Capital Ale House - Fairfax

Name: Capital Ale House - Fairfax
Address: 4069 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA, United States, 22030-4113
Telephone: (703) 957-2500
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

112 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Located in the historic Barbour House, an early 20th Century mansion built by the prominent editor, lawyer, mayor, and statesman John Barbour featuring 100 beers on tap and wine, cocktails, and an extensive food menu served within two large bar areas and four dining rooms. Dine al-fresco on our beautiful front porch!

The bar at Capital Ale House offers an array of specialty cocktails and craft beers. Located within walking distance of many other Fairfax City attractions, we are the perfect place to pause for a conversational lunch or a lively dinner with friends.

We are Virginia's Beer Authority with the best local burgers, steaks, wings, and German-inspired fare, and the largest selection of craft beers in the burg!

We're proud to serve only pasture-raised, antibiotic, and hormone-free Virginia beef and strive to procure other local products when possible. With 100 taps, we're sure to have a beer for you!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Bavarian, Beer Garden
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–12:00 am Fri 11:30 am–1:30 am Sat 10:00 am–1:30 am Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am
Phone number
(703) 957-2500
Website
http://www.capitalalehouse.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jacqueline Hartman
Private party facilities
We offer private spaces in our downstairs banquet room.The ample open space in our game room area, complete with dart boards and large screen TVs, is the perfect gathering space for seated or happy hour gatherings.

Location
4069 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030-4113
Neighborhood
Fairfax
Parking details
None
Public transit
Bus stop located across the street.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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What 112 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.4Service
4.2Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

112 Reviews

E
Emily
Orlando
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A nice cute spot for a date or to meet up with a friend
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KG
KristinG
Washington DC
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
It was very loud but beer list and food were worth it! We will go back
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RW
RestaurantWeek2023
Washington DC
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience2
Unfortunately, an overall negative experience. Both food and service fell short of expectations. Definitely not worth the price.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
Service was great, food we just alright .. probably would not return
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AP
AlexisP
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Their brunch special was really good but I was disappointed that my dish and the kid's meal came out missing elements/sides. I had to ask for the fruit to be added to my kid's meal and my steak and egg brunch entree had hard boiled eggs instead of poached and was missing my side of potatoes. Our server was outstanding though!
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MV
MeganV
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience3
Half the food came out and about 10 minutes later the other half came out. The entire table’s food was cold when it arrived to the table. We ordered water after we sat down, we didn’t receive the water for about 30-35 minutes as the waitress told us the cups were in the dish washer. We then ordered another round of drinks, those came 20 minutes later. Very poor service and food was horrible. We were extremely excited to check this place out, we will not be returning.
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MB
MicheleB
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had such a lovely time at Capital Ale House for Brunch. Food was delicious and came with 3 brunch cocktails.. we chose Mimosas. Sat outside for a beautiful brunch!
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G
Greg
Las Vegas
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
Had the Calamari appetizer which was very good, tho could’ve used more of the sauce they used. My entree was the Southern Fish/Chips. Would’ve been good but was undercooked. Neither the fries nor the fish were crispy. Asked the server if this was normal and she said it was. Limp/droopy fried food just isn’t for me so I won’t order it again. Strange since the fried calamari was cooked perfectly. Wife had the Mahi Mahi which was cooked fine, but the sauce they put on it was fairly flavorless.
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JG
JeffG
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was really good. Went there late afternoon on a Sunday. Got the fried chicken sandwich. Ton of beer options. Overall we enjoyed it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall4food4service2ambience2
The food was great, however the service was extremely slow and we got there when there weren’t many customers , there were only 2 other couples in our dining room. There were plenty of servers and waiters/waitresses so that wasn’t the issue they were just very very slow. 1 time was enough for us.
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B
Bobo
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 30, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great food, and the bonus program is very generous. Front two rooms inside are extremely noisy, back bar room less so. Front porch is nice when the weather is nice, but subject to traffic noise on Route 123.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Good food and great atmosphere. Service was amazing. Pricey for any substitutes and seemed a bit more expensive than I thought it should be.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We like the low key vibe and good food. Server was attentive.
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AO
AnnaO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and beverage selection. Service was excellent.
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D
Debra
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
The Bartender and Waiter were a lot of fun! Our waiter had great suggestions. The Bavarian pretzel with beer cheese is a must. Delicious! Calamari was tasty. Very good burgers and excellent chicken sandwich. It’s within walking distance. So much variety! Thanks for making our daughter’s Graduation celebration the Best!
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EO
EricO
Philadelphia
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience5
Service was incredibly slow from start to finish. Had to repeatedly ask staff to check on our orders. Same situation for other patrons.
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S
Sarah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Food was good and the service was great. Will definitely return.
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B
Barbara
Washington DC
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the food is great, staff wonderful and the ambiance perfect for a fun evening.
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B
Bobo
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Chicken pot pie appetizer is only seasonal? Are you serious? That is the best appetizer on the planet! Bring it back please!
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J
Jwest
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience4
I've been to Capital Ale House during the day and the service and quality was a lot better. We went for Easter and they were short-staffed in the kitchen - which led to long waits and unimpressive food. It was the first time I've been disappointed. The manager was very good and attentive, but the rest was underwhelming.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
Food was cold, coffee was cold, and overall was just a meh experience from my first dining experience there last fall.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall2food3service2ambience2
First time dining. Food was fine, nothing special but pretty standard bar and grille fare. Server was Hannah, she did a fine job. The reason I was unimpressed was mainly the bar. I ordered two cocktails over the course of the meal. The first took nearly twenty minutes to come out and arrived halfway through our appetizers. Not the end of the world. The second I ordered with dessert and it simply never came. Hannah assured me that she was checking up with the bar, but it was too busy to prepare cocktails for the dining floor, and she often will make her own drinks but did not know how to make the one I ordered (I do not blame her for this whatsoever, it’s not her job). After a very long time (we had finished our dessert) I cancelled the cocktail, Hannah apologized extensively, we paid and left. On my way out I saw a somewhat busy bar with bartenders standing and chatting with their bar guests. Ultimately I think this restaurant is poorly managed as nearly all of this reflects on the managers. At no point did a manager come check on us during either of our unreasonable drink waits, and the fact that the servers have to make their own cocktails while bartenders focus exclusively on their own guests is unacceptable. I know bars get busy and drinks are delayed sometimes, but this was absolutely not the case, it was a matter of bartenders focusing on their customers over the dining room customers and that is a reflection on the management.
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M
Manatee65
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great beer selection, service was wonderful this visit. Pork tacos tasted good, would have liked lettuce and crema. Love the Hungarian Potato appetizer.
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C
Cajoline
Washington DC
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quick, friendly service and exceptional food! Looking forward to our next visit.
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M
Marlee
Dallas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience3
Capital Ale House proved to be the perfect place to watch the March Madness tournament while enjoying a yummy meal! There were so many great menu options for food and drink that it was hard to narrow it down to just a few selections. Although they cover the basic bar food items, everything felt elevated. Their inclusion of German specialties added to the unique feel of the restaurant. We also appreciated that they provide the pub feel, but serve more than just beer including wine and cocktails. Our service was wonderful with an incredibly friendly and helpful waiter who doubled as the bartender. Although he was balancing many responsibilities, he always felt accessible and very aware of our table’s wants/needs. He would often anticipate something before we even asked like bringing us boxes when he noticed we had slowed down from eating. Capital Ale House completely met our needs for a causal and comfortable dinner out. We loved this place and will be back again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We had reservations for a birthday dinner and the restaurant couldn’t seat us because they completely disregarded our reservation. Completely ruined the entire evening plans since we had tickets for a show following dinner. We were very excited to eat here because of great reviews, but extremely disappointed that they didn’t seem to care that we had made reservations and they couldn’t even seat us because they didn’t plan for us at all. We will never rely on reservations at this place ever again. Thanks for ruining my husbands birthday!
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S
Shanghai1999
Washington DC
29 reviews
vip
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
We were a bit disappointed. We generally love this place, but there was a mistake with our order and we had to wait over an hour and a half for our dinners to arrive. The manager cane over to explain, and he was very nice. However, we would have appreciated something like perhaps 20 percent off the bill since it was such a tremendous wait. Not only did we not get anything off the bill, but there were 2 surprise surcharges on our bill. So, I don’t think we will be hurrying back.
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LG
LuisaG
Dallas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious. Our server, Andy, was terrific and his food recommendations were spot on. Will definitely go back.
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L
Lizz
Washington DC
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chose not to go with the restaurant week menu because the stuff we go for (sausage and potatoes) wasn’t on it. Everything was wonderful as always.
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B
Bobo
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food3service4ambience3
I ordered Rose, got Prosecco instead of wine. Oh well. Caught a cold breeze when the door to the restaurant opened, luck of the draw with table placement. Food and beer were excellent, service good too given how crowded the restaurant was. We will return - the bonus points plan is excellent!
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DG
DavidG
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience2
Serving melted cheese on a paper napkin? Plating failure! Got forgot about as the number of diners increased. Good hunk of salmon was well cooked, rice good. Apple pie was great. Noise level was near deafening.
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P
Prastavna
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very nice lunch with friends and food was good!
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CD
ColleenD
Washington DC
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent meal! It was an extremely busy night and we had quite a delay after we sat down before a server came to our table but we are patient and understanding and had a great evening.
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A
Ashley
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was excellent and everyone had a delicious meal! We will definitely be back!
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GN
GreatNightOut
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Really enjoyed the experience
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TC
TaylorC
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
Food was good and portion sizes were HUGE! Highly recommend the pretzel, cheese, and sausage appetizer. We loved it. Restaurant was very quiet and service was speedy. Only complaints are that we were sat near the door despite the restaurant having many open tables and as a result we were constantly cold. Waitresses also seemed to not fully know the menu when we had questions.
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D
Debra
Washington DC
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our service was friendly and welcoming. He offered wonderful suggestions. My son had the turkey flat and said it was delicious. I had the Smokehouse burger which was very good and substituted a house salad instead of fries. Bavarian pretzel is always a must. Kudos to our server and the chef!
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S
Shal
Washington DC
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great ambiance in old historic building with casual dining food .
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f
ffxdiner
Washington DC
206 reviews
vip
5.0
206 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Very good lunch here meeting a friend, Was quiet. The food was excellent / I had one of the specials- a flatbread with short ribs, cheese & spinach. Would order that again. One item - we were in one of the rooms in front & I do wish the lighting was brighter.
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HD
HoneyDu
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
As a first timer, I was impressed and will definitely return. The staff were welcoming and engaging. The Sangarita was refreshing and delicious! Who new combining sangria with a margarita could be so good. The mushroom French dip burger - wow! Fresh, tasty and amazing. The only knock was cold sweet potato fries delivered with the meal. I requested hot fries but never got them before finishing my meal. Overall, a good choice.
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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

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Capital Ale House - Fairfax offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 957-2500.

Capital Ale House - Fairfax is rated 4.3 stars by 112 OpenTable diners.

Capital Ale House - Fairfax does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Capital Ale House - Fairfax

4069 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030-4113

Additional information

Neighborhood
Fairfax
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–12:00 am Fri 11:30 am–1:30 am Sat 10:00 am–1:30 am Sun 10:00 am–12:00 am
Cuisines
American, Bavarian, Beer Garden
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Bus stop located across the street.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jacqueline Hartman
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.capitalalehouse.com/
Phone number
(703) 957-2500
Private party facilities
We offer private spaces in our downstairs banquet room.The ample open space in our game room area, complete with dart boards and large screen TVs, is the perfect gathering space for seated or happy hour gatherings.

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Capital Ale House - Fairfax

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card

Menu

What 112 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Capital Ale House - Fairfax offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Capital Ale House - Fairfax restaurant rated?

Does Capital Ale House - Fairfax offer gift cards?

Is Capital Ale House - Fairfax currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Gift card