Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. Virginia - DC Suburbs
  5. Gainesville
Out Of the Blue, Gainesville, VA

Out Of the Blue

3.9
3.9
281 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Out of the Blue is a locally owned and operated restaurant that brings a fresh and diverse seafood selection packed with exciting new flavors in Virginia Gateway in Gainesville, VA. Come try our fresh seafood dishes, and Maryland Style Blue Crabs.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Contemporary American, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (571) 284-6350
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Neighborhood
    Gainesville
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 281 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.9
3.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

281 Reviews
  1. Stacy

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food1service3ambience2
    Food is very overpriced for the quality. The decor is like having dinner in a garage. If you want fish for dinner, go across the street to Burger King.

    Is this helpful?

  2. HarlandD

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was absolutely delicious, and perfectly cooked. The portion of the rockfish was a little small, I would have enjoyed an additional piece!

    Is this helpful?

  3. CJAMH

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The seafood was well prepared and the side dishes were great. The sides, mac-n-cheese in particular really make Out of the Blue a great seafood restaurant. Next time I'll be having the steamed blue crabs!

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpusCopa

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    This is a good place to get fresh seafood with a fun, casual setting. Our waitress was attentive and friendly with a constant smile on her face. We tried a bunch of dishes and were thrilled with them all.

    Is this helpful?

  5. MichaelV

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All went well...good food and good service. We frequent Out of the Blue often.

    Is this helpful?

  6. SharonP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly enjoy dining at Out of the Blue Crabs; conveniently located and delicious seafood.

    Is this helpful?

  7. KelB

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2023

    overall1food2service4ambience3
    Wait staff was excellent, very friendly and attentive. That was the best part of the visit. Food was either overcooked or undercooked, depending on the dish. My fish was so overcooked it could have been a hockey puck, yet another entree was almost raw. No consistency, and while the seasoning was okay was not that edible with how prepared. Table of six for a birthday dinner, only one had a salad which was brought out with the entrees for all. Discovered later that as we had split the bill between credit cards that one credit card had more than double the tip charged on the transaction. Overall a very disappointing experience and doubtful we will return.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Funky

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service. Waitress was very pleasant and asked us if we wanted one or separate checks - it was an all guys luncheon

    Is this helpful?

  9. PatrickF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The only place for the best hard-shell crabs in Northern Virginia!

    Is this helpful?

  10. DonnaS

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was fantastic. Hard shell crabs and crab legs were outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  11. KennyT

    Baltimore

    47 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great service, prompt seating on a busy night. Great portions, fair prices. Overall, the food was a tad lackluster flavor wise. The Lobster bisque and crab dip were good, but the seafood pasta Alfredo was too saucy and needed seasoning. The crabcake was ok. We were fairly happy overall with the experience.

    Is this helpful?

  12. JimmyS

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Nice place to chow down on some blue crabs. Great service and ice cold beer! Sides were generous and tasty. Crabs are what crabs are, a bit of a gamble in size and weight. We were happy with what we were served. There's even a hand washing station that doesn't require the rest room. Overall a great place to get your hands dirty. If crabs aren't your thing there is a full menu that should satisfy most anyone.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Nancy60609

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our appetizers were out of this world. However, the rockfish entree was a bit skimpy and my lobster/shrimp roll was just ok, not what I expected. Our service was exceptional, we would definitely try again.

    Is this helpful?

  14. JandL

    Alabama

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Largest blue crabs I’ve ever seen and eaten. Just sad they no longer had soft shells which are my favorite.

    Is this helpful?

  15. JohnS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Crabcake was dry with very little crab. Soup was okay. Not impressed.

    Is this helpful?

  16. MonicaM

    Richmond

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    I was here twice - once when the restuarant was new and tried again the other day. The first time we had ordered the crabs and everything was good. The other day my husband and i tried again and it was a huge disappointment. I ordered Rockfish which was overcooked and dry even with lemon butter sauce and tasted fishy. My husband had fried flounder that was a little short of burnt. Our drinks came out after we got the appetizer and salads. The appetizer, salad, and drink were all ok, service was ok although out of order.

    Is this helpful?

  17. MichaelC

    Naples

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Food was good. Great service. Thought the price point was high and lunch selections limited. Chairs uncomfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  18. JamesD

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    Staff were very friendly and attentive. The steamed crabs were from Florida and 8 of 12 were “mealy.” The Chesapeake Bay is closer. Slaw was good.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Frank

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience1
    Overpriced, over cooked snow crab legs. Uneatable French fries.

    Is this helpful?

  20. April

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Mostly new and being trained servers. Food was just okay. Hard uncomfortable metal chairs.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DonnaS

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Crabs were big and delicious. Waitress was fantastic. We’re coming back on Friday for more crabs!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. GeorgeH

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were happy to find out that the steamed shrimp and crab were freshly caught and not frozen.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Alicia

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I took my dear friend to lunch at Out of the Blue and she, and I, loved it. We had to search for the front door but once we got in, we were greeted by two lovely hostesses and seated immediately. We both ordered the crab special and the lobster bisque. Perfect for a "good feel" meal. My friend's retirement-home entire body of residents will visit the restaurant later in July. She will be an excellent source for them to anticipate their meal.

    Is this helpful?

  24. BillS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My third dinner for visitors in that many years. Food has gone from good to great. I had scallops that were the best I had in years anywhere, as they say, my compliments to the chef on June 23, 2023. Everything at the table was terrific and delicious. Service was also great.

    Is this helpful?

  25. CeeCee

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Nice area and food is good. Crabs are good, just wish they wouldn’t run out of the different sizes so often.

    Is this helpful?

  26. StephanieW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The only complaint was the chairs. They were not comfortable at all.

    Is this helpful?

  27. WCFM

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Crabs were fine—a little disappointed they weren’t served hot. Still the most reasonably-priced crabs for their size/weight in Western Prince William County. Would give them 5 ⭐️s but those chairs are the worst (even with the seat cushions). 💙 what they do for their community by encouraging families of kids with all abilities to join them for a no judgement meal on special nights.

    Is this helpful?

  28. LynnL

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience4
    Don’t order your entree before you’ve finished your appetizer. Our entrees were brought to the table before we were even half finished with our soup/oysters. When I told the runner we were still eating our appetizer he just looked at me and set the food on the table anyway. I asked our server to let the manager know the timing on getting our food was off - she either didn’t or the manager (who I never saw) didn’t bother to come by. Needless to say our entrees were cold by the time we got to them. The food was good, but who wants to pay $30 for a cold steak/seafood?

    Is this helpful?

  29. Sharon

    Baltimore

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    It was a great dining experience. We would go back

    Is this helpful?

  30. SteveW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Large, delicious blue crab and snow crab legs. Great service.

    Is this helpful?

  31. ebhoney

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had no wait, even though it was Mother’s Day. Our server was patient and very friendly. Food was very good. All in all, a very nice experience.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family really enjoyed themselves and food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Graceandmikeprice10292918

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Service, courtesy staff and food is always delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  34. CarolynF

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    The food was tasteless - the calamari was chewy and undercooked. The crab cake fell apart, the fish in the fish tacos needed to be seasoned before frying.

    Is this helpful?

  35. 40andHolding

    Washington DC

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time for us at this restaurant (we were with friends that had dined at OFTB before). We were extremely pleased with the menu and the amount of selections. I went in wanting crabs, but ended up with the seared scallops and they were DELICIOUS! Our friends had the crabs and did not leave one on the tray. My bloody was fresh and wonderful. Will definitely be going back for some more deliciousness!

    Is this helpful?

  36. LeighG

    Richmond

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sam was a great server and we loved the crab blt special

    Is this helpful?

  37. MargaretG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a fun and delicious lunch!! Miss Maddie was our server as well as our bartender extraordinaire!! She’s absolutely fantastic!!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall1food1service5ambience3
    The prices were okay. The food was not that great. I ordered the soft shell crabs and they tasted burnt and were cooked in old grease because you could taste it. They were horrible. The asparagus was grilled and tasted burnt also. The food was not good at all.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Crzy4shooz

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience3
    Our server was great. She was very attentive considering she was manning the bar as well. The drinks (alcoholic) were weak. They had very little alcohol in them (if any at all) and priced at about $12. The apps were tasty and priced a little high ($12-13). The entrees were mediocre at best and priced high (($23-$36). Someone at my table got the shrimp entree and the breading wasn’t good. The coleslaw was watery and bland. Overall we had a good time. I doubt we’ll go back because the food and drinks aren’t worth the high prices.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Food was great , but salad had a hair in it which grossed me out,

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Out Of the Blue offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (571) 284-6350.

Out Of the Blue is rated 3.9 stars by 281 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Out Of the Blue

5005 Wellington Rd, Gainesville, VA 20155-4052

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Gainesville
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, Contemporary American, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo