Chart House Alexandria Waterfront Dining Experience And Special Occasion Options

Introduction

Chart House Alexandria stands as a premier waterfront dining destination on the Potomac River, offering patrons panoramic views of the sparkling city and surrounding landmarks. As part of a national chain with approximately 30 locations, each Chart House restaurant presents unique characteristics based on its geographic location. The Alexandria location distinguishes itself with its prime positioning on the Potomac River, providing diners with spectacular views of the Capitol dome and Washington Mall. The restaurant combines exceptional seafood offerings with an elegant setting, making it a popular choice for various dining occasions, including celebrations and special events.

Location and Hours

Chart House Alexandria is situated in the historic Old Town area, a region rich with American history as the hometown of George Washington. The restaurant's location provides convenient access to numerous famous landmarks, including Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon, Arlington Cemetery, and the National Masonic Temple, all of which are just minutes away. Additionally, guests can easily visit historic sites such as Robert E. Lee's boyhood home and George Washington's Townhouse before or after their dining experience.

The restaurant operates with the following schedule: - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Monday through Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM - Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Special holiday hours include: - Thursday, November 27, 2025: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday, December 24, 2025: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM - Thursday, December 25, 2025: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM - Wednesday, December 31, 2025: 11:30 AM - Midnight - Thursday, January 1, 2026: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

The establishment also offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with extended hours on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Ambiance and Views

Chart House Alexandria is widely regarded as the best river view restaurant in the city. The restaurant's design ensures that whether guests choose to dine outdoors on the patio or indoors, they are treated to gorgeous panoramic views of the waterfront and the city skyline. The visual experience is enhanced by the restaurant's proximity to famous Old Town sites, creating a unique dining atmosphere that combines natural beauty with historical significance.

The restaurant's atmosphere appeals to a sophisticated crowd, with background music featuring an upbeat, modern tempo. The dress code ranges from casual to upscale, making it suitable for various occasions while maintaining an elegant ambiance. The combination of exceptional views, quality cuisine, and refined atmosphere positions Chart House Alexandria as a premier dining destination in the region.

Dining Experience

Chart House Alexandria has established a reputation for seafood with creative twists, focusing on fresh and flavorful ingredients. The renowned chefs compile four different menus throughout the year, emphasizing seasonal ingredients to ensure the freshest possible offerings. This approach allows the restaurant to provide an exclusive touch to local flavors while maintaining consistency in quality.

The Sunday brunch at Chart House ranks among the best in Alexandria, featuring an array of dishes that highlight the restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients and culinary excellence. The menu is thoughtfully structured to accommodate various preferences, with options ranging from light appetizers to hearty main courses.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Chart House Alexandria offers a diverse selection of dishes across multiple categories:

Chilled Appetizers

• Shrimp, Avocado + Mango Stack ($20, 440 calories)
• Shrimp Cocktail ($20, 260 calories)
• Crispy Spicy Tuna with crispy rice, avocado, sesame, and jalapeños ($16, 570 calories)
• Oyster Sampler (half dozen assorted with mignonette and zesty cocktail sauce; inquire for daily selection) ($21, 120 calories)
• Hummus + Naan with roasted tomato hummus, cucumber olive salad, and grilled pita ($18, 1230 calories)

Warm Appetizers

• Kim Chee Calamari (lightly fried with crisp vegetables) ($20, 990 calories)
• Steamed Mussels Mariniere with shallots, white wine, garlic butter, and grilled baguette ($18, 1170 calories)
• Whipped Ricotta + Meatballs (veal, pork, beef, red sauce) ($17, 620 calories)
• Baked Crab Dip with cheddar cheese and French bread crostini ($19, 800 calories)
• Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with remoulade, yellow pepper coulis, and heirloom tomato ($27, 580 calories)

Soups and Salads

• New England Clam Chowder (cup $11, bowl $14)
• Cream of Crab (cup $12, bowl $15)
• Caesar Salad with Parmesan cheese bowl, sweet peppers, and achiote marinade ($15, 640 calories)
• Chopped Salad with English cucumber, heirloom tomato, pickled red onion, rainbow carrot, cannellini beans, and white balsamic basil vinaigrette ($15, 300 calories)
• Sunset Beets with truffle goat cheese, radish, and carrot top pesto ($16, 540 calories)
• Signature Salad Bar (with entrée $15, à la carte $27)

Globally Inspired Entrees

• Spiced Ahi with Furikake rice, grilled bok choy, wasabi cream, ginger soy ($43, 1080 calories)
• Miso Sake Glazed Black Cod with Asian vegetable medley and Yuzu Dashi broth ($43)

The restaurant also offers a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu featuring an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $39, providing an excellent value for those seeking a complete dining experience.

Private Dining and Event Spaces

Chart House Alexandria provides distinctive private dining options for various occasions, including business functions, wedding rehearsal dinners, receptions, birthday parties, retirement celebrations, and anniversary gatherings. The restaurant features two primary private spaces:

1. The "Champagne Room" accommodates up to 100 people, making it suitable for larger business functions and parties.
2. The "Rooftop Room" offers an intimate setting for smaller events of fewer than 60 people.

For private events, the chefs can arrange multiple menu selections customized to the host's preferences, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests. The restaurant also offers its seasonal signature wine, Bluewing Chardonnay, at $12 per glass or $47 per bottle to complement the dining experience.

Happy Hour Specials

Chart House Alexandria offers one of the most appealing happy hours in the area, with fantastic deals available at the bar and lounge only. The happy hour schedule is Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The happy hour menu features: - Chart House Sampler with lobster and shrimp spring rolls - Tuna tartare with fried plantains ($8) - Ahi nachos seared atop fried wontons, pickled ginger, and wasabi cream ($6) - Ruby Delight martini ($7) - Monarch Margarita ($6) - Selected wines ($5) - Other cocktails ($4) - Domestic beers ($3) - Import and craft beers ($4)

These affordable options make Chart House an attractive destination for after-work gatherings and casual social occasions.

Special Occasion Dining

While specific birthday freebies are not mentioned in the available information, Chart House Alexandria presents an ideal setting for celebrating special occasions. The combination of exceptional views, quality cuisine, and elegant ambiance makes it a popular choice for various celebrations, including birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.

The restaurant's private dining spaces offer additional options for those seeking a more exclusive celebration. The chefs can customize menu selections for private events, ensuring that the dining experience aligns with the significance of the occasion. The sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy their celebration without concern about formality or interruptions.

Conclusion

Chart House Alexandria stands as a premier waterfront dining destination that combines exceptional seafood with breathtaking views of the Potomac River. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative culinary approaches has established it as one of the best dining options in Alexandria. With its convenient location in historic Old Town, diverse menu offerings, and elegant atmosphere, Chart House appeals to both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience.

The restaurant provides various options for different occasions, from casual happy hour gatherings to elegant private events. While specific birthday promotions are not detailed in the available information, the restaurant's overall ambiance and service make it a natural choice for celebrating special moments. Whether enjoying a Sunday brunch, happy hour appetizers, or a full dinner, guests can expect quality food, attentive service, and spectacular views that define the Chart House experience.

Sources

1. Chart House Atlantic City Overview
2. Chart House Alexandria Location and Menus
3. Hotel AKA Alexandria Event Spaces
4. Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Guide