Got a coupon in the mail a month or so ago and finally went to use it in the tavern side. Glad we did! Just what you want in a pub - good service, good food, plenty of screens to watch the game, and pretty good beer selection. Prices a bit higher than I'd like to pay but not unreasonable, and the chef gave us a complimentary dessert & came out to ask how we liked our food. (Suspect this is coupon-related, but they're clearly putting their best foot forward - good show, guys.) Would definitely go again.
(5)
Nick T.
Excellent wings, great burgers phenomenal daily specials! Great staff, awesome food and very fun place to hang out. Half priced wings on Wednesday is my favorite.
(5)
Kirsten I.
We went to Ramparts on Saturday for our Anniversary dinner and to watch the Caps game. I have been going here for 20+ years and cant say enough good things about it. The Calamari is the BEST ( even without the spicy sesame dip they use to have). We sat at the NON smoking bar and had Matt as a bartender. AWESOME service, awesome food :) Will be going back again very soon.
(5)
David R.
OK, so the tavern is not smoke-free. But....go to the dining room section. They've remodeled the bar, added a partition to separate the bar from the dining room (before, you felt as if you were in the bright dining room of your grandmother's house). So Rampart's gets the near-highest rating for that. Half price wine bottles on Saturday - you can't beat that. Most places around here that have half-price bottles do it in mid-week, when business is slower. Word has gotten out and everyone sitting at the non-smoking bar had their own personal bottle. They get big kudos for two of their staff members searching high and low in their recently re-arranged wine rack for my favorite pinot noir, A to Z. Low and behold, they found it--after opening a bottle of my alternative. So I guess that means I have to polish off two bottles. Sue me. A good selection on their menu - different daily specials and some good seafood options. The music was at a perfect level, TVs were on, but volume was off (thank you), and the atmosphere was low key. Now, on to the Tavern. I thought about having a night cap there but the place was jammed, smoky, and loud (live band notwithstanding)---the polar opposite of the non smoking bar. But I will be back to the non smoking bar. Color me converted.
(4)
Feri W.
I live near this neighborhood restaurant and yesterday I decided to introduce this restaurant to my friend for an early dinner. It was probably one of the WORST foods either of us had eaten and needless to say I was quite embarrassed because I had hyped up the place somwhat. Our waiter, although nice, did not know much about the food preparation on the menu but claimed he did... I ordered a Rampart's Signature Burger (medium well), the waiter asked me what side I would like and I asked about my choices. I settled on homefried chips. The burger came out so dry and almost burned that I had a difficult time swallowing it. And the chips were super greasy and old, in fact I think my burger and chips was probably left over from lunchtime. My friend ordered what she thought was a grilled cheese sandwich and a large salad and instead she got a deep fried breaded mozzarella (not fresh but previously frozen) slapped between to pieces of bread! For the salad she got a small bowl of some old lettuce (that was not the large salad but they charged $7.99 for it until we complained). Then my friend not having been satisfied with her meal (I was not about to take my chances on anything else) decided to try a dessert. so she asked the waiter if the mud pie was good and he said "oh yes it's excellent we make it fresh everyday from sratch" so my friend ordered it. There was nothing fresh about it and I don't believe she actually got the mud pie. There was no ice cream in it and instead it has some cheap tasting mousse like texture and probably the whole box of it at Safeway was selling for $2.99 and she got charged $5.99 for the small slice. I told our waiter that he had had made false claims that this was not fresh or made from scratch and he insisted it was so I told him to go back and ask and he came back apologetically and and said no it was not. Then when we got our bill, I was charged extra for my chips (that was supposed to be part of my 1 side as offered by the waiter), and my friend was charged for a large salad instead of the small. when we complained, the waiter said there is an extra charge for my chips even though he offered it as my one side that I could order. Needless to say we were not at all happy with this restaurant experience, unfortunately.
(1)
Melinda M.
This is a wonderful neighborhood tavern/restaurant. Great service and food was YUMMY! I will go again.
(4)
Anthony C.
This place has undergone new management the guy that owns Shooter McGee's now owns Ramparts and has renovated the place little by little it looks alot better than it did before. The quality in the food has improved my favorite dish there is still the Nacho's its big enough for 2 people to split and the burgers aren't half bad but there steak and cheese need help. If you want service there better sit on the restaurant side you get your food alot quicker. The service on the bar side is lousy if your trying to sit at one of the tables with a group eat and have drinks don't expect a waitress to check on you. Oh and I dont recommend to anyone sit at the tables when they have the live music unless you want to go def its way too loud and the bands they have had there are pretty lame. Like Ben said the place has potential but the staff needs to step it up a notch.
(3)
Kate C.
Operation Red Stag -- Mission Accomplished! :o)
(5)
Blevins L.
This review is for the grill, I haven't been to the bar side. I've been here several times and everything I've ordered has been good. The service is friendly and attentive and they have a huge beer list. I've had both meat and seafood and both have been well prepared and delicious and the sides are good as well. My only complaint is about the side salad. They obviously make them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator so they're limp when they show up at your table. The caesar side salad is fresher, but drowning in dressing. Other than that complaint I have nothing but positive things to say about this restaurant. The food, service and drinks are all a-ok.
(4)
Christopher P.
I've been here a few times twice for 35 cent wing night and once for half price burger night. The food is overall pretty average, for the price you pay $5 for a burger and fries or $3.50 for a basket of wings with a pretty wide selection for each, it's a good deal. The waiters are quick and attentive and the food usually comes out pretty quickly as well.
(3)
Dave T.
My friends and I go here after softball games during the week. I have been an infrequent visitor since the mid-90's and through, I believe, three owners. Each time it is sold the place improves. Kudos to the most recent owners for expanding the beer selection and adding the extra tv's. I have had a few items from the menu and have been happy with everything. I would recommend anyone visit to see Chuck behind the bar. He is the single most attentive bartender I have ever seen.
(5)
Lynne L.
I've been a fan of Ramparts for years. Very consistent, friendly, great service. Parents love it when they come to visit. I bumped them up to 5 stars now that they have completely remodeled and updated their menu. Food is wonderful overall, and the chef rotates some delicious, unique specials. As some Yelpers have indicated, there are two parts to Ramparts, a restaurant/ grill which is smoke-free with a nice bar and comfortable booths, attractive lighting and decor. And next door is the sports bar, also remodeled. We had dinner in the sports bar the other night to watch a baseball game, and while there was a little smoke, we noticed that they have a very good ventilation system so it really didn't bother us. Bartenders are awesome, and we've seen a couple good bands there, no cover. I'd highly recommend my neighborhood favorite! Restaurant- bar- or both!
(5)
Matt R.
I really wanted to like this place. I was expecting a nice experience and looking forward to some good beers. However, I was clearly disappointed. After being seated it took over 20 minutes before we were even acknowledged by the waiter. We were about to walk out when he came to get our drink orders. Once the food arrived it was nothing special. I had chicken and it was hard to tell if it was fully cooked or not. The bar had live music and appeared to be a good time. Maybe if I go there again I'll check out the bar instead.
(2)
Henry C.
Amazing atmosphere for get togethers and social events. Staff is friendly and well mannered. Food is pretty good and the beer's keep coming! This is a great place for friends.
(4)
Sean C.
This is an OK neighborhood type restaurant with a casual feel. It's nice if you live in Fairlington because it's across the street. They have decent dinner specials. However, I would say the food is average to below average. I would probably eat here if I really didn't want to cook, or I wanted something a notch above fast food that could be served by a waiter and accompanied by a glass of wine or beer. Still, there are other places around that fit that bill a little better, especially since Shirlington is so close.
(3)
Roger M.
Ramparts is in walking distance of home for us (at least on a nice night), and convenience definitely counts for something. It's not just the path of least resistance that leads me there, though -- Ramparts has some sterling character traits that make it one of those neighborhood places you think of as a close friend. For one thing, they've got a great beer menu with a wide range of GOOD draft beers -- I think it's important that a close friend be able to offer you a cold, fresh glass of Stella, and Ramparts comes through. For another thing, the staff is friendly and competent without being annoying -- again, when I go to a friend's place, I don't want to be fawned over, I just want to be welcome. Finally, Ramparts has solid, honest food at very good prices. Oh, and like a very good friend who just happens to have a GREAT deck to relax on, Ramparts has some incredible weekly specials on the menu -- huge, tasty 1/2 price burgers on Mondays, credible barbecue on Wednesdays, and best of all, a salad-bowl-size seafood feast on Tuesdays (I've gotta say more about that seafood feast -- it's diced potatoes and corn on the cob swimming in a spicy two or three cup broth, loaded with mussels, shrimp, clams, and a whole lobster on top -- incredible, and great value at $14.95).
(4)
Jim R.
i've only been to the restaurant... can't speak for the bar. but the food is great - and there are great deals to be had. first of all - bbq ribs on thursdays are so good. fall off the bone and great favor. all for $10. great deal. mondays are burger night... 1/2 priced burgers. so tasty. they are really, really good... especially for the price.
(5)
Matthew F.
Great place to hang out with friends for football. Great service, better beer menu than most bars in the Alexandria area.
(4)
Kimberley W.
Ramparts is one of those places neighborhood places that must be doing fine with their regular clientele and so it has little use for new folks. We walked in and waited for the staff to finish chatting at the bar. After an awkward amount of time passed a waiter seated us. I ordered meatloaf and so did the woman at the table next to us. The watier returned with apologies becuase there was no more meatloaf. That's not what the waiter at the other table was telling his cusotmers. We got the hint and since our waiter had never bothered to aks us for our drink orders we got the heck out. I won't be going back unless I'm with someone from the neighborhood.
(1)
Lauren M.
It went SMOKE FREE! So much better now. I've started going back and enjoying the place.
(5)
Chris G.
I just realized that I hadn't updated my previous review to reflect how much better I view this place now. The bartender who works the day shift is great - real friendly. The menu is maybe a little on the pricey side for lunch ($8-$11 for most things), but I do have to say that the burgers here are really, really good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. As for a bar atmosphere, it's kind of a off-the-beaten-path local bar, so it does have that feel of getting away from everything to it. There's more flat screen TVs scattered about the place than you would expect for a bar this size, and the best of all: they have a claw game hooked up to a lobster tank. Yep, you read that right. If you catch it, you eat it for free. The thing that keeps this from a 4-star review is the fact that you smell like butt when you leave, thanks to the pro-smoking policy in the bar. Lame.
(3)
Lee B.
The bar is perfect for watching sports with a ton of TVs, clean restaurant feel, awesome staff, and great food. The restaurant side is just as great with top notch food and service. Burger night is the best, but the steak salad is always great.
(5)
Mike A.
This review is for the bar side of Rampart's only. For those who really don't like smoke, either stick to the restaurant or the table seating on the bar side. While there was a good amount of smoke at the bar, they also have great ventilation and it's not as "smoky" as many people on here have made it out to be (a smoker's opinion). Rampart's bartenders make a great first impression, shaking hands and greeting everyone when they sit at the bar. They maintained that impression throughout the night with entertaining and attentive service right up until we walked out. While I thought the prices were a bit steep on some beers, there are tons of great choices even if you limit yourself to the cheaper ones. I could have spent all day trying different beers, or just enjoyed the Oberon on tap. Now, the food is where a lot of bars fall short, and I should note that my friend described his chicken ceasar salad as bland, but I was very satisfied with my meal. I had the blackened chicken pita which came with bacon and muenster cheese on top of a chicken breast that was way too big for the pita wrapper. That aside, the chicken and bacon were incredibly flavorful and it came with a side of friggin-amazing fries. Overall, I'm incredibly happy to have a bar nearby that I can still smoke in... also, the food is well above the standard bar fare, the atmosphere is fun and energizing, and the staff are incredible. This is my new favorite spot in Alexandria.
(5)
Amanda W.
We had an AMAZING night at Ramparts! We've been on a streak of bad service at several other restaurants and Chuck and Anthony broke that streak with style! From the minute we sat down to the minute we left we were well attended. Never an empty glass of beer or water! They had great suggestions, and the clearance beer list didn't hurt! My boyfriend was able to drink 5 different beers he would never have tried otherwise due to the regular price! The food was great! We had the chicken nachos and the three little pigs sandwich! My grilled chicken house salad was just ok, but it was a plain order! we plan to go back often! The smoke wasn't too bad, we've been to FAR worse. We were able to watch all the sports we wanted upon request! It doesn't get better than this!
(5)
Richard M.
Third visit, for lunch, good burger and chicken sandwich, great service. A nice neighborhood place, as long as you don't expect too much. But Shirlington is right up the road, and the choices there make the short trip worthwhile.
(3)
Nick B.
This is an all right place, nothing spectacular. I've been here a few times and each time I've gotten stars from the regulars. I get the impression that this is a townie bar/restaurant where everyone knows everyone, and people come to sit at the bar and shoot the breeze with the bartenders. The bar is a bit on the redneck side, but they do have good drink specials. The restaurant side is decent...typical greasy bar fare, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Renee C.
Ramparts is my husband's new favorite restaurant. It's always his first choice, and I can't blame him! Food is classic american...burgers, crabcake sandwiches (pretty good one at that), big salads, ribs. They have a large selection of steaks as well, and they have specials every night of the week (pretty good prices for the area). The service is always impeccable and professional. For dessert, you can do the s'mores over a sterno flame thing....and they serve it with not just chocolate bars, but reese's peanut butter cups and other candy bars! Only item I can't recommend is the homemade falafel - it was way undercooked when I tried it - almost gooey on the inside, and that's not right! Seriously, though, not the end of the world. If you need to go veggie, just get a salad, or if you're a pescetarian.....get the crabcake :).
(4)
Kent H.
Double espresso martini. Can you stop at one?
(5)
Ed G.
Great neighborhood bar with live music. Incredible beer selection with great, knowledgable staff. Can't speak to the cocktails, but the selection of quality buckets of beer (usually a selection of beer from different regions of the world) are a great way to branch out and try some new suds. Bar food is pretty standard, but still good. Chicken fingers and chicken sandwiches are always tasty. The dining room is nicely appointed and I loved a scallop dinner I had there a while back. My wife wasn't so keen on what she got, but I can't recall what it was. So the dining room gets mixed reviews. But overall, your not going to find a more fun and consistent experience in the vicinity. Love it!
(5)
Steve C.
Dinner was good --- awesome burger, fries, nachos. Everything we had was good. Had to move to restaurant because bartender was the only one serving entire bar area of restaurant -- about 50 people. Nice woman but she was over her head.
(3)
Katie F.
Stop 2 for the Yelp Saturday Night Crew Alicia C & G, Cadence R, Venu N, Ben M, Kevin L, and his boy joined Jeff W for his gig here last night. Wow, this place has quite the list of beers in bottles, but I think a couple people in our crew didn't get their first or second picks because they were out. And I was quickly reminded why I tend to go out in DC, the smoke here was thick. Through a glass door we could see the restaurant area, and we were very intrigued by what was on the other side. Another trip for the food is in order.
(3)
Greg M.
Excellent food, great specials. Wed night 45cent wings. Half price burgers on Monday. After all that it's the bar staff that keep me going back.
(5)
Stephanie M.
I think I hit this restaurant on the wrong day/time. We went there on Sunday at 3 pm, right when their brunch specials end, but their dinner specials haven't started (they start at 5.) The place seemed pretty pricey ($12 for a burger, $10 for an app). They were out of multiple things on the menu (a lot of - sorry, we don't have that today). I ended up getting a burger and fries, and the burger was mediocre, the fries were pretty bad. I would probably try going there again for a $.50 wing night or something, that seems like a good deal. Maybe my opinion would change at that point.
(3)
Erica O.
Caveat: I last went in Feb. 2009. I believe they've remodeled and expanded, so my descriptions of the inside are probably entirely inaccurate. Ramparts is essentially across the street from my house, but I don't actually go as often as I thought I would. Still, I've enjoyed it the few times I have. To be fair, one of the things I like most about it is that I can walk there. I would be a pain to drive and park most likely. Anyway, their food is rich and delicious, which really warmed me up when it was cold outside. They have both a dining area and a bar, separated by a wall with a door, so if you want to go for dinner, you aren't forced to sit with the crazy sports fans. My friends and I (a total of 5) were well attended to and had a lovely, long meal. I probably wouldn't venture in here with a group that was any larger, but that is mainly because the place as a whole just isn't that big. It is a neighborhood kind of place if you live in the area (Fairlington or Shirlington), go check it out!
(4)
Michelle P.
Its a Friday night at a bar in alexandria. The place was very busy with all the tables and bar stools full. So why there was only one server serving this whole area is beyond me. She was nice enough, it was just almost impossible to get any attention throughout the night. However as happy hour ended and the crowd began to fade she definitely got better (maybe she was just bored?) I didn't eat any food, but i was impressed with what came out. The sliders looked awesome and if i hadn't already had dinner i probably would have been all over them! The chili looked great too. The menu was diverse and not too expensive which is nice. The major thing i loved was the beer list! Sooooo many good bottles! I had a rough time chosing. But i was definitely excited to get some diffrent beers. If i have to go see my boyfriend's band i definitely wouldn't mind going here again. service, just crowded; good looking sliders, great beer list.
(3)
Khalib B.
In the town of Alexandria I have only yet to find two bars where I feel perfectly settled whether I am all alone or rolling with a friend. Rampart's is one of them. The numerous reasons are all listed below. It's cheap It's near me There's always room at the bar It has 100 beers and at least 10 TVs It has both a half priced burger night and $.35 wing night The staff are friendly as hell, and very interested in my continued imbibing of beer. And lastly I am often treated to live music There is only one complaint that any guy can have about Ramparts and as one patron told me has earned the bar the distinguished nickname "Manparts". That's right, sadly the single ladies are not on prowl here. So here's a message to all you gorgeous creatures of the earth "Come on over and make this place perfect!"
(4)
Nicole D.
We went there with a Groupon two days before it expired- our own fault. The Groupon was for items $18.99 and under and they were out of almost everything under the amount (and many items above) because they are 'redoing' the menu. The New York Strip was meh- it was overly peppered and lacked flavor. The potatoes were overly garlicy. We have gone there several times before so I was surprised by this lackluster experience. Their Wednesday Wing night is great. The reason they got 3 stars is because of their amazing Smore's dessert. It had me leaving happy forgetting about the not so good steak.
(3)
Eileen V.
I always go on the bar side of Ramparts during the day. The Bartender is very good at her job, and friendly. I have ate lunch here a few times, the food is very good.
(5)
Jeffrey M.
We went there last night. They were pretty packed and the bar was reserved for a private party. So, we sat at the bar. The bartender made what was probably the best dirty martini I have ever had. I had the chicken quesadilla which was great. It was not like a lot of places where the food tastes like it was all frozen and just put together in the kitchen. I think they actually made every part of this quesadilla from scratch and then baked it to a perfect crisp. My partner got a hamburger and it was grilled so well that the patty had actually conformed to the shape of the grill top and was perfectly done. He actually said it was the best burger her had ever had. The bar was a great idea because our service was fast, the company was nice and the food was great. I just wish they had a few more tables and a little more space.
(3)
Jennifer G.
This poor review is a little late, but I have a good memory so here goes... It was still the regular season for baseball and the Phillies (my home team) were playing the Nationals (my new local team!) so we wanted to go out somewhere to watch it as part of our mission to try a couple sports bars on for size to find our perfect match. I believe we went to Ramparts because it was closest to our apartment and since baseball and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly- it's best to be close to home! Taxis are expensive here! We found Ramparts without too much hassle and parked in the lot that was serving the stores on the opposite end of the block...I'm not sure if this is the proper thing to do...I didn't see a sign saying we couldn't though. We walked along and entered the door with Ramparts written on it and it seemed really quiet and it was a little too bright at the bar and dining area we had entered. I like to drink in the dark!! All of a sudden I heard some murmuring, the clinking of glasses and a roar of excitement that could only mean something good just happened during some televised sporting event. I looked to my right and saw a dark room that emanated the soft glow of flat screen TVs and neon beer signs. So there we were in the sports bar area, we found it! I ordered a Blue Moon, I don't remember what R ordered, probably his usual Stella Artois. My Blue Moon was perfect! It was very cold and tasted fresh and delicious. We were a bit hungry so we got a plate of nachos. They were good! Very messy, but what nachos aren't? I would definitely go back to Ramparts for the beer, it was great. Plus one of the bartenders was from southern NJ like me, which is cool! A downer was the waitress who was serving us at our table. When we asked if the sound on the tv in front of us could be turned up a bit she told us that they only broadcast sound for Redskins games. That's cool, but she said it in a mean sort of way which was off putting. And she was often MIA, but the bartender kept our drinks filled. This places crosses me as a cool spot to be on Saturday mornings/afternoons for college football and an especially good place to be for Redskins games...I think I may have to give it a try again soon! Also I'd like to take a closer look at the menu and perhaps try a meal in the big bright dining room!
(3)
BJ F.
Great Place with daily specials on food. Bar is still smoking, but a great place to watch sports and hang with friends. The Bar in the restaurant is relaxed and chill, Buster runs the bar and is great. He will take care of whatever you need. Restaurant is small and cozy, quick service and nice staff
(4)
Amanda L.
4.5 stars. Restaurant: Yummy food. (Salmon maybe a bit salty). Saturday night 1/2 price bottle of wine. Good ambiance. Wait staff not super exciting but attentive. The key lime pie was nice and tart. Bar: Great live music. Awesome beer selection. Fun and helpful staff (I left my sweater and they called within an hour to let me know; LOVE that!). But kinda smoky.
(5)
Shannon R.
There are two sides to this bar, a restaurant which looks pretty nice and a sports bar. When you cross into the sports bar you are over come with smoke, and its stale smoke as if the cigarette have been sitting in the ashtrays all week with no ventilation. The waitress was very young. We went back to the restaurant and the bartender, although a total sweetheart seemed relatively new to bartending. The menu is small, I ended up ordering from the kids menu... I will not seek this place out again.
(2)
Dan G.
Tavern is great sports pub. Had beef soft tacos and sw eggs rolls, both football game special menu- excellent.
(4)
Angela A.
Very nice ambiance and attentive staff. But, taste of the food was lacking. Mediocre sloppy joe. Fries are sort of, eh. Would love to try their burgers and give it another go.
(3)
Christopher D.
Sunday brunch was great. $4 Marys and Mimosas. Delicious house-made corned beef hash with house spice melange (including garlic, cayenne pepper, white pepper, oregano, more), onion, and diced potato and corned beef has a bit of a kick which I thought was perfect. Get the Eggs Benedict if you're a fan; perfect Hollandaise sauce (not citrusy) and the English muffin is grilled so it never gets soggy. Coffee and OJ, ok but nothing to write home about. Hash $9, Benny $10, small OJ $3, coffee $2. Wait staff was friendly and casual. Dined Sunday 10:30a-11:15a with no crowd no wait. Open at 10am Sundays. Street parking.
(3)
James C.
Great bar especially if you smoke. Food is reasonably priced and good! Great local price!
(5)
David S.
We went during the reconstruction, and didn't have such a good experience, but decided to give it another shot. turns out they did a fairly decent job with the redesign. the inside looks a lot better, cleaner, while still maintaining the "taverny" feel. our food was great though! the rack of ribs were excellent, and only $13! we also tried the mushroom ravioli which were delicious. good service, and friendly staff. we'll be going back soon.
(4)
Toni G.
I am still a huge fan of Ramparts but made the mistake of walking through the bar entrance where they let people smoke. I am not against smoking just wish I had known better to walk through the bar entrance. Food and service is great, in addition to the Reuben/corned beef sandwich they have a great CHicken Quesadilla. Good stuff! Thanks
(4)
Tatyana V.
I actually really liked their food and their drinks are reasonable, but I HATE that they're getting away with keeping smoking in their bar!! It smells terrible and it really pissed me off that they're specifically trying to get around the new smoking ban. It was passed for a reason- most people want it. Understand that, Ramparts!!
(2)
Jason M.
Only been there once but I can't wait to go back again. The bar area has plenty of TVs for such a small space, the beer selection is great (on par with say Rustico) and what food I had was good enough. Wednesday night though is the night to go if you like wings. They have a good variety of flavors, you're surprised at the size of them (very meaty), and this night of the week they're only .35 a piece! The night we went a few weeks back our waitress kept our group of 7 people happily occupied with beverages and wings all night and got a good tip from all of us for the good service. Haven't tried the restaurant portion yet so can't comment on the higher-end of the menu.
(4)
Tee R.
Well like almost everyone else on here i am a BIG fan. The food is awesome. The staff on the restaurant side has improved dramatically. The new member of the team, Travis, i believe was awesome when we went late nite for cocktails and munchies. The dining room is clean and inviting, there are seats at the wine bar with 2 flats screens and good size bathrooms. This is the point were i may receive some flack. The 2nd biggest tobacco state in the nation went smoke free on December 1. I AM A SMOKER. Thank the lord Ramparts bar side was designed unknowingly to allow smoking and be one of the few bars in the area to do so. Its a right just like the right not to smoke and i am glad to see ownership is smart enough to split the property. Without being offensive... if you dont like smoke don't stop by. Ramparts is 1 in a 1,000,000. 5 stars for great staff, service, food, and the ability to smoke!
(5)
Jeff C.
I stopped into Ramparts for lunch and ordered the Blue Plate Special, plate of hot Turkey covered with savory gravy.Mash potatoes and dressing..yum It was delicious and had me asking why don't have we see more restaurants serving Turkey Dinners more often..Must be that pilgrim thing ..Well, mark me down as one happy pilgrim,because I will be back next Wednesday for Ramparts weekly turkey dinner special. Seriously, it brought back all the best memories of Grandma' s Thanksgiving Dinners
(5)
Vic T.
This place is just one of my favorite options for having a good time gathering with family or friends . There is the warm dining section where you can enjoy weekly and daily specials, aside the very interesting menu they have this Chef's daily special dishes and depending on the day the weekly special too . The food is good , the service is friendly and efficient. There is also just across a hall the other Sports bar section with a large bar with great drinks and awesome bar tenders and you can enjoy the same menu in a different ambience and LIVE MUSIC. Can't get better. I must confess , the wings are my weakness at Ramparts, the best I have tried so far..6 different flavors and they go on special on Wednesdays . A lot of good things under the same roof.
(5)
Kate S.
We go here for the specials during the week! The wings and burgers never taste frozen. They have a great beer list and the servers are pleasant. It is nice to be able to walk here from our condo but if I lived further out I don't think I would make the trip.
(4)
Dan I.
This is a review of the restaurant - brunch, in particular. So here's what I'd say about Rampart's brunch - it isn't bad. As long as you aren't going in there expecting a sort of gourmet experience, then you'll probably like it. We had some eggs, pancakes, and other usual breakfast fare. All were prepared about as well as a decent diner. And frankly, we aren't crazy about the diners in the Arlington/Alexandria area. So when we're in the mood for diner-like breakfast, we'll probably head back to Ramparts brunch. Of course, given that it's a bar, it has a pretty excellent beer menu - a great bonus for someone like me who likes tasty craft beer. The service was average. Not incredibly attentive, but not totally horrible either. On early Sunday afternoon, it was pleasantly quiet and laid back. We'll be back, but not often.
(3)
Quentin B.
Worth a visit for the wings along but stick with beer as they pour a weak mixed drink.
(4)
Desiree D.
Great neighborhood restaurant bar. Newly updated and now completely smoke-free. Daily specials are the best. I go here for lunch a lot since I work across the street. The soup of the day is normally really good. They even offer s'mores at your table in the bar! Tends to be a local spot, especially for happy hour.
(4)
Michele D.
I appreciate that Ramparts is now non-smoking since I rarely went there when it was. We live close so going to Ramparts for a quick game and wings is a plus. The food overall is typical for what you would find at a bar. It does get crowded on game day, which makes for some exciting games, so get there early if you want to grab a seat on the bar side. We usually don't have an issue getting a seat on the restaurant side the couple of times we have eaten there without watching a game I would say you never know what you're going to get with service. Sometimes it's great other times it's really bad. The last time we were there our server was usually no where to be found and after a while we noticed he had a backpack on and was heading out the door. I guess his shift ended and he didn't think we deserved to know he wouldn't be helping us anymore.
(3)
Cactus D.
I've been here quite a few times over the past two years. Both in the dining room and the bar. The staff is always great and I've never had food I didn't like. They have one of the best happy hours around ($3/pint of Port City!!) and great cheap snacks. Their brunch is delicious, too! My only complaint is that some of the "regulars" in the bar are not very nice. You get the stink eye if you sit in "their" spots.
(4)
Lauren S.
The food was a bit pricey but the service was great! Our waiter was very attentive. The food was great! All and all this is a great place to go.
(4)
Ben I.
When my dad was in town, he and I made reservations to Ramparts for their Easter brunch on a Sunday afternoon. I liked the fact that this place had a smaller, cozy atmosphere. We both enjoyed the brunch offerings, as there was plenty to choose from, including breakfast meats, ham, chicken, and lots of pastries and side options. I will have to go back some other time to try items off their regular lunch/dinner menus.
(4)
Andie C.
Service was really really slow. Our waitress was training someone new and that's sad because she needed to be retrained (i.e. if you have a coffee pot in your hand look around and fill all the cups at the different tables). Food (brunch) was good and it actually came out in a decent amount of time. That is why I bumped them up from 2 to 3 stars.
(3)
Joe L.
Food is descent bar is a little pricey as in 8 dollar shots of jäger. And now they have removed the smoking section totally a bummer! But you will still find me playing Trivia on Tuesdays
(3)
Janne Z.
Ok, so I'm not into Bars, Taverns, Sports, etc, however, I went to a Sports Bar. Well, I had friends in town to meet up with and THEY wanted to catch the UFC PPV fight last weekend. Ramparts was one of only a few places offering it, so we went. My husband and I met up with my sister-in-law and her 2 pals from NM and a bunch of 20-somethings (6 in all . . . i think) for watching the game. My husband and I actually had diner in the restaurant part, which is really nice - separated from the bar area so that dining is much more quiet and calm. I TOTALLY loved that part! No TV's blaring anything at you, so I loved dinner. The food was great - I got some Steak Medallions or something on a sandwich and it was very tender and quite tasty. Later we went into the bar area to get a table for the big fight. It, of course was more noisy, but that is what this area was designed for. Our group kept getting bigger and bigger, but they had plenty of seating and we all gathered around one high table. Lots of hollering going on during the fights and our waiter kept our drink orders straight and was constantly checking on us, not to the point of being obnoxious, but fairly often. We rarely had to wave one down (and we were there from about 8:30 - 12:30). All in all, Great food, Great Service and fun times! We didn't know they offered reservations, but we didn't have one and it was slow enough to where we didn't need one (yea!). So, since they are offered, you may want to get one, it appears they get pretty busy at times.
(4)
Anonymous A.
Ramparts is leaving the Dining Rewards program. I won't be back.
(2)
Mike C.
Cleaned up a lot here over the past few years. I used to come here for the Red Sox atmosphere but that seems to have died down a bit. 1st time back since 3yrs ago to watch playoff game and it's a total 180, nobody is even watching the game but me. Must be by design. Good tap beer choices and dungeony small tavern feel that I like. Food is just ok but what do you want? $3 pint happy hours. Would've gave 4 stars if there were more sox fans in here.
(3)
Mark W.
Came here on a Tuesday for half price burgers! I got the prime rib burger, which is half a pound of prime rib with mushrooms and cheese. It was very good. My only gripe was that when I ordered my burger medium, it came out well done. I'm not too picky when it comes to that kind of stuff, so it didn't bother me, but don't expect to get your burger exactly cooked the way you want it. But for 5.50, you can't really go wrong. The fries that accompanied my burger were average, but you get a lot, and by the time the meal was over I was definitely full. It seems like this place has different specials for every day of the week, so I definitely see myself returning when I swing by my brother's place that is nearby. Four stars for good burgers and decent service.
(4)
Sasha B.
This review is for brunch only and I have to say it's pretty tasty. The hubs and I get the steak benedict and the jack daniels filet mignon. Both are delicious. The service is bleh but not awful so no real impact. The reason the place loses a star is not really the restaurant's fault...the atmosphere here is for...how should I say this...for the "early bird special" after church. While it's lovely sometime I need a little more action with my dining experience :) Otherwise a pretty solid brunch spot.
(4)
Caesar G.
We first started coming to Ramparts in 2002 when we moved into the neighborhood. After several years overseas, we're back and happy to see that Ramparts is still here, and better than ever. Most noticeably, the entire establishment is thankfully now smoke-free. We walk here at least once a week, usually on Mondays for half-priced Burger Night and Monday Night Football! We always sit in the sports-bar room. Ramparts has a superb beer list, with dozens of craft beers on-tap and dozens more in bottles. The staff are super friendly, and service is decent. The long-time bartenders greet us by name and remember our favorite drinks. Ramparts does two things very well: good pub grub and great beer. On rare occasions we splurge on the entree specials, often featuring exotic platters like grilled fish topped with lobster meat. The portions are huge, so the wife and I always share one entree. A few tips: Ramparts participates in the United MileagePlus Dining program, so you can get frequent flier miles when you dine & drink and charge it to your United Visa card (except on Monday and Friday nights). Also be aware that it can get very busy and loud on trivia night and during big sporting events. But if you come here on a early weekday or Saturday afternoon, you can sometimes find the bar to yourself. The atmosphere of Ramparts sort of reminds us of our old London neighborhood "local", where all the regulars knew each other and the pub was an extension of your own home! We're very happy to be back in Arlington and will be coming back again and again!
(5)
Cassie C.
Still miss the old school nachos with squeeze cheese. They were the bomb. And I would request a better Chardonnay selection. The half price burgers on Mondays are fantastic. Also enjoy shrimp kickers and salads. Consistently good service at the bar. Good beer selection and no shortage if TV's.
(4)
Chris S.
Stopped in one afterNOON, for a lunch meeting with some colleagues. While the wings were delicious, and there were a number of choices to choose from, as many other people have said the smokey environment of this place kills any opportunity to do anything else that day without smelling like an ash tray. Now,I will say that I've heard (read) that it's non smoking now. If that's so I'll make sure to return and give them an unclouded review.
(3)
Mike M.
Awesome food and great staff, but the regulars need a bedtime implemented. Seriously watched this old douche bag scare away 10 ladies. It is a re occurring theme ever time I go in there. If they don't start to cut them off so they go home earlier I'm calling it quits on this spot.
(3)
Jo K.
We tried Ramparts tonight for dinner, mainly because we had a $10 off coupon for 2 entrees. We sat in the dining room, was very pleased of their extensive beer menu. Wine menu was decent also. Tuesday night is super supper night. We didn't get the special b/c choices of protein wasn't too exciting. I got the crab & avocado roll with $1 extra house-made onion rings. Essentially a crab cake sandwich with avocado and arugula. Crab was awesome. The roll or basic burger bun was a-OK. I was extremely disappointed with the onion rings. Breading was nice and crunch but lack seasoning. I added salt, dipped in ketchup. Still just bland. My dining partner got the cajun fish & chips. Was initially disappointed by small portion, 2 small fish pieces. Then lack of cajun-ness? sweet potatoes and cole-slaw it came with were good. Best part was dessert: warm apple tart with vanilla ice cream. YUM. Service was quick and pleasant. Dining room was nice and cozy. We might try Ramparts again for burger night....
(3)
Branden B.
Great cozy little place with wonderful food. The steaks here are great and the environment is too. I would recommend to anyone looking to have a nice dinner out.
(4)
Colleen M.
Rampart's is one of those places where I have difficulty ordering because the menu is too freaking big. Like most such establishments, they would have done better to focus their efforts on a few strengths instead of spreading out weakness. Four of us went here on a Friday night around 8pm. We were pleased we didn't have to wait for a table... but it would be a long time before we were pleased again. The place was incredibly loud, even for a Friday night, and the drunk table across from us was particularly obnoxious. Management actually seemed to be encouraging this. Appetizers ordered included French onion soup (mediocre) and nachos. The nachos had gross liquid cheese, but were otherwise okay. I had the ribs and fries for my entree. The sauce was disgustingly sweet and the ribs just okay. They clearly hadn't been cooked long enough to get good flavor. The Mister had a pasta and chicken dish he said was disgusting. The cheese, he said, tasted like sawdust and the sauce was inedible. Our friends had a salad that showed up with the wrong dressing and the pork chops. The common theme was portion sizes so large as to be vaguely disgusting. For a reason I still do not know, we ordered dessert. The apple pie was definitely better than the entrees and the ice cream was a good vanilla. The coffee we ordered with it was terrible, instant crap. With all of the options in the area and our preference for places without shouting, we probably won't be back. The prices were about average for NoVa, but the taste was definitively sub-par.
(2)
J P.
I mean, what's not to love? Sure I've had some questionable experiences here, and the crowd isn't always my generation, but I've had so many fun nights with family and friends at good ol' Ramparts, I just can't give it any less than 5 stars. The staff makes all the difference here. Everyone treats you REALLY well wether they remember your face or not (and usually they do.) I've wound up at Ramparts to celebrate or to commiserate, for the big game or for live music and they've never let me down. Comfort food, a wide range of beers, decent prices and just plain old neighborly friendliness. Now that I'm thinking about it, I might head over there right now...
(5)
Tony M.
Update: I heard Ramparts no longer allows smoking so I'm changing the review to reflect the food which was pretty good. I'll give them a try again now that I know I can enjoy a meal there without taking years off my life. Good choice Ramparts. You might have angered a few smokers, but smoking should be an outdoor hobby anyway. And it wasn't fair to your diners who had to deal with the smell whether they chose to visit the bar or not. That smoke doesn't magically stay confined to one room for the reviewer who was up in arms about the negative anti-smoke reviews...
(4)
Tina C.
Can't get enough of this place! Love Ramparts. Always a good time and everyone should try it out! Food and service is great and the drinks are always flowing! Can't beat the half-priced burger night. Turkey burger is amazing! Comes with avacado, onions, and red bell peppers! Great combo and I could eat it all the time Their ribs are really good as well (they have a special on Thursdays) and wing night is awesome as well! 50 cent wing night which all different sauces to choose from! Jack Daniels and BBQ are my favorite! Salads are great as well. THey just updated their menu not too long ago and have put some great additions, like the salmon, crab and avacado roll, and calamari. They really have a good, big menu with all different items to choose from like steaks, seafoods, pasta (mushroom ravioli is good), burgers, salads, you name it! Sunday brunch is awesome too! Cant beat a $3.99 mimosa or bloody mary! Drinks are always amazing as well. They have great, caring, fun, bartenders who really welcome you and make you feel home. Buster is awesome! Always there for a good time, a good drink, and a laugh. He is an amazing bartender who really cares about his guest! There are also great bartenders who work on the pub side too! Actually, all of the bartenders are great for that matter! It's always a good time on the restaurant "wine bar" or the pub side where one can watch all the games! Cant beat the half priced bottle wines on Saturday nights either. Pub servers are really good too! Cant forget about them :-) Management is also awesome here! They really care about the guests wants and needs. They are always improving the restaurant whether its from the menu, the atmosphere, or changing the whole restaurant to non-smoking. I think this is a good thing and will be very good for them in the long run! They have also been coming up with fun events like quizzo, wine and beer dinners, having great singers come in Wed-Sat night, UFC, and karaoke on Sunday nights! Man karaoke is so fun to end your weekend! Keep up the good work Ramparts is definitely awesome! Whether your having a meal in the dinning room with Lea and Hannah or having a drink with Buster on the wine side and/or with Megan, Jared, Amanda, & Jaime on the pub side, it is always a great experience all around. Great servers, great bartenders, great food & drink! Keep up the good work guys, I will alwasy be there! You have never let me down :-)
(5)
Michelle B.
The food: Decent We had an order of wings that were fried crispy with the sauce and dry rubs on the side. I had the crab cake and steak since the waitress said that she did not recommend the chicken. He had the NY strip. Both steaks had a lot of fat on them. Kind of disappointing, but they at least had good flavor. Drinks: OK I started off with a margarita. Not impressive at all. Needed more liquor and less of the tangy stuff. Yuck! They had half off bottles of wine which was good though. We finally ordered a bottle because I was sitting there with a sour face from my first selection. The Ambiance: Meh!!! This place is a straight up smoke pit in the bar area. Unfortunately, this is where they had the live music. I guess they think only smokers enjoy live music. As a singer, I was quite irritated with my lack of a clean air supply. I thought that the music was great, but not enough to keep me coming. If they decide to transition to a nonsmoking bar, then maybe.
(3)
Scott K.
Eh... food was average but the Bill was way above average.. Service was fair. With all the choices in the area . I wont be back
(2)
rosa b.
I have to write this. Whole restaurants all over VA are non-smoking. Ramparts has chosen to maintain smoking, and I salute them for that. Their ought to be places for different people, places for everyone. Ramparts offers non-smokers an entire bar of their own. And they offer smokers a bar. I think that is a wise thing, a great policy, and I salute the owners for not knuckling under to the harrassment and smear campaign orchestrated by fanatics against smoking in any circumstance. Everyone should have a place they enjoy. The food is great. I had their stuffed chicken special recently. It was awesome. The service is convivial. The atmosphere is basically sports bar, but the food is higher end. It is a bit pricey, but as a smoker, I enjoy this place and go their frequently with other smokers. I'm not sure why someone who hates smoke would want to come to a bar full of smokers when most of the places in Northern VA are smoke free. I hope Ramparts maintains its pro-smoking policy. A lot of us who do smoke love the place.
(5)
Christopher C.
This is one of my favorite places bar none. Best value for money in the area, with a mix of atmosphere's and menus that can appeal to a broad range of people. Ramparts is comfortable and friendly. Whether you are on the pub side, or the separate dining side, you will find the right setting for your outing. The staff are terrific, with longer-time servers and bar tenders ranking among the best I've known. It is definitely excellent service with a smile. If you enjoy a beer or wine, Ramparts has a very wide selection, and the informed staff will help you make the very best choice. You should check out half priced burger night and half priced wine night. Both worthy of your attention. The menu is very solid with a range of items to appeal to many tastes, from buffalo wings to comfort food, sit-down meals. The portions are generous and the prices are competitive. There are also daily dinner specials which add a refreshing choice to a solid stable of dining options. On a special diet, Ramparts does all it can to meet your needs, with a smile. Whether you want to stop in for a beer and watch the game, or bring your family out for a casual but fulfilling dining experience, Ramparts should definitely be on your short list.
(5)
Kayla H.
I went late night last night and had some great food--really great. I was expecting something a bit more bar-like when I looked this place up on Yelp while en route. My guest and I were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and our super-friendly waiter. Plus, they had 1/2 off bottles of wine. Awesome. We didn't go to the tavern side, so, I can't comment on that. Even so, I thought it was a great find in my area.
(5)
Jen M.
I came here for $0.50 wings and ended up getting them with the jack daniels sauce. My coworker also got wings and a ramparts ceasar salad. Overall, we were very satisfied with the food. The wings were cooked great (ask for them to be extra crispy) and had great flavor. The waiter was very good and we got our food in 10 mins! Also, my coworker raved about the salad and the bacon vinaigrette dressing!
(4)
Jack H.
Review for the bar only, no food. Local bar, laid back atmosphere. Not a dive bar, more of a "regulars" bar where if you go enough, I'm sure the bartenders will remember your name, Cheersesque. Love the amount of selection you get there with many craft beers prominently displayed on a wall. They used to have pitchers (still might) which is also nice. There are a good amount of tvs showing various sports channels. The bartenders and friendly and very accommodating to show games on multiple tvs for your convenience (just ask). Will have to go back and try some of the food, or continue to go down the beer list.
(4)
Jessi D.
I just found out that ramparts went non-smoking. I can't possibly tell you how happy I am about that (especially now since I'm pregnant). My husband and I live within walking distance and always loved coming here. But we had to stop coming because the smoking got so intense. So we only came about once a year and even then we would only stay for a beer before we had to leave because we were coughing and hacking. So now that they are non-smoking we can start coming back on a regular basis, and I am so happy. The food is pretty good. Not on par with Carlyle or anything, but really good, decent food. The bartender is super friendly, and the live music is great. I love coming here to watch football games on Sundays too because they have all the games on various screens. Its a great little neighborhood bar I would recommend to anyone.
(5)
KSU S.
Who has half price wine bottles on a Saturday night?!? This place!! You really can't beat that regardless of the food...and it's not bad!! The chili is very good, but definitely not spicy. The onions are crunchy and give it a nice texture. The mushroom and sausage ravioli was pretty good, but didn't have a lot of sausage. The yummy sauce made up for it, though. The BBQ sauce on my husband's ribs was quite tasty. The cole slaw left something to be desired, but the potato salad was pretty good. They make it with skin-on red potatoes and lots of mayo.
(3)
Peter Q.
This place has had its up & downs, currently on an up swing The menu has improved, the quality is great. Service is good. Currently on my good list of eats around the shirlington area.
(4)
Allison S.
Ramparts is a local bar with a restaurant attached. They serve similar food in both. The service is always great even when there are tons of sad Washington sports fans packed in. They have great specials both for happy hour and different days. I think the 2 and 3 star reviews are for people that just don't quite get that this is just a regular Fairlington place...nothing too fancy!
(4)
Nina B.
This was the first time I was in a bar in VA since they past the anti-smoking law and it still had smokers. It was a bit of a shock after getting used to the no smoking policy. I'm sure it's a smoker's paradise, but I still don't find the need to hang out at smoky bars now that I know I can go home without having to wash myself down from that bar smell. The service was very friendly, and the place wasn't too crowded for a weekday. It's just that the location isn't that great with only street parking available.
(3)
Rebecca D.
We were there late and they were understaffed. We seated ourselves and the bartender waited on us. It was a bit too loud and she had to repeat herself a few times. Plenty of TVs around though with various games showing and the Lance Armstrong interview. :) We had the sliders and the chicken quesadillas. The sliders were good but a little heavy on the red onions. The quesadillas were fab. I'd go back. It's not a fabulous atmosphere but kind of fun, cozy and hometown bar-ish.
(3)
Katie P.
Nothing spectacular. Food was okay. French fries were really good. The place was clean. After our flight was delayed and we got in late, this place was still open and serving the full menu which was a relief because we were starving. Seems like a good place to watch a game. I got the grilled/blackened chicken in a pita with bacon. The chicken didn't have much flavor, but the bacon and fries were really good. Service was a little slow, but that could have been because the basketball playoff game was on.
(3)
B. S.
One of my favorite places in the Arlington/Alexandria area... Probably the most friendly and professional bartenders in the area. Excellent burgers and food, great beer, and one of my favorite places to watch the Caps and Nats.
(5)
Nathan F.
Good food and service. Small dining area, nice ambiance. Would come back. Food was GREAT. Their prices are a bit on the high side but this is one of the few places I've been to where the food quality was worth the price. I went with my girlfriend and my parents. My parents can be very difficult customers. They are apparently regulars and reserved their favorite dessert, which has a limited supply. Once desert time came our waiter informed us that we would only be getting 1 of the 2 desserts that were reserved, and boy did my parents make a fuss. Someone came to apologize (who I assume was the manager on duty), and both desserts were taken off the bill, without a problem. Now that's great service. My parents can be tough to please, and Ramparts went the extra mile to accommodate them.
(5)
Chris W.
Great place to socialize in, a must repeat! Watched my friend try to get the live lobster out of the machine...!
(4)
Juliet K.
randomly came here to watch the end of the thursday night game with a few folks. one of my friends is the one that knew about it. i didnt even know this place existed at all. i was very impressed with their selection of beers. they had a huge book of all these beers you could choose from. they even had gluten free options that were not just ciders. so I thought that was cool since i have several friends with gluten allergy. they had beer specials on thurs night, which was nice. overall, nice spot to watch the game. they had lots of TV. no comment on the food since i didnt have any, but they have complementary popcorn - which we had a lot of. HAHA.
(3)
Alicia G.
While Rampart's menus and signage boast 105 beers, it's a good idea to have 2 or 3 backup beers in mind as they were out of Leinenkugel and the draft Hefeweizen. I did finally get an Allagash which ran about ~$6. I did not order any food since we had plans for a late night run to Yechon so I have no insight to offer on their eats. There are plenty of places to sit and watch a game (the Caps game in this instance) and the service is friendly and efficient. The live music (by New Day Rising) was great and it was a great evening of socializing by all. Though I enjoyed myself and others' company, I did not enjoy the smoke; another reason why I make limited trips to VA. So to sum it up: 2 stars for the smoke 2.75 stars for beer 4 stars for service/atmosphere 5 stars for the live music and company
(3)
Erina N.
Ramparts Restaurant and Bar are next to each other. *Monday 50% off burgers!!! They have different deals everyday. The first time was me and my husband for dinner at the restaurant, and their steak was delicious! And we just went back for dinner again, it was a bit crowded for Monday dinner around 8:00PM (about 30min wait) so we tried their Pub/Bar section so we didn't have to wait at all. They still serve same menu as restaurant at the bar, we enjoyed a lot!Their Daily Turkey vegetable soup was delicious!!!!! Definetely going back again for 50% off burgers Monday!
(5)
Kevin Y.
Atmosphere: Ok, kind of crowded. No music playing at 8pm. Service: Extremely understaffed. The server seemed overwhelmed and was a bit inefficient. Who brings you a beer and forgets to take the empy glass away? Food: The main factor in determining the 2 star rating for this restaurant. Ordered the chicken nachos, blue cheese burger, and the tango salad. Chicken Nachos: All the chese were stuck on the bottom of the plate. I suspect they baked it first in a skillet and then flip it over and dump the whole thing onto a plate. What's the point of eating NACHO CHEESE when the CHEESE are all stuck on the bottom of the plate. Bleu Cheese Burger: Typical...meh, i've experienced better. Tango Salad: The fish was very blend, and the dressing probably came from a jar either from sysco or us foods. I can tell duerto the consistency of the dressing. Usually in restaurants like this, they make their own homemade dressing. However, the ginger dressing here is made with hydrogenated soybean oil and is made in a factory. I would say come here for the cheap booze during specials. Otherwise it's in the same league as Chilis.
(2)
Maurina R.
Great food, efficient, friendly service, Lots of beer on tap, what more do you need for a really good nite out? Been twice. We've had sandwiches both times, burger, sloppy joe, steak and cheese, and the New York on Rye (pastrami and corned beef on marble rye). The sides were fries and house made potato chips. One appetizer, the Hot Peas. The pastrami sandwich was terrific! The marble rye was toasted, not grilled, so the sandwich wasn't at all greasy. The meats were tender, not stringy, the cheese melted but with some heft left. The saurkraut and dressing tasted very fresh. The chip were crisp, not greasy, and lightly salted. The steak sandwich had pieces of beef on a soft sub roll, with a flavorful dressing. The sloppy joe had pieces of beef in a rich and tangy tomato sauce on a bun. The burger was hand patted, dense and flavorful, the gouda and onions just the right topping. The Hot Peas are black eyed peas fried to be crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and just yummy. Service was friendly without being intrusive. Parking is on the street, or in the lot behind (shared with other stores). Nice neighborhood place. Re smoke, we're not smokers, and I am sensitive to the odor, but we didn't smell any at all. We sat facing the bar, on the far left hand side of the restaurant, toward the door. If you're sensitive, that may be the place to sit.
(4)
Terry S.
Loved this place. Went there for the first time last week. I had chili and then the salmon, and both were dynamite.Great service too.
(4)
Hilary G.
I have to write an update to say how wonderful their Monday burger night is. You have a selection of about 10 different types of burgers and they are all half off (under $5)! I am partial to their Tex Mex burger with pepper jack and avocado. The service is efficient and I like the decor-somewhere inbetween fancy and casual. They have an extensive beer list but sometimes they are out of my desired beer (Erdinger!). The Oskar Blues Gordon IPA is pretty good. In regards to all of the Yelpers that have a problem with the smoking bar - get up and walk to the other section of Ramparts-through a door-to the non-smoking bar and restaurant. Is that difficult? The Virginia law stated that restaurants can have a smoking section as long as the ventilation system is kept separate from the non-smoking section. I am a non-smoker and I have never had a problem regarding the air quality in the restaurant section of Ramparts (which also has a bar). Another plus - Saturday they have half off their wine bottles but I haven't taken advantage of this deal yet.
(4)
Tanya R.
We were greeted by the Lovely Samantha and she welcomed us in. My sons had the steak & shrimp pasta and the Build Your Own Burger and I had the Stoned Steak Salad. Everything was beautifully prepared and incredibly delicious. Samantha was friendly and personable and made this evening out even better. It is our 1st night in the DC area and this was the perfect way to start our vacation. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)
John S.
I've only been here twice and both times for burgers, and I wasn't disappointed! The food is very good and the service is excellent. I did think the beer prices are a bit steep. The Guinness draft was as much as a the burger and fries, and that was at their full price.
(4)
Eric L.
I have been visiting the US for about a week so far, leading to over 30 hours of traveling between different states. I have been tired. I needed some fuel to fix my wings. My friend, who resides in Arlington brought me to Ramparts as a place perfectly suited for my need for a wing fix. It felt very much so like any sports bar that you may enter; Big flat screen TV, a extravagant size to their bar, bar food, and the patrons that are there to grab their after-work drinks. I have been instructed to omit everything i see on the menu, and go directly for the flavors I wanted for the wings they offered. There were an extensive list of flavors to go for the Chicken Wings and they were all a bless to taste. We had Cajun spice, Garlic Lemon powder, Jack Daniel BBQ sauce, and finally, a Peanut Butter and Jack Daniel BBQ sauce as our finale. The progression of taste in the different types of flavors hit the spot once we hit the Peanut Butter version of their Jack Daniel BBQ sauce. The silky smooth Peanut Butter accented with the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce really places it self well in the grooves, and surfaces of the prepared Chicken wing. Finger Licking Good! The reason for giving it a 5 star review for me is because Ramparts grasped and sense of familiarities, in a clean format, where service is as expected. I enjoyed knowing what to expect. Nothing fancy, nothing high end. Just hand's down satisfying to be a patron at this location. My wing's-fix were definitely successfully catered to, and I hope that the next time I fly through this area again, I can have the experts on wing-mechanics provide me the same service, and same fixes that I will need the next time I come!
(5)
Steve M.
Came with a friend on a recommendation that the "steak is terrific", so my expectations were few except for a good steak. The physical appearance wasn't real encouraging but our high hopes remained intact... started going down hill with the service, had to ask for a beer list, then after 10m (ok, seemed that way) of ordering a draft and it not appearing, I asked the server who was delivering my french onion soup, where was the draft?...he mumbled something about the bartender having trouble...I switched beers. The french onion soup was nothing special, the steak, and it was the only one on the menu, was so-so, but for $22 not sure what I expected, came on a bed of mashed potatoes and green beans. Perhaps we should have been seated over in the bar area, rather than the restaurant area? Anyway, steak was unspectacular, and I can't come up with a reason why I'd make an effort to return, or to listen to the person in the future who referred me here...
(2)
Michelle G.
A friend invited me to dinner and he chose this place. When I walked in the bar side, I was immediately impressed by the fun atmosphere. This is a true sports bar, as there are tvs everywhere! I'm. Not. Kidding. Mondays are 1/2 price burger night! We totally took advantage of this. I had the prime rib burger. It was. so delicious, I could have ordered another. The fries were also great. Beer was cold and there was a good selection of beer and wine. The serving staff was so nice and attentive. If you get a chance, check this place out. If I lived here, I'd be a regular.
(4)
Rob S.
Found this place using the yelp app while on vacation with the family of 4. The app indicates closing time is at 2am, but please note that it is the adjoining, but adequately separated Bar that closes at 2am, they stop serving full menu at 11pm. We found this out as we entered the restaurant at 10:30pm. Despite our arrival so close to close, the host/waiter was very pleasant and seated us promptly at a spacious and clean booth. And everyone's food came out looking and tasting great, so the cooks clearly care about delivering quality, regardless of how close to quitting time it may be. The menu is fairly diverse, offering a variety of food ranging from bar basics like wings, burgers and fries to fancy restaurant items like, Cobb salads, NY strip and mushroom ravioli. I had the the mushroom ravioli. It was ridiculous, Highly recommend! Daughter 1: The 8oz Build your own burger. Came out exactly as ordered. It was huge and messy and delicious. Daughter 2: Salmon entree. Plated nicely, good portion, delicious. Wife: chicken cobb salad, with too many customizations to mention, but they got them all right. It was huge, like the largest portion of all the meals ordered. Tasty as well. The beer selection is as current trends demand, vast. They were out of the Left hand Milk stout, but our waiter offered a recommendation of Moo Thunder Stout which was great.
(5)
Nina P.
I came to Ramparts looking for a show. I've walked past this place a million times because I live in the neighborhood and have seen a smorgasbord of misfits coming and going out of here. So decided I needed some low-key entertainment on a Saturday evening. I was not, however expecting the food to be really good. The sweet potato fries were on point and I ordered the Charleston Chicken salad which was perfect. This is a good place for bar food, watching some sports, etc. The service was also really great, nice staff.
(4)
Slick M.
The best service and food! So glad I stumbled upon the place because all of the regulars and Roseanne ( I think) the bartender made me feel at home. Coming from an ex-bartender at a similar place, it was exactly what I've been missing in the DMV area. Going back for sure...
(5)
Jay S.
I stopped by here after going to Cameroon Run. There food is Delicious! Their wings are so crispy. Get the Jack Daniels wing! Ribs are good as well. This is very intresting lay out, it has a bar, dinning area, and more fancy area! Pretty cool experience! will def come back again.
(5)
J M.
The first time here (Monday January 12), I took advantage of the Monday half-price burgers. For a restaurant that doesn't specialize in burgers, they had quite a good selection. I can't remember which one I ordered, but I do remember loving it! Tonight (Friday January 23), I wanted to try their chicken since it is their roasted chicken month. I liked it, but not as much as I'd hope. Both times here, my wife got the filet stew and loves it. It is a lot of food in a bowl, so she takes half of it to go. Both nights here, it was raining. Coincidence?
(4)
Mike S.
Nothing fancy but a great watering hole with decent food. Matt was a great bartender. This may be my favorite, no frills watering hole for good local beer and a burger.
(4)
Allegra W.
Beyond delicious! My dad and I were looking for a wing place but found so much more! We started with wings, we got hot sauce with the Cajun dry rub sprinkled over them. Absolutely to die for! They came out hot and so flavorful. We then got burgers because it was Monday and it's half price burgers on Monday. They are huge burgers! An inch thick cooked perfectly with so many options for sides! We were more than pleased with the food and the service was just as good! Oh and the desserts! So delicious. Everything. Great!
(5)
Allen H.
The atmosphere here is not pretentious at all. I'm all for upscale dining from time to time, but I also like to sit back, relax, and just be comfortable, and Ramparts is a good place to do just that. It can get crowded on weekends, but it's usually not overcrowded -- just the right amount. I had the ribs when I ate here, on the recommendation of one of the bartenders. I hedge my bets when ordering ribs at a place that isn't known for their ribs, but they were really good here. I've had better at specialty BBQ places, but they satisfied my spontaneous craving, and I didn't regret ordering them at all, which is pretty high praise for me. To be honest, I would prefer them to any chain BBQ place I've tried, ever. My girlfriend was trying to poach most of them off of my plate, so she was a fan as well.
(4)
Lisa T.
We had a craving for wings on Wednesday night after work. After I rattled off a handful of places, my bf finally gave an approving "oooh" to Rampart's, so off we went! We managed to get there in time for their happy hour and enjoyed the IPA that they had on draft. The 59 cents wings were good! My bf got the garlic chipotle which was delicious! Our breath reeked of garlic later that evening but that's expected. The Thai chili wings were good but a little on the sweet side. I also got an order of their tater tots which are amazing! I think they have cheese in the mix before frying them up.
(4)
Youssef T.
I always call in to get a burger to go if I don't feel like cooking. Never been disappointed.
(4)
Alex I.
A great neighborhood spot to catch games where you can find customers rooting for local teams. A rare occurrence in this area. They have a restaurant area but I've primarily posted up on the sports bar side. Service was very good there despite the crowded scene. Sliders, wings, salads, sweet potato fries, etc. They do that kind of thing well. Overall a real solid place.
(4)
Teresa B.
This is probably the first time that I rushed home to write an exemplary review for an exceptional place in my new neighborhood. Ramparts is everything great about a local haunt. I wouldn't have discovered this place if I hadn't received a coupon book, in the mail, promoting Alexandria restaurants. Out of all of the coupons that were offered, I'm so happy that this place was the first place we chose. We were able to find space at the bar and were given attentive service. Our dietary needs were met because the menu and staff accommodated a no carbs, no meat thing we do on Fridays. I ordered a build a burger, without the bun. He ordered a Caesar Salad. Savory goodness. Then we got to play Golden Tee golf too!
(5)
Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: My husband and I came here for dinner - we've heard about Rampart's being a neighborhood favorite and how they have some great food! We were seated by the booth area - we didn't know that this was a 2-part restaurant - one was a sit-down whereas next door, was a tavern/bar. From the Appetizers section, we started off with Shrimp Kickers (there was half pound of shrimp with white wine and garlic, set on top of bacon cheddar cheese grits with a side of their spicy Gator sauce) - I liked the steamed shrimp on top as there was a good amount of shrimp; however, the grits underneath, I was not a fan, as it was very sour and citrus-y; the 'Tato Bites (house made potato tots filled with cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, with a side of chipotle sour cream dipping sauce) - this was okay as they were little mounds of lightly fried potato balls; not salty at all, and I wasn't a fan of the chipotle sour cream sauce but preferred ketchup instead. There was also a Wednesday wings special for 59c each; there were different sauces available, but I stuck with the 'Hot' sauce - I did request for the wings to be extra well-done, but they were not cooked all the way through - the wings were more of a wet version and more on the bland side; the bleu cheese sauce was very watery, too. My husband also ordered a cup of French Onion Soup that was hearty and filled with lots of sauteed onions and lots of thick melted Gruyere cheese on top - the broth was pretty okay. For our entrees, I had the Mushroom Ravioli (wild mushroom filled ravioli sauteed with spinach, diced pancetta, chopped Portobello mushrooms, tomato, sweet onions, all in a sherry-Parmesan cream sauce with Parmesan cheese on top) - the dish wasn't too heavy and was not salty, which was nice - the sauteed spinach was a nice added touch, but I thought that pancetta wasn't too fresh and didn't do so much for the dish. My husband had the Jack Daniel's Pork (2 8oz pork 'ribeyes' seasoned and pan seared with a cheddar-scallion mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables with a side of the Jack Daniel's glaze sauce) - the porkchops were cooked all the way through and was very juicy - I believe the Jack Daniel's sauce was housemade was you can really taste the Jack Daniel's in this sweet glaze; my husband preferred it with the Texas Pete hot sauce, though; the side of vegetables were sliced zucchini and carrots, and the scallion mashed potatoes were okay, but more on the bland side. Our server was Alex P. was attentive and was very sweet. We were disappointed that the ribs were not available, but noticed that one lady at the bar had it after us; we inquired about this, and supposedly, it was done 10 minutes after we put our order in - we thought it would have been nice if the kitchen staff or the server had let us known about the ribs and hoped that they would have given us the option of whether we wanted to wait for them or not. Overall, it was an okay dining experience and I'm glad I was able to check this place out! +ask for Alex P. :D
(3)
Andrew P.
This restaurant has a nice atmosphere and they do a special menu everyday. The meats are very high quality and their side dishes are very good too. I've been there twice now and was impressed both times.
(5)
Mary Kate M.
BAR REVIEW This place is good for two things: 1. A late night drink for the Fairlington neighborhood folk. 2. Listening to an absolutely horrible one man cover band ... playing the guitar and taking requests from the audience. He sang Miley Cyrus, and I lost my dinner. I think he lost some of his manhood if not all of it by performing such an act. If you enjoy either of these two, then you'll love Ramparts. If you do not enjoy these things -- then I don't think this is the place for you. For what it is worth they did make some decent cheap drinks and have a vast selection of beers on tap. Do what you gotta do and pick your poison drink wise. For the love of everything that is holy though, don't pick Miley when he is taking requests! I wouldn't count on him making it past auditions for American Idol.
(3)
Bob P.
This place is purely awful, I tried to be the good son and treat mom's to a nice dinner for Restaurant week. Besides the restaurant being out the way near the Lindsey car dealership the service was absolutely pitiful. I can't even remember what exactly I had to eat there because it didn't stand out, the only thing that did was my waitress's non-presence. I don't know if she was timid, scared or just plain clueless. We are sitting there chillin for a good 10 min. just looking over the menu and looking over the menu and LOOKING OVER THE MENU, when I hop up go to the host and politely ask where our waiter or whoever is, he nonchalantly goes so and so is over there, basically right next to us but hasn't come over. At this point I'm bubbling over just waiting for her so I can give her the business, but cooler heads prevailed and it was late and I didn't wanna show my ass in front of her or these white folks! To make a long story short the service didn't get better but mom was happy regardless so that is what matters I guess. I give them 1 star for trying, for trying like S*&t! You live and learn, I won't ever try this place again and I am totally offended by any positive reviews of this place in the past or in the future. I thought the food was an abomination. Everyone have a good day!
(1)
Chris A.
This review is for the restaurant side (the bar side is good too, just a different atmosphere). I can say nothing bad about this place. They have turned my girlfriend and I into "regulars." They have the best specials around - half-priced burger nights on Monday (our favorite, with such a creative listing of burgers - and if you're not feeling beef, any of them can be with turkey, and it's one of the best turkey burgers around); Wednesday night is $0.59 wing night (again, creative sauces, especially the super spicy one - has a real nice kick; it also tastes great mixed with their Jack Daniels sauce, for a little sweet and spicy!); and $16 full-rack of ribs on Thursday with two sides! Their regular menu is creative as well - I particularly enjoy the Kentucky Steak and Cheese. The host and servers are always very friendly, and great with remembering our favorite drinks and prompt with refills. We have been to brunch here a few times as well, and thought the menu was also creative. We often don't have room at the end of the meal for dessert, but a couple of times we've managed to fit the S'Mores in, and it's fun - they give you whole candy bars with graham crackers and marshmallow and let you toast your own S'Mores with the help of a pu-pu platter flame. Once again, very creative. I would be hard pressed to find a time I did not like my meal here. We are regulars because of the friendly service, delicious and inventive food, and welcoming atmosphere. If you're in the area, give them a try!
(5)
Graig M.
Always have a great experience when we sit in the bar and grill area. Not quite so in the restaurant side, but that was really only one experience. Usually I come here for a low key, bar type meal, so I'm thinking sandwiches, burgers, etc. Both sides of their operation share a menu though, so there are some nice steak and pasta options too. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered, but usually go with the fail safe club sandwich. Can also recommend the new york style rueben, the pulled pork, and the burgers. Oh the burgers. They've got a great beer selection as well. And Golden Tee, if you're into that sort of thing. It can get pretty packed with the after work, happy hour crowd, especially late in the week, but I've only had a hard time finding a seat once... It was NFL playoffs, which should be expected given the lack of sports bars within walking distance of the area. Bar was packed, so we went next door to the restaurant. It was just weird from the moment we walked in. The hostess seemed unsure where to seat us even though there was only a couple other people sitting at tables and not at the restaurant bar. I asked if we could sit somewhere so I could casually watch the game (didn't have a dog in the fight, but still wanted to keep an eye on it)... We sat down and asked the waiter about our "beer passport," which is basically a booklet that you keep record of which beers you've drank from their list and it's their version of a loyalty program. Drink more beers and get rewards (I've only had about a dozen in the course of the 13 months we've lived around the corner, so could use some work?). The guy said he didn't know what we were talking about. That was it. I explained what it was and he said he'd go ask someone. He ended up sending the manager... who was also the hostess that sat us... and she said she knew what it was and would get the passports. The guy came back and handed my wife hers... and started to walk away. I stopped him and asked if he had mine and that's when he just said, "Couldn't find yours." O...k... whatever... we ordered two beers and off he went... came back five or so minutes later and said they were out of the one I ordered... no problem, ordered another... he disappeared and came back to tell me they were out... this happened three times before he brought back the wrong beer for my wife. At this point, we just told him we were going to head across the street to get a pizza. It was just an unfortunate experience that I can't really explain. We've had dozens of good meals here, including in the restaurant side with large family groups in town to visit. The bar staff is great, every time.
(4)
Gavin T.
I have nothing bad to say about this place. Good service, good drinks, good food .. even late at night.
(4)
Stacy L.
Maybe I was just tired from the long, eventful day my boyfriend and I had but I found this restaurant to be eh! Pros: typical bar food. Greasy and yummy. Plenty of tvs with different games going on. They made me a grilled cheese sandwich even though it isn't on their menu - thank for accomodating my craving! Staff was very friendly. Cons: my boyfriend's water glass was empty almost the entire time we sat there. We tend to judge a place on whether our glasses sit empty or if the server refills the glass before we have to ask. It was definitely loud in the restaurant so you better be prepared for that
(3)
elaine s.
Normally this neighborhood restaurant would get a higher rating from me but my experience last night totally turned me off. I ordered the "special" lamb chops. First I had to send the plate back because the potatoes were ice cold. When I got to the chops, I realized that what passed for chops was about 1 bite of meat per chop surrounded by fat for a total of three bites of meat for $24. To be fair, I should have sent them back then but was hungry and in a hurry so ate what I could and then asked for bread (you have to ask) to fill me up. When the check came and it hit me that I had paid quite a premium for bread I asked to see the manager. She refused to give me any discount but offered dessert because she "saw the plate and everything was eaten". True, but again "everything" consisted of potatoes and three bites of meat for, again, $24. A manager with any class would have taken the hit for the long term advantage of a satisfied and returning customer. Short-sighted and without class!
(1)
Meghan G.
My boyfriend and I frequent ramparts for breakfast and brunch often... We look forward to the specials menu every time! It never disappoints... But if we've also tried several things on their main menu as well. Corned beef breakfast wrap: my boyfriend's go- to! It's cheesy, melty, salty with a hint of spice- always delicious. Comes with home fries on the side- recommend getting them well done! Jack Daniels steak and eggs: worth the price! Steak always cooked perfectly. Biscuits and gravy: highly recommended- we usually get one to split on the side of our entrees Filet Benedict: delicious and steak always cooked well (I like medium rare, which a lot of places will over cook- but ramparts hits it on the head every time). As an aside, the specials menu breakfast burrito is hands down the BEST I've ever had... I haven't seen it resurface on the specials menu yet, but we pray for it to be on there every time we come in. Bartender Matt is attentive and has an awesome personality. His spicy Bloody Mary is on point If you're in the area- I highly recommend stopping in even just for a drink or for their delicious food as well!
(5)
Don Q.
Review on drinks: If I could give them a zero on mixed drinks I would. I wish their bartenders knew how to do mixed drinks. I would order more.. But in the interim... If you want watered down drinks go here. Consistently I am blown away at the difference between every other place I go to drink and Ramparts; and each time I give Ramparts another try I am reminded about their watered down mixed drinks. I recommend sticking to beer and wine or liqour neat. Can't water that down.
(1)
Diana S.
I came for 50 cent wings on a Wednesday night. While the prospect of cheap wings is usually music to my ears, Ramparts wasn't anything spectacular. I sat in the bar area which seemed a little grungier than the dining area....maybe it would've been better if we weren't seated facing the kitchen door. The table was about as sticky as the one rag they use to clean each table. The wings were just okay. They had a bunch of different sauce choices but we stuck with hot and BBQ which were good. It was definitely a plus that they had Strongbow cider! The service was actually really great. Our server was nice and checked on us multiple times to make sure we were happy with our food and drinks. The vibe of the place is very similar to their sister restaurant, Shooter McGee's. It's a neighborhood bar where all the "locals" hang out and everyone kinda knows each other.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes 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 : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Ginger N.
Got a coupon in the mail a month or so ago and finally went to use it in the tavern side. Glad we did! Just what you want in a pub - good service, good food, plenty of screens to watch the game, and pretty good beer selection. Prices a bit higher than I'd like to pay but not unreasonable, and the chef gave us a complimentary dessert & came out to ask how we liked our food. (Suspect this is coupon-related, but they're clearly putting their best foot forward - good show, guys.) Would definitely go again.
(5)Nick T.
Excellent wings, great burgers phenomenal daily specials! Great staff, awesome food and very fun place to hang out. Half priced wings on Wednesday is my favorite.
(5)Kirsten I.
We went to Ramparts on Saturday for our Anniversary dinner and to watch the Caps game. I have been going here for 20+ years and cant say enough good things about it. The Calamari is the BEST ( even without the spicy sesame dip they use to have). We sat at the NON smoking bar and had Matt as a bartender. AWESOME service, awesome food :) Will be going back again very soon.
(5)David R.
OK, so the tavern is not smoke-free. But....go to the dining room section. They've remodeled the bar, added a partition to separate the bar from the dining room (before, you felt as if you were in the bright dining room of your grandmother's house). So Rampart's gets the near-highest rating for that. Half price wine bottles on Saturday - you can't beat that. Most places around here that have half-price bottles do it in mid-week, when business is slower. Word has gotten out and everyone sitting at the non-smoking bar had their own personal bottle. They get big kudos for two of their staff members searching high and low in their recently re-arranged wine rack for my favorite pinot noir, A to Z. Low and behold, they found it--after opening a bottle of my alternative. So I guess that means I have to polish off two bottles. Sue me. A good selection on their menu - different daily specials and some good seafood options. The music was at a perfect level, TVs were on, but volume was off (thank you), and the atmosphere was low key. Now, on to the Tavern. I thought about having a night cap there but the place was jammed, smoky, and loud (live band notwithstanding)---the polar opposite of the non smoking bar. But I will be back to the non smoking bar. Color me converted.
(4)Feri W.
I live near this neighborhood restaurant and yesterday I decided to introduce this restaurant to my friend for an early dinner. It was probably one of the WORST foods either of us had eaten and needless to say I was quite embarrassed because I had hyped up the place somwhat. Our waiter, although nice, did not know much about the food preparation on the menu but claimed he did... I ordered a Rampart's Signature Burger (medium well), the waiter asked me what side I would like and I asked about my choices. I settled on homefried chips. The burger came out so dry and almost burned that I had a difficult time swallowing it. And the chips were super greasy and old, in fact I think my burger and chips was probably left over from lunchtime. My friend ordered what she thought was a grilled cheese sandwich and a large salad and instead she got a deep fried breaded mozzarella (not fresh but previously frozen) slapped between to pieces of bread! For the salad she got a small bowl of some old lettuce (that was not the large salad but they charged $7.99 for it until we complained). Then my friend not having been satisfied with her meal (I was not about to take my chances on anything else) decided to try a dessert. so she asked the waiter if the mud pie was good and he said "oh yes it's excellent we make it fresh everyday from sratch" so my friend ordered it. There was nothing fresh about it and I don't believe she actually got the mud pie. There was no ice cream in it and instead it has some cheap tasting mousse like texture and probably the whole box of it at Safeway was selling for $2.99 and she got charged $5.99 for the small slice. I told our waiter that he had had made false claims that this was not fresh or made from scratch and he insisted it was so I told him to go back and ask and he came back apologetically and and said no it was not. Then when we got our bill, I was charged extra for my chips (that was supposed to be part of my 1 side as offered by the waiter), and my friend was charged for a large salad instead of the small. when we complained, the waiter said there is an extra charge for my chips even though he offered it as my one side that I could order. Needless to say we were not at all happy with this restaurant experience, unfortunately.
(1)Melinda M.
This is a wonderful neighborhood tavern/restaurant. Great service and food was YUMMY! I will go again.
(4)Anthony C.
This place has undergone new management the guy that owns Shooter McGee's now owns Ramparts and has renovated the place little by little it looks alot better than it did before. The quality in the food has improved my favorite dish there is still the Nacho's its big enough for 2 people to split and the burgers aren't half bad but there steak and cheese need help. If you want service there better sit on the restaurant side you get your food alot quicker. The service on the bar side is lousy if your trying to sit at one of the tables with a group eat and have drinks don't expect a waitress to check on you. Oh and I dont recommend to anyone sit at the tables when they have the live music unless you want to go def its way too loud and the bands they have had there are pretty lame. Like Ben said the place has potential but the staff needs to step it up a notch.
(3)Kate C.
Operation Red Stag -- Mission Accomplished! :o)
(5)Blevins L.
This review is for the grill, I haven't been to the bar side. I've been here several times and everything I've ordered has been good. The service is friendly and attentive and they have a huge beer list. I've had both meat and seafood and both have been well prepared and delicious and the sides are good as well. My only complaint is about the side salad. They obviously make them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator so they're limp when they show up at your table. The caesar side salad is fresher, but drowning in dressing. Other than that complaint I have nothing but positive things to say about this restaurant. The food, service and drinks are all a-ok.
(4)Christopher P.
I've been here a few times twice for 35 cent wing night and once for half price burger night. The food is overall pretty average, for the price you pay $5 for a burger and fries or $3.50 for a basket of wings with a pretty wide selection for each, it's a good deal. The waiters are quick and attentive and the food usually comes out pretty quickly as well.
(3)Dave T.
My friends and I go here after softball games during the week. I have been an infrequent visitor since the mid-90's and through, I believe, three owners. Each time it is sold the place improves. Kudos to the most recent owners for expanding the beer selection and adding the extra tv's. I have had a few items from the menu and have been happy with everything. I would recommend anyone visit to see Chuck behind the bar. He is the single most attentive bartender I have ever seen.
(5)Lynne L.
I've been a fan of Ramparts for years. Very consistent, friendly, great service. Parents love it when they come to visit. I bumped them up to 5 stars now that they have completely remodeled and updated their menu. Food is wonderful overall, and the chef rotates some delicious, unique specials. As some Yelpers have indicated, there are two parts to Ramparts, a restaurant/ grill which is smoke-free with a nice bar and comfortable booths, attractive lighting and decor. And next door is the sports bar, also remodeled. We had dinner in the sports bar the other night to watch a baseball game, and while there was a little smoke, we noticed that they have a very good ventilation system so it really didn't bother us. Bartenders are awesome, and we've seen a couple good bands there, no cover. I'd highly recommend my neighborhood favorite! Restaurant- bar- or both!
(5)Matt R.
I really wanted to like this place. I was expecting a nice experience and looking forward to some good beers. However, I was clearly disappointed. After being seated it took over 20 minutes before we were even acknowledged by the waiter. We were about to walk out when he came to get our drink orders. Once the food arrived it was nothing special. I had chicken and it was hard to tell if it was fully cooked or not. The bar had live music and appeared to be a good time. Maybe if I go there again I'll check out the bar instead.
(2)Henry C.
Amazing atmosphere for get togethers and social events. Staff is friendly and well mannered. Food is pretty good and the beer's keep coming! This is a great place for friends.
(4)Sean C.
This is an OK neighborhood type restaurant with a casual feel. It's nice if you live in Fairlington because it's across the street. They have decent dinner specials. However, I would say the food is average to below average. I would probably eat here if I really didn't want to cook, or I wanted something a notch above fast food that could be served by a waiter and accompanied by a glass of wine or beer. Still, there are other places around that fit that bill a little better, especially since Shirlington is so close.
(3)Roger M.
Ramparts is in walking distance of home for us (at least on a nice night), and convenience definitely counts for something. It's not just the path of least resistance that leads me there, though -- Ramparts has some sterling character traits that make it one of those neighborhood places you think of as a close friend. For one thing, they've got a great beer menu with a wide range of GOOD draft beers -- I think it's important that a close friend be able to offer you a cold, fresh glass of Stella, and Ramparts comes through. For another thing, the staff is friendly and competent without being annoying -- again, when I go to a friend's place, I don't want to be fawned over, I just want to be welcome. Finally, Ramparts has solid, honest food at very good prices. Oh, and like a very good friend who just happens to have a GREAT deck to relax on, Ramparts has some incredible weekly specials on the menu -- huge, tasty 1/2 price burgers on Mondays, credible barbecue on Wednesdays, and best of all, a salad-bowl-size seafood feast on Tuesdays (I've gotta say more about that seafood feast -- it's diced potatoes and corn on the cob swimming in a spicy two or three cup broth, loaded with mussels, shrimp, clams, and a whole lobster on top -- incredible, and great value at $14.95).
(4)Jim R.
i've only been to the restaurant... can't speak for the bar. but the food is great - and there are great deals to be had. first of all - bbq ribs on thursdays are so good. fall off the bone and great favor. all for $10. great deal. mondays are burger night... 1/2 priced burgers. so tasty. they are really, really good... especially for the price.
(5)Matthew F.
Great place to hang out with friends for football. Great service, better beer menu than most bars in the Alexandria area.
(4)Kimberley W.
Ramparts is one of those places neighborhood places that must be doing fine with their regular clientele and so it has little use for new folks. We walked in and waited for the staff to finish chatting at the bar. After an awkward amount of time passed a waiter seated us. I ordered meatloaf and so did the woman at the table next to us. The watier returned with apologies becuase there was no more meatloaf. That's not what the waiter at the other table was telling his cusotmers. We got the hint and since our waiter had never bothered to aks us for our drink orders we got the heck out. I won't be going back unless I'm with someone from the neighborhood.
(1)Lauren M.
It went SMOKE FREE! So much better now. I've started going back and enjoying the place.
(5)Chris G.
I just realized that I hadn't updated my previous review to reflect how much better I view this place now. The bartender who works the day shift is great - real friendly. The menu is maybe a little on the pricey side for lunch ($8-$11 for most things), but I do have to say that the burgers here are really, really good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. As for a bar atmosphere, it's kind of a off-the-beaten-path local bar, so it does have that feel of getting away from everything to it. There's more flat screen TVs scattered about the place than you would expect for a bar this size, and the best of all: they have a claw game hooked up to a lobster tank. Yep, you read that right. If you catch it, you eat it for free. The thing that keeps this from a 4-star review is the fact that you smell like butt when you leave, thanks to the pro-smoking policy in the bar. Lame.
(3)Lee B.
The bar is perfect for watching sports with a ton of TVs, clean restaurant feel, awesome staff, and great food. The restaurant side is just as great with top notch food and service. Burger night is the best, but the steak salad is always great.
(5)Mike A.
This review is for the bar side of Rampart's only. For those who really don't like smoke, either stick to the restaurant or the table seating on the bar side. While there was a good amount of smoke at the bar, they also have great ventilation and it's not as "smoky" as many people on here have made it out to be (a smoker's opinion). Rampart's bartenders make a great first impression, shaking hands and greeting everyone when they sit at the bar. They maintained that impression throughout the night with entertaining and attentive service right up until we walked out. While I thought the prices were a bit steep on some beers, there are tons of great choices even if you limit yourself to the cheaper ones. I could have spent all day trying different beers, or just enjoyed the Oberon on tap. Now, the food is where a lot of bars fall short, and I should note that my friend described his chicken ceasar salad as bland, but I was very satisfied with my meal. I had the blackened chicken pita which came with bacon and muenster cheese on top of a chicken breast that was way too big for the pita wrapper. That aside, the chicken and bacon were incredibly flavorful and it came with a side of friggin-amazing fries. Overall, I'm incredibly happy to have a bar nearby that I can still smoke in... also, the food is well above the standard bar fare, the atmosphere is fun and energizing, and the staff are incredible. This is my new favorite spot in Alexandria.
(5)Amanda W.
We had an AMAZING night at Ramparts! We've been on a streak of bad service at several other restaurants and Chuck and Anthony broke that streak with style! From the minute we sat down to the minute we left we were well attended. Never an empty glass of beer or water! They had great suggestions, and the clearance beer list didn't hurt! My boyfriend was able to drink 5 different beers he would never have tried otherwise due to the regular price! The food was great! We had the chicken nachos and the three little pigs sandwich! My grilled chicken house salad was just ok, but it was a plain order! we plan to go back often! The smoke wasn't too bad, we've been to FAR worse. We were able to watch all the sports we wanted upon request! It doesn't get better than this!
(5)Richard M.
Third visit, for lunch, good burger and chicken sandwich, great service. A nice neighborhood place, as long as you don't expect too much. But Shirlington is right up the road, and the choices there make the short trip worthwhile.
(3)Nick B.
This is an all right place, nothing spectacular. I've been here a few times and each time I've gotten stars from the regulars. I get the impression that this is a townie bar/restaurant where everyone knows everyone, and people come to sit at the bar and shoot the breeze with the bartenders. The bar is a bit on the redneck side, but they do have good drink specials. The restaurant side is decent...typical greasy bar fare, but nothing to write home about.
(3)Renee C.
Ramparts is my husband's new favorite restaurant. It's always his first choice, and I can't blame him! Food is classic american...burgers, crabcake sandwiches (pretty good one at that), big salads, ribs. They have a large selection of steaks as well, and they have specials every night of the week (pretty good prices for the area). The service is always impeccable and professional. For dessert, you can do the s'mores over a sterno flame thing....and they serve it with not just chocolate bars, but reese's peanut butter cups and other candy bars! Only item I can't recommend is the homemade falafel - it was way undercooked when I tried it - almost gooey on the inside, and that's not right! Seriously, though, not the end of the world. If you need to go veggie, just get a salad, or if you're a pescetarian.....get the crabcake :).
(4)Kent H.
Double espresso martini. Can you stop at one?
(5)Ed G.
Great neighborhood bar with live music. Incredible beer selection with great, knowledgable staff. Can't speak to the cocktails, but the selection of quality buckets of beer (usually a selection of beer from different regions of the world) are a great way to branch out and try some new suds. Bar food is pretty standard, but still good. Chicken fingers and chicken sandwiches are always tasty. The dining room is nicely appointed and I loved a scallop dinner I had there a while back. My wife wasn't so keen on what she got, but I can't recall what it was. So the dining room gets mixed reviews. But overall, your not going to find a more fun and consistent experience in the vicinity. Love it!
(5)Steve C.
Dinner was good --- awesome burger, fries, nachos. Everything we had was good. Had to move to restaurant because bartender was the only one serving entire bar area of restaurant -- about 50 people. Nice woman but she was over her head.
(3)Katie F.
Stop 2 for the Yelp Saturday Night Crew Alicia C & G, Cadence R, Venu N, Ben M, Kevin L, and his boy joined Jeff W for his gig here last night. Wow, this place has quite the list of beers in bottles, but I think a couple people in our crew didn't get their first or second picks because they were out. And I was quickly reminded why I tend to go out in DC, the smoke here was thick. Through a glass door we could see the restaurant area, and we were very intrigued by what was on the other side. Another trip for the food is in order.
(3)Greg M.
Excellent food, great specials. Wed night 45cent wings. Half price burgers on Monday. After all that it's the bar staff that keep me going back.
(5)Stephanie M.
I think I hit this restaurant on the wrong day/time. We went there on Sunday at 3 pm, right when their brunch specials end, but their dinner specials haven't started (they start at 5.) The place seemed pretty pricey ($12 for a burger, $10 for an app). They were out of multiple things on the menu (a lot of - sorry, we don't have that today). I ended up getting a burger and fries, and the burger was mediocre, the fries were pretty bad. I would probably try going there again for a $.50 wing night or something, that seems like a good deal. Maybe my opinion would change at that point.
(3)Erica O.
Caveat: I last went in Feb. 2009. I believe they've remodeled and expanded, so my descriptions of the inside are probably entirely inaccurate. Ramparts is essentially across the street from my house, but I don't actually go as often as I thought I would. Still, I've enjoyed it the few times I have. To be fair, one of the things I like most about it is that I can walk there. I would be a pain to drive and park most likely. Anyway, their food is rich and delicious, which really warmed me up when it was cold outside. They have both a dining area and a bar, separated by a wall with a door, so if you want to go for dinner, you aren't forced to sit with the crazy sports fans. My friends and I (a total of 5) were well attended to and had a lovely, long meal. I probably wouldn't venture in here with a group that was any larger, but that is mainly because the place as a whole just isn't that big. It is a neighborhood kind of place if you live in the area (Fairlington or Shirlington), go check it out!
(4)Michelle P.
Its a Friday night at a bar in alexandria. The place was very busy with all the tables and bar stools full. So why there was only one server serving this whole area is beyond me. She was nice enough, it was just almost impossible to get any attention throughout the night. However as happy hour ended and the crowd began to fade she definitely got better (maybe she was just bored?) I didn't eat any food, but i was impressed with what came out. The sliders looked awesome and if i hadn't already had dinner i probably would have been all over them! The chili looked great too. The menu was diverse and not too expensive which is nice. The major thing i loved was the beer list! Sooooo many good bottles! I had a rough time chosing. But i was definitely excited to get some diffrent beers. If i have to go see my boyfriend's band i definitely wouldn't mind going here again. service, just crowded; good looking sliders, great beer list.
(3)Khalib B.
In the town of Alexandria I have only yet to find two bars where I feel perfectly settled whether I am all alone or rolling with a friend. Rampart's is one of them. The numerous reasons are all listed below. It's cheap It's near me There's always room at the bar It has 100 beers and at least 10 TVs It has both a half priced burger night and $.35 wing night The staff are friendly as hell, and very interested in my continued imbibing of beer. And lastly I am often treated to live music There is only one complaint that any guy can have about Ramparts and as one patron told me has earned the bar the distinguished nickname "Manparts". That's right, sadly the single ladies are not on prowl here. So here's a message to all you gorgeous creatures of the earth "Come on over and make this place perfect!"
(4)Nicole D.
We went there with a Groupon two days before it expired- our own fault. The Groupon was for items $18.99 and under and they were out of almost everything under the amount (and many items above) because they are 'redoing' the menu. The New York Strip was meh- it was overly peppered and lacked flavor. The potatoes were overly garlicy. We have gone there several times before so I was surprised by this lackluster experience. Their Wednesday Wing night is great. The reason they got 3 stars is because of their amazing Smore's dessert. It had me leaving happy forgetting about the not so good steak.
(3)Eileen V.
I always go on the bar side of Ramparts during the day. The Bartender is very good at her job, and friendly. I have ate lunch here a few times, the food is very good.
(5)Jeffrey M.
We went there last night. They were pretty packed and the bar was reserved for a private party. So, we sat at the bar. The bartender made what was probably the best dirty martini I have ever had. I had the chicken quesadilla which was great. It was not like a lot of places where the food tastes like it was all frozen and just put together in the kitchen. I think they actually made every part of this quesadilla from scratch and then baked it to a perfect crisp. My partner got a hamburger and it was grilled so well that the patty had actually conformed to the shape of the grill top and was perfectly done. He actually said it was the best burger her had ever had. The bar was a great idea because our service was fast, the company was nice and the food was great. I just wish they had a few more tables and a little more space.
(3)Jennifer G.
This poor review is a little late, but I have a good memory so here goes... It was still the regular season for baseball and the Phillies (my home team) were playing the Nationals (my new local team!) so we wanted to go out somewhere to watch it as part of our mission to try a couple sports bars on for size to find our perfect match. I believe we went to Ramparts because it was closest to our apartment and since baseball and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly- it's best to be close to home! Taxis are expensive here! We found Ramparts without too much hassle and parked in the lot that was serving the stores on the opposite end of the block...I'm not sure if this is the proper thing to do...I didn't see a sign saying we couldn't though. We walked along and entered the door with Ramparts written on it and it seemed really quiet and it was a little too bright at the bar and dining area we had entered. I like to drink in the dark!! All of a sudden I heard some murmuring, the clinking of glasses and a roar of excitement that could only mean something good just happened during some televised sporting event. I looked to my right and saw a dark room that emanated the soft glow of flat screen TVs and neon beer signs. So there we were in the sports bar area, we found it! I ordered a Blue Moon, I don't remember what R ordered, probably his usual Stella Artois. My Blue Moon was perfect! It was very cold and tasted fresh and delicious. We were a bit hungry so we got a plate of nachos. They were good! Very messy, but what nachos aren't? I would definitely go back to Ramparts for the beer, it was great. Plus one of the bartenders was from southern NJ like me, which is cool! A downer was the waitress who was serving us at our table. When we asked if the sound on the tv in front of us could be turned up a bit she told us that they only broadcast sound for Redskins games. That's cool, but she said it in a mean sort of way which was off putting. And she was often MIA, but the bartender kept our drinks filled. This places crosses me as a cool spot to be on Saturday mornings/afternoons for college football and an especially good place to be for Redskins games...I think I may have to give it a try again soon! Also I'd like to take a closer look at the menu and perhaps try a meal in the big bright dining room!
(3)BJ F.
Great Place with daily specials on food. Bar is still smoking, but a great place to watch sports and hang with friends. The Bar in the restaurant is relaxed and chill, Buster runs the bar and is great. He will take care of whatever you need. Restaurant is small and cozy, quick service and nice staff
(4)Amanda L.
4.5 stars. Restaurant: Yummy food. (Salmon maybe a bit salty). Saturday night 1/2 price bottle of wine. Good ambiance. Wait staff not super exciting but attentive. The key lime pie was nice and tart. Bar: Great live music. Awesome beer selection. Fun and helpful staff (I left my sweater and they called within an hour to let me know; LOVE that!). But kinda smoky.
(5)Shannon R.
There are two sides to this bar, a restaurant which looks pretty nice and a sports bar. When you cross into the sports bar you are over come with smoke, and its stale smoke as if the cigarette have been sitting in the ashtrays all week with no ventilation. The waitress was very young. We went back to the restaurant and the bartender, although a total sweetheart seemed relatively new to bartending. The menu is small, I ended up ordering from the kids menu... I will not seek this place out again.
(2)Dan G.
Tavern is great sports pub. Had beef soft tacos and sw eggs rolls, both football game special menu- excellent.
(4)Angela A.
Very nice ambiance and attentive staff. But, taste of the food was lacking. Mediocre sloppy joe. Fries are sort of, eh. Would love to try their burgers and give it another go.
(3)Christopher D.
Sunday brunch was great. $4 Marys and Mimosas. Delicious house-made corned beef hash with house spice melange (including garlic, cayenne pepper, white pepper, oregano, more), onion, and diced potato and corned beef has a bit of a kick which I thought was perfect. Get the Eggs Benedict if you're a fan; perfect Hollandaise sauce (not citrusy) and the English muffin is grilled so it never gets soggy. Coffee and OJ, ok but nothing to write home about. Hash $9, Benny $10, small OJ $3, coffee $2. Wait staff was friendly and casual. Dined Sunday 10:30a-11:15a with no crowd no wait. Open at 10am Sundays. Street parking.
(3)James C.
Great bar especially if you smoke. Food is reasonably priced and good! Great local price!
(5)David S.
We went during the reconstruction, and didn't have such a good experience, but decided to give it another shot. turns out they did a fairly decent job with the redesign. the inside looks a lot better, cleaner, while still maintaining the "taverny" feel. our food was great though! the rack of ribs were excellent, and only $13! we also tried the mushroom ravioli which were delicious. good service, and friendly staff. we'll be going back soon.
(4)Toni G.
I am still a huge fan of Ramparts but made the mistake of walking through the bar entrance where they let people smoke. I am not against smoking just wish I had known better to walk through the bar entrance. Food and service is great, in addition to the Reuben/corned beef sandwich they have a great CHicken Quesadilla. Good stuff! Thanks
(4)Tatyana V.
I actually really liked their food and their drinks are reasonable, but I HATE that they're getting away with keeping smoking in their bar!! It smells terrible and it really pissed me off that they're specifically trying to get around the new smoking ban. It was passed for a reason- most people want it. Understand that, Ramparts!!
(2)Jason M.
Only been there once but I can't wait to go back again. The bar area has plenty of TVs for such a small space, the beer selection is great (on par with say Rustico) and what food I had was good enough. Wednesday night though is the night to go if you like wings. They have a good variety of flavors, you're surprised at the size of them (very meaty), and this night of the week they're only .35 a piece! The night we went a few weeks back our waitress kept our group of 7 people happily occupied with beverages and wings all night and got a good tip from all of us for the good service. Haven't tried the restaurant portion yet so can't comment on the higher-end of the menu.
(4)Tee R.
Well like almost everyone else on here i am a BIG fan. The food is awesome. The staff on the restaurant side has improved dramatically. The new member of the team, Travis, i believe was awesome when we went late nite for cocktails and munchies. The dining room is clean and inviting, there are seats at the wine bar with 2 flats screens and good size bathrooms. This is the point were i may receive some flack. The 2nd biggest tobacco state in the nation went smoke free on December 1. I AM A SMOKER. Thank the lord Ramparts bar side was designed unknowingly to allow smoking and be one of the few bars in the area to do so. Its a right just like the right not to smoke and i am glad to see ownership is smart enough to split the property. Without being offensive... if you dont like smoke don't stop by. Ramparts is 1 in a 1,000,000. 5 stars for great staff, service, food, and the ability to smoke!
(5)Jeff C.
I stopped into Ramparts for lunch and ordered the Blue Plate Special, plate of hot Turkey covered with savory gravy.Mash potatoes and dressing..yum It was delicious and had me asking why don't have we see more restaurants serving Turkey Dinners more often..Must be that pilgrim thing ..Well, mark me down as one happy pilgrim,because I will be back next Wednesday for Ramparts weekly turkey dinner special. Seriously, it brought back all the best memories of Grandma' s Thanksgiving Dinners
(5)Vic T.
This place is just one of my favorite options for having a good time gathering with family or friends . There is the warm dining section where you can enjoy weekly and daily specials, aside the very interesting menu they have this Chef's daily special dishes and depending on the day the weekly special too . The food is good , the service is friendly and efficient. There is also just across a hall the other Sports bar section with a large bar with great drinks and awesome bar tenders and you can enjoy the same menu in a different ambience and LIVE MUSIC. Can't get better. I must confess , the wings are my weakness at Ramparts, the best I have tried so far..6 different flavors and they go on special on Wednesdays . A lot of good things under the same roof.
(5)Kate S.
We go here for the specials during the week! The wings and burgers never taste frozen. They have a great beer list and the servers are pleasant. It is nice to be able to walk here from our condo but if I lived further out I don't think I would make the trip.
(4)Dan I.
This is a review of the restaurant - brunch, in particular. So here's what I'd say about Rampart's brunch - it isn't bad. As long as you aren't going in there expecting a sort of gourmet experience, then you'll probably like it. We had some eggs, pancakes, and other usual breakfast fare. All were prepared about as well as a decent diner. And frankly, we aren't crazy about the diners in the Arlington/Alexandria area. So when we're in the mood for diner-like breakfast, we'll probably head back to Ramparts brunch. Of course, given that it's a bar, it has a pretty excellent beer menu - a great bonus for someone like me who likes tasty craft beer. The service was average. Not incredibly attentive, but not totally horrible either. On early Sunday afternoon, it was pleasantly quiet and laid back. We'll be back, but not often.
(3)Quentin B.
Worth a visit for the wings along but stick with beer as they pour a weak mixed drink.
(4)Desiree D.
Great neighborhood restaurant bar. Newly updated and now completely smoke-free. Daily specials are the best. I go here for lunch a lot since I work across the street. The soup of the day is normally really good. They even offer s'mores at your table in the bar! Tends to be a local spot, especially for happy hour.
(4)Michele D.
I appreciate that Ramparts is now non-smoking since I rarely went there when it was. We live close so going to Ramparts for a quick game and wings is a plus. The food overall is typical for what you would find at a bar. It does get crowded on game day, which makes for some exciting games, so get there early if you want to grab a seat on the bar side. We usually don't have an issue getting a seat on the restaurant side the couple of times we have eaten there without watching a game I would say you never know what you're going to get with service. Sometimes it's great other times it's really bad. The last time we were there our server was usually no where to be found and after a while we noticed he had a backpack on and was heading out the door. I guess his shift ended and he didn't think we deserved to know he wouldn't be helping us anymore.
(3)Cactus D.
I've been here quite a few times over the past two years. Both in the dining room and the bar. The staff is always great and I've never had food I didn't like. They have one of the best happy hours around ($3/pint of Port City!!) and great cheap snacks. Their brunch is delicious, too! My only complaint is that some of the "regulars" in the bar are not very nice. You get the stink eye if you sit in "their" spots.
(4)Lauren S.
The food was a bit pricey but the service was great! Our waiter was very attentive. The food was great! All and all this is a great place to go.
(4)Ben I.
When my dad was in town, he and I made reservations to Ramparts for their Easter brunch on a Sunday afternoon. I liked the fact that this place had a smaller, cozy atmosphere. We both enjoyed the brunch offerings, as there was plenty to choose from, including breakfast meats, ham, chicken, and lots of pastries and side options. I will have to go back some other time to try items off their regular lunch/dinner menus.
(4)Andie C.
Service was really really slow. Our waitress was training someone new and that's sad because she needed to be retrained (i.e. if you have a coffee pot in your hand look around and fill all the cups at the different tables). Food (brunch) was good and it actually came out in a decent amount of time. That is why I bumped them up from 2 to 3 stars.
(3)Joe L.
Food is descent bar is a little pricey as in 8 dollar shots of jäger. And now they have removed the smoking section totally a bummer! But you will still find me playing Trivia on Tuesdays
(3)Janne Z.
Ok, so I'm not into Bars, Taverns, Sports, etc, however, I went to a Sports Bar. Well, I had friends in town to meet up with and THEY wanted to catch the UFC PPV fight last weekend. Ramparts was one of only a few places offering it, so we went. My husband and I met up with my sister-in-law and her 2 pals from NM and a bunch of 20-somethings (6 in all . . . i think) for watching the game. My husband and I actually had diner in the restaurant part, which is really nice - separated from the bar area so that dining is much more quiet and calm. I TOTALLY loved that part! No TV's blaring anything at you, so I loved dinner. The food was great - I got some Steak Medallions or something on a sandwich and it was very tender and quite tasty. Later we went into the bar area to get a table for the big fight. It, of course was more noisy, but that is what this area was designed for. Our group kept getting bigger and bigger, but they had plenty of seating and we all gathered around one high table. Lots of hollering going on during the fights and our waiter kept our drink orders straight and was constantly checking on us, not to the point of being obnoxious, but fairly often. We rarely had to wave one down (and we were there from about 8:30 - 12:30). All in all, Great food, Great Service and fun times! We didn't know they offered reservations, but we didn't have one and it was slow enough to where we didn't need one (yea!). So, since they are offered, you may want to get one, it appears they get pretty busy at times.
(4)Anonymous A.
Ramparts is leaving the Dining Rewards program. I won't be back.
(2)Mike C.
Cleaned up a lot here over the past few years. I used to come here for the Red Sox atmosphere but that seems to have died down a bit. 1st time back since 3yrs ago to watch playoff game and it's a total 180, nobody is even watching the game but me. Must be by design. Good tap beer choices and dungeony small tavern feel that I like. Food is just ok but what do you want? $3 pint happy hours. Would've gave 4 stars if there were more sox fans in here.
(3)Mark W.
Came here on a Tuesday for half price burgers! I got the prime rib burger, which is half a pound of prime rib with mushrooms and cheese. It was very good. My only gripe was that when I ordered my burger medium, it came out well done. I'm not too picky when it comes to that kind of stuff, so it didn't bother me, but don't expect to get your burger exactly cooked the way you want it. But for 5.50, you can't really go wrong. The fries that accompanied my burger were average, but you get a lot, and by the time the meal was over I was definitely full. It seems like this place has different specials for every day of the week, so I definitely see myself returning when I swing by my brother's place that is nearby. Four stars for good burgers and decent service.
(4)Sasha B.
This review is for brunch only and I have to say it's pretty tasty. The hubs and I get the steak benedict and the jack daniels filet mignon. Both are delicious. The service is bleh but not awful so no real impact. The reason the place loses a star is not really the restaurant's fault...the atmosphere here is for...how should I say this...for the "early bird special" after church. While it's lovely sometime I need a little more action with my dining experience :) Otherwise a pretty solid brunch spot.
(4)Caesar G.
We first started coming to Ramparts in 2002 when we moved into the neighborhood. After several years overseas, we're back and happy to see that Ramparts is still here, and better than ever. Most noticeably, the entire establishment is thankfully now smoke-free. We walk here at least once a week, usually on Mondays for half-priced Burger Night and Monday Night Football! We always sit in the sports-bar room. Ramparts has a superb beer list, with dozens of craft beers on-tap and dozens more in bottles. The staff are super friendly, and service is decent. The long-time bartenders greet us by name and remember our favorite drinks. Ramparts does two things very well: good pub grub and great beer. On rare occasions we splurge on the entree specials, often featuring exotic platters like grilled fish topped with lobster meat. The portions are huge, so the wife and I always share one entree. A few tips: Ramparts participates in the United MileagePlus Dining program, so you can get frequent flier miles when you dine & drink and charge it to your United Visa card (except on Monday and Friday nights). Also be aware that it can get very busy and loud on trivia night and during big sporting events. But if you come here on a early weekday or Saturday afternoon, you can sometimes find the bar to yourself. The atmosphere of Ramparts sort of reminds us of our old London neighborhood "local", where all the regulars knew each other and the pub was an extension of your own home! We're very happy to be back in Arlington and will be coming back again and again!
(5)Cassie C.
Still miss the old school nachos with squeeze cheese. They were the bomb. And I would request a better Chardonnay selection. The half price burgers on Mondays are fantastic. Also enjoy shrimp kickers and salads. Consistently good service at the bar. Good beer selection and no shortage if TV's.
(4)Chris S.
Stopped in one afterNOON, for a lunch meeting with some colleagues. While the wings were delicious, and there were a number of choices to choose from, as many other people have said the smokey environment of this place kills any opportunity to do anything else that day without smelling like an ash tray. Now,I will say that I've heard (read) that it's non smoking now. If that's so I'll make sure to return and give them an unclouded review.
(3)Mike M.
Awesome food and great staff, but the regulars need a bedtime implemented. Seriously watched this old douche bag scare away 10 ladies. It is a re occurring theme ever time I go in there. If they don't start to cut them off so they go home earlier I'm calling it quits on this spot.
(3)Jo K.
We tried Ramparts tonight for dinner, mainly because we had a $10 off coupon for 2 entrees. We sat in the dining room, was very pleased of their extensive beer menu. Wine menu was decent also. Tuesday night is super supper night. We didn't get the special b/c choices of protein wasn't too exciting. I got the crab & avocado roll with $1 extra house-made onion rings. Essentially a crab cake sandwich with avocado and arugula. Crab was awesome. The roll or basic burger bun was a-OK. I was extremely disappointed with the onion rings. Breading was nice and crunch but lack seasoning. I added salt, dipped in ketchup. Still just bland. My dining partner got the cajun fish & chips. Was initially disappointed by small portion, 2 small fish pieces. Then lack of cajun-ness? sweet potatoes and cole-slaw it came with were good. Best part was dessert: warm apple tart with vanilla ice cream. YUM. Service was quick and pleasant. Dining room was nice and cozy. We might try Ramparts again for burger night....
(3)Branden B.
Great cozy little place with wonderful food. The steaks here are great and the environment is too. I would recommend to anyone looking to have a nice dinner out.
(4)Colleen M.
Rampart's is one of those places where I have difficulty ordering because the menu is too freaking big. Like most such establishments, they would have done better to focus their efforts on a few strengths instead of spreading out weakness. Four of us went here on a Friday night around 8pm. We were pleased we didn't have to wait for a table... but it would be a long time before we were pleased again. The place was incredibly loud, even for a Friday night, and the drunk table across from us was particularly obnoxious. Management actually seemed to be encouraging this. Appetizers ordered included French onion soup (mediocre) and nachos. The nachos had gross liquid cheese, but were otherwise okay. I had the ribs and fries for my entree. The sauce was disgustingly sweet and the ribs just okay. They clearly hadn't been cooked long enough to get good flavor. The Mister had a pasta and chicken dish he said was disgusting. The cheese, he said, tasted like sawdust and the sauce was inedible. Our friends had a salad that showed up with the wrong dressing and the pork chops. The common theme was portion sizes so large as to be vaguely disgusting. For a reason I still do not know, we ordered dessert. The apple pie was definitely better than the entrees and the ice cream was a good vanilla. The coffee we ordered with it was terrible, instant crap. With all of the options in the area and our preference for places without shouting, we probably won't be back. The prices were about average for NoVa, but the taste was definitively sub-par.
(2)J P.
I mean, what's not to love? Sure I've had some questionable experiences here, and the crowd isn't always my generation, but I've had so many fun nights with family and friends at good ol' Ramparts, I just can't give it any less than 5 stars. The staff makes all the difference here. Everyone treats you REALLY well wether they remember your face or not (and usually they do.) I've wound up at Ramparts to celebrate or to commiserate, for the big game or for live music and they've never let me down. Comfort food, a wide range of beers, decent prices and just plain old neighborly friendliness. Now that I'm thinking about it, I might head over there right now...
(5)Tony M.
Update: I heard Ramparts no longer allows smoking so I'm changing the review to reflect the food which was pretty good. I'll give them a try again now that I know I can enjoy a meal there without taking years off my life. Good choice Ramparts. You might have angered a few smokers, but smoking should be an outdoor hobby anyway. And it wasn't fair to your diners who had to deal with the smell whether they chose to visit the bar or not. That smoke doesn't magically stay confined to one room for the reviewer who was up in arms about the negative anti-smoke reviews...
(4)Tina C.
Can't get enough of this place! Love Ramparts. Always a good time and everyone should try it out! Food and service is great and the drinks are always flowing! Can't beat the half-priced burger night. Turkey burger is amazing! Comes with avacado, onions, and red bell peppers! Great combo and I could eat it all the time Their ribs are really good as well (they have a special on Thursdays) and wing night is awesome as well! 50 cent wing night which all different sauces to choose from! Jack Daniels and BBQ are my favorite! Salads are great as well. THey just updated their menu not too long ago and have put some great additions, like the salmon, crab and avacado roll, and calamari. They really have a good, big menu with all different items to choose from like steaks, seafoods, pasta (mushroom ravioli is good), burgers, salads, you name it! Sunday brunch is awesome too! Cant beat a $3.99 mimosa or bloody mary! Drinks are always amazing as well. They have great, caring, fun, bartenders who really welcome you and make you feel home. Buster is awesome! Always there for a good time, a good drink, and a laugh. He is an amazing bartender who really cares about his guest! There are also great bartenders who work on the pub side too! Actually, all of the bartenders are great for that matter! It's always a good time on the restaurant "wine bar" or the pub side where one can watch all the games! Cant beat the half priced bottle wines on Saturday nights either. Pub servers are really good too! Cant forget about them :-) Management is also awesome here! They really care about the guests wants and needs. They are always improving the restaurant whether its from the menu, the atmosphere, or changing the whole restaurant to non-smoking. I think this is a good thing and will be very good for them in the long run! They have also been coming up with fun events like quizzo, wine and beer dinners, having great singers come in Wed-Sat night, UFC, and karaoke on Sunday nights! Man karaoke is so fun to end your weekend! Keep up the good work Ramparts is definitely awesome! Whether your having a meal in the dinning room with Lea and Hannah or having a drink with Buster on the wine side and/or with Megan, Jared, Amanda, & Jaime on the pub side, it is always a great experience all around. Great servers, great bartenders, great food & drink! Keep up the good work guys, I will alwasy be there! You have never let me down :-)
(5)Michelle B.
The food: Decent We had an order of wings that were fried crispy with the sauce and dry rubs on the side. I had the crab cake and steak since the waitress said that she did not recommend the chicken. He had the NY strip. Both steaks had a lot of fat on them. Kind of disappointing, but they at least had good flavor. Drinks: OK I started off with a margarita. Not impressive at all. Needed more liquor and less of the tangy stuff. Yuck! They had half off bottles of wine which was good though. We finally ordered a bottle because I was sitting there with a sour face from my first selection. The Ambiance: Meh!!! This place is a straight up smoke pit in the bar area. Unfortunately, this is where they had the live music. I guess they think only smokers enjoy live music. As a singer, I was quite irritated with my lack of a clean air supply. I thought that the music was great, but not enough to keep me coming. If they decide to transition to a nonsmoking bar, then maybe.
(3)Scott K.
Eh... food was average but the Bill was way above average.. Service was fair. With all the choices in the area . I wont be back
(2)rosa b.
I have to write this. Whole restaurants all over VA are non-smoking. Ramparts has chosen to maintain smoking, and I salute them for that. Their ought to be places for different people, places for everyone. Ramparts offers non-smokers an entire bar of their own. And they offer smokers a bar. I think that is a wise thing, a great policy, and I salute the owners for not knuckling under to the harrassment and smear campaign orchestrated by fanatics against smoking in any circumstance. Everyone should have a place they enjoy. The food is great. I had their stuffed chicken special recently. It was awesome. The service is convivial. The atmosphere is basically sports bar, but the food is higher end. It is a bit pricey, but as a smoker, I enjoy this place and go their frequently with other smokers. I'm not sure why someone who hates smoke would want to come to a bar full of smokers when most of the places in Northern VA are smoke free. I hope Ramparts maintains its pro-smoking policy. A lot of us who do smoke love the place.
(5)Christopher C.
This is one of my favorite places bar none. Best value for money in the area, with a mix of atmosphere's and menus that can appeal to a broad range of people. Ramparts is comfortable and friendly. Whether you are on the pub side, or the separate dining side, you will find the right setting for your outing. The staff are terrific, with longer-time servers and bar tenders ranking among the best I've known. It is definitely excellent service with a smile. If you enjoy a beer or wine, Ramparts has a very wide selection, and the informed staff will help you make the very best choice. You should check out half priced burger night and half priced wine night. Both worthy of your attention. The menu is very solid with a range of items to appeal to many tastes, from buffalo wings to comfort food, sit-down meals. The portions are generous and the prices are competitive. There are also daily dinner specials which add a refreshing choice to a solid stable of dining options. On a special diet, Ramparts does all it can to meet your needs, with a smile. Whether you want to stop in for a beer and watch the game, or bring your family out for a casual but fulfilling dining experience, Ramparts should definitely be on your short list.
(5)Kayla H.
I went late night last night and had some great food--really great. I was expecting something a bit more bar-like when I looked this place up on Yelp while en route. My guest and I were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and our super-friendly waiter. Plus, they had 1/2 off bottles of wine. Awesome. We didn't go to the tavern side, so, I can't comment on that. Even so, I thought it was a great find in my area.
(5)Jen M.
I came here for $0.50 wings and ended up getting them with the jack daniels sauce. My coworker also got wings and a ramparts ceasar salad. Overall, we were very satisfied with the food. The wings were cooked great (ask for them to be extra crispy) and had great flavor. The waiter was very good and we got our food in 10 mins! Also, my coworker raved about the salad and the bacon vinaigrette dressing!
(4)Jack H.
Review for the bar only, no food. Local bar, laid back atmosphere. Not a dive bar, more of a "regulars" bar where if you go enough, I'm sure the bartenders will remember your name, Cheersesque. Love the amount of selection you get there with many craft beers prominently displayed on a wall. They used to have pitchers (still might) which is also nice. There are a good amount of tvs showing various sports channels. The bartenders and friendly and very accommodating to show games on multiple tvs for your convenience (just ask). Will have to go back and try some of the food, or continue to go down the beer list.
(4)Jessi D.
I just found out that ramparts went non-smoking. I can't possibly tell you how happy I am about that (especially now since I'm pregnant). My husband and I live within walking distance and always loved coming here. But we had to stop coming because the smoking got so intense. So we only came about once a year and even then we would only stay for a beer before we had to leave because we were coughing and hacking. So now that they are non-smoking we can start coming back on a regular basis, and I am so happy. The food is pretty good. Not on par with Carlyle or anything, but really good, decent food. The bartender is super friendly, and the live music is great. I love coming here to watch football games on Sundays too because they have all the games on various screens. Its a great little neighborhood bar I would recommend to anyone.
(5)KSU S.
Who has half price wine bottles on a Saturday night?!? This place!! You really can't beat that regardless of the food...and it's not bad!! The chili is very good, but definitely not spicy. The onions are crunchy and give it a nice texture. The mushroom and sausage ravioli was pretty good, but didn't have a lot of sausage. The yummy sauce made up for it, though. The BBQ sauce on my husband's ribs was quite tasty. The cole slaw left something to be desired, but the potato salad was pretty good. They make it with skin-on red potatoes and lots of mayo.
(3)Peter Q.
This place has had its up & downs, currently on an up swing The menu has improved, the quality is great. Service is good. Currently on my good list of eats around the shirlington area.
(4)Allison S.
Ramparts is a local bar with a restaurant attached. They serve similar food in both. The service is always great even when there are tons of sad Washington sports fans packed in. They have great specials both for happy hour and different days. I think the 2 and 3 star reviews are for people that just don't quite get that this is just a regular Fairlington place...nothing too fancy!
(4)Nina B.
This was the first time I was in a bar in VA since they past the anti-smoking law and it still had smokers. It was a bit of a shock after getting used to the no smoking policy. I'm sure it's a smoker's paradise, but I still don't find the need to hang out at smoky bars now that I know I can go home without having to wash myself down from that bar smell. The service was very friendly, and the place wasn't too crowded for a weekday. It's just that the location isn't that great with only street parking available.
(3)Rebecca D.
We were there late and they were understaffed. We seated ourselves and the bartender waited on us. It was a bit too loud and she had to repeat herself a few times. Plenty of TVs around though with various games showing and the Lance Armstrong interview. :) We had the sliders and the chicken quesadillas. The sliders were good but a little heavy on the red onions. The quesadillas were fab. I'd go back. It's not a fabulous atmosphere but kind of fun, cozy and hometown bar-ish.
(3)Katie P.
Nothing spectacular. Food was okay. French fries were really good. The place was clean. After our flight was delayed and we got in late, this place was still open and serving the full menu which was a relief because we were starving. Seems like a good place to watch a game. I got the grilled/blackened chicken in a pita with bacon. The chicken didn't have much flavor, but the bacon and fries were really good. Service was a little slow, but that could have been because the basketball playoff game was on.
(3)B. S.
One of my favorite places in the Arlington/Alexandria area... Probably the most friendly and professional bartenders in the area. Excellent burgers and food, great beer, and one of my favorite places to watch the Caps and Nats.
(5)Nathan F.
Good food and service. Small dining area, nice ambiance. Would come back. Food was GREAT. Their prices are a bit on the high side but this is one of the few places I've been to where the food quality was worth the price. I went with my girlfriend and my parents. My parents can be very difficult customers. They are apparently regulars and reserved their favorite dessert, which has a limited supply. Once desert time came our waiter informed us that we would only be getting 1 of the 2 desserts that were reserved, and boy did my parents make a fuss. Someone came to apologize (who I assume was the manager on duty), and both desserts were taken off the bill, without a problem. Now that's great service. My parents can be tough to please, and Ramparts went the extra mile to accommodate them.
(5)Chris W.
Great place to socialize in, a must repeat! Watched my friend try to get the live lobster out of the machine...!
(4)Juliet K.
randomly came here to watch the end of the thursday night game with a few folks. one of my friends is the one that knew about it. i didnt even know this place existed at all. i was very impressed with their selection of beers. they had a huge book of all these beers you could choose from. they even had gluten free options that were not just ciders. so I thought that was cool since i have several friends with gluten allergy. they had beer specials on thurs night, which was nice. overall, nice spot to watch the game. they had lots of TV. no comment on the food since i didnt have any, but they have complementary popcorn - which we had a lot of. HAHA.
(3)Alicia G.
While Rampart's menus and signage boast 105 beers, it's a good idea to have 2 or 3 backup beers in mind as they were out of Leinenkugel and the draft Hefeweizen. I did finally get an Allagash which ran about ~$6. I did not order any food since we had plans for a late night run to Yechon so I have no insight to offer on their eats. There are plenty of places to sit and watch a game (the Caps game in this instance) and the service is friendly and efficient. The live music (by New Day Rising) was great and it was a great evening of socializing by all. Though I enjoyed myself and others' company, I did not enjoy the smoke; another reason why I make limited trips to VA. So to sum it up: 2 stars for the smoke 2.75 stars for beer 4 stars for service/atmosphere 5 stars for the live music and company
(3)Erina N.
Ramparts Restaurant and Bar are next to each other. *Monday 50% off burgers!!! They have different deals everyday. The first time was me and my husband for dinner at the restaurant, and their steak was delicious! And we just went back for dinner again, it was a bit crowded for Monday dinner around 8:00PM (about 30min wait) so we tried their Pub/Bar section so we didn't have to wait at all. They still serve same menu as restaurant at the bar, we enjoyed a lot!Their Daily Turkey vegetable soup was delicious!!!!! Definetely going back again for 50% off burgers Monday!
(5)Kevin Y.
Atmosphere: Ok, kind of crowded. No music playing at 8pm. Service: Extremely understaffed. The server seemed overwhelmed and was a bit inefficient. Who brings you a beer and forgets to take the empy glass away? Food: The main factor in determining the 2 star rating for this restaurant. Ordered the chicken nachos, blue cheese burger, and the tango salad. Chicken Nachos: All the chese were stuck on the bottom of the plate. I suspect they baked it first in a skillet and then flip it over and dump the whole thing onto a plate. What's the point of eating NACHO CHEESE when the CHEESE are all stuck on the bottom of the plate. Bleu Cheese Burger: Typical...meh, i've experienced better. Tango Salad: The fish was very blend, and the dressing probably came from a jar either from sysco or us foods. I can tell duerto the consistency of the dressing. Usually in restaurants like this, they make their own homemade dressing. However, the ginger dressing here is made with hydrogenated soybean oil and is made in a factory. I would say come here for the cheap booze during specials. Otherwise it's in the same league as Chilis.
(2)Maurina R.
Great food, efficient, friendly service, Lots of beer on tap, what more do you need for a really good nite out? Been twice. We've had sandwiches both times, burger, sloppy joe, steak and cheese, and the New York on Rye (pastrami and corned beef on marble rye). The sides were fries and house made potato chips. One appetizer, the Hot Peas. The pastrami sandwich was terrific! The marble rye was toasted, not grilled, so the sandwich wasn't at all greasy. The meats were tender, not stringy, the cheese melted but with some heft left. The saurkraut and dressing tasted very fresh. The chip were crisp, not greasy, and lightly salted. The steak sandwich had pieces of beef on a soft sub roll, with a flavorful dressing. The sloppy joe had pieces of beef in a rich and tangy tomato sauce on a bun. The burger was hand patted, dense and flavorful, the gouda and onions just the right topping. The Hot Peas are black eyed peas fried to be crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and just yummy. Service was friendly without being intrusive. Parking is on the street, or in the lot behind (shared with other stores). Nice neighborhood place. Re smoke, we're not smokers, and I am sensitive to the odor, but we didn't smell any at all. We sat facing the bar, on the far left hand side of the restaurant, toward the door. If you're sensitive, that may be the place to sit.
(4)Terry S.
Loved this place. Went there for the first time last week. I had chili and then the salmon, and both were dynamite.Great service too.
(4)Hilary G.
I have to write an update to say how wonderful their Monday burger night is. You have a selection of about 10 different types of burgers and they are all half off (under $5)! I am partial to their Tex Mex burger with pepper jack and avocado. The service is efficient and I like the decor-somewhere inbetween fancy and casual. They have an extensive beer list but sometimes they are out of my desired beer (Erdinger!). The Oskar Blues Gordon IPA is pretty good. In regards to all of the Yelpers that have a problem with the smoking bar - get up and walk to the other section of Ramparts-through a door-to the non-smoking bar and restaurant. Is that difficult? The Virginia law stated that restaurants can have a smoking section as long as the ventilation system is kept separate from the non-smoking section. I am a non-smoker and I have never had a problem regarding the air quality in the restaurant section of Ramparts (which also has a bar). Another plus - Saturday they have half off their wine bottles but I haven't taken advantage of this deal yet.
(4)Tanya R.
We were greeted by the Lovely Samantha and she welcomed us in. My sons had the steak & shrimp pasta and the Build Your Own Burger and I had the Stoned Steak Salad. Everything was beautifully prepared and incredibly delicious. Samantha was friendly and personable and made this evening out even better. It is our 1st night in the DC area and this was the perfect way to start our vacation. Definitely worth a visit.
(5)John S.
I've only been here twice and both times for burgers, and I wasn't disappointed! The food is very good and the service is excellent. I did think the beer prices are a bit steep. The Guinness draft was as much as a the burger and fries, and that was at their full price.
(4)Eric L.
I have been visiting the US for about a week so far, leading to over 30 hours of traveling between different states. I have been tired. I needed some fuel to fix my wings. My friend, who resides in Arlington brought me to Ramparts as a place perfectly suited for my need for a wing fix. It felt very much so like any sports bar that you may enter; Big flat screen TV, a extravagant size to their bar, bar food, and the patrons that are there to grab their after-work drinks. I have been instructed to omit everything i see on the menu, and go directly for the flavors I wanted for the wings they offered. There were an extensive list of flavors to go for the Chicken Wings and they were all a bless to taste. We had Cajun spice, Garlic Lemon powder, Jack Daniel BBQ sauce, and finally, a Peanut Butter and Jack Daniel BBQ sauce as our finale. The progression of taste in the different types of flavors hit the spot once we hit the Peanut Butter version of their Jack Daniel BBQ sauce. The silky smooth Peanut Butter accented with the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce really places it self well in the grooves, and surfaces of the prepared Chicken wing. Finger Licking Good! The reason for giving it a 5 star review for me is because Ramparts grasped and sense of familiarities, in a clean format, where service is as expected. I enjoyed knowing what to expect. Nothing fancy, nothing high end. Just hand's down satisfying to be a patron at this location. My wing's-fix were definitely successfully catered to, and I hope that the next time I fly through this area again, I can have the experts on wing-mechanics provide me the same service, and same fixes that I will need the next time I come!
(5)Steve M.
Came with a friend on a recommendation that the "steak is terrific", so my expectations were few except for a good steak. The physical appearance wasn't real encouraging but our high hopes remained intact... started going down hill with the service, had to ask for a beer list, then after 10m (ok, seemed that way) of ordering a draft and it not appearing, I asked the server who was delivering my french onion soup, where was the draft?...he mumbled something about the bartender having trouble...I switched beers. The french onion soup was nothing special, the steak, and it was the only one on the menu, was so-so, but for $22 not sure what I expected, came on a bed of mashed potatoes and green beans. Perhaps we should have been seated over in the bar area, rather than the restaurant area? Anyway, steak was unspectacular, and I can't come up with a reason why I'd make an effort to return, or to listen to the person in the future who referred me here...
(2)Michelle G.
A friend invited me to dinner and he chose this place. When I walked in the bar side, I was immediately impressed by the fun atmosphere. This is a true sports bar, as there are tvs everywhere! I'm. Not. Kidding. Mondays are 1/2 price burger night! We totally took advantage of this. I had the prime rib burger. It was. so delicious, I could have ordered another. The fries were also great. Beer was cold and there was a good selection of beer and wine. The serving staff was so nice and attentive. If you get a chance, check this place out. If I lived here, I'd be a regular.
(4)Rob S.
Found this place using the yelp app while on vacation with the family of 4. The app indicates closing time is at 2am, but please note that it is the adjoining, but adequately separated Bar that closes at 2am, they stop serving full menu at 11pm. We found this out as we entered the restaurant at 10:30pm. Despite our arrival so close to close, the host/waiter was very pleasant and seated us promptly at a spacious and clean booth. And everyone's food came out looking and tasting great, so the cooks clearly care about delivering quality, regardless of how close to quitting time it may be. The menu is fairly diverse, offering a variety of food ranging from bar basics like wings, burgers and fries to fancy restaurant items like, Cobb salads, NY strip and mushroom ravioli. I had the the mushroom ravioli. It was ridiculous, Highly recommend! Daughter 1: The 8oz Build your own burger. Came out exactly as ordered. It was huge and messy and delicious. Daughter 2: Salmon entree. Plated nicely, good portion, delicious. Wife: chicken cobb salad, with too many customizations to mention, but they got them all right. It was huge, like the largest portion of all the meals ordered. Tasty as well. The beer selection is as current trends demand, vast. They were out of the Left hand Milk stout, but our waiter offered a recommendation of Moo Thunder Stout which was great.
(5)Nina P.
I came to Ramparts looking for a show. I've walked past this place a million times because I live in the neighborhood and have seen a smorgasbord of misfits coming and going out of here. So decided I needed some low-key entertainment on a Saturday evening. I was not, however expecting the food to be really good. The sweet potato fries were on point and I ordered the Charleston Chicken salad which was perfect. This is a good place for bar food, watching some sports, etc. The service was also really great, nice staff.
(4)Slick M.
The best service and food! So glad I stumbled upon the place because all of the regulars and Roseanne ( I think) the bartender made me feel at home. Coming from an ex-bartender at a similar place, it was exactly what I've been missing in the DMV area. Going back for sure...
(5)Jay S.
I stopped by here after going to Cameroon Run. There food is Delicious! Their wings are so crispy. Get the Jack Daniels wing! Ribs are good as well. This is very intresting lay out, it has a bar, dinning area, and more fancy area! Pretty cool experience! will def come back again.
(5)J M.
The first time here (Monday January 12), I took advantage of the Monday half-price burgers. For a restaurant that doesn't specialize in burgers, they had quite a good selection. I can't remember which one I ordered, but I do remember loving it! Tonight (Friday January 23), I wanted to try their chicken since it is their roasted chicken month. I liked it, but not as much as I'd hope. Both times here, my wife got the filet stew and loves it. It is a lot of food in a bowl, so she takes half of it to go. Both nights here, it was raining. Coincidence?
(4)Mike S.
Nothing fancy but a great watering hole with decent food. Matt was a great bartender. This may be my favorite, no frills watering hole for good local beer and a burger.
(4)Allegra W.
Beyond delicious! My dad and I were looking for a wing place but found so much more! We started with wings, we got hot sauce with the Cajun dry rub sprinkled over them. Absolutely to die for! They came out hot and so flavorful. We then got burgers because it was Monday and it's half price burgers on Monday. They are huge burgers! An inch thick cooked perfectly with so many options for sides! We were more than pleased with the food and the service was just as good! Oh and the desserts! So delicious. Everything. Great!
(5)Allen H.
The atmosphere here is not pretentious at all. I'm all for upscale dining from time to time, but I also like to sit back, relax, and just be comfortable, and Ramparts is a good place to do just that. It can get crowded on weekends, but it's usually not overcrowded -- just the right amount. I had the ribs when I ate here, on the recommendation of one of the bartenders. I hedge my bets when ordering ribs at a place that isn't known for their ribs, but they were really good here. I've had better at specialty BBQ places, but they satisfied my spontaneous craving, and I didn't regret ordering them at all, which is pretty high praise for me. To be honest, I would prefer them to any chain BBQ place I've tried, ever. My girlfriend was trying to poach most of them off of my plate, so she was a fan as well.
(4)Lisa T.
We had a craving for wings on Wednesday night after work. After I rattled off a handful of places, my bf finally gave an approving "oooh" to Rampart's, so off we went! We managed to get there in time for their happy hour and enjoyed the IPA that they had on draft. The 59 cents wings were good! My bf got the garlic chipotle which was delicious! Our breath reeked of garlic later that evening but that's expected. The Thai chili wings were good but a little on the sweet side. I also got an order of their tater tots which are amazing! I think they have cheese in the mix before frying them up.
(4)Youssef T.
I always call in to get a burger to go if I don't feel like cooking. Never been disappointed.
(4)Alex I.
A great neighborhood spot to catch games where you can find customers rooting for local teams. A rare occurrence in this area. They have a restaurant area but I've primarily posted up on the sports bar side. Service was very good there despite the crowded scene. Sliders, wings, salads, sweet potato fries, etc. They do that kind of thing well. Overall a real solid place.
(4)Teresa B.
This is probably the first time that I rushed home to write an exemplary review for an exceptional place in my new neighborhood. Ramparts is everything great about a local haunt. I wouldn't have discovered this place if I hadn't received a coupon book, in the mail, promoting Alexandria restaurants. Out of all of the coupons that were offered, I'm so happy that this place was the first place we chose. We were able to find space at the bar and were given attentive service. Our dietary needs were met because the menu and staff accommodated a no carbs, no meat thing we do on Fridays. I ordered a build a burger, without the bun. He ordered a Caesar Salad. Savory goodness. Then we got to play Golden Tee golf too!
(5)Hannah H.
About a 2-2.5: My husband and I came here for dinner - we've heard about Rampart's being a neighborhood favorite and how they have some great food! We were seated by the booth area - we didn't know that this was a 2-part restaurant - one was a sit-down whereas next door, was a tavern/bar. From the Appetizers section, we started off with Shrimp Kickers (there was half pound of shrimp with white wine and garlic, set on top of bacon cheddar cheese grits with a side of their spicy Gator sauce) - I liked the steamed shrimp on top as there was a good amount of shrimp; however, the grits underneath, I was not a fan, as it was very sour and citrus-y; the 'Tato Bites (house made potato tots filled with cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, with a side of chipotle sour cream dipping sauce) - this was okay as they were little mounds of lightly fried potato balls; not salty at all, and I wasn't a fan of the chipotle sour cream sauce but preferred ketchup instead. There was also a Wednesday wings special for 59c each; there were different sauces available, but I stuck with the 'Hot' sauce - I did request for the wings to be extra well-done, but they were not cooked all the way through - the wings were more of a wet version and more on the bland side; the bleu cheese sauce was very watery, too. My husband also ordered a cup of French Onion Soup that was hearty and filled with lots of sauteed onions and lots of thick melted Gruyere cheese on top - the broth was pretty okay. For our entrees, I had the Mushroom Ravioli (wild mushroom filled ravioli sauteed with spinach, diced pancetta, chopped Portobello mushrooms, tomato, sweet onions, all in a sherry-Parmesan cream sauce with Parmesan cheese on top) - the dish wasn't too heavy and was not salty, which was nice - the sauteed spinach was a nice added touch, but I thought that pancetta wasn't too fresh and didn't do so much for the dish. My husband had the Jack Daniel's Pork (2 8oz pork 'ribeyes' seasoned and pan seared with a cheddar-scallion mashed potatoes and sauteed vegetables with a side of the Jack Daniel's glaze sauce) - the porkchops were cooked all the way through and was very juicy - I believe the Jack Daniel's sauce was housemade was you can really taste the Jack Daniel's in this sweet glaze; my husband preferred it with the Texas Pete hot sauce, though; the side of vegetables were sliced zucchini and carrots, and the scallion mashed potatoes were okay, but more on the bland side. Our server was Alex P. was attentive and was very sweet. We were disappointed that the ribs were not available, but noticed that one lady at the bar had it after us; we inquired about this, and supposedly, it was done 10 minutes after we put our order in - we thought it would have been nice if the kitchen staff or the server had let us known about the ribs and hoped that they would have given us the option of whether we wanted to wait for them or not. Overall, it was an okay dining experience and I'm glad I was able to check this place out! +ask for Alex P. :D
(3)Andrew P.
This restaurant has a nice atmosphere and they do a special menu everyday. The meats are very high quality and their side dishes are very good too. I've been there twice now and was impressed both times.
(5)Mary Kate M.
BAR REVIEW This place is good for two things: 1. A late night drink for the Fairlington neighborhood folk. 2. Listening to an absolutely horrible one man cover band ... playing the guitar and taking requests from the audience. He sang Miley Cyrus, and I lost my dinner. I think he lost some of his manhood if not all of it by performing such an act. If you enjoy either of these two, then you'll love Ramparts. If you do not enjoy these things -- then I don't think this is the place for you. For what it is worth they did make some decent cheap drinks and have a vast selection of beers on tap. Do what you gotta do and pick your poison drink wise. For the love of everything that is holy though, don't pick Miley when he is taking requests! I wouldn't count on him making it past auditions for American Idol.
(3)Bob P.
This place is purely awful, I tried to be the good son and treat mom's to a nice dinner for Restaurant week. Besides the restaurant being out the way near the Lindsey car dealership the service was absolutely pitiful. I can't even remember what exactly I had to eat there because it didn't stand out, the only thing that did was my waitress's non-presence. I don't know if she was timid, scared or just plain clueless. We are sitting there chillin for a good 10 min. just looking over the menu and looking over the menu and LOOKING OVER THE MENU, when I hop up go to the host and politely ask where our waiter or whoever is, he nonchalantly goes so and so is over there, basically right next to us but hasn't come over. At this point I'm bubbling over just waiting for her so I can give her the business, but cooler heads prevailed and it was late and I didn't wanna show my ass in front of her or these white folks! To make a long story short the service didn't get better but mom was happy regardless so that is what matters I guess. I give them 1 star for trying, for trying like S*&t! You live and learn, I won't ever try this place again and I am totally offended by any positive reviews of this place in the past or in the future. I thought the food was an abomination. Everyone have a good day!
(1)Chris A.
This review is for the restaurant side (the bar side is good too, just a different atmosphere). I can say nothing bad about this place. They have turned my girlfriend and I into "regulars." They have the best specials around - half-priced burger nights on Monday (our favorite, with such a creative listing of burgers - and if you're not feeling beef, any of them can be with turkey, and it's one of the best turkey burgers around); Wednesday night is $0.59 wing night (again, creative sauces, especially the super spicy one - has a real nice kick; it also tastes great mixed with their Jack Daniels sauce, for a little sweet and spicy!); and $16 full-rack of ribs on Thursday with two sides! Their regular menu is creative as well - I particularly enjoy the Kentucky Steak and Cheese. The host and servers are always very friendly, and great with remembering our favorite drinks and prompt with refills. We have been to brunch here a few times as well, and thought the menu was also creative. We often don't have room at the end of the meal for dessert, but a couple of times we've managed to fit the S'Mores in, and it's fun - they give you whole candy bars with graham crackers and marshmallow and let you toast your own S'Mores with the help of a pu-pu platter flame. Once again, very creative. I would be hard pressed to find a time I did not like my meal here. We are regulars because of the friendly service, delicious and inventive food, and welcoming atmosphere. If you're in the area, give them a try!
(5)Graig M.
Always have a great experience when we sit in the bar and grill area. Not quite so in the restaurant side, but that was really only one experience. Usually I come here for a low key, bar type meal, so I'm thinking sandwiches, burgers, etc. Both sides of their operation share a menu though, so there are some nice steak and pasta options too. I've enjoyed everything I've ordered, but usually go with the fail safe club sandwich. Can also recommend the new york style rueben, the pulled pork, and the burgers. Oh the burgers. They've got a great beer selection as well. And Golden Tee, if you're into that sort of thing. It can get pretty packed with the after work, happy hour crowd, especially late in the week, but I've only had a hard time finding a seat once... It was NFL playoffs, which should be expected given the lack of sports bars within walking distance of the area. Bar was packed, so we went next door to the restaurant. It was just weird from the moment we walked in. The hostess seemed unsure where to seat us even though there was only a couple other people sitting at tables and not at the restaurant bar. I asked if we could sit somewhere so I could casually watch the game (didn't have a dog in the fight, but still wanted to keep an eye on it)... We sat down and asked the waiter about our "beer passport," which is basically a booklet that you keep record of which beers you've drank from their list and it's their version of a loyalty program. Drink more beers and get rewards (I've only had about a dozen in the course of the 13 months we've lived around the corner, so could use some work?). The guy said he didn't know what we were talking about. That was it. I explained what it was and he said he'd go ask someone. He ended up sending the manager... who was also the hostess that sat us... and she said she knew what it was and would get the passports. The guy came back and handed my wife hers... and started to walk away. I stopped him and asked if he had mine and that's when he just said, "Couldn't find yours." O...k... whatever... we ordered two beers and off he went... came back five or so minutes later and said they were out of the one I ordered... no problem, ordered another... he disappeared and came back to tell me they were out... this happened three times before he brought back the wrong beer for my wife. At this point, we just told him we were going to head across the street to get a pizza. It was just an unfortunate experience that I can't really explain. We've had dozens of good meals here, including in the restaurant side with large family groups in town to visit. The bar staff is great, every time.
(4)Gavin T.
I have nothing bad to say about this place. Good service, good drinks, good food .. even late at night.
(4)Stacy L.
Maybe I was just tired from the long, eventful day my boyfriend and I had but I found this restaurant to be eh! Pros: typical bar food. Greasy and yummy. Plenty of tvs with different games going on. They made me a grilled cheese sandwich even though it isn't on their menu - thank for accomodating my craving! Staff was very friendly. Cons: my boyfriend's water glass was empty almost the entire time we sat there. We tend to judge a place on whether our glasses sit empty or if the server refills the glass before we have to ask. It was definitely loud in the restaurant so you better be prepared for that
(3)elaine s.
Normally this neighborhood restaurant would get a higher rating from me but my experience last night totally turned me off. I ordered the "special" lamb chops. First I had to send the plate back because the potatoes were ice cold. When I got to the chops, I realized that what passed for chops was about 1 bite of meat per chop surrounded by fat for a total of three bites of meat for $24. To be fair, I should have sent them back then but was hungry and in a hurry so ate what I could and then asked for bread (you have to ask) to fill me up. When the check came and it hit me that I had paid quite a premium for bread I asked to see the manager. She refused to give me any discount but offered dessert because she "saw the plate and everything was eaten". True, but again "everything" consisted of potatoes and three bites of meat for, again, $24. A manager with any class would have taken the hit for the long term advantage of a satisfied and returning customer. Short-sighted and without class!
(1)Meghan G.
My boyfriend and I frequent ramparts for breakfast and brunch often... We look forward to the specials menu every time! It never disappoints... But if we've also tried several things on their main menu as well. Corned beef breakfast wrap: my boyfriend's go- to! It's cheesy, melty, salty with a hint of spice- always delicious. Comes with home fries on the side- recommend getting them well done! Jack Daniels steak and eggs: worth the price! Steak always cooked perfectly. Biscuits and gravy: highly recommended- we usually get one to split on the side of our entrees Filet Benedict: delicious and steak always cooked well (I like medium rare, which a lot of places will over cook- but ramparts hits it on the head every time). As an aside, the specials menu breakfast burrito is hands down the BEST I've ever had... I haven't seen it resurface on the specials menu yet, but we pray for it to be on there every time we come in. Bartender Matt is attentive and has an awesome personality. His spicy Bloody Mary is on point If you're in the area- I highly recommend stopping in even just for a drink or for their delicious food as well!
(5)Don Q.
Review on drinks: If I could give them a zero on mixed drinks I would. I wish their bartenders knew how to do mixed drinks. I would order more.. But in the interim... If you want watered down drinks go here. Consistently I am blown away at the difference between every other place I go to drink and Ramparts; and each time I give Ramparts another try I am reminded about their watered down mixed drinks. I recommend sticking to beer and wine or liqour neat. Can't water that down.
(1)Diana S.
I came for 50 cent wings on a Wednesday night. While the prospect of cheap wings is usually music to my ears, Ramparts wasn't anything spectacular. I sat in the bar area which seemed a little grungier than the dining area....maybe it would've been better if we weren't seated facing the kitchen door. The table was about as sticky as the one rag they use to clean each table. The wings were just okay. They had a bunch of different sauce choices but we stuck with hot and BBQ which were good. It was definitely a plus that they had Strongbow cider! The service was actually really great. Our server was nice and checked on us multiple times to make sure we were happy with our food and drinks. The vibe of the place is very similar to their sister restaurant, Shooter McGee's. It's a neighborhood bar where all the "locals" hang out and everyone kinda knows each other.
(3)