Hamiltons' At First & Main

4.7

2331 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a booking

2 people

26 Dec 2024

23:30

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighbourhood gem

Contemporary Fine Dining in Charlottesville, Virginia Located in the heart of Charlottesville’s Downtown district, Hamiltons’ is the perfect spot for a delicious afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner. A cheerful, cozy atmosphere and attentive service ensure our guests enjoy an outstanding dining experience, be they Charlottesville natives, out-of-town visitors, or University students and staff. We also feature outdoor patio seating seasonally, providing our guests the opportunity to dine amidst the bustle of the Downtown Mall.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(434) 295-6649
Website
http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com/home.html
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Hunter Harding

Location
101 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Area
Charlottesville
Cross Street
1st Street
Parking details
None
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

Experiences

New Years Eve 2024
US$100.00 per person
31 Dec 2024 only
This year we are offering a Five Course Prix Fixe dinner service for $100 per person exclusive of tax, and gratuity. Come ring in the New Year with us! Cheers!

Popular dishes

Vegetarian Soup of the DayUS$6.00
ask your server or give us a phone call to find out the soup du jour
- CupUS$6.00
- BowlUS$9.00
Blue Crab and Corn ChowderUS$9.00
with bacon and chives
- CupUS$9.00
- BowlUS$12.00
Meadows Pride Farm Lamb MeatballsUS$13.00
in harissa sauce with crumbled feta
Crispy Fried OystersUS$14.00
with a sweet cabbage slaw and Tobasco aioli
P.E.I. MusselsUS$15.00
steamed mussels in a vermouth broth with baguette
Stuffed Shiitake MushroomsUS$13.00
with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, local chèvre, Parmigiano Reggiano and chili oil

Salads

House Salad VinaigretteUS$7.00
with house ginger-soy dressing, cucumbers, and tomatoes
Mixed GreensUS$10.00
with cornmeal-crusted goat cheese, spiced Virginia pecans, sun-dried tomatoes and ancho chili vinaigrette
- HALFUS$10.00
- WHOLEUS$14.00
Fried CalamariUS$19.00
tossed in an herb dressing with marinated tomatoes and olives, pickled pepperoncinis, and arugula

Entrees

Shrimp and GritsUS$31.00
shrimp poached in chardonnay and lemon with Woodson's Mill creamy grits, smoked Roma tomato confit, and fresh arugula
Vegetarian "Blue Plate" SpecialUS$24.00
ask your server for today's special
Fish of the DayUS$31.00
Pan seared Rainbow Trout with Creole wild rice, saffron stewed Hakurei turnips, and an ancho aioli
- Market PriceUS$31.00
Pan-Roasted Jumbo Lump CrabcakesUS$36.00
over herbed basmati rice with sauteed spinach, and remoulade
Wild Mushroom and Herb RavioliUS$30.00
with Italian sausage bolognese and shaved parmesan
Polyface Farm Pan Roasted Chicken BreastUS$32.00
with roasted butternut squash purée, honey glazed brussel sprouts, and a maple vinaigrette
Grilled Local Dry-Aged Beef TenderloinUS$42.00
with New York sharp cheddar and red potato gratin, roasted broccolini, housemade steak sauce and crispy leeks
Grilled Bone-in Pork ChopUS$32.00
with bacon braised green cabbage, crispy parsnip ribbons, and local apple butter

Desserts

Gearharts Fine Chocolate Flourless Chocolate TorteUS$9.00
Pumpkin Pot de CrèmeUS$8.00
with cinnamon streusel
Trio of Granitas in a Brandysnap CupUS$7.00
Mini Local Apple PieUS$9.00
with Caramel Sauce
Local Vanilla Ice CreamUS$6.00

What 2,331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Virginia
Contemporary American
Charlottesville
Best Overall
Charlottesville
Best Ambience
Charlottesville
Best Value
Charlottesville
Good for groups
Charlottesville
Healthy
Charlottesville
Hot spot
Charlottesville
Great for fine wines
Charlottesville
Great for outdoor dining
Charlottesville
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Hamiltons' At First & Main delights with its "terrific decor, service, and food." Diners rave about the "outstanding crab cakes" and consistently "excellent service." Enjoy a varied menu with standout dishes like shrimp and grits, tenderloin, and vegetarian specials. Experience a warm atmosphere, perfect for special occasions and memorable dining.

2,331 Reviews

R
Rosemarie
Richmond
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first visit and it was wonderful!we were greeted with a smile, taken to our table and were offered water immediately and then our server created us with a very warm welcome. The service was fabulous and the food delicious. I would recommend this restaurant to those in know.
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D
Deborah
Richmond
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Hamiltons and visit often. Today was our annual lunch for my daugjters and me. Everything was as perfect as usual.
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O
Odile
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter was very good. Professional and friendly. He was very knowledgeable about gluten allergies and went out of his way to ensure I was 100% confident about my gf choice. He even added that we would double check with the chef. I had a delicious and safe meal (trout). Thank you!
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R
Randolph
VIP
Washington DC
86 reviews
5.0
86 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had not been to Hamilton's for several years--not for any good reason. We used to go often. Anyway, we decided to return and see how is was. The menu sounded good. The experience was excellent. We went quite early on Friday. The server was Logan, and I must say we've never had a more attentive and thoughtful server. He was excellent. The food also was excellent. The decor of the restaurant is appealing, and the overall ambience very pleasant. We definitely will be returning.
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R
Robert
Richmond
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Always great fun at Hamilton’s. We’ve been dining here for years and it is one of our favorite spots in Charlottesville.
Is this helpful?
J
Jay
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I chose this place mostly based upon other reviews. Just looking at a few photos posted and seeing their plated dishes I knew it would be great quality food. They delivered on all aspects. They offered to take our coats upon arrival and seated us at a table for two by a window. Our server, Logan, was very attentive and answered all of our questions about the menu. We let him know we were in town for a show at the arena, so he made a point to timing everything to keep us on track. The stuffed wild mushroom appetizer was delicious as was the main course. We had the beef tenderloin and raviolis. Everything was cooked to perfection; both excellent choices. The wines by the glass are a limited subset of their offerings, but there are enough options. We skipped dessert, but indulged in coffee. Once again the expresso and cappuccino were perfect. Our show that night was enjoyable, but my date made more mention of how great dinner was than anything else. Great choice for a date night.
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L
Lori
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We drove 1.5 hours to dine at Hamilton's at First & Main. While waiting to be seated, we met the owner, Kate. She was very friendly and polite, and her staff were very outgoing and attentive. The food was superb and deserving of a Michelin star. The drink selection was also very nice. My guests and I enjoyed wine and cocktails. We will be back.
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P
Peter
VIP
Western NC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Superb food and service, as always, in one of our favorite restaurants in Charlottesville.
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T
Toni
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My daughter & I both got beef tenderloin & the entire dinner, including the sides, were incredible. We would highly recommend this entree!
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D
Deborah
VIP
Richmond
106 reviews
5.0
106 reviews
Dined on 18 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always an excellent meal at Hamilton’s, our go-to restaurant on the downtown mall. The off-menu lobster ravioli was outstanding. Paul’s service is always impeccable.
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FAQs

Hamiltons' At First & Main offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (434) 295-6649.

Hamiltons' At First & Main is rated 4.7 stars by 2331 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

26 Dec 2024

23:30

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Hamiltons' At First & Main

101 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
1st Street
Area
Charlottesville
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Wed–Sat 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–8:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Hunter Harding
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com/home.html
Phone number
(434) 295-6649

Hamiltons' At First & Main

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

New Years Eve 2024

Fried Oyster Salad

Shrimp and Grits

Blue Crab and Corn Chowder

Soup, etc.

Vegetarian Soup of the DayUS$6.00

Blue Crab and Corn ChowderUS$9.00

Meadows Pride Farm Lamb MeatballsUS$13.00

Crispy Fried OystersUS$14.00

P.E.I. MusselsUS$15.00

Stuffed Shiitake MushroomsUS$13.00

Salads

House Salad VinaigretteUS$7.00

Mixed GreensUS$10.00

Fried CalamariUS$19.00

Entrees

Shrimp and GritsUS$31.00

Vegetarian "Blue Plate" SpecialUS$24.00

Fish of the DayUS$31.00

Pan-Roasted Jumbo Lump CrabcakesUS$36.00

Wild Mushroom and Herb RavioliUS$30.00

Polyface Farm Pan Roasted Chicken BreastUS$32.00

Grilled Local Dry-Aged Beef TenderloinUS$42.00

Grilled Bone-in Pork ChopUS$32.00

Desserts

Gearharts Fine Chocolate Flourless Chocolate TorteUS$9.00

Pumpkin Pot de CrèmeUS$8.00

Trio of Granitas in a Brandysnap CupUS$7.00

Mini Local Apple PieUS$9.00

Local Vanilla Ice CreamUS$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Hamiltons' At First & Main offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Hamiltons' At First & Main restaurant rated?

Is Hamiltons' At First & Main currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Virginia Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Virginia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day