as well. I get the ranch dressing. I've ordered the same entree twice. The Snapper Hemingway. It's a parmesan crusted snapper with (I believe) a lemon butter sauce. There is also crab meat involved, but the details are slipping. There's a side of coconut rice, and even that is good, though I'm not much of a rice person. The first time we ate here, every single bite I took, I did the happy food dance. I ate slowly and was sad when I cleaned my plate. If it wasn't for the prices, I would have ordered another one for dessert. I got mixed drinks on the first night... they were alright, but I was sort of experimenting with different kinds of booze and I wasn't a fan of the base alcohol in my drink. That was my fault. The second time, I got red wine and it was fine. The reason they're NOT getting 5 stars, and I really want to give it to them, I do... is that the entree (the salad bar was actually better the second time I went) was not QUITE as good the second go round. Presentation was a little sloppy, the fish was maybe not as fresh, the chef went through a break up, I'm not sure... something was a little off. It didn't stop me from cleaning my plate and doing a few happy food dances, but after being so impressed the first time, I went in with very high expectations that weren't met the second time. OH and the chocolate lava cake is pretty tasty too... though I was almost too full to help eat it.
(4)
Laffy T.
The fish here is absolutely delish. Service is nice too. The chocolate cake is made from scratch and has to be ordered while entree is ordered so I thought it would be amazing, but I will definitely pass on that cake next time bc it did not fulfill expectations.
(4)
Tiffany L.
My husband and I celebrated my birthday dinner at the Chart House! Food was decent! After dinner, the waiter told us "the resturant does not celebrate birthdays, so there's no cake!" Seriously, he couldn't even pulled my husband aside and told him that there would be a charged for a piece of cake or any type of dessert? We weren't expecting a" free" piece of cake, we were willing to pay for dessert, and for him to make that comment was a disgrace!!!
(2)
Megan D.
The view was nice and I expected good things, but was really underwhelmed. The food was ok -- not great. The service was a little spotty, our waitress seemed to sort of "check out". I also didn't like that you had to ASK THEM for a restaurant week menu when they list themselves on Open Table as participating in restaurant week. They should give you the menu up front -- as it was, I decided not to order it because it wasn't all that great. I had a nice evening because I had good company, but wouldn't go back.
(2)
Caitlyn S.
Aside from the gorgeous location (perfect for tourists...GROAN), Chart House was lackluster. I came here with a friend who lives in the area because I craved seafood; however, I walked away still unsatisfied. The inside of this restaurant is huge, but the decor is kind of cheesy. It reminded me of an 80s movie in which Steve Guttenberg trips over his feet and sends servers crashing into one another while trying to woo Andie McDowell away from the suave yuppie who drives a Ferrari...ya know, for example. My friend and I split a dozen oysters which, as raw oysters go, you can't really mess up--although these varieties were much less flavorful than any I've had at Blacksalt and Old Ebbitt's. They also didn't seem very fresh, which is not the first thing you want to think when eating raw fish! For my entree, I had the stuffed flounder with a side of rice pilaf, which I thought HAD to be better than the oysters. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The fish was watery and flavorless, despite the mounds of crab. The rice pilaf was the best thing I had--which, with Chart House being a seafood restaurant, is a sad thing to say. Moreover, our server seemed less than enthused to be waiting on two twenty-something girls in a room filled with a much older, stuffier crowd. Perhaps it was a bad day for her, or perhaps she thought that we wouldn't leave a big tip, but we were not treated very well in what was supposed to be a classy restaurant. I might return to Chart House on a lazy Saturday afternoon to boat watch...but not for anything else. Look elsewhere!
(1)
Ngan T.
It seems like this place is always hopping. Even with a reservation, we had to wait but it was worth it. The view, like everyone says, is spectacular. I love my dessert and had their special black and white lava cake. It was to die for.
(4)
Tia M.
food was so so. i felt the menu was very limited as far as type of shrimpy and fish available. all the shrimp entrees were battered. nice atmosphere and great for large parties! the signature molten lava toffee cake was aaaammmaazzznggg!!! will go back just for that!
(3)
John C.
Sometimes a flagship has to stand out from the pack. Along Old Town, there is restaurant after restaurant that tries to appeal to diners that crave for that colonial feel and fine dining taste. However, the Chart House, situated on docks at the end of King Street, show diners that seafood can be just as good. With stunning views of the Potomac River, and some of the freshest seafood around, The Chart House offers an experience that not only offers some of the finest seafood cuisine of Old Town, but some of the charm of more southern, Floridian type restaurants. First thing to note is that this restaurant is indeed a chain. There's a good half dozen Chart Houses in Florida, and it is from these restaurants that the Chart House in Alexandria is inspired. Therefore, there is no deep Old Town History, no pictures of fox hunts on the walls, or more traditional Old Town fare. It offers the same menu as it does in its other restaurants. But that by no means takes away from its quality of environment or cuisine. Outstretched along the Potomac, the Chart House of Alexandria features a huge restaurant on two levels, each seat featuring excellent views. The decor is reminiscent of The Old Floridian, and of warmer climates, and quieter decadent sunsets to gaze on Florida's horizons (it may be the Potomac, but it doesn't hurt to use your imagination). Regardless, of the size, the Chart House is a very popular restaurant, so be sure to set a reservation or you could be waiting for as long as an hour. Another unique feature of all the Chart Houses is the salad bar. While some reviewer give the restuarant some hard knocks for this, I really can't complain because the salad bar has some excellent features (most of which you can't find at a Ruby Tuesday's, ahem), such as chilled plates and some of the freshest strawberries in the area. Well worth the trip, and the price. The Chart House is known for offering some of the freshest seafood in the area, and the restaurant really strives to maintain that reputation by offering not only fresh options, but a wide variety of dishes to please any seafood fan. For some great starts, I reccomend the Blue Crab Dip that pairs perfectly with a glass of chardonnay, and a treat that can be shared with the entire table. As for entrees, the Chart House offers a variety of fresh fish that are cooked to order and pairs well with provided sides. I also recommend the crab cakes, which feature huge pieces of lump crab meat and seasoned to perfection. Recently, I tasted the coconut shrimp for an entree as well, which featured nearly 20 butterflied shrimp prepared decadently. Dessert is also a treat. I strongly recommend the Godiva Chocolate Cake, a dessert that rivals some of the finest restaurants (it beats my pick of the chocolate souffle from the Four Season's The Fountain). Featuring Godiva chocolate liqueur, a molten chocolate center, and Dreyers Ice Cream, the cake is crisp with a slight crunch and perfect for the end of the meal. Even better if you share with a friend. Its a dessert that is worthy of any sweet tooth. Finally, the service was excellent. Glasses were always full and the waitress was attentive to every request. She knew the best dishes, what was really in season, and good wine pairings. Everyone also said goodbye when I left, which is something that gets missed at even the best restaurants. As a feature restaurant that stands alone on Alexandria's waterfront, the Chart House is a restaurant that needs to deliver in both environment and cuisine, and has most certainly done so. In the midst of other great restaurants in the area, seafood is certainly not a missed concept in Old Town Alexandria, and the Chart House meets that challenge with a barrage of options. My only criticism is that the restaurant is so big that the experience is not nearly as personal, and the cuisine is not enough to offer the feel that your food has truly been touched by culinary genius. The chart house is simply a great seafood restaurant that offers the best view that Alexandria diners can find. Four Chocolate Cakes for trip to Florida's culinary charm. First thing to note
(4)
Kate P.
Dinner here was good! The views of the water are nice, and the dining room is nice and open, but not loud despite being crowded. The entrees are $25-$35 each but actually come with sides unlike many fancy places where you order the meat separately and sides are extra (though you can get shareable sides here too). The service was just right, i.e. I didn't notice it being particularly bad or particularly effusive. I would go back if someone were in the mood for waterfront, upscale dining and seafood.
(4)
Kara D.
I have been here many times over the past six years and they impress me with their staff, food and wine every single time! Get the stack. It's a party for your palette with its crab, avocado & mango tower of foodie euphoria. Anyway, this place is a must, especially if you enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The water views don't make life any harder either...
(5)
Cathy H.
Over priced for value. Food is on par with chain restaurants.
(3)
Michelle I.
My husband took me here for dinner last night. The best thing I have to say about this place is that it is in a great location - right on the Alexandria waterfront. Unfortunately were seated at a huge booth away from the windows so I had to enjoy the view from afar. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. However, the food and drinks were pretty much a disaster. The beer selection is nubs. Best thing they had was stella and they were out of it. I got a pomegranate martini, which tasted like nyquil to me. The wine we got with our entree was decent. For our first course, we ordered raw oysters and soup to share. The oysters were good, but the soup...well i can't really tell you how the soup tasted because there was a CURLY HAIR IN MY SOUP. It was disgusting!! I alerted our waiter immediately and he promptly took it away. The manager came over to apologize and offered us a free dessert. At that point I was a little skeptical about eating the rest of our meal. We were both starving so we continued on with our main course. My husband got the stuffed flounder and I got the crab cakes. The crab cakes was probably the only thing good about our meal. It was meaty and moist. The veggies that came with it though were bland and overcooked. The flounder was nothing special. For our free dessert, we got the chocolate lava cake. It was able to satisfy my sweet tooth. It reminded me of the flourless chocolate waffle from the Great American restaurants, but not as good. Needless to say, we will definitely not be coming back to Chart House. The staff is nice, but the food is just mediocre, potentially unsanitary, and ultimately not worth the price tag.
(1)
Natasha S.
Great food. Got engaged here. It didn't work out. Probably would go back for the crab cakes.
(5)
Alyssa D.
Beautiful view! The brunch was good, I've had better. My complaints: I checked opentable before we left and saw that there were plenty of openings, so I didn't bother making a reservation. When we got there, the snobby hostess said "Did you call ahead for a reservation?" I said no. She told us there was a 35 minute wait, but we could sit at the bar. We went to the bar and the bartender smelled like he hadn't showered/brushed his teeth in 3 weeks. So I checked open table again, and what do you know there was a 12:45 reservation open (it was 12:35). So I made that, walked to the hostess and said "yeah, I just made a reservation." We got seated immediately. The hostess was very embarrassed. Ha. :) (In case you haven't noticed I have a thing about restaurant/store employees treating me like I'm underneath them). The view made up for everything, though, which gave this place a 3rd star!
(3)
Andrea S.
The food was great but overpriced. You are paying for the views. Don't get me wrong, you won't be disappointed, but they charge TOO much!
(3)
Alissa D.
If you haven't been to this seafood restaurant at the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, might I suggest you take a trip ASAP. It was, from beginning to end, one of the best seafood meals I can recall having. We started with an appetizer that was mushrooms stuffed with lump crabmeat. You could tell the mushrooms were fresh, because they were flavorful, moist and full. The crab meat was seasoned perfectly, still allowing for the full flavor of the meat to shine through. I had a difficult time in deciding which entree to order, because many were tempting. I eventually set my sights on the "Macadamia-crusted Mahi." Sounds delectable, oui? Well, it was ridiculously superb, with the fish being baked perfectly, not too dry, yet with the meat shedding in perfect slices. The garnishing was fantastic: macadamia nuts galore, with a peanut sauce (YUM), garnished with green, red and yellow peppers to add that perfect little pop on the palate. The side was steamed broccoli, which they also managed to do perfectly-firm, not too crisp, not overdone, seasoned very lightly with butter. When it was time for dessert we decided to try the "Apple and Dried Cherry Crisp," which is basically an oral orgasm in a dish topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Enough said. The ambiance of this restaurant is something that must be mentioned as well--they have an outdoor dining area, where we sat since it was 75 degrees even at 8:30pm, which has a gorgeous view of the waterfront harbor. You can also view planes traveling back and forth from National aiport! Their indoor decorating style is very zen modern, with beautiful decorative vases and comfy lounge chairs. I give this place an A+. I will be going back, hopefully in the very near future!
(5)
Aroosa A.
The view was really nice here, but besides that I don't think I have anything else nice to say. I came here during lunch time, it wasn't busy so you'd assume that the food would come out fast and it would be fresh...no. We ordered the Caesar salad and the lettuce was completely wilted, there was no crunch to the lettuce it was completely wilted and soggy. I could have made a better salad at home with lettuce from El Grande for half the price. Now for our entrees. Our food came out 35 minutes after we ordered. I got the coconut shrimp and the beer battered fish and chips. The coconut shrimps the veins were still somewhat in them, and overall I could have gotten better coconut shrimp from the retirement home I work at and those come in frozen packages, and ,y beer battered fish and chips was just horrible. The fish had no flavor what so ever, I guess they forgot the salt...my friend got the chicken ramano or something with mashed yukon potatoes.the mashed potatoes were on point, so good, delicious. The chicken itself was good, but something I could make at home. I was highly disappointed. If you need good seafood go to Coastal Flats or even Bonefish Grill. This was crap. Oh but the bathroom towels were pretty cool.
(1)
Jacob B.
Get brunch on Sundays hopefully you will get Samantha as your server. She was hot! And very nice. Caviar at the salad bar??? Yes please! I normally don't fuck with "brunch" because A. I'm not in a sorority, B. Im not white, C. I'm not into dudes, and D. I make the best breakfast. But for salmon Benedict I suppose I can make an exception.
(4)
Dave H.
The first time I came and looked at the brunch menu of Chart House, the $25/person set menu for threw me off. However, we decided to go for my birthday and I am glad we did! What looked to be expensive ended up being a great deal after you factor in the delicious free salad bar, steak and eggs, and bottomless champagne and coffee. We had Bloody Mary's at the bar while waiting for a table that were expertly made as well. The key is to make a reservation well ahead of time and request (though there is no guarantee) a window seat (a sunny day helps as well of course!). Good range of standard brunch options, nothing very inventive, but that's not what was expected. Attire is a very strange range from Adidas warm-up suits to gold jewelry and white dresses.
(4)
James N.
I am usually not a fan of chain restaurants... However, every time I go there for dinner or a drink I am impressed. The service is great and the view is wonderful. This Chart House is at the end of the pier and overlooks the Potomac.
(5)
Nicole L.
Are you a tourist? If you are you will probably like it. I have been to the one in Annapolis before it's a little nicer. Chart house is this pretend upscale seafood place that is so cliche even the menu is cliche. I was not impressed with the menu at all. Most of the items are boring and bland. They have this hug salad bar though with caviar etc. I ordered the chowder and the spiced yellowfin tuna - I think. The dinner was very expensive and I left feeling - so? Well I threw up all my food at the end of the night something was not right and drinking after didn't help. Am glad to be out of a pretentious and superficial social circle - god saved me from the horrible choices these people put me through! Yuck!
(1)
Heather F.
I've been to the chart house about 4 times in the past 2 years. While the food is a bit pricey is it ALWAYS good (one time my tuna was cooked well even though I asked for medium rare, so be careful when ordering food with a temperature). The lobster is GREAT and a guy comes out and cracks it for you at your table, which is fun to watch. The Crab legs are also FANTASIC. Another plus about this place is the wait-staff. They are always on top of things and very helpful with the menu. Also when you call and make a reservation they keep your contact information in their computer. So whenever I call they say "do you have someone in your party with a fish allergy" because my sister in law is allergic and every time they remember. Which brings me to another interesting point. This is a seafood place, but my sister in law always finds plenty of good things to eat on the menu and she has NEVER has a reaction. Kudos to them for that! SO... dIne at the Chart House but take plenty of $$$ with you.
(4)
J R.
The food at Chart House is fine - nothing terribly special, but it's the location you're paying for. I don't even remember what I've eaten when I went there - well, yeah, I did have a good salad from the salad bar. But the fact that there's a salad bar kind of spells R-U-B-Y T-U-E-S-D-A-Y. So, feel free to go, but don't expect anything amazing.
(3)
Susan B.
The salad bar is pretty money. I am extremely indecisive, especially with a waiter breathing down your neck as you try to select one specific plate that encompasses exactly what you are craving at that specific point in time. I enjoy a myriad of different types of food on my plate at once, so as to pick and choose what flavors to combine with each bite. The salad bar frees me from my decision prison and I am able to mix and match on a whim, and wistfully wander amongst the food without ever having to permanently select anything. I am ashamed to say it, but deep down I am buffet girl. Alas, a salad bar cannot save a restaurant that charges an arm and a leg for the food. I finally manned up and ordered Steak and Eggs for brunch. The steak was unseasoned, and both the meat and eggs (scrambled despite my requesting fried eggs twice) were over cooked. The first experience with Steak and Eggs was the worst experience with Steak and Eggs. Now I am scarred for life; destined to spend the remainder of my breakfasts and brunches like a dainty chick and not the meat eating cowboy I wanted so badly to be.
(2)
Nicole R.
First. The crab dip. To die for. Really, you must order it. Second. Sunday brunch. Awesome. I got the Eggs Maryland (think eggs benedict... swap the canadian bacon for baller crab cakes) and it was so insanely good. For $25 or 26 you get access to the "salad bar" -- which has lox, bagels, cream cheese, pastries, salad, fruits, and more -- an entree of your choice, and endless champagne or mimosas. Now, that's my kind of breakfast. I've only ever been for dinner once, and I ordered the Coconut Shrimp with Ginger Rice - the rice was a bit dry, and the shrimp (being breaded and friend) followed suit. There was a great dipping sauce, but I've gotta say that for $20-something, I was expecting something moist and juicy and delectable, and I was a wee bit disappointed. Their molten lava cake, however, is the bomb (yes, I just said that). You have to order it 30 minutes before wanting to eat it (like, when you order your dinner) because they make them to order, and they are to die for. Heath bar chunks, hot chocolate sauce, gooey chocolate cake, and ice cream? Sold. Service is pretty great. View is even better. Parking kinda sucks... but I guess that comes with dining at the waterfront, so I'm not complaining. The end.
(4)
Jeff S.
Expensive but really good. I biked here from DC and had oysters and a Lobster Brie grill cheese. Its pretty expensive but the food was real good. -------- Time #2 Again biked here. They have a pretty extensive salad bar which I sprung for this time around. The cool thing is its got lots of fruit and cream so you can skip desert and go for a strawberrys and cream dish if you go salad bar. $20 for 13 oysters. They were nice cold fresh and tasty They even sat us in the main dining room even though we were in our biking gear ... "we get a lot of tourists" they said when i asked why we werent in a corner.
(4)
Lily Z.
Chart House has amazing views with its large windows overlook the water. The bright interior and location make you feel like you are on a New England coastal vacation , but that's where the positive ends. I don't have any complaints about the service. I am pretty low key, as long as water is refilled and food is served in a timely fashion, I am a happy camper. The food here was boring, maybe that's just a symptom of chain restaurants, wanting to appeal to the mass and avoid being too adventurous or exotic. I was disappointed at their oyster selections. Being a seafood restaurant, their only selection was blue pointe, a very mild, beginner variety oyster. The shucking was not done perfectly, as a result the oyster was a little gritty. There were also no mignonette, which is a much better condiment than the overpowering cocktail sauce. Other seafood selections were also very conservative. There were salmon, tuna, snapper, shrimp, etc. The seasoning and sauce here incorporated some Asian fusion influence such as coconut, soy, and ginger, but I consider that more trendy than tasty. I am ok with boring selection if the seafood was impeccably fresh that its impossible for me to purchase it without actually being in the restaurant business, as in, it was still alive this morning and I am eating it right now for dinner. Chart House's seafood didn't appear to be anymore fresh than what you can get at Wholefoods or H mart.
(2)
Keith N.
Service is slow and staff is not attentive...I needed to ask for refills on my drink...he took forever to come back to check on us...the salad bar was not worth the money...food was average...not overly excited...it was just okay...
(3)
Rich H.
My girlfriend and I have never had a bad meal here. It's right by the water and nicely appointed. Our first dinner here was in the circular room overlooking the water (though, there really isn't a bad seat in the place). It's location by the Torpedo Factory and King St. helps due to parking garages and bars to walk into after dinner. Pricey? Yes...though I certainly don't have an issue paying for a good meal. Until I encounter a sub-par meal here I'll continue singing their praise. The only reason I'm giving them four stars instead of five is because my lobster at my last visit wasn't the absolute best I've had...though it ranks up there!
(4)
Kim B.
The location of the Chart House itself makes it a great destination for a dinner date or a place to take tourists. The view is outstanding! We were lucky enough to be there on the night of a fireworks show and could not have asked for a better ambiance. I had the filet mignon with the Oscar topping. It was a great steak and the crab meat was delicious (like I would expect anything less in DC!) We also had the lobster spring rolls as the appetizer; they were good, but I don't think I would order them again. My date mentioned that the coconut shrimp are awesome - so perhaps try those if you want a starter? Our waiter was not that great, hence the three stars. We assumed the side dishes were a la carte, and that nothing came alongside your steak. With that assumption, we ordered a side of potatoes to share - we were very surprised when both our steaks also came with potatoes! It would have been nice to be told this by our server, but the thought did not seem to cross his mind. Too bad - if this place had better service, it would be at least 4 star.
(3)
Kim G.
Who likes sand/grit in your food? If you don't mind, then go to the Chart House. We went for Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, that was probably our first downfall, but wanted to take the family to a nice restaurant with a pretty view. We all decided to treat ourselves to the appetizers, but this was a big mistake. This was the first time ever that I didn't enjoy oysters. There was sand all over them and the cocktail sauce/horseradish was awful, lacking in taste. We also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which looked quite impressive with massize size prawns, but again the cocktail sauce was bland and too oniony, overpowering the whole dish. The seared tuna appetizer was the most boring thing put together, with the crappiest excuse of a watery wasabi sauce. The clam chowder also had grit sending chills up my mother's spine. The entrees got better, but nothing to get excited about. The mahi mahi with peanut sauce was OK, but it was served with lukewarm rice pilaf. The crab stuffed flounder was a bit more appetizing. There was also an order of prime rib, but my father noted that he had better. We ordered the lava cake special that supposedly takes 30 minutes to prepare? I don't get it, to us, it was a warm goey brownie with vanilla ice cream. Am I missing something here? At the end of the night, we raked in a $200 bill that left us feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.
(2)
Jason F.
My family and I went to the Chart House last night at the recommendation of the concierge at the Westin. From the moment we arrived, we were not disappointed. We had a party of 10 - 7 adults, 3 kids and they were able to seat us in the middle of the restaurant with no problem. Great views. And the ambience was perfect. It was classy - but just lively enough that we weren't worried about the kids disturbing any of the other guests. Service was quick, friendly and knowledgeable about every aspect of the meal. Probably the only bad thing about the experience was my grandparents' whiskey sours... they were pretty much all sour, no whisky. We did get a bottle of the menu recommended Sauvignon Blanc and it did not disappoint. Pretty good value for a restaurant with their price points. Meal started with crab dip, which was good - not the best I've ever had, but still very good. My niece and sister-in-law got the crab bisque and raved about it. I had the blackened mahi for dinner which came with a tasty bed of ginger coconut rice. Vegetable of the day was broccoli and red pepper. Both the fish and vegetables were perfectly prepared. Too often broccoli is overcooked and soggy, but not here. A couple people ordered the rockfish wrapped in prosciutto special and it did not disappoint - particularly the sauce it was served in. The restaurant must have a referral program with hotels in the area. Our menu had a personalized greeting with our name on it - fancy little touch the kids in particular got a kick out of. Also, as a part of the referral, they treated us to 5 chocolate lava cakes - a $50 value. If you're a chocolate lover, you'd be a fan of this dessert. the cake had a great crumb and was balanced well with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. All in all a great experience!
(5)
Liem L.
By far the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in my entire life. I went here on a Friday night for a friends birthday dinner. We had a party of 15. The restaurant pretty much ruined my friends birthday with their poor service and poor food. It took about an hour for our raw oyster appetizers to come out, an HOUR! The oyster were tiny and warm. It then took a bout 1.5 hours for our entrees to come and most all of them came out either cold, over cooked, or incomplete. The birthday boys med rare steak came out well done. My GFs fish dish came out lacking the topping which were listed on the menu. I mean how do you send out a dish missing ingredients. My other friend ordered the caramelized fish and it came out un-caramelized. The restaurants manager came out and offered us free desert but come on, after the crap that came out that night why would we want more food from the kitchen. We then settled on 2 bottles of complimentary champagne. Even though the restaurant tried to make amends I will never be going to eat at Chart House again even if it were the last restaurant on this earth and I was starving. WARNING **** DO NOT GO HERE!!!
(1)
Ashley K.
My family was visiting from out of town, so I brought them here for dinner, and we loved every bit of it! The shrimp cocktail was amazing, as well as the oysters on the half shell and the special shrimp roll. I ordered the baked stuffed shrimp for my entree, and it was awesome. Everyone loved what they ordered, from the steak to the mixed grill. Oh, and the soups are delicious! I got the gazpacho, and it was phenomenal! My mom got the soup sampler, and she absolutely loved all three. This place is fantastic!
My fiance and I went to Chart House this past Sunday and man were we in for a surprise. The restaurant is right next to the water and it was quite busy that night on the marina. We ended up sitting at the bar, at which we were able to get full service. For drinks, I ordered The Fiery Cucumber. I took one sip and fell in love. I am definitely going to have to try to make this drink at home! It tastes like a cucumber, cooled, peeled but a hint of salt and spice on it. I normally eat salted and spiced cucumber at home and if i could compare it to anything, it would be this drink! My fiance got an IPA and it was good. I know in Seattle, we're pretty much beer snobs, and this beer was fulfilling and it hit the spot after a muggy hot day in Alexandria. We had the crab stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer and they were yummy. I had the Ahi Tuna with the wasabi mashed potatoes and he ordered the coconut shrimp fried rice. Both dinners were excellent and we finished every bite. The place is pricey, but its well worth it. There were plenty of other things we wanted to try on the menu. I couldn't make up my mind!
(5)
Kim O.
The Best!!!
(5)
Jenna G.
I have been here on multiple occasions with friends, family, and just a nice dinner out with my husband. I have yet to be disappointed with the bar, food, service or ambiance. We always make reservations and show up a bit early so we can hit up the bar area. Yeah the Potomac is not the prettiest of water views, but it is a water view nonetheless, so it is always great to sit in the outside or inside bar area and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to ask for a window seat when you get there and put your name in. It is great to watch all the boats come and go while eating dinner. On really clear nights, you can see the Memorials just up the river. Our personal fav is their calamari appetizer, I usually get a steak, my mom said the salmon was the best she has ever tasted. My husband loves the muscles and their Prime Rib.
(4)
Linda C.
My friend held a wonderful birthday party for her mom here. The restaurant was very accommodating to the large group and the food service was very even. You definitely come here for the wonderful view of the Potomac and the steak. I would opt for the dressing on the side as our salad came with too much dressing. Other than that, a wonderful experience was had by all.
(4)
Jason L.
Spectacular experience as always. Great service, great food.
(5)
Lori M.
Pros: great view, esp on the deck, super waiter, friendly clientele, awesome wine list (we had 2 bottles of Charles Krug sav blanc - delightful) Cons: not so much "something for everyone" here because, in fact, there is nothing vegetarian. So don't take a veg and certainly don't take someone with a shellfish allergy. The rest of my party of 7 ate a few apps as we lingered on a relatively busy Thursday night over wine. Our waiter didn't rush us one bit and he did offer to put together a plate of asparagus for me, which I declined. He later brought out a bread basket and the pumpernickel roll was out.of.this.world . Okokok, I was tipsy and super hungry. Still - yum.
(3)
Paul W.
This place is way overpriced for the quality of food. Don't get me wrong, the food here is consistent and good, however, they have your typical high priced menu based largely on the fact that they're on the water front. Similar to many restaurants in the area, you can most certainly find something good on the menu, but it's just too pricey considering what you actually get.
(3)
michael m.
The view was really nice, but the service left a fair bit to be desired. I've only been once, but that one time involved a lot of confusion over who was to wait the table AND the front desk seemed to hate their job. And the margarita I had seemed to cost $10 which I, of course, had no idea to expect. Fortunately I only had that one. The food was pretty good, once it came. Decent bang-for-the-buck. I'd normally only give it 3 stars, but the view can't really be beat.
(4)
Karena B.
This place is very good....I recommend the molten lava chocolate heath bar cake for dessert.... And everything on the menu is good....it also overlooks the water at the end of King Street, so on some nights you can see the fireworks... Great for groups or date night!
(5)
Claudia M.
Went to Chart House for my mother-in-law's 96th birthday. It was a very special event so we decided to treat her to the brunch. There were 10 in our party. Several people ordered the Maryland Eggs Benedict. The crab cakes were tiny and dry, the poached eggs were overcooked, and the English muffins were hard.. My nephew had the steak and when he was done, his entire plate was covered in fat and gristle. Being a vegetarian, I ordered the hummus platter. Without a doubt, it was the worst tasting hummus I have ever had. For some reason, the regular hummus was sweet. The other two "scoops" on my plate (one looked like red pepper hummus and the other one was green), were watery and tasteless. Putting caviar on a salad bar does not make it worth $16.99 by itself, or $26.99 for brunch. In addition, they were out of bagels even though they kept assuring my husband that they were coming soon, and the salmon appeared to be a poor quality fish. All in all, the drinks were the best part of the brunch. They served $.99 mimosas and bloody marys. We have been there several times, not of our choosing, for special occasions, and feel that it is overpriced for mediocre quality food. We will not be going there again.
(1)
Sarah B.
I rounded up... If 3 stars is "A-OK" and 4 is "I'm a fan," then I'm really just a 3.5. Our food was good. Solid and no complaints. Our waiter was courteous and good with the kids. Btw, the info for this restaurant would scare you from bringing kids along, but if yours know how to behave in a restaurant, and you Go Early, it's fine. They've got a kids menu. This is a great place to take someone from out of town. It's an Old Town staple. It's got a good salad bar. I'm just not sure I'd choose to spend a rare and precious date night there with just my husband when there are so many 5 star restaurants in the area.
(4)
mike s.
I have been to Chart house on several occasions for both brunch and dinner. I would have to say that the best time to go here is for the Sunday brunch for the view the food and your wallet. On Sunday mornings you can get a great of the Potomac river and the atmosphere in Old town is just great. you can get a reasonably price entree and the salad bar and just have a great time. the service here is also usually excellent.
(4)
Nikki W.
Oh my goodness! I fell in love with this location! Delicious crab cakes!!! Can't wait to return!!
(5)
Elle B.
Recently went here for brunch on a Sunday with friends. Promptly seated without delay to an outside table, great view overlooking boats and water. Salad bar was nice and included in brunch meal. Main course was tenderloin eggs Benedict, meat was flavorful, potatoes were well seasoned, very pleased. Added bonus was mimosa's OR champagne (straight up) each being $0.99/glass (Asti) which was great for the price. Would definitely come back for great overall experience.
(4)
Blaine B.
Excessive overuse of heat lamps. Not worth the price.
(2)
Susan J.
Let me first start off with that this place is expensive. However we had a gift card that my in laws gave us since we had our wedding locally in Alexandria and had pictures done at Old Town. We made our reservation for 615pm Saturday evening. The 630s were already fully booked when i reserved on opentable.com on Thursday. This place was packed and we were immediately seated when we checked in. Thank goodness for reservations! We were seated for a while before our server came and introduced herself and gave us some water. After we ordered the Cream Crab soup ($6.99 for a little crock bowl), we asked if we were supposed to get any bread and butter. We finished our soup before our server gave us the bread. Hmmm, this just seems like a premonition to our service and food to come. The husband ordered the shrimp and filet and I ordered the surf and turf. Yes, each entree did cost $30 each. I got 3 sea scallops with mashed taters and a 4 in x 3in piece of what tasted like pot roast. Hubby got a little filet, a huge loaded baked potato and 4 shrimps. Wow, a total of $80 + tips for food and ambience. Granted, the dining area can be super loud (and it was), the food is pretty forgettable and overpriced, the service is slow, but the view was pretty nice. So, if you have tons of extra money and want to spend it on mediocre food, here's the place to go. But if you want good food at good prices, hit up one of the great american restaurant chains.
(3)
Dan R.
Had lunch at The Chart House yesterday. Beautiful day and was able to eat outside. Great setting on the rivers edge. Our waiter was excellent. He knew the menu and had excellent recommendations ( blackened Salmon cake). Made decaf iced tea from scratch; did not have to do that, but he did. Very pleasant afternoon and would go back again.
(4)
emmy y.
Food: It was pretty tasty Service: Quick , but the host was a little bit*hy Decor: Nothing special.... Great patio for the summer time. Overall: i will go there if i m in the area
(3)
Reshawna L.
I decided to go the Chart House for Happy Hour. It was a great time. The mango mojito was great! Only $5 You can't beat that. The firecracker shrimp & the brushetta was good too. This is one of my new happy hour spots. Service was a 9.5.
(4)
S B.
Went here for my father's birthday and we had a good time. The walk there is always enjoyable since there are tons of things to see on king street. The wait on a friday night is an hour and a half long which wouldn't have been a problem if their pagers worked outside the building. We ended up stalking the tables in the crowded waiting lounge for people to leave so we could sit. The staff was very friendly and the drinks were very well made. The food came out very fast and was delicious. The bill wasn't too bad concidering 4 people ate and had a drink from the bar. Outdoor seating had a good view of the boats and water.
(4)
Sean W.
Good food & service! A little pricey! Good atmosphere!
(4)
Amy B.
My main complaint was that we went during restraunt week...and they did not know it was restraunt week. How do you sign up to participate then forget! We made reservations on opentable, through the restraunt week site...so im sure they were participating. We were expecting the 35.00 pre fixe menu, but when we asked out waiter, he knew nothing about it. We thought we may of mistaken the dates..Then when we were leaving guess what was on the door, a restaraunt week poster! ummm, duh people. ANYWAYYYSS... I think that one of the main reasons people are giving this place stars is because of the view. Being as I am from Virginia Beach where many restraunts have a view and sitting by the water for drinks is not unusual, I was not blinded by this and really felt this place was not all that. Yes the view is nice, but the restraunt overall seemed odd. I didnt understand how they are trying to create an upscale experience but have a crappy salad bar right in the middle. I didnt get the salad bar, but I walked by and didnt see anything too great. There was caviar but the rest was just lettuce vegtable and some salads. I could go to Ruby Tuesday for that. Our waiter basically had our dinner planned out before we came i guess cause he made suggestions then tried to force us into getting them. "Our crab stuffed mushrooms are good...ill go ahead and get some started for you"...ummmm we didnt order them...and can we have some water first, geez. We ended up getting hummus to start which was good. Husband had the stuffed salmon which he said was average of any restaurant, I had filet, which was not anything special and the mashed potoates it came with had been under a heatlamp for a while i believe. The best part was def the lava cake we had for dessert which I got because I saw on yelp, thanks yelpers for helping me to have atleast one good point of the meal. (Although before we even got our food the waiter told us about it and informed us we should order it. and now. cause it takes 30 min. lol, if I had not already planned on getting it, i wouldnt of just to spite him. ) Anyways, for all the hype, no I would not go back. It may be a good first date place to impress someone...atleast until the food comes, lol.
(3)
Sharon M.
One more great experience at The Chart House. Five star service and five star food and there are not enough stars for the great view.
(5)
T D.
Good food. Ok service. Long waits even with reservations. Way Overpriced. Excellent view. Status quo definitely.
(3)
Kori B.
I admit, the ambiance of this place is what would get me back here. The lighting is romantic, and it has beautiful views of the river and the Capital in the distance. However, I found myself pretty disappointed in the selection. I know that I'm a pain-in-the-ass vegetarian, and this IS a seafood restaurant, but usually restaurants have something, even if it's a grilled vegetable plate, in order to accommodate ALL customers. Not so with this place. There wasn't even an appetizer I could enjoy. There is a salad bar, yay, and it costs $15! So that, with my $9 glass of wine (which by the way, I only wanted $6 glass of wine, but the waiter was like, "no, you'll regret it, I swear, get the $9) plus tax and tip. I some how ended up paying $31. Yes, $31 for a mini plate of lettuce, baby corn, some peppers, a few tomatoes and couple of artichokes and a side of mashed potatoes. However, my meat eating friends LOVED their meals, of scallops and stuffed butterflied shrimp, so I don't want totally discount this place because some people might really enjoy it.
(3)
Chris A.
We were wondering around Old Town last night in search of some food for a friend's birthday. Having planned to eat at Majestic (closed on Mondays), we made our way even further away from our beloved Metro. On finally hitting the water, our friend's post-marathon-running legs were in serious need of protein, so we stopped here to get that taken care of. My first impression was not good: the Chart House looks like the kind of semi-fancy place that you take your homecoming date in 9th grade. The decor is kind of cheesy and things are overly pomped. The service reflects this clientele as well, with our server very kindly explaining details that are only necessary if you're the kind who eats a nice meal once a year or so. As previous yelpers have noted, the wait staff does try to sell you up on each part of your order, and could easily bring you up another $20 if you played along. Getting ready to hate it, we braced ourselves with an appetizer of tuna that was incredible. After that, we all decided to stick with fish for the main course and it was all very tasty. We stuck through to dessert of Key Lime pie and tea. The pie was great, but the tea selection was lacking and the coffee was sub par. I was surprised by how good the food was considering my initial impressions. This might be a better place for lunch than for dinner, when the crowd is less tarted up for the big night out on the town.
(3)
Angelique A.
I had to upgrade my review after my last visit to the Chart House. Still only 3 stars because I'll have to go back again to make sure that it's not just a hit or miss experience. However, my last trip there was fabulous! Definitely do the Mango, avacado and crab tower appetizer, it was really wonderful! The service was great and the waiter gave us lots of really helpful recommendations. A much, much better experience this time.
(3)
Angelica R.
Nice restaurant on the water. Place was very clean, service was good and the food was excellent. Is kid friendly, will go back again.
(4)
T M.
I went to the chart house for a family celebration. Even though we were a large group we got seats near the window. Our reservation was over the max for opentable so I had to call in. The management was very professional and accommodating even though it was several days from the event. We considered doing a larger event of 50 people and the Chart House was one of the few restaurants that did not have ridiculous prices for groups. The food was delicious for brunch and the mimosas kept the guests in a happy mood. The lobster was a little small but everything was tasty (especially the crab omelets). It was my husband's first time at the Chart House and he said that we must come back. My husband almost never likes any restaurant. We had excellent service from the hostess to the management and the food was fresh and healthy.
(5)
Daryl W.
Stayed at Gaylord National for two nights during Thanksgiving 2010. We were torn between the Italian buffet at the Gaylord or Chart House (based on a couple of recommendations). We made the right choice. Reservations for our party of 11 was at 5:45 on Thanksgiving night. We were seated at 5:45 and the server took our drink orders immediately. We had 6 adults and 5 kids (1yr old up to 8 years old) and the wait staff was very good at making sure the kids were taken care of first. Overall, it was a great meal. There was a Chilean Sea Bass special that was out of this world. We will go back to Chart House in a second.
(5)
Candace H.
The location is great, like everyone else said. You can eat a meal while overlooking the water. The outdoor deck is a great spot for lunch and dinner. The wait was ridiculous. We sat at the bar for nearly 45 minutes until we were seated, which I guess is due to the restaurant being on the waterfront, but I guess when I'm out of DC and not at a place known for amazing food, I get impatient. Unlike other yelpers, our service was great. Our waiter was friendly, didn't rush us, was very attentive, and even helped my date track down a cigarette - what a bizarre request! The food isn't that amazing. I've had FAR better at Hook in DC if you want seafood. The prices are pretty ridiculous for the absent wow-factor. We had the mahi-mahi. For appetizers, the calamari was just okay but the blue crab dip was yummy. The Clam Chowder was delicious but not that unique - I guess just normal clam chowder done right. We added the chocolate cake dessert at the end and it really wasn't that amazing. An ice cream cone would have been more satisfying! We left very, very full, though.
(3)
Alex K.
Buffet is great and service is good. Place is often crowded. View over river makes it worthwhile -- especially if one sits outside.
(3)
Gina A.
Excellent menu options and everything was made fresh. We didn't have to wait long for our meal at all.
(4)
kathy j.
Two out of four in my party had to send their steaks back because they were overcooked, and I mean so well done that they were inedible. By the time we were served again, the others had fiinished eating. One of the steaks was overcooked the second time. Complained to the manager and he begrudgingly comped the meal...not well handled at all. Will never go back to the Chart House!!
(1)
Coolest C.
We came here on Valentine's Day night. It was a rather late dinner, and we were expecting it'd be less crowded, but it seems most people were also having late dinners that night. We emailed them a couple days prior asking specifically for a window seat, which we were granted, but had to wait a couple more minutes than our original reservation time. Our view of the boardwalk and the river was great, however seating was a little bit crowded. The food spoke for itself. We ordered the calamari which was good, but certainly not the best and was a little bit cold by the time it had arrived. My girlfriend ordered the mixed grill which had fantastic, tender, and large crabcakes, shrimp, and mashed red potatoes which were all perfectly seasoned. I ordered the flounder, which was also very tender and moist, that came with mashed potatoes, and two asparagus stalks that were kind of limp-- but all in all, perfectly seasoned. We would come back here again.
(4)
Deva J.
DE-LICIOUS. I've only been here once, and someone else paid - which was good. We were also here for lunch, making the bill a little less hefty. That said... The location of the restaurant is amazing - it's right next to the Potomac. The service was pretty good (nothing to write home about). My coconut shrimp was AMAZINGLY good. Almost the best shrimp I've ever had. My entree was around $13 (for lunch), I think, so I can't imagine how much it would be for dinner. This place is definitely not for the cheapskates; be ready to spend the bigger bucks. I'm excited about, one day, being able to afford this place for dinner:)
(4)
Audra K.
Huh, I didn't know Chart House has 25 locations throughout various waterfront locations around the US! My family used to frequent the one in Annapolis, MD and it became such a traditional place for us that my brother had his wedding rehearsal dinner there. We're sailboat lovers! The view is great and it's convenient to the city harbor there. Plus, the Chart House Original Mud Pie has been our family tradition on birthday's ever since the chef wrote it up on an index card for my mom, over two decades ago! She's been making it every year since I was in elementary school! We substitue Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip in place of the Coffee ice cream that Chart House uses. YUM!! Simple but so delicious. Here's a bit of their menu: Dynamite Salmon Crab crusted, chive oil drizzle, with coconut ginger rice Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi Warm peanut sauce with a hint of Frangelico, mango coulis, coconut ginger rice. Spiced Yellowfin Ahi Cajun spiced and grilled, ginger soy butter, wasabi cream, spinach & bok choy Snapper Hemingway Parmesan and cracker encrusted snapper sauteed and topped with jumbo lump crab and shallot butter, rice pilaf Chilean Sea Bass Buttery, white, flakey texture broiled and slightly seasoned Coconut Crunchy Shrimp With a tangy mustard sauce & sweet plum sauce, ginger rice Shrimp Fresca Parmesan crusted jumbo shrimp with angel hair pomodoro, topped with jumbo lump crab Shrimp Trio Platter One dozen large shrimp prepared scampi, coconut and grilled, served with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf Chart House Mixed Grill A jumbo lump crab cake, fresh grilled fish and grilled shrimp accompanied by seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf Pan Seared Sea Scallops In a soy-ginger broth with spinach & bok choy, coconut ginger rice Baked Stuffed Shrimp Six crab-stuffed shrimp served with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf
(5)
Tim S.
my duck was dried out. her sea bass tasted like crap. it all cost too much.
(2)
LOLITA J.
I was very disappointed at the location for the Chart House, the food was nothing like what I had in Annapolis. The crab dip tasted like cream cheese dip due to the lack of crab in the crab dip. The toast that you put the dip on almost cut my mouth while chewing because is was super crispy. My husband order swordfish just like he did at the Chart House in Annapolis and his fish was half the size. I ordered the shrimp trio, and my Grilled Shrimp was almost burnt. My advice is that you never go on a Saturday night, way too busy because the cooks don't pay attention to the food with that many people. The ambiance is nice though. They gave my dad a free slice of cake for his birthday so that was nice. I will try again on another day.
(2)
Pat B.
Went to celebrate a birthday. Wow! What a disappointment with the food and service. The restaurant is in a great location with great views which is why the prices are high because the quality of the food and the service is very low. The manager came out to inform us that one of the appetizers was taking a long time because it would not "gel" and hold its form. It went downhill from that point. They were accommodating to let us bring in a birthday cake.
(2)
Sunny D.
crustaceans and noVa are 2 things i could pretty much do without, so when i got an invite to my GF's 30th birthday dinner party to be held @ chart house, i was less than thrilled. but, i decided to go in support of her special birthday anyway. i'm glad i did. getting there: i get lost every freaking time i have to drive to/in alexandria, and this night was no exception. the drunken halloween bar-hoppers didn't help...old town is always crowded on weekend nights anyway, so this was even worse. parking is a major b*tch in this particular area, so factor that into your travel time if you're dining here. ladies, also beware the brick/cobblestone streets - not good if you're wearing stilettos! the restaurant: it's a beautiful space and location. great colors and lighting, and right on the water with spectacular views, so try to get a seat by a window or outside if the weather's nice. the layout is really nice with split levels and an ample bar area with lots of tables in addition to the at-the-bar seating. there's a giant salad bar and also a lovely fireplace area in the back (that's small though, so i imagine it fills up fast and is better suited to couples/diners on dates). i think chart house is probably ideal for mellow groups, or for a nice date. they do private parties too, and by all appearances, it'd be an awesome venue for that. service: we had two waiters b/c apparently the two tables they put together to accomodate our party were 1 from each from 2 waiter's sections. no one told us this and we only found out b/c after ordering drinks and appetizers from waiter #1, waiter #2 shows up and asks us for our meal orders. we weren't so rude as to say, "who the hell are you?" but maybe we should've been b/c he was an ass. when waiter #1, peter, returned with our appetizers and we inquired as to what was going on (which is how we got the 2 table explanation), we told him we didn't like his co-waiter very much. peter was very diplomatic and did not bad mouth waiter #2 at all, but he definitely gave us more attention throughout the rest of the meal, and we appreciated that. (i can't remember waiter #2's name, but he was a short, stubby, blue-eyed, balding caucasian man with a bit of a stereotypical gay-twang to his speech for lack of a better description). other than waiter #2 with the bad attitude, service was very good. our water glasses were never empty, our drinks and food all arrived correctly and in an acceptable amount of time, and peter didn't mind our silliness as the drinks settled in/we got into the fun of the evening. one of the other gals in our party had called the restaurant ahead of time to let them know it was our friend's special birthday and they'd printed birthday wishes to her on all of our menus - nice touch! we all signed the birthday girl's menu and peter got the chef to sign it too. food: you really need to like crustaceans and/or steak to eat almost anything on the menu here. otherwise, it's just not worth it. it's slightly on the expensive side for what you're getting (but i think a lot of that has more to do with the location and setting than the actual food). almost EVERYTHING on the menu is seafood, and a lot of it with bacon and/or funky (bleu, gorgonzola, etc) cheese incorporated into the recipe. there's a few meals that include steak ("surf & turf"). i don't eat beef or pork, and i loathe all stinky-feet-smelling cheese, so this is not the place for me. i found the ONE chicken dish on the menu and went with that - romano chicken. it's basically prepared like chicken parmesan, but w/ romano cheese instead and w/ mashed potatoes instead of noodles (oh, and no marinara sauce). it was fine. good, even. not mind-blowing. not worth the price. but i didn't mind b/c of the good time and service. i also had the strawberry-basil caipirinha to drink. now THAT, that was scrumptious!!! i highly recommend. the other diners had wine (pretty good list), the signature patron margarita on the rocks (reportedly somewhat weak), calamari, fried asparagus, lobster stuffed mushrooms, the crab-avocado-mango stack, pan-seared scallops, steak & lobster tail, and a couple of the evening's specials. all seemed happy with their meals. the birthday girl got the dessert - the only dessert item on the menu - the chocolate lava cake, and enjoyed that too. of note is that it takes 30 minutes to prepare so you need to order early if you're getting dessert...like when you order your meal. if your waiter's good, s/he'll tell you that. (peter told us.) all in all a nice evening in a nice restaurant. not a good choice for vegetarians/vegans or for people who eat like i do, but if you don't mind spending a little more for setting/view with okay to good but not great food, and you live in the area (or aren't cranky about trekking out to alexandria like i am), give it try.
(3)
Soo Hyun Y.
Well, after reading some of the reviews here I set my expectations kind of low. I had an American Express promotional offers for a three-course meal for $30, so I went ahead with coming here for a date. I know it seems kind of tacky, but oh well. This wasn't my first time here, but it's been a few years. It was very packed and busy, but without reservations, we were still able to get a seat in about twenty minutes. I knew it was expensive, but when I saw the menu I realized this place was more expensive than I anticipated and the American Express promotion was an excellent deal. We ordered a house salad, ribeye, and mud pie for $30 along with Alaskan Halibut and Coconut Shrimp and King Crab Legs. I also ordered a martini while my date had some sort of blue mojito. So the service... It was good enough. I felt kind of dumb and low class, though, as the waiter asked me several questions about how I wanted my martini (which I had no idea how to answer) and how I wanted my fish cooked (which I also had no idea how to answer). Oh well. The food. The House Salad was what you'd expect. The Coconut Shrimp... Presentation was fancy but I didn't really find it particularly delicious. Just decent. Now, considering that we were using a promotion that was saving us some money, I expected the chef or restaurant to skimp on the food but... The Ribeye was huge and came with a heaping side of Mashed Potatoes. Was marinated very nicely and tasted excellent. The Alaskan Halibut? Also a huge portion along with Wild Rice and also tasted excellent. The King Crab Legs... Well it wasn't a heaping portion but it also tasted good. I've had better, though. Mud Pie was also a nice finishing touch. The drinks. I enjoyed my Martini but my date's unnamed Blue Mojito... Tasted like Gatorade. Overall, I went in with low expectations but came out pleasantly surprised. Some of the food and drinks are good, and some of the food and drinks are not, but we have no complaints. The portions were massive and we came out very full. And on the final plus side, thanks to the AmEx promo, the final bill came out to just $125.
(4)
Peter M.
Very expensive, but very good food and salad bar. Wine list is excellent. You will get what you paid for - and try to get a room overlooking the water on the second floor - very much worth it. Also a full service bar is available - and does a very nice martini. Lunch or dinner, I am happy when I go there. June 2008 Update: They have become a little too popular and their food has suffered a bit, as well as their service due to the large crowds. My advice is to go on off hours and make sure to have a reservation. (-1 star since first reviewing)
(4)
Chris R.
What happened? 20 years ago this place was THE place for fine dining in Old Town. It appears to have gone the way of trapping tourists who want to see the Potomac. The signature prime rib is dry and overcooked (repeatedly) and salad bar appears under-attended. All this at a high price. Plenty of great choices in Old Town by restauranteurs who care about what they are serving their customers.
(2)
Hend I.
The location is really nice, waterfront view, the restaurant is nice 2 floors, we sit on the second floor seeing the Potomac river . well the food was good, I would say it's a little over priced, we've paid over $100 for 2 entrees and an appetizer . they have a very nice fresh salad bar. I enjoyed the food and the good classy environment . the serving size was very small though and it was a little pricey .
(3)
Will S.
If you're looking for a place with a great location on the water, then this is it. Chart House is located right on the water in Old town Alexandria. What you are really paying for here is the location so you'd better request a nice window seat! We were seated upstairs by the window. The food and the service were pretty good but the place specializes in seafood so don't get sticker shock. Bottom line: It is going to be a pricey meal no matter how you look at it. So I went all out. We had a couple glasses of the Coppola merlot and started with the steamed mussels. So far so good. The cream of crab soup is pretty good also. I opted for the Maine lobster, which is supposedly shipped from Maine still alive!! It is also 1 lb as well. If you're into presentation, then this is the one to get. They chop, crack, and serve all right in front of you. I have to admit that I'm a sucker for presentation so I enjoyed that part. My friend got the Ahi which was decent but I preferred the lobster. Their apple cherry crisp is basically a fancy name for pie a la mode so it comes with a scoop of ice cream. We had dessert with coffee and green tea respectively. All in all, I dropped some serious coin on this meal but I rationalized that you're paying for location, name, and service. The service, I might add, was very attentive so I tipped well. The seafood was good but it was still pricey I thought.
(3)
Robert K.
We had an anniversary/Valentine's Day lunch and the food and service was great! We have been here once before and were just as pleased this time as we were before (we should come here more!) Since it was lunch time and we got there at the right time, we got to sit in the fire room (the large round room you can see from outside) which was great for our celebration. Dessert was great as well, lots of choices! We shared a bottle of wine, but there were a few martinis on the list that would have been good -- maybe next time :-)
(4)
E S.
There are much better meals to be had in Old Town. The only plus, in my opinion, is the water view; however, the food is underwhelming. It seems and tastes like an overrated Red Lobster at twice the price. I am skeptical of any chain restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet (it immediately gives me flashbacks of Ruby Tuesdays) although admittedly the buffet does seem to have its fans as well. I must admit to price to quality comparison is the sticking point. My $30 piece of grilled mahi mahi came submerged in butter and with a wilted lemon. When the food does not look fresh, it is a challenge for you to feel it tastes fresh.
(2)
Virginia C.
The food is overrated and the service is terrible (went there for lunch on a weekday).
(1)
Andrea C.
The Chart house is located in a great area! It is a prime spot to take out of town guests. Their crab dip is one of the best crab dips I've ever tried!
(4)
Carole M.
Stopped here on a whim just for the view of the water, and the food was delicious. The raw oysters were better than the Kennedy Center's, the lobster was fantastic, the drinks were the best I've had (despite the bar being so busy), and the waiter was attentive and helpful. Also, the crab mango avocado appetizer was amazing, and the lava cake was incredible. Most lava cakes are too big and too sweet, but this was well-balanced.
(5)
Katie M.
I agree with the first reviewer- the best thing about this place is the view. I always take friends and family to this restaurant because it has so much character and it displays Old Town and DC so well. If you get a table in the far back by the window you can see the Washington Monument, the Mall and the Capitol Dome. Don't be surprised if you have to wait a little bit for a table, the Chart House is always busy whether you come for lunch or dinner. I suggest if you are there for dinner to wait in the bar-it has great views and their drink menu is fabulous. Food is great. I always get the same thing-the Herb Crusted Salmon-its delicious. But please feel free to branch out from the Salmon, you really can't miss with anything on their menu. I have to warn you that the Chart House is a little bit pricey. Dinner will run you about $40 a person- that is with a drink and without a dessert.
(4)
Lauren R.
After hearing good things from others, I was definitely underwhelmed by Chart House. Food was not bad, but not special. (It wasn't all that long ago and I can't even recall what I ordered). Decor was not bad, but not special. Service was not bad, but not special. And, dare I even say, view was good, but not special. As for prices - not terribly outrageous but definitely not a value. With so many other restaurants to try, I can't imagine a reason to go back here.
(2)
Lisa S.
Great view, great location and great service. The food....eh, not very impressed. We just had a few apps......calamari and mussels. Both were a bit chewy. I've had much better at other places. Still, the bar area was a nice place to unwind with some wine and the views were easily available from just about any seat. I would go back and try something different.
(3)
Earl K.
Despite the pleasant service and the beautiful venue, the food was, to be totally honest, awful. I had the eggs Benedict. The eggs were overdone and the hollandaise cold. My friend had the blackened roast beef which was inedible and scrambled eggs which were cold The manager was profuse in his apologies and offered to replace it. First time there, but not a promising start.
(2)
Dan W.
With great views of the Potomac located at the waterfront close to the Torpedo Factory, it is a good restaurant overall. The prices are a little on the high side for the quality of the food, but you have to pay a price for those views and they are great! The crab imperial is good and the salad bar was stocked well with lots of fresh items. To conclude, great drinks, good food, good service, and great views. This will be your pleasure if you choose to dine here. 3.5 stars:-)!
(3)
Cathy Lee T.
Dinner for four Saturday evening.service was friendly and helpful. Swordfish special with crab was wonderful as was the sea bass with dynamite sauce. Key lime pie desert was big enough to be shared by everyone. While a bit pricey,I'd recommend the Chart House if you want to make the meal a memorable one.
(4)
B M.
The only nice thing about this place is the view. Otherwise, the food sucks and is way overpriced, the usual tourist trap fare.
(2)
Jackie W.
I was here Sunday for their Brunch - which I've been to 3-4 times before. I'm not sure if there is new management, or a new chef or what, but it looks like the Chart House suddenly has gone from a 4-star experience to a 2-star experience. I came with a group of 6. Slow and inattentive service brought us coffee (and only one refill in an hour and a half), "cheap champagne" mimosas, and a bad bloody mary (no Worcestershire sauce, no tobasco...). Although my diet coke was fine, thats pretty easy to get right. Ordering brought us extremely inconsistent results. We advised our 4 out of town guests that they had great filet Mignon, excellent crab cakes, and a really good seafood omelet. No more seafood omelet, but we did see a Philly cheesesteak omelet. Two people ordered the philly omelet, 3 ordered the filet and eggs, and one ordered the eggs Benedict (no complaints - but no compliments either). One guest thought the omelet was okay, and the other took 2 bites and went back to the salad bar (when we asked, she said there was just no taste and "somethings missing"- we said it looked like the cheese sauce (yes, no cheese in the philly chesse steak omelet), she said that- but mostly just flavor - ouch). All steaks were ordered medium rare. We received 2 medium-well, and 1 well done. I'm not a complainer when it comes to how my steak is cooked as long as its in the range of "still mooing" to "medium-well". Too bad - I got the well done and sent it back (the other two did not). The server took my entire plate with him rather than bringing just a new steak out (bye bye hash browns and eggs), so I spent the rest of the meal watching everyone else eat their under seasoned, tough to chew steak. When my steak came everyone was finished eating but when they tried mine they couldn't believe the improvement. Much better cooked, but way over-seasoned - it was practically orange there was so much $0.99 seasoned salt mix on it! All-in-all it was embarrassing to bring our guests from NYC here. We just wanted to impress them with DC food but we should've went to our tried-and-true Tabbard Inn or Ulah Bistro for brunch. I won't make this mistake again - but let me know if their regular management/chef comes back!
(2)
Yumi W.
huge portion.
(3)
Louisa W.
Went here for dinner on a Tuesday night. Restaurant was pretty empty, but still service was still slow. We had a table by the window and the views were nice. However, the table was wobbly and there were little ants crawling all over the table and window (we were inside). The food was horribly overpriced ($29 for a tiny piece of fish!!) and tasted worse than airplane food. The chop salad we ordered was a heap of iceberg lettuce that had wilted and gone rancid. Honestly the worst salad I have ever had. We both ordered fish and our order had obviously sat in the window under the heat lamp for quite some time as it was shriveled up and overcooked. I found a big chunk of black "something" in my dried out mashed potatoes. The manager saw it and didn't seem concerned. Overall, I feel like we got ripped off. The food was so overpriced and for what you got, even if it was decent quality, it wouldn't have been worth it. On a positive note, the crème brule for dessert was decent. I would contemplate coming back to have a drink at the bar, but would NEVER order food here again.
(1)
Gillian S.
The best way to see how a restaurant can perform is to see it in action when it's at complete capacity. The Chart House was a mad house on Easter. We didn't have a reservation so we waited at the bar for a table outside to open up. I had a mimosa, it was ok but how good can it be? My husband had a blood mary and he said it wasn't that great. My husband got the filet mignon and I got miso glazed salmon with asian green beans. He ordered his medium and even had a discussion with the waitress that underdone was better than over done, he also go the salad bar because we heard so many good things about it. He came back with some spinach, croutons and yellow cherry tomatoes. He said it was the worst, most unappetizing salad bar he had every seen. In fact even the croutons were awful- how can croutons be stale?? I ordered a Margarita while we waited for our meal. It was watery and tasteless and $12! The table behind us sent back a round of Bloody Marys because they tasted watery. When we got our meal I had two 2 inch by 4 inch strips of Salmon and about 3 inch wide pile of green beans. THAT for 29.99?! My husbands steak was barely warm and was grey throughout. They took that off the check since he didn't eat a single bite. $50 bill for one mixed drink, a salad bar and one entree. Worst value ever. I've finally given up. It could be so great! I'll only go there for drinks and their awesome lava cake. Pro: The view and the lava cake. Wait staff was nice Cons: Value, kitchen staff, value, cannot perform when full, and value. Did I say value? I'm ok paying- if I get what I pay for.
(1)
Sarita R.
Great food and awesome service. We will definitely be going back!!!
(4)
Richard W.
The Chart House in Old Towne Alexandria is a spectacular location. It is right on the City Dock in back of the Torpedo Factory. The views are amazing. Service is wonderful, I know it is a chain, I have been to other locations in Maryland, California and Florida and have never been disappointed. The food is always good and I love the Alexandria location for the salad bar $16.50 by itself or $8.25 with an entree. How can you go wrong with a salad bar that has a mixed greens, lettuce or ceasar salad. In additon to fresh fruit and caviar, creme fraiche, capers etc. Both the seafood and meats are well prepared, cooked to order and the selection of sides is great. Most entrees come with a side and yesterday we had the fried asparagus with tomatos and blue cheese butter as an appetizer. It was so good we ordered a second one. I continue to be a fan of Chart House and look forward to returning.
(4)
Lauren C.
You're paying for the view, NOT the quality of the food. My salmon, rice and broccoli could have come from a Marriott mass-produced conference meal. Nowhere near worth $26. Definitely come here for a drink and dessert and the view, but don't bother with dinner.
(2)
Foster K.
At first I was worried this was going to be an overpriced, tourist-trap type of place (maybe it was the riverboat parked outside the window), but I was pleasantly surprised. The views are great, the space has a wonderful upscale nautical feel (like as if you are inside an expensive yacht), and the waitstaff are knowledgeable and patient. We went during the Sunday brunch, which offers an entree plus salad bar for $24.99. However, we decided to split a bunch of appetizers, so I can recommend: the Maryland crab bisque, the coconut shrimp, the crab cakes (of course!), and the lobster spring rolls. The only item that wasn't a big hit was the house salad. While here, make sure to check out the Torpedo Factory Art Studios, just across from the front door of the restaurant. A neat collection of independent artists, everything from pottery to photography on display.
(4)
Albert O.
The ambiance is great. The large windows frame the Potomac well. I went to Chart House for brunch and found the prices to be ridiculously overpriced. The salad bar was OK but the food was dry and none of the ingredients seem to be fresh.
(2)
David H.
The Chart House is RIGHT on the Potomac. When you go, ask the wait staff to seat you overlooking the river because I think that's one of the great things about this place: the view. It's expensive for what you get, in my opinion. But a solid rule of eating at ANY restaurant that is on King Street or just off of it is: add $50 to the fair price of your food and that's your bill. You're just paying for location. But with that said, the Chart House is WELL WORTH IT. Actually, it's the ONLY restaurant on King Street that I would definitely recommend because of the beautiful views (over the river) and the good seafood selections. You don't get views of the monuments in DC or anything like that; It's a placid scene of the river. I just don't know of many restaurants (sans boat cruises) where you get that in Alexandria. They do have turf selections as well, but the whole building is in the shape of a lighthouse and who eats steak in a lighthouse?! The whole place is dimly lit so it's made for a romantic dinner...definitely not a place I'd go with a book by myself...unless you love reading and bring a pen light. The wait staff I've always had are college student types who do an ok job. If there is a long wait (which there will be on weekends), you can ask to be seated in the meantime at the bar and enjoy some raw oysters while you wait (if you like that sort of thing). Great restaurant for a date and if you enjoy seafood.
(4)
Judy C.
3.5 stars. The view gets 4.25 stars, the food 3.25 stars. I went there for my birthday dinner. We were seated by the window next to the fireplace. It was a great table! The view was amazing and the room that we were seated in had a very nice decor. We started out with the salad bar. The salad is about $8 but is worth it. The best of the selection includes artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, crackers with caviar, and strawberries and cream. I had steak and shrimp for my entree. The steak was cooked the way I wanted, the shrimp was tasty, and it also came with mashed potatoes. The waiter brought out a candle with dessert, which was a nice touch. The menu is safe, the food was good, but not memorable or creative. The portions are large. I had leftovers for lunch the next day. Dinner is pricey...expect to go easily over $100 for two, so it's best to save the Chart House for an occasion. I went on a rainy Friday night and the restaurant was still packed. The clientele is older and Old Townish.
(3)
Karen L.
I've always felt that if there was one thing I wanted to do before I die was to dine at Chart House in Olde Towne Alexandria. It overlooks right over the Potomac River. The walls are glass so that you can see out and see nothing but the water, boats and seagulls. They have the tables right up to the windows, so when you eat you have a good meal and great scenery too. The food was a little expensive but seafood is expensive. They have any kind of seafood that you would like to order. They have lobster, crab, shrimp and even steak if you'd rather not be a vegetarian. The Chart House is some of the few restaurants that serve seafood that have lobster. You can get a whole lobster or just the lobster tail. If you think you can't afford it and think you'd be settling for less getting the lobster tail, the lobster tails are very big. So you won't be disappointed. I think their food is exquisite. For one thing, they don't mess it up with a lot of sauces or spices that you may not enjoy. Not everyone has the same taste buds. They give you melted butter if you want to dip the lobster tail in it for more flavoring. You'll have a pleasant experience dining here because it is very restful looking at the boats, water and seagulls. This is the number one restaurant that I would recommend to any visitor to Olde Towne Alexandria. I've lived here all my life and I can testify to that.
(5)
chancy l.
Their crab dip is to die for. The food is good, but you go for the view and the ability to sit outside. Wait staff is fine. Good date place.
(3)
Bobbi R.
We were lucky enough to get walk-in seating on Memorial Day and had a fabulous dinner. The coconut shrimp appetizer is wonderful. My Dad had blackened mahi mahi and I had blackened rockfish -- both were heavenly. Mom had the chicken dish -- crusted with romano cheese, I believe -- and it stole the taste show. Really juicy and tender and full of flavor. Our server was friendly and good, maybe a little overloaded with tables but that's not her fault. Overall our experience was excellent. My only complaint is that the beer options are a bit lacking for a hop head like myself. But this place is definitely worth the $$$.
(5)
Joe S.
Sad, the Chart House has become uncharted. What was a very wonderful place to have dinner has now really cut corners on the food. What was once the greatest salad bar I have ever had is no better then some fast food restaurants now. The dinner cheese's are gone and now only servered for lunch, the fruit was not ripe and hard, caviar was salty and only black, no red like in the past, sorry to say not worth the price. The entrees are still very expensive, like the 3 jumbo scallops with a pyramid of rice for almost $30.00, that was cooked in a soy sauce that made the meal salty. The atmosphere is still warm, comfortable and very clean, the bar is friendly and the fireplace is very romantic. Service is still very professional, fast, informative about the food they are serving. Not once did the server say,"I don't know what the special is". This is not to slam C.H. because it is a wonderful place to eat, I just hope they remember how they once were and comeback to the past.
(2)
Pep P.
True the view can not be beat but that is the problem with this restaurant, they stand alone on the view and the proximity of the restaurant and they don't invest much in anything else. I went to a party dinner last night with 6 people and the reservationist kept losing our reservation after calling a few times before to verify and to have flowers sent to the restaurant before hand. We asked for a table by the water, that wasn't granted. Our server was lifeless with no personality and had no attention to detail and wasn't very efficient. He only did what had to be done. Everything is over priced which I am sure is to help pay for the large rent fee of being on the waterfront. The margarita was actually very tasty, but $10 is alot. The crab dip, I could have done without. The calamari was pretty good, enjoyed the dipping sauce the most. My meal was the scallops with coconut rice and some king of leafy spinach. The rice was not coconut but more like a pillaf and I had one piece of spinach on top. The scallops were plentiful and tasty but when I bit into some, there was a taste of salt rocks on there. That I didn't like. The Molten Lava cake was very good at the end of the meal, you need 30 minutes lead time to order. All in all, it was a nice time because the view and ambiance was nice but I definately been to better places. Its expensive there and nothing ever seems rememorable and I don't want to go to place for view alone and give a restaurant my business when they really don't seem to care either way. They better step it up because the view is much more magnificient over at National Harbor when going to McCormick and Schmidt. (sorry bad spell) Well see how long Chart House lasts after that.
(3)
Patrice H.
I planned a birthday celebration here for my hubby and the service was the worst ever. We were supposed to have pre-printed menus (which we did) and a birthday candle placed in his dessert (which we did not). We had reservations for 8:30PM but didn't get seated until 9. I should've took this as a sign. The waiter started by telling us about the specials for the day and about the lava cake. We placed our orders and I informed the waiter that we wanted to order the lava cake. My hubby started off with a bowl of clam chowder which he said was delicious. It took over 20-30 minutes for the appetizer to come out mind you. I had asked the waiter to bring me another cocktail once my meal arrived. Needless to say, he forgot, and I was halfway into my meal before the cocktail arrived. Once the diner plates were removed we waiting for what seemed like eternity for dessert. The waiter brings out the dessert menu, and my hubby kindly reminded him that we ordered the lava cake. Then comes the cake with no candle. I informed the waiter that it was my husband's birthday and that we were missing the candle and he replied that he didn't know it was my husbands birthday. AT this point, my hubby was fed up and asked to speak to the manager. We didn't want anything but just to tell him about the poor service. Not once did the waiter come back to apologize for the delays or to make it right with the cake, he just didn't care. The manager offered to discount the cake which was nice but the evening was soured due to the bad service. It took over 30 minutes for us to get the check after we asked the waiter numerous times for it. He acted as if we weren't there half the time just buzzing by us and not giving eye contact. All in all, the food was good but the service was lousy. We will not be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Thomas C.
I have very high regards for this name. I have been to the one in NJ, Santa Monica, San Diego, and one in Savannah. I go there because of one thing and one thing only - the dessert - the molten chocolate cake, it's so good. Well I would have given this place a 4 star for that if they had just gotten the rest of the meal right. This is where for each major mistake I took one star away. Let's start with the appetizer. I order the mussel and it was not cook. So one strike! Fine so we order something else, it was a safe bet, shrimp cocktail. Then the main dish came, and the crab cake was way too salty and everybody who took a bite also agreed it was too salty. Second strike! So we got something else again we played it safe, fish of the day. They comp us for one of the mistake but the as a good patron we tip the waiter with the saving as it was not his fault the food SUX. Unless Morton's shut down in the DC area, because that's the other place I can get good molten chocolate cake I would not go back.
(2)
July G.
My husband took me to The Chart House to celebrate my birthday. We made reservations and arrived early, so decided to grab a drink at the bar. Apparently that is what 30 other people had in mind. We waited awhile, trying to get the Bartender's attention and he told me that he could not make a mango martini (although he could make me a mango mojito), so I went with the standard pomegranate martini. It was the best pomegranate martini I have ever had! We were seated shortly after at a window table overlooking the water. I splurged and ordered the Alaskan King Crab Legs and while still very tasty, they seem to have been steamed a little too long cause the shells were not as easy to break. My husband had the Prime Rib, which was also very good. We topped it all off with the Lava Cake, which was ooey gooey and yummy. All in all, we had a great time and I've always enjoyed my meals at the Chart House.
(4)
Chervianne Z.
The location is prime but you can't taste the location. For that matter you can't taste the food either; it should be so much better for what you are paying for. Bland seafood and steaks and a salad bar. I thought salad bars went away along with Mr. Steaks!
(3)
Meredith R.
Ah, can't say that I was all that impressed. The view is great, the wait staff was friendly and attentive, but the food was just ok. I think that this place is best left to (pardon the derogatory name I'm borrowing from a recent acquaintance) the 'Tour-ons.' We all ordered the crab bisque [one of the folks in our party insisted that we all have it]. It was really heavy, even for a bisque. Nice lumps of crab meat, but definitely a bit of Campbell's soup consistency. For the entre I had one of the specials for the evening - the shrimp wrapped in proscuitto with angel hair pasta. The waiter recommended this dish. I had narrowed my selection down to three choices and he said, "Oh! That one is really good." Alas, I cannot share the sentiment. It was dry and really not that great. And to add insult to injury, it's really pricey. For my not so great meal I shelled out $60. There are so many, many other places that I could have had a really nice meal for that dough.
(3)
Mochi K.
Chart House (which I keep thinking is called the Charter House) is a great place to catch a small lunch with friends. It's right by the water with a great view, large windows in the bar area. Don't put a hole in your wallet and grab a spinach salad (good portion) with a bowl of lobster bisque or clam chowder at the bar.
(3)
Nicole L.
Totally awesome. Sat on the patio with a gorgeous view of DMV and the WW bridge. During dinner, fireworks (every Sat. night) were being launched at the Gaylord National Hotel across the bridge. So we had a fantastic view during dinner. The tilapia was the most delicious tilapia I have ever had. Also had the creamed spinach (YUM), asparagus (YUM) and a chicken dish. All very, very good. The place was beautiful from every seat. You cannot go wrong here. We did have to wait about an hour, but it was totally worth it. Great views, great food, great service!!!
(5)
Erika C.
Great food and atmosphere - perfect for friends or a date - a definite must to check out when in Old Town
(5)
Chaz S.
It's been over a decade since I last walked through the doors of Chart House, Old Town Alexandria. It's good to be back. Visited for Sunday brunch. The salad bar was outstanding. The bagels warm and fresh. Service was top-notch. Too bad it was 11am, because the view at night of DC is spectacular. Can't go wrong here.
(5)
Shennice B.
We went to the Chart House to celebrate my mother in law's birthday. The menu included a birthday greeting for her which put a smile on her face. The server was decent. We had the calamari which was ok. I had medallion and stuffed shrimp for my entree and it was DELICIOUS!!! Everyone enjoyed their meals. We indulged in the lava cake and it was very rich and sweet. I can't decide if I liked the entree or dessert more.
(4)
Ken C.
Definitely for tourist. It's a little over price and the service is not good at all comparing to the price and the customer that they are targeting. We walked in w/o a host and we have to wait for the host. As usual all windows are taken. Decor is a little old and need improvement. The service is not good at all. I cannot understand what the waiter said and he keep bugging us about order foods. I just want appetizers, but the waiter just did not get it. Even after I got my appetizers, but the foods were too salty. It's just a very bad experience.
(2)
Natalie D.
Delicious!! The stuffed flounder was perfect. Tender calamari, fresh lobster springrolls, swordfish was fresh and meaty. The chocolate lava cake was ok but chili's version is better. Great service and great view.
(5)
Mark B.
Fantastic location, right on the water in Old Town Alexandria, next to the Torpedo Factory. Good views from most tables, and it's fun to sit outside on nice days; the tables are quite a bit above the elevation of the dock, so there aren't tourists walking inches past you as you're eating, as is the case in most outside Alexandria establishments. The Chart House is a tad touristy, but it's a very nice upscale place with great seafood and an extremely professional staff. Reservations are generally a must, unless you're looking to eat at some odd hour in the middle of the week. I've probably been here a dozen times over the years, and enjoyed it each time. It's a great place for a special event.
(4)
Kathy C.
Visited The Chart House this past Saturday evening. Had a reservation for two but was seated at a table for 6. We ordered the trio of soups to share. The clam chowder was delish. The gaspacho was good but the cream of crab was very bland. I ordered the stuffed flounder as my main course and it was wonderful! My husband ordered a combo plate of a crab cake, salmon and shrimp scampi. He wasn't impressed by the serving size and he really only enjoyed the salmon. The crab cake was alittle fishy and mushy. For the price it was not worth it to him. Service was good.
(3)
R L.
Had Easter brunch here and could not have been more pleased. Had to increase my reservation at the last minute and they were so very accommodating. Services was excellent and everyone was very welcoming and even had personalized heading on our menus for a special occasion.
(5)
Barbara H.
I have regretted every time I've gone here. Too bad such a sub-par restaurant commands such a stunning location. I had not been for some years so went again with hope. First, service was awful for a luncheon for five. Unused place settings were not cleared, water glasses were not refilled, coffee was plunked down in the middle of the table, not next to those who ordered it. Most of us ordered the eggs Benedict with crab cakes, which were truly atrocious and verging on the inedible. The eggs were hard, not poached. The crab cakes were bland lumps of mostly bread. They were accompanied by about a quarter teaspoon of hollandaise sauce on the side, not even poured over the eggs. Of course, there wasn't enough to pour. The salad bar had some nice offerings and was vastly superior to the entrees. The faux "eggs Maryland" cost $26.95, a total rip-off. Never ever ever again. I have been convinced.
(1)
Reuben S.
Food was delicious. Atmosphere was great. Servers are friendly. Great view of DC at night! I proposed on the pier after we ate!
(5)
Derek B.
Ok, so I enjoyed this place but there were a few major problems. First, prices were a little steep for the amount/quality of the food. I understand it's a "nice" place, but it isn't that nice. If I can eat dinner and shorts and flip flops, I shouldn't be paying $30 for 9 shrimp...granted they were crab stuffed, coconut fried, etc. but still not worth that price. Second, and this goes for any restaurant, but especially for one that is trying to be moderately up scale...When asked about one of the entrees, our server's response was "I don't know, I've never had it." Not cool, not okay. That's poor serving and poor chef'ing. I told him to go back to the kitchen and tell the chef to let him try it. Point in case, the person who asked about that dish ordered an entree that was $7 cheaper. Let your servers try the food!!!! On to the good stuff...Apps were awesome. A little pricey, but enough food and high enough quality to make it worth it. These apps are meant to be shared. Or eaten as an entree and save yourself some cash. Great view from just about anywhere in the place. And other than the server not knowing about one of the entrees, service was awesome. Overall, I had fun and I'd go back with some friends, but I'd be more inclined to check out other places in the area first.
(3)
Jay M.
Great place! Good food, good service. Never had a bad experience here! I think the ac was broken or something on the visit because it was horribly hot. The staff was still wonderful and food was great! Ask for Chris.
(5)
Ticha B.
3.5 stars here. Service wasn't too good. We ended up sitting at the first come/first serve bar dining area since the main dining area was a 45 min way. I don't fault the bar waiter for being slow, but it was busy and I think he was waiting on 5 tables in the area. It was slow, drinks were slow, food was slow. The food was pretty good...but pricey. But what do you expect for main street Alexandria huh? Had the Oyster Rockerfeller..which was good...but they served 6 small to medium sized suckers. The scallop entree dinner was good. Luckily we sat inside cuz it was pouring cats and dogs outside!! Not too bad for dinner....
(3)
Valencia W.
Came here for a dinner for my mom's birthday. As usual parking was pathetic. I think the atmosphere is OK, I wouldn't call it amazing or even stunning. View was just ok. It was very crowded on a Friday which was expected. One thing that was UNEXPECTED was that the AC was not on blast. Whatever they had for a cooling mechanism was not working and we went during one of the heat wave weeks...yes it was 101 outside at 6:30pm. Most everyone was uncomfortable and some men forgot to where their undershirts underneath their dress shirts as you could see sweat all over their backs ...poor guys. Onto the food. It was good. I believe it was a bit pricey as I was expecting more than what I got (portion). I ordered Gazpacho - cold soup for a hot day. There's nothing better than good Gazpacho. Well the Gazpacho was good but it was thick, like salsa. Anybody who knows Gazpacho and has had real Gazpacho know it should not be thick. The consistency should be that of tomato soup. Soup not Salsa. I didn't complain because it did the trick. Next, I got the baked stuffed shrimp. Shrimp was fine, the crab meat was really good. We had a great time and I would recommend this place once again. If I go again it would probably during the fall...or when the outside temp is less than 85 degrees.
(3)
Gena S.
This is one of our staples when visiting the DC, VA area. They've NEVER disappointed us with the food or service. Enjoying the view is the icing on the cake.
(5)
Zei C.
The ONLY salad bar in town I know that serves CAVIAR! Luv it! ONLY during lunch do they serve the Fish & Chips which is very satisfying. It's not heavily breaded like some places and the portion is a healthy one! Had a bad experience for dinner once though. I ordered the King Crab Legs and they were over cooked and NOT tasty at ALL but the Hubby had the Filet Mignon and he said it was cooked just right ~ medium. This location sits right on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. Service has always been on point ~ never overboard. Parking is like musical chairs so it's best to just take the garage and save time.
(4)
ABellaDC B.
Nice atmosphere. The food is just OKay.
(4)
Rick G.
Unlike its brethren in Cardiff by the Sea, CA or the Grove at Bayshore in Miami - and despite its incredible location right on the Potomac waterfront in Old Town, this CH lacks the luster, finesse and quality its near legendary national namesakes entertain! Although I cannot score their culinary offerings highly on the scale, I can say it is a unique location, unequaled ambience and extraordinary views at the Old Town Wharf! Their service and attention to detail is pretty good although somewhat inconsistent, and the seafood renderings about average. If you are looking for exquisite seafood you may consider better offerings in Northern Virginia, and only a stone's throw away - for the price! We frequent CH a few times a year, primarily for appetizers (which are very good) and their fantastic bar selections. Few places in Old Town offer better mixed cocktails than that of the CH Bar, and the libations are enhanced by the view and atmosphere. Their renditions of the classics Mojitos and Martinis, not to mention some of their specialties are beyond reproach and they do not skimp on the main ingredients! Albeit, the prices are a little high for the libations, the occasional splurge at the riverside may be worth it!
(3)
Phuong O.
I think it has been mentioned several times but the location and the view of this place is beautiful. You can see the Wilson bridge and the National Harbor!! but unfortunately my experience there was terrible though, our waiter forgot to put in our appetizer order and forgot to bring out the bread. We had an hour for lunch and didn't get the appetizer til 40 mins after. The appetizer came out separately 10 mins after another which means he forgot to put it our order and instead of being honest about it, he kept saying it's coming. The waiter was no where to be found, seems like he was hiding. I ordered the chicken BLT and it was kinda gross. The bread of the sandwich had soaked up the grease from the chicken, it was nasty. Other than the view of this place it's just an ok place.
(2)
Lydia P.
Chart House is one of the first restaurant I could think of whenever someone asking me for suggestions of where to go for lunch or dinner in Alexandria waterfront. So that day, Michael and I decided to head down to Alexandria waterfront for lunch. Since he has not been back to Torpedo Factory for the longest time, so we think it will be good to take a look one more time after our lunch time. We have a gourmet lunch, delicious and unforgettable! Our waiter Jessica has pampered us with a great service and smile. On top of that she had give us a good recommendation for our choice from the menu. I have the best Chilean Sea Bass which is cooked blackened cajun style. And he had the the yummy Salmon glazed. Overall, it was a good experience. Good food, good service and great company. And I know I will come back for more! :)
(4)
Sema O.
I used to love this restaurant but after seeing the terrible management, I would never go there again. The waitress split wine on my Ralph Lauren dress and they called the next day and told me to send it to dryclenaers, and they can pay for it. Than, they wanted to send the payment in the form of gift card, whoch means they wanted me to go back and spend another at least $100 on it. They did not even offer a dessert for what they did. It is awful, I hope people will realise this terrible management and stop going to that place.
(1)
Pat O.
A bit pricey but the food's great, location's convenient, view's terrific and the staff is super friendly. Probably the best way to describe Chart House is to say that it is not a place I seek out to go but enjoy myself when I do go; it's a seafood restaurant I would take my grandparents to - if they were alive and visiting (they're neither). I had the calamari and stuffed flounder the last time I was there and liked both a lot. Well-cooked and perfectly seasoned - only distraction was the mashed potatoes...far too gluey for my tastes. They have a long wine list but their beer-on-tap selection is pathetic: a Yuengling, one hefeweizen and an IPA...that's it.
(3)
Hannah C.
Great view. The rest, well, my Mama says, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything." * So... *Actually, my Mama doesn't say that, but some peoples' Mamas say that.
(2)
Angie T.
This review is a little late in the making but nonetheless, still valid. My gf and I decided to go here on Restaurant Week for Sunday lunch. On the Open Table website, Chart House was listed as participating for lunch during restaurant week. So I made a reservation and was extremely excited to try the place out. After arriving, we asked the server for the restaurant week menu, which he replied that they only have restaurant week menu for dinner not lunch. We were very disappointed and felt like we were lied to. We eventually just opted into trying their brunch menu out which includes mimosas, salad bar buffet, and 2 of your choice Eggs Benedict for approximately $20 depending on which Eggs Benedict you choose. The Eggs Benedict would have been good if not for the both mine and my gf's eggs being over cooked. The egg yolks were completely solid. However, the staff was extremely friendly and apologetic and credited us back for one of the meals. Being that I'm a big seafood fan, I hope that my next experience will be much more pleasant than this later visit.
(3)
Charles David T.
This is a fun place for dinner and drinks. The food is ok, but the Long Beach Marina atmosphere sets very positive vibe!
(4)
Dette T.
The best prime rib at a reasonable price! Get the end cut, blackened, medium rare and pair it with creamed spinach- oh so yummy!!!! Top it off with a heavenly molten lava cake!! Tip: order the cake the same time as ur steak as it takes them 30 minutes to make it- didn't you just feel special now? :)
(5)
Tran C.
I highly understand that Halloween is approaching, but Chart House doesn't have to go over the top and put a family of live spiders on my dinner table. The first spider, DAD made his first debut, which he was quickly being escorting out by our lovely waitress. While I was eating my stale bread and butter looking out the beautiful waterfront view, I noticed the wife spider and their offspring spider made a duet debut. At that point, I got up and left with my boyfriend. Like most girls, I am terrified of spiders and insects. We spoke to the manager and they quickly sit us at another table. On the contrary, the life-less manager didn't seemed too apologetic or sympathetic AT ALL. We have ordered the East meets West Tuna, clam chowder, Miso glazed salmon, autumn ravioli with Grilled Shrimp, and the Lava Godiva Cake. The food was surprisingly DECENT! My grilled shrimp was over-cooked; this type of technical cooking mistakes should not happen at a place like this. On top of that, my ravioli was dry. The clam chowder wasn't anything special. The fried plantains from East meets the West Tuna were not freshly fried. It seemed like it has been cooked for a long time because it became stale. My boyfriend and I both agreed that he did not pay $100.00 worth of foods to have this type of food, service, and spider appearances. Chart House has lost two lovely customers who both are passionate about food.
(1)
Mulator M.
Pretty nice place, but I'm not sure I'll go back very often. Customer service was great (quick, attentive, accurate), dinner was fresh, desert was exceptional, view was nice. What's the downer? It seemed like it was modeled in 1970. Might not be a bad idea to shed a little profit on new digs (at least the carpet).
(3)
Arija R.
Reason for going: Dinner with girlfriends. Overall Experience: Good ATMOSPHERE: Beautiful! The inside is tastefully designed with hues of blue complimenting its waterfront location. Plenty windows for outside scenery. Upscale. Great for out-of-towners. SERVICE: Great--friendly and attentive. -HOSTESS was helpful in meeting our requests to sit by a window for the view. -COCKTAIL SERVER was polite and quick with our drinks. Even brought them up when our table [with a new server] was ready. -SERVER was impressive. Knowledgeable on menu items and introduced herself and all the specials in a fine and easy to understand manner. FOOD: Took forever! I understand the concept of fresh seafood, but the wait was pretty long. Additionally the menu displayed outside was significantly different from the one we were presented with. Misleading since part of the reason we chose to dine here was due to the options on the displayed menu. The menu inside had little to no entree's featuring combinations. ENTREE: Since I didn't find any combinations, I made my own with the JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE and the COCONUT CRISPY SHRIMP. Crab cake was delicious! Worth the dine. Shrimp tasted a bit under cooked and lacked flavor. Luckily it's served with the CITRUS CHILI SAUCE, which was the star of my meal. Friends also chose Crab Cakes. In addition, one ordered the CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS--really good! DESSERT: They feature the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake, which they recommend to order before ordering entree's since it takes about a half hour to prepare. That did not encourage us to move forward with our initial interest. The other desserts didn't seem as appealing. PRICE: Good. OVERALL: Good experience. Will return for more summer nights.
(4)
Sydney C.
This used to be one of my favorite restaurants and a go-to place for special occasions. However, recently they seem to be turning out overcooked seafood and much smaller portions at the same prices. Also, the lava cake dessert that they still push for you to get from the moment you sit down tastes no different from the frozen ones from the grocery store. Still a decent choice if you are in the mood for average food on par with a chain restaurant and a great view of the river.
(2)
David S.
Wife and I were in the area for an event in the morning on Valentines Day, and we decide to stop by for lunch We had a table with a great view of the river. The food was okay. We tried the appetizer sampler and we were underwhelmed. The plantain chips weren't crisp and had no flavor. Tuna tartar was kind of bland, and the rice paper around the roll was a little chewy. There weren't a lot of seafood entree on the menu. It was either the trout or salmon. Wife had the so-so salmon with some rice/vegetable. Diner burger was big but it was unseasoned. Our server was very nice and attentive.
(3)
Sweet N.
I'm solely rating this on Happy Hour only. This is by far my favorite happy hour spot. I've had everything on the Happy Hour menu and I haven't found one thing I didn't like. Everything from the Ahi Tuna to the Fish Tacos, Spinach dip to the Mussel is delicious. The drinks can use a bit more alcohol but over all for the price. It's perfect! You might want to get there before 5:30pm-- it gets crazy and the wait can be long. It's usually under staff so we usually order as much as we can in the first round. It might take a while for your waiter to come back. ;) Overall: good food , good prices and good view!
(4)
Jamie W.
The Chart House is one of the few OT restaurants that actually has decent views of the Potomac. However, I don't understand why people would eat here based solely on that. It's just a dirty river with nothing much to look at. But if that appeals you won't be disappointed if you sit near the windows. It's a good place to bring a date and I suggest asking for a table in the lighthouse section--less people and less noisy. Or get a table outside if the weather is right. The bar is pretty nice and has a decent happy hour. You have to make reservations several days in advance if you want a specific time or table/section. This place is super crowded, especially on the weekend. Lots of tourists as well. If you like your space, make reservations on an off day and time. Now to the food...it's good, but should be better for the prices. I think its unacceptable for shrimp to be overcooked at a restaurant that specializes in seafood. This has happened more than once. But other than the shrimp I would give the food 4 stars by itself. Update!!! I should have updated a long time ago, but I forgot. After writing the review I was contacted by the Chart House management almost immediately. I was put in touch with the Alexandria manager who encouraged me to return and assured I would leave happy. I'm definitely not hard to please, but I was really impressed with the level of seriousness the Chart House takes customer reviews and strives to exceed expectations. Automatic extra star in my book. For those curious, I did order the shrimp again and it was cooked perfectly! Although, I think I would specifically mention my concern for the shrimp if I was to order it in the future--especially during busy hours.
(4)
Megan T.
Went here for a friend's birthday last night. I had never been before, but judging from the prices and location, I expected a lot better. The service was fine, the waitress a little overbearing. She kept pressuring us to order, even though we were in no rush to eat. It was only 5pm, it wasn't even crowded yet, so what's the hurry? We started with the calamari app, and it was pretty good. Nice and crunchy, and the sweet asian dipping sauce was nice change up from the marinara. When dinner came, we were all a little disappointed at how small the portions were. I know it's not The Cheesecake Factory, but for $32 a plate we expected a little more food. My friend's lobster tail was tiny! I had the seafood trio, and the salmon was dry and overcooked, and I hardly tasted the maple glaze that was suppose to be on it. I don't like shrimp, so I let the rest of the table eat it, where they said it was "just ok." The crab cake and mashed potatoes weren't bad, saved the dish from being a total waste. For dessert we decided to share the molten lava cake, and that dessert was the highlight of the entire evening. It was cooked to long to be a lava cake (there wasn't any gooey chocolate center), but it was still delicious, like a big chocolate brownie covered in rich chocolate syrup, crushed heath bars, and topped with vanilla ice cream. Halfway through the meal, an employee came to our table and gave a couple of menu's tied in ribbon to my friend whose birthday it was, so he could "remember the occasion", which we thought was a little strange. It's not like they printed his name on them or anything. They did say "Happy Birthday" at the top, but still, a voucher for a free app or dessert would have been more appreciated. Overall, the view from upstairs was nice, but the food wasn't worth it. I won't be back.
(2)
Amy G.
I went to Chart House with my fiancee's family on Saturday during Thanksgiving weekend. I knew it was going to be busy but I thought, being the Chart House they would have prepared for the rush a bit better. The service was slow. Our waitress was awkward. She brought a steak knife for someone who ordered fish (what? why??? though we got a laugh out of it). So why did I give it 3 stars? The food and the view. The view: They've got picking out locations and complementing the view down to a science. We had a table by one of the giant bay windows on the Potomac. It was really beautiful... especially with the new bridge lights & the cool ferries. The food: I ordered the wine on special. It was a pretty decent pinot and very reasonable. I also ordered the salad bar which was pretty bomb. They had a huge spread and everything I could want on a salad available. They also had pretty decent caviar (so I hear, I'm not a fan but the other person who got the bar had it and enjoyed it). I guess they use to provide bread without you having to ask but we had to ask last night. They eventually brought it and it was delicious. I had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Reviews from the others at my table: - Prime Rib: Ordered Med. Rare and it was cooked great. I tasted it and I now know what I'll order next time if we go back. - Swordfish: He really liked it. I'm not a fan so I can't attest. - Scallops: A bit cool but still perfectly cooked.
(3)
Jennifer P.
I decided I had to go here after my husband and I enjoyed an incredible meal at the Chart House in Savannah, GA. I have to say I was slightly disappointed with this one. Our waitress seemed too distracted and the good took forever! Delicious, but a big part of eating out is the service and it was lacking here!
(3)
McKay S.
I ate here again today for my birthday. I love the brunch. 99 cent mimosas and champagne. Also a really stellar salad bar. If you can get a table by the window, it's a wonderful spot to look out at the water. The food is awesome and the service is even better. Five stars all the way. Also, they made custom menus with my name on the top. Seems cheesy but I was super surprised.
(5)
Robert A.
Good Food, Good Service... The only "complaint" I have is that the front desk does not have a good way for guests with reservations to notify the staff you have arrived on time... without waiting in line with all the walk-in guests. When things get busy (as they were when we came in...), they need someone available to check in guests with reservations. The front desk is still relying on a fixed-point registration system. Why not a tablet based system so the front of the house staff can move through the line? This is a very popular restaurant and many visitors to Old Town Alexandria tend to walk-in. As well, they could be more aggressive in their drink sales while we were waiting... I could have enjoyed bourbon while I waited... Nevertheless, do not leave my review and get the impression that the food, the service, and the view were not terrific... because they were.
(4)
Anjaly P.
For such a beautiful location and great menu, I was hoping for better. We were seated promptly into the busy dining room but it took a while for our eager sounding server to actually serve us. We made it quite easy because we knew what we were all eating pretty fast. A run down of the cons: Two glasses of wine and two mojitos took far too long to make it to our table. (could be the bartender's fault, but our server was no where in sight to even ask for an explanation). We split an appetizer (fried asparagus) and they were not that exciting. One friend is veggie for lent so we opted for something we could all share. Maybe the other appetizers would've been better so we'll try again maybe after lent is over. We had to ask for dinner rolls when our meals arrived even though we should've got them sooner. A newly seated table near us received them instantly. Our server seemed to have forgotten us entirely. My entree (stuffed flounder) was just so-so. I'm not sure if its flounder 'season' or if its considered 'sustainable' right now but either way...it wasn't that great. The entree came with asparagus and mashed potatoes; the fish was stubbed with crab meat. The entire dish was covered in a buttery sauce that did not compliment anything on the plate. No bueno. Veggie friend had an impressive sounding salad that left her pushing the greens around the plate. The other two had a filet (which he enjoyed) and snapper (which was a disappointment as well). Our eyes were fixated on their dessert that took 30 minutes to prepare. (no really, it says so on the menu, so we placed the order for it early) and sad to say that it was the best thing we ate the whole evening. Chart House is too expensive to be this much of a disappointment or I have a high standard for pretty waterfront seafood establishments. (or both....)
(2)
Jennifer V.
I got the clam chowder and salad bar option. The clam chowder was average but small, and the salad bar was super disappointing. The romaine lettuce was limp and the choices were pretty slim. I would've expected a few more meat options to add on to make a $14 salad bar worth it, but there were none. The location was nice, and our waiter was very attentive. I give it 2 stars for the location and wait-staff, but in good conscience I can't give this place any more stars for its expensive and below average food.
(2)
Claudia R.
Great place to eat, beautiful view delicious food and wonderful service. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Sokha A.
Great place for a dinner date. We were seated at little table right in front of the bay windows overlooking the river - very nice view. Love the decor and ambiance of this place. Staff were attentive and nice. The seafood pasta and my husband's fish dish were great! LOVED the hot chocolate lava cake for dessert!
(4)
Chrystina Z.
You come here for the view and that's it. While the food was alright, everything was slightly "off." For instance, the blue crab cake sandwich isn't a crab cake patty like you'd expect (it's just loose crab meat sandwiched between toast). The pineapple caprihina and mango mojito aren't very strong. The chicken ceasar salad seems decent. The calamari doesn't come with lemon and is slightly rubbery. Though our waiter was friendly and talkative, it took a long time to get our food (45min when the lunch crowd was minimal). I think there are better spots in Old Town, but this one has the water view.
(2)
Ahmed K.
Let's be realistic - it's very easy to be flung into a tourist trap even when you live close to Old Town Alexandria no matter how much you try to avoid it. The Charthouse is just one of those many places in this community but this place can be exceptionally bad. In general, Alexandria has this nautical feel to it which you will discover when you explore its amazingly charming streets full of equally charming boutiques, pubs, eateries, and parks. If you are like me and love seafood, you would instantly feel the craving when you walk through Alexandria. All of the seafood places look promising at first and then you end up finding yourself by the water right on the end of King Street. Mercifully, big restaurant corporations can afford a prime piece of real estate here too and give you a painfully post-modern light-house shaped building to satisfy your seafood craving - and that is the Charthouse. There are many appealing things on the menu and they stay appealing until they come out - oysters on the half shell - virtually microscopic and sandy, lobster - rubbery, sea bass - overcooked and burned, Crab cakes - too much filler and too little crab. Your wallet? Completely empty. This is what you will experience when you come here guaranteed. It is basically an upscale Red Lobster. Watch out, there are little places like these all over Alexandria.
(2)
william t.
reservations were for 7 pm and were seated on time. Service was good and all the food was served promptly. Calamari and shrimp were good floor able appetizers. Had to ask for addl sauce for calamari as the served portion was minimal. Four entrees served were scallops, pork chop, ahi tuna and salmon. All were we'll portioned but tuna was slightly over coked from the requested "rare." Liked the view to the river.
(4)
Sayjul P.
Chart House was recommended to me by a friend and it did not disappoint. The location is perfect, the food was delicious, and the service was on point. For appetizer we ordered the crabbed stuffed mushrooms that were recommended by our server. I have had stuffed mushrooms at many restaurants before and these were some of the best. For dinner we had the Tilapia del Mar which is topped with shrimp, grilled tomato salsa, avocado and served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked and the flavors all messed together. We also had the Crab Cakes which were a delight. The place is pricey but the quality of the food is worth it.
(4)
Bob B.
A good place for a special occasion. The large dining room has a huge glass wall overlooking the Potomac River. Especially nice at sunset. Service was friendly, all the seafood dishes were excellent. My lump crabcakes were nicely browned, flakey and with almost no filler. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the prices- all the entrees are about $30, and the appetizers and drinks $12-15. Still, that's pretty much what you'd expect for the location, the view, and this nice tourist area of metro DC. Good for family groups or a romantic dinner with a view.
(4)
Courtney V.
My husband and I are driving home from dinner here and it was disappointing enough to merit an immediate review. Starting with lobster and shrimp spring rolls with pieces of shell and made with spaghetti noodles?! Followed by a salad swimming in dressing and then my husband's meal. Rice that was the consistency of kindergarten paste. After mentioning to the waiter that the rice was inedible he replaced it with wrinkled, limp and lukewarm green beans that were just as awful. A visit from the floor manager revealed that "they used the wrong rice in the kitchen" and would make a new batch for future diners. We gently pointed out that the replacement item was equally bad, only to be met with a raised eye brow and a "thanks for letting us know." All of this coupled with waiting 45 minutes for our entrees and empty water glasses (a pet peeve) and the ridiculous cost means we are never going back. Such a disappointment.
(1)
Rob W.
We arrived at the Chart House on time for a 430 reservation and were seated immediately. it was very clean, large windows, very dated 1980's carpet. It looked like a clash between 1980 and a modern beach front property. It wasn't bad, but you could tell it was an institution. There was a bit of confusion during seating us because they were also preparing for a large party and had to have us stand in the middle of the dining room for a moment while they decided where to put us. The server arrived promptly. She was very knowledgable, but you could tell she wasn't trying to sell anything. She was there for questions and not to put the most expensive dish onto her tab. The server had to order the drinks from the bar, which took a bit longer than normal. Every drink was delicious and worth the money. The appetizers were very prompt. The gazpacho was not very good. It tasted like they put chopped up veggies into a tomato soup. The flavors were not soaked over night like a normal gazpacho. The clam chowder and cream of crab were very good. I would recommend both soups. The blue crab dip, veggie fritters with crab and the duck dumplings were all very good. The blue crab dip was the clear table winner. For the entrees: The filet medallions with crab stuffed shrimp were good. The filet medallions were not great but the seafood portion was very good. The chilean sea bass was perfect and one of the favorites. The scallops were very good and a table favorite. The pasta with shrimp was a mixed review. The pasta was not very good but the shrimp were a favorite. We had mushrooms, baked potatoes, squash gratin and bacon wrapped baby potatoes for sides. Each of the sides were very, very good. I even wanted the recipe for the mushrooms and bacon wrapped baby potatoes. It basically seamed that the restaurant perfected anything that was actually seafood and did a poor job on other items like steak, pasta or gazpacho. The desserts were yet again, amazing. The molten lava cake was a table favorite. The cheese cake was just normal run of the mill cheesecake, but was good. The server wrapped up our left overs quickly. The dinner was at a nice pace and we didn't feel rushed. The views of the Potomac were gorgeous. I would definitely visit again, but would leave out any steak, pasta or gazpacho. I would love to order the bacon wrapped potatoes to go...I will be craving them within a week!
(4)
Kristen W.
Last Saturday we had some down time between a wedding ceremony and a reception in Alexandria. Chart House immediately popped into my head as a good place to kill time and catch up with our friends, and I'm so glad I thought of it. It's been a few years and I had forgotten how much I love this restaurant. The views are just so gorgeous and the bar area was perfect for afternoon cocktails with a group. Food wise, my husband was on his deathbed and ordered the lobster bisque, and it was A+++. Drinks wise, the cocktails were delicious and the wine pours generous. Ambiance in the bar area is great, service is fabulous as you'd expect from a nice restaurant in Alexandria. My experience this time was very different than the last (cocktails during the day vs. dinner in the evening) but the result is the same - wonderful restaurant, highly recommend.
(5)
Farida A.
More of a 3.5-star place, but customer service bumped it up to a solid 4. Logistics: Helped coordinate my friend's 30th birthday brunch here. Made reservations about a week in advance, and was able to get a table for 20 people with no problem. (12:45pm on a Sunday afternoon) Staff were so friendly and helpful, which is hard to manage with a large party. Ambience: Gorgeous views of the river. Interior is really nice/classy. Good place for an upscale brunch or dinner. Food: Their brunch comes with an entree and a salad bar. The items on the salad bar were tasty - pasta salad, caesar salad, fruits, caviar, smoked salmon, salad fixings, danishes, bagels, etc. The entree choices were good, and in general tasted great too. Our party had two major complaints though - the poached eggs were overcooked and the steaks were super well done (even when asked for medium). Service: As I noted before, the staff were very friendly and patient too. I brought a cake for the bday girl, and they brought it out right on time. After she blew out the candles, they cut it up into perfect pieces and boxed the remainder. (I was having anxiety over whether the cake would be big enough.) The bill situation could have been horribly confusing, with at least 15 different credit cards thrown in but our server was great and took care of it without complaint. I would definitely recommend Chart House for a special occasion, whether its a large party or just a special date night.
(4)
Jessica L.
3 stars only for the beautiful view, but if you're looking for good quality seafood worth pouring your pocket over, look elsewhere! Sub-par calamari, over-cooked salmon, steak, and lobster, and an average crab cake. I don't think I would come back!
(3)
Laz L.
Great place to bring a date. They have an awesome dinner setting with a great view of the Potomac River, Alexandria Water Front and Marina. You can also get glimpses of Woodrow Wilson (I495) bridge and National Harbor right behind it. It's best to make a reservation since getting a table as a walk in is impossible. They do have some smaller tables near the bar that are first come first served. If you don't have a reservation those are your best bet. You can start at the bar and once a table opens up grab it quickly. If not then you can also order food from the bar. The food there is very delicious. Out of all the times I've been there (7-8) the food has always been amazing. Service is normally pretty good. Of course this this place is a bit pricy but well worth it! I mix it up between the steak and seafood dishes and always get the chocolate overload cake which you have to order early since it takes about 30 minutes to make!
(5)
Stephanie L.
This place was amazing!!! Its on the water and they have happy hour specials! There is also an outside seating area, however, one weird thing is that it was closing when we got there (@ like 630PM...weird). We sat at the bar for a drink...there was like $4 glasses of wine...GREAT! We then sat in the back area. I got the clam chowder, as recommended by the server....it was yummy! Supposedly the best...voted by someone...I cant remember exactly because like I said, $4 glasses of wine. I then had the sea bass, also recommended by the server. AMAZING!!! Love it....had a little asian flair to it. The price was a little expensive, but I thought that the restaurant was upscale so I didnt mind. It was a great dinner!
(5)
Sheena K.
Chart House on Alexandria, VA is my family's "Special Occasion" restaurant, I love the outdoor seating views during the summer and I always order the Lavish Salad bar, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Caramel glazed cheesecake. Every time I have been it was very crowded and loud and there is a bathroom attendant in the Ladies Room which always wierds me out but other then that it is great Seafood.
(5)
Roya M.
Went to Chart House for Sunday brunch. What a beautiful location right on the water in Old Town Alexandria. The decor was very nice and modern and the cool blue color scheme complemented the water outside. Huge windows gave patrons a nice view of the water. Alfonso, our server was excellent and extremely attentive. He was always quick to refill my coffee and order us more drinks. He also made excellent recommendations and checked to make sure we enjoyed out meals. He also just had an overall nice personality. I ordered the French toast which was beyond delicious - the French bread was laying in a buttery brown sugar sauce covered in fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, raspberries and macadamia nuts. Often French toast is very soggy but the thick French bread retained its density. The coffee was delicious and the $0.99 mimosa was divine. The salad bar was also pretty good but the pastries looked and tasted like something you would get in a hotel buffet. The Ceasar salad was a bit garlicky and covered in dressing making the lettuce a bit soggy. There was a lot of fresh fruit on the salad bar which I loved. My biggest complaint - the surly and snobby hostess. TERRIBLE attitude. I was with a large party who easily spent a grand on food and she treated me and other folks in our group like we were an inconvenience. My aunt asked her if there was another bathroom because the main one was crowded and with a snarl "explained" very rudely and curtly that this was the only restroom. After our meal I saw a dog tied up outside in the hot sun so I asked her if they had a bowl and she rolled her eyes and said they did not have a bowl. Confused (since I know they have bowls) I repeated my request and she was very rude and abrupt and repeated her previous answer and then proceeded to literally talk over me to people behind me like I did not exist. Since everything else was very good I am not going to downgrade my review but my experience with this rude woman really left a bad taste in my mouth and I urge the management to ensure their hostesses have better customer service skills. Also, food was good but price was a little steep for the quality.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Cheryl Y.
This is one of my favorite restaurants and I recently went here for my Mom's Birthday! Calvin was our Waiter and he was great. He made us feel welcome and at home. He also was hilarious and made up laugh -a lot! I had the Mixed Seafood Grill and it was amazing. It was so good and I was starving so it was perfect. It is a lot of food, so I took some home but I really enjoyed it. We also had the Chocolate Lava Cake, which you have to order 30 mins. beforehand, but it was delicious and we split it 4 ways. It is delicious and very rich so be prepared. Overall, I loved it as usual and we will definitely be back soon.
(5)L H.
Two friends and I renewed our restaurant week traditon and on the "insistence" of 1 of our trio who prefers American seafood, we bestowed the honor on Chart House. What a mistake ----EXCEPT for the fantastic view, good friends and great conversation, the easy parking (for me, at least), and the service (more about that below). First, the restaurant week menu for lunch was pretty bad - 1) choice of salad or CUP of clam chowder, 2) choice of burger, coconut shrimp and, I believe a chicken sandwich (or some other sandwich - not in the running for any of us) and 3) creme brulee or NY style cheesecake. All 3 of us ordered the soup and shrimp, and as a group got both the cheesecake and the creme brulee. The soup was not bad, but only after we sent it back to be heated - it was served tepid. Our server, Angel, took it back graciously and brought back soup that was nice and hot. Oddly, we were initially served the soup in a bowl, but when it was served hot it was in a cup --albeit the portion was cup sized both times. Then the coconut shrimp..... I think we each got about 4 small butterflied shrimp in a pretty greasy coconut batter and a small serving of room temp. skinny fries. It looked like they were both just dropped onto the plate, scattering as they hit. A watery sweet sauce and ketchup were served in two small condiment cups on each side of the plate. Presentation was terrible. However, the shrimp were not totally awful, just not good and very anemic in size and portion amount. I liked the creme brulee; it was a small serving, but good and served with several raspberries on top - a nice bonus. I was the recipient of my friend's cheesecake. She didn't like either choice offered. The flavor was not good and it was served frozen stiff in the center. No need to wonder if it was made in house. All in all, the food was an epic failure --- but the view was just fantastic and it was a beautiful day. As noted above, the service was generally good. Angel checked on us many times, thruout the meal and especially after we finished (we couldn't tell, but assumed she was trying to move us along...), but I don't believe she refilled our empty water glasses one of those many times until specifically asked to. I was very disappointed by the food at the Chart House - at least with the restaurant week selections. However, I also looked over the regular menu and checked out the $16 salad bar ($6 when ordered with a sandwich or, I assume, an entree. The prices are way too high for what I saw of the very mediocre salad bar and food we got. Restaurant week is a restaurant's oppty to showcase their menu to lure new customers in and get customers who haven't been for a while to come back -- obviously not Chart House's view of restaurant week. I will NOT be back -- even for that fantastic view.
(2)Elizabeth B.
Amazingly great food and awesome server "Lance" my husband had the New York strip he gets it well done most places char the outside to get it well done not here cooked consistent through the whole piece of meat! The seafood same way. I got the seafood trio or sampler salmon, shrimp and crab cake with mashed potatoes for dessert the cheesecake! Absolutely amazing the best yet I've ever had! If I visit DC again I will visit the chart house again
(5)Tawanna W.
We arrived on time for our reservation and was seated immediately at a very nice table by the window. The server was excellent. He suggested the blue crab dip as an appetizer. The crab dip was bland and definitely needed more crab meat. Our entrees were excellent and cooked perfectly. Of course I had to have the chocolate lava cake for dessert, which never disappoints. I tried two of their cocktails, the sangria was pretty good, but I did not like the fiery cucumber martini. The flavor combinations in that drink were all wrong!! Overall it was a very enjoyable visit and I will definitely return
(4)Maria S.
Not that impressed with the service. Took a long time to get our food and then crab legs came cold/partly frozen and had to send back. They did offer to comp the crab legs. But still our experience was tainted after so much waiting. Chilean sea bass was good.
(3)Marcus M.
I'm sitting here at the chart house. My waiter hasn't checked on us in over thirty minutes. Got an attitude when we remanded him we asked for straws. It's hot as hell and he hasn't refilled our water. Awful service. I suspect it's because we only got apps and drinks. The waiter completely ignored us for the tables around us. Never coming back. I think he assumed that we weren't going to entrees so we weren't worth the time, but we had planned on buying a rack of alcohol. Too bad dude.
(1)Tumani T.
Pretty decent food with a nice view; although I've had better seafood in Maryland. I made reservations 2 days earlier, it wasn't crowded on a Sunday evening, the staff was friendly and pleasant. Free street parking available on Sundays.
(3)Beatrice G.
This place is really good. My husband and I decided to stop in one evening after taking a stroll in Old Towne. We sat at a table that faced the water and it was absolutely beautiful. The food was okay for the prices...but I am a hard critic because my husband is a darn good cook too. We both ordered alfredo. Next time we go I hope to try something else on the menu. The atmosphere is great and relaxing so I don't think this will be a restaurant that you will want to deal with small children.
(4)Marie M.
My husband and I both had one of the Chef Specials - Cedar Plank Salmon and Lobster Stuffed Cod. Both were mediocre - over cooked and just not that special. Our waiter was very nice and attentive and we had a beautiful table overlooking the water. This restaurant is more about the view than the food.
(3)B S.
A friend recommended this place as "the best". It was very good. It was expensive. We sat in the bar to avoid the wait. Clam chowder was good. Fresh bread. I had the blackened swordfish, and would recommend it.
(4)Gerald W.
What a bummer! I trust the experience we encountered is not a regular happenstance. My wife and I had looked forward to a Chart House Prime Rib dinner and booked 7:30 P.M. reservation. We arrived early and enjoyed a drink in the lounge near the fireplace overlooking the Potomac. We were seated for dinner at a nice table with a good view. After waiting approximately 20 minutes with no service, a waitress approached and asked if anyone had taken care of us. We simply said, " no" and she returned to take our order for two medium-rare prime rib dinners, a cup of clam chowder and a salad bar, along with a bottle of red wine. So far so good.. A short time later the manager approached to apologize for the poor service. A few minutes later I went to the salad bar to prepare a salad so that when my wife's clam chowder arrived we could dine together. Whoops! No lettuce on the salad bar and the other items were for the most part pretty well picked over. It's tough to make a salad without lettuce. I asked a server to get lettuce and she said she would tell the chef. Fifteen minutes later the lettuce arrives and all this time my wife is waiting to eat her clam chowder as it got cold. As we start to eat the manager again approached, this time to inform us that they had no medium-rare prime rib and that the prime rib would not be very red. We had come for the prime rib, so we asked for it as red as possible. It arrived well over cooked and dry. In fact for the most part it was inedible. It must have been sitting in the kitchen since the day before. Again the manager apologized and said he would take care of us and provide a complimentary lava cake dessert and not charge for the prime rib; which he did. But, we had not come to the Chart House for a lousy cheep dinner. We had looked forward to a special evening. This was a terrific disappointment at so many levels that I wonder about the qualifications of the kitchen staff and management at this location.
(1)Kathy R.
Flounder was unseasoned, short rib (only one) was ok, but nothing fantastic for the price. Hair in the salad bar and never asked if we wanted bread. Waiter Paul was very bland and has no idea about customer service. The Manager did take the cost of the salad bar off the $70.00 bill.
(1)Morgan G.
This is the type of dining experience that you enjoy for the view. (And chart house better be worried when the Alexandria waterfront development happens). This place looks like a bad early 90's cruise ship. And honestly the food is reminiscent of such. Deep fried plantains sticking out of dishes? Seriously? They charge an outrageous menu price because they can. They are the only waterfront establishment in old town. Some of the menu options are worth while. The seafood seems fresh but nothing memorable. So many better places in old town. Don't settle for this place.
(2)Kristen M.
The food....was....amazing. Great, efficient service- everything came fast and hot and on time. I had the filet mignon with lump crab cake and the she crab soup and it was delicious . The filet came with a sherry Buerre blanc that was absolutely wonderful, I wanted to lick the plate. The berry creme brûlée my husband and daughter and I split was ok..,full of whole fresh berries but not anything special. I also had the peach sangria, which was flavorful and light and so good. If we visit Alexandria again we will definitely go back.
(5)Alida H.
3.5 stars. Romantic ambience and decently good food at best. Although chart house's atmosphere delivers as a romantic date setting, its food did not quite match up. Lets cut to the chase on the food shall we? The raw oysters were decent, but did not taste fresh. The calamari appetizer was decently good, but probably on the lower end of the totem pole of the copious amounts of calamaris I have tried at various restaurants (don't judge me, calamari is my go-to appetizer). The dish was a bit odd in that the plate was a mix of fried calamari, carrots, jalpanenos as well as other miscellaneous vegetables. The main dish that was chosen for the night was the chart house cut prime rib (10 oz) served with a side of mashed potatoes. This hunk of meat was juicy, cooked to perfection at the requested medium-rare level, and tender, yet it did lack in flavor. The dish came with a side of beef au jus to dip, however this did not effect the flavor as much as I had hoped. The mashed potatoes were also decent but I did not care for them. I prefer my mashed potatoes light and whipped, but this particular one was very heavy and dense and also lacked flavor for it had no seasoning or sauce to go with it. This place is a great one to try since it is next to the water and provides a intimate dining experience, however its not a restaurant I would visit regularly.
(3)Abbas T.
I have taken my girl there a few times, and we have also taken other couples to the Chart House. The Chart House is the absolute perfect place to go for a Sunday Brunch. You can get there at 1:30 PM and its still Brunch time. Either way, ever if you order off the regular menu, the food is great, if you sit in the lower section, where its carpeted, the noise level is very low. The waiters/waitresses are all great and very attentive. The management does an amazing job. I have never ever gone there and didn't have a great time. The only advise I would give you, is that if you're going to buy wine by the bottle, do your homework. Enjoy the Chart House.
(5)Jeremy B.
I don't go here for anything but the happy hour. Happy hour is great! Good finger foods
(4)Scott W.
The first time I came to the Chart House, I must say I wasn't much impressed. With that said, I made reservations to bring my gf for Vday because the view from the restaurant is hard to beat. For some reason, this meal was far superior to my first. For an appetizer, we got oysters which were incredibly fresh. Also, the blue crab dip is very rich, but delicious. We ordered entrees and let's say my prime rib was unbelievable. It was cooked perfectly and the meat was delectable. She got the Medallions and Crab Stuffed shrimp; the filet medallions were awesome and the crab stuffed shrimp.. eh, I could do without next time. There was absolutely no room for dessert by that point, so we paid out tab (about $175 with a couple drinks/tip if I remember correctly) but would definitely return. Enjoy fellow yelpsters!
(4)Will K.
We keep coming back from Christmas lunch as a yearly tradition. The food, service, atmosphere, and water views remain consistent year to year.
(5)Tina T.
Went to the Chart House last Friday for Restaurant Week. We were seated right away, but then again we had reservations. To start my boyfriend and I got the calamari. Now it wasn't the best calamari I have ever had, but it was still delicious. There was plenty of calamari and it accompanied two different dipping sauces. One marinara and one a sweet chili sauce. I preferred the marinara over the sweet chili sauce with a squirt of lemon. For our entree we both ordered the pan seared scallops (ended up not ordering from the restaurant week menu). From the previous time that I went to the Chart House, I remembered the scallops being on a bed of risotto of some sort accompanied by green beans. So when I saw scallops on the menu, I didn't bother to read the rest since the first time I've had it was excellent. This time around it was on wasabi mashed potatoes and accompanied by green beans. I honestly was disappointed that it was with mashed potatoes versus the risotto because the risotto complimented the scallops well. Overall, the service was superb just as I remembered it a year ago. The food was also excellent especially the scallops. However the miso glazing or whatever it was kinda threw off my taste a little bit since I found it overwhelming. Will definitely be back again.
(4)A T.
If I could do 2.5 stars.... The strength of this place is location. You could not have a better sight line to the Potomac River. But this is about where it ends. The food is very mediocre. And the servers are very mediocre. The white napkins will leave lint all over your clothes. And the food can be overpriced if you're not careful. The servers will try to serve the most expensive things. Just be careful here. Seafood is mediocre- crab is too minced and not lump. Bread for sandwiches is not fresh. Food can be too greasy. But the lava cake is impressively not too sweet. Look at the recommendations on Yelp and ask about the prices for specials. We got two specials and were shocked that they were twice as much as any other lunch menu item. We did not order alcohol and our bill was shocking. Just be careful. A light lunch and trip to the torpedo factory could be nice, but be careful with this place. Did I say be careful?
(3)Trina H.
The food was really good! The service was a little slow but it's with purpose! Loved the atmosphere and the view was beautiful! Made for a great way to celebrate our anniversary!
(4)Cathy H.
I've never had a meal here, so this review is strictly about their molten chocolate lava cake. This cake takes thirty minutes to make, so be prepared to wait. Your patience will pay off when this masterpiece of a dessert arrives at your table. It's a half-baked chocolate cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup, and subsequently topped with toffee bits. The cool ice cream balances the warm, gooey chocolate cake so extremely well. Great textural contrast with the toffee bits, too. Simply amazing. I am not a choc-a-holic, so I hope that says something about this dessert. The service was really spotty, but the dessert was 5 stars, so the overall rating is 4 stars. I cannot vouch for any other item on their menu, but if you are looking to extend your time by the waterfront and have a sweet tooth, stop by here and grab a seat by the window. You can thank me later!
(4)Pamela C.
Fresh and delicious seafood and nice view while you dine. Love this place!
(5)Bryce A.
I visited Chart House Alexandria for happy hour on a Friday evening. You can only get happy hour specials in the bar/lounge area and it was packed when we got there, but we were able to order from the bar and stand around a counter area to eat until a table opened up. I tried the Ahi Nachos, Lettuce Wraps, and Tempura Shrimp, and was pretty happy with all of them. The tempura was fried perfectly (and the fries were awesome), the lettuce wraps and ahi nachos were fresh and flavorful. Service was fine. The bartenders were friendly and I liked how the open kitchen next to the bar let you watch the chefs cooking. The happy hour prices are just so-so for a happy hour, but the food is delicious and you get an awesome view over the Potomac.
(4)Pegah Y.
My bf and I decided to spend a nice April day walking around Alexandria. It was such a beautiful sunny day outside and the flowers were at the height of their bloom. The sky was blue and Old Town Alexandria was full of people. We traversed the cobblestone streets and noted many a shop and restaurant. We were also quite hungry so we tried to decide on what to eat. I had eaten at a fish restaurant in Alexandria in Nov 2011 which wasn't that great, so we decided to go all out and eat at Chart House (right on the water in the fisherman's village area) instead. I'd previously been to Chart House in California (namely the one in Marina Del Rey) and had nothing but good experiences there in the past, so I was definitely game for eating at Chart House in Alexandria. We sat in a really pretty, airy room, where we could feel the breeze of the water and enjoy the sun streaming through the large windows of the restaurant. We decided to get some nice afternoon drinks and we stared over with hazy, happy eyes at each other. My mojito was so refreshing and delicious. We both also ordered the Blue Crab Club Sandwich, which came with jumbo lump crabmeat, crab boursin, crisp bacon, field greens and tomatoes, and tasted exquisite. I loved my experience at Chart House and will certainly be back again! They have quite a few locations across the country: chart-house.com/ourMenus… .
(5)Rick B.
A revisit to a place I'd visited long ago -- well before Yelp was created -- yet despite being a frequent visitor to the area in intervening period I'd avoided since. Location: Excellent - right on Potomac waterfront in Alexandria with views to Washington DC. A good percentage of tables are aligned to exploit this view, and those in the raised "Lighthouse" section (surrounding a central flame) probably make the most of this. Food: selection reasonable, well prepared and presented. Prices par for type of location. Wine list: Average, with selection and pricing by the glass not ideal. Service: A weak spot - the reception / allocation process for both myself and other dinners seemed Inefficient and chaotic, and the mealtime service was both intrusive and rushed - I do not take kindly to having main course delivered before I've finished my starter! So, many years after my last visit, the weak Service -- that had put me off visiting again -- still persists ...
(2)Pamela M C.
We went back and the manager went out of his way to make sure that our experience this time was great. We appreciated the attention to detail and we will be back.
(5)Justin W.
This spot is a staple in the Old Town Alexandria community as the lead seafood restaurant. I love the open salad bar. The fish and other entrees though are not too different from other specialized seafood restaurants. If you go, you must try to ask for a great view of the Potomac River. That's the main selling point of this place.
(3)Frank G.
the Chart House is one of my Old Town Faves and they just always deliver the finest of foods. This date was no different. We stayed at the National Harbor and decided to take a quick run across the river to Old Town. Three different orders. All sea food. What's funny is, every dish looked the same. Maybe changing the plating will make you Ooooow and Aaaahhh when the food arrives, but I was like, Really? We all got the same dish. oh I forgot, I can not start without getting that Crab, Avocado & Mango Stack. Oh yeah! One of my favorites things to have in my mouth. IJS Only recommendation is they should be aware that the blender is very loud and disturbing to the patrons seated next to the bar. An older couple asked to be moved to another table and we were closer than them. but we were well in our meals by the time the orders were being processed. We did have to wait to talk. Loud the, blender is...in my best Yoda impression. Seated further away, we should be.
(4)Thomas B.
Another disappointing restaurant in Old town Alexandria. Overpriced terrible food with a great view. The staff thinks they are too good and they smell like roses, sorry guys but you smell like poo poo - get over yourselves. I've been in this town for 4 years and have yet to uncover the restaurant gem in Old Town. King St has become a great go to spot for trips to CVS and Starbucks, the restaurants unfortunately are mediocre.
(2)Rebecca F.
We sat outside on a beautiful night. We ordered drinks and one appetizer which were served to us 15 mins later. Cucumber martini was delicious. We were never offered any more drinks including water. Our glasses remained empty and appetizer plate remained empty on table. We ordered our food and waited and waited and waited. When it had not arrived 45 mins later, we gave up. My son approached the waitstaff and said we were leaving. The mgr came out and apologized with no excuses. We paid our bill and left. This was my second time here with lousy service. I will not go again.
(2)Antonia N.
Overall the experience was very good. The restaurant is in a prime location on the water. We had a gorgeous view from our table that really enhanced our meal. Great service and food came out in a timely manner. The food is good - but not great. A few things on the menu are mislabeled. The crab tater tots are really just deep fried crab balls and there's no "lava" in their chocolate lava cake (maybe ours was over cooked).
(3)Melinda Z.
I went yesterday for Fathers Day. It was a decent time. The wait staff provided good service. There food was average at best. I had chopped salad and it tasted watered down along with the balsamic dressing that was extremely thick. The prime rib was good but relatively unseasoned. I had key lime pie that tastes equally unexciting. The chocolate lava cake was very good and added a great end to an otherwise so so meal. My second time here and although I like the atmosphere the food is just marginal. I do like the chef bringing the food to the table. The water view is very nice even on days that are drab and dreary. Third time here. Food average. Great views of the water. Noisy on busy days, reminding me of a cafeteria.
(3)Carrie H.
Although I have not had a full meal here for four years, I was touring Alexandria, it was hot and we were in need of a little libation. We stopped in at the bar here where they had a very nice area to sit and view the water. The bartender was extremely efficient and friendly and what I liked most about it was they let us sit there as long as we like. No one pushing food on us or pushing us out the door (we only had one drink) The drinks we had were made perfectly! Next visit will go back to eat again
(4)Gia H.
Went to Chart House for NYE. One of the best experiences for dining, minus a few hiccups, in a long time. Made reservations online and asked for a table overlooking the water - There was a note on the reservation that tables next to the water were not guaranteed... Completely understood. However, when we arrived, we did receive a booth that faced the water. Perfect! However, the table was not cleaned thoroughly, when they sat us down. Minor setback, although we understood how this was missed because they were so busy. Our server was very nice and attentive. One of our concerns since it was so busy, but he was great. The drinks were great and the crab dip even better. However, the crunchy French bread that came with it was not the best. Preferred to have a nice soft baguette. Bf had the Salmon Rockefeller and I had the stuffed flounder - Both delicious. My original request of the Prime Rib was sold out by the time we sat down a little before 11 PM. Not a problem until I looked around and everyone was nibbling on their PR :( We ordered lava cake, but after the ball dropped at midnight, our server told us he had to forgot to put it in. Another minor setback. Since he was so nice all evening and by that time we were stuffed, we didn't make a big deal and just asked not to worry about it anymore. However, as the other lava cakes passed our table, I thought about the prime rib and lava cake I did not have tonight :( 10 minutes before the ball dropped, party hats, noise makers and champagne were passed to each table. Very nice gesture! At midnight, a firework display on the water right in front of our table started. Can I say what a perfect evening? I would LOVE to give this restaurant a '5' but because of the few hiccups, I couldn't. But I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. I will be back again soon, so I can have my prime rib and lava cake!
(4)Cathy C.
This was truly one of the worst dining experience I have ever had. The service was slow and unattentive. The food was distasteful, bland and poorly presented. The location was the only saving grace for this place but you'd be far ahead of the game if you bought a fast food dinner and sat on the dock eating and watching the scenery. Never again will I dine at this restaurant or any in the chain.
(1)Ben G.
My wife and I ate there earlier this week in what we hope was winter's last gasp. We had not been to the Chart House in years. We both thought the food was excellent. We sat near a window and they had a (fake) fire going in a pit - which was nice.... It's a pricey place but definitely very good tasting food...
(4)Jeffrey E.
My wife and I decided to have lunch at the Chart House Saturday afternoon. We approached the outside reservation desk and were told it would be about a 20 minute wait for outdoor seating. We walked around for over 20 minutes and returned to the outdoor reservation desk and were told we had to go inside to make a reservation. We were seated once the communication issue between the staff was resolved. Both the table and chair had pieces of lettuce stuck on them from previous customers (I took a picture). Apparently the staff who clean tables at the Chart House do not believe in paying attention to detail. We ordered the coconut shrimp as an appetizer and were disappointed with the size and quantity for the price. I have paid less for better coconut shrimp at other restaurants. My wife ordered the strawberry salad and was satisfied with her choice. I ordered a bowl of clam chowder. Although the clam chowder was delicious the bowl was more the size of a large cup. The most disturbing aspect of our visit was the service. After we were seated our waiter, Mike, failed to introduce himself and his first words were "what can I get you to drink besides water." Mike failed to check on us as we ate our meal and was indifferent to our dining experience. We always said thank you when he brought us our drinks, meal, and check yet he only responded once with you are welcome. Based on our experience we will not be returning to the Chart House. There are much better and cheaper restaurants in downtown Alexandria where customer service is not an oxymoron.
(1)Erin M.
After taking the boat from boat from Georgetown to Alexandria, we needed to eat. We decided to try the Chart House for our late lunch. We were seated right away, and finally greeted by our server - he seemed like he was in a rush.
(4)Joan L.
Reading the other reviews that were less than four stars was surprising. I have been here twice, once with my family and another time with my boyfriend. The food and service were great from beginning 'till the end for both times I went. The view was great and the ambiance really made this restaurant five stars for me. Plus the hot chocolate lava cake helped seal the deal. I love this place and I highly recommend it :)
(5)Candice B.
Ate at the Chart House today for a business meeting. The service was very attentive, they were a little over whelming though. The waiter took my bread and butter while I was still eating. I had the crab cake sandwich. This being my first Maryland?!? Style crab cake I am not exactly sure how it is suppose to be, I thought it was a little too messy. Hard to eat especially while at a business meeting. They have shoestring fries which I am not a huge fan of but I know almost everyone on earth loves. The view is beautiful, and even though it was raining, well worth the trip.
(3)Sunny B.
Great views, delicious food options, and attentive (but at times awkward) service. My husband and I went here for our anniversary. We didn't have a reservation and were told it would be an hour wait for the patio only (dining room was booked up for the night). Luckily we found a table in the lounge right away, where they offered the full menu! We started with an interesting avocado, mango, and crab tower, followed by a trip to the salad bar and fish entrees. All were delicious and fresh tasting. I only wish we had saved enough room for the lava cake. Prices were a little steep, but considering the waterfront location and proximity to Old Town Alexandria, I guess it was right on par.
(4)Michael W.
Good food with great service. The coconut crusted shrimp with crab cake was delicious. Others in our party also had the cream of crab soup and fish and chips. All left the restaurant content.
(4)Amanda B.
High price does not always equate to quality and I sadly learned that lesson here. I decided I wanted to try this place out because it was restaurant week and what better way to find a new a haunt by trying out what I would expect to be some signature dishes to entice me back to pay the hefty prices the rest of the menu boasts. Sadly, I will not be back. I was extremely disappointed by the lack of dimension and flavor in my braised ribs, they were absolutely tender and could be cut apart with a fork without any effort but the glaze was barely noticeable and it was just meat. The mashed taters were creamy yet seemed to be missing something and even though the plate the potatoes already had the look of solidifying (the way those fake ones get out of a box). My boyfriend's shrimp pasta was bland, it came with 3 breaded shrimps that were not bad but the bulk of the plate was angel hair buttered sauce pasta that lacked garlic and again was bland. He had three or four bites and didn't want anymore which in all honesty made me quite sad but he just wasn't impressed. :( He isn't *that* hard to impress but he likes to eat like I do too. The only highlights were the Moscato Sangria which had a nice sweetness and was quite lovely with all the fruit in the glass, even if the fruit looked like regular bar fruit that's been out all night (when I'm paying $11 a glass, I don't expect garnishes but edible fruit). Oh well. The tiny exact cup (seriously measured it'd be that small though to me even smaller cause it was in one of those really thick ceramic bowls) of clam chowder was chock full of seafood and very very yummy, it had plenty of clams and I enjoyed they didn't use potato pieces as filler. :) Lastly, the crème brulee was to die for! It's been a long time since I found a place that could make it correctly, nice and cool custard with a very warm crunchy top that was thick and delicious. The highlights are probably the only reason I gave them a 3 star. Overall: Portions are small, the atmosphere is charming new England, the view lovely. Service: Could have been better, had to ask for the bread twice, had to wait awhile for menus would have understood if they were busier. Food: Bland for the price, most dishes were in the twenties through thirties. I should have listened to my dad when he said he and my mom only thought it was alright. So sad... I had higher expectations.
(3)Steve D.
Really a 3.5. Had the lava cake and that was amazing. I'm not a big seafood fan but my gf is. She had the lobster which she liked. I had the filet. Bring New Year's Eve it was packed. May try it again.
(3)Danielle H.
I love the happy hour specials.... This is definitely my first stop every time I arrive in DC. I ate dinner here for the first time this week and I must say the swordfish was cooked perfectly and overall I enjoyed the meal. It does get crowded so the sooner u arrive for happy hour the better, that is if you want a seat.
(5)Gary D. S.
Went on Sunday...Brunch yowwwwzaaa!! Best salad bar ever. Smoked salmon with numerous tasty extras. Crab cakes were excellent. Wife loved it 2.
(5)Pete A.
Ok, I am not going to delete my post from a year ago when my party got sick from eating here, but the other day we gave it another chance. We came in for happy hour. The waitress in the bar section was very nice. Drink prices for happy hour are good and coupled with the view it's worth coming here for them. We rolled the dice and got some happy hour appetizers. The ahi nachos were delicious but there were just four of them. The humus trio was very bland. Even the wasabi humus had no spice. The fried calamari were tasty and the portion wasn't too small for the happy hour price. The firecracker shrimp were teeny but very tasty. I was pleased with our visit this time.
(3)Andrew L.
Had the Calamari and Friends, Shrimp Fresca, Medallions and Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Raspberry Sorbetini. Though the food was quite good, I've had better for less expensive. The place was also very crowded, to the point that you could hear other people's conversations. For the price, I'd expect more privacy.
(3)Sharein C.
The crab cakes were all crab meat and less of other ingredients so it was delicious. My husband had prime rib Callahan cut and was so soft and juicy. Calamari was average. The waiter was very nice and even told us how to reheat the leftover meat the right way. Our only complaint was that it was too warm inside.
(5)Scarlett B.
Very great view beside the river at Old Town Alexandria.Tried crab cake and coconut shrimp, Crab Avocado & Mango Stack, and Mango Mojito, all good!
(4)Brandon B.
So damn good. Literally pick any fish order and you will be satisfied. Overall great experience.
(4)Richard F.
I was traveling on business with a vegetarian, so we looked for places that had some vegetarian entrees and apps. The hotel recommended this place. It was not bad at all. The decor was upscale and the layout of the restaurant had most of the tables at windows facing the river. As this place seemed to specialize in seafood, that is what I ordered. And I enjoyed what I ordered. I did feel bad form my business partner however, she had very little to choose from. None the less, she managed to pick a few items and we muddled through it. She did enjoy the huge chocolate and peanut butter ice cream concoction that she ordered for dessert. I guess chocolate heals all wounds. I'd go back.
(3)Paul A.
Consistently good, one of the restaurants in Old Town that won't let you down whatever the reason you are going there for.
(4)Chris S.
So I'd like to start off by saying we went here for my wife's 30th birthday brunch, partly because of their ability to serve .99 cent mimosas. The week before I submitted a reservation for 12 people, and they were very bit accommodating to the request for not only such a large party but also for the request for a water-view for our party. They had it set up and were ready to rock as soon as we showed up. The most popular items on the brunch menu were the Maryland Eggs Benedict, Asparagus and Crab Omelette, then I myself for the Rib-eye and Eggs. The food is, made to order, and of pretty decent quality. For 24.99 brunch, you're getting coffee / hot tea / orange juice (included), Salad Bar (including cereals, bagels, salad, etc), and then finally your entree. My steak was a thin rib-eye (6 oz?) with two eggs and home fries. The Steak was blackened and had a decent flavor to it, nothing overwhelming, but enough to be enjoyable. Honestly the highlight of the breakfast was the spicy (chili's?) home fries that went perfect with the steak and eggs. Food alone would have garnered three stars. Atmosphere, service, and ambiance, combined up to a great four star restaurant. Our party was there for 2 and a half hours, not once were we rushed or pressured to leave or hurry. When they found out it was my wife's birthday they brought our a huge piece of coffee toffee cake with a little candle. Excellent service, great atmosphere, I would certainly recommend if you're in the mood for an upscale weekend brunch, this is your spot.
(4)Emily M.
I looooove their food! I have been here 3 times and the waiters are great, they are knowledgeable of all the food on the menu and make great recommendations. Their cocktails and inspired classics are out of this world! Above all, the dinning experience is fabulous and the food is sensational. Five stars!
(5)Maki S.
I dragged myself from CT to DC for the weekend and met up with friends here. I was dazzled by the ambiance. They had some beers and offered me their last slider. I can't say that I can talk about much more than how incredibly flavorful and juicy that slider was, and how surprisingly filling it was considering I only had a granola bar in 7 hours of a bus ride, but what I will write is that it was so delicious that this review was worth creating. From one glance at the bill, some could say the price reflects the quality. With an ocean view to aid the richness of the sample I had, it's hard to imagine that anything else on the menu wouldn't be worth the price.
(4)Cliff M.
Had a really nice dinner tonight with a few friends. Ordered the clam chowder which was quite good and the NY Strip which was spot on medium rare and very tasty. We had the calamari and lobster spring rolls which were above average but not exactly breathtaking. The service was attentive and very friendly. Our waitress had a great sense of humor and we enjoyed bantering with her a few times throughout the evening. Atmosphere is wonderful. The view of the harbor is a sight to behold. If you go here, try to get a table on the upper floor: you'll get the best view here. Really nice joint. I'd definitely go back.
(4)Kevin W.
Came to Chart House after proposing to my now-fiance. We had a window table with a fantastic view of the river. Excellent, knowledgeable service.The food was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend their East meets West tuna appetizer and the snapper entree.
(5)Cameron B.
Came here mid week around 8:30. So no problem getting in. They have some interesting cocktails and some decent wines. Appetizer was the crab, avocado and mango stack. It was quite tasty. I had Chilean sea bass and gnocchi for a main. Usually when they include gnocchi as part of an entree, they give you like 5 or 6 gnocchi. Not so here. In fact, they gave me more than I could eat. Probably 20 or more. This was in addition to a generous portion of sea bass. No complaints about the food. Everything I had was very good. Service was also very attentive (though like I said it was a slow time). And to top it off there was a nice window seat with a view of the harbor. Nice.
(4)Jason R.
Just a review of the patio, we sat with a friend for a lazy couple of drinks overlooking the harbor. The staff was OK with a table of four just chatting and sharing appetizers. The normal scene there is wealthy middle aged folks and $42 lobster lunches, but they were surprising cool with a younger group with tattoos and weird hair having a couple of beers and snacking on a delicious $14 app of shrimp with lobster meat.
(5)Lola D.
We were seated quickly and got a seat by the window which had a beautiful view. But I am only giving this place one star because I feel we were discriminated against. The manager came out introduced himself and greeted all tables except ours. My fiancé and I are a young african american couple in our early 30s and we were the only African American people inside. Why wasn't our table greeted? And for the record in this economy people are more cautious of where they would spend there money, especially on $120 dinner before tip.
(1)Izzy O.
The food was good and the location is very nice. It's right in Old Town Alexandria. What really made this place stand out, however, was our sever, Mac. He was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, quick, and professional. This is the best service I have had in a long time.
(4)Rowland S.
My wife and i had dinner here for her birthday. She had the cream of crab soup and the lobster tail which she enjoyed. I had the Teriyaki top sirloin steak which had good flavor but was over cooked (i had ordered it medium and it was well done). We both had mixed drinks from the menu which were well made and tasted good. We found the service to be very good, the young man who attended to us was personable and attentive. In my personal opinion they need to update the interior (looks like the 1970's all over again). In the end though the awesome view and your company are what you should be looking at.
(4)Terry H.
The Chart House is one of my all time favorites for cocktails in Old Town. It's right on the water and it is always fun and an enjoyable experience. The staff is excellent and is very attentive. They have a VIP dining card, which allows preferred seating and other fantastic benefits if you dine there often.
(5)Passion R.
Before you read this review, let me tell you a little about where my perspective is coming from. (1) I am a seafood LOVER. (2) I am a fan of views on the water and upscale dining. So with that in mind, as far as upscale dining and seafood, Chart House is the best restaurant in the area that I've been to so far. Hence the 5 star. The details-- Location/Crowd: It makes me very happy that Chart House is on the water front but isn't downtown or at the harbor. This reduces the amount of college kids, the single-ready-to-mingle crowd, and the tourist. There aren't any bad smells or traffic/parking problems like there are in the city either. And even though it's in Olde Town, it's away from the hustle and bustle on the main strip. It is in a family friendly neighborhood. I saw plenty of people outside with their children even late at night. And is very couple friendly--young or old. The crowd at Chart House seemed relaxed and refined. Classy but not pretentious. And I liked that. My boyfriend and I felt welcomed even though we're young. Even though the dress is sort of formal, he came in jeans. So it's not the type of restaurant where you have to wear a tie and a jacket--although it is nice to do so. Food/Beverages: I ordered the tilapia and my man ordered the surf and turf. I took one bite of my tilapia and completely melted. The fish was cooked perfectly, the sauce was very delicate, and the avocado added a nice texture. Tilapia is such a meaty fish but the way its prepared here felt light and airy. If I ever go to jail and they ask me what I want to eat before they execute me, this tilapia would be on the menu. I had a glass of blush wine to accommodate my meal. The waiter was very good at bringing it out exactly when I wanted him to. Service: The service is stellar. A whole star worth. It boosts this restaurant from a 4 star to a 5 star. On a Friday night without reservations, they managed to seat us very quickly. That made me happy.The manager came to our table just to say hello. And the waiter was very thorough and efficient. His descriptions of the food and knowledge of the menu was impressive. Decor: Ambiance is a big restaurant factor for me. So the suave decor, gaudy chandeliers, and tables overlooking the water really delighted me. Who doesn't like to look at pretty things while they eat? It's so much more romantic. It is expensive. But you get what you pay for. And I paid for the PERFECT romantic evening. This is a great foreplay restaurant for any couple needing to get some spark back. And a great first date restaurant to impress a lucky someone.
(5)Carrie G.
Chart House saved us from a night of disappointment over the holidays when Virtue, around the corner, failed to seat us within an hour and a half of our reservation, we called chart house and they told us to come right over. In the pouring rain, eight of us ran over, they seated us immediately, had bread on the table instantly and took great care of us. The fried calamari and hummus appetizers were great to share. My fish dish was amazing - sushi grade tuna. Yum. The wine list is above par, and the manager made sure we enjoyed our night. Thanks chart house for turning a potential disaster into a great night. Ps - friends of mine had their lunch wedding reception in the upstairs balcony and it was a wonderful day.
(4)Josean R.
This was my third visit here and it seems like it gets better and better each and everytime i go. This last time, i took my gf with me and that gave us a window seat with an amazing view. The our waiter was excellent, friendly, and showed us a lot of attention. The food was perfect. No other words could explain how great it was. And to top it off, i ordered the hot chocolate lava cake and we nearly died and went to heaven. I will def come back and recommend it to everyone!!
(5)Annette R.
The food was mediocre but the service was great. I was a little disappointed in the portion sizes. I had a crab cake, which in the past was delicious and filling. The crab cake lost its flavor. I guess the recipe was altered and the price increased, yet the portion sizes decreased. My daughter and father in-law both had the cream of crab soup and were both dissatisfied. It was runny not creamy with very little crab meat. They enjoyed the salmon, nice portion size. The coconut shrimp was tasty, but did not receive very many. The crab dip was awesome! It was worth the price. I don't believe we will be visiting this restaurant again. The Chart House in Annapolis actually provides larger portions for your bucks.
(3)Angelique P.
The view was beautiful and that was the best part. The menu was confusing as they don't list sides with the steak and fish so we thought you order sides separately and that's what we did. We were then surprised to get way too many sides with our meal and annoyed that the waiter didn't inform us of this. It seemed like a way to run up your bill. The waiter was ok, the service on whole was below what it should be. Our waiter seemed ambivalent to our upset about so many sides and just walked away. The server seemed stressed and had a hard time putting our plates on the table. The salad bar was ok. Our baked potatoes were overcooked and tasted burnt and rubbery. The ladies restroom had way too few stalls for the size of the resturaunt and was dirty. We will not be returning here and as much as we liked the view it just wasn't worth it, especially for the prices.
(2)Tony C.
Ate at the Chart House on Tuesday. Hadn't been there in a few years and after this visit I will not return. Sadly, the only redeeming quality about this place is its view of the water. Went there with my parents before the dinner rush. Despite an apparent abundance of open tables we were taken to the back the house. We asked if we could have a table with a view but were refused. We then asked for a table not a booth. Again our request was refused. Unclear why because the restaurant was no where near full. Base upon other reviews this is a common trend for the restaurant. What ever happened to the customer is always right? After being seated we were forgotten for a considerable period of time before a waiter from another section saw us twiddling our thumbs and came over to take our drink order. Appreciated his effort until it became apparent that he did not know the drink menu and could not answer any questions about the beers on tap. Once drinks were ordered we were passed off to another staff member. This waitress was friendly; however, she couldn't provide any specific details about the menu items. What is worse is that she spent most of the time at our table aggressively up selling. Mostly we were forgotten about. Found the menu to be limited, out dated, and overpriced. Frankly, we should have passed and headed up King Street to Hank's Oyster Bar. Much better options up the hill.
(1)Serene J.
Wow, I thought that such a landmark would have amazing food and service. Both were below average. Service was really slow and the food was average and although the place was empty, we felt like the server wanted us out. While I totally get it when it is busy, the place was dead. Later we moved to the bar and the service was better, much much more attentive and friendly (and why I didnt score the place a one star), but the food was still below average and don't even get me started on the prices for the portions-where is the minus one star? The view is great!
(2)Jim W.
very disappointing. booked table for 6, requested window. explained window table was paramount. arrived early for cocktails etc inbar area. explained again importance of a wwindow and we wouldn't mind waiting. I was told that was fine. In spite of our willingness to patiently wait and having made our desires for a window table abundantly clear they gid not give us the table. Eventually they tried to squeeze us, at a table for 4. I had to insist on speaking to the manager to get two nearby tables pushed together.... I have eaten at the Chart house many times and nereceded such poor service . they tried to rush us and were not attentive. All this hassle for a party of 6 that spent over 450.oo ! Never again. I won't be back.
(1)Mattie C.
I will repeat what Paul W. said because it pretty much sums it up: this place is way overpriced for the quality of the food. Spot on. While I did enjoy the pretty views and the classy atmosphere, I found it expensive and the food was just OK. I was particularly disappointed with the oysters. First they got my order of "oysters on the half shell" wrong and brought out "oysters rockefeller" instead and then tried to convince me to keep it instead of sending it back for my actual order. When they brought out the actual oysters I wanted though, they were extremely tiny - smallest oysters I have ever seen. I have had much better elsewhere, and the six tiny oysters cost $14!! I also had the cream of crab soup, which was excellent, but cost $10 for a not very large portion. My pomegranate mojito was also pretty good but was around $14. There is a salad bar there too, which you can either pay a hefty amount to have on its own, or pay an extra $6 to have it as a side if you purchase an entree. I examined the offerings on the salad bar and didn't find it impressive compared to similarly priced places I have been to. No smoked salmon, no mozzarella balls, no fancy vegetables like asparagus or something. If you are charging that much for a salad bar there should be something fancy other than anchovies. So that's that. I don't remember what the others in my group had to eat honestly, but the consensus was that the place was overpriced and didn't blow anyones mind. I am willing to pay a lot for good seafood - I love Oceanaire, I love Hank's Oyster Bar and Pearl Dive - all of these are pretty expensive but in the end the cost is worth it because the food is AMAZING. And I would never expect to see puny midget oysters at any of those places. This place just didn't cut it compared to the far superior options and I would have to say it is a "skip it" for me.
(2)Rye M.
Really want to give 2.5 stars but can't round up to a 3 rating for OK. Far better restaurants in the area for seafood. We last came here years ago and wanted to try this place again. The views and ambiance is what makes this place stellar and expensive. However the quality of the food can vary from lackluster to just ok. Our server was just ok and vanished for several minutes during our stay. Tried the crab bisque and it had a really bad after taste to it (almost chemical like). The waiter politely suggested that I try the clam chowder and it wasn't that much better either. Now I just recently came from San Francisco and maybe my tastes are biased but the bisque and clam chowder over there is far superior. Tried the swordfish entree and it was horrible! The fish came out cold which is unacceptable. Tried the spouse's snapper and that was fine however but not worth the price. The lava cake was pretty good but I remember it being better. I would only come again for some drinks and the views. Other than that, you can get better food for less the price at other places in old town.
(2)Andrew A.
I like Chart House for the food, service and view. Been there a few times now and have always had a good experience. Went on a date last night and sat at a table in the bar. I forget what appetizer we got but it was like seafood fritters... not very memorable obviously. The 10oz Prime Rib is amazing, biggest 10oz ever. Don't waste your time on the mashed potatoes. My date got the Mixed Seafood entre - crab meat and shrimp were pretty good. It's all expensive. Mostly worth it.
(4)Gayle H.
Food , drinks and service were all excellent! I had the a Chilean Sea Bass which was exceptional! We had the key lime pie and Aspen Coffee for dessert. Everything was so good. We got a window view watching the boats and National Harbor. Great service with Jason! Update: 6 hours after eating, my husband and I got sick. Not a good way to end a nice evening.
(5)Stephen C.
Definitely plan on eating here the next time I'm out in the DC area. Got the filet mignon was cooked to perfection. For me I like my steaks to be a nice medium, and that's exactly what I got. The sides and drinks were delicious, and the staff was super friendly and very prompt. The co-workers I went with all enjoyed their food as well, we didn't have any complaints, or any food sent back. I highly recommend this place if you're wanting an upscale, delicious seafood and steak place!
(5)Tiffany F.
The view of the water was beautiful, but happy hour specials are only available at the bar. A shame they don't combine specials with a good view. My mango mojito was too sweet and the hummus platter lacked flavor.
(2)Steve G.
Consistently good food and service in a great venue. Crab cakes were very good.
(4)Camden S.
We love the Chart House! My family and I eat here all the time (it was my wedding reception location almost a year ago!) and its one of our favorites. There is almost always a wait, but its so worth it. The Rib eye steak is THE BEST!
(5)Michael N.
Went to dinner with some friends. The restaurant was nice. The view was incredible. However when we got the menu, It seemed everything was overpriced for what we were given. I heard the salad bar was popular, so I took a walk to see if I really wanted to get it. Just your basics when it comes to a salad bar, nothing really stood out. There was a salad sitting out in a bowl already pre-dressed and the lettuce looked wilted/old. Salads should be dressed right before serving so the lettuce remains nice and crisp. No salad bar for me. I ended up ordering the stuffed flounder, and my friends ordered the short ribs, shrimp with angel hair pasta, blackened salmon, scallops, pork chop, and a grilled chicken dish. We were given some crackers, bread and butter to nibble on. Crackers were tasty, they had some seeds on them and seasoned well. One of my friends ordered a salad as an appetizer and it didn't look very appetizing as the lettuce looked old and it was drenched in whatever sauce it came with. Our entrees came out within 30 min or so. However one of my friends dishes did not come out with the rest. The server asked if my friend wanted a salad or anything while he waited, but he politely declined the offer and just ordered a nice cold beer. 5 min later the server brings him a caesar salad, saying the chef insisted he take it. Again what do you think the salad looked like? The same, old, wilted lettuce, over dressed topped with a ton of cheese. Let's just say that salad wasn't touched. We finally dug in and everyone seemed to enjoy their food. My flounder came with asparagus and yukon gold mashed potatoes. The flounder was nice and moist as well as the crab stuffing inside. The mashed potatoes were meh, could have used some fresh herbs to liven it up a bit. I couldn't figure out what the sauce was on the dish, it was ok too, it needed something to bring the dish together cohesively. My friend who ordered the shrimp pasta, yeah $28 bucks for that dish? really? I mean it was just pasta topped with a little bit of tomato sauce and fried shrimp on the side, nothing special there, Thats something you could make at home for just a fraction of the price. My other friend who got the pork chop, it was freakin huge. My friends who ordered the short ribs were only given 2 pieces. We all finished eating and decided to order the chocolate lava cake. However, we didn't order in the beginning and had to wait for 30 minutes. I guess they fresh bake them, which is really nice, but its a waste of time to be honest. But I commend them for doing that because most restaurants just pre-make them and just pop them in the microwave before serving. Chocolate lava cake was just your standard cake, nothing special about it here. All in all Service: 3.5/5 Food: 2.5/5 Overall Experience: 3/5 Nice restaurant, but I don't see myself coming back again anytime soon.
(3)Amanda W.
Like all Chart House chains, this one has great food and impeccable service. Our server, Mike, was great. He recommended a great wine, and treated my young daughter like a regular patron, instead of talking down or ignoring her like some fancy restaurants do. I would recommend the seared ahi with ginger glaze... It was to die for! Skip the swordfish, as it was too dry and a bit overcooked. Phenomenal ambiance, and delicious food.
(5)Hj W.
This review is for the bar area. I have been told that the dinner section is a little bit more upscale. Chart House's bar is something of a dive bar wrapped in gold foil. The venue is beautiful, the aesthetics are pleasing... and their rail gin is aristocrat, their rum of choice is Malibu. The calamari was good and adequately portioned. The firecracker shrimp was a very small portion of salad shrimp overbreaded and doused in sauce. For a dollar more during the happy hour specials, I could've gotten a delicious pair of sliders twice the volume of food than the shrimp which was comically ill proportioned for the cost. God help me if I ever pay full price. Service was pleasant... it wasn't as great as it could be but I'm pretty sure one waitress ran all the tables at the bar section and it was packed. Sort of all over the place experience that ran good and bad, hot and cold. Fries get sugar when it comes out with the tempura shrimp. Huh.
(3)Adelina V.
This restaurant is right on the river with amazing views! Definitely would recommend this place -- very beautiful and classy.
(5)Keith S.
Chart House in Alexandria was excellent, with a beautiful building and a waterfront view of the Potomac. Happy hour menu wasn't really advertised but we knew better, and it was excellent. Great fish tacos and great spinach artichoke dip. Did not have a chance to come back to try their main dishes, but every Landry's restaurant is excellent. Thanks and will be back soon.
(5)Nepsa N.
Customer Service: A- View: A+ Food Flavor: B+ Quantity: C- My fish tacos had two TINY pieces of fish. And my plate was dirty with food from the previous meal. If I lived in town, I'd give them another chance. But new management would be perfect for this place. The customer service is great. But everything else is lacking. The tea was so bitter. This place has so much potential. Too bad dirty dishes and just "okay" food is holding them back.
(2)Rochelle R.
Excellent!! From the warm bread, the appetizer, to the wine, all 5 entrees that myself and my family ordered, and a plus, the server Ben, was great! Delish!! Glad this place was recommended!!
(5)Colleen M.
If you've read any of my previous reviews you know that it doesn't matter how good the food or atmosphere of a restaurant is - if the service sucks, your restaurant sucks. Visited this spot on a Saturday in April for lunch. We arrived around 11:30 and were seated quickly as the place had just opened up and we were one of the few people there. It took over 15 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us and ask us for our drink orders. Our waitress remained just as disinterested for the remainder of the meal. She took forever to get drinks, forever to come back and refill water and forever to bring us our food. I will typically give the waitstaff the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the kitchen's fault. I don't have to do that here - as she clearly brought our food out, set it down on the outdoor bar, chat with coworkers, refill someone elses' water and THEN bring me my now-cold soup. I got McDonalds service with a Ritz Carlton pricetag.
(1)Elina Y.
I'm no math wiz but ..... Outdoor patio seating + nighttime water view + bottle of wine = bliss
(3)White Devil C.
Went for lunch with a small group of business colleagues midweek, and the restaurant was very quiet with only seats along the windows taken. The attraction of the space is some limited water views, though the building and decor is quite tired and dated. Our group of four waited ten minutes to be seated at a table while the hostess finished a long call (take-out order?) on the phone and then had to seat two other groups in front of us as well before getting to us. Once seated the order process was rapid and the explanation of food professional, but the turnaround time from the kitchen far too long. The consensus among the table was that food quality was acceptable, but not particularly inspired or differentiated. I can't think of a reason to return.
(2)Mia N.
This place has changed. Well, we went for lunch, the prices are not bad. Better than dinner. However, the beautiful basket of a different assortment of bread from rye to fried bread is gone! I think they used to get bread from the Corner Bakery or someplace similar. They used to have that sweet butter. Now it's just rolls of boring bread with plain butter. The old appetizer of the 4 inch sweet and succulent crab pieces mixed with avocado is gone! That was the most heavenly stack of crab I had ever tasted and was worth its price. I got the crab cake with shrimp combo for $18, but they only gave me 3 fried and overcooked shrimp! Hey shrimp is cheap! If I ever return, then I will just get a cheap sandwich. My husband got the fish and chips, which is still a substantial amount of food for $13. If you get the crab cake/shrimp, then make sure you get the salad bar to fill you up as I did because the portions were small and not likely to fill you up. They even threw a small smattering of baby thin cut fries, when they should have put a whole boatload on the plate! We did the famous chocolate lava cake for $11 as we always do. That is still good at least. Salad bar is still good, but I used to love the basket of artisan breads with sweet butter and the huge stack of fresh crab. Now they're gone so it really is a sad day! We have been coming here for 15 years, and now they have cut corners to be economical. Still the views are always lovely here.
(3)Kathleen W.
My husband and I had a awful dinner at the Chart House in Alexandria. The entire night went from bad to worse. After complaining I I have received a phone call from the manager who left a message that of course he is sorry but sorry does not help. After being seated in a booth for four and not at a table for two and no person even talked to us for over thirty minutes. Finally a server noticed and she asked if we had had a server or if any one had talked to us. We said no. She did bring us water. She must of talker to the manager on duty and he sent another waitress who said that this was not her station but that she would take care of us. We both ordered the prime rib medium well and it was tough. It tasted like they defrosted it in the microwave. The prime rib had no flavor and was cooked at least to medium. The potatoes were cold. I ordered the claim chowder and my husband ordered the salad bar. There was no lettuce on the salad bar and everything else was picked over. By the time of waiting over thirty minutes my soup was cold. It did not come really hot. Between the soup, salad and prime rib dinner we had an awful night.
(1)Joe G.
Very well positioned place, right near the water off King Street. There was no wait on a Friday night, but the place was busy. Service was good. There is a great selection of fish, but not a lot of other seafood. Extensive wine list. The food was very good though. Cost about $40 per person.
(4)CC C.
Nice view and a pleasant atmosphere, also very good seafood. I would definitely be open to be back here.
(4)Whitney R.
Both the food and service were horrible! I ordered the linguine with shrimp and artichoke. It was extremely salty and the shrimp was tough as though overcooked. I sent it back and opted to go hungry even though I was offered the option to order something else (I thought about getting a steak but another person at my table ordered a steak and it came out burnt). The service was extremely slow. We were seated around 9:15 pm and did not receive bread until around 10:00 pm. We did not receive our entrées until another hour later. It also took at least another 45 minutes after we finished eating and the table was cleared for the waitress to bring out the split checks. Although we were a party of about 15, I have been to "lower end" restaurants that have offered better service for a group that size. Also, even if the service was good, the food was horrible (red lobster is better at least they have those biscuits). To top it off, the wait staff seemed for the most part unapologetic about the poor service. I will not eat here again-ever.
(1)Gerald H.
4 stars prices for 2 star service. We went there for Sunday brunch. Getting seated was a bit of a hassel. We started off with the salad bar which was decent but not much for selection. I ordered the blackened prime rib with eggs. The beef was spiced so heavily with pepper it was almost inedible. The eggs were cooked perfectly. The art and decor overlooking the water makes for a great dinning experience but the food was a bit lacking considering the high prices.
(3)Janet B.
Staff friendly. Server nice but got "land st" for several minutes. Came here with grandson and a friend for nice dinner and to enjoy the view. The view was nice but we were very disappointed with overpriced, tasteless meals; sea bass Barimundi, crab chunk stuffed flounder (not crab chunks but something like overbtraded crab cake), and coconut shrimp. Perhaps rations small. Red Lobster is much better.
(1)Rogue J.
Great location on the water...excellent service and ambient lighting! Public parking just across the street is convenient and it's a close walk to King St. for other bars, shops, and restaurants. Overall a great time by my party of 4 and I.
(4)Graham C.
Loved the atmosphere and the proximity to the Potomac. Ended our Labor Day at chart house and thoroughly enjoyed the deck seating. The drinks were great and the crab stuffed mushrooms were awesome. However, the ahi tuna main course was average. Way too much sauce and I'm surprised they paired it with potatoes. Would have preferred jasmine rice and/or some fresh greens. Atmosphere/drinks/apps are awesome...but it's a very high price tag for a mediocre main course.
(3)Angela R.
Chart house is always a safe bet. I ate at the one in Cali and loved it so when I saw they had one on Alexandria I knew it was the place to go. Scallops ate delish. But I have to say my daughter got the grouper and omg might be my new fav. The molten cake is our go to dessert. Our waiter DJ was awesome!!
(5)Jennifer M.
Spotty service and consistency. Also not the cleanest, but a trade-off for a window-side table and nice view of the harbor. Three of us ordered the fish tacos but the side of sweet potato chips all looked (and came mixed with) different things! The calamari was decent and also came with sweet potato chips. Did I mention that everything came with sweet potato chips? Soup was a wash, but creme brulee was good! Hard to mess up, but still not prepared the standard way. All in all, a decent place to go for a casual afternoon meal.
(3)Daniel H.
We went for a happy hour. The drinks were good the food was okay but had good presentations. I would have drinks there again but probably would not eat again the happy hour prices for both food and drink were good overall I give this place 3.5 stars
(3)Oksana I.
Went for Dinner yesterday. We came around 8 pm and ask to sit outside. It was no problem and host seated us right away. Our server Lance was incredible. Very knowable and polite. Food was awesome: apps - great (fried oysters and tuna).Main course was great as well. We ordered Prime Rib - huge piece of meat. It was pretty fat but this is what Prime Rip about - highly recommend. I got Scallops - wonderful choice. Again, Lance was super nice and we could not wish for better restaurant experience! Thank you and next time will order famous cake.
(5)Cyndy K.
Cyndy's Bottom Line: Great Happy Hour destination. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 4 pm - 6:30 pm and is available in the bar and lounge only. There is outdoor seating but the happy hour prices do not apply. Happy Hour prices are great! $4 PREMIUM Drafts, $5 WINES BY THE GLASS We had the Starr Hill 'The Love' Hefeweizen. Excellent. $4 Hummus Trio A classic combination of traditional, roasted red pepper & edamame served with grilled pita & plantain $5 Firecracker Shrimp Tempura fried and tossed in a spicy kim chee sauce Ahi Nachos* Seared and served atop fried wontons, with pickled ginger & wasabi cream $6 Chart House Sliders Grilled mini-burgers with caramelized onions, Cheddar cheese & diner sauce Prime Rib Sliders With caramelized onions & Jack cheese
(3)Zelly W.
Staff was incredibly friendly. Our server was awesome. He was all ears, paid attention to detail, was there when we needed him, he was helpful and very pleasant. The food was excellent. The table ordered hummus as an appetizer and I was never a huge fan of it but after tasting it here, I have changed my mind. The food was delicious, well cooked, full of flavor and the drinks were well made. I love that it overlooks the river and the interior of this place is gorgeous, especially the fire place they have in the back corner. We managed to get there for their lunch menu which serves perfect portions at a great price however I noticed that if we had gone for the dinner menu, most of the options change (which is expected) but some of the choices that were the same were almost triple the price. I don't think you will find any meals at dinner time for under $20 each so it gets pricey but again, I think it's to be expected.
(5)Kelly G.
I stopped in for dinner after the church Christmas play. I had the firey cucumber martini. The crab bisque. The seafood mixed grill and they were ALL delicious. Incredible. I will always return to chart house. I love this spot.
(4)Rafi A.
After my initial review dated 4/7/2014, two representatives from Chart House (including Dan - the manager) contacted me to offer apologies and do damage control. As a result, I went back to Chart House in July, had a much better experience and enjoyed a great meal.
(3)Mike H.
Food was okay, but "help staff" screwed up on one order, so -- to be polite -- I had to sit and watch my dinner get cold while the other order was redone. Prices are outrageous; two entrees ( very small portions by the way, but the presentation was pretty) and a couple of drinks came to over $100! No "comps" for the order foul up. Probably won't return to the Chart House in Alexandria.
(2)Lea C.
So, it's a chain. A more upscale chain, but a chain nonetheless. I have been to several outposts of Chart House around the country. This one is the worst of them. It's not because of the food. Food is why there are 3 stars here, especially the specials. The other day when we came in, we had a spinach salad with strawberries and a gorgonzola waffle that was inventive and crazy delicious. No serious complaints there. But the service is just abysmal. Here, they basically have the entire market for waterfront dining in Old Town and an enormous space to work with. It appears they just don't want to pay to staff it adequately. Each time we come here, we hope that it will be different, maybe it was an off night, maybe a bad server, but I am now convinced after coming enough times, that this is a staffing volume issue. It couldn't possibly be that they hire only the worst servers. I have spent an entire 2-hr dinner service without a water refill. Ditto for silverware, which my BF once had to go behind the server station on the patio AND RETRIEVE HIMSELF after asking twice and getting nothing, despite the food having been served. A 45-minute wait for a cocktail which never arrived even after dessert has occurred. One server seemingly poaching another's table (with an expected level of confusion to ensue) happened once. We have eaten in the dark outside because no one thought to light our candle. A 30-min wait between courses or requests is common. It's seriously depressing when I just want to have a nice evening relaxing by the water. And I'm sure it is reflected in the tips the staff gets, which isn't really fair. I really wish management would address this so that we can give them more business.
(3)Cameron H.
Great staff, great food great service great view. Need I say more?
(5)Ali A.
The restaurant seemed a little overpriced for their quality of food. I ordered the Parmesan crusted cod, it was very plain and the fish barely had any seasoning. Then I got the lava cake dessert, it tasted deliciously even though I'm not a fan of chocolate. Overall this restaurant felt mediocre at best.
(3)Ken E.
It's Chart House. It's a chain. Not some place I'd normally eat, but you can dine here and not leave starving or with brain fog. It's on the water in Old Town so I threw in an extra star.
(3)KimAnh P.
We went here for a birthday dinner and really regret coming here. Besides the view of the bridge, there isn't much here worth it. The team of hostesses at the entrance looked annoyed that we showed up. They weren't courteous and didn't seem like they wanted to be there. We ordered swordfish, which was salted way too much and had no flavor. I probably could've cooked a better fish steak at home. Prices are way too much considering the low quality. I think we paid $35 for this dish. It should've been something like $10. This place is a tourist trap. Make no mistake, you're only coming here for the mediocre view. The staff and food are not worth it.
(2)Meg H.
This place is on fire!! Ok but literally I was seated in a room with a huge fire pit, which was aesthetically pleasing but kind of awkward/hot! We had a great table with a view of the river, and the lighting was definitely romantic....I was there with my mom so that wasn't what I was looking for but it seemed to be working for the couples surrounding us. We both ordered fresh fish, she ordered Tilapia which was delish and I had the salmon. YUM The waiter was very helpful with wine selections, and was able to find my mom a great Riesling while I had a Pinot Grigio. We had the key lime pie as well, and it was delish! It is a great place for special occasions!
(4)Robyn S.
My husband & I chose Chart House as our "fancy" dinner while visiting Alexandria this week. At first I thought the prices were steep until I checked out the menus of the other seafood restaurants on King Street. The price were the same, but they did not offer waterfront dining, so we chose Chart House! We asked for a seat near the window, overlooking the river, and we were seated right away. Unfortunately, the seat we were given was next to an indoor fire and it was HOT. The staff was extremely accommodating and we were moved to another window seat with-in minutes. The fire looked nice, but it was nearly 90 degrees and muggy outside, which is why we chose to sit inside in the AC. For starters, I had crab soup, my husband had New England clam chowder, and both were very good. For dinner I chose the lobster tail and he chose steak medallions in a mushroom sauce. Again, both dishes were very good. My husband had a Manhattan cocktail that was so strong he had to add water to it! The waiter was very friendly and service was prompt. Overall, it was a very pleasant dining experience and I am glad we chose Chart House. They offer a dessert that takes 30 minutes to prepare - maybe next time I will try that!
(4)Sarah B.
Let me start off by saying the waitstaff and the hosts are very friendly and pleasant. They are accommodating and prompt. However, for all the hype of being in Old Town Alexandria and on the water, this place leaves a lot to be desired. The food was mediocre at best. My chopped salad had little flavor. My filet mignon was cooked as requested but there was little flavor. The mashed potatoes were clumpy and luke warm. My husband's ahi tuna dinner was good but not as good as the price suggests. We didn't stay for dessert. The decor was circa 1980 with colorful blown glass and geometric lampshades. There are plenty of places in Old Town that far surpass The Chart House. Our whole experience was very underwhelming.
(2)Gene E.
One of the better prime ribs I've had recently. Good wine selection. Strong choice for business dinners, as there are no frills or flares with this restaurant. I wouldn't make too much effort to go out of my way to come here, but definitely a good restaurant.
(3)James B.
Go for the location, impressive, spectacular view, right on the Potomac River. Good service. I got the crab cakes, they were delicious. Had a Mohito as well, which was refreshing and properly made. Others with me enjoyed their meals as well.
(4)Chris C.
With expensive restaurants it's hard to blow me away because my expectations are high due to the price. At Chart House, while not mind blowing you get what you pay for. The seafood was fresh, filling, and properly cooked. My girlfriend ordered the steak medallions with stuffed shrimp only because this was the only choice of "Surf and Turf." It's odd that they didn't have a choice of Steak and Lobster/Crabcake/Scallops. At most restaurants the steak medallions are cheap pieces of beef usually overcooked. At Charthouse the medallions were more like beef tenderloin properly cooked to medium and tender. The shrimp were good size and topped with crabcake. I ordered the Mixed grill which was the variety platter with a bit of everything. I was a bit disappointed they used Salmon which doesn't come from the Sea but nonetheless it was good and didn't taste frozen like most cooked salmon. The crabcake was solid but not the best I've ever had, it was mostly lump crab meat and it was probably the canned variety. The meat wasn't quite as sweet as other crab cakes I've had. The waiter Melvin was rushing us which is not the worst, but for a nice expensive dinner I'd like to relax and enjoy the experience. He wasn't enthusiastic or really going the extra mile to make our experience more enjoyable BUT he was prompt and was there to fulfill any requests. We felt rushed to order as if they're trying to get us out quick so other guests can be seated. Chart House simply met my expectations and didn't blow me away. I've had worse food experiences in the tourist trap end of King St. I just wish that more restaurants could be built on the waterfront to actually compete with Chart House.
(3)Gigi K.
I loved this place, their food is great the atmospher is sooo good and the server was nice and did a great Job.I will say that their food potions are kind a small comparing to the pricing that's why I would give it 4 stars. but overall had a great experince!
(4)Michelle B.
I love the happy hour here. But I would definitely stay away from the Hummus trio...Yuck. Don't know what that was all about. Hummus is supposed to be kinda smooth. This stuff was clumpy. The drinks are good for happy hour, and I like to sometimes add their crab cake appetizer to my fish tacos. This place is my spot.
(4)Lisa M.
My favorite seafood restaurant hands down. I've been here plenty of times and I've never had a bad experience. It's more enjoyable in the warmer months because you can sit outside near the water.
(5)DeBorah W.
We just got home from the Happy Hour at the Chart House and it was a major disappointment. We live at the National Harbor but ferry over to the Chart house for dinner at least twice a month because the food is really delicious. However, we tried the Happy Hour this time and could not believe the service, the attitude of the bartenders and the Manager on duty. Things started out great, like in the dining room or on the deck, but then when we ordered our 2nd round of drinks we had problems. My husband had a no issue with his beer, but my Gingerita was nothing like the first. I mean it didn't even look the same as the first one that I received. There should be a specific recipe that can be easily replicated so customers get the same drink regardless of which bartender makes it. When I sent the drink back the bartender, a loud blond female of about 48, told my waiter, who was in training, to go back and tell me there was nothing wrong with the cocktail and he then asked me what I thought it was missing. When I told him I wasn't sure, he went back to the bar and brought me back the SAME drink. When I asked him if that was the same cocktail I sent back, the waiter told me that it was. I asked to speak to the manager, and we sat and waited..and waited for him but he never came over. Instead, he sent our waiter back over to ask if we wanted our appetizers to go! We were appalled at not only the behavior of the bar staff, but the Manager on duty's behavior was reprehensible! That person either has no understanding of what excellent customer service is or doesn't care. Either way, we were disgusted at that point and asked for our check. When the waiter brought it over, it INCLUDED the cost of the cocktail that I sent back, so I sent for the manager on duty AGAIN and again he refused to come over. Instead, he sent the check and our boxed up appetizers over via another server, a female blond server training our waiter. The bill was STILL including the 2nd gingerita we sent back, so we asked for the manager on duty AGAIN. Our waiter came over and by this time I had the opportunity to look in our bag and saw the most despicable boxes. Whoever boxed our appetizers had a lot of some kind of red sauce on their hands, which was all over our boxes. It was clear to us that the staff and manager was sending us a message that we were no longer welcome. We've been frequenting this restaurant since we moved to the National Harbor in 2010 and have never been treated this way, ever. I don't know whether there has been a management/ownership change or what, but It's clear to me and my husband that the Chart House management and staff doesn't understand that in a time when restaurants are closing or fighting over customers you have to treat ALL of them with the utmost courtesy and respect. This was a small issues that was poorly handled by every employee from management on down. Bottom line, the bar staff could have handled this easily by remaking the cocktail thereby making our evening enjoyable. The manager supported the behavior of the bartender by not addressing our concerns after the fact and in CHOOSING to not address our concerns he has lost regular customers. We have a lot of wonderful choices at the National Harbor and throughout the Washington DC area for dining. We will be frequenting them instead from now on.
(1)Chris M.
Favorite place in Old Town, Alexandria to go out and have a nice lunch or dinner. This restaurant is a fun place to dine in at and the food is always great. Wherever you sit, you can see the water which is nice. There seafood is excellent especially their fish of the day. One Con: Took off the Crab and Shrimp dip hot appetizer:/ from the menu, that was by far the best dip. All in all, worth the price every visit. Thanks
(4)Terri R.
As we do on most Sundays, my son and I have lunch in Olde Towne. Today we decided to forgo our irresistible favorite, Bugsy's Tavern, and go to Chart House..GREAT CHOICE!! From the moment we walked in at 2:00 p.m. today, we were wowed. The staff treated us like we were the only people in the restaurant, and could not do enough for us. Alfonzo was our main waiter, and he was wonderful. What a pleasent personality, and quite attentive. I ordered the Ahi Tuna Appetizer with fried Plantains, and my son ordered the Filet Mignon dinner. BRAVO! Both were so amazing. He said it was the best filet he had ever tasted...it even LOOKED succulent..lol. My Ahi was perfect as well, and the Fried Plantains were an unusual and welcomed addition to the plate..sooo gooood!! When we ordered our entree's, Alfonzo told us that if we were thinking of having dessert, that he reccomended the Chocolate Lava Cake. He told us that it takes half an hour to create for each guest so if we thought we might want it, we should put our order in now. Great call Alfonzo! It was decadent! Just outstanding.. Our experience was wonderful from Hello! We will be back many more times in the future I am sure...a real gem in Olde Town!!!
(5)Sonta J.
The ambiance and outdoor views are spectacular. The staff is wonderful. Our server, Jason was outstanding. Now, if they could just bring their menu selections and preparation up to meet the expectations of the visual experience. The food wasn't horrible. It just wasn't remarkable. And while I realize it to be a part of the Landry's chain, for the visual impact; I just expected to be gastronomically wowed and regrettably, I wasn't.
(2)Katie B.
They ran out of filet mignon. On a Wednesday. 'Nuff said.
(2)Bai H.
The food is good, but not living up to the expectation. There is always something that needs to be improved, except the lava cake, which was great. It has a nice view inside.
(4)Shirelle K.
My date and I arrived at 9:45 afraid that we would not be served since the place closed at 10:00. The host was very nice and friendly and we were taken immediately to our table. I had the moscata sangria, cream of crab soup and baked stuffed shrimp. The server was a little stuffy for our taste but polite. We asked several times for water before getting it. The soup came out room temperature. I was not impressed with the food at all but give my date 5 stars for the beautiful view from our patio seats.
(2)Mike M.
Gotta love the view right on the Potomac. It's a shame this place isn't close to DC or Arlington because I would totally go more often.
(3)Renie E.
The only reason i'm giving ot 4 Stars is because of it being a bit on the expensive. However, we went for Happy Hour on Thursday nite and sat at the bar. The two bartenders were very friendly and very helpful. The 1/2 off appetizers were so delicious, we decided to order some more after Happy Hour was over and weren't dissapointed. We will be back in April for my birthday dinner!
(4)Aubrie A.
This restaurant was very good - I thought the duck potstickers and coconut shrimp was excellent :)!
(4)Lia M.
Despite reviews, I had been wanting to try The Chart House, especially to sit outside on the water. I was not totally pleased with the experience. To start, website is not updated, so the information is wrong, which is a pet peeve of mine. Then, I thought the service was lacking. Our server was pushy and business-like, with no hint of friendliness. She incorrectly answered a question, which led to a dish being sent back, and she clearly knew the correct answer, though she did apologize. Drinks (a strawberry basil caipirinha and something green) were watery and weak. The shared appetizer, calamari, was flavor-less with too much breading and not enough sauce, though the tempura style sweet potatoes that came with it were tasty. I still returned after an uninspiring first experience for happy hour, and had a much better time. Prices are very reasonable during happy hour. Our server, Erin, was great. I definitely enjoyed the inside seating - huge windows, modern décor, lounge music. I ordered the mango mojito, which while tasty, was not so strong. Even after two, I was feeling only slightly tipsy. Food was mostly good, even the calamari. We shared mussels, bruschetta, hummus, and calamari. The hummus plate was OK - pita was not warm nor particularly tasty, though I enjoyed the plantain chips. Three different hummus selections - red pepper, edamame, and plain were offered. Again, not great. Calamari was much better this time - served hot and definitely more flavorful. Bruschetta was fine, though hard to cut with a knife. The mussels were my favorite, though they could have used more sauce. I will definitely return for happy hour.
(3)Kevin K.
I went there one evening for a dinner night out. We had been looking forward to an opportunity to go there for many months. The food was decent. I've had better and I've had worse. My wife had the lobster and I had the mixed seafood grill. She enjoyed the lobster but I thought it tasted like ordinary frozen lobster tail. I felt the same way about the salmon that I had. The glaze brought the flavor up but it just wasn't that fresh. The shrimp were average. What kept me happy about my meal were the crab cakes. I've had crab cakes in various places in Alexandria and these were very good. Wish I had skipped the rest of the meal and just got them. The prices are high and the quality isn't deserving. My wife had a glass of wine that can be bought in the bottle for around $15 but her glass was $9. I had a brandy old fashioned and I'm pretty sure the bartender had no idea how to make it and didn't bother to follow a recipie. Our server was very good.
(2)Maggie M.
Went here for a quick lunch a few weeks ago. Chart house is always a go-to when I'm Old Town. Service is always on point, the food is fresh and the view is pretty. I sat outside watching the boats go by and people watched while I waited for my salmon to come out. They cooked my salmon nicely, i had roasted vegetables next to it which were very fresh and crisp. I prefer their brunch but if I need a quick lunch and I'm in the area I'll stop by again!
(3)Jen M.
This was one of my favorite spots for YEARS (at one point I would go 1-2x a week), but I am seeing a downhill trend. This review is based on my visit on July 29. I brought a friend from out of town visiting. We were seated upstairs on the right side near the window. The air conditioning was apparently not working very well that day - everyone upstairs was sweating, waving themselves with their napkins and menus, etc. I am usually the one who is always chilly when everyone else is warm - but this time, even I was hot. They have made some changes to the decor and menu in the past few months. They've removed my favorite entree, Sweet & Spicy Chilean Sea Bass (said they can't get the sauce). The calamari is great, but it's now "Calamari and Friends", padded w/ fried veggies and lots of tentacles and crap. Fried Lobster Spring Rolls w/ the wasabi sauce are gone, replaced with chilled spring rolls - stuffed w/ cabbage/shredded carrots, very little crab, and lacking flavor. After the disappointing appetizers, I ordered crab soup for my dinner and received clam chowder. Server apologized and brought crab soup...and when it finally came out, it had NO lump crab meat in it whatsoever and tasted TERRIBLE (the manager said they overcooked it). At this point, my friend already had his food and was part of the way through his meal, and I was disgusted...so I figured I'd just skip to dessert - can't go wrong with the lava cake, right? WRONG!!! The lava cake was overcooked - I cut down the middle and nothing at all came out, dry as a bone! Our server came back, saw it and whisked it away...came back with a new one 10 mins later which was better. Still, it didn't taste like it used to - I think they removed one type of chocolate sauce they used to use (or didn't put it on mine, at least). An irritant about this place has been the dirty silverware. There's nothing worse than going to a nice restaurant and getting dirty utensils, glasses, etc. I've brought this up in a review in the past....and someone from the restaurant even called to tell me they've changed their dishwashing system. So why are things still coming out dirty? I went for the brunch once or twice, but I wasn't too impressed. I had some kind of seafood / breakfast dish and I recall it being pretty bland. On the positive side...decor is nice (although I think I liked it better before the recent upgrades!)...our server was very personable, attentive, and offered his food recommendations (he said he is originally from Vegas - very nice guy!)...nice outdoor seating with scenic view, salad bar is good, macadamia crusted mahi is really tasty (at least it was the last time I had it a few months ago). At any rate, I will be returning (as I always do) - and hopefully I will have better things to say next time! UPDATE 8/14/11 - Shortly after posting my review, I received an email from someone at Chart House requesting my phone number so they can contact me. Two weeks later, the manager called to apologize. This particular manager was on duty that night and remembered the incident and coming to our table, and he wanted to apologize again and make sure I know my comments did not fall on deaf ears. He said to let him know the next time I visit in the restaurant so they can make sure I have a great experience. I appreciated his follow up, so I bumped up my rating 1 star.
(3)Will J.
Just about everything you could expect. Awesome ambiance, outstanding service. Not that much of a creative twist on their dishes, but everything you could ask for from a solid steak and seafood joint.
(5)Je N.
Holy hell this place is an unorganized mess. Foods pretty good but the annoyance of the hostesses and waitstaff being so unorganized and dumb isn't worth it. We were told our table was ready two separate times and it wasn't only to have us walking back and forth like fools. No apology. Had to ask for bread when our soup came that everyone else that had just sat down had already gotten. Waiter had to ask us again what we had ordered. Not a relaxing night out at all.
(1)Ms. E.
I've been to the Chart House about 5 times since it opened years ago....I recently went July 2013 and decided to order one of it's newer menu items the "Pine Nut Crusted Shrimp" which was accompanied with linguine and lobster crumbled on the top. When the plate arrived it looked delicious and I proceeded to start off with the linguine which was slighty greasy but tasty....I then proceeded to taste the shrimp, which looked delicious crusted with the pine nuts...but to my disgust...OMG...it tasted like AMMONIA !!! I picked up another shrimp and once again AMMONIA!!! What in the world was going on here? I'm not sure if anyone is familiar with seafood as I am but when seafood tastes like ammonia, it is a sure indicator that the item wasn't as fresh as it should have been.....I informed the waiter that I didn't want to make a big deal out of it (I didn't want them to think I was attempting to get a free meal) but I absolutely needed someone to know. The manager came to my table and as I explained to her how the shrimp tasted she looked at me as though I belonged in the looney bin. I told her....I would pay, but I wanted her to know for the future....They apologized but I do know that they didn't believe me. I won't be going back.
(2)Charmie S.
This place is a DREAM come true. It reminds me a ton of Nancy's on Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. The water views are breathtaking. They alone left me full before my meal even arrived. Fancy does not do this place justice. This is fancy without the pretentiousness. The waiter was not as quick as I expected, but he was deliberate and patient in taking orders. There's an amazing salad bar to go along with your meal. I had the coconut shrimp entree, which came with pineapple fried rice. Well seasoned and delish. They don't skim on the shrimp either. Amazing. It's pricey but well worth it!
(5)Stephanie S W.
The food is delicious, but holy moley - break the bank much? I went to the Chart House at the excitement of my mother who loves to dine there whenever she's in California. The service was great, our waiter was extremely friendly and kept joking with my mom that she should do marketing for CH. Start with the warm spinach salad or the Creamy Crab soup...either are delicious, you can't go wrong. For entrees, we had steaks and shrimp and stuffed flounder for the table - everyone loved their meal. Sit outside for a nice view of the water and boats coming in and out - just don't be startled by any boat horns that sound during your meal.
(4)Kathy H.
I had high hopes for the Chart House but was really disappointed. Service and ambiance were amazing. The view of the river and bridge were fabulous. Service was really top notch but the food left much to be desired. Our party chose from the restaurant week menu and most of it was very bland. The clam chowder soup was amazing but everyone's entrees and desserts were not up to par with a $$$ restaurant in Old Town. Bland cheesecake, overcooked salmon, bland short ribs. Yuck. I'll be back to have a drink and appetizers to enjoy the view but will avoid dinner. There are tons of restaurants in Old Town where you can have an amazing meal. Skip this for dinner but consider getting before or after cocktails.
(2)Carol W.
I've been to the Chart House twice now. I've also been to Landry's in San Antonio. Not normally my go to place, but worth a try again. This is probably more like a 2.5 star experience, but I'll round it up to 3. Gregg M and I went here with several other friends on Friday. We decided to start off with a few appetizers and drinks while we waited for another couple to show up. I ordered the Pineapple mint caipirinha. I like caipirinha. Caipirinhas have a very distinctive "bite" to them. They should let you know they have alcohol in them. Unfortunately, this one was so sweet, it made me wonder if they put pineapple juice in it rather than just chunks of pineapple. Yuk! Definitely not what I was looking for. Gregg M got the fiery cucumber - There was no fire to be had with this drink! Thank goodness for wine of which both Gregg and I switched too - a very enjoyable bottle I might add. For our appetizer, we got the mussels. These mussels were kind of small, definitely not as plump as others we have had recently and though okay, they were slightly salty and perhaps a little sweeter than I like (most likely due to the sherry?) For my dinner, I got the Spicy Ahi Tuna cooked medium rare. It was a nice piece of fish, cooked perfectly and the spice rub on it was reminiscent of a "blackened" style. I really liked it. Gregg's Grouper though was perhaps a little overdone? I agree with Gregg that our service was exemplary, but that the Chart House should be left to the tourists.
(3)Rj B.
She started with clam chowder, which I tried. Which is brave for a non-fish person. It was really good and had no seafood flavor. I had a salad which was just ok. That's a brave mob We both had the filet and were not disappointed. She wanted seafood, but when we saw the menu it all changed. The filets were cooked perfectly. The texture and flavor a were on point. The sauce was on point! We both had the potatoes as a side. They were creamy and tasty. It wasn't the high point of the meal, but it was good. I had cheesecake as dessert and she had crem brûlée. She loved it! I thought it was slightly bland, but good. The cheesecake was fantastic.
(4)Kat A.
Came here for happy hour and quite frankly the best part of our experience was our waiter. He was one of the best waiters I've ever had. It gets pretty busy during happy hour which makes finding a table by the bar difficult. He helped us secure a table where some customers were about to pay their check. Awesome move! He also checked to see if we wanted another drink before HH was over. Usually it's just the opposite with servers disappearing 10 minutes before HH ends. Props! As for the food they have a great HH menu with dishes ranging from $4-$7. In the $4 category we had the fried artichokes which were probably my favorite overall. The $5 spinach and artichoke dip was so so. Nothing amazing. As for the $6 dishes the Mediterranean chicken pita was pretty good and a decent size. Filling even for two people. The $7 category is where things get a bit dicey. The fish tacos weren't impressive and certainly not worth $7. One of the first things we ordered were the prime rib sliders. Even though there was an hour left of HH we were told the sliders were 86ed for the night. Then we were told they might bring them back. Not sure how this could happen. Did they go to the basement and get some old beef or something? Usually when you 86 a plate it's gone for good and there's no confusion. I suspect this was probably some misunderstanding between the front of house (happy hour?) prep area next to the bar and the back of house kitchen but who knows. After our waiter said they "might" have more sliders the table next to us (who arrived AFTER us and placed their order AFTER us with another waiter) got a nice ol plate of prime rib sliders! Our waiter was awesome. He realized this was messed up and made sure we got our prime rib sliders. Unfortunately, the meat was pretty fatty and hard to chew but that's not his fault. Seems like the kitchen needs to work on their communication skills. Lastly, laugh all you will, but I love a good salad bar. Even if I was here for HH their "famous" salad bar intrigued me. So I eagerly checked it out. At $17.50 a pop without an entree, I soon realized the only thing that could possibly make it famous is the price! For $17.50 I was expecting sheer salad bar glory but found a salad bar less impressive than those at the grocery store. It's not even worth the $9 with an entree! Luckily I know better and gave it a look before potentially ordering it. Of course I opted out and stuck with the HH food. To my fellow salad bar lovers: it is absolutely NOT worth it!
(3)Christina V.
We had a Landry's gift card we wanted to use up, and we decided to visit Chart House while we were in DC since we don't have one back home. You can only go to Mortons or McCormick & schmicks so many times. The seafood was great - also something we don't have much of back home. The prices were high, but pretty much what we expected. All in all, a solid visit, but nothing really "wowed" us.
(3)Diana F.
This was I think the worst experience I have had at a restaurant overall. I am a server myself so I know how the restaurant business is and how busy you can get, so going out to places I am probably one of the most patient and understanding people. My boyfriend and I were in old town Alexandria and decided to get not a full meal but a couple drinks and maybe appetizers. We got there around 5:30 on a Sunday evening and asked the hostess to sit outside; there was a table available right away--it wasn't very packed. Let me tell you that every person that worked there, including our server, looked like they hated their life. No one was smiling and our server actually was very awkward and abrasive. Maybe they all hate working there but I didn't let that affect my experience; I know none of the restaurants in old town Alexandria are amazing-- most of the time it's mediocre food with mediocre service. After a minute our server comes over asking us if he can get us a drink and I tell him "oh we haven't decided but water would be good for now". After we have decided what we wanted to drink and eat our server had been gone for about 7-10 min (I'm trying to be easy on him) he came back and I ordered their version of a Bloody Mary which was a decent drink, wasn't the best Bloody Mary but wasn't horrible. After I ordered my drink our server asked my boyfriend "anything I can get you?" My boyfriend said "no thanks I'm good" the server replied "cocktail or a shot?" My boyfriend said "no thanks man I'm good" the server said "come on man it's Sunday" and my boyfriend says "I'm good I don't drink much" and our server kept on insisting which was the first awkward moment. We ordered the meat and cheese platter which was pretty good...but then again how can you really mess that up? The coconut shrimp was pretty good, not the best. Also ordered the ménage of soups which was a little disappointing. The she-crab soup was WAY too sweet, the clam chowder was sub par, the gazpacho was ok. When our food was delivered I asked our server if they had bread, he replied "maybe," I just awkwardly laughed and said "could you bring us some?" He replied, "maybe." I said, "also I will take another drink." He replied, "alright now you are asking for too much" and walked away. Keep in mind that our food took over half an hour to come out (good thing we weren't that hungry) after about 15 minutes go by and I'm assuming our server forgot the bread which really isn't a big deal (I sometimes forget things too when I'm serving) but he brings the bread basically when we are finished with everything and says, "and I went the extra mile and brought you butter" It was honestly the funniest thing I ever heard. I'm sorry Chart House, but is that your extra mile? We then realized that we should probably ask for the check before our server disappeared for another 15 min. So we did and left. Anyway it wasn't bad enough to ruin our night but it will be something memorable. Before the food even came out I even said to my boyfriend "I would never come back here" and he said "thank God neither would I" and that was mainly based on the vibe we got from everyone there, but mainly our server--I remember his name but I don't care enough to get the man fired, he just shouldn't be working there. And I'm sure Chart House will never go out of business because it is right on the water, but come on guys, act like you care about your restaurant.
(1)Ruth B.
This is one of the first places you see when you take a ferry ride into Old Alexandria. I'm surprised the reviews weren't very favorable and am glad I took a chance on this, cause the food did not disappoint! We started with the calamari and the crab and avocado tower appetizers, both of which were delicious. Your meal comes with an assortment of different breads, which were nice and fluffy (though the whipped butter appears to be the true winner). We all had different entrees, but their seafood was what won everyone over. So effin good! Also, it is definitely worth it to try their mango mojito. You barely taste the mango in there, but it was probably the best mojito I've ever had! My friends had different cocktails, and they were all very impressed. I'm a stickler for good service and the people at CH came through. I think you should resist the negative reviews and give this place a shot if you're on the fence about it.
(5)Susan M.
Eggs Benedict came out cold-ish. I guess I could have sent it back but didn't feel like being "that person" during our Sunday brunch. Great salad bar - everything was fresh and plentiful. Parking can be a challenge - go early!
(3)Angela P.
I think a lot of the reviews have been overgenerous. The services was good, but that's about it. Our view was obstructed by a large tug boat so arriving early for a window seat didn't really work out. Here's what's good about Chart House: 1) They potentially have a view, if you arrive early and you get a table closer on the boardwalk side. This was; however, closed off for a private party when we were there. 2) They have excellent pumpernickel bread. The waiter lend on that it was made with molasses. MM. 3) They have excellent lava cake. Just sweet enough with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Here's what's extra mediocre about CH: 1) All of the food was far worse than what you would get from a TGI Friday, Ruby Tuesday, etc. establishment. I ordered the stuffed shrimp w/ orzo which was gravely overcooked. The crab used in the dish was also funky tasting and not fresh. 2) The soup. Clam chowder was strangely similar to Progresso chunky clam chowder from my college days. 3) salad bar has a few gourmet accompaniments, but nothing special. 4) decor reminded me of a cruise ship. With a few broken mirrors here or there. 0_o The restaurant is facing the harbor so if you see the torpedo factory to your right, walk toward the water and you'll see chart house on your left. Parking in garage, find one with an after 5 pm flat rate toward the pub. Overall, the bland food will keep me away and the view is not enough to draw me back.
(2)Geneva H.
Great happy hour with TERRIBLE service. It took forever to get our table bussed so we stood awkwardly by a dirty table in the bar for about 10 minutes. The service was painfully slow (took an hour to get fish tacos and French fries). We had to flag down our waitress every time we needed something because she did not check on us. It was busy but not that busy. Just disappointing. The food was ok. The view was good but overall maybe check out somewhere else.
(1)Alexis B.
I have dined at Chart Houses all across the country, from Malibu to Denver now to Alexandria, VA. This location is spectacular in that it sits river front in beautiful Old Town. If you get the chance sit on the patio or near the window, the view cannot be denied. That being said, the view is part of the reason I rate this CH so high. Our wait staff was sub-par and the restaurant is actually a little tacky for such a high society place. The other locations I have visited have been much fancier. Maybe that is why the restaurant service was not as gracious. Great happy hour for DC, and lasts until 6:30 pm which is a little later than most. I went for the Margarita, was just one of those days. We snacked on the fries and on the lettuce wraps, although many items on the menu looked divine! Someone in my party was not a fan of seafood, otherwise I would've gone for the ahi nachos. I think nachos are a personal weakness. This CH is soso, may return for the Happy Hour but don't promise that I will become a regular, especially for their hefty prices. There are better places to have your steak in the area.
(4)Bill B.
Just because a place charges a lot of money and serves steak and seafood, doesn't mean you're getting an excellent meal or a fine dining experience. I went there for a big group dinner with a menu fixe so I can only speak to the few dishes I saw and tried, but they all seemed like something you'd expect to pay about half as much for. My crab cakes were ok but nothing special. The sides were just dry mashed potatoes and the cop-out of steamed broccoli and carrots. American cuisine has moved on from this. One other pet peeve: the (unlisted) vegetarian option was "vegetable medley"--not an entree at all but just everyone else's sides thrown on a plate. I'm not a vegetarian but I often find the veggie options are the best thing on the menu. Not having any serious vegetarian options is another sign that this chain is stuck in the past. I know: people don't go to a surf and turf joint for the veggies, but not everyone always has a say on where a group goes out to eat, and these days many people prefer or exclusively eat vegetarian.
(3)Landon C.
Been here several times but this will likely be the last. Granted, Alexandria is a rough town for restaurants. There are several new places competing for business in the area so every night has to be an "A game" night. Salad bar is $17.50 as an entree. Not nearly enough variety or premium ingredients to support the price (think their brunch salad bar cut by half or so). Maybe understaffing or inexperienced staff leads that led extended wait times. We just ordered two drinks, a salad bar, and an appetizer and were there long enough for a meal. Cocktails aren't topped off so the value is questionable. I guess you're paying for the view.
(2)Greg K.
The good: Great view, clean and pleasant restaurant. Love the decor. The bad: Long wait for food despite the restaurant not being overly crowded TINY portions. I got the crab cake and crunchy coconut shrimp for $20. Came with 3 bite sized shrimp and a bite sized crab cake. The crab cake was good but the shrimp was just ok. Came with a lot of fries. But who comes to a restaurant for seafood only to get a few samples and a plate full of fries?
(2)Meredith V.
I had been looking forward to dining here because Chart House is basically the only restaurant in Old Town with sweeping views of the harbor. I called about a week in advance and there were no reservations available but because there is not a bad seat in the house I decided we could try to sit outside or at the bar. When we arrived on Saturday evening around 6pm there were several bar tables available so do not be discouraged if there is no dining room seating available when you call. Let me start with the positives: the views are impressive. The decor is beachside chic; fun, bubble lighting fixtures and a laid-back nautical theme abounds. Service is accomodating and professional. Cocktail list is interesting and done with creativity; I ordered the Fiery Cucumber, which was an excellent cocktail with cucumber vodka, cucumber syrup, grated cucumber and then rimmed with cayenne pepper, spicy salt and lime juice. It was amazing and one of the best cocktails I've had in awhile so I really have to commend the bartender on the creativity of the bar menu. We ordered the cheese & charcuterie plate as an appetizer and it was easily one of the best plates I've had in a long time, if not ever (this is even to rival the cheese/charcuterie at Cheesetique). Meat and cheese selections were high-end and all my favorites: spicy salami, proscuitto, brie, and a hard nutty parmesean! There was also a gouda, which is not my favorite but my bf enjoyed it so at least someone ate it. Also included was a fantastic fig jam that we spread on the crostini and added a grape, making the best little sweet delight after all the savory cheese & charcuterie. I am actually giving another full star solely for the exceptional drinks and cheese & charcuterie plate. Here is where things were not so great. I ordered the bronzed swordfish and my boyfriend ordered the NY Strip. While I'm not normally a fan of NY Strip to begin with, I must say, the size and girth of his steak was puny and unacceptable for the price; it was something you would expect to receive at Applebees perhaps and the flavor was underwhelming. Again, nothing ostensibly wrong with it but when you order a $40 steak, you expect a little more which leads me to believe this is the kind of place you want to stick to a more simple entree. Go to a Chop House for a proper steak. My swordfish, while delicious and flavorful, was very, very small for a $35 entree. Also, there is something completely uninspiring about serving it with a side of jasmine rice. Come on, WOW me, chef. For dessert, we split the lava cake that everyone obsessed over on Yelp. It was excellent, sure, but at this point my bf was a little grumpy about the prices of the food and it kind of started weighing on me. With a wait time of 30 minutes to order this dish, you would have thought you were getting something spectacular. It was delicious, sure, but I think I'd rather blow my calories on Grand Marnier creme brulee or a flourless chocolate torte. But that's just me. Overall, it was decided that the food here is not the winning component of Chart House; it's the views and drinks. And generally, I'm okay with that. But to be a foodie and come here and expect a meal on par with Founding Farmers or Rose's Luxury you will leave dissapointed. You can get better seafood elsewhere, FOR SURE. They have excellent happy hour specials so in the future, I would stick with that and DO NOT miss that cheese & charcuterie plate.
(3)Marcel W.
So disappointed in this place. Went there with friends for Restaurant week and out of 7 people, only 2 people did the Restaurant week special because there wasn't much good options on the pre-fixe Restaurant week special. A friend and I got the Brunch Special with the Crab Cake Benedicts. They brought mine out first along with everyone else's food and made her wait for hers which was the same order. Hers came out without the seasoning that they had put on my eggs and forgot her ketchup. We both agreed the poached eggs weren't runny (so did the waitress), the crab cakes were really dry, and the English muffin was stale. My wife got the chicken on the pre-fixe and said that it tasted ok, nothing special which fails expectations for a $$$ restaurant. later on, she got an upset stomach and not sure if it was the chicken or the clam chowder that made her sick. The waitress wasn't rude, but she wasn't really friendly either. She was really slow and kept forgetting to bring us things we asked for, then she screws up our bills which took even longer to resolve. We were there for over 2 hours!! I don't even know why we even tipped her or that we didn't complain to the manager about the awful dining experience today. There were a couple of positives though.....the salad bar and the desserts were pretty good. But overall, I won't be coming back to the place and regret spending my time and money here. Back to the Great American Restaurants for us.....everything is always good, consistent and great customer service.
(1)Samantha L.
The Chart House is located at the pier in Old Town Alexandria. It has a great view of the waterfront and neighboring towns (e.g. National Harbor, DC). My boyfriend and I came here to celebrate our six months. I was surprised that there was no bread and butter with our meal yet other tables had it. I'm not sure if we had to ask for it or it was an additional fee. For cocktails, the Moscato Sangria was just what I need to cool off for this summer weather. The Moscato Sangria consisted of a blend of Malibu Mango Rum and Luccio Moscato and garnished with cherry, lemon rings, and fresh basil leaves. It was sweet, light, and refreshing. The service was really slow - there was a long wait (20-30 minutes) between drinks and food. My boyfriend ordered Crabcake and Coconut Crunch Shrimp entree. It consisted of a crabcake, three coconut battered shrimp, skinny fries and two dipping sauces - sweet and tangy citrus chili sauce and a traditional ketchup. I loved the taste of this dish. My boyfriend usually doesn't love coconut but there was a faint hint of coconut. The only thing he'd complain about was the portion was kind of small and not filling. I ordered a bowl of Cream of Crab Soup which consisted of a tasty, creamy, not too thick cream based soup with sherry and spices and topped with lump jumbo crabmeat. It was a bit too spicy for me so I let my boyfriend have the rest.
(3)Julie O.
Update on the update... I received a letter from the Chart House HQ in Houston apologizing for the disappointing service. It was nice that the Sr. VP/COO was informed (to whatever extent he was informed) and sent the letter under his name. The letter included a GC for $25 to visit any Landry's locations nationwide. While I'm not sure if I will go back to this exact location, it does help encourage me to do so.
(4)Kyle M.
DC restaurant week and it's our first anniversary. I love Sarah so much. We have 3 restaurants planned for our anniversary week. Starting off with the Chart House, the one place in old town with great 180 + water views!! Aside from my two exclamation points and two stars for the views the food was lacking in originality and taste. It takes a truly lackluster or great meal to actually have me write a yelp review and chart house topped the charts on very bland cafeteria food. I'm very disappointed as I was hoping to show my new bride DC and NoVa have great food just like NY. However, she left saying it was alright, but I wouldn't need to head back anytime soon. My first course was a bland clam chowder, and hers was a soggy salad. Second course was an overcooked steak and a chicken that looked and tasted like a chicken schnitzel. It didn't say schnitzel but that's what it was. Great for the 5 year old sitting three tables down from us at 8 pm (Have some fun with each other and grab a $10 an hour babysitter for the night:). Anyways, the final course was a creme Brule and a cheesecake. Both looked and tasted like they were froZen the night before. Usually a creme Brule is crisp and hard on top with a nice crunch as you dig in and this was a soggy mess. The cheesecake is definitely the way to go but also very underwhelming. I'll just take my bride to Mai Thai next time. That's the gem no one knows about in old town. Have fun this week.
(2)Brian M.
the 1st thing i noticed upon walking up to the chart house is the view. it sits right on the potomac river and the breeze coming off it was wonderfully refreshing on a warm & humid sunday afternoon. we met my wife's aunt for a birthday brunch. it's one of her aunt's favorite restaurants in old town. it's definitely upscale, but it doesn't feel "uppity". i'm not a person who normally spends $20+ on a meal, but i felt comfortable here. our server was nice enough, but once our meals were delivered, she was almost invisible. she walked by our table several times without even looking at us, even just to make sure we were enjoying our meals. we were fortunate enough to get a table right by a window. while there was a ferry blocking our view for awhile, it eventually moved and we were able to enjoy the views around alexandria. the 3 of us all ordered from the brunch menu,which included the salad bar. i ordered the tenderloin benedict and a mimosa. all in all, worth the money. the eggs were poached perfectly, not too runny, and the hollandaise sauce could not have been better. i asked for the tenderloin to be medium well, and it was exactly as ordered. overall, it was a good experience. and should another special occasion warrant, i wouldn't hesitate going again. i just hope we get a more attentive server.
(3)Burcu B.
Ambiance: nice - especially outdoor patio Service: poor Food: so so (would recommend their lava cake) Parking: hard to find on the street but there are several parking garages for 5-7$. Price: very high for low quality food
(2)Phoenix Simone W.
This location is perfect- it's the only restaurant actually on the water in Old Town. It's also huge and has a ton of space. I went on a weekend around happy hour time and it wasn't too crowded. The food was really good (expensive but good). P.S. one of their drinks comes with a jalapeño in it and that's pretty awesome.
(3)VJ V.
This is a chain-type restaurant, think McCormick and Shmick's, located in the old charming town of Alexandria near DC. The restaurant is by the water, offering great views, including that of landing airplanes as they make their final approach given Reagan Int'l is few miles down the river. The service was friendly. The cocktails were delicious. I had a delicious Chilean Sea Bass that did not disappoint. They have a fully-loaded salad bar that includes caviar. This was not bad, not bad at all.
(4)Magic Mark L.
I would never think to come to this Chart House on my own. It has to be some time of special occasion. My 83 y.o. partner seems to pick this place for our "holiday lunch" every year. And it was here that I first met my wife's sisters and mother... What the place has going for it is a great view of the Potomac in the heart of Old Town, and so it's somewhere to bring guests, particularly if their more into ambiance than anything else. They're a bit strange on how they assign window requests. We requested our 6-person holiday lunch table 2 weeks before and got a window seat, but crammed into the back. It's random. The salad bar is pretty good. I like that they have caviar and caviar accoutrements (crackers, egg, minced onion, capars) on there and the items seem pretty fresh. Add it onto an entree and its $6 instead of $16 during lunch (at dinner it's $9 with an entree and $18 a la carte - ouch). Want something same? The old town burger is good. The calamari "and friends" is good too. I don't know what the friends are... Don't order the crab dip - bad. Martini's are good here... (For some reason the review has at the top "seated by open table" - no I was not)
(3)Evelyn A.
Went here recently on Sunday for a friend's birthday brunch. Thank goodness for the beautiful view, as there wasn't anything enjoyable about the boring, bland, incredibly over-priced food. Several of us ordered the crab eggs benedict. You know how the egg is supposed to be runny when you cut into it? These eggs were completely over done, so there was no runny yolk to moisten the plain, stale muffin they were on. The salad bar had a Ruby Tuesday's quality to it- very underwhelming. We won't be going back.
(2)Carol K.
What a nice night out in Alexandria! The Chart House pulled it off beautifully the other night with excellent service, good food and a view of the water that was really nice. Since it's a chain- I have been to other locations, but none have done as good of a job at getting it all to work together. Our concierge at the hotel suggested that we go here for dinner. He called and got us a reservation for 8:30. We actually got there about an hour early and planned to sit in the bar for awhile knowing we would have to wait as the place was packed. In the bar- the bartender, Will, was great and made a mean dirty martini. My friends were having some difficulty ordering a wine that they liked. Will gave them some tastes of various wines and then actually suggested a wine that was cheaper than what my friend's were going to order. Love it when taste is more important than the price tag! We had no sooner gotten our drinks when our "buzzer" went off indicating that our table was ready. Really? So soon? We walked over to the hostess stand where she said our "VIP table" was ready. I was quite sure at this point that they had us confused with someone else but who I am to ruin a good thing? We were seated at a great table overlooking the water.The moon had risen and if not for sitting with colleagues- I might have called it romantic. We were handed our menus where we got another surprise- my name had been printed on the menu welcoming me and my party. Nice touch! The menu has a wide range- seafood, steaks, chicken, and all the sides and appetizers that you could want. There was also a "specials of the day" menu that listed some great sounding items like a poached pear salad and a short rib. I started with some oysters (so fresh!) and my dining companions all had the special salad of the day. For entrees- I had the NY strip (it was good but not great- should have gone with my second choice of fish) served with mashed potatoes and some sauteed mushrooms on the side. Other entrees included prime rib, mahi-mahi and ahi tuna. The prime rib and the fish entrees were the winners of the night and the service was great including the manager who came over no less than three times to make sure we had everything we needed. On his last visit to the table - he then tells us that our hotel concierge bought dessert for us and that it would be out in a minute. Really? How wonderful. And how wonderful was this dessert! It was the specialty of the house- their molten lava cake. Gooey, soft chocolate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some type of crunch over the top. Decadent, indulgent and worth every calorie! Dinner for 4 with drinks, and wine came to about $220 which was reasonable for the quality and the large amount of food that we received. Next time you are looking for some good seafood or steaks with a view that is second to none in the area- check out the Chart House at the Alexandria City Marina. You can bet on a good night out!
(4)Jenny C.
I've been here for both dinner and happy hour, dinner-eh, there's other restaurants you'll enjoy. Charthouse does have the reputation of being pricey, but with the right planning you can enjoy it for considerably less money. Happy hour is nice, the drinks were wonderful and actually reasonably priced. Food is good, I would say, I enjoyed the drinks more than the food, but it's fine. When I went for dinner and paid around $50 dollars for a cocktail and seafood combo --leaving still hungry. :( (that was a hit to the self esteem..hahah), we had to sit in the very VERY middle of the restaurant--what gorgeous view of the water?? During HH, early in the week is the best time to go, plenty of tables and chairs FACING the water. Last time I was there, HH only ran from 4-6PM, so it is best to get there closer to the 4 o'clock hour due to Old Town traffic.
(4)Warren M.
Sunday Brunch, middle of Winter, overnight snow, frozen Potomac, bright sun..... Perfect ambiance. Breakfast entrees and full menu. Mimossas, Eggs Bene, family together..... Wonderful time. Food cooked as ordered, staff solicitous but not intrusive, salad/fruit bar.... What more could you ask? Oh yeah, because of snowfall, it seems the early birds hadn't ventured out and we had an hour to ourselves before the normal Sunday hoards. I'd say a great experience to be repeated the next time we venture south to DC.
(4)Sam M.
Very tasty meal, from start to finish, and our waiter was perfectly attentive. We were given a window seat at our request enjoyed the view immensely. The bill was more than I thought it should be, but the again I set a high bar in that department.
(4)Amy Lauren S.
We went here when we visited Washington, DC, and stayed in Alexandria. We dined for lunch, and it wasn't super packed, so we got a great seat with a view of the water. The view was worth it, and the food was pretty good too. I had the salmon with coconut ginger rice, and for the mixed vegetables, our server let me substitute the Asian green beans. Everything was delicious- the salmon was cooked just right and not super salty. I liked the lemon butter in it, it had a great lemon-y taste. The rice wasn't super coconut-y and complimented the salmon well, it was also in a little pyramid- great plate presentation! Three of us also shared the crab tater tots as an appetizer, and they were really good! I highly recommend them as an appetizer, but you may want a few orders if you have a big party. They come with a sauce to dip them in, too. I could have probably eaten the entire order! Our service was really good, the waiter was helpful and attentive, and we enjoyed our meal. This is a nicer restaurant, even if it is a chain, so it would be a great place for a date night or for a business lunch.
(4)Mackenzie K.
If you're in Old Town and looking for a nice place to have dinner, this is it. I was here on Valentine's Day and it was awesome! Usually on holidays food and service is ehh, but they aced it. They seem to always be busy so I'd call ahead and make a reservation. When you walk in the hostess stand and bar welcome you, the lighting is nautical and dim. Chart house does have a upstairs, the stairs are equal to a couple flights so if you can't walk that far I'd ask for a table downstairs. The views by the window is what I'd go for, cool to see all of the boats. Overall great experience, the only debbie downer, our waiter forgot our leftovers!:( food: coconut shrimp as a appetizer was really good! Not greasy at all, very fluffy and light. Teriyaki sirloin was awesome! The sauce is glazed over the steak and gives it a crispy shell, served over garlic mashed potatoes with a onion ring on top! yum! New York strip with garlic mashed potatoes and a side of parmesan crusted asparagus was also very good! For desert you have to try the lava cake!!!! It's prefect. Just be sure to order it at least 30 min ahead of time, they make them when you order!
(5)Chris S.
My meal tonight was far, far better than my previous two visits. Laura, my server, was outstanding! Always a big smile, great food recommendations, fast and attentive. She really helped to make it an excellent dining experience. The salad bar is great. This seems to be one of the few locations that still he's one. Lots of choices, several kinds of lettuce, lots of fresh veggies, olives, onions, and plenty of blue cheese. It is really excellent. The oysters were fresh and shucked perfectly. The seared ahi was cooked exactly as ordered and was terrific with wasabi mashed potatoes. Their key lime pie is very good, and a HUGE portion. I'm glad I gave it another try after past disappointments.
(4)William B.
Had dinner here last week and the food, service, and location are all fantastic. Our server Elias gave us great recommendations and kept the wine flowing! Everyone had a great time!
(5)Tammy Y.
Hands down the best thing about dinner here was the salad bar. Not saying that's a good or bad thing. I had the 3 course meal option with clam chowder to start, followed by crab stuffed shrimp, and lava cake. Total overkill when I added the salad bar. The chowder was good but nothing out of the ordinary. The shrimp was "meh," and the lava cake was average. I could've been just as satisfied had I forgone the 3-courses. $5.99 to add on the salad bar was a little steep considering this is a trend many chains are following and most cost less than this. Of course here there is a view from the salad bar, but let's not be fooled - the view is of National Harbor - nothing to write home about! Service was good but incredibly slow. I probably would not return to this location again.
(3)Pam P.
Had a party of 7. Had reservations. Took us to our seats right away. Immediately 3 people were over filling water glasses. The food was delightful. The kids portions are huge. One person in our group got the wrong dish. The manager was over immediately. Offered a free soup or salad bar. Took that item off the bill. The server was slow on refills but we had water for back up. All in all it was excellent.
(5)Jon L.
Went here for a post Firefly lunch w/mi hijo. We stopped in for lunch before his DCA to CLT flight. We arrived just @1130a on Mon 6/23/14 when they opened. Nice day outside and the patio tables looked inviting but we opted to sit inside in the AC & enjoy a great view of the Potomac. We sat in the bar area overlooking the patio and had a great waterfront view. Mr Le, our server was very professional and helpful with the menu. I had the Blue Crab sandwich and the salad bar. Mi hijo had the Chicken Francese & salad bar. I was somewhat disappointed that there were not more fresh fish options. Lot's of fried & breaded stuff but it would have been nice to have some fresh fish options as well. My blue crab sammie was average. Mi hijo ate only half of his. This place is upscale and classy and has an old world charm about it. The seating hostess asked if I had made lunch reservations. At 1130a on a Monday? Really?? You pay for the ambience, the location and the service. More of a 'take a client to lunch' or a special occasion place in my opinion. Might be nice to have a nice lunch on the patio when you wanted to enjoy the weather and some good company. Nice that's it's on the Waterfront to enoy the proxmity to the nearby parks and the Torpedo Factory.
(4)Reggie M.
After researching the area, we chose this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. The restaurant is elegantly situated at the harbor of Old Town in Alexandia, Virginia. I made my reservation a week prior. We arrived slightly earlier. The wait staff at that time was kind enough to have us seated near the window over looking the Potomac river. The restaurant's ambiance is romantic and elegant. Ones we were seated, the waiter came and offered us something to drink. Before he left to pick up the champagne bottle he innocently asked if there was any occasion. We started the evening with a bottle of Domaine Chandon, Blanc de noirs. I chose Calamari and friends as appetizer; it's lightly fried calamari and served with citrus chili sauce and marinara. For main entrée I selected on one of the chefs specials which was the Parmesan crusted snapper and planked salmon for my husband. We found it very delicious and the fish was fresh. When we asked for the bill, the waiter came back with a hot chocolate lava cake (A rich chocolate cake with molten center, made with Godiva liqueur. Served warm, topped with chocolate sauce, Health bar crunch and vanilla ice cream) with a birthday candle on it. It was one of my loveliest birthday dinners.
(4)mariam t.
I used to love this restaurant. It had great food and service. Those days are gone. We came on a Sunday night and got the three course dinner. After we ordered our food, it took twenty minutes to get bread and thirty minutes to get the first course. The entrees came out after an hour. My food was bland and the orzo was terrible. My friend got the steak which was overlooked and had no flavor. She sent it back and her new entree was not much better. The restaurant didn't seem to care when it screwed up the first time. Then the server brought her dessert while she was still eating. The ice cream melted by the time she started on the dessert. Overall our server was never around. I would not go back again and I wouldn't this place to someone unless I really disliked them.
(2)Meg G.
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.... 1. I absolutely hate the fact that I may very well be into the last 2/3 of my life, and I have yet to acquire property overlooking any blue waters on God's green earth. Chart House, it hurts. 2. Salad bar for Sunday brunch. Of COURSE you'd have the most flavorful smoked salmon in Old Town. Fresh, fresh, fresh EVERYTHING.... can't stand a show off. 3. I pride myself in my omelets. (I know the secret to fluffy, un-scorched eggs, and keep a regular supply of mushrooms, spinach, sausage, onions, sweet peppers, fresh herbs, etc. in my fridge.) I find your crab & asparagus omelet to be abhorrent..... Can I get the recipe? It's filling, succulent, fresh, flavorful, and the best omelet I've ever had. 4. Another Landry's joint? Seriously? If envy is the best form of flattery, then, Chart House, you now know where I stand.
(4)Christine P.
This was one of the few restaurants in town with availability after our out of town Thanksgiving plans fell through. They had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner option with turkey and all the trimmings, but we opted for their standard menu. The restaurant sits right on the waterfront and has a more upscale feel. This place would be fitting for a special dinner or date night, but I wish they would turn up the lights a bit more - there were times when it was a bit hard for me to read the menu and I'm in my 30s with no major vision problems. Most of the items (not surprisingly) are seafood, but they do have 3 types of steak dishes and one chicken entree. I chose the Shrimp Fresca, and this pasta dish was quite tasty and came in a big portion; it reminded me of my favorite dish from Cheesecake factory with a bit less grease. My husband got the oven roasted Mahi Mahi with garlic sauce and brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. We were pleased with the two entree dishes (would definitely order them again) and also shared the molten lava cake for dessert. Anyone who enjoys chocolate cake should give this one a try, but I would probably not order it again. Our server forgot to offer us coffee/espresso when the dessert came in, but he was nevertheless attentive and friendly throughout the whole evening so it's all good.
(4)Steven H.
Beautifully situated on the waterfront in Old Town, the Chart House exudes a big city restaurant vibe, with prices that match. I had a wonderful kale salad along with a delicious fried asparagus appetizer - lightly breaded and doused in blue cheese, an unexpectedly excellent way to dress up the mundane green spears that I love so much. The swordfish I had as my entree was prepared nicely, though I was not a big fan of whatever it was they flavored it with, so my advice here is to get specific about what you want them to put on your fish. And yes, you need to leave room for at least a couple of bites of their chocolate lava cake.
(4)Lydia R.
Located right along the water in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, the Chart House is romantic, relaxing, and luxurious. I have so many wonderful memories here, including birthday lunch, prom dinner, and romantic dinners. The restaurant is huge, so it is able to accommodate large groups. The ambiance is very ornate and romantic and the wait staff will take good care of you! To kick off the meal, a plentiful bread basket arrives at the table. Other favorites here include the salmon, cooked to perfection, along with the amazing salad bar (which may just be for brunch now). The salad bar comes with a variety of tasty, seasonal flavors and options and I highly recommend it! The desserts are so cute and delicious, and the restaurant will gladly accommodate special occasions, as I have been pleased with celebrating many here! Walk right outside the restaurant and take in the views of the water, snap a few photos and capture the moment, and walk around Old Town - instant lasting memories!
(4)Nandi B.
Christmas lunch with my favorite girls -- mommy and my sisters. And I must say-- yum yum yum! Everything was delish. We started with calamari & Friends -- which needed some salt but the sauce (not the marinara) it came with was delish. The blue crab dip was to live for! We completely loved it. (Had to ask for more bread, because it only came with 4) Two had salmon; one mahi and one short ribs. And let's not forget about dessert. Lava cake --ahh -- it was aiight (lol) - view pic. #nosurviving Our waiter Kalvin was awesome! Only 4 stars because it's a first impression-- gotta leave room for improvement.
(4)Peaches P.
I haven't been here in awhile but let me tell you this establishment is official. When the weather is lovely and I'm in my diva mode, I'll park my car at the National Harbor and take the ferry across the Potomac to eat at this restaurant. I normally dine alone and I'll specifically ask for a scenic table by the water. It's so nice. The bartenders and servers have always been pleasant and knowledgeable about their drink and menu offerings. My favorite item on the menu?? The Tuna Tartare...its absolutely to die for. I could probably eat it all day. I've tried Tuna Tartare countless times before, all over the world, but quite frankly, this is one of the very best. It's fresh; seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of spices and oils. Mmmmm mmmmm....which reminds me, a near future visit is definitely in order. Love it and highly recommend.
(5)M H Z.
We had reservations through our Wyndham ownership and they had our menus personalized with our names on it. Unnecessary but thoughtful. It's the only restaurant in Old Town on the water and a good place for a special night out. We started with theEast meets West Tuna tartare. Tuna was fresh and clean, didn't need all the bells and whistles that came with it. The plaintain chips were not as crunchy as I would've liked though. I had the seared scallops and just like the tuna, the seafood was crisp, fresh and perfectly seared, leaving a nice crust but soaring the delicate flesh underneath. Hubby had the Prime Rib wich was meltingly good and tasty. Pricey but worth it for a celebration night out.
(4)See W.
Perfect place for a special occasion or just a great dinner. Recommendation: make reservations! This place is crazy busy but I made reservations and was seated immediately. We also go a great seat by the window. Larsen was our waiter and he was very attentive. Note: they do serve beer but don't have a list. You have to ask the waiter and they rattle it off by memory. I'll save you the time: it's a basic beer list. Nothing fancy. We had the Charcuterie and Cheese plate and the a pomegranate martini. Fabulous! Dinner: the 14oz Prime Rib was very yummy as was the grilled Halibut. All in all it was a wonderful dinner. No complaints.
(5)Catharine C.
Good food - Very poor service. I have always enjoyed the food at Chart House, however, the past two times I have eaten there I have been extremely disappointed by the service- or lack there of. The past two times I have been I have experienced the same disappointing service by the waitress ( I thought the first time was just a bad day so I wanted to give it another chance): once seated the waitress did not come to our table until we had brought it to someone's attention at least 10 min after being sat, our water glasses were never filled - we were constantly having to ask someone, our waitress was constantly disappearing, our food (which consisted of salads with salmon) took almost an hour and a half and finally when the food did arrive one person from our party was missing food for nearly 10 minutes with our waitress yet again missing, we were never checked on once through our meal (by waitress or some type of manager), and finally our bill request took nearly 20 minutes. I want to stress again that the food here is good but for the prices they are charging, their service standards are incredibly low making the meal not worth the high price. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be giving chart house another chance after my experience today. I should also mention that the past two times I have been to the resturant it was around 4pm and there was not many people there eating - so there is absolutely no reason for the slow and un-attentive service. I cannot imagine the type of service they are providing at rush dinner hours!
(2)S L.
Been here few times and today I leave a feed back. Filet was good.... Lobster spring roll was great too. Snapper had no flavor and very buttery. Mango martini was bad, Kim chee calamari was very greasy on the bottom. Over all I would have to say not really good. View is awesome and place is nice. After we paid I spoke with the manger and he went backed and fixed the check for us. It was nice of him. Would we go back?? I will let u guys know. Haha
(3)Eric A.
Great view with mediocre food. Nice salad bar though. Nothing special but nice to come here
(3)Danny H.
Great view. Right over the water. Service was a bit slow to begin with but the server was very attentive. We had the crab appetizer poppers. Great! Nice taste, texture, lots of crabmeat. Cream of Crab Soup - Again, lots of crabmeat...this place does not skimp out! Next was the sandwiches. My girlfriend got the blue crab sandwich (it was a crab kinda day), was very crisp and refreshing which is odd to say. Tasted very light but the buttery/garlic bread held it down. I got the french dip....and what can I say. With the au jus sauce, it was very satisfying. Great balance of fat to meat. We finished it off with a few cocktails, manhattan was solid and she got a nice berry infused vodka cocktail which was very fruity and sweet. Lovely.
(4)Genie C.
Service and drinks were amazing. I ordered the calamari and shrimp scampi. The calamari was really good and the portions was for two. Sadly my shrimp scampi was gross. The pasta tasted undercooked and the shrimp overcooked. I asked the waitress to send it back to the chef and then it tasted like they just through it back in the pan and added water. For their prices i was disappointed. The only reason i'm giving them four stars is because the waitress took care of us. Party of 15 and didn't skip a beat.
(4)Gigi L.
I would say it was good, not great. There was no room in the restaurant so we sat in the bar and had apps. They were good, but pricey for what you got, in my opinion. The drinks were okay, but one I ordered tasted like a bad pre mix and so I switched to beer. The apps were just so sparse, and we were really hungry. Our bill was HUGE and we were all shocked, and agreed that we could have gone somewhere else and had a lot better food, more of it, for less money. Last time I was there I went to a different place and I will probably go back there next time. The atmosphere at Chart House is amazing because the VIEWS!!!!! But I hate when restaurants crutch on that, and I feel like they did a bit. :(
(3)Phil L.
After running the Marine Corps Marathon, I was hankering for some food hardcore. After hopping into my car and make the quick drive down I was ready to chow down. First off, Chart House like it's location in Jersey City is right on the water with an amazing view. There is no doubt the location in Chart House here is an awesome place. Since we showed up at 2:00 PM on a Sunday, I was hoping that they would have brunch at that point, unfortunately they had the dinner menu. First big downer of the day. However, I ended up opting for the dynamite barramundi. Never had barramundi before but it turns out to be a pretty small fish filet much like tilapia, perhaps a bit denser. The fish was well cooked and the sauce that was over the top was pretty good. ] The restaurant itself is very spacious with plenty of space between you and other guests and you can't beat the view here. Our waiter Reggie was fantastic and was on top of his game for sure. If there was one thing I would have changed about our meal was have the brunch menu longer during into Sunday! Thought it was a bit crazy the dinner menu was out already at 2:00 PM.
(4)Andy B.
9 of us met for Easter dinner. Staff was not prepared for our reservation. My steak was medium well when it was supposed to be medium. Kids Mac and cheese was out of a box. Friend ordered blackened mahi and she got salmon. They were quick and apologetic to replace the meal.
(3)Steve H.
Special dress-up night with reunited friends/family. Food was good - very pricey endeavor to eat here. Extremely uppity douche waiter apparently in between jobs at a major think tank doing work beneath him to pay the bills... I am not a professional athlete. musician, actor, or politician - we are not at all an "obnoxious" group. I hate to judge the whole wait staff on this one guy though... maybe he was just constipated (?). Why would you come here? I think it would be good if you were looking to impress a shallow or materialistic lady who has certain "expectations" before laying down with you (?). Otherwise, you're likely doing well in the disposable income section of your Quick Books report. Nevertheless, if that's the case, I would recommend chowing down on a few corn dogs and getting a good buzz on before coming here. You'll save major cash and thank me tomorrow! :)
(2)Dave S.
Had dinner here with the working team, there was a variety of meals ordered and everyone was satisfied. I had the salmon plank which was moist, thoroughly cooked and delicious. Prior to the main course I had the roasted beet salad which is a very large portion of fresh vegetables with a unique & very tasty warm dressing that was drizzled on.
(5)Bri H.
Exactly what this 5 five stars stands for "As Good As It Gets" - Located in Old Town Alexandria, Chart House is perfectly set near the water. This location has amazing views and the ambiance inside is beautiful. I love how open the restaurant is. Not only does it have a nice ambiance inside, there is also an outside dining area that is to die for. I loveeeee Old Town Alexandria but this is truly the place to dine while here. If you want great elegant seafood that you will truly enjoy, get your butt to Chart House immediately. The food is absolutely amazing and refined. We started with drinks; I had the pomegranate martini, while my date had moscato sangria. Both were very refreshing and they were not shy on the liquor. :D They served complimentary bread for the table and we ordered salads for our first course -we decided not to be such fatties that night and be good but we both regretted it because they have amazing options for appetizers!!!! For our entrees, I ordered the Stuffed Flounder and he ordered the Best of Shrimp. Now listen, .... and I'm not going to say this again, but that FLOUNDER literally melted in my mouth. It was incredible!!! Stuffed with crab and topped with an amazing cream sauce. I about died! I mean really, who is back there working such magic and making my taste buds go crazy! WHO? Whoever you are, can you please be my next date so you can cook for me because I can eat like that forever. Well, I highly suggest it if you can't tell. Haha. My date ordered the Best of Shrimp which was great as well (yes! I did make him let me try it). All in all, the experience was great! Great service, awesome food, tasty drinks....Just amazingness! Favs: Stuffed Flounder with Crab and the amazing views of the water! Would Change: The fact that I didn't indulge with one of their yummy appetizers
(5)Lilly E.
I just want to update and make sure that people are aware that this review was for the Chart House in Alexandria Virginia. Management pays attention! I was contacted at first via yelp by someone in corporate - then I was called directly by a manger who listened to my concerns and was extremely pleasant. I made sure that he knew what a great experience we had at The Chart House in Philly and that we were not going to stop our patronage at that location. A few weeks later a gift certificate arrived in the mail. And that my friends is one of the ways to run a successful business! You listen to your customers and what a great use for social media! Well done Chart House!
(4)Nika S.
We came for a dinner with my friends . It was my second time and the same successful experience! We had mussels as an appetizer and each had entree : snapper , crab and salmon . Food was amazing !! Our server was polite and attentive . Bill for one starter and 3 main courses was 125$ which is not that low but its worth it.
(5)Melissa G.
Love this place. Been coming for years. Great atmosphere and food is amazing. Love going in the summer outdoor patio.
(5)Camille F.
The Chart House is off course. Spent $300+ for party of 4 to celebrate my son's 29th birthday. Last time we visited was in 2001 and it was fabulous with large salad bar, and great food. This is no longer the case regretfully. Paltry salad bar - plain bowls on ice - no garnish, mashed potatoes tasted like they had been sitting out, prime rib that I ordered to be just pink in the middle turned out to be overcooked. We received our appetizer after a party of 4 who sat near us and came later received their main course. When our main course was delivered, the waiter asked if we wanted lava cake because it takes 30 min; we said we would make a dessert decision when we were done. He asked if we would like a side of mushrooms and creamed spinach and we said yes. It arrived for dessert! Not worth the money, tourist trap at best. Very disappointing.
(2)Elizabeth W.
In Sum: Decent food, EPICALLY AWFUL SERVICE. My two friends and I arrived at Chart House for Happy Hour on Friday at 5:45pm. We were approached by our server who asked for our drink orders. My friend ordered a Sauvignon Blanc and he repeated back to her "Riesling". This happened about three times until she gave up and ordered a Ginger Rita. They had run out (despite it only being 5:45pm) of the cocktail I had ordered. The waiter clearly had no knowledge of what was on the menu and didn't care to listen to what we were saying. We had to repeat our food selection several times as well and our server was as animated and happy to be there as an inconsolable widow at a funeral. We had to repeat ourselves several times to him throughout the night and could barely hear his responses as he stared down at his notepad and mumbled to himself. The drinks, when they eventually arrived, were tasty. We ordered two appetizers and did not receive the second one until 60 minutes later and after asking five different waiters about the status of it, each time one of them told us it would be up in a few minutes. This was never taken off the bill and a manager never came by to apologize. The main server, if there was one, never apologized for the long wait nor asked how the first small appetizer or drinks was. I eventually told another server that our server was not up to par. This next server did not address this concern but rather decided to insult my fashion taste. I had a purse holder hanging from the table holding my purse in place off the floor and he informed me that "purse holders were so three years ago". Towards the end, someone came around refilling waters and my friend informed him that she did not want anymore water. He informed her that he was going to fill her glass anyway, even though she didn't want him too. It felt like we were a burden on the restaurant just for being there and the servers behaved as if they were working in a frat house.
(1)Kristin H.
I came here while I was in-processing post-deployment and wow. The service was excellent. The food and cocktails- delicious. I didn't even makeit to the entree- ordered a meal to eat later! I was a little nervous because I was alone and you don't always get great service, but I was sat in a booth with a great view and the server made a point to tell me to take my time and not feel rushed. It was a great experience. I will definitely be back.
(5)Dennis L.
Nice location on water and a nice outdoor patio area. From there it went downhill. Ordered a bottle of wine and the waitress had to come back 3 times to ask what wine we ordered. We asked about a fish on the menu and she could not describe it. She went to ask another server and came back with a description that was not still not helpful. The server seemed to be not at all familiar with the menu or what was being served. There was a long wait for our food. Spotted a bus person bringing a tray of food outside and placing it near the outside serving station. Food sat there uncovered for several minutes before another server checked the ticket and brought our order to our table. As one would imagine, if the food was hot coming from the kitchen, it was no longer hot. Choices seemed to be having the food reheated or reordering and suffering another long wait. Only time we saw our server on the patio was when she asked if we wanted desert. She didn't even clear the table or bring us our check. We had to ask another server to bring our check. Chart House use to be an upscale restaurant with prices to match. The upscale prices are still there but the food and service are no longer upscale.
(1)Mark C.
Ambience of this restaurant is awesome with a beautiful view of the Potomac River. Add to that great service and really good food and you have a really nice evening. Had coconut shrimp for the appetizer and the Tour of Shrimp for the meal, both beautifully presented and both really good. I think you will like this experience.
(4)Ni C.
I will give props for an amazing view. Helas, one can not be nourished on views alone. Chart House is right on the prime waterfront of Old Town Alexandria - and its been around for 20+ years, so you would expect a certain level of service and quality and elegance(they got that one...). So on the other two... Service: Ok - not great, but I think the waiter had too many tables, and was stretched a bit thin. He was friendly enough and I don't expect a minute by minute update, but not long stretches to the point that you are ready to flag down another waiter since yours is not available. Food: For the price - meh. I had the "best of shrimp" entree which was 2/3 well done- the crab stuffed shrimp were delicious, and the coconut crunch were crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside - perfect. The shrimp scampi came with overcooked angel hair(as in one blob of pasta stuck together) and equally overcooked shrimp-like hard. No vegetables - really, not even a sad broccoli garnish?! For a 28.99 dish that's really not acceptable. It was like they had left over scampi from another dish that was served 20 minutes prior and that's what I got as my sample. Desserts were fine, but nothing mind blowing. I left yesterday a bit sad - not the Chart House I remember. One I would rather forget - while eating at Red Lobster - at least they have those Cheddar Biscuits. for the price - I say go to the Fish Market instead. Or the above mentioned Red Lobster for a fraction of the price.
(2)Scott H.
As the saying goes, there's no school like the Old School. And Chart House is very Old School. Walking into Chart House is literally like waling into a time warp. The decor is straight out of a 1970's upscale hotel - lots of big, bold, bright colors and patterns and retro-modern furniture. The menu is straight-forward, the portions are big, and the plating is neat but uncreative. It reminded me of when my parents would take us to "Fisherman's Wharf" in Norfolk as a kid. My wife and I were in Old Town Alexandria around lunchtime and were weighing our options. My handy-dandy Yelp app reminded me that Chart House was nearby. We had a birthday reward and regular reward to use from our Landry's reward card and decided to give Chart House a try. (Landry's is the restaurant chain that owns, amongst others, M&S and Morton's.) We were seated in the windowed alcove area. This is a nice quiet area that offers a great view - but it also is cooled by fans and the bright sun can make it a bit warm in there. But we managed. Our server was fantastic - typical of Landry's restaurants. Their on-tap beer selection was not extensive, but did feature a few local craft brews (I went with a DBB 8-Point.) It's definitely better than McCormick's in Reston. The wife and I started with the Blue Crab Dip for an appetizer. It's a bit pricy ($13) for a crab dip appetizer, but the portion is HUGE. It came out really fast and the dish was really hot which made me suspect that it could have been microwaved, although more likely is that it is pre-made and ready to go into a VERY hot oven to warm and melt. And you know how with crab dip you usually skimp on the portions early to ensure you have a perfect crostini to dip ratio? Feel free to dip away at Chart House. We had crostini left over and ate it with a spoon. It wasn't the best crab dip we'd ever had, but we both enjoyed it. For entrees my wife got the Chicken Francese sandwich. The ample sandwich was very tasty, the wife really enjoyed the sourdough bread. I went with the braised short ribs with Yukon Mash. The meat was beautifully fork tender, the demi-glaze was just enough to add flavor without overpowering the meat, and the mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. It was my wife's birthday so, despite being stuffed, she decided to get dessert. They had Key Lime Pie. The wife is a sucker for Key Lime Pie. So Key Lime Pie was ordered. Nowadays, it's not unusual to pay $7 for a small slice of pie in a restaurant. And that's what we paid ... except the slice was freaking head-sized. I had no intentions of splitting dessert with her, but the shear enormity of the portion made it necessary. We both thought the Key Lime Pie was a tad on the sweet side for our liking, but still tasty. Foodies that want to get a feel for what fine dining was like 30-40 years ago need not look further. Chart House is a pristine example, held in a time warp for your dining pleasure. It's dated for sure ... but in a positive way. It's like a classic rock station for fine dining, and that is fine by me.
(4)Michaele M.
Came here for lunch today. Classy, yet relaxed atmosphere, Beautiful view. Absolutely delicious drinks! Pomegranate mojito - Amazing!! Refreshing, flavorful, delicious Mango mojito - very sweet Moscato Sangria - Light and tasty! Cream of Crab soup - rich and delicoussssss Crab cake & Shrimp entree - very good crab. Only 4 shrimp, but still, the dish was filling. I highly recommend giving this restaurant a go!
(4)Michelle S.
My boyfriend took me here for Valentine's Day. I previously have been here before. The service is good. The atmosphere is very classy. The food is delicious. I always end up getting a steak because I'm not much of a seafood fan. I recommended the filet mignon, coconut shrimp and lastly the lava cake! I've had the salad bar before and it is fresh and they have a variety of toppings and salad dressings. I recommended the salad bar to anyone who isn't getting an appetizer. The main downfall to this restaurant is the prices. I understand it's meant to be a high scale restaurant but some of the prices I just a bit ridiculous. My only other recommendation for this place is to have wheat rolls and white breaded rolls (I prefer wheat) Overall, if your looking for a nice meal (like for a date) this is the place to go. If your concerned about prices then it'd be best to skip this place.
(5)Sara S.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Old Town, hands down. The Chart House features a great view and atmosphere, very good service, and a menu full of fresh flavorful dishes. Definitely worth the extra bucks. All of the seafood dishes are incredibly fresh, would recommend oysters on the half shell or calamari as an appetizer. The calamari is cooked perfectly, not too fried and very tender. The Seafood Grille is my favorite entree! It gives you a nice taste of everything, shrimp, salmon, and crab cakes. Of course, every meal there must be finished with their signature Lava Cake! Super moist and always delicious. I would recommend making a reservation if going on a weekend or with a big party. Service is wonderful, all of the servers are very polite and outgoing!
(5)Bryan W.
The location is awesome!!!! Great buzz in the room but the place was hit extremely hard right at happy hour. I grabbed a seat at the bar and just checked the place out.. There is a huge bar area with a few self seating tables and a large dinning room. Right out of the box an appetizer caught my eyes! Sweet Pea and Edamame Pot Stickers with pesto beurre blanc.! Sounded awesome but out of stock... I had to go for the backup items. The bartender offered me a different menu with a few reduced priced appetizers. I grabbed the calamari and an order of fritters. Calamari and Friends were lightly battered and fried with thin slices of sweet potatoes , red bell peppers and thin slices of jalapeno peppers. Nice light coating on the food but with the exception of the bell peppers, there was not a very big texture difference with the remaining items. Needed a little salt but the two sauces that were served with this dish helped it out a great deal. The citrus chili sauce was the favorite. light,crisp and clean. The marinara sauce was a bit on the bland side. The fritters were AWESOME!!!!! FYI If you are ordering these as well as other appetizers, EAT THESE FIRST!! The hot finished product combined with the serving plate mad a considerable amount of condensation on the bottom of the fritters. Not a big problem. The shrimp and crab fritters were topped with a "salsa of roasted corn. avocado and a Kimchee sauce. Just flat... No spice our pungent/ sour taste of fermented anything... It tasted like a simple aioli. Don't get me wrong. It tasted great ! It actually tied all of the flavors together.....just no flavor of Kimchee. Who goes to a seafood restaurant and orders short ribs of beef? This guy! No frills and straight to the point. Seared, braised and served with grilled asparagus, grilled tomato, garlic mashed potatoes and topped with a Cabernet Demi-glace. Very tender and juicy. Great flavor from the sauce. My only complaint was the heat of the dish. It wasn't cold just warm. Not that much of a problem .
(3)Paula S.
Old Town VA is a quaint area perfect for strolling when the weather is cooperative. Chart House is situated at the harbour it is a good vantage point to watch the planes on final approach to National. My partner & I were seated in the windowed alcove area. I would recommend this area--its quieter than the general seating areas of the restaurant. We ordered a starter of Calamari and mains of stuffed flounder and barramundi which was the special of the day. The calamari came with additional bits of fried peppers, avocado and chillies which was an interesting combination. Portion size was decent and the squid was tender. My main of crab stuffed flounder was excellent--served with yukon gold mashed potatoes, the serving size was adequate a few asparagus spears accompanied it. The crab filling was very flavorful--real crab meat is used not imitation--the fish was flaky and fresh. My partner wasn't impressed with the barramundi. The portion size was very small and thinly sliced--not good value for the price paid. Overall we would definitely return--the ambiance and food make it a worthwhile option for seafood in the area.
(4)Yvonne A.
Came here for a birthday dinner. Love the views of the water while dining. The food was amazing, especially the calamari as an appetizer and the paneed chicken as an entree. Also got the lava cake as a desert. The staff was really friendly too. Loved the fact that you can customize the menus for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, etc). Will definitely be coming back here in the near future.
(4)Jesse J.
We celebrated our graduation here which was just a quick Ferry Ride from National Harbor where the ceremony was and we were staying. We love Chart House's in general and this experience did not disappoint. We had reservations for 8pm but had jumped off the ferry at about 7 and were ready to eat then. We asked if we could sit at the bar until our table was ready and they actually set us immediately. We ordered the Crab Bisque (we generally get the lobster bisque but they didn't' have it this time... crab bisque was a close amazing second to the LB), the filet and added the crab stuffed shrimp which was delicious. My fiance's steak was cooked a bit more than we ordered, but it was still delicious. As usual, we also ordered the chocolate lava cake which was a tad overcooked, but again, still delicious. We also ordered a bottle of wine from the Washington Region which was pretty good. Including tip and the bottle of wine, I paid about $250, pretty average for a night out at The CH We were in a little bit of a hurry in order to catch the next ferry back, and felt that the service lacked just a little bit (i.e we didn't get steak knives for about 5 min after our steaks were served, etc) We'll be back if and when we're in the Alexandria area.
(4)Sahra N.
First off let me just say the views are beautiful! Second of all, the food here is so exquisite! I ordered the grilled sea food mix and it was to die for! It included salmon, shrimp, a crab cake and I substituted green beans for the Veggie orzo! It was just perfect, the sea food was cooked to perfection and had so much flavor. I would go here any way for a nice fancy dinner! A perfect place for the summer time
(5)Natalie M.
Beautiful place. A little pricy but its worth it. Must try their oysters and chopped house salad!
(4)Jason G.
My friends and I went to Chart House for a birthday celebration, and overall I thought it was a very corporate experience - kind of like a high-end Red Lobster. Even though I live in DC, I don't really go out in Alexandria that often, so we purposely chose something down there. Before I went, I didn't realize how much of a tourist destination this restaurant is. It is a massive restaurant, one of the biggest I've ever been in. For whatever reason, it wasn't busy at all when we were there, so it felt almost cavernous. Luckily, we were able to get a table right by the window, so that was nice to be right by the water. Now, it's not directly on the water because you still have to look at the pedestrians and boats showboats that block the view of the river, but it's at least somewhat of a view. The food was...fine. As I said above, Chart House is just a high-end Red Lobster, with steak as well. It had a good selection of all types of fish, so that's good. The salad bar was also very expansive, and even had some Californian caviar. I personally had the flounder stuffed with crab meat, and while there was a generous portion of flavorful crab meat inside, the flounder kind of fell flat for me. To be honest, for the price that's charged, I expected better than I've got. The service was inoffensive, but the fact that I don't remember anything about it says all you need to know. Overall, I don't think I would recommend Chart House over any other restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. The restaurant is just one of a massive national chain, so there's no real "something special" about this restaurant that you can't get in Los Angeles or Cincinnati or wherever.
(3)Aunne N.
When I walked in no one acknowledged that I was there for a meal. Finally I asked if they were open for business and was told they would find me a hostess. While I was waiting an older woman walked in. Once someone arrived they disregarded myself and assisted the older lady inquiring about a retirement party. When I was finally addressed and states I wanted a table for 1 over looking the water the man assisting me gave me a snide look and picked up the phone. Once seated I waited again about 10 min for some to come offer a beverage. The appetizer recommended that I ordered was bland. The chef special for the evening was delicious.
(2)Paulette P.
Nice place! Nothing to brag about. The food was pretty good. The view was fantastic! I kind of expected more from the food.
(3)Aramide A.
Great drinks, awesome view, but the food could have been better. I expected more attention to details. The server was very helpful.
(3)Chelsey R.
Pretty good experience. I do have to say the service wasn't great for the cost. He wasn't very attentive and it took a long time for our food to come out, probably a one server thing over that being representative of the place.
(4)Joel T.
Great ambience, first. I went last night. Excellent clam chowder! Excellent coconut shrimp! I ordered filet mignon. My first bite made my eyes widen as the SALTY spice was intense. A bit too much. Still, it was perfectly tender and exactly the rare/medium I requested. Watch out for the salty POW though if you order it. Lava cake yum! Especially if you share it. Very romantical.
(4)Eric J.
I like their drinks. Other than that, they kind of shoved us into a tight corner, not cool. The potato side dish was probably something I would've made in college; toss potatoes into a pot of water, undercooked, no salt. Overall, an OK experience with the food. Good drinks, though
(3)Jenny K.
I came here for dinner when visiting my friend who lives in Maryland. We were celebrating two occasions (a) 5-year union since we last saw each other (b) my belated birthday. We were seated by a window with a view of the Potomac River and treated to excellent service by our waiter. I got the crusted mahi mahi and my friend got the snapper Hemingway - both of which were delicious! My mahi mahi came with a flavorful peanut sauce - good consistency (not too watery or thick) and you could taste the peanut flavor but it wasn't overwhelming. The green beans that came with my fish had a nice texture and a tasty salty seasoning. I tried the snapper as well, which was topped with crab and a cream sauce - yummy! For dessert the waiter brought out a complimentary hot lava cake and it was hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had! Godiva liqueur, Heath toffee, vanilla ice cream and molten chocolate cake! So rich and satisfying! He also sang happy birthday to me in his Elvis voice - perfect impersonation! The wine list was a good mix of whites, reds and bubblies and there was also a cocktail menu. Mostly seafood selections but there were also a couple steak selections. Definitely recommend for a date night or celebrating a special occasion.
(5)W R.
The food was good, the service was adequate, but it was really overpriced. Four first courses, four main course, three desserts, and four cocktails and a total bill close to $400. I'd expect that from a top restaurant in DC, and Chart House while good does not meet up to the service and quality of those places. Next time I come to Old Town I will find somewhere else to eat.
(2)J B.
View was great, decor and servers were fine. Food was overpriced and terrible. I had the hummus trio to start which had no flavor. I couldn't tell the difference in taste between any of the three hummus choices. I had the chicken which was to have a bruschetta mixture on top, but there was a sauce which tasted like mayo, and really grossed me out. The mashed potatoes were the best part of the meal. I sincerely don't mind spending $100 on dinner for two, but spending that much on two burrito bowls from Chipotle would be better then spending it at the Chart House. Don't eat here.
(1)Scott T.
Food is great, pricey, but amazing seafood and right on the water in old town! Best time to go is summer and eat out on the deck when weather is warm. I always get crab or salmon, and great lava cake for desert!
(4)Ben T.
Brought my out of town Mom into our new home of Alexandria. Here the views make for an impressive lunch or dinner. The sights of the airport and the monuments are great. I was impressed with the meal however the seafood dishes were a little creamy and too heavy for my taste. Another good option is the salad bar which looked equally impressive as the views. If I were going back this would be my choice. A little on the pricy side but as to be expected in such a prime location.
(3)Aaron P.
Hot damn! I'm cheap and I don't mind saying it. One thing I will always pay for is good food. I went to chart house during happy hour because a friend spoke about how amazing it was and how they have discounted appetizers during the weekday. OMG! This food was amazing. The restrooms were immaculate. The service was slow. The food was reasonably priced for happy hour (which includes discounted drinks), but I'm too poor to come for dinner. Normally slow service will attribute to a lower rating in my book but the food is so good, I am willing to give chart house a pass.....this time.
(5)Thomas C.
I met my nephew and fiancé last night as we traveled through Alexandria last night at The Chart House. Great location going through some remodeling but again great view to the Potomac. Quick drink and wine while wife an I waited 30 bucks, I knew I was in for a big check ...ouch. Service at table a bit rushed at the beginning I told them we are dining, it got better. The wine selection not too bad and prices okay. Food good scallops excellent and monk fish special excellent. Down side was noise even though we sat upstairs as suggested. A large group had come in earlier and there was some type of presentation on the main floor...their host brought a microphone and speaker to address this group...WTF, this is a restaurant not a special room just for you. Manager should address
(3)Mikhail K.
Wow, what a disappointment. I was looking forward to some great seafood from this place and maybe my expectations were just too high or something. For the amount of money we paid for the dinner, which was basically $40 per person, the good was just nothing to write home about. We ordered mahi and cod, asparagus and mushroom sides. The fish was underwhelming in both cases. Dry, barely seasoned, didn't feel like it was fresh at all. The sides were just okay, both heavily smothered in butter and both were slightly burnt. I specially asked the server about the side dishes and how they were cooked. He said the asparagus is served fresh and the mushrooms are steamed. Turned out both are basically fried in butter and smothered in breadcrumbs. Totally not what we expected. Chopped salad was chopped alright. Seriously. It looked like it was blended in a food processor. Lastly the service basically sucked. Our server was obviously overworked and overextended, but he was not enthused about other servers helping him out. He made faces at them and told them 'he got this'. All while we observed it and were very aware of what he was doing. I've had way better fish and service at Bonefish in Kingstowne!
(2)Down Like Four Flats S.
Not too sure what all the hype is about with the Chart house I've gone there several time of a course of several years, but I don't remember the experiences being this bad. I chose to go to the chart house for a early birthday dinner with friends, and it was a mistake. The biggest complaint is after waiting hour and 20 minutes for our food, it came to use extremely cold, i mean cold as if i had walked away for two hours and came back , the food was not room temperature at all. The best part about the Chart House was the bread and crackers, and the view of the National Harbor. I rather spend money at Black Salt then eat a free meal at Chart House.
(1)Tiffany D.
The Chart House is Aaaa-mazing! I really enjoy their seafood. The location is also nice and it makes for a cute date night. I have been to the Chart House several of times and have not been disappointed. I love the stuffed salmon, and I absolutely love the the chocolate lava cake ! Yummy in my tummy ! Definitely a must try !
(4)Amanda M.
Thursday night dinner with at friend. Chart House was packed but we were able to get two seats together at the bar and since the full menu was available, decided to simply eat there. My friend went with one of the tap beers and I selected the Fiery Cucumber - a martini made with cucumber vodka and served with a spiced rim. While it wasn't spicy it was refreshing, however, I wouldn't order it again and switched to a glass of wine for my second drink. Aside from the lack of spice in my drink the rest of the evening was great. We started with the Oysters Rockefeller, provided you like spinach and oysters, you can't go wrong with this dish. For our mains my friend ordered the blackened swordfish and I went with the mahi. The plating left a bit to be desired (the rice was served in the shape of a pyramid) but the fish was fresh and the swordfish in particular was delightfully seasoned. Is Chart House the best place for seafood in the area? No. Is Chart House a decent place for a mid-priced dinner on the water? Yes. It is a bit touristy but the food is good and if you can get a table on the water it is a nice place to take out of town guests.
(3)Jessie L.
I made reservations a couple weeks ahead of time, since it was for my husbands birthday I put in a request for a window seat. I figured I would be able to get a window seat if I reserved it 2 weeks ahead of the date. When we got there, they said sorry no window seats are available. The window seats are not guaranteed. Why do you use reservations if you don't even plan for them. They told us we could wait 30 minutes to have a window seat...I planned this 2 WEEKS ahead of time. There should have been a table by the window that was RESERVED for us. On to the food...My husband got crab legs and he loved them. I got chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus. We also had salads. My salad was a spinach salad! It was AMAZING!! I will go back just for that salad! They have a gluten free menu, which was nice!! Overall it was a nice experience, I would go back but only for the salad.
(3)Marc D.
BOTTOM LINE: I would not go here again. I'd give it 2 1/2. Visiting from out of town, my girlfriend and I came here for date. We enjoyed the food but it was overpriced for what how it was prepared and service was subpar. Server was not very attentive and food came out slow. We made reservations but still had to wait. Our waters were never refilled unless we asked and I was never asked if I wanted another beverage. We did bring our own bottle of mostcato d'asti but after that was gone we were just sitting there until we asked. $20 corkage fee and they didn't bring champagne flutes. Not upscale or that classy.
(2)Danny N.
Wow... Can't say anything wasn't delicious. Ha the crab mango tower for appetizer. Tasted all the soups in the soup sampler. I had the seared mahi which is covered in lobster and shrimp while my girl Had the crab cakes and key line pie for dessert. I can't walk literally so stuffed!! I need to go to sleep right now and can't get up :-)
(5)Sarah P.
Pros: Beautiful location and view up the river of the capitol. Nice environment for a classy, upscale but not too stuffy meal with good service. Cons: Food was just OK. Prices were obnoxiously high for the quality of the food, I guess you are paying for the location and view. Long version: went here to meet family who were visiting and really wanted to eat at the Chart House. Parking was pretty easy in a garage just a block from the restaurant. Place itself was very nice, the floor to ceiling windows result in a spectacular view for pretty much every seat in the house. We were kind of cramped into a table I thought was too small for 6 people but it was right against the windows. Oddly they had trouble getting a reservation even though the restaurant was half empty the whole time we were there. Service was good, a little slow getting the food out, but that's on the kitchen. I had the pork chop which unfortunately came out fried (a fact omitted from the menu description) and, though tasty, was certainly not worth $23. It was heavy and greasy and I wouldn't order it again. Husband got the mixed grill and liked the fish and shrimp but wouldn't finish the crab cake, he said it was awful. The desserts were really good and the salad bar looked pretty fabulous, maybe that would have been a better bet. Maybe I just picked the wrong thing to order, but I am of the opinion that if it's on your menu, you should do it well. Bonefish Grill has much better-executed food, but not the view that Chart House does.
(3)Victoria F.
So after posting the below review I was messaged via yelp by customer service asking for my number so that upper management could contact us about the food poisoning my fiancé got. Still have heard nothing. Unacceptable response for an unacceptable experience. Sad experience and we got sick...Food was so subpar, although our waiter was amazing and the wine good. Twenty four hours later my fiancé was so so so ill. We ended up spending almost two days in the emergency room as he was unable to retain any liquids and excruciating pain in his abdomen. The only thing I can think as a nursing student was his food, pork chop, was contaminated either by bad food handling habits, a sick worker, or contaminated meat. I've got a sad tummy but not as bad as him. Never going back.
(1)Kirsten C.
Absolutely flawless lunch. Fam bam came here on father's day & I can NOT tell ya'll how wonderful the meal as. 1) Their salad bar is dream-worthy. 2) I ordered the crab stuffed salmon..... My tastebuds were in heaven. The texture was perfect, the fish cut like butter, & the lemon butter sauce on the side? PERFECT. 3) The lava cake to finish off, the ONLY mildly, mildly bad thing.... it took 30 minutes to get out to us. Which they tell you on the menu to expect, so no surprises. It was HUGE. It took four of us to chip at it & we still didn't finish. The wait staff was perfect & the manager on at the time was an absolute gentleman (wish I could remember names!!).... All in all, a wonderful experience. Will definitely return.
(5)D M.
The happy hour is pretty laid back, great items for less than $5, good wine choices. The atmosphere is amazing. The downfall is happy hour is only indoors (so we couldn't enjoy the beautiful weather on the patio) and the hostess are stuck up. No one greeted us upon entrance and there were two girls at front. The one that brought us outside never smiled and had her head lowered the entire time. Waitress outside took a minute to greet us when there were only a couple of other tables there. And general vibe from staff was stuck up. I'll go back for hh but not for dinner, doesn't seem pleasurable.
(3)Daniel T.
Went here on Valentines day this year. The place is very romantic and has a great view of the harbor area in Old Town. The service was excellent and the food as well. We had the clam chowder, crab cake, scallops and cod/lobster dishes. Everything was delightful. There were 5 scallops on the dish as opposed to 3 or 4 as other places. The crab cake and clam chowder were very good. The cod/lobster dish was good, not exceptional. This is definitely a good place for a special occasion. Tip: try getting reservations for a window seat so you can take in the view.
(4)Elissa L.
The food was excellent and the atmosphere was pleasant, but a few issues with the menu: The first menu that pops up when you Google "Chart House Happy Hour" (which is from the restaurant's website) states that Happy Hour is Wed-Sun 4:30-7. The more updated menu you can find when you visit the site itself states that it is Monday-Friday 4-6:30. They would NOT honor the other menu so make sure you order all of your drinks by 6:30 or they get crazy expensive. When I had dinner here on another occasion, there was also a menu issue. Our menu listed one dessert- chocolate lava cake. Although I was craving dessert, I wasn't really into the lava cake so we asked for our check and planned another place to go for dessert. As we were paying our bill, we saw a variety of desserts delivered to the next table over. The waiter had not mentioned that there was an additional dessert menu. Why is there a dessert section on a menu if it does not list all of the desserts? Anyway, good food and the happy hour is a great deal!
(4)Thomas O.
Amazing food amazing view amazing service couldn't find one thing bad about the place will definitely be coming back
(5)Lynn G.
Good Food and great service. The only thing is even through they advise to order the lava cake 30 mins beforehand, it still takes FOREVER to come out.
(4)Steve T.
I stopped in Chart House with my family while we were in the area for business, and we were had a very pleasant evening. The food was excellent, the service was good, and the view was great. My son loved watching the traffic move up and down the Potomac, and really loved watching airplanes take off from nearby Reagan Airport. We would definitely consider eating here again if we find ourselves in Alexandria.
(4)Meghan F.
This review is for the happy hour only. My husband and I went here recently to check it off our To Eat in Alexandria list and were satisfied with our experience. The happy hour prices are good, drinks for $4-$7 dollars and apps for $5-$10 (approximately). I had the pomegranate mojito which was quite tasty and not overly sweet. Their beer selection is definitely lacking, especially during HH, but it's not really catering to the craft beer crowd, so I'll let it slide. We shared the fish tacos and ahi nachos. The tacos came with two well-stuffed soft tortillas with mahi, cabbage, pico & mayo. They were pretty good, nothing to write home about, but they were enjoyable. The ahi nachos were a fun twist on the now ubiquitous "Asian tacos" that have popped up on every chain menu (i.e. Applebee's). The tuna was good and the wonton was tasty. I am not a big fan of wasabi and should have asked for it to be left off but I still enjoyed them anyway. I was wishing that the orange sauce (I'm assuming it was Sriracha mayo) was on the wonton instead of on the plate. The atmosphere in the restaurant is a little peculiar. It's almost tiki themed and the carpet is just horrendous. It looks like a bar attached to a hotel. But the views are beautiful and the bartenders were great. I would definitely recommend this place for happy hour for cocktails and apps - just don't look at the carpet!
(3)Tony M.
Forgot to make reservation this time and therefore eating out in the patio. 4 hr wait or 30 min for patio. The weathers nice so not too bad.
(4)George M.
Nice view, tasty food, decent service. Gets very busy on nice days. Went for brunch the first warm Sunday after a series of snow storms and by 1:30 pm was completely packed. Prime rib and eggs, perfectly cooked, really. And huge size. I guess it got busy so there was a 40 minute delay between coffee refills..... Otherwise a good experience. Still like the Annapolis Chart House better though. Get there before 12:30 or if you make reservation ask for table 2-4 for best views.
(3)Doyin G.
I think had an orgasm, food orgasm that is when I ate the lava cake. Lava cake is decadent and the clam chowder soup was relish! Again, It should be a sin for the lava cake to taste that good! Im getting chills down my back just thinking about how good that chocolate taste!
(5)Linh N.
Great place for special occasions. I came here for my birthday and the service was excellent. Everything my bf and I had were delicious. The crab cake was meaty and the coconut shrimps were so crispy and the Asian inspired sauce was perfect with it. They also bring you a huge mud pie for your birthday. Overall great experience!
(4)Jen R.
If you are coming for a birthday, make sure to mention when you make your reservation ahead of time- they definitely do not disappoint! Filet mignon was great. Awesome views of the Potomac river and big windows to enjoy it.
(4)Ritah K.
Brunch brunch brunch.I couldn't stress just how good their brunch really is.The salad bar is amazing.I load up on that smoked salmon and caviar. Had the French toast,a friend of mine had the maryland Benedict and both dishes were really tasty.Totally worth the price.
(5)Emily H.
Our company (Coast Guard) holiday party at the Chart House was a resounding success, and our group of 27 loved the view and the food! Some small slips in service and getting the check settled were the only things keeping them from a 5 star review. I researched restaurants for my office's holiday party for quite some time before stumbling upon this gem. Justin Cadmen, the Catering & Sales Coordinator was great in setting us up with a private room, and went above and beyond to satisfy all our requests (like ordering off the standard menu instead of having a more limited prix-fixe menu). When we arrived, our room was all set up for us on the second floor, and the view was just downright awesome! Not everyone arrived at once, but the servers immediately started taking drink and appetizer orders as people got settled which was nice. I did hear a few grumbles that some people got "skipped" over during this process (understandable as we were a very large party), but overall I was very pleased with the speed of service. Our orders were taken efficiently and the refills were flowing throughout the meal. The food was pretty awesome as well - I got to try several appetizers and must highly recommend that you definitely try the Crab, Shrimp & Vegetable Fritters because they are to die for - perfectly crisp layer followed by zesty, flavorful bites of crab and shrimp - YUM! I'd skip the Caesar Salad since I wasn't a huge fan of the dressing (I prefer it to be creamy and this was more Italian-like). For my meal, I got the crab cake sandwich - it was decent, and I really enjoyed the shoestring fries that came with it. The only issue I had was when the check came... First, it took a little longer than expected for it to come out in the first place. But the bigger issue was that I had sent a form to Justin days before the event to make sure that we wouldn't be charged taxes (we are tax-exempt when using these particular funds), but the first one came out with taxes on it. I meant to bring a copy of the form with me as well, but in my rush to leave the office, I forgot it. So, we had to send the check back to have the taxes taken off, but since Justin was out of the office, this proved to take almost 20 mins. Everyone from my party had left, and I had to stay and wait for them to bring out another check. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations for food and ambiance, and I would recommend it. The place is great for large parties, but I can also see how it could work for a romantic dinner for two in the evening as well - In fact, I'm considering bringing my boyfriend to try it in the future.
(4)Alexis B.
Went to the Chart House for a birthday dinner on 5/29/13. Party of 3. Yes, I know tourists frequent this place but my guests wanted something on the water and Old Town is close. We ordered crab stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer and the portion size was huge. I ordered jumbo lump crab cakes with shallot butter and Asian green beans. All of our food was good and service was great. My only complaint was the very dim lighting at the tables outside. It was difficult to see our food after dark even with the candle lit but great view...
(4)Jeremy C.
I think this is the best outdoor seating in old town. Food is always fresh and the staff is very professional. It's the first place I think of in old town when the weather is nice.
(5)Brenda L.
Came here last night for a late night dinner with my best friend. My friend has frequented this place before and has raved about the food AND the service. I'm a huge fan of a place that can deliver both great food AND great service. We requested to sit outside and there was plenty of seating to choose from. The view was awesome overlooking the water and the new Ferris Wheel at the National Harbor could be seen in the distance. Our server quickly took our drink order and brought us water and bread in a timely manner. I didn't like the first drink I ordered so the server quickly switched it out for a yummy glass of Moscato. At my friend's suggestion, I had the crab cakes with the asparagus. It was so delicious. So flavorful and the asparagus was cooked to absolute perfection. At first, the amount of food on the plate didn't look like much but I was definitely stuffed by the end of the meal. I only took one star off because it is REALLY pricey, but then again it IS a really nice restaurant and you are definitely getting your money's worth with the superb service and food. I would definitely come here again, but perhaps for a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
(4)Shamika G.
I love love LOVE this restaurant!! Everything I taste here was AMAZING! I had the Blue Crab Dip and the Mixed Seafood Grill. I left stuffed and I shared my crab dip with someone. The crab cake that came with my mixed seafood grill had a lot of crabmeat in it and hardly any breading.....which is how I like it. They also make the most amazing green beans! The restaurant has a very romantic vibe at night. And you're looking out over the water. It's located right on the boardwalk. It is a bit pricey but it is def worth the coins. I will be visiting again in the near future!
(5)G S.
I've been to this location countless times and have yet to be disappointed with the menu items or the professional staff.
(4)Jami A.
You want to come here for the views then the food. I ate here for my best friends rehearsal dinner and wasn't expecting anything too crazy. I've eaten at the Chart House is in Jersey plenty of times and while the food doesn't disappoint and the view of the city is nice its just I don't know vanilla. Chart House Alexandria's views were stunning. The servers were very nice and accommodating. We had a set menu so I had the crab cakes for dinner which at my table most people went with and they were incredible. Overstuffed with lump crab meat, delish. Chains can sometimes fall short but that's not the case here. Would love to go back if Im ever in Alexandria again.
(4)Zo G.
The manager is extremely rude. I took my folks out for a decent dinner, but I got flu so I lost my appetite. We ordered two entries one appetizer, one salad and wine pairings. The salad bar showed up as full price (17.99) instead of (8.99) if order entries. I talked to the manager about it and he insists he saw the salad dish is in front of me instead of my mom which is not true. And educated me a great deal about how the salad bar is designed for one person instead of sharing. But we only went to the salad bar ONCE! The food is ok.
(1)Alek Z.
Not a bad place, but perhaps a little overpriced for what you get.
(3)Mary Kate M.
I could not have asked for a better birthday evening... well, the weather could have been warmer, but I guess I just have to accept my birthday is February 4 and not May 4. I came here on with a date who chose the venue. I chose Old Town and he chose Chart House. I had been to Chart House in Boston, but was unaware of the existence of one here. How convenient and fun to find out! For my dinner I decided to have the crab stuffed shrimp with mashed potatoes. It was absolutely delish. I couldn't help myself but to finish the whole meal because it was so amazingly good. My date got the seafood sampler that came with a little bit of everything. He gave me a bite of the glazed salmon. That was very well prepared and tasty. When we were waiting for the bill, our server brought out a birthday surprise. I was full by that point, but we tried eating some of it for what we could. I took the rest home. I had a great experience. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday dinner!!
(4)Mara E.
This restaurant is delicious. This is my 2nd time going and it is always just as good! Service is amazing. If you can request the fire room. It is amazing to sit song the river. The food is amazing, there isn't one thing I have had that I would recommend again.
(5)Joseph M.
I used to love this place. Perfect for date night, special occasions, or a seat at the bar. Food was always stellar, particularly the fresh seafood. Still is! No complaints about the food. Over the last 5 years, it's become dated (in need of an update), and the service is hit and miss. Lately, it reminds of a cruise ship dinning area that's peaked, and lost it's edge. If that makes any sense. I hope that with all of the planning for the new Waterfront in Old Town, that this location will be revamped and updated to shift with the changing tide. Pun intended!
(3)Billy M.
Valentines day reservation, waiter Mike started off ok. But went South fast. We waited an enormous amount of time for our food. After waiting and waiting Mike never said anything to I'd and avoided our table. After finally getting his attention he tried to feed us bread and water. I don't want no damn bread. So food finally comes and what? But both plates of food grossly undercooked. Asked to see the manager (Jimmy) came to the table and acted dumbfounded when told what was going on. Now I know restaurant policies are always to try and compensate the customer. Jimmy walks away, and we had to ask Mike to have Jimmy come back to the table. Then he comes back with a discounted bill. We bagged our food up then Mike acted like he didn't want to bag up my salad. Bag everything. We couldn't even enjoy our Valentines dinner. No thank you #ChartHouse. So I ended up eating in my hotel room.
(1)Flavio L.
Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and atmosphere. Really liked our server, he was a young guy, served our table outside...I believe his name was Francis. He knew the area and recommended great places to check out. Cheers
(5)Michael W.
The food here is always consistent. It's good, brunch is good on Sunday, the view is great. Make sure to sit by the many Windows.
(4)Jessica B.
So we have had various experiences with Chart House over the years but since our first date was there we go back every so often. Last night was one of those times. We are going to be apart for Valentines Day plus we were celebrating our anniversary. Made the reservation on open table and mentioned it was our anniversary and a window would be great. Well they came through. We sat in the small round room with the fire pit. It was perfect. Our waiter Lance was exceptional and his recommendations for dinner were spot on. The service and the meal made our anniversary one to remember. And the menus printed with a congratulations on our anniversary presented by the manager were a very nice touch!
(5)Peter M.
The Chart House is one of the best seafood restaurants that I have ever visited. The wait staff was super attentive and helpful in making selections. I had the lump crab/mango/avocado stack as an appetizer. The combination of flavors was unique and delicious. The sweetness of the crab along with the richness of avocado and the slightly tart mango paired well. For my entreè I selected parmesean crusted snapper topped with lump crab and drizzled with lemon shallot butter. This was paired with a side of coconun ginger rice. Portion size was good and the fish was cooked to perfection. The rice was a little under seasoned but that may have been intentional as it prevented the fish from being overpowered. Pricing was on par with a restaurant of this caliber and location. I would definitely visit the Chart House again next time I'm in Alexandria.
(5)Erica B.
3 stars for the awesome view, wait staff and the hummus trio but the dinner fell a little short. I was there on a Tuesday night for a busines dinner.. party of 8. Everyone enjoyed. Their apps but most of us was slightly disappointed with the entires. I honestly think its a little over priced for just "ok" seafood...I know plenty of places on my hometown. (Baltimore) for the same.. sometimes cheaper prices. Very cool place for a date tho!
(3)Devon M.
Good food at solid prices but what really makes the restaurant is the location on the water. Decor on the inside is also nice.
(4)Rob H.
A great place to have a drink and view the sunset, unfortunately, the Chart House has become more of a Red Lobster type chain. Very pedestrian. If you value creative cuisine go elsewhere. If you want to watch the boats in the harbor and enjoy the atmosphere, it will do.....
(3)Lynia D.
The staff here is very professional and friendly. Our waiter was Benjamin. He was excellent. We had the stuffed flounder and the New York Strip. Both were prepared properly and perfectly. We enjoyed the mango mojitos and my date said the margarita was the "best ever". They accommodated me and my birthday requests for my special someone. I believe Dave (or David) helped me the most when I called; he was awesome. She was truly impressed by the food, the personalized menu, and the server. We had a water view and it was great!
(5)Danielle P.
I had a delicious meal and tasty appetizers. It was great to sit outside on the deck, as it overlooks the water which makes for a beautiful view. My beau's meal was much less impressive than mine (though I forget what he ordered, my apologies). The drinks were tasty and our server was pleasant. All in all I'd say it's worth a try if you haven't been here yet. Especially when the weather is nice and you can enjoy the view this waterfront restaurant has to offer.
(3)Stefan L.
This is by far the best seafood restaurant I've ever been to. When I first walked in, I was taken aback by the ambience because it is very sophisticated and very roomy. Not to mention it is directly by the water which enhances the experience. The wait staff was very friendly and knowledgable of what was on the menu. I was impressed. They were also very patient as I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat. I settled for the "Best of Shrimp" which consisted of cocunut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and crab stuffed shrimp. It was delicious! I ordered a side of creamed spinach and that was good as well. It's a little on the expensive side but I didn't mind because I would gladly pay top dollar for quality, which this restaurant provided me with. I anticipate eating there more in the future.
(5)Brian W.
This is my favorite restaurant in the area. I go often and my favorite thing on the menu is the macadamia nut encrusted mahi mahi, but just about everything on the menu is good. It has been a big surprise to me living so close to the ocean that it has been very difficult to find fresh seafood in the area. This is pretty much the only seafood restaurant in the area that I would recommend. Otherwise I'd recommend going to the maine avenue fish market in D.C., buy the fish, and cook it yourself. I noticed that a lot of people have mentioned that the restaurant is pricy, but for the area this is pretty much what you're going to be paying. Most places in old town have prices on par with Chart House, except the food here is much much better than most. Also, there is a Landry Restaurants discount card for people that frequent and other places in the group (i.e. Rainforest cafe, the crab house, brenner's steakhouse, etc.).
(5)Margaret G.
Great place! Had the scallops, recommended by the server, and they were amazing! The view is beautiful! Guests with me had the salmon and raved out it as well. We all shared the HUGE piece of key lime pie. I hope to go back here again!
(5)Frank G.
The Chart House is a good, unassuming place to take out-of-town guests. They'll be wowed by the fantastic views of the river, and the straight-forward menu ensures that everyone will find something they want to eat. Your parents and grandparents will love it! So why the three star rating? The food, while good, is generally uninspired. For nearly $30 an entree, I want something more exciting than crab meat stuffing and lemon-butter sauce. After living in this area for fifteen years, I'm getting the "been there, done that" feeling with the seafood restaurants. These places are great for tourists and other out-of-towners wanting a taste of the DC-area experience, but I'm just over it.
(3)Gio D.
The great location and view is why I'm giving this place 3 stars (and not 2). The food really isn't that good. I had the steak and could get the same steak at Outback for a lot less money. When you consider the price, it seems you're first paying for the lovely view (which I'm sure they have a nice rental check to write every month) and secondly for the food. It's almost as though the food is an afterthought to the location. The opposite should be true of any good quality Restaurant.
(3)Gregg M.
I've been aware of the Chart House from Day 1 from moving to Alexandria. My pre-conceived notion since that time was that it's a seafood restaurant catering to tourists. After over two years time, I finally made the trip to the Chart House with the GF to have a Fri night dinner with two other couples. Immediately upon arrival, my notion was confirmed...very "tourist-y". Shortly after being seated indoors since there was a two-hour wait to get a table outside, I discovered from a brochure on the table that the Chart House is a part of the Landry Restaurant Group that operates the Oceanaire and Rainforest Cafe restaurants among many others. I have to say I was thinking to myself, "Oh no, this is not shaping up to be a good night of dining." While we were waiting for the last couple to arrive, we decided to start off with cocktails. Big mistake. I had the Fiery Cucumber martini made with cucumber-flavored vodka and garnished with sliced cucumber ($12) and the girlfriend had the Pineapple Mint Caipirinha ($10). Both cocktails must've seemed like a good concept at corporate HQ, but they were better on the drawing board than at execution at the the bar. I must've missed the memo that said that martinis must be sweet. My Fiery Cucumber was not "fiery", cucumber-y, crisp, or refreshing as it was seemingly sweetened by a healthy shot of simple syrup which was shocking and unlike anything I was expecting to taste. The GF's caipirinha was also excessively sweet likely from the use of syrup-packed pineapple or simple syrup instead of a couple of teaspoons of refined sugar. Note to the bartender: Use fresh ingredients and always err on the side of less sweet. We sent back our unconsumed cocktails which our server took off of our bill. We ordered a bottle of wine, the 2007 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah, which was a very enjoyable full-bodied red at $45. For our food, we started off with the mussels in a garlic, shallot and sherry sauce ($12). The mussels were smaller, less plump and tasty than the much-better executed mussels that can be found at Brabo. The sauce was a bit salty for my tastes. For my entree, I had the Key Largo Grouper ($35) which was a good-sized piece of fish with good flavor, but unfortunately was overcooked, dry, and therefore, tough. The GF's Spiced Yellowfin Ahi ($30) was also a generous size of fish, but was cooked to the correct medium-rare. In their totality, both entrees were above-average in portion size, but average to below-average in execution. The one truly positive aspect of the night was the service. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the evening. Water glasses were kept filled, plates were cleared off quickly, and our service needs were handled quickly. If only the rest of our Chart House experience was executed like the service. In the end, my thought is to leave the Chart House to the tourists. There are better restaurants in the area that us locals can enjoy.
(2)Sean O.
This is a great sea food restaurant right on the river. Gets pretty packed for dinner, but the food is well worth it in my opinion. I've never had a bad meal here. Went here tonight with my parents and some family friends...I had the Costa Rican Mahi Mahi...the only thing I would have changed would be the seasonal vegetables. They should have just said broccoli.
(4)John F.
Meant to pull in the tourist. Nice view. Nice salad bar. Good fish if you don't mind the frozen variety.
(2)Debbie L.
Have been twice in the past month, will rank food below. Service was better the first time and we were a party of 6 versus the second time of only a party of 2. I think this has to do with the wait staff and they must put the more experienced waiters on larger tables (no complaints, it makes sense, just an observation!). Drinks at bar: Mojito was average, not strong enough, but a great selection of wine, so I give 3 stars for that. Tuna: Awesome the first time, average the second time, but still a very good meal! Apps: Hummus plate was just average as other reviewers have said. Calamari was great, salads are good. Dessert: Key Lime Pie AWESOME!!!! Ok that was my favorite part of the meal, oh my, I love key lime and have had it everywhere (including Key West) and by far Charthouse has the best. I would return, a very crowded happy hour on Fridays, but great deals in the bar area as long as you dont mind standing part of the time.
(3)Gabriel G.
Birthday dinner for a friend, party of four. Tuesday night so not crowded and easy/cheap ($4) parking nearby. Super service -- waiter Leslie great; we were astonished this is just his first week there (but he's been at several other upscale eateries). Nice table with water view, watched water taxi arrive/depart several times. Three people had/loved huge salad bar as appetizer; I had tuna-two-ways (whatever they call it), tartare and seared. Two people had prime rib (at Chart House? Why?!) and loved it; wife had tasty fish (I forget which), I had lobster/shrimp salad (was great last night and for lunch today). Leslie brought free/huge mud pie with birthday candle we all shared, and they had specially printed birthday-greetings menu. Leslie was very attentive, checked throughout meal we were happy and whether we needed anything. Towards the end, manager also came by to check on happiness level.
(5)Joohee K.
If I went back to Korea and told my grandparents I was going to stick sushi in my burger, they'd rant about sacrilegious act of placing a slab of precious fish between two coarse and barbaric slices of bread. But that didn't stop me from ordering an Ahi Burger today at Chart House in Old Town Alexandria. My friend C and I had ventured out to VA as a celebratory measure in memory of all the finals that have passed. It's a cute little town with a waterfront, art galleries, trollies, and boutiques. We took a spot on the deck at Chart House, a calm decored restaurant on the waterfront. I ordered a medium rare Ahi Tuna Burger, which looked excellent and tasted excellent. I love the look of rare meat. When my mother is preparing meals, I can't help but drool over raw meat. I would be such a fan of the French Steak Tartare, but I have yet to try! That red and pink, juicy and tender tuna just made my mouth drool when it came out.The sandwich itself was clean but additionally extraordinary with a touch of the sweet mustard spread.
(4)Stephanie C.
Came here for Sunday brunch and left a very happy yelper. Here's why: Atmosphere: Absolutely stunning. High ceilings, cool decor (gorgeous blown glass peices), comfy tables and booths. You're never too close to the table next to you. There is a patio right on the water that offers a fantastic view, but if you can't deal with the summer humidity you're fine sitting inside, as there are enormous windows that wrap around the side of the building facing the water. Service: Prompt, kind, thorough, followed proper etiquette (addressed guests as "ma'amoiselle" or "Sir" and took ladies' orders first). You'd expect nothing less from a place like this. Menu: Offered a lot of traditional waterfront finds, such as crab cakes, stuffed rockfish, shrimp scampi, oysters on the half shell, etc. Shrimp cocktails with enormous shrimp in them. It's definitely pricey, but you're paying for quality food in a gorgeous environment. Food: My boyfriend and I both ordered off the Sunday brunch and it was a great deal. While other entrees cost $30 or more and charge $8 to add on the salad bar, the brunch came with a salad bar included for $25.99 and offered a 99 cent mimosa too! Salad Bar: EXCELLENT! One side features premade salads such as caesar (anchovies on the side) and marinated tomato and artichoke and the other has spinach, spring mix and regular lettuce and pretty much anything you'd ever want on a salad -- chick peas, edamame, baby corn, cucumber, tomato, shredded radish, eggs, egg whites, lots of dressings -- you name it. They also have strawberries with fresh cream, pineapple and other fruits, smoked salmon and fixings like capers, minced onions and sour cream as well as breads and bagels. Crab Cakes Maryland (benedict): I can't recommend this enough. The eggs were poached just perfectly, the hollandaise was lemony and smooth and the crab cakes were so perfect. Sometimes crab cakes can be dry and a little over-padded with breading and other fillings but these were practically all crab. When you pull a little part off with your fork and it's stringy with crab meat you know the restaurant is doing something right. Also came with seasoned potatoes. The brunch menu also offers omelets, classic eggs benedict and eggs benedict with tenderloin. Can't recommend it enough!
(4)Jocelyn H.
Ive been to this place several times over the years even after their renovations which i really like. lately ive gone for their brunch on sunday...but i think they have brunch everyday...can beat the .99cent mimosas with brunch...the lava cake is pretty darn good & worth the 30min wait it takes to prepare it...if your a chocolate lover i highly suggest it!! BTW awesome view and a nice place to go on a date or with you kids & walk along the potomac waterfront.
(4)Jennette L.
Great atmosphere and location. Salad bar was not worth 8.95 and food was a bit bland. Appetizer of mango crab stack had no taste. Cod was also lacking flavor. Scallops were pretty good though! Will give it one more chance.
(3)David L.
I took a date last night to the Chart House last night. My service was excellent right now from the start. I requested for a table right by the window overlooking the water and i actually got it! Cody was our server and he was excellent. He knew the menu in and out and recommended great dishes! I was really impressed with his customer service skills! Definitely recommend this place to others!
(5)Candice M.
my husband and I go here every year for our anniversary, but to the one one in Dana Point CA. We just had our 10 year anniversary and decided to keep the tradition going and went to the one in Alexandria VA since we moved out here. We were very excited because we LOVE the food here and it's a big treat for us to do this. We were VERY dissapointed. The service was TERRIBLE. Our waitress took forever to even get us some water! She kept saying she would be right there, but 10 minutes goes by and still no water! Then we went to the salad bar. The lettuce already had the dressing on it and it looked like it had been sitting there all day! At the one in CA, they make the salad right there in front of you. It NEVER just sits there with the dressing already on it. It was so soggy I couldn't even pick it up with my fork! Then my main meal was chicken. It was ok. Just not as good as the one in CA. That night when we got home, I felt SO sick! I am very sad to say that we will never go back there again as long as we live on the east coast and I will not recommend this location to anyone
(1)Justin B.
Service = 4 Stars Food = 4 Stars Decor = 3 Stars Bar = 0 Stars Overall = 2 Stars We had a graduation lunch at Chart House on Satruday and enjoyed it very much. Our server was fantastic; attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The reason I give them 4 stars is because the food runners were slow and delivered our entrees in 5 min intervals, so by the time all of our group had food, half were already finished. The food was all great, no complaints there. The servings were decent sized for lunch, but I was a tad disappointed to only get about a dozen green beans with my order - the cook could have at least given me a handful. My crab cake was fantastic - obviously made with a ton of fresh crab meat and nice seasoning. The decor is aging - when I went to prom there 8 years ago, it was the same. I think they should invest in some large mirrors so the folks facing away from the water can still see it. (Thanks to Grandpa for making that observation). The bar gets ZERO stars for having a pathetic beer selection. If I'm paying over $20 for a gourmet meal, why am I stuck choosing between Bud Lite, Miller Lite and Coors Lite? Is this a fine dining restaurant or a frat house? There are plenty of fine craft beers they can carry (including a microbrewery just down the street), but they choose to carry a bunch of crappy beers which cheapens their restaurant.
(2)Phil W.
Went here expecting a great dinner. Ordered the King Salmon and my date ordered the blackened Salmon. Both of which had little favor. The salad bar and the Lemon Martinis were good but at 11 bucks each they should be. Bottom line.... way to pricey for a repeat visit for the quality of food.
(1)Brian G.
Great food and a nice location!
(5)Nina U.
Never thought of Chart House as a lunch place but is soooo the perfect lunch spot. We sat ourselves by the tables on the bar side by the large glass panes overlooking the water and boats. The restaurant was pretty empty and that meant we received great service. I enjoyed my fabulous chicken BLT. Couldn't have asked for more flavor. It was on grilled thickly sliced but light bread with just the about of bacon, arugula (loved it!), and of course tomato. Didn't pay attention to what kind of sauce or mayo/etc. was on there but I wish I had. It is served with delicious potato chips that have a mixture of some sort of yellow sweet potato or yam chips as well. 5 stars Chart House. well done.
(5)Matthew B.
We came here because we were given a gift certificate by our hotel to use while in vacation in DC. Apparently the hotel has a great relationship with the restaurant as we were given personalized menu's, had the manager check on us, and later one of the chefs. The food was fairly good, I had the whole lobster, my friend had the fillet Mingon. Both were good... but not quite great. Drinks were fairly good, and strong, and the wait staff was also quite attentive. For good food, and a great view... this is a good place. If you're looking for a fantastic foodie restaurant... this isn't it.
(3)Josh S.
3.5 Stars. The location is great. Sits by water and interior is also very nice. When I got there, it was a classy modern waterfront luxury restaurant and when sun came down, it became modern, hiphop, trendy restaurant with neon lights. Cool. The foods are alright. I've had better seafood elsewhere. It's also expensive. I guess i should have expected being on a waterfront property -- that's just extra 15% price hike. The service was great. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The house specialty is the chocolate lava cake, that must be ordered 30 minutes before you actually want it. We didn't get it -- and it was $12. I thought $4/cupcake was expensive. DC is definitely getting overrated/overpriced city day by day. If you want to do your birthday, don't come. They don't give you anything for free. Cheap bastards. However, I do think it's cute and solid romantic dining spot.
(4)Nabiha C.
We tried the $29.95 per person dinner. Clam Chowder- very yummy but it was too rich for me Macademia crusted shrimp- very very good!! the shrimp was so nice, melted in my mouth T-bone steak- my husband ordered this. It wasn't great, he went to the bathroom thrice the next day Mud pie- just okay, nothing special Overall ambiance was nice, our server was sweet. But I mean for this food I wouldn't pay $30 a person.. it was overall ok..
(3)Alan S.
Good food, but bad service. Last time I was here the food was a tad better and service MUCH better. The food was great, I love the calamari and the Sea Bass was very good. The people I was with had the Shrimp Trio and the Pork Chops... both like their food too. But the service just annoyed me. From the get go I knew this waiter and I were not gonna get along. He took our bread plates and butter while we were still eating bread. Then once the stuff was gone, we still sat around 15 more minutes for our food. Then my order was wrong! Ugg... thankfully the food was good. This visit was almost a 3, but the last visit was so good that I'll just go with an over all 4.
(4)Michael G.
After driving through Old Town Alexandria you come to what on any coast would appear to be a fishing village, along the lines of Monterey Bay before the sardines decided they were swimming to their certain deaths and that perhaps there were safer waters elsewhere. Like Monterey, this area has transformed its warehouses into tourist attractions and artists' lofts. Now along this portion of the Potomac you mostly see dinner boats and historical paddle-wheelers. Situated on the edge of the wharf is one of my favorite Chart Houses. Although the locations here in Malibu and Redondo Beach are very nice, this location, among the quiet boats resting for the night, is the most enchanting and romantic. The location really earns this restaurant its 4-stars. As with every other Chart House that I have visited, the food is probably a solid 3-stars plus, but not quite to the coveted 4-star rating. I also give kudos to our server, whose name I am sorry I have forgotten. He seemed to be happy to be there, grateful to be serving The First Lady, her mother, and me, and sincerely a professional. I could complain about little details that were deficient, but nothing was substantial enough to take away from the wonderful night of dining with two special ladies of the South. For example, having returned to our table after visiting the salad bar, complete with caviar, I had to share my observation of the patron licking his fingers. Salad bars are a bit passe, and rightfully so for this very reason. Next time I will hopefully have more freedom to explore without time restrictions the area that is Old Town Alexandria. My lack of time and opportunity were my only regret.
(4)Donald S.
I've been here a number of times and I've finally come to the conclusion that The Chart house is alright. Not great, not terrible, just alright. The place is always packed to the rafters, despite that they still manage to keep things moving along. The food is decent but for what they charge, they can do better.
(3)Tom F.
It was ok. The food seemed commercialized and not worth what you paid for. You could could go to a much better seafood restaurant in old town, like the Warehouse. Prime rib was rubbery. Fish was decent. Service was too fast for entrees and then too slow for after dinner drinks.
(2)Angela G.
Three stars mainly because of the spectacular view and great location by the Potomac in Old Town Alex...and nice service. The food overall was sort of underwhelming actually, I met up with friends for lunch during January Restaurant Week, and they had one of the most limited menus I've seen for RW, basically just two items per course (not even your normal three choices). One of my friend's sandwich was pretty skimpily filled. Their salad bar looked pretty impressive, so that might be the way to go.
(3)Rhonda W.
Came here to have a nice seafood dinner when I arrived into the city and I enjoyed every bit of it! We started with the stuffed mushrooms and they were delicious, I'm not sure what kind of sauce they place on them but it was tasty. I've tried the CH here in Las Vegas and while it was good they cannot compete with the VA b/c they have a huge delicious salad bar. You can literally miss your meal enjoying the salad bar alone. For dinner we had the al fresco shrimp pasta. For a pasta dish it was very lite almost insurmountable amount of sauce with fresh tomatoes and large jumbo shrimp that made my heart sing. The servers were beyond. My dinner that night along with the view and that wonderful fireplace could easy give this a 5 star meal but b/c they're by the water immediately upon entering or exiting you smell the sea water. Not quite what I wanted upon leaving but couldnt be avoided. I felt bad for people eating on the patio. Dah well, good non the less.
(4)Miss M.
Overall, the food was really great - our server was just a bit "uppity". We came here for my birthday after wanting to try it for awhile. They did not ask if we were there to celebrate anything so I did not get a birthday dessert or anything. Though I did not care too much. The food did not disappoint. Everything was delicious. I'd rate the food 4 out of 5 stars. I liked it very much and though nothing blew me away, I'd enjoy eating here again. The decor and views were amazing and definitely made for a romantic evening with my significant other. But I had mixed feelings about our server - not rude but just unfriendly and kind of snooty. I understand this is a classy place but there's no reason to be so uptight and haughty while waiting on people. I've been to more upscale restaurants with much friendlier service. I'd go again, but only for a special occasion.
(3)Josh B.
I had the Mahi blackened, and it was great.
(4)Shon R.
Nice views and consistently good food and service keeps me coming back. While this place has been going through a number of renovations, I have yet to have a bad experience. The food is good and the service is even better. While lunch isn't bad, this place is better for a Sunday brunch or nice dinner date. Bottom line - with nice views and good food, you really can't go wrong here.
(4)Jen K.
Walked in on a Saturday at 1:30pm, and they were dead. Waited like 15 minutes for the 3 hostesses to figure out how to seat the 1 party of 3 that was in front of us and eventfully just left. Didn't eat there, but man that was just not a good way to start or give an impression to first timers.
(1)michael d.
Was here middle of May 2013 for Happy hour. Glorious day, no tables outside so we sat inside with a great view of the water. Drinks were passable and the bar bites were excellent. Staff overworked. Went back for dinner seafood was fresh and nicely prepared. Salad bar is what it Is. Service was better than I expected from a chain. So all said, solid experience, no fireworks, but didn't expect any. The view is worth the price of admission. Better than a 3 but not a 4.
(3)Mary Fletcher J.
Let me tell you something. For the first 39 years of my life, I did not eat seafood. The Chart House changed my life! Not only do I now eat seafood, I love it, and The Chart House is my favorite seafood restaurant. I think I have dined here about a dozen or more times over the past couple of years. My favorite dishes appetizers are the raw oysters and seared tuna. I've had raw oysters everywhere since my first sampling here, and I still think The Chart House does the best presentation and presents the most succulent ones. The fish and shrimp dishes I have tried have been excellent (really loved the shrimp trio), as was an entree of pork chops. Creme brulee with raspberries was just heavenly, and for lighter, try the raspberry sorbet. I like the key lime tart but it is so rich, I usually don't order it after dinner. The standout at Sunday brunch is caviar on the salad bar. You don't see that everywhere. Now to the drinks. You know I am going to talk about the drinks! The Chart House bar concocts an excellent martini. They also have this lovely yellow drink called a Fleur de Lis. It is one of their house drinks. Try it -- I think you'll like it. I have taken my fidgety son to the deck for dinner and he was happy watching the boats on the water. One test of a restaurant for me is how nice they are to my kid. Chart House passes the test! Always enjoy the excellent service here. It is worth it for me to pay more (than say the sub-par Fish Market down the street) for the great, friendly service. But the real reason I go to the Chart House (besides the amazing oysters) is the view of the Alexandria waterfront, making this restaurant one of the most romantic settings in the DC area. THE date restaurant!
(5)Prashanth N.
Overpriced seafood! Food was just okay, nothing spectacular .. i had the fresh fish of day, Macadamia crusted mahi.. it was decently prepared.. but not worth $30.. drinks were expensive ($10 range).. maybe a nice place for a date because of the water view, other than than that, not worth the visit.
(3)Matt W.
I like this place so much I went here twice in less than a week. My service was shaky yesterday, but great food and ambiance make up for this in my opinion. Today I ordered the seared Swordfish and I'd def order that again. I also had the oysters they were great too. I joined there club program last week (it costs $25 to join, but you get it back and then some) and got $25 off my order plus another $25 for my birthday. So the check for two was only around $50. Forget McCormick and Legal, in my mind this place is hands down better.
(5)john s.
Great place to eat on the water in old town. The food is great, a little expensive but worth it. Highly recommend the volcano chocolate cake desert.
(4)Jacqueline P.
5 stars for the brunch and the view. Everything on the brunch menu is indulgent and everyone in my group was quite pleased with their options. Most importantly, the salad bar was exquisite. With salmon, bagels, cavier, and capers...not to mention fruit and various salads, one has to wonder why they ordered an entree at all! Very good, especially when you have guests.
(5)Hana K.
An Old Town classic and tradition. Ambiance: The restaurant chain has a fantastic view of the Potomac River. The place is dimly lit and the noise level is good enough so that you don't have to yell to be heard yet don't have to speak in your "quiet" voice so that the table next to you won't hear what you're saying. The place is a "classic." Meaning, when mentioning or recommending of restaurants in the Old Town Alexandria area, Chart House almost always seems to be recognized and visited by the locals. Food: It's a restaurant chain. Don't go in expecting something spectacular or exotic. Their menu is similar to that of any other restaurant chain on the same level as them -mediocre. For appetizers we ordered the calamari, crab stuffed mushrooms, and threw in a bowl of the cream of crab soup. Of the three dishes, the stuffed mushrooms stood out the most. The stuffing was seasoned well and tender. Again, nothing spectacular but acceptable. I had the snapper hemingway as my main. The fish was on a bit of the dry side but the crab meat on top made up for the fish. The portion was more than expected and the entire dish couldn't be finished. We were advised to order the hot chocolate lava cake in the beginning of our meal, if dessert was to be a part of the meal. The description of the dessert sounded delicious, so we opted for the lava cake and an order of the raspberry creme brulee. Though the lava cake was delicious, as promised, it was too much chocolate after an extremely filling meal. The creme brulee had great texture but not enough raspberry to taste. Service: Our waiter was attentive as he could be for a full house, on a Saturday evening. Although, when asked for recommendations on wines, he couldn't come through and didn't seem too familiar with the menu. Overall: If you go here, you're almost undoubtedly going for the view, not the food. The portions are on the heavier side, for a restaurant of their level. My stomach left happy and full but I can't say the same for my taste buds.
(3)Katie M.
I came here on a first date with my boyfriend and had a pleasant evening. Everything went smoothly for the most part. We had reservations and upon our arrival, we were told we would have to wait. It wasn't a big deal so we ended up heading to the bar for a cocktail while we waited. Our reservation was at 8 PM and we didn't get seated until around 20 minutes after that. Service was very timely and on point. No complaints there. The food was decent, but nothing spectacular that would distinguish this place from your run of the mill seafood chain. The atmosphere and prices are probably the major point that sets this place apart. The location is also great, right by the water perfect for a stroll after dinner. I probably would return here, but it wouldn't be my top choice as far as seafood restaurants.
(3)Marissa J.
Definitely overpriced food. The shrimp cocktail presentation was great, but it didn't taste very fresh. Gazpacho and clam chowder were good, but the crab chowder was just ok. Lemon drop was way too sweet. I sat outside on a warm fall evening, choosing this place because I wanted to sit by the water. They clearly rely on location rather than food to draw people in. It wasn't horrible, but I probably wouldn't go back unless the food prices were cut in half. You can't get happy hour on the deck, which seals the deal.
(3)Matthew P.
We visited the Chart House on April 14, 2012. It is ideally located in heart of Old Town Alexandria overlooking the Potomac River. Its picturesque view is one of a kind in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The restaurant itself is inviting yet commercialized. Upon entering the establishment, there were several guests that were conflicted with the host staff regarding seating outside and certain preferential treatment of other guests before their own. Regardless, a reservation on a weekend is definitely necessary. Our party didn't have this problem, as we reserved ahead of time and chose a window view inside. The wait staff is charming, yet slightly over-accommodating. Our waiter was attentive and polite. An optional salad bar looked inviting, but we did not partake. Water and beverages were accurately gauged for consumption and refilled throughout the experience. Then came the meals. Personally, I decided on the Stuffed Flounder. It was delectable, fresh, varied and not composed of any filler. It was flavorful and refreshing. The accompanying Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes were top notch and tasty. The side of vegetables was a perfect complement. My only reservation of the Chart House includes its close proximity among tables resulting in a less personal dining experience. Conversations of others were clearly audible, though all guests were respectful. I would firmly recommend the Chart House for the true Old Town experience. Plan accordingly for a warm spring or summer day, and it will be enjoyable!
(4)Keon D.
I have been here twice and would say that I thoroughly enjoyed my meal both times. The food is not cheap, but it's not what I would consider really expensive (20-25 gets you most dishes). I like the ambiance and the location. Nice and classy feel. Try to get a window seat if possible as you'll be able to see the water (quite romantic if you're on a date). Pros: decent service, tasty food. I would try the blue crab dip appetizer, its absolutely delicious. It's in a good price range where the things are tasty and well presented... but not at that point where you get a plate that is all dressed up and fancy looking but barely has any food on it... Cons: Not much, parking is a pain in the area... The menu is mainly seafood, so if you can't eat it... you're kind of out of luck. I think there is only one or two non seafood things.
(4)Jennifer A.
Went here on a date on a Thursday evening at 8:15 pm. We made reservations beforehand because we didn't know what the wait would be like if we hadn't. We were seated immediately. The hostess and waiter were great. The food was good, but not amazing. My meal was a bit oily for my liking. I still enjoyed myself nonetheless. I'd recommend Chart House to someone for a special occasion because the location is nice and we received wonderful service.
(3)Meghan T.
Crazy busy on a Saturday night in the summer, but the food was damn good and our waitress was lovely. There's a bar area where you can wait for your table. It got pretty hectic at the bar but, again, what can you expect for a Saturday night? Of all the food my table ordered, I recommend the macadami crusted mahi, the dynamite fish (I forget what specific catch), and the key lime pie.
(3)James A.
Good, fantastic views with good service. Went there on a recommendation for seafood. The place itself is classy and on the water. Plus! Food was good but I've had much better much cheaper. I got the scallops my wife the shrimp al fredo. There were 8 in our party and everyone liked their meals, but no one was raving about it. We tried a bunch of their appetizers all were fair to good. Based on the inputs from the table recommend the yellow fin tuna, Caesar salad and the chowder. Don't recommend the calamari. Service was good and quick and our waiter was on it. Aside from the food just being okay, prices were high. Biggest complaint that someone else mentioned was the beer selection. A full spread of wines, but when I asked about beer the waiter scoffed and told me I had a choice between yingling, "some wheat beer that comes with a lemon," and miller lite. At this point your beer selection should mirror your wine selection. Overall, if we go back it will be for the atmosphere and not the food.
(3)Tracy P.
5 star starts with the crab cake. 5 star endings with the chocolate lava cake. Mediocre and over-priced fish (both tllapia and swordfish) that surprisingly was bland given the crab meat and other sauces thrown on it. Two glasses of wine, one appetizer and 2 entrees was $130 including the tip- wow. It actually would have been more but they comped the desert. The service was odd - that's all I can say. It went from unfriendly, borderline rude, to overly attentive, solely on the basis that they discovered we were VIPs. All of sudden, the waiter, maitre de, and the chef visit our table to ensure that everything is all right. Go here for the view, not the food. I won't be back -- there are far too many other great tastings restaurants in the area.
(2)Mara G.
This is a nice out-of-the-way spot for Happy Hour with friends if you are in the area. However, the happy hour prices should be extended! 6:30 pm on a Friday afternoon doesn't leave much wiggle room after work, what with the traffic and parking - one of our party just missed the deals by a few minutes. The drinks were excellent; I had the Granny Smith Appletini and the Firecracker Martini. Excellent appetizers, too. I will return.
(3)Michael F.
Dinner here was great. I had the yellowfin ahi which was prepared rare. Excellent! The overall environment was nice and if the weather is nice the patio will be open. Recommend going!
(4)Jim W.
Have been here dozens of time, to celebrate special occasions or just to have dinner with family or friends! Food is normally very good, the menu can be overwhelming, but with great choices. Service can sometimes be hit or miss, but I've been here so often I know to "go with the flow". Eat outside if you get the chance. The view is nice...but just being on the water is priceless. Crab cakes are very good. She-crab soup or chowder is exceptional. My wife gets this crab and avocado stack appetizer, often as a meal. She loves it. Order just about anything, eat outside, and enjoy!
(4)Watrbb W.
I'll start by saying this is always one of my favorite restaurants! But, I'll follow that with it was TERRIBLE (service wise) when we went for lunch during restaurant week. You would think all restaurants would be on their best behavior at that time since people who may not normally dine out, do so for restaurant week. Our server was horrible; never checked back with us to see how things were. When he did, my friend pointed out that her meal was lacking a sauce that was called for in the menu. He immediately said yes it is, let me get it. Now, if he would have been attentive and good, we would have seen that previously, without having to be told. Or, perhaps he did see it but was too lazy to go and make it right! After that, he basically disappeared as we waited, and waited, and WAITED for the dessert that was ordered. When my friend loudly made it know that we had been waiting a long time, all the waiter said was sorry about that - and disappeared again. The general manager was walking around, and we pointed this out to her. She never bothered to offer some sort of restitution, just said that's not right and I'll go talk to the chef - and then she was gone! I of course will go again as I very much like their food and the ambiance, but come on - RESTAURANT WEEK or any day for that matter, and this is how you treat your customers? I know you are basically giving food away at this time, but if you do it right, you get repeat business. Please Chart House, do not fall down on your good reputation!
(4)Jon K.
I really like this restaurant. They seem to care about their guests and do everything right. The management and wait staff are all around great. The food is really good too. Not the best Seafood on the East Coast but perfect for a Friday night dinner or Sunday Brunch. My friends and I always enjoy coming here. Reservations are painless, and they will sit you where you want if they aren't too busy. They have outdoor seating in the summer time right next to the Potomac River which is a nice treat. The food is great, and they do a real good job on it. Some of my favorite dishes are Chesapeake Eggs Benedict for Brunch. Two of my favorite for dinner are the Crab Cake Platter and the Pecan Crusted Mahi Mahi. Their crab dip is always good too. Also, they make a mean mojito and bloody Mary as well.
(5)Katherine R.
Very nice place. I went here one weekend after visiting old town Alexandria, and it was a very nice experience. The food was really good i had the rib eye. What really won me over was the view! It was so beautiful! and the lava cake with the ice cream was just so amazing! i would definitely recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Nick W.
Tourist trap with terrible service.
(1)Victoria S.
Great location but the praise ends there...the Chart House in Old Town is not worth the trip. It is a over-crowded, upscale Red Lobster with a great view. It was average at best and a few people in our party ended up with a sick feeling at the end of the night. The service was lacking and the meal was less than great. I ordered the Ahi Tuna blackened rare and it came out almost well done and I didn't bother to send it back because the waiter already looked annoyed to be serving us. Plus, I don't like to send back food because let's just say I have worked in enough restaurants to know better. The one in Annapolis is better and nicer. Go there!
(2)Sasha B.
The location is superb - during the summers you get to enjoy some cocktails on the deck while staring out at the Potomac. We came here for a work lunch. I was looking forward to it because they specialized in seafood. Pros: Service Portions Quality of food Furniture comfort (chairs were pretty comfortable) Cons: Not enough lunch options! This is what kept me from giving this place more stars. There are only a few seafood options on the lunch menu and the few seafood options that are available are super expensive and inappropriate to order during a business lunch. I had the club sandwich - really tasty. I think they fry the bread in garlic butter before constructing this goodness. The side of fries was also flavorful and a gigantic size. Others had an entree salad (it was huge and the person was highly satisfied). Someone ordered the clam chowder and it came in this cute little iron bowl/pot. I know they just redecorated by why redecorate it in an old fashion way? Instead of installing that new carpet they should have put in a dark hardwood - would have been so much classier and give the place so much more style! Eh - oh well. Again - everything was good but the atmosphere is a little stuffy and the lunch menu is lacking seafood options.
(3)Brianne C.
Darling, you need to include more edible things on your brunch bar.
(2)John K.
We purposely arrived early to snag an outside deck seat for lunch, and within 30 minutes all 30 tables had filled up. Our first good sign. We started with the stuffed mushrooms-- always a test for a restaurant, as so few of them know that they shouldn't be sent out mushy and watery. The Chart House mushrooms were delicious, beautifully seasoned and just the right size. We had the chicken parmigiana and the nut-crusted tilapia. I'm always used to dry chewy chicken, but both were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The crispiness of the fish along with the crunchy nut coating and the extraordinary tenderness of the fish made this a fantastic meal. We then decided to spend an extra hour lounging on the deck to chat and finish our drinks, and we never got rushed nor were we given dirty looks by the staff. Since I always try to offer a well-rounded opinion, while I understand their specialty cake takes 30 minutes to prepare, to be told that when we first sat down and hadn't even looked at the menu-- odd, and a bit obtrusive. Otherwise it was a perfect dining experience!
(4)Julia M.
We actually just went back for dinner this Sunday, it was great (admittedly overpriced in my opinion) but we had a great time. Good food, and our server, Luke, was excellent, great personality, attentiveness, and professional and fun. we will deifnitely be back, but I think the buffet is a MUCH better deal!
(5)Maxwell S.
The classic American Chart House on the Potomac is an Arlington landmark. The place is a great time and has a nice beer and wine menu. I haven't actually had dinner at this Chart House but the bar menu had some great options, like oysters for instance. We joked with our waiter in broken English about the deleterious effects... good times.
(4)Chris H.
A small group of us headed out to the Chart House off of a recommendation from the our hotel. A seafood restaurant, on the water, has to be good right? The Chart House is your stereotypical seafood restaurant; wood paneling everywhere, large windows looking over the water, business carpet and that musty on-the-water smell. The restaurant was fairly busy and we did not have a reservation. The hostess told us that a table would be an hour wait but they have seating outside or upstairs. What? Service was consistent, gracious but not over the top. The food is where the night suffered. We started off with crab cakes and calamari. The crab cakes had great flavor, not over powered by seasonings. The calamari was tender but lacked flavor. None of that matters because they both came out cold! For my entree I ordered the crab stuff shrimp with garlic rice and a side of mashed potatoes. The shrimp were okay, cooked perfectly though. The rice was also okay, and the potatoes were stiff and had a skin on top as if it's been sitting too long. I'm guessing the dish would have been more palatable if everything wasn't lukewarm! I was expecting much more from the Chart House. It's in a great area in Alexandria and right on the water, but I wouldn't recommend it.
(2)Paul R.
Really enjoyed the food at the Chart House. They have a great atmosphere and the servers and staff were all very pleasant. Food was prepared in a timely fashion and their drink selection was excellent. I would definitely recommend this to other people looking for a nice dining experience (though a bit expensive).
(4)Scot W.
I have been to Chart House a few times and have always enjoyed myself. I would really put this in the 3.5 area of Yelp allowed halves. Many of the reviews here have negative things to say about the service; I have never found this to be the case. The few times I've been, our server has been friendly, the staff generally have kept water glasses filled and stopped by to see if we wanted ground pepper and the like. The food is good, but not spectacular; you are paying for the view and the location and, in my opinion, the service. The salad bar is solid and provides a way to get good, fresh fruit for dessert without having to spend any extra. Their side dishes are, to me, always lackluster, especially the coconut rice. But last time I visited, I had the Rockfish Hemingway and it was pretty delicious. My girlfriend had Chicken Romano (she loves chart house but doesn't care for seafood?) and said it was the best chicken ever. She does eat a lot of chicken. I must mention the mango mojitos; they were delicious and not as expensive as I expected them to be, though certainly not cheap. (9 bucks)
(3)Jennifer A.
Great view. Nice selection of fresh seafood. My server was attentive but not intrusive. I had the salad bar--it's huge and full of fresh selections. I'm not sure it's worth $16 in its own, but you can add it to your entree for $6, which is a good deal. The crab cake and coconut shrimp were delish!
(5)Adrienne A.
The Chart House for Sunday Brunch. It's a good thing. Included in the $25.99 price is their generously appointed salad bar including the complete salmon and bagel set-up, lovely salads, fruits, pastas and breads and more. (You can have salad bar only for $14.99). The full brunch though at the higher price also includes a choice of about 12 substantial entrees including prime rib and a fabulous eggs benedict with crab meat. And bonus: mimosa, champagne and bloody mary's refilled up request, so it's a great value as well. The sevice is charming and the view is really, really lovely. Parking is not too bad, right across the street in a garage for a fee, but you can find street parking relatively easily and it's free on the weekends. I would say this brunch has a lot going for it - - good food, nice selection, great service, lovely views of the river and a darn good value.
(4)Dan W.
Went last night with the family. Wasted a ton of money. My drink was never refilled the entire time (until I asked). Never served bread( Until I asked). Salad bar was missing items every time I went up there. No bacon bits. No croutons. At one point, no Caesar salad, caviar low. Food took extra long time to receive. My meal looked and tasted like it was under the hot lamp for long, long time. Very dissapointed
(2)Venkatesh B.
My wife and I ate here yesterday and had a great experience... making a reservation was painless, the atmosphere was pleasant with nice views of the river and boats, the wait staff was personable and attentive. the lighting where we were seated was a bit too dim for my wife's taste as she felt like she couldn't see her food very easily. We shared the asparagus appetizer which was a great start to the evening. I had the macadamia nut-crusted mahi with coconut ginger rice, which was perfectly cooked and supremely tasty. My wife got the prime rib and white lobster tail which she loved. Finally, we shared the lava cake which is a marvelous conclusion to the meal. This was our second time at chart house this year and it has been everything we asked of it both times.
(5)South Riding M.
We ate there last night..8/17. I had the tuna for $33/plate. The mash potatoes were extremely dried out and the tuna was ok. No veggie came with it! My husband had the mixed grill he said was good but he only received 2 pieces asparagus. The crab dip was to die for though. I likely wouldn't eat there again just because for $33 I want a large portion of vegetable for the nutrition and my health rather than no veggie at all.
(2)Martha W.
I hope my date doesn't see this review. The view was great - so I can see why he chose it - but, otherwise, it was like eating mediocre hotel food. Had the Sunday brunch special that was anything but: poached eggs with crab meat (meh) and a handful of strange hash browns with mushy melon bits. They even served a small ramekin of ketchup on the plate - tacky. The buffet was really disappointing, too: again, just hotel fare (melon, salad, tiny muffins, etc.) and not very much of it - at $30 a piece. So, to sum up: the view was great, but the food was a big thumbs down.
(2)Q.Q. A.
I've gone to Chart House twice this summer for happy hour. Although the food and drinks were excellent, I'm only giving them 2 stars because their happy hour specials are limited to the bar area, which gets so crowded that the wait time for a table or a seat near the bar becomes utterly ridiculous. During my last visit, which was about 2 weeks ago, there were plenty of empty tables on the patio which is right outside the bar area, so my friend and I asked if we could sit on the patio for happy hour. We were told we couldn't get happy hour prices on the patio. I couldn't believe that they would risk losing business rather than let patrons sit a few feet outside of the bar area! We were on the verge of leaving when we finally (after about 20 minutes) scored 2 seats at the bar. We were rewarded for our patience by a very friendly and skilled bartender, whose excellent customer service made me forget about the inconvenience of having to wait so long, and about the restaurant's bizarre policy of not allowing customers to get the happy hour specials on the patio. I'll likely go back for lunch or dinner; I'm not so sure about returning for happy hour though.
(2)Jay S.
I once read that the quality of a restaurant's food is inversely proportional to the quality of its view. At Chart House, the view is unparalleled in Alexandria, but the food struck me as mediocre. We started the meal with a crab dip appetizer that was basically cheese with a few morsels of crab sprinkled in. A pretty bland (but gigantic) Ceasar salad followed. Then I had the spiced Ahi. It was decent, but hard to really taste much spice. It sat on a smear of mashed potatoes. They clearly focus on fish and it was good, but not particularly astounding. I will say, though, that the lava cake was very good. Of course, it's hard to go wrong with brownie, ice cream, and hot fudge. Overall, dinner for two came to $120. Not terrible, but for the level of food we got, I found it pricey. Service was very good and of course it's a great place to get a sense of Potomac (without the smell). Overall, though, I think I don't think I'll look to return any time soon with a number of other excellent restaurants in Old Town.
(2)Shawn K.
We took my in-laws here for there anniversary and we all were AMAZED with our food! Service was good but the food was delicious! We all enjoyed our dinner. Shrimp, steaks and the drinks were outstanding! Can't wait to go again!
(5)Carina M.
Love the view! Heads up thought - if the weather is nice, expect a long wait for lunch because it gets busy but it's to be expected from a gorgeous waterfront dining venue. Food is good, nothing extraordinary but definitely above par.
(4)Michael M.
Went for lunch and everything was great! The view overlooking the river was nice. Prices were high but you're paying for the view and service. Our waitress was attentive and had nice suggestions. Try the lava cake dessert!
(5)Kalie B.
BRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH!!!!! CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH!!! That's what the Charthouse is good for. Good (NOT great) breakfast/brunch food. Interesting recipes that could be great, but the potatoes kind of suck and sometimes the portions of whatever the expensive ingredient in the entree is are small. BUT, the redeeming thing about the Charthouse is the CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH. The only place in Old Town (that I have found) that has a Sunday, 11-3pm brunch that is $25 a plate w/ 50c mimosas. The mimosas used to be free w/ brunch and then the Charthouse would have gotten a solid 4 stars form me, but its still worth it if you want: an absolutely fun, sordid Sunday brunch full of bloody steak, eggs, potatoes, a caviar salad bar a sloppy lot of mimosas with a view that would be gorgeous if you weren't so drunk that you could focus on it.
(3)Ashley A.
This review is strictly on the LAVA CAKE dessert! It's like a little piece of heaven right on your dessert plate. I had to dreadfully share my lava cake with a friend of mine, although I would've been perfectly capable and wiling to finish that glorious cake on my own. It takes about half an hour to prepare, so make sure you tell your server in advance that you plan on ordering it, if you don't want to wait that long, but if you do have to wait, just know that it is WELL WORTH THE WAIT! Words can't really describe how awesome the lava cake is. It is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and every time you take your spoon/form and break into the cake warm Godiva chocolate gushes out. It is also drizzled with I believe, butterscotch bits, which is a great compliment to the chocolate and vanilla flavors. The restaurant's view is nice and I think all the other food there is pretty good too, but all is forgotten after eating the dessert. My Marylander friends and I drive all the way to Alexandria for this thing. Don't believe the hype? Try it out yourself!
(5)Mickey C.
Had the calimari. OK with good sauces, but counted 8 squid heads! They must have thought I liked them....yuk. Had the NY Strip and $5.99 ala carte baked potato. Both were excellent, but for almost $40, it should have been! Wife had stuffed flounder which was cooked OK, but someone poured on the salt! Almost unpalatable! Music was young pop, loud bass was all you heard! Worst music EVER. $8.50 wine with an estimated 5 oz pour. Loud restaurant due to poor acoustics! Great views of docks and river! Might try again, unless the music runs us off.
(3)My Pet Yeti R.
If the weather is nice... outside seating is were you want to be. Right on the Potomac with a view of the Wilson bridge and the marina at the old town waterfront. I've done both lunch and dinner at the chart house. I tend to lean towards their lunch because to get a bowl of "chowdah" or a crab cake sandwich and their salad bar! Last time I got dinner it was tuna and they overcooked it and dried it up... but all the other times have been great!
(4)Melissa M.
With so many excellent restaurants in Alexandria and the Washington DC area, why bother? The best part of our meal was the Lava cake, but I'd never go here just for dessert. Yes, the views are beautiful, but there are better places to go...and I'm sure the views are the only reason this place survives. My friends and I ordered several appetizers.... the coconut shrimp was weird and overcooked. How could you mess up prime rib sliders? Well, they did. I have NEVER in all my years, lifted a bun and thought...is this a joke? Nestled between 2 thick, dry pieces of bun like bread was a piece of meat smaller than a a quarter piece of bacon (same thickness too.) I'm not kidding! Drinks were just above nightclub standards (not a compliment) and the bar staff was more concerned with their own personal drama than paying any attention to us. We had to ask for menus 3 times, and were never given a refill on our waters. If you sit at the bar, you'll have to beg for service. No wonder the bar top was empty here!
(2)Chryssa R.
Great food, decent service if you can catch a waiter! I arrived on a Sunday evening and was encouraged to dine in the lounge area since I didn't have a reservation. I had to wrestle a table from some other customers (after waiting 30 minutes) and sat for another 15 before flagging down a waiter. The beer was ice cold and served in a frozen glass, the CH Chopped Salad was fresh and flavorful with just a hint of dressing (perfect!), although I would order it without the overpowering red onions next time. I also had the crab-stuffed shrimp, which was delicious. I was hoping the orzo that came with it would be light and somewhat healthy, but it was a creamy and cheesy as any homemade mac and cheese. Also, the portions were giant and I would have been happy with 50% less on both the salad and entree.
(3)Allison T.
Not sure where all these 2 and 3 star reviews are coming from! My husband and I go here about once a month and are part of the Landry's Select Club and earn points every time we eat here. We always have exceptional service and the food is always outstanding. They can usually accommodate our preference for a window seat too! If you're in the Alexandria area definitely check this place out! It could easily become a favorite as it did for us.
(5)Nelson A.
My wife and I were in the District on government business. I chose to treat her to the Chart House for dinner. As always, the experience was Phenomenal!
(5)Lauren T.
The waiter was definitely trying to upsell us on stuff, but he was just doing his job. I had the filet mignon and lobster tail special. Give me a break, I was on vacation. It was delicious. The molten chocolate cake or lava cake or whatever it's called is awesome. The view is worth the price.
(4)Gaftie M.
Very Pricy, but from what I have ordered in the past. The food is great.
(4)Amy G.
Not worth the price. The view is great but.... The food is just okay and service disappointing. We had a great view of the water but the server was not very thorough and it was very noisy. Not a desirable atmosphere. The food is just not worth the high price. If you want a nice view go here. If you want a nice dinner go somewhere else. I will not be back.
(1)Leah K.
My husband and I have made this restaurant our go-to for celebrating our anniversary for multiple reasons. The location is in the heart of the gorgeous Old Town Alexandria directly on the Potomac River so the views are beautiful. You can see the National Harbor and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and all the famous DC landmarks, depending the side of the restaurant you're sitting at. You have the choice to dine in (the place is all glass so you can appreciate the views) or you can dine outside on their dock/patio area. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant is very trendy and modern but also very romantic and relaxed. The bathrooms are always clean and are also very modern. The staff are very polite, especially the servers. They're definitely there to make you happy. The food is fantastic, especially my personal favorite, the filet mignon, it melts in your mouth and is tender, absolutely amazing. The cocktails are a bit pricey but well worth it, especially their Mojitos, definitely try one when you're there. I highly recommend this place, especially at sunset because the place lights up in a romantic way and is very nice for a romantic night out with your loved one!
(5)Peter K.
The restaurant was very elegant and beautiful. Its located by the shoreline and the scenic view was beautiful. Ordered our dinner and wine. Service was wonderful and the food was delicious. Recommend everyone to come here if they are celebrating an event together or enjoying a formal date night.
(5)Drew S.
Mistake mistake mistake. The food was decent but service was horrible. Really does seem to be a place that preys on tourists because of its location. It's been awhile since I've gotten lousy service so I figured I was on a roll and would roll the dice at the Chart House. I got off work early and was able to meet my wife there and take advantage of lunch prices. She ordered Coconut Shrimp and I got the fried fish and shrimp lunch special. Both meals were decent, the sauce you're supposed to dip the coconut shrimp was fruity and weird. But our server couldn't be more detached from our table if she was at home. Long story short, she pretty much forgot our table, and we had to rush through our meal, asking for the check once she brought out our food because I had about 5 minutes left on the parking meter before the price of lunch would double for me. Again, the food was done well, just wish the service was able to match it.
(3)Sophie S.
great view,, and awsome seafood it wasnt those super swanky place. the fireplace room is cozy and warm. reservation ahead of the time is recommended
(3)Gloria M.
We made a reservation for 9pm the only time available but arrived early! the hostess was extremely kind and gracious and did not make us wait for a long time. She even gave us a window seating :) The Food was good, service was pleasant and we had a great evening!
(5)Eva G.
Chart House - in theory - could be great. It is right on the water down in Old Town Alexandria. I have been there a few times just having a cocktail on their deck and the drinks are good (though not the strongest) and the setting not so bad. Last night I went there for dinner for the first time. It was OK. The ambience inside is OK. Very crowded, loud, busy. They do have a approx. $30 an entree price tag which I think is a bit over the top. They really are just average. There is nothing special about this place. The waitstaff friendly but generic with their pre-prepared sentences using the exact same overly formal words every time with every customer. We split an appetizer that was a crab/mango/avocado tower that was pretty tasty. My friend had a crabcake entree and I had a Mahi Mahi. The safron risotto that came with it was pretty good and the fish was OK. A bit dry and not a lot of flavors. Our cocktails - I had the Mango mojito - were tasty. We skipped dessert because with all the cocktails there just was not room of it ... (-: So yes, I would not argue with people if they wanted to come back here - especially if somebody else is paying - bit it is definitely not one of the places I on my own would go back to.
(3)Malinda H.
You have been forewarned, please do not waste your time or money by eating at a high priced, poor service, and low quality of food restaurant. Chart House was my favorite seafood restaurant. I've had many special occasions and memories over the past 10 years; however, something has changed. My last two visits left me disappointed and sad. There has either been a change in management or cooking staff. By the time we received our food, corrected the order, asked to speak with a manager, ate a soggy salad and semi-cold meal, and waited for our bill, we had been there for three hours. The best part (w/sarcasm), it was my birth celebration!! The server clearly was inexperienced by joking around (which we didn't find appropriate) so it was a long night. The prices are extremely high for the overall experience. You'll have a better experience and quality meal at the WHARF!!!
(1)Michael M.
I don't say this often but I'd encourage you to stay away from this place. Ate here with a small group on a nice summer evening. Pros: we were seated quickly, really nice waiter who provided very good service, we received our food quickly, and the bread was fresh and good. Cons: The food and the price. Every entree on the menu is about $30 or higher. Appetizers are about $13 (the price of calamari I believe). The salad bar (probably a bad sign that they've got a salad bar) is $15 or $7 with an entree (not a terrible deal with entree but not a Fogo de Chao quality salad bar or anything). The reviews of the food in my group varied from 'ok' to 'one of the worst meals I've eaten in DC - I'm still feeling the ill effects'. This place serves primarily seafood but I wouldn't let the nice view of the water dupe you into thinking the seafood is fresh. Everything tastes frozen. I tasted a crabcake, a shrimp, and a piece of salmon. The salmon was ok but bland. The crabcake tasted a little off and wasn't packing any really delicate or nice flavor. The shrimp tasted like a cracker - it was clearly frozen and wasn't saved by a decent lemon butter sauce. These three items were served on a plate with 'coconut rice' and broccoli. It was a platter that I assume would look very much in place at a senior citizens meal. Not terrible (in my view) but really boring with subpar ingredients and uninteresting preparations.
(1)Stephanie H.
I had friends visiting from London and since they always whisk us away to wonderful dinners when we visit London, I was very excited to host a dinner at the Chart House- a restaurant, i hoped would live up to its grandiose self-image. Instead, it was an embarrassment. It began to go wrong when we were served wine while waiting to be seated. One of our English friends sampled the cabernet sauvignon, at first she nodded, but a second later, she literally gagged and violently shook her head while gasping: No! (it had a terrible after kick), however, the server was already pouring the wine into our glasses although we were fussing with our friend: Such a hasty and oblivious server! She left the table while we stared at each other unsure how to proceed, finally, I assertively told the server we needed a different bottle and that she had continued to pour although our friend was literally gagging. She was not pleased, but at the nod of her boss, she brought us a different, much better wine. We were moved into the main dining room, it was a cavern... and very loud. The decor at this point is boring, the views obscured, and a complete void of charm. Our server came by and while very animated, she was so friendly that it smacked of artificiality and was clearly brown-nosing for a tip. She could not hear our orders over the constant clatter and chatter in the dining room- which also silenced conversation for the four of us. Literally, she got my order wrong and brought out an appetizer size of my entree. The whole meal was uncoordinated, and no one seemed to think their food was remarkable. So, my poor friends, displaying standard english manners, feigned delight at the meal, and I could only feel embarrassment at an experience that I expect from places like Mc Donalds. I was going to plan a wedding event at the Chart House, but 'll never step foot inside again (although, i may be persuaded into just drinks on their deck).
(1)S L.
Great view, great decor, great service, and amazing food. I went for Alexandria restaurant week, and ordered tilapia from the rw menu. It was paired with crab meat and rice. It was perfect.
(5)Fred E.
We've been to the Chart House in New Jersey and was curious to compare their Alexandria spot. As expected, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The layout of the restaurant provides a nice view of the Potomac pretty much wherever you sit. Have to say the view is not as spectacular as the New York City skyline. The eating experience was on par with what you would expect- efficient, cordial, rapid service. But I would only rate the food itself as Good. For what you pay, I've had much better meals. So from a value perspective, there are better choices. But if ambiance and service is what you're looking for, the Chart House is a great selection.
(3)Brian C.
Great dinner. Went here with a party of about 15. Cocktails were great, food was delicious, views of the water were amazing. Started off with their basic salad which was very good. Moved on to the shrimp stuffed with crab meat with filet mignon and mashed potatos. Amazing. Very good food. Finished off with cheesecake which was delicious. I am sure it was pricey but luckilly I wasn't paying. The servers were very attentive and the hostesses were ready for us when we arrived. Everything went very smoothly and everything tasted great. I would recomend this place to anyone willing to spend the money.
(4)Ari W.
I went in today for their lunch buffet. Total waste of time! If you have the car, time, and money... Do yourself a huge favor... Go someplace like McCormicks, Sequoias, Legal seafood.... Even Red Lobster has one up on this pretendo place! I agree with Nicole L. This is just a tourist place. I wish I'd known better before going here with Co workers for lunch today. The buffet looked awesome because of all the amazing choices. Yet it was nothing but some of the most disgusting food I've ever tasted! The shrimp and calamari were like rubber. The scallops spewed water, and the bacon was gristly and way old...Being like rock hard! The clams were okay... But the salad was the only thing that seemed like it was fresh! For $30 bucks you can go to almost any seafood joint and eat a hearty meal. This place, when I finished the first plate, I knew anything more, would be either a virus or some kind of other food born bug! Ohh and the service was tragically pathetic! Half the time we couldn't even find our server. And the rest of the time she was either taking forever to get things like A1 or just not giving us any attention. Total rip off! The only thing even remotely worth mentioning was the stiff drinks!
(1)Dan R.
Went here with Kristin J. a few days ago. The restaurant is very well laid out and has a great view. Service was not bad - though at times our waiter would kind of hover at the table as he wasn't confident enough to step into the conversation and ask to take something. It was a little awkward. The busboys were not on their game either. I'm usually picky about service but it wasn't enough to bother me, so you may find it perfectly acceptable. The blue crab cheese dip is a must-order. In fact, if you have more than 3 people, order two. It's that good. The crostini that come with it aren't bad but if you have to stick your fingers into the dip and suck it down, then you'll do it -- as I said, it's that good. Calamari and friends appetizer - would have been nice if they told us what the "friends" were, because they were good! fried and lightly tempura-ed green peppers, a couple jalapenos (could have been more), some shrimp I believe, and of course the calamari. Pretty tasty, but I would have appreciated some more garlic in the mix. Lobster spring roles - a must order. Crispy, sweet, has the right spring roll texture (but twice as long and sliced on the diagonal, so it's more like a long thin wrap). The mustard sauce was very good. My seared ahi tuna was fine - two fairly small sized wedges rubbed in cajun spices, seared, and then glazed with both some sort of sweet beef stock sauce and some wasabi cream sauce. The wasabi was actually not overpowering except for one bite at the end that cleared my sinuses; kudos on getting that right. I was glad for the smaller fish portion given the amount of other food we ate but on a different occasion I would have probably been displeased at the small size. The sear was pretty well done. That other sauce, however, turned out to be perfect to mix in with the garlic mashed potatoes: creamy, thick, flavorful. When you order the side, beware, it's more than enough for two, probably even three. I didn't enjoy the lava cake as much - I've had way better lava cakes. There was a distinct lack of the "molten" part in the middle. And if there's a "wait" time on the lava cake, then it better be up to par. It wasn't bad, just nothing you couldn't get elsewhere and not worth an extra wait. On the plus side, there's a funnel cake place next door. I'll definitely come back though, I was pleased with the overall quality of the restaurant and it seems like a solid choice for a regular go-to weekend joint.
(4)Adrienne K.
They are SO close to getting 5 stars from me... I've been here twice now. If I was grading on their salad bar alone, they'd be getting 7 stars from me. Everything is fresh, their plates are chilled, and they have artichoke hearts, olives, baby corn, FRESH GRATED carrots (not bagged), FRESH GRATED cheddar cheese (also not bagged), capers, caviar, beets, I mean... if you want it on your salad, I'm pretty sure they have it. I always wind up with a true mountain of salad on my plate. I get weird looks. I don't care. Their salad dressings taste home made as well. I get the ranch dressing. I've ordered the same entree twice. The Snapper Hemingway. It's a parmesan crusted snapper with (I believe) a lemon butter sauce. There is also crab meat involved, but the details are slipping. There's a side of coconut rice, and even that is good, though I'm not much of a rice person. The first time we ate here, every single bite I took, I did the happy food dance. I ate slowly and was sad when I cleaned my plate. If it wasn't for the prices, I would have ordered another one for dessert. I got mixed drinks on the first night... they were alright, but I was sort of experimenting with different kinds of booze and I wasn't a fan of the base alcohol in my drink. That was my fault. The second time, I got red wine and it was fine. The reason they're NOT getting 5 stars, and I really want to give it to them, I do... is that the entree (the salad bar was actually better the second time I went) was not QUITE as good the second go round. Presentation was a little sloppy, the fish was maybe not as fresh, the chef went through a break up, I'm not sure... something was a little off. It didn't stop me from cleaning my plate and doing a few happy food dances, but after being so impressed the first time, I went in with very high expectations that weren't met the second time. OH and the chocolate lava cake is pretty tasty too... though I was almost too full to help eat it.
(4)Laffy T.
The fish here is absolutely delish. Service is nice too. The chocolate cake is made from scratch and has to be ordered while entree is ordered so I thought it would be amazing, but I will definitely pass on that cake next time bc it did not fulfill expectations.
(4)Tiffany L.
My husband and I celebrated my birthday dinner at the Chart House! Food was decent! After dinner, the waiter told us "the resturant does not celebrate birthdays, so there's no cake!" Seriously, he couldn't even pulled my husband aside and told him that there would be a charged for a piece of cake or any type of dessert? We weren't expecting a" free" piece of cake, we were willing to pay for dessert, and for him to make that comment was a disgrace!!!
(2)Megan D.
The view was nice and I expected good things, but was really underwhelmed. The food was ok -- not great. The service was a little spotty, our waitress seemed to sort of "check out". I also didn't like that you had to ASK THEM for a restaurant week menu when they list themselves on Open Table as participating in restaurant week. They should give you the menu up front -- as it was, I decided not to order it because it wasn't all that great. I had a nice evening because I had good company, but wouldn't go back.
(2)Caitlyn S.
Aside from the gorgeous location (perfect for tourists...GROAN), Chart House was lackluster. I came here with a friend who lives in the area because I craved seafood; however, I walked away still unsatisfied. The inside of this restaurant is huge, but the decor is kind of cheesy. It reminded me of an 80s movie in which Steve Guttenberg trips over his feet and sends servers crashing into one another while trying to woo Andie McDowell away from the suave yuppie who drives a Ferrari...ya know, for example. My friend and I split a dozen oysters which, as raw oysters go, you can't really mess up--although these varieties were much less flavorful than any I've had at Blacksalt and Old Ebbitt's. They also didn't seem very fresh, which is not the first thing you want to think when eating raw fish! For my entree, I had the stuffed flounder with a side of rice pilaf, which I thought HAD to be better than the oysters. Unfortunately, I was wrong. The fish was watery and flavorless, despite the mounds of crab. The rice pilaf was the best thing I had--which, with Chart House being a seafood restaurant, is a sad thing to say. Moreover, our server seemed less than enthused to be waiting on two twenty-something girls in a room filled with a much older, stuffier crowd. Perhaps it was a bad day for her, or perhaps she thought that we wouldn't leave a big tip, but we were not treated very well in what was supposed to be a classy restaurant. I might return to Chart House on a lazy Saturday afternoon to boat watch...but not for anything else. Look elsewhere!
(1)Ngan T.
It seems like this place is always hopping. Even with a reservation, we had to wait but it was worth it. The view, like everyone says, is spectacular. I love my dessert and had their special black and white lava cake. It was to die for.
(4)Tia M.
food was so so. i felt the menu was very limited as far as type of shrimpy and fish available. all the shrimp entrees were battered. nice atmosphere and great for large parties! the signature molten lava toffee cake was aaaammmaazzznggg!!! will go back just for that!
(3)John C.
Sometimes a flagship has to stand out from the pack. Along Old Town, there is restaurant after restaurant that tries to appeal to diners that crave for that colonial feel and fine dining taste. However, the Chart House, situated on docks at the end of King Street, show diners that seafood can be just as good. With stunning views of the Potomac River, and some of the freshest seafood around, The Chart House offers an experience that not only offers some of the finest seafood cuisine of Old Town, but some of the charm of more southern, Floridian type restaurants. First thing to note is that this restaurant is indeed a chain. There's a good half dozen Chart Houses in Florida, and it is from these restaurants that the Chart House in Alexandria is inspired. Therefore, there is no deep Old Town History, no pictures of fox hunts on the walls, or more traditional Old Town fare. It offers the same menu as it does in its other restaurants. But that by no means takes away from its quality of environment or cuisine. Outstretched along the Potomac, the Chart House of Alexandria features a huge restaurant on two levels, each seat featuring excellent views. The decor is reminiscent of The Old Floridian, and of warmer climates, and quieter decadent sunsets to gaze on Florida's horizons (it may be the Potomac, but it doesn't hurt to use your imagination). Regardless, of the size, the Chart House is a very popular restaurant, so be sure to set a reservation or you could be waiting for as long as an hour. Another unique feature of all the Chart Houses is the salad bar. While some reviewer give the restuarant some hard knocks for this, I really can't complain because the salad bar has some excellent features (most of which you can't find at a Ruby Tuesday's, ahem), such as chilled plates and some of the freshest strawberries in the area. Well worth the trip, and the price. The Chart House is known for offering some of the freshest seafood in the area, and the restaurant really strives to maintain that reputation by offering not only fresh options, but a wide variety of dishes to please any seafood fan. For some great starts, I reccomend the Blue Crab Dip that pairs perfectly with a glass of chardonnay, and a treat that can be shared with the entire table. As for entrees, the Chart House offers a variety of fresh fish that are cooked to order and pairs well with provided sides. I also recommend the crab cakes, which feature huge pieces of lump crab meat and seasoned to perfection. Recently, I tasted the coconut shrimp for an entree as well, which featured nearly 20 butterflied shrimp prepared decadently. Dessert is also a treat. I strongly recommend the Godiva Chocolate Cake, a dessert that rivals some of the finest restaurants (it beats my pick of the chocolate souffle from the Four Season's The Fountain). Featuring Godiva chocolate liqueur, a molten chocolate center, and Dreyers Ice Cream, the cake is crisp with a slight crunch and perfect for the end of the meal. Even better if you share with a friend. Its a dessert that is worthy of any sweet tooth. Finally, the service was excellent. Glasses were always full and the waitress was attentive to every request. She knew the best dishes, what was really in season, and good wine pairings. Everyone also said goodbye when I left, which is something that gets missed at even the best restaurants. As a feature restaurant that stands alone on Alexandria's waterfront, the Chart House is a restaurant that needs to deliver in both environment and cuisine, and has most certainly done so. In the midst of other great restaurants in the area, seafood is certainly not a missed concept in Old Town Alexandria, and the Chart House meets that challenge with a barrage of options. My only criticism is that the restaurant is so big that the experience is not nearly as personal, and the cuisine is not enough to offer the feel that your food has truly been touched by culinary genius. The chart house is simply a great seafood restaurant that offers the best view that Alexandria diners can find. Four Chocolate Cakes for trip to Florida's culinary charm. First thing to note
(4)Kate P.
Dinner here was good! The views of the water are nice, and the dining room is nice and open, but not loud despite being crowded. The entrees are $25-$35 each but actually come with sides unlike many fancy places where you order the meat separately and sides are extra (though you can get shareable sides here too). The service was just right, i.e. I didn't notice it being particularly bad or particularly effusive. I would go back if someone were in the mood for waterfront, upscale dining and seafood.
(4)Kara D.
I have been here many times over the past six years and they impress me with their staff, food and wine every single time! Get the stack. It's a party for your palette with its crab, avocado & mango tower of foodie euphoria. Anyway, this place is a must, especially if you enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The water views don't make life any harder either...
(5)Cathy H.
Over priced for value. Food is on par with chain restaurants.
(3)Michelle I.
My husband took me here for dinner last night. The best thing I have to say about this place is that it is in a great location - right on the Alexandria waterfront. Unfortunately were seated at a huge booth away from the windows so I had to enjoy the view from afar. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. However, the food and drinks were pretty much a disaster. The beer selection is nubs. Best thing they had was stella and they were out of it. I got a pomegranate martini, which tasted like nyquil to me. The wine we got with our entree was decent. For our first course, we ordered raw oysters and soup to share. The oysters were good, but the soup...well i can't really tell you how the soup tasted because there was a CURLY HAIR IN MY SOUP. It was disgusting!! I alerted our waiter immediately and he promptly took it away. The manager came over to apologize and offered us a free dessert. At that point I was a little skeptical about eating the rest of our meal. We were both starving so we continued on with our main course. My husband got the stuffed flounder and I got the crab cakes. The crab cakes was probably the only thing good about our meal. It was meaty and moist. The veggies that came with it though were bland and overcooked. The flounder was nothing special. For our free dessert, we got the chocolate lava cake. It was able to satisfy my sweet tooth. It reminded me of the flourless chocolate waffle from the Great American restaurants, but not as good. Needless to say, we will definitely not be coming back to Chart House. The staff is nice, but the food is just mediocre, potentially unsanitary, and ultimately not worth the price tag.
(1)Natasha S.
Great food. Got engaged here. It didn't work out. Probably would go back for the crab cakes.
(5)Alyssa D.
Beautiful view! The brunch was good, I've had better. My complaints: I checked opentable before we left and saw that there were plenty of openings, so I didn't bother making a reservation. When we got there, the snobby hostess said "Did you call ahead for a reservation?" I said no. She told us there was a 35 minute wait, but we could sit at the bar. We went to the bar and the bartender smelled like he hadn't showered/brushed his teeth in 3 weeks. So I checked open table again, and what do you know there was a 12:45 reservation open (it was 12:35). So I made that, walked to the hostess and said "yeah, I just made a reservation." We got seated immediately. The hostess was very embarrassed. Ha. :) (In case you haven't noticed I have a thing about restaurant/store employees treating me like I'm underneath them). The view made up for everything, though, which gave this place a 3rd star!
(3)Andrea S.
The food was great but overpriced. You are paying for the views. Don't get me wrong, you won't be disappointed, but they charge TOO much!
(3)Alissa D.
If you haven't been to this seafood restaurant at the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, might I suggest you take a trip ASAP. It was, from beginning to end, one of the best seafood meals I can recall having. We started with an appetizer that was mushrooms stuffed with lump crabmeat. You could tell the mushrooms were fresh, because they were flavorful, moist and full. The crab meat was seasoned perfectly, still allowing for the full flavor of the meat to shine through. I had a difficult time in deciding which entree to order, because many were tempting. I eventually set my sights on the "Macadamia-crusted Mahi." Sounds delectable, oui? Well, it was ridiculously superb, with the fish being baked perfectly, not too dry, yet with the meat shedding in perfect slices. The garnishing was fantastic: macadamia nuts galore, with a peanut sauce (YUM), garnished with green, red and yellow peppers to add that perfect little pop on the palate. The side was steamed broccoli, which they also managed to do perfectly-firm, not too crisp, not overdone, seasoned very lightly with butter. When it was time for dessert we decided to try the "Apple and Dried Cherry Crisp," which is basically an oral orgasm in a dish topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel. Enough said. The ambiance of this restaurant is something that must be mentioned as well--they have an outdoor dining area, where we sat since it was 75 degrees even at 8:30pm, which has a gorgeous view of the waterfront harbor. You can also view planes traveling back and forth from National aiport! Their indoor decorating style is very zen modern, with beautiful decorative vases and comfy lounge chairs. I give this place an A+. I will be going back, hopefully in the very near future!
(5)Aroosa A.
The view was really nice here, but besides that I don't think I have anything else nice to say. I came here during lunch time, it wasn't busy so you'd assume that the food would come out fast and it would be fresh...no. We ordered the Caesar salad and the lettuce was completely wilted, there was no crunch to the lettuce it was completely wilted and soggy. I could have made a better salad at home with lettuce from El Grande for half the price. Now for our entrees. Our food came out 35 minutes after we ordered. I got the coconut shrimp and the beer battered fish and chips. The coconut shrimps the veins were still somewhat in them, and overall I could have gotten better coconut shrimp from the retirement home I work at and those come in frozen packages, and ,y beer battered fish and chips was just horrible. The fish had no flavor what so ever, I guess they forgot the salt...my friend got the chicken ramano or something with mashed yukon potatoes.the mashed potatoes were on point, so good, delicious. The chicken itself was good, but something I could make at home. I was highly disappointed. If you need good seafood go to Coastal Flats or even Bonefish Grill. This was crap. Oh but the bathroom towels were pretty cool.
(1)Jacob B.
Get brunch on Sundays hopefully you will get Samantha as your server. She was hot! And very nice. Caviar at the salad bar??? Yes please! I normally don't fuck with "brunch" because A. I'm not in a sorority, B. Im not white, C. I'm not into dudes, and D. I make the best breakfast. But for salmon Benedict I suppose I can make an exception.
(4)Dave H.
The first time I came and looked at the brunch menu of Chart House, the $25/person set menu for threw me off. However, we decided to go for my birthday and I am glad we did! What looked to be expensive ended up being a great deal after you factor in the delicious free salad bar, steak and eggs, and bottomless champagne and coffee. We had Bloody Mary's at the bar while waiting for a table that were expertly made as well. The key is to make a reservation well ahead of time and request (though there is no guarantee) a window seat (a sunny day helps as well of course!). Good range of standard brunch options, nothing very inventive, but that's not what was expected. Attire is a very strange range from Adidas warm-up suits to gold jewelry and white dresses.
(4)James N.
I am usually not a fan of chain restaurants... However, every time I go there for dinner or a drink I am impressed. The service is great and the view is wonderful. This Chart House is at the end of the pier and overlooks the Potomac.
(5)Nicole L.
Are you a tourist? If you are you will probably like it. I have been to the one in Annapolis before it's a little nicer. Chart house is this pretend upscale seafood place that is so cliche even the menu is cliche. I was not impressed with the menu at all. Most of the items are boring and bland. They have this hug salad bar though with caviar etc. I ordered the chowder and the spiced yellowfin tuna - I think. The dinner was very expensive and I left feeling - so? Well I threw up all my food at the end of the night something was not right and drinking after didn't help. Am glad to be out of a pretentious and superficial social circle - god saved me from the horrible choices these people put me through! Yuck!
(1)Heather F.
I've been to the chart house about 4 times in the past 2 years. While the food is a bit pricey is it ALWAYS good (one time my tuna was cooked well even though I asked for medium rare, so be careful when ordering food with a temperature). The lobster is GREAT and a guy comes out and cracks it for you at your table, which is fun to watch. The Crab legs are also FANTASIC. Another plus about this place is the wait-staff. They are always on top of things and very helpful with the menu. Also when you call and make a reservation they keep your contact information in their computer. So whenever I call they say "do you have someone in your party with a fish allergy" because my sister in law is allergic and every time they remember. Which brings me to another interesting point. This is a seafood place, but my sister in law always finds plenty of good things to eat on the menu and she has NEVER has a reaction. Kudos to them for that! SO... dIne at the Chart House but take plenty of $$$ with you.
(4)J R.
The food at Chart House is fine - nothing terribly special, but it's the location you're paying for. I don't even remember what I've eaten when I went there - well, yeah, I did have a good salad from the salad bar. But the fact that there's a salad bar kind of spells R-U-B-Y T-U-E-S-D-A-Y. So, feel free to go, but don't expect anything amazing.
(3)Susan B.
The salad bar is pretty money. I am extremely indecisive, especially with a waiter breathing down your neck as you try to select one specific plate that encompasses exactly what you are craving at that specific point in time. I enjoy a myriad of different types of food on my plate at once, so as to pick and choose what flavors to combine with each bite. The salad bar frees me from my decision prison and I am able to mix and match on a whim, and wistfully wander amongst the food without ever having to permanently select anything. I am ashamed to say it, but deep down I am buffet girl. Alas, a salad bar cannot save a restaurant that charges an arm and a leg for the food. I finally manned up and ordered Steak and Eggs for brunch. The steak was unseasoned, and both the meat and eggs (scrambled despite my requesting fried eggs twice) were over cooked. The first experience with Steak and Eggs was the worst experience with Steak and Eggs. Now I am scarred for life; destined to spend the remainder of my breakfasts and brunches like a dainty chick and not the meat eating cowboy I wanted so badly to be.
(2)Nicole R.
First. The crab dip. To die for. Really, you must order it. Second. Sunday brunch. Awesome. I got the Eggs Maryland (think eggs benedict... swap the canadian bacon for baller crab cakes) and it was so insanely good. For $25 or 26 you get access to the "salad bar" -- which has lox, bagels, cream cheese, pastries, salad, fruits, and more -- an entree of your choice, and endless champagne or mimosas. Now, that's my kind of breakfast. I've only ever been for dinner once, and I ordered the Coconut Shrimp with Ginger Rice - the rice was a bit dry, and the shrimp (being breaded and friend) followed suit. There was a great dipping sauce, but I've gotta say that for $20-something, I was expecting something moist and juicy and delectable, and I was a wee bit disappointed. Their molten lava cake, however, is the bomb (yes, I just said that). You have to order it 30 minutes before wanting to eat it (like, when you order your dinner) because they make them to order, and they are to die for. Heath bar chunks, hot chocolate sauce, gooey chocolate cake, and ice cream? Sold. Service is pretty great. View is even better. Parking kinda sucks... but I guess that comes with dining at the waterfront, so I'm not complaining. The end.
(4)Jeff S.
Expensive but really good. I biked here from DC and had oysters and a Lobster Brie grill cheese. Its pretty expensive but the food was real good. -------- Time #2 Again biked here. They have a pretty extensive salad bar which I sprung for this time around. The cool thing is its got lots of fruit and cream so you can skip desert and go for a strawberrys and cream dish if you go salad bar. $20 for 13 oysters. They were nice cold fresh and tasty They even sat us in the main dining room even though we were in our biking gear ... "we get a lot of tourists" they said when i asked why we werent in a corner.
(4)Lily Z.
Chart House has amazing views with its large windows overlook the water. The bright interior and location make you feel like you are on a New England coastal vacation , but that's where the positive ends. I don't have any complaints about the service. I am pretty low key, as long as water is refilled and food is served in a timely fashion, I am a happy camper. The food here was boring, maybe that's just a symptom of chain restaurants, wanting to appeal to the mass and avoid being too adventurous or exotic. I was disappointed at their oyster selections. Being a seafood restaurant, their only selection was blue pointe, a very mild, beginner variety oyster. The shucking was not done perfectly, as a result the oyster was a little gritty. There were also no mignonette, which is a much better condiment than the overpowering cocktail sauce. Other seafood selections were also very conservative. There were salmon, tuna, snapper, shrimp, etc. The seasoning and sauce here incorporated some Asian fusion influence such as coconut, soy, and ginger, but I consider that more trendy than tasty. I am ok with boring selection if the seafood was impeccably fresh that its impossible for me to purchase it without actually being in the restaurant business, as in, it was still alive this morning and I am eating it right now for dinner. Chart House's seafood didn't appear to be anymore fresh than what you can get at Wholefoods or H mart.
(2)Keith N.
Service is slow and staff is not attentive...I needed to ask for refills on my drink...he took forever to come back to check on us...the salad bar was not worth the money...food was average...not overly excited...it was just okay...
(3)Rich H.
My girlfriend and I have never had a bad meal here. It's right by the water and nicely appointed. Our first dinner here was in the circular room overlooking the water (though, there really isn't a bad seat in the place). It's location by the Torpedo Factory and King St. helps due to parking garages and bars to walk into after dinner. Pricey? Yes...though I certainly don't have an issue paying for a good meal. Until I encounter a sub-par meal here I'll continue singing their praise. The only reason I'm giving them four stars instead of five is because my lobster at my last visit wasn't the absolute best I've had...though it ranks up there!
(4)Kim B.
The location of the Chart House itself makes it a great destination for a dinner date or a place to take tourists. The view is outstanding! We were lucky enough to be there on the night of a fireworks show and could not have asked for a better ambiance. I had the filet mignon with the Oscar topping. It was a great steak and the crab meat was delicious (like I would expect anything less in DC!) We also had the lobster spring rolls as the appetizer; they were good, but I don't think I would order them again. My date mentioned that the coconut shrimp are awesome - so perhaps try those if you want a starter? Our waiter was not that great, hence the three stars. We assumed the side dishes were a la carte, and that nothing came alongside your steak. With that assumption, we ordered a side of potatoes to share - we were very surprised when both our steaks also came with potatoes! It would have been nice to be told this by our server, but the thought did not seem to cross his mind. Too bad - if this place had better service, it would be at least 4 star.
(3)Kim G.
Who likes sand/grit in your food? If you don't mind, then go to the Chart House. We went for Thanksgiving dinner. Yes, that was probably our first downfall, but wanted to take the family to a nice restaurant with a pretty view. We all decided to treat ourselves to the appetizers, but this was a big mistake. This was the first time ever that I didn't enjoy oysters. There was sand all over them and the cocktail sauce/horseradish was awful, lacking in taste. We also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which looked quite impressive with massize size prawns, but again the cocktail sauce was bland and too oniony, overpowering the whole dish. The seared tuna appetizer was the most boring thing put together, with the crappiest excuse of a watery wasabi sauce. The clam chowder also had grit sending chills up my mother's spine. The entrees got better, but nothing to get excited about. The mahi mahi with peanut sauce was OK, but it was served with lukewarm rice pilaf. The crab stuffed flounder was a bit more appetizing. There was also an order of prime rib, but my father noted that he had better. We ordered the lava cake special that supposedly takes 30 minutes to prepare? I don't get it, to us, it was a warm goey brownie with vanilla ice cream. Am I missing something here? At the end of the night, we raked in a $200 bill that left us feeling disappointed and unfulfilled.
(2)Jason F.
My family and I went to the Chart House last night at the recommendation of the concierge at the Westin. From the moment we arrived, we were not disappointed. We had a party of 10 - 7 adults, 3 kids and they were able to seat us in the middle of the restaurant with no problem. Great views. And the ambience was perfect. It was classy - but just lively enough that we weren't worried about the kids disturbing any of the other guests. Service was quick, friendly and knowledgeable about every aspect of the meal. Probably the only bad thing about the experience was my grandparents' whiskey sours... they were pretty much all sour, no whisky. We did get a bottle of the menu recommended Sauvignon Blanc and it did not disappoint. Pretty good value for a restaurant with their price points. Meal started with crab dip, which was good - not the best I've ever had, but still very good. My niece and sister-in-law got the crab bisque and raved about it. I had the blackened mahi for dinner which came with a tasty bed of ginger coconut rice. Vegetable of the day was broccoli and red pepper. Both the fish and vegetables were perfectly prepared. Too often broccoli is overcooked and soggy, but not here. A couple people ordered the rockfish wrapped in prosciutto special and it did not disappoint - particularly the sauce it was served in. The restaurant must have a referral program with hotels in the area. Our menu had a personalized greeting with our name on it - fancy little touch the kids in particular got a kick out of. Also, as a part of the referral, they treated us to 5 chocolate lava cakes - a $50 value. If you're a chocolate lover, you'd be a fan of this dessert. the cake had a great crumb and was balanced well with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. All in all a great experience!
(5)Liem L.
By far the worst restaurant experience I've ever had in my entire life. I went here on a Friday night for a friends birthday dinner. We had a party of 15. The restaurant pretty much ruined my friends birthday with their poor service and poor food. It took about an hour for our raw oyster appetizers to come out, an HOUR! The oyster were tiny and warm. It then took a bout 1.5 hours for our entrees to come and most all of them came out either cold, over cooked, or incomplete. The birthday boys med rare steak came out well done. My GFs fish dish came out lacking the topping which were listed on the menu. I mean how do you send out a dish missing ingredients. My other friend ordered the caramelized fish and it came out un-caramelized. The restaurants manager came out and offered us free desert but come on, after the crap that came out that night why would we want more food from the kitchen. We then settled on 2 bottles of complimentary champagne. Even though the restaurant tried to make amends I will never be going to eat at Chart House again even if it were the last restaurant on this earth and I was starving. WARNING **** DO NOT GO HERE!!!
(1)Ashley K.
My family was visiting from out of town, so I brought them here for dinner, and we loved every bit of it! The shrimp cocktail was amazing, as well as the oysters on the half shell and the special shrimp roll. I ordered the baked stuffed shrimp for my entree, and it was awesome. Everyone loved what they ordered, from the steak to the mixed grill. Oh, and the soups are delicious! I got the gazpacho, and it was phenomenal! My mom got the soup sampler, and she absolutely loved all three. This place is fantastic!
(5)Brian O.
You cant go wrong here when you get brunch. For 25 dollars you get the salad bar (with caviar and smoked salmon) and an entrée. Also, you can get 1 dollar mimosas and 2.50 bloody marys which are the best in the area.
(4)Mini P.
My fiance and I went to Chart House this past Sunday and man were we in for a surprise. The restaurant is right next to the water and it was quite busy that night on the marina. We ended up sitting at the bar, at which we were able to get full service. For drinks, I ordered The Fiery Cucumber. I took one sip and fell in love. I am definitely going to have to try to make this drink at home! It tastes like a cucumber, cooled, peeled but a hint of salt and spice on it. I normally eat salted and spiced cucumber at home and if i could compare it to anything, it would be this drink! My fiance got an IPA and it was good. I know in Seattle, we're pretty much beer snobs, and this beer was fulfilling and it hit the spot after a muggy hot day in Alexandria. We had the crab stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer and they were yummy. I had the Ahi Tuna with the wasabi mashed potatoes and he ordered the coconut shrimp fried rice. Both dinners were excellent and we finished every bite. The place is pricey, but its well worth it. There were plenty of other things we wanted to try on the menu. I couldn't make up my mind!
(5)Kim O.
The Best!!!
(5)Jenna G.
I have been here on multiple occasions with friends, family, and just a nice dinner out with my husband. I have yet to be disappointed with the bar, food, service or ambiance. We always make reservations and show up a bit early so we can hit up the bar area. Yeah the Potomac is not the prettiest of water views, but it is a water view nonetheless, so it is always great to sit in the outside or inside bar area and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to ask for a window seat when you get there and put your name in. It is great to watch all the boats come and go while eating dinner. On really clear nights, you can see the Memorials just up the river. Our personal fav is their calamari appetizer, I usually get a steak, my mom said the salmon was the best she has ever tasted. My husband loves the muscles and their Prime Rib.
(4)Linda C.
My friend held a wonderful birthday party for her mom here. The restaurant was very accommodating to the large group and the food service was very even. You definitely come here for the wonderful view of the Potomac and the steak. I would opt for the dressing on the side as our salad came with too much dressing. Other than that, a wonderful experience was had by all.
(4)Jason L.
Spectacular experience as always. Great service, great food.
(5)Lori M.
Pros: great view, esp on the deck, super waiter, friendly clientele, awesome wine list (we had 2 bottles of Charles Krug sav blanc - delightful) Cons: not so much "something for everyone" here because, in fact, there is nothing vegetarian. So don't take a veg and certainly don't take someone with a shellfish allergy. The rest of my party of 7 ate a few apps as we lingered on a relatively busy Thursday night over wine. Our waiter didn't rush us one bit and he did offer to put together a plate of asparagus for me, which I declined. He later brought out a bread basket and the pumpernickel roll was out.of.this.world . Okokok, I was tipsy and super hungry. Still - yum.
(3)Paul W.
This place is way overpriced for the quality of food. Don't get me wrong, the food here is consistent and good, however, they have your typical high priced menu based largely on the fact that they're on the water front. Similar to many restaurants in the area, you can most certainly find something good on the menu, but it's just too pricey considering what you actually get.
(3)michael m.
The view was really nice, but the service left a fair bit to be desired. I've only been once, but that one time involved a lot of confusion over who was to wait the table AND the front desk seemed to hate their job. And the margarita I had seemed to cost $10 which I, of course, had no idea to expect. Fortunately I only had that one. The food was pretty good, once it came. Decent bang-for-the-buck. I'd normally only give it 3 stars, but the view can't really be beat.
(4)Karena B.
This place is very good....I recommend the molten lava chocolate heath bar cake for dessert.... And everything on the menu is good....it also overlooks the water at the end of King Street, so on some nights you can see the fireworks... Great for groups or date night!
(5)Claudia M.
Went to Chart House for my mother-in-law's 96th birthday. It was a very special event so we decided to treat her to the brunch. There were 10 in our party. Several people ordered the Maryland Eggs Benedict. The crab cakes were tiny and dry, the poached eggs were overcooked, and the English muffins were hard.. My nephew had the steak and when he was done, his entire plate was covered in fat and gristle. Being a vegetarian, I ordered the hummus platter. Without a doubt, it was the worst tasting hummus I have ever had. For some reason, the regular hummus was sweet. The other two "scoops" on my plate (one looked like red pepper hummus and the other one was green), were watery and tasteless. Putting caviar on a salad bar does not make it worth $16.99 by itself, or $26.99 for brunch. In addition, they were out of bagels even though they kept assuring my husband that they were coming soon, and the salmon appeared to be a poor quality fish. All in all, the drinks were the best part of the brunch. They served $.99 mimosas and bloody marys. We have been there several times, not of our choosing, for special occasions, and feel that it is overpriced for mediocre quality food. We will not be going there again.
(1)Sarah B.
I rounded up... If 3 stars is "A-OK" and 4 is "I'm a fan," then I'm really just a 3.5. Our food was good. Solid and no complaints. Our waiter was courteous and good with the kids. Btw, the info for this restaurant would scare you from bringing kids along, but if yours know how to behave in a restaurant, and you Go Early, it's fine. They've got a kids menu. This is a great place to take someone from out of town. It's an Old Town staple. It's got a good salad bar. I'm just not sure I'd choose to spend a rare and precious date night there with just my husband when there are so many 5 star restaurants in the area.
(4)mike s.
I have been to Chart house on several occasions for both brunch and dinner. I would have to say that the best time to go here is for the Sunday brunch for the view the food and your wallet. On Sunday mornings you can get a great of the Potomac river and the atmosphere in Old town is just great. you can get a reasonably price entree and the salad bar and just have a great time. the service here is also usually excellent.
(4)Nikki W.
Oh my goodness! I fell in love with this location! Delicious crab cakes!!! Can't wait to return!!
(5)Elle B.
Recently went here for brunch on a Sunday with friends. Promptly seated without delay to an outside table, great view overlooking boats and water. Salad bar was nice and included in brunch meal. Main course was tenderloin eggs Benedict, meat was flavorful, potatoes were well seasoned, very pleased. Added bonus was mimosa's OR champagne (straight up) each being $0.99/glass (Asti) which was great for the price. Would definitely come back for great overall experience.
(4)Blaine B.
Excessive overuse of heat lamps. Not worth the price.
(2)Susan J.
Let me first start off with that this place is expensive. However we had a gift card that my in laws gave us since we had our wedding locally in Alexandria and had pictures done at Old Town. We made our reservation for 615pm Saturday evening. The 630s were already fully booked when i reserved on opentable.com on Thursday. This place was packed and we were immediately seated when we checked in. Thank goodness for reservations! We were seated for a while before our server came and introduced herself and gave us some water. After we ordered the Cream Crab soup ($6.99 for a little crock bowl), we asked if we were supposed to get any bread and butter. We finished our soup before our server gave us the bread. Hmmm, this just seems like a premonition to our service and food to come. The husband ordered the shrimp and filet and I ordered the surf and turf. Yes, each entree did cost $30 each. I got 3 sea scallops with mashed taters and a 4 in x 3in piece of what tasted like pot roast. Hubby got a little filet, a huge loaded baked potato and 4 shrimps. Wow, a total of $80 + tips for food and ambience. Granted, the dining area can be super loud (and it was), the food is pretty forgettable and overpriced, the service is slow, but the view was pretty nice. So, if you have tons of extra money and want to spend it on mediocre food, here's the place to go. But if you want good food at good prices, hit up one of the great american restaurant chains.
(3)Dan R.
Had lunch at The Chart House yesterday. Beautiful day and was able to eat outside. Great setting on the rivers edge. Our waiter was excellent. He knew the menu and had excellent recommendations ( blackened Salmon cake). Made decaf iced tea from scratch; did not have to do that, but he did. Very pleasant afternoon and would go back again.
(4)emmy y.
Food: It was pretty tasty Service: Quick , but the host was a little bit*hy Decor: Nothing special.... Great patio for the summer time. Overall: i will go there if i m in the area
(3)Reshawna L.
I decided to go the Chart House for Happy Hour. It was a great time. The mango mojito was great! Only $5 You can't beat that. The firecracker shrimp & the brushetta was good too. This is one of my new happy hour spots. Service was a 9.5.
(4)S B.
Went here for my father's birthday and we had a good time. The walk there is always enjoyable since there are tons of things to see on king street. The wait on a friday night is an hour and a half long which wouldn't have been a problem if their pagers worked outside the building. We ended up stalking the tables in the crowded waiting lounge for people to leave so we could sit. The staff was very friendly and the drinks were very well made. The food came out very fast and was delicious. The bill wasn't too bad concidering 4 people ate and had a drink from the bar. Outdoor seating had a good view of the boats and water.
(4)Sean W.
Good food & service! A little pricey! Good atmosphere!
(4)Amy B.
My main complaint was that we went during restraunt week...and they did not know it was restraunt week. How do you sign up to participate then forget! We made reservations on opentable, through the restraunt week site...so im sure they were participating. We were expecting the 35.00 pre fixe menu, but when we asked out waiter, he knew nothing about it. We thought we may of mistaken the dates..Then when we were leaving guess what was on the door, a restaraunt week poster! ummm, duh people. ANYWAYYYSS... I think that one of the main reasons people are giving this place stars is because of the view. Being as I am from Virginia Beach where many restraunts have a view and sitting by the water for drinks is not unusual, I was not blinded by this and really felt this place was not all that. Yes the view is nice, but the restraunt overall seemed odd. I didnt understand how they are trying to create an upscale experience but have a crappy salad bar right in the middle. I didnt get the salad bar, but I walked by and didnt see anything too great. There was caviar but the rest was just lettuce vegtable and some salads. I could go to Ruby Tuesday for that. Our waiter basically had our dinner planned out before we came i guess cause he made suggestions then tried to force us into getting them. "Our crab stuffed mushrooms are good...ill go ahead and get some started for you"...ummmm we didnt order them...and can we have some water first, geez. We ended up getting hummus to start which was good. Husband had the stuffed salmon which he said was average of any restaurant, I had filet, which was not anything special and the mashed potoates it came with had been under a heatlamp for a while i believe. The best part was def the lava cake we had for dessert which I got because I saw on yelp, thanks yelpers for helping me to have atleast one good point of the meal. (Although before we even got our food the waiter told us about it and informed us we should order it. and now. cause it takes 30 min. lol, if I had not already planned on getting it, i wouldnt of just to spite him. ) Anyways, for all the hype, no I would not go back. It may be a good first date place to impress someone...atleast until the food comes, lol.
(3)Sharon M.
One more great experience at The Chart House. Five star service and five star food and there are not enough stars for the great view.
(5)T D.
Good food. Ok service. Long waits even with reservations. Way Overpriced. Excellent view. Status quo definitely.
(3)Kori B.
I admit, the ambiance of this place is what would get me back here. The lighting is romantic, and it has beautiful views of the river and the Capital in the distance. However, I found myself pretty disappointed in the selection. I know that I'm a pain-in-the-ass vegetarian, and this IS a seafood restaurant, but usually restaurants have something, even if it's a grilled vegetable plate, in order to accommodate ALL customers. Not so with this place. There wasn't even an appetizer I could enjoy. There is a salad bar, yay, and it costs $15! So that, with my $9 glass of wine (which by the way, I only wanted $6 glass of wine, but the waiter was like, "no, you'll regret it, I swear, get the $9) plus tax and tip. I some how ended up paying $31. Yes, $31 for a mini plate of lettuce, baby corn, some peppers, a few tomatoes and couple of artichokes and a side of mashed potatoes. However, my meat eating friends LOVED their meals, of scallops and stuffed butterflied shrimp, so I don't want totally discount this place because some people might really enjoy it.
(3)Chris A.
We were wondering around Old Town last night in search of some food for a friend's birthday. Having planned to eat at Majestic (closed on Mondays), we made our way even further away from our beloved Metro. On finally hitting the water, our friend's post-marathon-running legs were in serious need of protein, so we stopped here to get that taken care of. My first impression was not good: the Chart House looks like the kind of semi-fancy place that you take your homecoming date in 9th grade. The decor is kind of cheesy and things are overly pomped. The service reflects this clientele as well, with our server very kindly explaining details that are only necessary if you're the kind who eats a nice meal once a year or so. As previous yelpers have noted, the wait staff does try to sell you up on each part of your order, and could easily bring you up another $20 if you played along. Getting ready to hate it, we braced ourselves with an appetizer of tuna that was incredible. After that, we all decided to stick with fish for the main course and it was all very tasty. We stuck through to dessert of Key Lime pie and tea. The pie was great, but the tea selection was lacking and the coffee was sub par. I was surprised by how good the food was considering my initial impressions. This might be a better place for lunch than for dinner, when the crowd is less tarted up for the big night out on the town.
(3)Angelique A.
I had to upgrade my review after my last visit to the Chart House. Still only 3 stars because I'll have to go back again to make sure that it's not just a hit or miss experience. However, my last trip there was fabulous! Definitely do the Mango, avacado and crab tower appetizer, it was really wonderful! The service was great and the waiter gave us lots of really helpful recommendations. A much, much better experience this time.
(3)Angelica R.
Nice restaurant on the water. Place was very clean, service was good and the food was excellent. Is kid friendly, will go back again.
(4)T M.
I went to the chart house for a family celebration. Even though we were a large group we got seats near the window. Our reservation was over the max for opentable so I had to call in. The management was very professional and accommodating even though it was several days from the event. We considered doing a larger event of 50 people and the Chart House was one of the few restaurants that did not have ridiculous prices for groups. The food was delicious for brunch and the mimosas kept the guests in a happy mood. The lobster was a little small but everything was tasty (especially the crab omelets). It was my husband's first time at the Chart House and he said that we must come back. My husband almost never likes any restaurant. We had excellent service from the hostess to the management and the food was fresh and healthy.
(5)Daryl W.
Stayed at Gaylord National for two nights during Thanksgiving 2010. We were torn between the Italian buffet at the Gaylord or Chart House (based on a couple of recommendations). We made the right choice. Reservations for our party of 11 was at 5:45 on Thanksgiving night. We were seated at 5:45 and the server took our drink orders immediately. We had 6 adults and 5 kids (1yr old up to 8 years old) and the wait staff was very good at making sure the kids were taken care of first. Overall, it was a great meal. There was a Chilean Sea Bass special that was out of this world. We will go back to Chart House in a second.
(5)Candace H.
The location is great, like everyone else said. You can eat a meal while overlooking the water. The outdoor deck is a great spot for lunch and dinner. The wait was ridiculous. We sat at the bar for nearly 45 minutes until we were seated, which I guess is due to the restaurant being on the waterfront, but I guess when I'm out of DC and not at a place known for amazing food, I get impatient. Unlike other yelpers, our service was great. Our waiter was friendly, didn't rush us, was very attentive, and even helped my date track down a cigarette - what a bizarre request! The food isn't that amazing. I've had FAR better at Hook in DC if you want seafood. The prices are pretty ridiculous for the absent wow-factor. We had the mahi-mahi. For appetizers, the calamari was just okay but the blue crab dip was yummy. The Clam Chowder was delicious but not that unique - I guess just normal clam chowder done right. We added the chocolate cake dessert at the end and it really wasn't that amazing. An ice cream cone would have been more satisfying! We left very, very full, though.
(3)Alex K.
Buffet is great and service is good. Place is often crowded. View over river makes it worthwhile -- especially if one sits outside.
(3)Gina A.
Excellent menu options and everything was made fresh. We didn't have to wait long for our meal at all.
(4)kathy j.
Two out of four in my party had to send their steaks back because they were overcooked, and I mean so well done that they were inedible. By the time we were served again, the others had fiinished eating. One of the steaks was overcooked the second time. Complained to the manager and he begrudgingly comped the meal...not well handled at all. Will never go back to the Chart House!!
(1)Coolest C.
We came here on Valentine's Day night. It was a rather late dinner, and we were expecting it'd be less crowded, but it seems most people were also having late dinners that night. We emailed them a couple days prior asking specifically for a window seat, which we were granted, but had to wait a couple more minutes than our original reservation time. Our view of the boardwalk and the river was great, however seating was a little bit crowded. The food spoke for itself. We ordered the calamari which was good, but certainly not the best and was a little bit cold by the time it had arrived. My girlfriend ordered the mixed grill which had fantastic, tender, and large crabcakes, shrimp, and mashed red potatoes which were all perfectly seasoned. I ordered the flounder, which was also very tender and moist, that came with mashed potatoes, and two asparagus stalks that were kind of limp-- but all in all, perfectly seasoned. We would come back here again.
(4)Deva J.
DE-LICIOUS. I've only been here once, and someone else paid - which was good. We were also here for lunch, making the bill a little less hefty. That said... The location of the restaurant is amazing - it's right next to the Potomac. The service was pretty good (nothing to write home about). My coconut shrimp was AMAZINGLY good. Almost the best shrimp I've ever had. My entree was around $13 (for lunch), I think, so I can't imagine how much it would be for dinner. This place is definitely not for the cheapskates; be ready to spend the bigger bucks. I'm excited about, one day, being able to afford this place for dinner:)
(4)Audra K.
Huh, I didn't know Chart House has 25 locations throughout various waterfront locations around the US! My family used to frequent the one in Annapolis, MD and it became such a traditional place for us that my brother had his wedding rehearsal dinner there. We're sailboat lovers! The view is great and it's convenient to the city harbor there. Plus, the Chart House Original Mud Pie has been our family tradition on birthday's ever since the chef wrote it up on an index card for my mom, over two decades ago! She's been making it every year since I was in elementary school! We substitue Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip in place of the Coffee ice cream that Chart House uses. YUM!! Simple but so delicious. Here's a bit of their menu: Dynamite Salmon Crab crusted, chive oil drizzle, with coconut ginger rice Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi Warm peanut sauce with a hint of Frangelico, mango coulis, coconut ginger rice. Spiced Yellowfin Ahi Cajun spiced and grilled, ginger soy butter, wasabi cream, spinach & bok choy Snapper Hemingway Parmesan and cracker encrusted snapper sauteed and topped with jumbo lump crab and shallot butter, rice pilaf Chilean Sea Bass Buttery, white, flakey texture broiled and slightly seasoned Coconut Crunchy Shrimp With a tangy mustard sauce & sweet plum sauce, ginger rice Shrimp Fresca Parmesan crusted jumbo shrimp with angel hair pomodoro, topped with jumbo lump crab Shrimp Trio Platter One dozen large shrimp prepared scampi, coconut and grilled, served with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf Chart House Mixed Grill A jumbo lump crab cake, fresh grilled fish and grilled shrimp accompanied by seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf Pan Seared Sea Scallops In a soy-ginger broth with spinach & bok choy, coconut ginger rice Baked Stuffed Shrimp Six crab-stuffed shrimp served with seasonal vegetables and rice pilaf
(5)Tim S.
my duck was dried out. her sea bass tasted like crap. it all cost too much.
(2)LOLITA J.
I was very disappointed at the location for the Chart House, the food was nothing like what I had in Annapolis. The crab dip tasted like cream cheese dip due to the lack of crab in the crab dip. The toast that you put the dip on almost cut my mouth while chewing because is was super crispy. My husband order swordfish just like he did at the Chart House in Annapolis and his fish was half the size. I ordered the shrimp trio, and my Grilled Shrimp was almost burnt. My advice is that you never go on a Saturday night, way too busy because the cooks don't pay attention to the food with that many people. The ambiance is nice though. They gave my dad a free slice of cake for his birthday so that was nice. I will try again on another day.
(2)Pat B.
Went to celebrate a birthday. Wow! What a disappointment with the food and service. The restaurant is in a great location with great views which is why the prices are high because the quality of the food and the service is very low. The manager came out to inform us that one of the appetizers was taking a long time because it would not "gel" and hold its form. It went downhill from that point. They were accommodating to let us bring in a birthday cake.
(2)Sunny D.
crustaceans and noVa are 2 things i could pretty much do without, so when i got an invite to my GF's 30th birthday dinner party to be held @ chart house, i was less than thrilled. but, i decided to go in support of her special birthday anyway. i'm glad i did. getting there: i get lost every freaking time i have to drive to/in alexandria, and this night was no exception. the drunken halloween bar-hoppers didn't help...old town is always crowded on weekend nights anyway, so this was even worse. parking is a major b*tch in this particular area, so factor that into your travel time if you're dining here. ladies, also beware the brick/cobblestone streets - not good if you're wearing stilettos! the restaurant: it's a beautiful space and location. great colors and lighting, and right on the water with spectacular views, so try to get a seat by a window or outside if the weather's nice. the layout is really nice with split levels and an ample bar area with lots of tables in addition to the at-the-bar seating. there's a giant salad bar and also a lovely fireplace area in the back (that's small though, so i imagine it fills up fast and is better suited to couples/diners on dates). i think chart house is probably ideal for mellow groups, or for a nice date. they do private parties too, and by all appearances, it'd be an awesome venue for that. service: we had two waiters b/c apparently the two tables they put together to accomodate our party were 1 from each from 2 waiter's sections. no one told us this and we only found out b/c after ordering drinks and appetizers from waiter #1, waiter #2 shows up and asks us for our meal orders. we weren't so rude as to say, "who the hell are you?" but maybe we should've been b/c he was an ass. when waiter #1, peter, returned with our appetizers and we inquired as to what was going on (which is how we got the 2 table explanation), we told him we didn't like his co-waiter very much. peter was very diplomatic and did not bad mouth waiter #2 at all, but he definitely gave us more attention throughout the rest of the meal, and we appreciated that. (i can't remember waiter #2's name, but he was a short, stubby, blue-eyed, balding caucasian man with a bit of a stereotypical gay-twang to his speech for lack of a better description). other than waiter #2 with the bad attitude, service was very good. our water glasses were never empty, our drinks and food all arrived correctly and in an acceptable amount of time, and peter didn't mind our silliness as the drinks settled in/we got into the fun of the evening. one of the other gals in our party had called the restaurant ahead of time to let them know it was our friend's special birthday and they'd printed birthday wishes to her on all of our menus - nice touch! we all signed the birthday girl's menu and peter got the chef to sign it too. food: you really need to like crustaceans and/or steak to eat almost anything on the menu here. otherwise, it's just not worth it. it's slightly on the expensive side for what you're getting (but i think a lot of that has more to do with the location and setting than the actual food). almost EVERYTHING on the menu is seafood, and a lot of it with bacon and/or funky (bleu, gorgonzola, etc) cheese incorporated into the recipe. there's a few meals that include steak ("surf & turf"). i don't eat beef or pork, and i loathe all stinky-feet-smelling cheese, so this is not the place for me. i found the ONE chicken dish on the menu and went with that - romano chicken. it's basically prepared like chicken parmesan, but w/ romano cheese instead and w/ mashed potatoes instead of noodles (oh, and no marinara sauce). it was fine. good, even. not mind-blowing. not worth the price. but i didn't mind b/c of the good time and service. i also had the strawberry-basil caipirinha to drink. now THAT, that was scrumptious!!! i highly recommend. the other diners had wine (pretty good list), the signature patron margarita on the rocks (reportedly somewhat weak), calamari, fried asparagus, lobster stuffed mushrooms, the crab-avocado-mango stack, pan-seared scallops, steak & lobster tail, and a couple of the evening's specials. all seemed happy with their meals. the birthday girl got the dessert - the only dessert item on the menu - the chocolate lava cake, and enjoyed that too. of note is that it takes 30 minutes to prepare so you need to order early if you're getting dessert...like when you order your meal. if your waiter's good, s/he'll tell you that. (peter told us.) all in all a nice evening in a nice restaurant. not a good choice for vegetarians/vegans or for people who eat like i do, but if you don't mind spending a little more for setting/view with okay to good but not great food, and you live in the area (or aren't cranky about trekking out to alexandria like i am), give it try.
(3)Soo Hyun Y.
Well, after reading some of the reviews here I set my expectations kind of low. I had an American Express promotional offers for a three-course meal for $30, so I went ahead with coming here for a date. I know it seems kind of tacky, but oh well. This wasn't my first time here, but it's been a few years. It was very packed and busy, but without reservations, we were still able to get a seat in about twenty minutes. I knew it was expensive, but when I saw the menu I realized this place was more expensive than I anticipated and the American Express promotion was an excellent deal. We ordered a house salad, ribeye, and mud pie for $30 along with Alaskan Halibut and Coconut Shrimp and King Crab Legs. I also ordered a martini while my date had some sort of blue mojito. So the service... It was good enough. I felt kind of dumb and low class, though, as the waiter asked me several questions about how I wanted my martini (which I had no idea how to answer) and how I wanted my fish cooked (which I also had no idea how to answer). Oh well. The food. The House Salad was what you'd expect. The Coconut Shrimp... Presentation was fancy but I didn't really find it particularly delicious. Just decent. Now, considering that we were using a promotion that was saving us some money, I expected the chef or restaurant to skimp on the food but... The Ribeye was huge and came with a heaping side of Mashed Potatoes. Was marinated very nicely and tasted excellent. The Alaskan Halibut? Also a huge portion along with Wild Rice and also tasted excellent. The King Crab Legs... Well it wasn't a heaping portion but it also tasted good. I've had better, though. Mud Pie was also a nice finishing touch. The drinks. I enjoyed my Martini but my date's unnamed Blue Mojito... Tasted like Gatorade. Overall, I went in with low expectations but came out pleasantly surprised. Some of the food and drinks are good, and some of the food and drinks are not, but we have no complaints. The portions were massive and we came out very full. And on the final plus side, thanks to the AmEx promo, the final bill came out to just $125.
(4)Peter M.
Very expensive, but very good food and salad bar. Wine list is excellent. You will get what you paid for - and try to get a room overlooking the water on the second floor - very much worth it. Also a full service bar is available - and does a very nice martini. Lunch or dinner, I am happy when I go there. June 2008 Update: They have become a little too popular and their food has suffered a bit, as well as their service due to the large crowds. My advice is to go on off hours and make sure to have a reservation. (-1 star since first reviewing)
(4)Chris R.
What happened? 20 years ago this place was THE place for fine dining in Old Town. It appears to have gone the way of trapping tourists who want to see the Potomac. The signature prime rib is dry and overcooked (repeatedly) and salad bar appears under-attended. All this at a high price. Plenty of great choices in Old Town by restauranteurs who care about what they are serving their customers.
(2)Hend I.
The location is really nice, waterfront view, the restaurant is nice 2 floors, we sit on the second floor seeing the Potomac river . well the food was good, I would say it's a little over priced, we've paid over $100 for 2 entrees and an appetizer . they have a very nice fresh salad bar. I enjoyed the food and the good classy environment . the serving size was very small though and it was a little pricey .
(3)Will S.
If you're looking for a place with a great location on the water, then this is it. Chart House is located right on the water in Old town Alexandria. What you are really paying for here is the location so you'd better request a nice window seat! We were seated upstairs by the window. The food and the service were pretty good but the place specializes in seafood so don't get sticker shock. Bottom line: It is going to be a pricey meal no matter how you look at it. So I went all out. We had a couple glasses of the Coppola merlot and started with the steamed mussels. So far so good. The cream of crab soup is pretty good also. I opted for the Maine lobster, which is supposedly shipped from Maine still alive!! It is also 1 lb as well. If you're into presentation, then this is the one to get. They chop, crack, and serve all right in front of you. I have to admit that I'm a sucker for presentation so I enjoyed that part. My friend got the Ahi which was decent but I preferred the lobster. Their apple cherry crisp is basically a fancy name for pie a la mode so it comes with a scoop of ice cream. We had dessert with coffee and green tea respectively. All in all, I dropped some serious coin on this meal but I rationalized that you're paying for location, name, and service. The service, I might add, was very attentive so I tipped well. The seafood was good but it was still pricey I thought.
(3)Robert K.
We had an anniversary/Valentine's Day lunch and the food and service was great! We have been here once before and were just as pleased this time as we were before (we should come here more!) Since it was lunch time and we got there at the right time, we got to sit in the fire room (the large round room you can see from outside) which was great for our celebration. Dessert was great as well, lots of choices! We shared a bottle of wine, but there were a few martinis on the list that would have been good -- maybe next time :-)
(4)E S.
There are much better meals to be had in Old Town. The only plus, in my opinion, is the water view; however, the food is underwhelming. It seems and tastes like an overrated Red Lobster at twice the price. I am skeptical of any chain restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet (it immediately gives me flashbacks of Ruby Tuesdays) although admittedly the buffet does seem to have its fans as well. I must admit to price to quality comparison is the sticking point. My $30 piece of grilled mahi mahi came submerged in butter and with a wilted lemon. When the food does not look fresh, it is a challenge for you to feel it tastes fresh.
(2)Virginia C.
The food is overrated and the service is terrible (went there for lunch on a weekday).
(1)Andrea C.
The Chart house is located in a great area! It is a prime spot to take out of town guests. Their crab dip is one of the best crab dips I've ever tried!
(4)Carole M.
Stopped here on a whim just for the view of the water, and the food was delicious. The raw oysters were better than the Kennedy Center's, the lobster was fantastic, the drinks were the best I've had (despite the bar being so busy), and the waiter was attentive and helpful. Also, the crab mango avocado appetizer was amazing, and the lava cake was incredible. Most lava cakes are too big and too sweet, but this was well-balanced.
(5)Katie M.
I agree with the first reviewer- the best thing about this place is the view. I always take friends and family to this restaurant because it has so much character and it displays Old Town and DC so well. If you get a table in the far back by the window you can see the Washington Monument, the Mall and the Capitol Dome. Don't be surprised if you have to wait a little bit for a table, the Chart House is always busy whether you come for lunch or dinner. I suggest if you are there for dinner to wait in the bar-it has great views and their drink menu is fabulous. Food is great. I always get the same thing-the Herb Crusted Salmon-its delicious. But please feel free to branch out from the Salmon, you really can't miss with anything on their menu. I have to warn you that the Chart House is a little bit pricey. Dinner will run you about $40 a person- that is with a drink and without a dessert.
(4)Lauren R.
After hearing good things from others, I was definitely underwhelmed by Chart House. Food was not bad, but not special. (It wasn't all that long ago and I can't even recall what I ordered). Decor was not bad, but not special. Service was not bad, but not special. And, dare I even say, view was good, but not special. As for prices - not terribly outrageous but definitely not a value. With so many other restaurants to try, I can't imagine a reason to go back here.
(2)Lisa S.
Great view, great location and great service. The food....eh, not very impressed. We just had a few apps......calamari and mussels. Both were a bit chewy. I've had much better at other places. Still, the bar area was a nice place to unwind with some wine and the views were easily available from just about any seat. I would go back and try something different.
(3)Earl K.
Despite the pleasant service and the beautiful venue, the food was, to be totally honest, awful. I had the eggs Benedict. The eggs were overdone and the hollandaise cold. My friend had the blackened roast beef which was inedible and scrambled eggs which were cold The manager was profuse in his apologies and offered to replace it. First time there, but not a promising start.
(2)Dan W.
With great views of the Potomac located at the waterfront close to the Torpedo Factory, it is a good restaurant overall. The prices are a little on the high side for the quality of the food, but you have to pay a price for those views and they are great! The crab imperial is good and the salad bar was stocked well with lots of fresh items. To conclude, great drinks, good food, good service, and great views. This will be your pleasure if you choose to dine here. 3.5 stars:-)!
(3)Cathy Lee T.
Dinner for four Saturday evening.service was friendly and helpful. Swordfish special with crab was wonderful as was the sea bass with dynamite sauce. Key lime pie desert was big enough to be shared by everyone. While a bit pricey,I'd recommend the Chart House if you want to make the meal a memorable one.
(4)B M.
The only nice thing about this place is the view. Otherwise, the food sucks and is way overpriced, the usual tourist trap fare.
(2)Jackie W.
I was here Sunday for their Brunch - which I've been to 3-4 times before. I'm not sure if there is new management, or a new chef or what, but it looks like the Chart House suddenly has gone from a 4-star experience to a 2-star experience. I came with a group of 6. Slow and inattentive service brought us coffee (and only one refill in an hour and a half), "cheap champagne" mimosas, and a bad bloody mary (no Worcestershire sauce, no tobasco...). Although my diet coke was fine, thats pretty easy to get right. Ordering brought us extremely inconsistent results. We advised our 4 out of town guests that they had great filet Mignon, excellent crab cakes, and a really good seafood omelet. No more seafood omelet, but we did see a Philly cheesesteak omelet. Two people ordered the philly omelet, 3 ordered the filet and eggs, and one ordered the eggs Benedict (no complaints - but no compliments either). One guest thought the omelet was okay, and the other took 2 bites and went back to the salad bar (when we asked, she said there was just no taste and "somethings missing"- we said it looked like the cheese sauce (yes, no cheese in the philly chesse steak omelet), she said that- but mostly just flavor - ouch). All steaks were ordered medium rare. We received 2 medium-well, and 1 well done. I'm not a complainer when it comes to how my steak is cooked as long as its in the range of "still mooing" to "medium-well". Too bad - I got the well done and sent it back (the other two did not). The server took my entire plate with him rather than bringing just a new steak out (bye bye hash browns and eggs), so I spent the rest of the meal watching everyone else eat their under seasoned, tough to chew steak. When my steak came everyone was finished eating but when they tried mine they couldn't believe the improvement. Much better cooked, but way over-seasoned - it was practically orange there was so much $0.99 seasoned salt mix on it! All-in-all it was embarrassing to bring our guests from NYC here. We just wanted to impress them with DC food but we should've went to our tried-and-true Tabbard Inn or Ulah Bistro for brunch. I won't make this mistake again - but let me know if their regular management/chef comes back!
(2)Yumi W.
huge portion.
(3)Louisa W.
Went here for dinner on a Tuesday night. Restaurant was pretty empty, but still service was still slow. We had a table by the window and the views were nice. However, the table was wobbly and there were little ants crawling all over the table and window (we were inside). The food was horribly overpriced ($29 for a tiny piece of fish!!) and tasted worse than airplane food. The chop salad we ordered was a heap of iceberg lettuce that had wilted and gone rancid. Honestly the worst salad I have ever had. We both ordered fish and our order had obviously sat in the window under the heat lamp for quite some time as it was shriveled up and overcooked. I found a big chunk of black "something" in my dried out mashed potatoes. The manager saw it and didn't seem concerned. Overall, I feel like we got ripped off. The food was so overpriced and for what you got, even if it was decent quality, it wouldn't have been worth it. On a positive note, the crème brule for dessert was decent. I would contemplate coming back to have a drink at the bar, but would NEVER order food here again.
(1)Gillian S.
The best way to see how a restaurant can perform is to see it in action when it's at complete capacity. The Chart House was a mad house on Easter. We didn't have a reservation so we waited at the bar for a table outside to open up. I had a mimosa, it was ok but how good can it be? My husband had a blood mary and he said it wasn't that great. My husband got the filet mignon and I got miso glazed salmon with asian green beans. He ordered his medium and even had a discussion with the waitress that underdone was better than over done, he also go the salad bar because we heard so many good things about it. He came back with some spinach, croutons and yellow cherry tomatoes. He said it was the worst, most unappetizing salad bar he had every seen. In fact even the croutons were awful- how can croutons be stale?? I ordered a Margarita while we waited for our meal. It was watery and tasteless and $12! The table behind us sent back a round of Bloody Marys because they tasted watery. When we got our meal I had two 2 inch by 4 inch strips of Salmon and about 3 inch wide pile of green beans. THAT for 29.99?! My husbands steak was barely warm and was grey throughout. They took that off the check since he didn't eat a single bite. $50 bill for one mixed drink, a salad bar and one entree. Worst value ever. I've finally given up. It could be so great! I'll only go there for drinks and their awesome lava cake. Pro: The view and the lava cake. Wait staff was nice Cons: Value, kitchen staff, value, cannot perform when full, and value. Did I say value? I'm ok paying- if I get what I pay for.
(1)Sarita R.
Great food and awesome service. We will definitely be going back!!!
(4)Richard W.
The Chart House in Old Towne Alexandria is a spectacular location. It is right on the City Dock in back of the Torpedo Factory. The views are amazing. Service is wonderful, I know it is a chain, I have been to other locations in Maryland, California and Florida and have never been disappointed. The food is always good and I love the Alexandria location for the salad bar $16.50 by itself or $8.25 with an entree. How can you go wrong with a salad bar that has a mixed greens, lettuce or ceasar salad. In additon to fresh fruit and caviar, creme fraiche, capers etc. Both the seafood and meats are well prepared, cooked to order and the selection of sides is great. Most entrees come with a side and yesterday we had the fried asparagus with tomatos and blue cheese butter as an appetizer. It was so good we ordered a second one. I continue to be a fan of Chart House and look forward to returning.
(4)Lauren C.
You're paying for the view, NOT the quality of the food. My salmon, rice and broccoli could have come from a Marriott mass-produced conference meal. Nowhere near worth $26. Definitely come here for a drink and dessert and the view, but don't bother with dinner.
(2)Foster K.
At first I was worried this was going to be an overpriced, tourist-trap type of place (maybe it was the riverboat parked outside the window), but I was pleasantly surprised. The views are great, the space has a wonderful upscale nautical feel (like as if you are inside an expensive yacht), and the waitstaff are knowledgeable and patient. We went during the Sunday brunch, which offers an entree plus salad bar for $24.99. However, we decided to split a bunch of appetizers, so I can recommend: the Maryland crab bisque, the coconut shrimp, the crab cakes (of course!), and the lobster spring rolls. The only item that wasn't a big hit was the house salad. While here, make sure to check out the Torpedo Factory Art Studios, just across from the front door of the restaurant. A neat collection of independent artists, everything from pottery to photography on display.
(4)Albert O.
The ambiance is great. The large windows frame the Potomac well. I went to Chart House for brunch and found the prices to be ridiculously overpriced. The salad bar was OK but the food was dry and none of the ingredients seem to be fresh.
(2)David H.
The Chart House is RIGHT on the Potomac. When you go, ask the wait staff to seat you overlooking the river because I think that's one of the great things about this place: the view. It's expensive for what you get, in my opinion. But a solid rule of eating at ANY restaurant that is on King Street or just off of it is: add $50 to the fair price of your food and that's your bill. You're just paying for location. But with that said, the Chart House is WELL WORTH IT. Actually, it's the ONLY restaurant on King Street that I would definitely recommend because of the beautiful views (over the river) and the good seafood selections. You don't get views of the monuments in DC or anything like that; It's a placid scene of the river. I just don't know of many restaurants (sans boat cruises) where you get that in Alexandria. They do have turf selections as well, but the whole building is in the shape of a lighthouse and who eats steak in a lighthouse?! The whole place is dimly lit so it's made for a romantic dinner...definitely not a place I'd go with a book by myself...unless you love reading and bring a pen light. The wait staff I've always had are college student types who do an ok job. If there is a long wait (which there will be on weekends), you can ask to be seated in the meantime at the bar and enjoy some raw oysters while you wait (if you like that sort of thing). Great restaurant for a date and if you enjoy seafood.
(4)Judy C.
3.5 stars. The view gets 4.25 stars, the food 3.25 stars. I went there for my birthday dinner. We were seated by the window next to the fireplace. It was a great table! The view was amazing and the room that we were seated in had a very nice decor. We started out with the salad bar. The salad is about $8 but is worth it. The best of the selection includes artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, crackers with caviar, and strawberries and cream. I had steak and shrimp for my entree. The steak was cooked the way I wanted, the shrimp was tasty, and it also came with mashed potatoes. The waiter brought out a candle with dessert, which was a nice touch. The menu is safe, the food was good, but not memorable or creative. The portions are large. I had leftovers for lunch the next day. Dinner is pricey...expect to go easily over $100 for two, so it's best to save the Chart House for an occasion. I went on a rainy Friday night and the restaurant was still packed. The clientele is older and Old Townish.
(3)Karen L.
I've always felt that if there was one thing I wanted to do before I die was to dine at Chart House in Olde Towne Alexandria. It overlooks right over the Potomac River. The walls are glass so that you can see out and see nothing but the water, boats and seagulls. They have the tables right up to the windows, so when you eat you have a good meal and great scenery too. The food was a little expensive but seafood is expensive. They have any kind of seafood that you would like to order. They have lobster, crab, shrimp and even steak if you'd rather not be a vegetarian. The Chart House is some of the few restaurants that serve seafood that have lobster. You can get a whole lobster or just the lobster tail. If you think you can't afford it and think you'd be settling for less getting the lobster tail, the lobster tails are very big. So you won't be disappointed. I think their food is exquisite. For one thing, they don't mess it up with a lot of sauces or spices that you may not enjoy. Not everyone has the same taste buds. They give you melted butter if you want to dip the lobster tail in it for more flavoring. You'll have a pleasant experience dining here because it is very restful looking at the boats, water and seagulls. This is the number one restaurant that I would recommend to any visitor to Olde Towne Alexandria. I've lived here all my life and I can testify to that.
(5)chancy l.
Their crab dip is to die for. The food is good, but you go for the view and the ability to sit outside. Wait staff is fine. Good date place.
(3)Bobbi R.
We were lucky enough to get walk-in seating on Memorial Day and had a fabulous dinner. The coconut shrimp appetizer is wonderful. My Dad had blackened mahi mahi and I had blackened rockfish -- both were heavenly. Mom had the chicken dish -- crusted with romano cheese, I believe -- and it stole the taste show. Really juicy and tender and full of flavor. Our server was friendly and good, maybe a little overloaded with tables but that's not her fault. Overall our experience was excellent. My only complaint is that the beer options are a bit lacking for a hop head like myself. But this place is definitely worth the $$$.
(5)Joe S.
Sad, the Chart House has become uncharted. What was a very wonderful place to have dinner has now really cut corners on the food. What was once the greatest salad bar I have ever had is no better then some fast food restaurants now. The dinner cheese's are gone and now only servered for lunch, the fruit was not ripe and hard, caviar was salty and only black, no red like in the past, sorry to say not worth the price. The entrees are still very expensive, like the 3 jumbo scallops with a pyramid of rice for almost $30.00, that was cooked in a soy sauce that made the meal salty. The atmosphere is still warm, comfortable and very clean, the bar is friendly and the fireplace is very romantic. Service is still very professional, fast, informative about the food they are serving. Not once did the server say,"I don't know what the special is". This is not to slam C.H. because it is a wonderful place to eat, I just hope they remember how they once were and comeback to the past.
(2)Pep P.
True the view can not be beat but that is the problem with this restaurant, they stand alone on the view and the proximity of the restaurant and they don't invest much in anything else. I went to a party dinner last night with 6 people and the reservationist kept losing our reservation after calling a few times before to verify and to have flowers sent to the restaurant before hand. We asked for a table by the water, that wasn't granted. Our server was lifeless with no personality and had no attention to detail and wasn't very efficient. He only did what had to be done. Everything is over priced which I am sure is to help pay for the large rent fee of being on the waterfront. The margarita was actually very tasty, but $10 is alot. The crab dip, I could have done without. The calamari was pretty good, enjoyed the dipping sauce the most. My meal was the scallops with coconut rice and some king of leafy spinach. The rice was not coconut but more like a pillaf and I had one piece of spinach on top. The scallops were plentiful and tasty but when I bit into some, there was a taste of salt rocks on there. That I didn't like. The Molten Lava cake was very good at the end of the meal, you need 30 minutes lead time to order. All in all, it was a nice time because the view and ambiance was nice but I definately been to better places. Its expensive there and nothing ever seems rememorable and I don't want to go to place for view alone and give a restaurant my business when they really don't seem to care either way. They better step it up because the view is much more magnificient over at National Harbor when going to McCormick and Schmidt. (sorry bad spell) Well see how long Chart House lasts after that.
(3)Patrice H.
I planned a birthday celebration here for my hubby and the service was the worst ever. We were supposed to have pre-printed menus (which we did) and a birthday candle placed in his dessert (which we did not). We had reservations for 8:30PM but didn't get seated until 9. I should've took this as a sign. The waiter started by telling us about the specials for the day and about the lava cake. We placed our orders and I informed the waiter that we wanted to order the lava cake. My hubby started off with a bowl of clam chowder which he said was delicious. It took over 20-30 minutes for the appetizer to come out mind you. I had asked the waiter to bring me another cocktail once my meal arrived. Needless to say, he forgot, and I was halfway into my meal before the cocktail arrived. Once the diner plates were removed we waiting for what seemed like eternity for dessert. The waiter brings out the dessert menu, and my hubby kindly reminded him that we ordered the lava cake. Then comes the cake with no candle. I informed the waiter that it was my husband's birthday and that we were missing the candle and he replied that he didn't know it was my husbands birthday. AT this point, my hubby was fed up and asked to speak to the manager. We didn't want anything but just to tell him about the poor service. Not once did the waiter come back to apologize for the delays or to make it right with the cake, he just didn't care. The manager offered to discount the cake which was nice but the evening was soured due to the bad service. It took over 30 minutes for us to get the check after we asked the waiter numerous times for it. He acted as if we weren't there half the time just buzzing by us and not giving eye contact. All in all, the food was good but the service was lousy. We will not be going back anytime soon.
(2)Thomas C.
I have very high regards for this name. I have been to the one in NJ, Santa Monica, San Diego, and one in Savannah. I go there because of one thing and one thing only - the dessert - the molten chocolate cake, it's so good. Well I would have given this place a 4 star for that if they had just gotten the rest of the meal right. This is where for each major mistake I took one star away. Let's start with the appetizer. I order the mussel and it was not cook. So one strike! Fine so we order something else, it was a safe bet, shrimp cocktail. Then the main dish came, and the crab cake was way too salty and everybody who took a bite also agreed it was too salty. Second strike! So we got something else again we played it safe, fish of the day. They comp us for one of the mistake but the as a good patron we tip the waiter with the saving as it was not his fault the food SUX. Unless Morton's shut down in the DC area, because that's the other place I can get good molten chocolate cake I would not go back.
(2)July G.
My husband took me to The Chart House to celebrate my birthday. We made reservations and arrived early, so decided to grab a drink at the bar. Apparently that is what 30 other people had in mind. We waited awhile, trying to get the Bartender's attention and he told me that he could not make a mango martini (although he could make me a mango mojito), so I went with the standard pomegranate martini. It was the best pomegranate martini I have ever had! We were seated shortly after at a window table overlooking the water. I splurged and ordered the Alaskan King Crab Legs and while still very tasty, they seem to have been steamed a little too long cause the shells were not as easy to break. My husband had the Prime Rib, which was also very good. We topped it all off with the Lava Cake, which was ooey gooey and yummy. All in all, we had a great time and I've always enjoyed my meals at the Chart House.
(4)Chervianne Z.
The location is prime but you can't taste the location. For that matter you can't taste the food either; it should be so much better for what you are paying for. Bland seafood and steaks and a salad bar. I thought salad bars went away along with Mr. Steaks!
(3)Meredith R.
Ah, can't say that I was all that impressed. The view is great, the wait staff was friendly and attentive, but the food was just ok. I think that this place is best left to (pardon the derogatory name I'm borrowing from a recent acquaintance) the 'Tour-ons.' We all ordered the crab bisque [one of the folks in our party insisted that we all have it]. It was really heavy, even for a bisque. Nice lumps of crab meat, but definitely a bit of Campbell's soup consistency. For the entre I had one of the specials for the evening - the shrimp wrapped in proscuitto with angel hair pasta. The waiter recommended this dish. I had narrowed my selection down to three choices and he said, "Oh! That one is really good." Alas, I cannot share the sentiment. It was dry and really not that great. And to add insult to injury, it's really pricey. For my not so great meal I shelled out $60. There are so many, many other places that I could have had a really nice meal for that dough.
(3)Mochi K.
Chart House (which I keep thinking is called the Charter House) is a great place to catch a small lunch with friends. It's right by the water with a great view, large windows in the bar area. Don't put a hole in your wallet and grab a spinach salad (good portion) with a bowl of lobster bisque or clam chowder at the bar.
(3)Nicole L.
Totally awesome. Sat on the patio with a gorgeous view of DMV and the WW bridge. During dinner, fireworks (every Sat. night) were being launched at the Gaylord National Hotel across the bridge. So we had a fantastic view during dinner. The tilapia was the most delicious tilapia I have ever had. Also had the creamed spinach (YUM), asparagus (YUM) and a chicken dish. All very, very good. The place was beautiful from every seat. You cannot go wrong here. We did have to wait about an hour, but it was totally worth it. Great views, great food, great service!!!
(5)Erika C.
Great food and atmosphere - perfect for friends or a date - a definite must to check out when in Old Town
(5)Chaz S.
It's been over a decade since I last walked through the doors of Chart House, Old Town Alexandria. It's good to be back. Visited for Sunday brunch. The salad bar was outstanding. The bagels warm and fresh. Service was top-notch. Too bad it was 11am, because the view at night of DC is spectacular. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Shennice B.
We went to the Chart House to celebrate my mother in law's birthday. The menu included a birthday greeting for her which put a smile on her face. The server was decent. We had the calamari which was ok. I had medallion and stuffed shrimp for my entree and it was DELICIOUS!!! Everyone enjoyed their meals. We indulged in the lava cake and it was very rich and sweet. I can't decide if I liked the entree or dessert more.
(4)Ken C.
Definitely for tourist. It's a little over price and the service is not good at all comparing to the price and the customer that they are targeting. We walked in w/o a host and we have to wait for the host. As usual all windows are taken. Decor is a little old and need improvement. The service is not good at all. I cannot understand what the waiter said and he keep bugging us about order foods. I just want appetizers, but the waiter just did not get it. Even after I got my appetizers, but the foods were too salty. It's just a very bad experience.
(2)Natalie D.
Delicious!! The stuffed flounder was perfect. Tender calamari, fresh lobster springrolls, swordfish was fresh and meaty. The chocolate lava cake was ok but chili's version is better. Great service and great view.
(5)Mark B.
Fantastic location, right on the water in Old Town Alexandria, next to the Torpedo Factory. Good views from most tables, and it's fun to sit outside on nice days; the tables are quite a bit above the elevation of the dock, so there aren't tourists walking inches past you as you're eating, as is the case in most outside Alexandria establishments. The Chart House is a tad touristy, but it's a very nice upscale place with great seafood and an extremely professional staff. Reservations are generally a must, unless you're looking to eat at some odd hour in the middle of the week. I've probably been here a dozen times over the years, and enjoyed it each time. It's a great place for a special event.
(4)Kathy C.
Visited The Chart House this past Saturday evening. Had a reservation for two but was seated at a table for 6. We ordered the trio of soups to share. The clam chowder was delish. The gaspacho was good but the cream of crab was very bland. I ordered the stuffed flounder as my main course and it was wonderful! My husband ordered a combo plate of a crab cake, salmon and shrimp scampi. He wasn't impressed by the serving size and he really only enjoyed the salmon. The crab cake was alittle fishy and mushy. For the price it was not worth it to him. Service was good.
(3)R L.
Had Easter brunch here and could not have been more pleased. Had to increase my reservation at the last minute and they were so very accommodating. Services was excellent and everyone was very welcoming and even had personalized heading on our menus for a special occasion.
(5)Barbara H.
I have regretted every time I've gone here. Too bad such a sub-par restaurant commands such a stunning location. I had not been for some years so went again with hope. First, service was awful for a luncheon for five. Unused place settings were not cleared, water glasses were not refilled, coffee was plunked down in the middle of the table, not next to those who ordered it. Most of us ordered the eggs Benedict with crab cakes, which were truly atrocious and verging on the inedible. The eggs were hard, not poached. The crab cakes were bland lumps of mostly bread. They were accompanied by about a quarter teaspoon of hollandaise sauce on the side, not even poured over the eggs. Of course, there wasn't enough to pour. The salad bar had some nice offerings and was vastly superior to the entrees. The faux "eggs Maryland" cost $26.95, a total rip-off. Never ever ever again. I have been convinced.
(1)Reuben S.
Food was delicious. Atmosphere was great. Servers are friendly. Great view of DC at night! I proposed on the pier after we ate!
(5)Derek B.
Ok, so I enjoyed this place but there were a few major problems. First, prices were a little steep for the amount/quality of the food. I understand it's a "nice" place, but it isn't that nice. If I can eat dinner and shorts and flip flops, I shouldn't be paying $30 for 9 shrimp...granted they were crab stuffed, coconut fried, etc. but still not worth that price. Second, and this goes for any restaurant, but especially for one that is trying to be moderately up scale...When asked about one of the entrees, our server's response was "I don't know, I've never had it." Not cool, not okay. That's poor serving and poor chef'ing. I told him to go back to the kitchen and tell the chef to let him try it. Point in case, the person who asked about that dish ordered an entree that was $7 cheaper. Let your servers try the food!!!! On to the good stuff...Apps were awesome. A little pricey, but enough food and high enough quality to make it worth it. These apps are meant to be shared. Or eaten as an entree and save yourself some cash. Great view from just about anywhere in the place. And other than the server not knowing about one of the entrees, service was awesome. Overall, I had fun and I'd go back with some friends, but I'd be more inclined to check out other places in the area first.
(3)Jay M.
Great place! Good food, good service. Never had a bad experience here! I think the ac was broken or something on the visit because it was horribly hot. The staff was still wonderful and food was great! Ask for Chris.
(5)Ticha B.
3.5 stars here. Service wasn't too good. We ended up sitting at the first come/first serve bar dining area since the main dining area was a 45 min way. I don't fault the bar waiter for being slow, but it was busy and I think he was waiting on 5 tables in the area. It was slow, drinks were slow, food was slow. The food was pretty good...but pricey. But what do you expect for main street Alexandria huh? Had the Oyster Rockerfeller..which was good...but they served 6 small to medium sized suckers. The scallop entree dinner was good. Luckily we sat inside cuz it was pouring cats and dogs outside!! Not too bad for dinner....
(3)Valencia W.
Came here for a dinner for my mom's birthday. As usual parking was pathetic. I think the atmosphere is OK, I wouldn't call it amazing or even stunning. View was just ok. It was very crowded on a Friday which was expected. One thing that was UNEXPECTED was that the AC was not on blast. Whatever they had for a cooling mechanism was not working and we went during one of the heat wave weeks...yes it was 101 outside at 6:30pm. Most everyone was uncomfortable and some men forgot to where their undershirts underneath their dress shirts as you could see sweat all over their backs ...poor guys. Onto the food. It was good. I believe it was a bit pricey as I was expecting more than what I got (portion). I ordered Gazpacho - cold soup for a hot day. There's nothing better than good Gazpacho. Well the Gazpacho was good but it was thick, like salsa. Anybody who knows Gazpacho and has had real Gazpacho know it should not be thick. The consistency should be that of tomato soup. Soup not Salsa. I didn't complain because it did the trick. Next, I got the baked stuffed shrimp. Shrimp was fine, the crab meat was really good. We had a great time and I would recommend this place once again. If I go again it would probably during the fall...or when the outside temp is less than 85 degrees.
(3)Gena S.
This is one of our staples when visiting the DC, VA area. They've NEVER disappointed us with the food or service. Enjoying the view is the icing on the cake.
(5)Zei C.
The ONLY salad bar in town I know that serves CAVIAR! Luv it! ONLY during lunch do they serve the Fish & Chips which is very satisfying. It's not heavily breaded like some places and the portion is a healthy one! Had a bad experience for dinner once though. I ordered the King Crab Legs and they were over cooked and NOT tasty at ALL but the Hubby had the Filet Mignon and he said it was cooked just right ~ medium. This location sits right on the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria. Service has always been on point ~ never overboard. Parking is like musical chairs so it's best to just take the garage and save time.
(4)ABellaDC B.
Nice atmosphere. The food is just OKay.
(4)Rick G.
Unlike its brethren in Cardiff by the Sea, CA or the Grove at Bayshore in Miami - and despite its incredible location right on the Potomac waterfront in Old Town, this CH lacks the luster, finesse and quality its near legendary national namesakes entertain! Although I cannot score their culinary offerings highly on the scale, I can say it is a unique location, unequaled ambience and extraordinary views at the Old Town Wharf! Their service and attention to detail is pretty good although somewhat inconsistent, and the seafood renderings about average. If you are looking for exquisite seafood you may consider better offerings in Northern Virginia, and only a stone's throw away - for the price! We frequent CH a few times a year, primarily for appetizers (which are very good) and their fantastic bar selections. Few places in Old Town offer better mixed cocktails than that of the CH Bar, and the libations are enhanced by the view and atmosphere. Their renditions of the classics Mojitos and Martinis, not to mention some of their specialties are beyond reproach and they do not skimp on the main ingredients! Albeit, the prices are a little high for the libations, the occasional splurge at the riverside may be worth it!
(3)Phuong O.
I think it has been mentioned several times but the location and the view of this place is beautiful. You can see the Wilson bridge and the National Harbor!! but unfortunately my experience there was terrible though, our waiter forgot to put in our appetizer order and forgot to bring out the bread. We had an hour for lunch and didn't get the appetizer til 40 mins after. The appetizer came out separately 10 mins after another which means he forgot to put it our order and instead of being honest about it, he kept saying it's coming. The waiter was no where to be found, seems like he was hiding. I ordered the chicken BLT and it was kinda gross. The bread of the sandwich had soaked up the grease from the chicken, it was nasty. Other than the view of this place it's just an ok place.
(2)Lydia P.
Chart House is one of the first restaurant I could think of whenever someone asking me for suggestions of where to go for lunch or dinner in Alexandria waterfront. So that day, Michael and I decided to head down to Alexandria waterfront for lunch. Since he has not been back to Torpedo Factory for the longest time, so we think it will be good to take a look one more time after our lunch time. We have a gourmet lunch, delicious and unforgettable! Our waiter Jessica has pampered us with a great service and smile. On top of that she had give us a good recommendation for our choice from the menu. I have the best Chilean Sea Bass which is cooked blackened cajun style. And he had the the yummy Salmon glazed. Overall, it was a good experience. Good food, good service and great company. And I know I will come back for more! :)
(4)Sema O.
I used to love this restaurant but after seeing the terrible management, I would never go there again. The waitress split wine on my Ralph Lauren dress and they called the next day and told me to send it to dryclenaers, and they can pay for it. Than, they wanted to send the payment in the form of gift card, whoch means they wanted me to go back and spend another at least $100 on it. They did not even offer a dessert for what they did. It is awful, I hope people will realise this terrible management and stop going to that place.
(1)Pat O.
A bit pricey but the food's great, location's convenient, view's terrific and the staff is super friendly. Probably the best way to describe Chart House is to say that it is not a place I seek out to go but enjoy myself when I do go; it's a seafood restaurant I would take my grandparents to - if they were alive and visiting (they're neither). I had the calamari and stuffed flounder the last time I was there and liked both a lot. Well-cooked and perfectly seasoned - only distraction was the mashed potatoes...far too gluey for my tastes. They have a long wine list but their beer-on-tap selection is pathetic: a Yuengling, one hefeweizen and an IPA...that's it.
(3)Hannah C.
Great view. The rest, well, my Mama says, "If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything." * So... *Actually, my Mama doesn't say that, but some peoples' Mamas say that.
(2)Angie T.
This review is a little late in the making but nonetheless, still valid. My gf and I decided to go here on Restaurant Week for Sunday lunch. On the Open Table website, Chart House was listed as participating for lunch during restaurant week. So I made a reservation and was extremely excited to try the place out. After arriving, we asked the server for the restaurant week menu, which he replied that they only have restaurant week menu for dinner not lunch. We were very disappointed and felt like we were lied to. We eventually just opted into trying their brunch menu out which includes mimosas, salad bar buffet, and 2 of your choice Eggs Benedict for approximately $20 depending on which Eggs Benedict you choose. The Eggs Benedict would have been good if not for the both mine and my gf's eggs being over cooked. The egg yolks were completely solid. However, the staff was extremely friendly and apologetic and credited us back for one of the meals. Being that I'm a big seafood fan, I hope that my next experience will be much more pleasant than this later visit.
(3)Charles David T.
This is a fun place for dinner and drinks. The food is ok, but the Long Beach Marina atmosphere sets very positive vibe!
(4)Dette T.
The best prime rib at a reasonable price! Get the end cut, blackened, medium rare and pair it with creamed spinach- oh so yummy!!!! Top it off with a heavenly molten lava cake!! Tip: order the cake the same time as ur steak as it takes them 30 minutes to make it- didn't you just feel special now? :)
(5)Tran C.
I highly understand that Halloween is approaching, but Chart House doesn't have to go over the top and put a family of live spiders on my dinner table. The first spider, DAD made his first debut, which he was quickly being escorting out by our lovely waitress. While I was eating my stale bread and butter looking out the beautiful waterfront view, I noticed the wife spider and their offspring spider made a duet debut. At that point, I got up and left with my boyfriend. Like most girls, I am terrified of spiders and insects. We spoke to the manager and they quickly sit us at another table. On the contrary, the life-less manager didn't seemed too apologetic or sympathetic AT ALL. We have ordered the East meets West Tuna, clam chowder, Miso glazed salmon, autumn ravioli with Grilled Shrimp, and the Lava Godiva Cake. The food was surprisingly DECENT! My grilled shrimp was over-cooked; this type of technical cooking mistakes should not happen at a place like this. On top of that, my ravioli was dry. The clam chowder wasn't anything special. The fried plantains from East meets the West Tuna were not freshly fried. It seemed like it has been cooked for a long time because it became stale. My boyfriend and I both agreed that he did not pay $100.00 worth of foods to have this type of food, service, and spider appearances. Chart House has lost two lovely customers who both are passionate about food.
(1)Mulator M.
Pretty nice place, but I'm not sure I'll go back very often. Customer service was great (quick, attentive, accurate), dinner was fresh, desert was exceptional, view was nice. What's the downer? It seemed like it was modeled in 1970. Might not be a bad idea to shed a little profit on new digs (at least the carpet).
(3)Arija R.
Reason for going: Dinner with girlfriends. Overall Experience: Good ATMOSPHERE: Beautiful! The inside is tastefully designed with hues of blue complimenting its waterfront location. Plenty windows for outside scenery. Upscale. Great for out-of-towners. SERVICE: Great--friendly and attentive. -HOSTESS was helpful in meeting our requests to sit by a window for the view. -COCKTAIL SERVER was polite and quick with our drinks. Even brought them up when our table [with a new server] was ready. -SERVER was impressive. Knowledgeable on menu items and introduced herself and all the specials in a fine and easy to understand manner. FOOD: Took forever! I understand the concept of fresh seafood, but the wait was pretty long. Additionally the menu displayed outside was significantly different from the one we were presented with. Misleading since part of the reason we chose to dine here was due to the options on the displayed menu. The menu inside had little to no entree's featuring combinations. ENTREE: Since I didn't find any combinations, I made my own with the JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE and the COCONUT CRISPY SHRIMP. Crab cake was delicious! Worth the dine. Shrimp tasted a bit under cooked and lacked flavor. Luckily it's served with the CITRUS CHILI SAUCE, which was the star of my meal. Friends also chose Crab Cakes. In addition, one ordered the CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS--really good! DESSERT: They feature the Hot Chocolate Lava Cake, which they recommend to order before ordering entree's since it takes about a half hour to prepare. That did not encourage us to move forward with our initial interest. The other desserts didn't seem as appealing. PRICE: Good. OVERALL: Good experience. Will return for more summer nights.
(4)Sydney C.
This used to be one of my favorite restaurants and a go-to place for special occasions. However, recently they seem to be turning out overcooked seafood and much smaller portions at the same prices. Also, the lava cake dessert that they still push for you to get from the moment you sit down tastes no different from the frozen ones from the grocery store. Still a decent choice if you are in the mood for average food on par with a chain restaurant and a great view of the river.
(2)David S.
Wife and I were in the area for an event in the morning on Valentines Day, and we decide to stop by for lunch We had a table with a great view of the river. The food was okay. We tried the appetizer sampler and we were underwhelmed. The plantain chips weren't crisp and had no flavor. Tuna tartar was kind of bland, and the rice paper around the roll was a little chewy. There weren't a lot of seafood entree on the menu. It was either the trout or salmon. Wife had the so-so salmon with some rice/vegetable. Diner burger was big but it was unseasoned. Our server was very nice and attentive.
(3)Sweet N.
I'm solely rating this on Happy Hour only. This is by far my favorite happy hour spot. I've had everything on the Happy Hour menu and I haven't found one thing I didn't like. Everything from the Ahi Tuna to the Fish Tacos, Spinach dip to the Mussel is delicious. The drinks can use a bit more alcohol but over all for the price. It's perfect! You might want to get there before 5:30pm-- it gets crazy and the wait can be long. It's usually under staff so we usually order as much as we can in the first round. It might take a while for your waiter to come back. ;) Overall: good food , good prices and good view!
(4)Jamie W.
The Chart House is one of the few OT restaurants that actually has decent views of the Potomac. However, I don't understand why people would eat here based solely on that. It's just a dirty river with nothing much to look at. But if that appeals you won't be disappointed if you sit near the windows. It's a good place to bring a date and I suggest asking for a table in the lighthouse section--less people and less noisy. Or get a table outside if the weather is right. The bar is pretty nice and has a decent happy hour. You have to make reservations several days in advance if you want a specific time or table/section. This place is super crowded, especially on the weekend. Lots of tourists as well. If you like your space, make reservations on an off day and time. Now to the food...it's good, but should be better for the prices. I think its unacceptable for shrimp to be overcooked at a restaurant that specializes in seafood. This has happened more than once. But other than the shrimp I would give the food 4 stars by itself. Update!!! I should have updated a long time ago, but I forgot. After writing the review I was contacted by the Chart House management almost immediately. I was put in touch with the Alexandria manager who encouraged me to return and assured I would leave happy. I'm definitely not hard to please, but I was really impressed with the level of seriousness the Chart House takes customer reviews and strives to exceed expectations. Automatic extra star in my book. For those curious, I did order the shrimp again and it was cooked perfectly! Although, I think I would specifically mention my concern for the shrimp if I was to order it in the future--especially during busy hours.
(4)Megan T.
Went here for a friend's birthday last night. I had never been before, but judging from the prices and location, I expected a lot better. The service was fine, the waitress a little overbearing. She kept pressuring us to order, even though we were in no rush to eat. It was only 5pm, it wasn't even crowded yet, so what's the hurry? We started with the calamari app, and it was pretty good. Nice and crunchy, and the sweet asian dipping sauce was nice change up from the marinara. When dinner came, we were all a little disappointed at how small the portions were. I know it's not The Cheesecake Factory, but for $32 a plate we expected a little more food. My friend's lobster tail was tiny! I had the seafood trio, and the salmon was dry and overcooked, and I hardly tasted the maple glaze that was suppose to be on it. I don't like shrimp, so I let the rest of the table eat it, where they said it was "just ok." The crab cake and mashed potatoes weren't bad, saved the dish from being a total waste. For dessert we decided to share the molten lava cake, and that dessert was the highlight of the entire evening. It was cooked to long to be a lava cake (there wasn't any gooey chocolate center), but it was still delicious, like a big chocolate brownie covered in rich chocolate syrup, crushed heath bars, and topped with vanilla ice cream. Halfway through the meal, an employee came to our table and gave a couple of menu's tied in ribbon to my friend whose birthday it was, so he could "remember the occasion", which we thought was a little strange. It's not like they printed his name on them or anything. They did say "Happy Birthday" at the top, but still, a voucher for a free app or dessert would have been more appreciated. Overall, the view from upstairs was nice, but the food wasn't worth it. I won't be back.
(2)Amy G.
I went to Chart House with my fiancee's family on Saturday during Thanksgiving weekend. I knew it was going to be busy but I thought, being the Chart House they would have prepared for the rush a bit better. The service was slow. Our waitress was awkward. She brought a steak knife for someone who ordered fish (what? why??? though we got a laugh out of it). So why did I give it 3 stars? The food and the view. The view: They've got picking out locations and complementing the view down to a science. We had a table by one of the giant bay windows on the Potomac. It was really beautiful... especially with the new bridge lights & the cool ferries. The food: I ordered the wine on special. It was a pretty decent pinot and very reasonable. I also ordered the salad bar which was pretty bomb. They had a huge spread and everything I could want on a salad available. They also had pretty decent caviar (so I hear, I'm not a fan but the other person who got the bar had it and enjoyed it). I guess they use to provide bread without you having to ask but we had to ask last night. They eventually brought it and it was delicious. I had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Reviews from the others at my table: - Prime Rib: Ordered Med. Rare and it was cooked great. I tasted it and I now know what I'll order next time if we go back. - Swordfish: He really liked it. I'm not a fan so I can't attest. - Scallops: A bit cool but still perfectly cooked.
(3)Jennifer P.
I decided I had to go here after my husband and I enjoyed an incredible meal at the Chart House in Savannah, GA. I have to say I was slightly disappointed with this one. Our waitress seemed too distracted and the good took forever! Delicious, but a big part of eating out is the service and it was lacking here!
(3)McKay S.
I ate here again today for my birthday. I love the brunch. 99 cent mimosas and champagne. Also a really stellar salad bar. If you can get a table by the window, it's a wonderful spot to look out at the water. The food is awesome and the service is even better. Five stars all the way. Also, they made custom menus with my name on the top. Seems cheesy but I was super surprised.
(5)Robert A.
Good Food, Good Service... The only "complaint" I have is that the front desk does not have a good way for guests with reservations to notify the staff you have arrived on time... without waiting in line with all the walk-in guests. When things get busy (as they were when we came in...), they need someone available to check in guests with reservations. The front desk is still relying on a fixed-point registration system. Why not a tablet based system so the front of the house staff can move through the line? This is a very popular restaurant and many visitors to Old Town Alexandria tend to walk-in. As well, they could be more aggressive in their drink sales while we were waiting... I could have enjoyed bourbon while I waited... Nevertheless, do not leave my review and get the impression that the food, the service, and the view were not terrific... because they were.
(4)Anjaly P.
For such a beautiful location and great menu, I was hoping for better. We were seated promptly into the busy dining room but it took a while for our eager sounding server to actually serve us. We made it quite easy because we knew what we were all eating pretty fast. A run down of the cons: Two glasses of wine and two mojitos took far too long to make it to our table. (could be the bartender's fault, but our server was no where in sight to even ask for an explanation). We split an appetizer (fried asparagus) and they were not that exciting. One friend is veggie for lent so we opted for something we could all share. Maybe the other appetizers would've been better so we'll try again maybe after lent is over. We had to ask for dinner rolls when our meals arrived even though we should've got them sooner. A newly seated table near us received them instantly. Our server seemed to have forgotten us entirely. My entree (stuffed flounder) was just so-so. I'm not sure if its flounder 'season' or if its considered 'sustainable' right now but either way...it wasn't that great. The entree came with asparagus and mashed potatoes; the fish was stubbed with crab meat. The entire dish was covered in a buttery sauce that did not compliment anything on the plate. No bueno. Veggie friend had an impressive sounding salad that left her pushing the greens around the plate. The other two had a filet (which he enjoyed) and snapper (which was a disappointment as well). Our eyes were fixated on their dessert that took 30 minutes to prepare. (no really, it says so on the menu, so we placed the order for it early) and sad to say that it was the best thing we ate the whole evening. Chart House is too expensive to be this much of a disappointment or I have a high standard for pretty waterfront seafood establishments. (or both....)
(2)Jennifer V.
I got the clam chowder and salad bar option. The clam chowder was average but small, and the salad bar was super disappointing. The romaine lettuce was limp and the choices were pretty slim. I would've expected a few more meat options to add on to make a $14 salad bar worth it, but there were none. The location was nice, and our waiter was very attentive. I give it 2 stars for the location and wait-staff, but in good conscience I can't give this place any more stars for its expensive and below average food.
(2)Claudia R.
Great place to eat, beautiful view delicious food and wonderful service. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Sokha A.
Great place for a dinner date. We were seated at little table right in front of the bay windows overlooking the river - very nice view. Love the decor and ambiance of this place. Staff were attentive and nice. The seafood pasta and my husband's fish dish were great! LOVED the hot chocolate lava cake for dessert!
(4)Chrystina Z.
You come here for the view and that's it. While the food was alright, everything was slightly "off." For instance, the blue crab cake sandwich isn't a crab cake patty like you'd expect (it's just loose crab meat sandwiched between toast). The pineapple caprihina and mango mojito aren't very strong. The chicken ceasar salad seems decent. The calamari doesn't come with lemon and is slightly rubbery. Though our waiter was friendly and talkative, it took a long time to get our food (45min when the lunch crowd was minimal). I think there are better spots in Old Town, but this one has the water view.
(2)Ahmed K.
Let's be realistic - it's very easy to be flung into a tourist trap even when you live close to Old Town Alexandria no matter how much you try to avoid it. The Charthouse is just one of those many places in this community but this place can be exceptionally bad. In general, Alexandria has this nautical feel to it which you will discover when you explore its amazingly charming streets full of equally charming boutiques, pubs, eateries, and parks. If you are like me and love seafood, you would instantly feel the craving when you walk through Alexandria. All of the seafood places look promising at first and then you end up finding yourself by the water right on the end of King Street. Mercifully, big restaurant corporations can afford a prime piece of real estate here too and give you a painfully post-modern light-house shaped building to satisfy your seafood craving - and that is the Charthouse. There are many appealing things on the menu and they stay appealing until they come out - oysters on the half shell - virtually microscopic and sandy, lobster - rubbery, sea bass - overcooked and burned, Crab cakes - too much filler and too little crab. Your wallet? Completely empty. This is what you will experience when you come here guaranteed. It is basically an upscale Red Lobster. Watch out, there are little places like these all over Alexandria.
(2)william t.
reservations were for 7 pm and were seated on time. Service was good and all the food was served promptly. Calamari and shrimp were good floor able appetizers. Had to ask for addl sauce for calamari as the served portion was minimal. Four entrees served were scallops, pork chop, ahi tuna and salmon. All were we'll portioned but tuna was slightly over coked from the requested "rare." Liked the view to the river.
(4)Sayjul P.
Chart House was recommended to me by a friend and it did not disappoint. The location is perfect, the food was delicious, and the service was on point. For appetizer we ordered the crabbed stuffed mushrooms that were recommended by our server. I have had stuffed mushrooms at many restaurants before and these were some of the best. For dinner we had the Tilapia del Mar which is topped with shrimp, grilled tomato salsa, avocado and served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked and the flavors all messed together. We also had the Crab Cakes which were a delight. The place is pricey but the quality of the food is worth it.
(4)Bob B.
A good place for a special occasion. The large dining room has a huge glass wall overlooking the Potomac River. Especially nice at sunset. Service was friendly, all the seafood dishes were excellent. My lump crabcakes were nicely browned, flakey and with almost no filler. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the prices- all the entrees are about $30, and the appetizers and drinks $12-15. Still, that's pretty much what you'd expect for the location, the view, and this nice tourist area of metro DC. Good for family groups or a romantic dinner with a view.
(4)Courtney V.
My husband and I are driving home from dinner here and it was disappointing enough to merit an immediate review. Starting with lobster and shrimp spring rolls with pieces of shell and made with spaghetti noodles?! Followed by a salad swimming in dressing and then my husband's meal. Rice that was the consistency of kindergarten paste. After mentioning to the waiter that the rice was inedible he replaced it with wrinkled, limp and lukewarm green beans that were just as awful. A visit from the floor manager revealed that "they used the wrong rice in the kitchen" and would make a new batch for future diners. We gently pointed out that the replacement item was equally bad, only to be met with a raised eye brow and a "thanks for letting us know." All of this coupled with waiting 45 minutes for our entrees and empty water glasses (a pet peeve) and the ridiculous cost means we are never going back. Such a disappointment.
(1)Rob W.
We arrived at the Chart House on time for a 430 reservation and were seated immediately. it was very clean, large windows, very dated 1980's carpet. It looked like a clash between 1980 and a modern beach front property. It wasn't bad, but you could tell it was an institution. There was a bit of confusion during seating us because they were also preparing for a large party and had to have us stand in the middle of the dining room for a moment while they decided where to put us. The server arrived promptly. She was very knowledgable, but you could tell she wasn't trying to sell anything. She was there for questions and not to put the most expensive dish onto her tab. The server had to order the drinks from the bar, which took a bit longer than normal. Every drink was delicious and worth the money. The appetizers were very prompt. The gazpacho was not very good. It tasted like they put chopped up veggies into a tomato soup. The flavors were not soaked over night like a normal gazpacho. The clam chowder and cream of crab were very good. I would recommend both soups. The blue crab dip, veggie fritters with crab and the duck dumplings were all very good. The blue crab dip was the clear table winner. For the entrees: The filet medallions with crab stuffed shrimp were good. The filet medallions were not great but the seafood portion was very good. The chilean sea bass was perfect and one of the favorites. The scallops were very good and a table favorite. The pasta with shrimp was a mixed review. The pasta was not very good but the shrimp were a favorite. We had mushrooms, baked potatoes, squash gratin and bacon wrapped baby potatoes for sides. Each of the sides were very, very good. I even wanted the recipe for the mushrooms and bacon wrapped baby potatoes. It basically seamed that the restaurant perfected anything that was actually seafood and did a poor job on other items like steak, pasta or gazpacho. The desserts were yet again, amazing. The molten lava cake was a table favorite. The cheese cake was just normal run of the mill cheesecake, but was good. The server wrapped up our left overs quickly. The dinner was at a nice pace and we didn't feel rushed. The views of the Potomac were gorgeous. I would definitely visit again, but would leave out any steak, pasta or gazpacho. I would love to order the bacon wrapped potatoes to go...I will be craving them within a week!
(4)Kristen W.
Last Saturday we had some down time between a wedding ceremony and a reception in Alexandria. Chart House immediately popped into my head as a good place to kill time and catch up with our friends, and I'm so glad I thought of it. It's been a few years and I had forgotten how much I love this restaurant. The views are just so gorgeous and the bar area was perfect for afternoon cocktails with a group. Food wise, my husband was on his deathbed and ordered the lobster bisque, and it was A+++. Drinks wise, the cocktails were delicious and the wine pours generous. Ambiance in the bar area is great, service is fabulous as you'd expect from a nice restaurant in Alexandria. My experience this time was very different than the last (cocktails during the day vs. dinner in the evening) but the result is the same - wonderful restaurant, highly recommend.
(5)Farida A.
More of a 3.5-star place, but customer service bumped it up to a solid 4. Logistics: Helped coordinate my friend's 30th birthday brunch here. Made reservations about a week in advance, and was able to get a table for 20 people with no problem. (12:45pm on a Sunday afternoon) Staff were so friendly and helpful, which is hard to manage with a large party. Ambience: Gorgeous views of the river. Interior is really nice/classy. Good place for an upscale brunch or dinner. Food: Their brunch comes with an entree and a salad bar. The items on the salad bar were tasty - pasta salad, caesar salad, fruits, caviar, smoked salmon, salad fixings, danishes, bagels, etc. The entree choices were good, and in general tasted great too. Our party had two major complaints though - the poached eggs were overcooked and the steaks were super well done (even when asked for medium). Service: As I noted before, the staff were very friendly and patient too. I brought a cake for the bday girl, and they brought it out right on time. After she blew out the candles, they cut it up into perfect pieces and boxed the remainder. (I was having anxiety over whether the cake would be big enough.) The bill situation could have been horribly confusing, with at least 15 different credit cards thrown in but our server was great and took care of it without complaint. I would definitely recommend Chart House for a special occasion, whether its a large party or just a special date night.
(4)Jessica L.
3 stars only for the beautiful view, but if you're looking for good quality seafood worth pouring your pocket over, look elsewhere! Sub-par calamari, over-cooked salmon, steak, and lobster, and an average crab cake. I don't think I would come back!
(3)Laz L.
Great place to bring a date. They have an awesome dinner setting with a great view of the Potomac River, Alexandria Water Front and Marina. You can also get glimpses of Woodrow Wilson (I495) bridge and National Harbor right behind it. It's best to make a reservation since getting a table as a walk in is impossible. They do have some smaller tables near the bar that are first come first served. If you don't have a reservation those are your best bet. You can start at the bar and once a table opens up grab it quickly. If not then you can also order food from the bar. The food there is very delicious. Out of all the times I've been there (7-8) the food has always been amazing. Service is normally pretty good. Of course this this place is a bit pricy but well worth it! I mix it up between the steak and seafood dishes and always get the chocolate overload cake which you have to order early since it takes about 30 minutes to make!
(5)Stephanie L.
This place was amazing!!! Its on the water and they have happy hour specials! There is also an outside seating area, however, one weird thing is that it was closing when we got there (@ like 630PM...weird). We sat at the bar for a drink...there was like $4 glasses of wine...GREAT! We then sat in the back area. I got the clam chowder, as recommended by the server....it was yummy! Supposedly the best...voted by someone...I cant remember exactly because like I said, $4 glasses of wine. I then had the sea bass, also recommended by the server. AMAZING!!! Love it....had a little asian flair to it. The price was a little expensive, but I thought that the restaurant was upscale so I didnt mind. It was a great dinner!
(5)Sheena K.
Chart House on Alexandria, VA is my family's "Special Occasion" restaurant, I love the outdoor seating views during the summer and I always order the Lavish Salad bar, Crab Stuffed Shrimp, and Caramel glazed cheesecake. Every time I have been it was very crowded and loud and there is a bathroom attendant in the Ladies Room which always wierds me out but other then that it is great Seafood.
(5)Roya M.
Went to Chart House for Sunday brunch. What a beautiful location right on the water in Old Town Alexandria. The decor was very nice and modern and the cool blue color scheme complemented the water outside. Huge windows gave patrons a nice view of the water. Alfonso, our server was excellent and extremely attentive. He was always quick to refill my coffee and order us more drinks. He also made excellent recommendations and checked to make sure we enjoyed out meals. He also just had an overall nice personality. I ordered the French toast which was beyond delicious - the French bread was laying in a buttery brown sugar sauce covered in fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, raspberries and macadamia nuts. Often French toast is very soggy but the thick French bread retained its density. The coffee was delicious and the $0.99 mimosa was divine. The salad bar was also pretty good but the pastries looked and tasted like something you would get in a hotel buffet. The Ceasar salad was a bit garlicky and covered in dressing making the lettuce a bit soggy. There was a lot of fresh fruit on the salad bar which I loved. My biggest complaint - the surly and snobby hostess. TERRIBLE attitude. I was with a large party who easily spent a grand on food and she treated me and other folks in our group like we were an inconvenience. My aunt asked her if there was another bathroom because the main one was crowded and with a snarl "explained" very rudely and curtly that this was the only restroom. After our meal I saw a dog tied up outside in the hot sun so I asked her if they had a bowl and she rolled her eyes and said they did not have a bowl. Confused (since I know they have bowls) I repeated my request and she was very rude and abrupt and repeated her previous answer and then proceeded to literally talk over me to people behind me like I did not exist. Since everything else was very good I am not going to downgrade my review but my experience with this rude woman really left a bad taste in my mouth and I urge the management to ensure their hostesses have better customer service skills. Also, food was good but price was a little steep for the quality.
(3)