The Harbour Grille — Restaurant in Virginia

I had an exceptional dining experience at the Harbour Grille. I went on Election Day afternoon around 1:30 when there were few other diners but plenty of staff awaiting wat appeared to be for an afternoon rush.

This location could easily go unnoticed lying on the eastern bed just after the Route 1 bridge connecting Lorton to Woodbridge. No signage is visible near the turns for the bridge or descent to the parking area. There's ample parking by the way.

It was my first time visiting and I was appreciative that the receptionist gave a tour of the seating offerings...there's indoor booths, bar seating and tables...there's a heated patio area and a large dining room area with tons of natural lighting. The latter two seating areas have a beautiful water front view. There is also outdoor water front seating but this wasn't available on this day because of the rain. We sat in the indoor dining area with the waterfront view.

Right off the bat, 5 stars go to the Skrewball Chocolate...a unique concoction that infuses peanut butter bourbon in a hot chocolate....it really has no business being this good. I would come back only for this.

The Southwestern Eggroll appetizer is also notable. It wasn't the typical microwaved dish you get from most restaurants. Harbour's version seems to be homemade and could almost serve as an entree on its own due to its size. I would return for this dish as well.

But, the crab cake sandwich, served with a choice of cocktail sauce or Tartar sauce was a surprise at "Market price " 16 dollars was also a surprise. The bread was soft and fresh with great French Fries...although their are a variety of side alternatives. My partner got the briquette sandwich which had seemingly deeply marinated and smoked meat that you would expect to find at a local barbecue spot. The chef has managed to imitate that BBQ pit feel at a waterfront restaurant where one might expect to find only seafood 😋

I sampled the sweet potato waffle fries which were the perfect balance of crispy, mildly salty, and sweet. These were probably the best I've tasted.

The venue would be great for a first date, large family gathering as I saw multiple tables connected to form spaces for larger parties. Yet, the views and the waterfront suggest this location would be great for a couples' afternoon out and the offerings were very affordable.

I look forward to my next visit.

UPDATE: I visited on St. Patrick's Day...I got the Southwestern Eggrolls which were a 10 and the Shepherd's Pie and Seafood Cabonara. I also got an Irish Car Bomb served in a warm glass with old Bailey's Irish Cream. I neglected to take a picture but it was caking on the shot class and then clumped when I poured it in my beer. It definitely was the the stuff from last year. I wish I would have brought it to the owner's attention because I am sure it would have been fixed, therfore I am keeping this...

We went to Harbour Grille on Sunday, 4 June. We arrived just before 12pm and was told we can sit ourselves at the high tables near the bar. Before we saw the high tables, we spotted a table for two next to the railing overlooking the docks/boats. We went back to the hostess and she seemed perplexed to assist; however, she took us to the table and washed it down for us. We sat and enjoyed the views. Quite a few minutes had passed and we had not seen “our” server. We noticed a couple that came after us already received their drinks. We inquired with one of the server that was passing by and he stated that he would go find “our” server. More time went by and the table right next to us (same, 2 seats along the dock) was being attended to by another server. We asked her about being served and she stated that “our” server will be coming soon. More time went by and the previous server was serving the table (of 4) literally right next to us. After almost 20 mins, “our” server showed up with water. Asked what we would like to drink. We asked if he had a drink menu, to which, he went and retrieved a QR code. He was about to leave and we stated that we would order our food. He took our order and, by that time, we knew what we wanted to drink, he took that order. Almost 10 minutes later, he returned with our drinks (2 beers). Mine was half flat and not cold at all. Our food followed another 10 minutes later and was missing a side that was requested; which resulted in more waiting time to go retrieve. I was specific on my order, a medium rare burger and I received a well done burger. The menu says Half-Pound Angus Hamburger; I would have to say it was more like a Quarter Pound. I have had the burgers at Harbour Grille before and the one I received was disappointing in size and doneness compared to previous. Although all the food was very good, the service was not. There were four other tables (1 two person and 3 four person tables) that had all arrived after us and received their meals before us. Three of the tables had eaten, paid, and left by the time we received our meal. The odd thing was, there was no shortage on wait staff; however, the two person tables were all served by different waiters? The others seemed to be served by the waiters that were serving other tables outside; “ours” just happened to be the only table served by a server that was waiting tables INSIDE? No attention given. The ambiance is great, I’ve had better food and service. This review is more for the restaurant managers to rethink about how servers are assigned to tables. An inside server with the additional responsibility of only “one” 2-person table outside?? If that’s acceptable, then also make it manageable for one of the 4+ other servers outside to be able to assist in serving that “one”...

I just want to say thank you to the Harbour Grille for allowing my husband and I to celebrate our wedding. The food was AMAZING!! Amanda, the coordinator was OUTSTANDING!! She was able to assist with the wedding planning from start to finish! She even took the time to help with rehearsal the day before, which I am truly grateful for!!

However, there were a few hiccups throughout the way, that I believe could have been avoided. When my husband and I chose the food; the Buffet (dinner) diamond package was 42pp and 7.99 per child. Then at final head count the price went up to 43pp and 8.99 per child. I know it’s due to inflation, but they could have honoured the price it had when we booked. Also, it’s still not changed on the brochure the website provides. We were charged $35.00 to set up a coffee only station, when non-alcoholic drinks were already included in the price. I was not too fond of that, but business is business. I would suggest that for events I think it’s best that non- alcoholic drinks get a station. Perhaps provide, coke & sprite (which are the two common drinks that people order), coffee and tea, instead of having to order them from the waitress. I believe that takes longer and with a non-alcoholic drink station guest can get up and get their own drinks. Or they could have pitchers on the table and then when it’s time for dessert have the coffee pitcher, It just seems more organized and guest are not wondering if pop(soda) is free or not?! For a party of 80 there were only 2 waitresses. Which in my opinion, is not good! That’s 40 ppl for each waitress. And having to order drinks, I think it’s just time consuming. Again, non-alcoholic beverages station, would have made more sense. Or pitchers on the tables. As a place that hosts many events I would recommend having a binder with different floor mock-ups and pictures of the different events that have been hosted as an example for those wanting to host an event. That way we have an idea with what we are working with. Just something to think about… The turn around time is not enough. We get one hour to set up and one hour to take down. For a wedding, packing up is fast! it’s the setup that takes time! Luckily Amanda was generous with us! and also there was no event prior to my wedding time. The coordinator NEEDS an assistant! she works way too hard trying to juggle the amount of events that take place at the harbour grille.

I know that with my suggestions pricing would probably go slightly up, however because the food is amazing here, I think it’s worth it. Food is very important to my husband and I, and for that reason we would definitely choose the harbour grille again!! Regardless if any changes are made or not.

Again thank you for allowing us to have our special day at the...