Hamiltons' at First & Main is a top-rated American restaurant in Charlottesville, VA, known for serving delicious, satisfying dishes in a welcoming setting that feels perfect for everything from casual lunches to special nights out.
With a 4.40-star reputation, this Charlottesville American restaurant brings together classic favorites, fresh ingredients, and attentive hospitality to create a dining experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, a relaxed meal with friends, or a dependable spot for a memorable dinner, Hamiltons' at First & Main delivers the flavor, atmosphere, and quality that make American dining such a beloved part of the Charlottesville food scene.
To enjoy one of the best American restaurant experiences in Charlottesville, VA, visit Hamiltons' at First & Main for a meal that combines great taste, warm service, and local charm.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Hamiltons' at First & Main
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Herradura Reposado tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup
Hendricks gin, Chambord, lime juice and a splash of soda
Troddenvale Sparling Cider, Orange Bitters, a Splash of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, with a Raw Sugar Cube and Orange Twist
Bombay Sapphire, Dolin dry vermouth, caper berry and caper brine
House-infused Mt. Gay rum, fresh lime juice and golden cane syrup
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula, Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
High West Double Rye Whiskey, Cocchi Vermouth di Torrino, Fee Brothers Rhubarb Bitters
Bombay Dry Gin, Courvoisier, Angostura Bitters, Fresh Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
Catoctin Rye Gin, Fee Brothers Orange Bitters, Muddled Fruit, Ginger Beer
Birichino Pet Nat, Saint Germain Elderflower, Lemon and Lavender Bitters, Raw Sugar Cube
Fourth Handle Gin, Barolo Chinato Cocchi, Mazzura, and sumac bitters
sample of three bottled in bond whiskeys: Double Oaked Wheated Bourbon, Signature Bourbon, and Rye Whiskey
Hear from our valued guests
Nice atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. They have a great bourbon selection to make include: Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, and Blantons. Grilled mushroom appetizer was fantastic, definitely recommend. Crab corn chowder also amazing. The mushroom pasta was okay, would try a different dish next time. Service was really good. Great dining experience and glad we came for date night.
Very enjoyable dinner. Food was excellent. Our party had crab cakes, pork chop and tortellini special, all pleased with their meals. Also recommend the crab and corn chowder. Server was also excellent. We would not hesitate to return.
Hamiltons' offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with preserved dark wood architecture that adds to its charm. We were seated at the bar, where the excellent bartender provided outstanding service. I enjoyed two drinks: The Optimist, a classic Old Fashioned done right, and the Divot Stomp Old Fashioned, a refreshing surprise that felt like a gin and tonic crafted in true "old fashioned" style. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer. It was perfectly tender and not overcooked which can be quite hard to do. My shrimp and grits were delicious and came in a generous portion. Others in the group ordered the Arctic Char (fairly certain this is what it was), mushroom risotto and a juicy thick pork chop. The consensus from the group is that Hamiltons' delivered impeccable food, service, and atmosphere. My only regret was not leaving with the recipe for that unforgettable Divot Stomp Old Fashioned!
Highly recommend! My husband and I are huge foodies and enjoyed every bite at Hamiltons. We ordered the spring rolls for an appetizer, and for the main course we chose the crab cakes & beef tenderloin. I’ve never had a steak that was so tender and packed with flavor. The crab cakes were fairly thick and weren’t fishy. The wait staff was very attentive and kind. Great place for a date night. Huge compliments to the chef! He clearly knows what he’s doing.
Table for 3 at this nice little place off main. It was July 4th weekend and it was slow. We tried many items and each was very good. Service was perfect. I’d be here once a week if I lived here. The chowder was the best thing I ate all week.
Greeted by an inviting hostess who recommended seating at the bar since we didn’t have reservations. Our good luck, we met an amazing bartender and server, Logan …. The best!. His recommendations for drinks and dinner selections were spot on! Wild mushroom ravioli in a sausage Bolognese sauce and the swordfish special were both absolutely delicious. We will be back next time we are in the area.
One of the best meals of my life. Seriously! And I'm 61 and have eaten a LOT! The swordfish on a sundried tomato pistou with mushroom risotto and asparagus was sublime. Crabcakes? Outstanding! Wait staff was friendly and very attentive, amidst lovely environs with pleasing artwork. Kudos on a job well done! Sorry I didn't take the photos before digging in - trust me when I say the presentation was impeccable.
Wonderful meal! The crab cakes are divine and hubs’ ravioli was delicious. Great service, as well! Oh and definitely get the sticky toffee apple cake. We took it to go, amazing!
Loved our first visit for Sunday brunch. The food was great and the service was even better! Tried the chilled cantaloupe ginger soup that was amazing. Also had the special frittata. Perfect brunch meal paired with a fizzy cocktail. Lovely spot! Hope to be back soon!!
We had a wonderful retirement luncheon here this past Friday and I cannot speak highly enough of Hamilton's! We had planned this before the holiday's- communication was clear and responsive. Arriving Friday, Logan greeted me and had menus printed out with a personal message for our retiree on each of them, discussed champagne options- he was very knowledgeable and kind! The room was spacious for our 18 attendees with a private entrance and restroom. We had two lovely waitstaff who were professional and attentive- especially to food allergies/restrictions! The food was delicious- a 3 course meal with plenty of options to suit everyone. I would recommend Hamilton's for any private event you may have coming up!
Common questions about Hamiltons' at First & Main
Hamiltons' at First & Main is located at 101 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States.
You can reach Hamiltons' at First & Main by calling +1 434-295-6649.
Hamiltons' at First & Main has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 602 customer reviews.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following atmosphere: Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following planning: Brunch reservations recommended, Lunch reservations recommended, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following children: High chairs.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following parking: Free street parking, Paid parking garage, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Plenty of parking.
Hamiltons' at First & Main features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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