Blackwall Hitch — Restaurant in Alexandria

This experience, I hope is not a common experience, but by the way staff was handling it, makes me think it's pretty standard. We understand the restaurant closes in the afternoon to prepare for the dinner crowd (first thing to note). So we made reservations 2 days early for Sunday at 6:00 PM. Showed up at 5:50 pm. No shock that there was a wait since we were early. But we didn't actually end up getting sat at a table until 6:34 pm. The entire entrance area was packed with reservations and walk ins. Congrats to the hostess for keeping her cool while people were furious, but it almost felt practiced. Like she was prepared for confrontation at work again.

Anyways we take our seats, with such a poor start to the experience, I had high hopes for the remainder of the meal. Our waitress comes over, she was probably the best part of the evening and she was mediocre at best. We ordered drinks (stone IPA and Blackwall Gimlet) and appetizer (fried oysters) right away. The beer tasted like cleaner had gotten into the glass somehow, very chemically (coming from California where we were frequent stone brewery goers I know all purpose cleaner was not the flavor they were aiming for.) My Gimlet, waitress had to come back let us know they were out of the Roku gin so she let me know, matter of factly, that she would be using just well gin. At this point I just went with it. Our fried oysters come out, before my drink still. Waitress comes over and let's me know the bar is very backed up so she will go make it herself. Cool.

The Fried Oysters were incredible. The only "show stopping", note worthy thing of this place. Came with a delicious crunch and pickled Fresno pepper atop of a corn salsa bed. I thought finally, its all going to be worth it because of the food...well I was wrong.

Husband orders the veal chop, and they ask the chef if they could do fried shrimp in one of the pastas instead of steamed. Waitress, the messenger of bad news, comes back and let's us know they are out of veal and the chef today is not willing to make any substitutions or changes to any meals tonight. Fine. I get it, busy nights upscale restaurants can be sticklers sometimes.

So I order the Chef's Trident Special and husband orders the Filet Minion. Starting with his, his filet was at most 6 oz per usual, it was so lack luster that he ate half. I took a bite, it tasted like plain cheaper steak. Of you're going to go cheap with your steak season it well to hide that fact. Very bland, plain, little to no flavor, nothing worth ever mentioning again.

My Trident Special came with a "roasted" tomato, a crab cake, salmon, and grilled shrimp atop a whipped potato base. The half tomato was not roasted, merely warmed up and mushy. I wish I could have talked to the chef to help him improve. He should have actually roasted it over fire, gotten some scortch marks then put a drizzle of balsamic glaze over it to add dimensions. I ate less than a quarter of my tomato.

The crab cake was, again, unflavorful but also gritty. Ate less than half of the small crab cake which was smaller than the palm of my hand. Which leaves the salmon and shrimp. The salmon was dry rubbed seasoned, blackened, but they could have seasoned it better, and cooked a little less to make it less dry. I didn't even bother with the shrimp. My plate looked nearly identical to when I got it.

Got the bill $147 before tip, which would have been perfect given drinks, apps, and seafood. However, the food was not nearly worth the price. The food tasted like I ordered a seafood platter from Applebee's. Absolutely abysmal. Will not be back, would not recommend to a friend, restaurant version of "Go straight to jail. If you pass go, do not...

The Titan Hospitality Group, which owns several restaurants in the Annapolis area, operates a restaurant called Blackwall Hitch in both Annapolis and Alexandria. Surprisingly, both places had the same menu and prices.

The Alexandria Old Town location, being by the waterfront, seemed like it would be pricey. However, with appetizers and desserts around $10-20 and main dishes in the $20-30 range, including tips, you could enjoy a meal for less than $100 per person.

The Annapolis location, despite being in the upscale Eastport area, had its own parking lot, making it very convenient. On the other hand, the Alexandria location had a paid underground parking lot, but the $5 fee was reasonable compared to the high parking costs in Washington, D.C.

The interior had a modern architectural beauty with impressive high ceilings. The Christmas decorations still illuminated added a nostalgic touch.

We received a confirmation text 30 minutes before arriving, asking if we were on our way. Upon entering the restaurant, we were guided to our reserved table. Opting for a window seat with a view, we settled in.

Before even looking at the menu, my son ordered the crab dip, allowing us to enjoy some appetizer while deciding on other dishes. This clever move avoided any awkward pauses during the meal.

We decided to try a variety of appetizers, including crab dip, flatbread (similar to pizza?), 10 raw oysters, and fried oysters. The crab dip, with its alcohol poured on the top of cheese layer followed by flambe show, was a delightful spectacle.

The raw oysters were on sale at the Annapolis location, but in Alexandria, we paid the full price—$64 for 10 oysters. However, each oyster paired with different seasonings and sauces offered a delightful array of flavors.

Though the flatbread disappointed with its slightly undercooked crust, the strong mozzarella flavor and tangy marinara sauce made up for it. I skipped my wife's fried oysters since I had already tasted raw ones.

For drinks, we each had a cocktail. I tried the recommended Blackberry Smash, discovering lime and tequila notes. It turned out to have lime, mezcal, and a blackberry garnish—an interesting blend.

For the main course, my son wanted lamb, but at the waiter's suggestion, he opted for Filet mignon on mashed potatoes, with Brussels sprouts as a side. I chose a strip steak with French onions, broccoli, and roasted asparagus as sides. The birthday person, my wife, chose brick chicken with a house salad.

As the dishes arrived, we shared a little portion each other and enjoyed the rest of meal. I passed on the chicken but savored my medium-rare steak with maillard's crust, which had a perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness from the center.

For dessert, we ordered a red velvet cheesecake with a candle for the birthday celebration. I had vanilla ice cream, and others had cappuccinos.

After consuming 27 items in total, 😀 , we left satisfied. We took a stroll along the famous King Street next to the restaurant in Alexandria, enjoying the quiet Sunday evening with beautiful Christmas decorations lighting up the street. It was a fulfilling day with a sense of accomplishment after nearly an hour of...

Celebrating a significant milestone like a 50th birthday requires a venue that mirrors the importance of the occasion. Blackwall Hitch in Alexandria, Virginia, proved to be the perfect setting for such a celebration, blending a sense of elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere that resonates well with family gatherings and momentous events.

The day started with the anticipation of gathering with close family and friends, some of whom had traveled from different parts of the country to mark this special day. The choice of Blackwall Hitch for brunch was driven by its renowned reputation for offering an exceptional dining experience that combines both sophistication and a relaxed vibe—qualities that aligned with the celebratory mood we aimed to cultivate.

Upon arrival, the attentive staff greeted us, ushering our party to a beautifully arranged upper level dining area that overlooked the scenic views of the waterfront. The ambiance was striking, with natural light streaming in, accentuating the tastefully decorated space that resonated with a sense of warmth and welcome. It was the perfect backdrop for a 50-year birthday celebration, reflecting a blend of accomplishment, joy, and the promise of more beautiful moments ahead.

The brunch menu at Blackwall Hitch is a testament to the culinary expertise and creativity of their chefs. It offered a diverse range of options, catering to various dietary preferences, including those of us mindful of managing diabetes. The dishes were not only a delight to the palate but also presented with such artistry that each plate felt like part of the celebration itself.

One of the highlights was the live music that gently filled the space, adding a layer of ambiance that was both uplifting and soothing. It was as if the melodies were specifically chosen to soundtrack the life of the person we were celebrating, adding a personal touch that made the event even more special.

As we dined, shared stories, and laughed, the significance of community, family, and lasting friendships became the central theme of the celebration. It was a reminder that milestones, such as turning 50, are not just about marking the passage of time but celebrating the journey and the people who make that journey memorable.

The attentive service, exquisite food, and the ambiance of Blackwall Hitch contributed to a day that will be cherished in memory. It was a celebration that not only honored a significant personal milestone but also strengthened the bonds among those present, leaving us all with a sense of gratitude and anticipation for what the future holds.

In reflecting on the day, it's clear that the choice of venue played a pivotal role in the success of the celebration. Blackwall Hitch provided an experience that was both grand and intimate, perfectly encapsulating the essence of celebrating a half-century of life. It was a day filled with joy, reflection, and an overwhelming sense of love and community—elements that are essential in marking such a...