Frequently Asked Questions
ARE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED?
Yes, reservations for tables are booked through the online reservation service - RESY. Our bar has open seating subject to availability. Reservations are released 60 days in advance via RESY. Book your reservation for a table inside our dining room or on our outdoor patio, subject to availability and weather permitting. You may contact 703-992-9095 Tuesday-Saturday starting at 4PM [EST] for any further questions or special requests.
CAN I ADD GUESTS TO MY RESERVATION?
The majority of our tables are for one to four people. Please call 703-992-9095 starting at 4PM [EST], Tuesday-Saturday, to request changes 24 hours before the day of your reservation. Giving us plenty of notice is the best way for us to find space for your party.
WHAT DINING AREAS ARE ON RESY?
THE DINING ROOM: main dining area upon entering front door
THE CABANA ROOM: offers a more intimate vibe located to the right of the dining room, seats 8 guests
THE BAR: open seating with several bar seats and three high top tables that seat two to three people per table
THE PATIO: seasonally available via reservations or upon request, offers shade umbrellas and an overhead awning [In the event of rain, we reach out to our guests with patio reservations to offer alternative seating locations, times, and dates]
WHY CAN'T I BOOK A PARTY OF 6 OR MORE THROUGH RESY?The majority of our tables seat up to 5 people, so parties of 6 or more are handled by the general manager.
CAN I BOOK LARGE PARTIES OR RESERVE THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT?
Please contact the Management Team at 703-992-9095 [EST] or by email at info@neutralgroundva.com to learn about booking larger parties and buyouts of the restaurant. We will return your message within 24 hours.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY FOR LATE ARRIVALS?
We hold tables for 15 minutes, and then the table is released. If you alert us that you are arriving late, we will do our best to seat you based on availability when your party has arrived.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION FEE?
For reservations of 5 or more, we request a credit card number to confirm the reservation - there is an automatic charge of $25 per person for the cancellation of the reservation if it is less than 24 hours before the seating or if the reservation of 5+ is a no-show.
IS THE TIP INCLUDED?
Gratuity is not included for parties of 5 or less. For all parties of 6 or more, a 20% gratuity charge is applied to your check.
DO YOU HAVE A DRESS CODE?
We appreciate when our guests take our upscale, coastal vibe into consideration when they dine with us! As a smart, friendly establishment, it is preferred that baseball hats are only worn at the bar area and not in the dining space - Our southern upbringing dictates that rule! Given the name of the restaurant, and our underlying identity as a neutral restaurant, we kindly request that guests refrain from wearing any politically branded attire.
As a longtime resident of McLean, Virginia, Chef David Guas aspired to have an upscale, casual neighborhood restaurant for dinner only. The restaurant is conducive to families with young persons and adults, with no children's menu offered. The dinner menu focuses on seasonal, curated dishes with limited substitutions.
ARE THERE HIGHCHAIRS AND BOOSTER SEATS?
Due to areas with space constraints and needed accessibility for ADA compliant guests, strollers are not always able to be placed at the table but we can have them stored by the host stand. Please note, high chairs or booster seats for young children are not provided, but you are welcome to bring them.
WHAT IS YOUR CORKAGE FEE?
We charge $30 per bottle, with a limit of two bottles per reservation - a total of $60 for two bottles - this applies to wines not offered on our list. If a bottle is on our wine list, the fee is equal to the full menu price of the bottle. One Magnum counts as two 750ml bottles [$60]. All personal bottles for consumption in the restaurant must be unopened and in a bag upon arrival due to Virginia laws. We greatly appreciate our guests adding this information to the remarks section when making a reservation on RESY or informing our host prior to seating.
CAN I TAKE HOME UNFINISHED WINE?
In Virginia, guests are allowed to take home an unfinished bottle of wine. We will re-cork the bottle and place it in a carry-out bag.
DO YOU OFFER VALET PARKING?
Due to the ample complimentary parking lot that surrounds the restaurant, we do not offer valet parking.
DO YOU ALLOW OUTSIDE FOOD OR DECORATIONS?
We always love a celebration! Decorations for your table are welcome if not disrupting other guests. We offer cakes for purchase - please contact the management team two weeks in advance of your reservation with select choices provided by our restaurant. Contact us by calling 703-992-9095 starting at 4PM [EST], Tuesday through Saturday, or e-mail info@neutralgroundva.com. Pre-approved desserts or sweets from outside the restaurant are subject to a $3 per person plating fee.
IS SMOKING ALLOWED ON THE PATIO?
No, and please kindly refrain from smoking in the side vestibule with respect to the other businesses.
WHAT IS THE MEALS TAX?
Fairfax County has implemented a Meals Tax of 4% for all food & beverage sold, starting January 1, 2026 that will be automatically added to the bill.