Chart House Restaurant - Alexandria

We came on a Friday late afternoon (5:20), seats were available, we even were able to use the Happy Hour menu (see picture)…great food at bargain prices…if you can make it early enough….highly recommend! By the time we left, there was not a seat available and the place was buzzing…our server Franklin was still learning, but, he did a great job…the food was really good, the proximity to the Potomac was perfect!

The food is not merely good; it is the sort of perfection that suggests the chef has entered into a private arrangement with the gods and negotiated favourable terms. The kitchen performs small, edible miracles with the calm confidence of people who know precisely what they’re doing and see no reason to make a fuss about it. The serving staff are so unfailingly cheerful and efficient that one suspects they rehearse kindness as a competitive sport. The views are, to be sure, quite lovely, pleasant enough to distract you momentarily. But it is the kitchen that commands genuine awe. The true spectacle is not outside the window; it is on the plate, where greatness arrives course by course and refuses to apologise for it.

We just had one of the most amazing lunch experiences ever. The food was outstanding and our server, Kayla was fantastic and lovely! Highly recommend!

This was my first time at Chart House, and the atmosphere was simply perfect. The service from my waitress was excellent (Meliza) —she was very attentive and had such a lovely personality. I had the chance to try the shrimp and lobster pasta, along with a refreshing drink that she recommended. Everything was absolutely delicious. I will definitely be coming back in the future! Thank you Meliza!!

We had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! Everyone's meal was delicious, with tons of flavor and good serving sizes. It took longer than expected to receive our food after ordering, but it was worth the wait. Two of us ordered from the brunch menu. I had the egg white omelet with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and cheddar grits. Another had eggs benedict with lobster, on top of fried green tomatoes. Another ordered Cantonese sea bass and mashed potatoes from the dinner menu. For dessert, we had cheesecake, key lime pie, and the lava cake. All yummy! Mark, our server, was pleasant and very helpful. Of course, the river view was delightful. I look forward to dining here again.

Dinner at Chart House was everything we hoped for and more. We had a reservation and requested the table by the window overlooking the water—it was absolutely beautiful. Watching the boats drift by and the sunset reflect across the harbor added a calm, almost magical backdrop to the evening. It felt like the perfect setting for a relaxing and memorable night out. Our server, Charles, was fantastic from the moment we sat down. He was warm, professional, and genuinely attentive throughout the night. One of us doesn’t eat pork, and Charles was incredibly helpful—he pointed out which dishes included pork or pork-based ingredients without us even having to ask. That kind of awareness and care made the experience so much smoother and more enjoyable. He clearly knew the menu well and made sure we were taken care of without ever being intrusive. We started with the Kim Chee Calamari, which was a bold and delicious twist on a classic appetizer—crispy with a kick of spice and that signature kimchi flavor that made it totally unique. We also shared the Oyster Sampler, which came out beautifully presented and incredibly fresh. Every oyster was clean, cold, and full of that perfect briny flavor you hope for. For entrées, we ordered the Sea Bass, the Lobster Risotto, and the Savory Shrimp Pasta. The sea bass was flaky and buttery, served with the perfect blend of sauces and vegetables to bring it all together. The lobster risotto was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—hands down one of the best risottos we’ve ever had. The shrimp pasta lived up to its name—savory, comforting, and loaded with shrimp. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated. Charles checked in at all the right times, always making sure drinks were full, the pacing of the meal was smooth, and that we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. His service was top-tier and truly elevated the evening. We couldn’t leave without trying their famous hot chocolate lava cake. It takes a bit longer to prepare (about 30 minutes), but it’s 100% worth it. The rich, molten center paired with vanilla ice cream was the perfect ending to a flawless meal. Overall, Chart House impressed us on every level—from the stunning waterfront location to the high-quality food and exceptional service. Charles deserves a special thank-you for going above and beyond to make our night seamless and special. We’ll definitely be back—and we’re definitely asking for that same table by the water.

Beautiful Restaurant, Excellent food! Service is 5 star. Celebrated our 4 year anniversary. Staff are very polite and respectful. Absolutely love the salad bar and my main course was the Halibut. Love Every Moment.

Had our team's holiday celebration at the Chart House. The view was absolutely gorgeous. The place was really busy so I was a little concerned because we were close to time but the staff was able to get the area reset so our guest could come and be seated. The staff was awesome. We had two servers who not only had our large party but another one. The guest enjoyed their food and the staff was more than accommodating for the few minor snags that did happen. Our menu was the salmon, stuff shrimp and chicken. The salmon was our guests favorite and the stuff shrimp was good also. Surprisingly, the key lime pie was extremely good also.

Food & service were great Beautiful scenery off the water

We've been coming here for our anniversary for years now and Chart House never disappoints. The crab shrimp and mango stack, fillet mignon and their lobster is to die for. I'm not a chocolate person but the chocolate lava cake with ice cream is out of this world. The view and ambience is awesome. Day or night, this is a very romantic place to bring your loved ones or just for the scene. The waiters are also attentive and on point, though our last visit seemed so busy and probably understaffed that our waiter seemed to be juggling a lot more than they can handle. Chart House comes highly recommended and we'll definitely be going back for sure.

Top notch service and amazing quality food as always! We went here on valentine's day, the menu selection was perfect and the food and service was literally the best you could want. Great experience at this location.

I love Chart House. My first time visiting was last year for my birthday. Their food is delicious! We dined in yesterday and I ordered the seafood pasta. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile by the host. Our waitress' name was Shaniece (I'm unsure on the spelling of her name), she was great and efficient! I'll definitely be returning. Chart House is easily my new favorite restaurant! 😋. ~ Thank you!

Delicious dinner tonight. Jordan was our amazing server. We both had the $70 for 3 courses. Wife had the chopped salad that was so big we shared it. I had the crab soup was a large bowl, with big pieces of crab in it. We both ordered the petit steak and shrimp was a perfect size and cooked to perfection. For dessert the wife had the large piece of cheese cake and I had a big bowl of homemade mint chocolate chip that was yummy. We arrived when they opened and had a front row water view. Very classy restaurant. We shall return! Thanks Jordan for the great service.

Didn’t have a reservation and the wait was initially 45 min. on a Saturday for lunch but we were seated after only 10. Atmosphere was exceptional thanks to wide open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, but what made it perfect was the service from Kennedy. She was friendly, professional, and attentive, and as we all know, service makes all the difference when there are so many options available for food in Old Town. Thanks so much, Kennedy!

Me and my family came for a small birthday party and Kennedy took great care of us. She was very professional and offered top notch service. Though fairly new she was very helpful with the menu. 10/10 recommend her as your server for your visit.

We had a delicious lunch, enjoyed fish & chips in the UK & Ireland last summer, but guess what? One does not have to travel to the UK & Ireland to enjoy the most delicious fish & chips I've ever had . . . right here in Alexandria at the Chart House. And our server, Dale, was 5 star, as well. Personable and efficient he added to the wonderful setting and atmosphere. Enjoy!

Real nice place. I went for dinner with my family and left real satisfied. The calamari entree was so tasteful. And my NY was real good with a decent size. Our waiter was a nice guy and very professional. The only thing that wasn’t “right” was that i think they misunderstood how we all wanted our meat done.

Ethan took great care of us tonight. From the prime rib steak to the drinks my lady and I ordered, everything was handled perfectly. He was attentive, professional, and made sure we had everything we needed without us having to ask. The service was smooth from start to finish, and Ethan truly made the experience even better. We’ll definitely be back.

Came to Chart House for my boyfriend’s birthday and it was amazing! Our server Michael was so attentive and gave us great recommendations. Everything we had was delicious, fresh, and prepared perfectly! We loved the calamari and the crispy spicy tuna as appetizers. They brought us a dessert and a card for his birthday too! The views of the water are beautiful- highly recommend.

Chef Jesse and Kayelle were amazing! Kayelle went out of her way to make sure we were well taken care of with a smile! Her kindness made the experience so much better for a first time dining experience. Chef Jesse took care of me when it came to food allergies also. Awesome experience!

Had not been to the Chart House in a few years. Decided to come for lunch, and as usual the food was delicious. However, the best part of the visit was the waitstaff, Michael. His customer service was impeccable and made for one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a very long time!

We had an amazing Valentine’s Day dinner at the Chart House, and Ethan made the experience exceptional. His expertise was clear from the start, he knew the menu thoroughly and gave excellent recommendations. His charisma and welcoming energy made us feel comfortable and truly enhanced the evening. Ethan’s service made our night feel special, and we will absolutely be returning, hopefully to have him as our waiter again.

Great experience thanks to Michael! Very sweet! Delicious food, nice environment, even had a non alcoholic beer for me. Met with the GM who we were able to discuss the other locations, especially ones near me. Happy to join the Landry Club and be a member 😁

The Chart House restaurant in Alexandria is one of our go-to places. Food is always exceptional and service is attentive but not pushy. We're always happy to come back. Michael's service today, Valentine's Day, was superb!

Our server Michael was absolutely phenomenal! Friendly, attentive and efficient. Food was good, drinks were great but the service was excellent! Oh and the restaurant was clean and had a beautiful view of the Potomac river.

Our waitress Jackie was outstanding! She was very friendly and made the evening very special and delightful. Thanks to the exceptional quality of the food and Jackie's incredible service we will return.

My husband and I and our wedding party came to The Chart House after our wedding ceremony in 2009. We celebrated our 16 year anniversary on Saturday. Even though they have made changes to the place, the feel was still the same. The food was still awesome and the service was even better. We had Elle as our server and she added to the amazing night. She was MAGNIFICENT!! Very poised and professional and everytime she came to our table she had that nice smile on her face. We never had to look for her. She always seems to know when we needed something. Now, that’s service! THANK YOU Elle!! We really appreciate your help making our night even more special. I hope you get recognized for your service!!

I swung by Chart House the other day for some apps and a cocktail and ended up sitting at the bar with Dale. Service was on point—attentive, friendly, and a great vibe overall. I tried the crispy spicy tuna and coconut shrimp, both were really good. For drinks, I told him what I liked and he made a great cocktail without missing a beat. Definitely recommend for date night or even just stopping in for a solid bite and drink.

Jason was truly the highlight of the evening. With his knowledge and expertise of the menu, our meal was even better with his input. I’ve been coming to the Chart House for years and Jason was one of the best servers ever.

Shoutout to KL and the entire Charthouse family for truly making my birthday celebration so special! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of great energy. KL went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and the level of service was top-tier. The staff was attentive, kind, and made me feel celebrated the entire time. The food was absolutely amazing, and every detail added to such a memorable experience. I’m so grateful for the love and care that was shown — you all helped make my birthday one I will never forget. Thank you for making me feel so special! If you’d like, I can also make it more fun, more classy, or more detailed about the food and vibe.

We stopped here for a midweek lunch. It was not busy at all, but it still took like 10 minutes to be seated. There was something going on with the hostess and eventually one of the waiters came and sat us. So that was weird. But our server was great. Very personable. The food came out quickly and looked appetizing. Taste wise, it was good but really nothing special. All in all, it was a nice lunch, but I’m not in hurry to return.

Get together weekend brunch. Party of 4 ordered kimchee calamari-crunchy and so good-and hummus with pita bread- amazing sharing plate for starters. Entrees included trout with orzo, cheese steak with au jus dip and ahi tuna salad.Excepting the handheld which was quite smaller than usual overfilled cheese steak and on the bland side, the other dushes were delicious and generous. Dessert was a tasting dish of 3 creme brulee of vanilla, strawberry and blood orange flavors-all creamy and crunchy delights. Indoor seating included river view, modern furnishings. Wait staff friendly and attentive. Kitchen responsive to dietary request.

Visited this location for the first time last weekend for a friend’s birthday dinner. It was a Friday Night so it was busy. Our waiter Gary was awesome. The appetizers came out quickly but the entrees took much longer. Not much of a view from our seats but I am sure it was nice overlooking the water. I would definitely consider visiting again someday.

Party of four, we often dine together. Our evening was mostly enjoyable, but our server couldn't be bothered to put forth an effort. She approached the table and started mumbling her introduction, and when one of our members asked her to "please repeat that?", he was met with more attitude. It didn't get any better from there. We ordered two of the table-side drinks that are supposed to be a bit of a show as your server prepares it for you table-side. After almost 20m wait for our drinks, we inquired how long it'll be and we're told that she was waiting for her manager to bring them because she didn't like performing the routine. Our drinks didn't come out until 10m AFTER our food was served. The food was pretty good, no major complaints regarding taste. But we did send one starter dish back because it had gotten cold while she was waiting for her manager to bring our drinks to the table, which never happened. That dish was placed in the microwave and brought back in about a minute. My partner and I got Chart House meal which came with 3 courses. The salads were a bit watery. The place is large and well designed. It was moderately packed on a Sat evening, which was expected.

I really only go here for the salad bar which has authentic Cesar salad with anchovies, caviar, and lots of fresh tasty options! The food is good depending on what you get, I recommend the ahi tuna entree. Do not get the mojito sampler flight! It looks fancy because they mix it table side but it is far too sweet and tastes like medicine. We took one sip of each and couldn’t drink anymore. The waitress said they sell a lot of them because they look nice but most people don’t like them. I suggested she tell customers this 😅Nice views of the water by old town from the window seats.

I was highly disappointed with this experience. I made reservations for 3 and they sat us in the bar area when plenty of other dining area seating was available. That wasn't the worst thing. They forgot to put in one entree . When the other entrees presented , we waited for about 5 minutes before the server realized they she had not put in the order. Once it came out it was over cooked and tough. I hope the next time I visit this place the service and food will be better.

TL;DR: Great location, good service, mediocre food. I would skip it, unless you really like overcooked steaks and flavorless seafood. I used to go to the Chart House a lot pre-Covid. It was one of my favorite places to eat, especially due to the salad bar. Went back here for Christmas, it was mediocre at best. Some of us got steak, that was ordered medium rare but came out well done. The steak was sent back, but on the second try it came back as a medium well. The shrimp were flavorless. The salmon was standard. Desserts were frankly, sub-par. All that being said, it’s a great location with excellent views of the Potomac. Service was good as well. For $81, I absolutely would not come back.

I went to the chart house last night to celebrate my 59th birthday. I’ve been to the chart house in the USVI and it was a great experience and I thought it would be lovely, plus they hace a great view. I was not impressed. It was nice of a them to present me with a card that said happy birthday on the outside, with a pre-printed message inside thanking me for celebrating there. The menu said happy birthday on it, and they gave me a birthday dessert (a half melted, below average mud cake). I appreciate that effort but honestly, I wish we had gone elsewhere. To start when we arrived after 7pm, it was very warm inside. Yes, it was about 98° outside but that’s not a reason for people to dine in discomfort and the majority of the food was subpar, especially for the price. I started with a cucumber and mint mocktail. The server said it was the least sweet version of their mocktails, but it was so sweet I could not even drink it. Must’ve had 10+ teaspoons of sugar in it. I ordered the chopped salad and my date ordered the coconut crusted shrimp. The shrimp was good, but the sauces were terrible! One was pure sugar, the other was pure salt… Or so it seemed. The presentation of my salad was poor. There was nothing special about it at all and the dressing was a unappetizing, clumpy mess. My date ordered grilled fish with broccolini. He said it was so crunchy he couldn’t even cut it. I ordered a fish special. I can’t remember the name of it, but it was mahi-mahi, I believe, with a peanut mango sauce. Again, just so completely average. I would rate it about a 4 1/2, if that. I did enjoy the rice that came with it, and the green beans were edible. At the end of the meal, my date’s credit card didn’t go through which completely embarrassed him because I had to end up paying. The restaurant admitted they have issues with the machine sometimes. Clearly, that was the issue because we stopped by the ATM so he could repay me and went out for drinks afterwards without a problem. He was very annoyed that the waiter allowed me to pay before he could resolve the problem. Luckily, before handing them my credit card I noticed that they charged for an extra drink that he didn’t have! They paid me back for that in cash, which was oddly suspicious. Our bill ended up being $203 which was very overpriced for the experience. Maybe their head chefs were out sick and they had some sort of substitute chefs in the kitchen that night? (Although that’s not a good an excuse as recipes should be written down). Honestly, I have prepared better meals for myself at home for significantly less money. The best part was the view, but the windows were in need of a good washing. There are so many restaurants in old town with water views that I would 100% not recommend you choosing the chart house. I feel cheated out of a lovely birthday experience.

Sorry I wanted to really enjoy the food and write a positive review but unfortunately that was not the case. The hostess was incredibly snobby and acted like we were homeless, our decision to go out to eat was a spontaneous one and we were dressed a little casually perhaps but treating people like crap is not the answer cause guess what we are still customers and we are not going to take that. Not smart business sense. The food was mediocre at best, the potato Pave were undercooked, bland and a chore to eat. The raw seafood was ok. The shrimp were from frozen most likely. The shrimp with lobster was mostly a floury batter and had a tiny amount of lobster and the shrimp was rubbery. The dessert was overwhelmingly sweet. The prime rib was also not great. We were a group of three, and none of us were overjoyed by the meal. The waiter was super nice which is about all I can say. The view was nice but that is not really why we went lol.

Awful service. Very disappointed. The food was good but the overall experience was extremely disappointing. We spent $300 with tip for 5 people which included 3 kids. I’m not sure if having the kids there was a deterrent on wanting to help us. But when we asked for bread (picky eaters) our server Jason said sure if you want to fill up on bread. RUDE! Not exactly a good birthday experience. We had been there previously many times but wanted to share the experience with our kids. But I would not waste my money in a place that is not worth the expense. Oh my son’s order was wrong and they forgot my salad. Manager said, ok we will take it off the bill. Ummm I still did not get my salad. So disappointed.