Capital Ale House - Fairfax

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1. EO

   EricO

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   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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2. 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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3. B

   Bobo

   Washington DC

   8 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   8 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   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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7. M

   Manatee65

   Washington DC

   15 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   15 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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8. 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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9. 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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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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14. B

    Bobo

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 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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15. 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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16. 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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17. 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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18. 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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19. GN

    GreatNightOut

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Really enjoyed the experience
    

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20. 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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21. D

    Debra

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 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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22. S

    Shal

    Washington DC

    58 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Great ambiance in old historic building with casual dining food .
    

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23. f

    ffxdiner

    Washington DC

    196 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    196 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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24. 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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25. A

    Anonymous

    Anchorage

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5

    The server, likely due to inexperience, seemed unable to take care of multiple tables at once. He forgot to get refills before our food arrived and, because he was busy greeting tables and taking orders, was unable to bring us more water before we finished our meals. I eventually asked the host for assistance. Quality of food and ambience was amazing, as usual. Server just needs more experience and get better at asking his manager for help :)
    

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26. B

    Bassman17

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    3.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    It is great to see a new and popular restaurant in Fairfax City. The Capital Ale House has an amazing number of beers on draft (how do they do it?). The public appears to be turning out, given the crowd we saw on Friday night. That said, the food is not very good. We had the fish and pork tacos. Pretty standard. The corn and bean salad is just like combining corn and black beans. I look forward to lunch there next week; will try again.
    

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27. JF

    JohnF

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Manager and staff were super understaffed and yet provided fantastic service with what they had. One waitress was brought in from Richmond to help and yet she was still super cheerful, professional, and accommodating. Manager apologized for the lack of staffing but the service from her and her team were fantastic and the food was awesome.
    

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28. VD

    ViennaDiner

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience4

    Food was really good. Service was pleasant but slow and inexperienced.
    

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29. GW

    GinaW

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Enjoyed the warm fireplace and the warm soups!
    

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30. L

    Lizz

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is absolutely fantastic and the beer selection is enormous. All the staff is friendly and helpful. Loved going to trivia on Tuesday.
    

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31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    A very nice evening
    

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32. G

    Gomers

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The server was over-tasked and left us alone for about 25 minutes. However, the food and drinks were delivered by other and it was good food.
    

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33. D

    Dave

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    We were given a corner table by the hostess and had excellent service. The beer selection was excellent. Our weinersnitzel was too crispy but still tasty.
    

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34. a

    artr

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Low end of average food quality and poor service. The beer I was served was not even full - looked like someone had already drank from it. Server was pleasant but rarely seen.
    

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35. LG

    LaGrin

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food, service and beer options.
    

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36. FB

    FoodieBee

    Washington DC

    44 reviews

    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    I really like Capital Ale House! We went once before and liked it then too. Our server seemed to be in a bad mood as she was completely unwilling to make any substitutions from the menu. Upon asking if a sandwich could be made with a different kind of bread, she gave a flat “no” without even checking in the kitchen. When I asked what an item on the menu was, she said she could not remember. Maybe just a bad day. Overall, the food is quite good. Fireplaces are a nice, cozy touch. We will definitely be back!
    

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37. j

    jzzerbabe

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Relaxing atmosphere. Service was great shout out to Lexi and Candy
    

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38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service we will definitely come back
    

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39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The server was great.
    

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40. B

    Bolton

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    Absolutely terrible service. Won't come here again.
    

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