Old Hat Bar — Restaurant in Alexandria

Our group of seven colleagues and friends came in on a recent Thursday evening and sat upstairs for food and drinks. The way that we were treated by a staff member that told us he was a manager and an owner was shocking. Initially he gave us a second 4 top table so that we could fit comfortably. About an hour and a half in, he took that table away despite the fact that we were still ordering drinks. He wasn't remotely apologetic. When it registered with him that we were not happy, he just let us sit there unattended to, no drinks, seven of us crowded around a 4 person table. We had to finally request our check as we were pretty disgusted with this treatment. Our bill was $165 and some change. We provided payment. When the credit card receipt came, it now said $195 was charged to our card. I asked the "gentleman" about this and he said a 29% gratuity is added to the check for larger parties and stated that it was printed in the menu. What we didn't think was right was presenting us with a $165 bill and then running the card for $195. By presenting a credit card, it showed we were approving the $165 as reflected on our bill. AT BEST, charging $30 more without giving us a heads up is shady. When I told him that I didn't think this was right and that his treatment of us was lacking all night, he told me that this probably "was not the right restaurant" for me. If that is the way an OWNER handles situations with paying customers, I think he might be right. The experience really cast a negative cloud over what was supposed to be a fun evening for friends who hadn't seen each other in some time. We work for a firm who has had a long-time presence in Old Town and have never experienced anything like this before. Old Town is a tight community and its establishments are known for their friendly, neighborhood atmospheres. Disappointing to see that Old Hat can't be included in that. Thankfully, there are still really great places in the neighborhood to frequent and that will appreciate...

This review is strictly for the upstairs bar. I generally go to this bar and stay on the 1st floor with Jack and Anna. I have never had one issue down there, nor have I returned any drinks before (I had no reason to, they were always good). I have been going to Old Hat and staying on the 1st floor roughly 2 - 3 times per month for about 1.5 years, maybe 2.

However, on the night of June 21st, I went there with a group (counting myself) of 5. Due to spacing downstairs, we decided to go upstairs and have a round, as we were hopping around oldtown.

We ordered our drinks and only one of us wanted to return it after a few sips. The owner/manager who runs the upstairs bar said he couldn't take it off the bill (mind you the person in our group only had a few sips - enough to determine if she liked the drink), but he offered to modify the drink to her liking. Which I initially thought was odd, as most places would within reason, allow someone to exchange a drink for a different one if said person doesn't like it.

We did not put up a fuss, when the owner/manager brought the drink back, in fairness the person in our party said it tasted better, but we still couldn't get past the fact she couldn't get something different out of our head.

If you do go here, stick to the 1st floor with Jack and company. Unfortunately, I personally have a sour taste in my mouth on the bar after my recent experience. When I do go to King Street in the future, I am going to be hesitant to come here, and will likely just go to another bar...

Finally made it to this originally and tastefully decorated place my friends were talking about, and I was completely charmed. My friend got there earlier and was sending me excited messages while waiting for me "it is so interesting, very cool decor", "No worries, I am having a good time, there is so much life here". And that was on a Wednesday! We fist sat on the first floor, my friend took a beer there waiting for me. Then we went up to the second floor where they serve both drinks and food. Their food options are simple but quite creative and really delicious. Nothing fancy. Just what you would want with a beer or, in my case, with some really nice Prosecco. We had bulgogi sandwiches. Highly recommend. Everyone working there seemed very professional and friendly. Ready to serve without imposing themselves on you. Both my friends and I loved the place. I am sure to be back despite the long drive it took me to get there from DC in rush hour traffic. Lucky you, Alexandria people to have this gem of a...