Gadsby's Tavern, Alexandria

It's rare to find a restaurant with Gadsby's historical importance and ambiance. When you add the fact that the food is excellent, you really have something extraordinary. Lunch is a good deal.

great location...great atmosphere if you are looking for Colonial...food quality very poor and service slow. tourists only and then if you are simply looking to say you ate at Gadsby's Tavern like Geo Washington

Sunday brunch, restaurant not full, but had to stand and wait for almost 15 min. before anyone acknowledged us and finally seated us. The attitude of host was not amicable.Food is overrated from what I had read before going there. The ambiance is excellent.

This establishment,from my experience, appears to not value its customers and to treat them accordingly. There was no greeter; the line of people waiting to be seated was ignored for about 20 minutes. The operation of this establishment appears to be defined by individual tasks that omit customer service. Food was unceremoniously delivered to the table; the lack of style may be forgiven -- but food that should be hot/warm served cold is inexcusabe -- especially when the server admonished the guest to "be careful of the hot plate." The plate was not even warm. The food was far less than adequate, especially when compared with similar entrees served at other restaurants. After two attempts to receive even a minimally warm entree I gave up. Two identical desserts were ordered; they were delivered to the table and did not appear identical. The beverage (non alcoholic) was not included in the fixed price menu; a generous gratuity was, however, automatically calculated by Gadsby's Tavern, Alexandria, VA, in the total bill presented. It appears prudent to read READ AND CHECK YOUR BILL. No one said "thank you" or "goodbye." This establishment is not disabled accessible. A reasonable person may conclude that such establishments may rely more on tourist business than on a clientele of happy diners who return because of the quality of the food and service. There are options in the area for those who want the ambience of a historic building and a classic American menu; we will be exploring those options.

If you've ever eaten in one of the original inns at Colonial Williamsburg, you'll know what to expect at Gadsby's Tavern - a genuine 18th century tavern, with servers in period dress and period-style dishes. The food is excellent, though it may be a bit pricey by some standards ($22 - $30 per entree). Ordering the peanut soup is a must. Call ahead and try to go on a night when John Douglas Hall is performing. He's an 18th century minstrel who comes by each table, playing his lute guitar and discussing the current events (of the late 1700s or so). If you come on a ball night (check the events calendar on the museum website), you'll get to see all the couples walking by in 18th century gentry clothing, going to the dance upstairs. If you want to experience a night out on the town the way the Founding Fathers would have, this is the place.

Just returned from the Christmas Eve dinner disappointed. They say George Washington ate there, but I have to wonder if they forgot to mention that he only ate there once.The cream of crab soup was pleasant and the first serving of mini ham-biscuits tasty. The uninspired wedge of iceberg was accompanied by an uninspired dressing. The second serving of mini ham-biscuits was a poor imitation of Wonder Bread, both spongy and doughy in texture. Georges favored crispy duck, described as crispy on the outside, tender on the inside was soft on the outside and tough on the inside. The white asparagus with roasted shallot cream arrived without any apparent sauce. It was undercooked and as stringy as an outer stalk of celery. The prime rib, ordered medium rare, was neither prime nor rare. The smoked gouda and truffled potatoes may well have been the highlight of the dinner.The chocolate cheese cake was, indeed, chocolaty. But it was far too cold and gelatinous to be termed a

The food here was excellent. We went for Sunday brunch and we were amazed at how fresh the fruit was. It seems they really use high quality ingredients. It was not at all crowded which was surprising given the reasonable prices and good food. The service was friendly and efficient. We would definitely go back. My only complaint is that is was rather cold in the restaurant.

I loved the oringinal character portrayal. He was so fantastic and added the special touch that only eating at the Tavern could afford. The dining area was family style with bunches of tables strategically placed in the rooms. You felt like you were part of history. You could be intimate as well by requesting seating next to a window. Each room was unique and the food was fantastic.

The service was terrible. Our waitress was non existent. When we finally ordered our wine it didnt come until 15 minutes later. And she brought it without wine glasses. The manager came over and said they were out of wine glasses! I had to enjoy a bottle of 35 dollar pinot out of a water glass. Then I ordered the prime beef medium rare, and it came out medium well. It was also supposed to come with yorkshire pudding, and they forgot to give it to me. When i asked about it, they said they ran out. They claimed it was because they had served many tourists that night. No excuses please! Tell me it isnt coming with my meal and apologize, rather then having me ask! Plus there is a dance hall above you, and you can constantly hear people stomping thier feet. Very unpleasant. Terrible ambiance, terrible service, and only so-so food. For the price, WAY NOT WORTH IT.

I have never had a bad time here! I had the strip steak with parmesan mashed potatos and, I'm not kidding, this was the best strip steak I EVER had in my life! The sauce has a zest of orange in it that complements the beef in a way I never would've imagined. And those potatos...whoa! Awesome! The place makes you want to never leave, especially if you're a history buff. And the service was very, very friendly, informative and fast! I ate here everyday for 4 days! I just wish they had longer hours of business! A total find!