Hamiltons' At First & Main

Name: Hamiltons' At First & Main
Address: 101 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA, United States, 22902
Telephone: (434) 295-6649
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1860 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Contemporary Fine Dining in Charlottesville, Virginia Located in the heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons’ is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. A cheerful, cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure our guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, be they Charlottesville natives, out-of-town visitors, or University students and staff. We also feature outdoor patio seating seasonally, providing our guests the opportunity to dine amidst the bustle of the Downtown Mall.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(434) 295-6649

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Hours of operation
Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue, Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(434) 295-6649
Website
http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com/home.html
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Hannah Moster

Location
101 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Neighborhood
Charlottesville
Cross street
1st Street
Parking details
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Valentine's Day 2023!
$100.00 per person
Prepaid
Feb 14, 2023 only
Serving a $100 Prix Fixe Four Course dinner Valentine's Day. Includes food, taxes and service charges. APP CHOICE Asparagus and Spring Pea Soup Fried Eggplant Lamb Kofta Utica Greens Stuffed Oysters Grilled Mushrooms SALAD COURSE House Mixed Greens Vinaigrette ENTREE CHOICE Jumbo Crabcakes basmati rice, creamed spinach, remoulade Beef Tenderloin duchess potatoes, broccolini, pickled mushrooms, thyme jus Chicken Cassoulet brioche croutons, pea tendrils Pork Chop corn pudding, maple glazed Brussels sprouts, creole aioli Vegetarian Gratin Caromont chevre, watercress salad Grilled Tuna cranberry farroto, crispy kale, gremolata CHOICE OF DESSERTS Flourless Chocolate Torte Granita Trio Vanilla and Rose Crème Brulé Strawberry and Cream Short Cake
UVA GRADUATION 2023
$100.00 per person
Prepaid
May 19 - May 21, 2023
Serving a (NON-REFUNDABLE) prix fixe $100 menu for dinner May 19th-21st, including tax and service charge. Wine pairings and VA sparkling wine are available to preorder. AMUSE Bruschetta APP CHOICE Potato and Leek Soup Shrimp and Grits Mushroom and Chevre Tart Duck Springroll Sea Scallops SALAD COURSE Mixed Greens ENTREE CHOICE Crabcakes coleslaw, basmati rice, remoulade Beef Tenderloin Cheddar potato soufflé, white asparagus, demiglace Lemon-Dill Chicken Breast spring pea, feta and olive salad, chickpeas, tzatziki Garden Risotto leeks, basil pistou Duck Breast mushroom braised escarole, rice pilaf, cranberry glaze Halibut saffron couscous, shishitos, citrus crème fraiche DESSERT CHOICE Chocolate Torte Granita Kahlua Panna Cotta Lemon Tart
Private Dining Experience for Graduation 2023
$120.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Serving a PRIVATE $120 menu (NON-REFUNDABLE) for dinner May 19th-21st, including tax and service charge. Wine pairings and VA sparkling wine are available to preorder. AMUSE Bruschetta APP CHOICE Potato and Leek Soup Shrimp and Grits Mushroom and Chevre Tart Duck Springroll Sea Scallops SALAD COURSE Mixed Greens ENTREE CHOICE Crabcakes coleslaw, basmati rice, remoulade Beef Tenderloin Cheddar potato soufflé, white asparagus, demiglace Lemon-Dill Chicken Breast spring pea, feta and olive salad, chickpeas, tzatziki Garden Risotto leeks, basil pistou Duck Breast mushroom braised escarole, rice pilaf, cranberry glaze Halibut saffron couscous, shishitos, citrus crème fraiche DESSERT CHOICE Chocolate Torte Granita Kahlua Panna Cotta Lemon Tart

Popular dishes

Vegetarian Asparagus and Spring Pea Soup
with pickled scallions
Fried Eggplant
with sesame-soy sauce and pickled vegetables
Lamb Kofta Meatballs
with harissa and feta cheese
Utica Greens Stuffed Oysters
baked on the half shell
Grilled Local Mushrooms
with rosemary, Caromont Chevre and a honey-balsamic vinaigrette

House Salad Course

House Mixed Greens
with our ginger-soy house dressing, peanuts, apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes

Choice of Entrees

Pan Roasted Jumbo Lump Crabcakes
with basmati rice, creamed spinach, and housemade remoulade
Grilled Beef Tenderloin
with duchess potatoes, charred broccolini pickled local mushrooms, and a thyme jus
Chicken and Vegetable Cassoulet
with brioche croutons, and pea tendrils
Marinated Pork Chop
with corn pudding, maple glazed Brussels sprouts, and a creole aioli
Vegetarian Gratin
with Caromont chevre, and a watercress salad
Grilled Tuna
with cranberry farroto, crispy kale, gremolata, and smoked olive oil

Choice of Desserts

Gearhart's Flourless Chocolate Torte
Trio of Granita in a Brandysnap Cup
Vanilla and Rose Crème Brulé
Strawberry and Cream Short Cake

What 1,860 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Charlottesville
Best Overall
Charlottesville
Best Food
Charlottesville
Best Service
Charlottesville
Best Value
Charlottesville
Healthy
Charlottesville
Great for fine wines
Charlottesville
Good for special occasions
Charlottesville
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

LC
LisaC
Wilmington
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful restaurant! Very good service. Everything we ate was delicious, especially loved the Shrimp and Grits, Steak, and Crabcakes. Server was helpful and make good recommendations.
KH
KateH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just really lovely and enjoyable for our family & celebrating my husband’s birthday. Our server was so attentive to our every need! It was a beautiful combination of excellent food & ambience without being stuffy🎉💝
BP
BrentP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our host and server were friendly and accommodating. The food was excellent and reasonably priced. No complaints.
RJ
RobinJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and food! We loved our waitress
FS
FranS
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved the evening out. I spent more than I intended
P
Panevino
Richmond
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent, as always, and perfectly matched by Chris’ attentive service. Thank you!
P
Panevino
Richmond
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chelsea’s excellent service made our lunch most enjoyable. Compliments!
TB
TomButler
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They held our table reservation for at least a half hour because of problems getting out of UVA Hospital. Our server was gratious in taking care of us. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was superior, and the service was impeccable. This has to be one of the best restaurants in Virginia that we will always look forward to returning to when in the Charlottesville area. Highly recommended!
CR
ClaireR
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The service was wonderful and the atmosphere was quiet and cozy. The food was delicious. Thank you for a great dinner!
M
Melanie
Richmond
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great dinner with friends. We really enjoy Hamilton’s.
R
Rose
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful evening at Hamiltons. The food was delicious, nice atmosphere and not too loud (cheerful background noise but not too loud for normal conversation), great server who was very attentive but did not hurry us. Have had many great meals here over the years--Hamilton's is perfect for lunch before the MetOpera broadcasts on Saturdays!
KF
KateF
Richmond
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extremely nice. They were welcoming and efficient. Excellent wait staff (Chelsea) and helpful with all our requests.
j
jopiwo
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
as always, a family favorite. wonderful choices and every one of them is yummy
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Seven family members enjoyed lunch here to celebrate our father’s fi
TM
TimothyM
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been here 3 times since moving to Charlottesville last fall. Each time we've ordered a different array from the well thought out menu or a special of the evening. Everything has been prepared and presented beautifully by a very professional staff . The chef is clearly holds a high standard for each dish, in part by creating menus that allow the attention required to do that. The restaurant is always busy, but the staff and kitchen are not overwhelmed. Great experience, and make sure you reserve a few days ahead, not easy to get last minute even mid week. So good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
I had the Char, others in my group had all different entrees, everyone thought their meals were delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlanta
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friend visiting from out of town.
JC
JanC
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always excellent and creative. And the service is very attentive. Wonderful environment, inside and outside. This restaurant never disappoints.
KC
KristineC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had dinner with three of my work colleague on Wednesday evening. The food was exceptional and the service was excellent. I had the fried oysters starter (so good) and the lump crab cakes (wow). We chatted, we ate, we had a great time. Hamilton’s is an elegant, quiet restaurant that serves great food.
P
Pamela
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Grey meal at Hamiltons. The service was great too. We had the shrimp and grits abd it was delicious. Definitely a great choice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
36 reviews
4.0
36 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Group of five including a young adult, his parents and grandparents all found something to like! Vegetarian Blue-Plate Special is always a treat. Shrimp and Grits, Fried Oysters and Crab Cakes were given a thumbs up by the seafood lovers. One of our favorite spots in Charlottesville.
DD
DakotaDan
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I don't often get to Charlottesville but am always very pleased to stop at Hamiltons' for lunch when I do. The food (I had arctic char) was again excellent, as was the service. Highly recommended!
M
Maureen
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food. Friendly professional server. A little loud. A little rushed toward the end.
NR
NoahR
Philadelphia
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had an excellent meal - service was outstanding!
M
Medi942
Washington DC
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always so delicious. Chelsea, our server, was at the top of our list of one of the best servers.
NA
NeverAgain2
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server, Chelsea, is fantastic. She’s knowledgeable and always nearby when you want something. Gregory the maitre d’ was excellent as well. Hamilton’s is fine dining and first rate!
IR
IleneR
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Hamilton’s is one of the best restaurants in a city with many excellent places to eat! The food is always wonderful, service is excellent and the ambience is lovely. Recommend it for lunch or dinner.
A
Al2eat
Richmond
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Excellent food. Fantastic service.
P
Pettway
Las Vegas
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
I ordered crab cakes and they were a little undercooked along with rice served with the entree. My wife had the pork chop which was the best she’s ever had. Overall great experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
36th anniversary; very comfortable atmosphere; excellent wait service, and wonderful food (crab & corn chowder, lump crab cakes with spinach & rice. Apple cobbler a la mode).
VC
VeraC
Washington DC
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Drinks were very good. Expressing martini was fabulous. We ordered the arctic char, which was nicely prepared over rice and minced veggies. The sirloin special was well cooked and presented. Service could have been a bit better, we had to call the waiter for refills and he didn’t check on as much a I would have liked. Overall nice meal.
MJ
MJKH
Greensboro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oyster and celery salad appetizer is outstanding. Definitely would return
BG
BrandonG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was beautiful. From the moment that we walked in we where welcomed by a friendly staff. After being seated we where waited on from start to finish. The food was beyond amazing and the atmosphere was comfortable and cozy. It was an amazing experience and the memories from this event will last in our minds forever thanks for the memories and we will definitely be back. Highly recommended!!!
F
Flamingo57
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and excellent waitstaff
DJ
D2J3
Richmond
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Waiter was very knowledgable about wine and the blue crab corn chowder was amazing.
DF
DrFinance
Charleston
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
We chose this restaurant based on other reviews. When we booked our reservation they required a credit card. We are finding that at a few other places but usually because demand for a reservation is high. It’s Dec., the UVA students are gone, it’s our first visit to Charlottesville, and it was a ghost town. So, once we arrived it felt greedy and off putting to have to place a deposit/credit card on our reservation. The waiter knew the menu well and made solid recommendations. The food was excellent. The atmosphere…very clean but no ambiance. So disappointing in this sweet town at holiday time. We wondered what the places were with great food AND ambiance. Do they exist here? They have nice artwork on the walls but it’s lost on brown stucco. Close for a week and paint the entire interior white. The art will pop and your beautiful hardwood floors will shine beautifully. Lastly - extensive wine list and NO Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough by the glass. Hello…? To have such an investment in wines and not have the currently highest grossing option available by the glass…disappointing.
MM
MichaelM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect lunch setting with top quality food choices. The crab cakes are excellent
BW
BrianW
Louisville
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The absolute best server who knew the menu and could give accurate descriptions of any item. The special was duck which was very good. If I am ever in Charlottesville, VA for dinner again I would give serious consideration of going back to Hamilton!
MK
MickiK
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our expectations were exceeded! The service and food were fantastic. The decor was very warm ......I even left my reading glasses on the table and they called me afterwards to let me know! Highly recommend!
L
Louise
Richmond
11 reviews
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience2
Hamiltons' has long been a favorite of mine and has stood the test of time; however, food was served cold and had to be returned; taste was bland; and only 4 shrimp served which were small. Something was off in the sundried tomato that topped the dish - looked like mold to me. Very disappointed in everything yesterday. In addition, parking validation provided had expired, so, had to pay for parking in Water Street garage. Overall, felt I wasted my money at around $30.00. Restaurant needs an update -- too dark and heat was not providing warmth to an already cold building at 11:45 AM.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Hamiltons' At First & Main using the Order Online button. Hamiltons' At First & Main also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 295-6649.

Hamiltons' At First & Main is rated 4.7 stars by 1860 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(434) 295-6649

Other options

Order online

Google Map for Hamiltons' At First & Main

101 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Additional information

Cross street
1st Street
Neighborhood
Charlottesville
Hours of operation
Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue, Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Hannah Moster
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com/home.html
Phone number
(434) 295-6649

Hamiltons' At First & Main

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Valentine's Day 2023!

UVA GRADUATION 2023

Private Dining Experience for Graduation 2023

Shrimp and Grits

Steak Salad

Nasi Goreng

Choice of First Course

Vegetarian Asparagus and Spring Pea Soup

Fried Eggplant

Lamb Kofta Meatballs

Utica Greens Stuffed Oysters

Grilled Local Mushrooms

House Salad Course

House Mixed Greens

Choice of Entrees

Pan Roasted Jumbo Lump Crabcakes

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Chicken and Vegetable Cassoulet

Marinated Pork Chop

Vegetarian Gratin

Grilled Tuna

Choice of Desserts

Gearhart's Flourless Chocolate Torte

Trio of Granita in a Brandysnap Cup

Vanilla and Rose Crème Brulé

Strawberry and Cream Short Cake

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Hamiltons' At First & Main offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Hamiltons' At First & Main restaurant rated?

Is Hamiltons' At First & Main currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Featured in

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day