I am gathering a list of go to local restaurants, and would love some feedback so we can get out of food ruts. It is too far for me to drive to Pioneer up in Maryland to get pit beef every day for lunch, so I thought perhaps this is a way to learn some new places and share my go-to's.
Cajun Food- RTs Restaurant (Alexandria) http://wwiww.rtsrestaurant.net/
Burgers- Social Burger (Vienna) http://www.mysocialburger.com/
Kabobs- Astor Mediterranean (Arlington/Fort Meyer) http://www.astorfoods.com/
Ethiopian- Hawwi Restaurants (Old Town Alexandria) http://hawirestaurant.com/
Lobster Rolls- Red Hook Lobster Pound (Food Truck) https://redhooklobsterdc.com/
Pizza- Puptatella's (Ballston Arlington) http://www.pupatella.com/ (Oath Pizza in Mosaic-Merrifield is also very good)
Indian- Spice 6 (Merrifield)
I am still looking for a consistently good location for Thai, Vietnamese, hot dogs, and home cooking. Bahn Mi DC Sandwich was a terrific go to for years, but they fell completely off about a year ago. I do a ton of business travelling and rely on Yelp probably more than I should.
On the road, I try to hit up Pals whenever I am in far SWVA or NE Tennessee. Jersey Mikes is my safe quick eats place. Pioneer Pit Beef outside of Baltimore is the best cash-only place I have eaten.
What are your go-to's in your neck of the woods?
Comments
In Blacksburg, Avellinos for Italian. Cabo otherwise.
In Wytheville, Peking for Chinese (one of the best Chinese places I've had. I've had a lot), El Patio for Mexican (el Puerto used to be the better one). CJ's for pizza.
Abingdon: Bonefire for bbq. Bella's for pizza.
Harrisonburg/Waynesboro/Staunton: Kline's Dairy Bar for ice cream.
Richmond: Kuba Kuba for Cuban food. Legend brewery for side plates. Alamo for bbq.
Fayetteville, WV: pies and pints for pizza.
I grew up in Abingdon and have universally disliked Bella's. I have not had Bonfire. Klines was very good once when we stopped there. Kuba Kuba is one of my five favorite restaurants in the whole world.
Ms. SusieCue said "Amen" when she saw your Wytheville list. I will give a shout out to CJs because they make me a cheese-less Stromboli for me.
Hawksbill Diner in Stanley, VA has the best grilled cheese this side of the Rockies!
But seriously, for Mexican the Jalisco's in New Market (right off 81) is great. However avoid the one in Front Royal.
I would have never expected the hawksbill diner to make it into a discussion on this site. Whatever you order is great, but always add a grilled ham n cheese on the side.
I have heard the opposite about your Jalisco advice. I can't confirm myself.
CJs used to be my favorite but moondog has surpassed them in my opinion. Also French, I know you visit Emerald Isle, didn't know if you knew but Snapperz opened a new spot on the island (right across the street from Bogue pier) and it is fantastic. They have added new stuff to the menu. I would recommend the 1lb of steamed shrimp or crab cakes.
I haven't been down there in about 7 years. I never heard of Snappers.
Oops that ones on me. I assumed from the amberjack video you shared you went often. So guess this is to everyone, if you find yourself in Emerald Isle NC Snapperz is a seafood restraunt that has the best food on the island imo. But really they have usual fried foods but have also incorporated a "oyster bar" into their menu which includes oysters shrimp and crab legs that you can get stemmed as well and is absolutely amazing.
There is supposedly another Cuban restaurant in Richmond that rivals Kuba Kuba. I haven't gone, and likely won't. If I have a reason to be in Richmond, I'm probably going to stick with what I like. But we're it an extended stay, I might find myself trying to locate the other one.
Bonefire is in the Hardware company building. Good all-around bbq. Not sauced, but there are dispensers with four or five decent choices. None of the meats stand out as the clear leader of the pack, but all are more than acceptable. The brisket, turkey, and wings are my usuals.
For your Ice cream recommendation try split banana in Staunton. I used to be team Klines but split banana changed that.
Split Banana is great. Willy's is the true Waynesboro ice cream establishment though. Klines is a Staunton thing even though they opened in the 'boro
Richmond: Edo's Squid. Best calamari I've ever had. Rock fish unbeleivable and hanger steak is so smooth you can cut it with a butter knife.
My go-to restaurants in Raleigh:
Sushi: Kai Sushi
Pho/Banh Mi: Pho Express
Mediterranean: Neomonde
Korean: Soo Cafe (the best fried chicken I've ever tasted)
Italian: Bella Monica
Peruvian: Mami Nora's
Mexican: Centro
Burgers: Mojoe's
BBQ: Ole Time
Can't list a NC burger joint without mentioning Bad Daddy's
No doubt! Bad Daddy's is legit!
Or Hops in Greensboro.
Hops just opened a triangle location on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.
French, I'm a huge proponent of Food Corner in Annandale, it's afghani and it was hands down my favorite kabobs in NOVA. Would love to some else's take if you ever care to head over.
Have you had Yummy Kabob, the weird little house-looking place at Gallows and 495? Right now that's my favorite kabob place in NOVA, but I haven't tried Food Corner. I'll have to check them out next time, since they're much closer to me.
NOVA - Taco Bamba for tacos and tortas.
Blacksburg area... The Palisades, hands down best restaurant experience in town.
Logged in to say this. The Palisades is a very cool place to eat and drink, and Shana Muldoon is my favorite restaurant owner of all time. If you go, tell her Perch says hey.
And while there are few reasons to be in Roanoke Rapids but you find yourself thereabouts, Ralph's is a bodacious BBQ place with hushpuppies to die for, and a really serious buffet.
Ive stopped at Ralph's quite a few times going down 95. When the food is fresh, the buffet is very good.
My opinion is limited by my experience. Only been there twice, but I was really happy I'd stopped. I've had better Q, no doubt, but the combination of the buffet and the impeccable hushpuppies impressed me. That, and I was, after all, in Roanoke Rapids. Didn't expect the moon.
Ralphs is a classic joint my grandfather would bring it back from his sales jaunts thru the south
Lynchburg:
BBQ: Blue Ridge BBQ on Timberlake Road
Japanese/Sushi: Kotos for hibachi style or Oishi for express.
Pizza: Waterstone
Burgers: Bootleggers or The Cavalier
Wings: Trio
Steaks: Benjamins (or go to JT's in Gretna but that's a hike)
Hot Dogs: Moores
Not many great Italian places here. As far as Mexican goes, all of them are literally the same.
Only been here since September. So, this is me right now...
I agree Waterstone is good, but I prefer Rivermont Pizza. I can't argue with Bootlegger's or Moore's. Isabella's and Milano's are tasty Italian restaurants. I don't agree that all the Mexican places are the same. I would argue La Carreta on Timberlake and Lola's are 1a and 1b.
I think Rivermont's pizza is right on level tbh - but the atmosphere at Waterstone is a little more welcoming for all generations. I've never been to Isabellas or Milanos, we're not huge italian people.
As far as mexican goes, each of the La Carretas have their own little nuances but it seems like the concept across the board is the same. I've only been to Lolas once. I live in Rustburg, so we usually stick to that La Carreta haha.
In all honesty, when we want pizza we go to Blaze. It's so quick and cheap.
I like Rivermont because it's basically The Cellar with better service.
You should try Isabella's or Milano's sometime if you are in the mood.
I was speaking purely based on my experiences of how good the food has been with Mexican restaurants. I do like the La Carreta in Rustburg. I work in Rustburg, so I actually eat there quite often for lunch. I wasn't including it when I posted my first comment.
And you can't go wrong with Blaze. Only problem with it is it's usually slammed because of the proximity to Liberty. I need to get my fill while the students are gone.
Whatttt?? such a small world! My wife just finished up law school and will be working in rustburg full time after the bar.
Kabutos is decent Japanese for rustburg too. Definitely get your blaze fill in now haha. Summer is the best time for Lynchburg when students are gone haha.
Yes it is. Congrats to the Mrs.
I have yet to try Kabutos. I need to get on that.
No Big Lick?
Not sure how they are now, or if they're even still around, but The Weenie Stand used to be a good little local spot when I needed a hotdog fix.
The Moore's Country Store hotdog with chili is legendary. I can't imagine another hot dog comparing to it.
I used to work at Ericsson in Lynchburg (before it was bought out by Liberty) and for lunch our group would regularly trek halfway to Concord just for the chili dogs. Make sure you get plenty of drink though, they'll burn the buds off your tongue.
Hard to beat the atmosphere too, as long as you don't mind the hole in the wall feel.
Not many places have a tree growing through the roof.
Got to shout out to Kings Island on Old Forest Road, too. The Sesame Shrimp entrée is delicious
They've got a ton of stores around town now so folks don't have to go all the way across town. They've got stores on Waterlick, Graves Mill Road, Boonsboro. They're pretty spread out now.
I still regularly hit up the Waterlick store. They're as good as ever, but it seems like sometimes the heat level in the chili varies a lot.
I'll always have good memories of the 460 store, though. First time I had a chili dog from there I was 4 years old traveling with my stepfather in his tractor trailer truck. It was pretty close to pure evil that he didn't warn me before I started eating it. I spent the next hour with my tongue hanging out in front of the dash mounted fan.
I still finished the dog, though!
Riner Food Center chili/slaw dogs are what dreams are made of. I'd almost give up SoCal Mexican food for a riner food center hot dog.
I'm also from Rustburg.
I agree with the list for the most part. Perky's on Route 29 and Drug Store Grill in Brookneal are my go to locations for steaks.
Perky's is fantastic.
Here in the Middle Peninsula area, I'd recommend:
In Topping for Oysters: Mirroir (Rappahannock Oyster Company)
In Mathews for seafood with some Greek influence, and the only pizza in town: Southwind Cafe
Also in Mathews for fine dining and cocktails: The White Dog (try their escargot en croute(SP?)). Killer.
We live in a food desert here, but there are a few oasis places.
Merrior is probably my favorite restaurant period.
Just bring money. Lots and lots and lots of money.
agreed, pricey. If I am at he cabin for a week, I typically eat there once.
Another great one (in the same general area) is the Car Wash in Kilmarnock. Reasonably priced, *outstanding* breakfast/lunch.
How about the River Market in White Stone? Have heard many good things, but never been. Heard they have prime Black Angus beef for sale and also in some of their take-out dishes.
Just a side note: The whole angus beef thing is purely marketing, and there's no requirement that product labeled as "Angus" actually be of the breed Angus. It just has to meet some meat standards and have been the appropriate color. Generally, if you're eating a well sized piece of muscle, with a Choice plus grade or higher, you're eating the equivalent. Everything else is just marketing.
Further:
In almost all cases of 'purebred' animals, they've changed breed standards over time. It's not because of a natural change, but is crossbreeding.
OK, I'll buy that. Never got hung up on breed anyway, just know that's what they advertise. But prime still means prime, right? Aged quality beef is my take on it, but what say you? Are you saying choice is as good as prime? Not the case in my limited experience, but I'm willing to learn.
Appreciate the spell check and agree. Merrior is a great place to dine.
My go to restaurant? Taco bell, because I'm once again a poor college student.
Also, if I want something else I can make it better myself than any restaurant I can afford anyways.
Indian - Dishes of India (Alexandria)
Thai - Thai Food (Annandale), Bangkok 54 (Arlington), Thai Ghang Waan (Springfield)
Vietnamese - Huong Viet (Eden Center), Present (Falls Church). DC Sandwich still has its good days.
Chinese - Marks Duck House (Seven Corners; Cantonese), Fortune (Seven Corners; Hong Kong style dim sum), House of Dynasty (Hayfield/Kingstowne), Peter Chang (Arlington; Szechuan), A&J (Annandale; northern style dim sum)
Hot dogs, home cooking - can't help you here.
I loved DC Sandwich. That was a favorite forever. And then all of a sudden their pork started to get an odd aftertaste. I have a very sensitive pallet, and I got nauseated the last two times I ate there. Maybe I just had to too often, but something is different.
Last minute pickup for fantasy draft parties is always like 50 of their egg rolls
For hotdogs try Vienna Inn ( Vienna,Va)
In Hampton there is a place called Ya's Thai Kitchen.
It is the same size as my cubicle (well, almost) and the service is kind of solw, but the food is worth all the hassle.
I went there one time during my few months of staying in Newport News and it was fantastic. Total hole in the wall and easy to miss though.
In Newport News, there are the best chicken wings ever. Place called Chik-n-Fish. Owned by a korean family. My god they make such amazing wings. You have to call ahead as it takes like 30 minutes to make them.
NOVA:
Tacos: Taco Bamba
Chinese (Szechuan): Peter Chang's, also delicious in Richmond.
Pizza: Pupatella
DC:
Italian: Osteria Marina
Richmond:
Italian (Family Style): Edo Squid
If I could choose my final meal, it would probably be Pierce's Pitt BBQ in Williamsburg.
GO-TO: Our go-to place in Leesburg when we're not sure what we want: La Villa Roma (hands down best wings I've had in Loudoun County)
BBQ: Monk's BBQ in Purcellville is fantastic. Recently expanded their menu and purchased new smokers, so they've been rolling out a ton of smoked goodness.
Seafood: King Street Oyster is fantastic.
Mexican: Senor Ramons for tacos. They've got a location inside Crooked Run in Sterling too
Burgers: Melt in Leesburg. Also enjoy Basic Burger when we can catch their food truck somewhere. I think their Brick and Mortar store is in Arlington?
+1 to Melt, that place is awesome. And if you're a little further west, Market Burger in Purcellville is also very good.
Wait...is this the same chain of Melt that started in Cleveland, because that place is incredible.
Don't know for sure but I don't believe there is any connection.
Oh Market Burger is wonderful! For a quick bite for us, without the line that Melt gets - this is our other go-to burger spot!
BBQ - Prissy Polly's Kernersville
Korean - Seoul Garden Greensboro
Thai - Basil Leaf in Winston or Shanghai Bistro in High Point
Burgers - Hops Burger Bar (UNCG location)
Steaks - Flemming's Greensboro
Tacos - Crafted (Winston-Salem location) or Casa Migual
Nice Casual - Sammy G's High Point
Up Scale - Meridian (High Point)
Mexican - Palenque (Kernersville)
Seafood - Smitty's (Kernersville)
Southern - Sweet Potatoes (W/S)
Sushi =- Mizu (Winston-Salem)
Pizza - ??? Everyone locally who makes the thin NY foldable crust I like makes it too damn salty, or does not have my favorite ingredients done correctly.
Italian - Amalfi's (Kernersville)
There is a good Guatemalan place in North Winston near WF, and a good Vietnamese off Market in Greensboro but don't go to either enough to remember the names.
I have not found Ethiopian here that would touch that of the place near UMD, can't find Chinese that is consistent without adding MSG - which my wife has a reaction to, and don't care much for Japanese outside of the sushi.
This is a pretty good list for the Triad. With exceptions.
Gotta try La Botana in WS for Mexican. Go for lunch if you can. It's the best lunch deal in the Tre Fo, and the owner's husband is cooking then. He's the best.
OG Little Richards on Country Club in Winston for barbeque. (Not that BS out in Walkertown.)
As far as the Guatemalan mention, are you referring to El Triunfo? It's a Salvadorean place up on North Point near Wake that's freaking awesome. If you know of another, let's have a name.
Italian- Try Vincenzo's in Winston when you get as chance. If you like Amalfi's, you'll love Vincenzo's. They also have good pizza. (Also on pizza, if you're up for a drive up 66 to Rural Hall.... Little Italy has the best NY style pizza crust going in the Triad.)
Thanks. Living and working in Kernersville, I lunch in Kville, and have Mexican, tacos, TeXMex or BBQ about once a week, so unlikely to get it in other parts of the triad. El Triunfo is the one I was referring to. I have had several others recommend Vincenzo's, just have not gotten up there. Thanks for the tip on little Italy. I did leave off Pulliam's for hot dogs, even thought they have all those national awards, because you will never hear me say - "I am in the mood for a good hotdog." Given a choice I'll get a burger first every time, but when we have stopped there they are good.
Little Richard grew up, so few months ago they changed the name to "real Q". Name sucks, but the food is still the same good stuff. I plan to keep calling it Little Richards.
I work right next to El Triunfo and it is good Salvadorean food. I've kind of forgotten about it and haven't eaten there in a while.
Vincenzo's is good, I'm never blown away by it, but I am also never disappointed. My parents love it and have been going there probably at least once a month for the last 20 years.
My favorite place in W-S is The Porch, on the outskirts of downtown. It's texmex/southwestern and it is always great. Always busy as hell though too, especially Sunday brunch.
Another favorite for me is Sylvia's Honey Tree Restaurant up past 52 on the North side of town. Really good greek and italian food for extremely cheap. I just got an 11" grilled chicken sub and fries there this week for $8. 6" sub and fries was $7 so I had to, not my fault!
Ever been to Rearn Thai in Greensboro? My dad grew up in Thailand for about 7 years and this was always our favorite Thai spot. Old Thai family been running it for years and it hasn't changed one bit. I'm in Winston and have not heard of Basil Leaf but I will definitely check it out. Always wary of Thai restaurants because I've been to a lot of bad ones and thanks to Super G in Greensboro I can get the right ingredients to make my own.
Also, Sweet Potatoes is amazing and of course Hops is the go to, but in Winston try out small batch if you haven't already. Amazing burgers and some really awesome beer as they are also a microbrewery.
And I've never even heard of Rearn - will have to try it. Son's girlfriend and her mom are Pescitarians from from Winston and love Thai, so we go there for dinner when with them. Not sure how authentic, but tastes better than the other's in Winston. LOVE the SUPER G MART. Been to small batch for the beer, but not the burger. Tried to eat there Monday on our beer crawl, but they were closed. Had to get the smoked gouda pimento cheese burger at Foothills instead - the best thing I've gotten there since they ditched the wild game mixed grill years ago.
Old Country Club Steak House in Roxboro NC. Best steaks hands down! You walk in and see and smell them cooking the steaks. They have a nice salad bar in each of the dining rooms too.
Edit: I posted this after 3 hours of sleep and forgot some of my other favs....
Pizza: Pete's in Danville --- Thick layer of toppings. Huge salads
Tex-Mex: El Tio in Gainesville
Seafood: Tim's Rivershore in Dumfries---- It's on the Potomac, good seafood, VERY CASUAL attire (as in people coming in off their boats in their bathing suits), Live music outside on the weekends, and Not on the 4th Fireworks (usually the Saturday before the 4th)
I grew up in Pitt Co and have never been to Pete's. Next time I'm home I will have to check it out.
It's awesome. It's out on West Main. Dine in or take out..
I thought of another good Danville place--- Ruben's/ Ruben's Too: Really good hamburgers and hot dogs.
Edit: This is LancerHokie... I borrowed HokieEnginerd's computer
I used to live in Falls Church, and at that time Pho 75 near 7 corners was considered THE Pho spot in the DC area.
Have you ever tried Lost Dog Cafe on Washington Blvd for pizza? They have a great selection of beers, too.
Disclaimer - My first-hand account of those places is about 10 years old.
Pho 75 still has it.
Lost Dog is still excellent. They now have locations in McLean, Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria.
There's a Lost Dog in Merrifield also.
Richmond Area
Mama J's
Peter Changs
Hillbilly Reds
GWARbar
Pearl Raw Bar
Kuba Kuba
Dairy Bar
Kitchen 64
Catina for a pretty good cheap bahn mi
If you plan ahead and bring money, champagne brunch at The Jefferson.
Bethesda:
Mexican: Guapos or Gringos & Mariachis
Italian: Olazzo's, Pine's of Rome or Cesco Osteria
Chinese: House of Foong Lin
Thai: Sala Thai
Steakhouse: Ruth Chris, Morton's, Redwood, George' Chophouse, Medium Rare
Wings: MoMo's or Brickside
Sushi: Tako Grill or Maki Maki
Tapas: Jaleo
Pizza: M&N Pizza
Greek: Kapnos Kouzina (I prefer my homemade Greek food though)
Seafood: Blacks, Mussel Bar, Bethesda Crab House, Chef Tony's
French: Mon Ami Gabi
Indian: Tandoori Nights
Cajun: Louisiana Kitchen & Bayou Bar
Diner: Tastee Diner or Silver (Tastee would be the after midnight crowd, Silver is more for the families)
German Beer: Tyber Bierhaus
Irish: Flanagan's Harp and Fiddle
I've been to some of those places but tend to go out in Rockville more than downtown Bethesda. Here are places I've been and would recommend:
Mexican - Fish Taco for casual or Gringos and Mariachis for sit down
Latin - La Brasa in Rockville
Chinese - A&J Restaurant or Bob's Shanghai 66
Italian - Il Pizzico
Greek - Big Greek Cafe for casual or Mykonos Grill for sit down
Thai - Amina Thai
Vietnamese - Pho Nom Nom
Kabob - Yekti Kabob (kabobs are good but I wish they offered sauces)
If you ever find yourself driving on I-85 north of Durham, I highly recommend Bob's BBQ in Creedmoor, NC
Bob's BBQ has closed due to the owners retiring.
Jay's Chicken Shack in Hillsborough is also a good spot for quick stop and good fried chicken.
Pho & Bahn Mi - Caphe Bahn Mi (Old Town, 407 Cameron St)...always packed
Small plates - really can't go wrong with any of the Jose Andres joints
Mussels - Brabo Tasting Room on King St
Wine Bar - Little Pearl, near Eastern market (Cafe/breakfast by day, Wine Bar & small plates in the evening, outdoor dining)
Small plate "mexican" - Cocina Mezcalero (Petworth, DC), Bartaco (Reston or Mosaic, believe their next location will be Arlington somewhere --get the spiced chocolate pudding or key lime pie in a jar)
2nd on Caphe Bahn Mi - I've never had a bad meal there. Pho and noodles bowls are really good. Good prices for dining out in Old Town.
Chik-fil-a. Doesn't help that it's only 5 mins from the house. So when the wife and I don't feel like cooking...
All around go to's - Chicks, Dockside, or Waterman's.
Burger - 80/20 or Jack Brown's (Norfolk).
Pizza - Ynot; Wasserhund
I don't know if anyone on here knows where Nickelsville is (Scott County, VA), but there's a little restaurant called Teddy's - great food and amazing milkshakes. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area or close. Plus the drive getting there is beautiful.
Chicks is definitely my go to when I make it to the area. It has been a while since I have been, but I used to love their blackened tuna quesadilla when that was on their menu.
Wasserhund is worth repeating
Bellavista pizza on battlefield in Chesapeake is authentic Italian pizza. It's the best I've ever had and I'd say it's worth a short drive.
Didn't we have a member doing crowd sourced mapping of food places?
That is me. http://www.thekeyplay.com/content/2017/august/25/ot-tkp-crowdsources-som...
I've been lurking around and thinking of updating it with this new information. I'll get to it soon
please do... lots of great food joints listed here..... MUST.TRY.THEM.ALL.....
Baltimore (The Wire....get it?)
This is pretty comprehensive
Casual Italian: Amiccis (Little Italy)
Sushi - Asahi (Fells Point), Shoyu Sushi (Federal Hill), Matsuri (Federal Hill)
Regular Ol' Bar Food - Wiley Gunthers (Locust Point and its a hokie bar)
Fancy Bar Food - 1157 (Locust Point)
Vietnamese - Anywhere in Catonsville, MD
Korean - Ellicott City, MD
Crab Cakes - Faidleys (Downtown), Mama's on the Half Shell (Canton), Nick's Seafood (Federal Hill), G&M (near BWI)
Mussels - Bertha's Mussels (Fells Point)
Best Happy Hour - Das Bier Haus (Federal Hill)
Authentic Mexican - Tortilleria Sinaloa (Fells Point)
Tex Mex - Papi's (Fells Point)
Wings - Delia Foleys (Federal Hill), Kislings (Canton), Looneys (Canton)
Diner - Broadway Diner (Essex)
Thai - Thai Yum (Federal Hill)
Chinese - If you find a good place, please let me know
Greek - Samos (Greektown)
Pan Style Pizza - Matthews Pizza (Canton)
Neopolitan Style - Hersh's (Federal Hill), Verde (Canton)
NY Style - Tutti Gust (Canton)
Southern - Cardinal Tavern (Canton)
Quick and Easy - Baltimore Soup Co (Federal Hill)
Bagels - Goldberg's Bagels (Pikesville, MD)
Burger - Abbey Burger Bistro (Federal Hill/Fells Point)
Pit Beef - Chaps
Mediterranean - Baba's (Locust Point)
Other Awesome Places: Blairs on Hudson (Canton), Isabellas (Little Italy), Vacarros (Little Italy/Canton), The Chausseur (Canton), Homeslyce (Canton/Federal Hill), Pub Dog (Federal Hill)
I just figured you answer to "Charlie."
Gonna add a few to the Ballmer subthread here:
- La Cuchara (Woodberry): fun small plates, best @ happy hour, not sure I'd be happy with full price
- Woodberry Kitchen (Woodberry): outstanding top to bottom, and better prices than Rake's Progress (Gjerde's new place in DC)
- Pioneer Pit Beef - word of mouth solid reputation, haven't been there
- Dipasquale's (Highlandtown): sandwiches, and a full-up Italian market
- Abbey Burger (Fells): game meat burgers, create-your-own options
- Papermoon Diner (near Johns Hopkins): comfort food, with all kinds of funky stuff on the walls
- R House (Remington): a food hall of sorts, lots of variety, and pretty good quality
All very solid. Diqasquale's Meatball Sub is the tops, and the bacon milkshake at Papermoon is worth a try.
Also forgot Blue Moon Cafe (Fells Point) and Blue Moon Cafe Too (Federal Hill) are great. I haven't been to Woodberry yet and I know I'm overdue.
Just moved to the warrenton-culpeper area. Any suggestions from fellow hokies that I need to try out?
- Black Bear for Brick Oven Pizza (Warrenton)
- Frost Diner/Cafe for Breakfast (Warrenton & Culpeper)
- Northside 29 for Breakfast (Warrenton)
- Blue Ridge Seafood (Gainesville)
- Front Porch (The Plains)
- Grill 309 (Culpeper)
Out of the Blue is good for seafood in Gainesville
https://goo.gl/images/wN1fSj
I did not read through the entire comment section so I apologize if somehow this is redundant but the Classic Chicken Sandwich at Beasley's in downtown Raleigh is a game changer. The. whole sandwich has been deconstructed and put back together with superior ingredients . Fresh baked yeast roll, hand breaded juicy chicken tittie, just a bit of chopped lettuce and their special sauce.... ummmmm.... my buddy had the Chicken n Waffles with fresh honey and it too was
L E G I T !!
DISCLAIMER: I wasted 15 minutes trying to get the picture I took of my actual sandwich from Saturday off my phone onto the site but I could not do it so I had to use this file photo from the website. My sandwich had less lettuce.... A MUST TRY next time you're in downtown Raleigh.
Beasley's chicken and waffles are killer. I haven't had the chicken sandwich yet. Definitely trying it next time I'm downtown.
You will NOT be disappointed in their Classic Chicken Sandwich... under $7 and delicious to the very last bite.
Side note: My buddy told me Sono in dtwn Raleigh had great sushi... for him I have to ask, what's the best pizza on Glenwood Avenue/West Raleigh ?
I live in York County and I like food so if anybody cares to list their favorites around here.... that'd be cool....
I have not been to Sono yet. City Market Sushi downtown is very good. As far as pizza goes, I'm still searching for a go-to spot. Mellow Mushroom on Glenwood South is always solid. Lily's in Five Points is also really good. For legit NY style pizza, Randy's Pizza in West Raleigh is excellent.
Have you had any neapolitan pizza? I've found that neapolitan pizza is the go-to pizza. Nothing quite like it unless you're in Naples, Italy aka the motherland of neapolitan pizza of course.
Yelping Raleigh, I'd try Pizza La Stella or something similar.
Benny's > La Stella - Plus you get the Blacksburg connection. People also rave about Oakwood Pizza Box but I haven't been yet. Some of my other favs downtown are Poole's Diner, Centro, Parkside, Capital Club 16, Taverna Agora (awesome roof top). Paddy O Beers for drinking beers.
"Chicken tittie..."
ADVICE - Do not try to make that a thing.
Charlotte / Lake Norman area
BBQ - Midwood Smokehouse
Vietnamese - Pho Nam (Cornelius)
Burgers - Bang Bang Burger or Bad Daddy's
Steaks - Epic Chophouse (Mooresville)
Tacos - Tin Kitchen food truck (always @ NoDa Brewery)
Nice Casual - Crepe Cellar
Up Scale - Fahrenheit or Dressler's
Mexican - La Unica or Prickly Pear (both in Mooresville)
Seafood - Eddie's (Mooresville)
Sushi - Eez Sushi (Huntersville)
Pizza - Alino (Mooresville, some of the best pizza I've ever had) or Brixx
Indian - Sangam (Cornelius)
Solid list! Here are my additions to it for the Charlotte/Lake Norman area:
Southern - Habberdish, King's Kitchen
Barbecue - City BBQ, R&R BBQ (Concord)
Brisket - McCraws Barbecue - Food truck at Crafty Beer Guys. Hands down the best brisket I've had in the Queen City. Brisket only on Sat. Please don't tell your friends, as it sells out pretty quickly.
Mexican - Las Meras Tortas (Huntersville), Sabor Latin Street Grill
Burrito - Johnny Burrito (Uptown)
Irish - The Galway Hooker (Cornelius) Murphy's Kitchen & Tap (Uptown)
Mediterranean - Ilios Noche, Salam Pizza (Huntersville), Halal Truck (Uptown, open late, cash only)
Gyro - Little Village Grill
NY Style Pizza - Tony's Pizza (Huntersville), Benny Pennello's (Benny Marzano's NoDa cousin)
Neapolitan Style Pizza - Alino Pizzeria (Mooresville)... Already listed, but needs a 2nd mention
Buffalo Style Pizza - Bisonte Pizza (Uptown), wings are great here too
Burgers - Shake Shack, Brook's Sandwich House (cash only)
Hot Dog - Chili Man (Uptown street cart)
Fried Chicken - Price's Chicken Coop (Take out only)
Sushi - Mr Tokyo Japanese Restaurant... A solid sushi joint & all you can eat option
Japanese - Hasaki Grill (Uptown)
Asian Fusion - Seoul Food Meat Co.
Tapas - Kindred (Davidson), Dandelion Market (Uptown)
I like this list. We've lived in the Lake Norman area for three years now and I still haven't tried 80% of the places I want to.
Thai Oudone Valley Grill in Roanoke. Unlikely hole in the wall that serves very good Thai/Chinese/Laotian. Small mom/pop place with limited seating... watch the heat scales, they will get after you.
NOVA. My criteria for a "go-to" is somewhere that's reasonably priced, has good food, and close by.
Indian: Indaroma in Alexandria. Some seating, but usually get take-out. The gobi manchurian kati roll is fantastic.
Pizza/Italian take out: Valentino's in Alexandria. Best NY style pizza place I've found. Really good subs as well
Bar and grill: Glory Days in Falls Church. Great for kids, cheap and surprisingly good bar food. Also, I can walk there.
Bar and grill: Fat City Kitchen in Alexandria. Higher end bar food at decent prices. Good bottled beer selection and the specials are usually really good. Kids meals are big enough to take home for the next day's lunch.
Second on Fat City Kitchen; they have really good pizza as well. We've been hitting up Portner Brewhouse on Van Dorn a bunch too these days. It's family friendly, has a good menu, and so far I've liked all the beer I've had there. If you are looking for an evening out Cedar Knoll Restaurant over by Mount Vernon is a great spot too.
Virginia Beach- "Big Sams" (The best crab cake sandwich!)
Nags Head- "Sam & Omies" (Amazing Hatteras clam chowder & calamari!)
Ocean City MD - Bad Monkey. Great wings, subs, and burgers and $1.50 Natty Lights. And 2 for 1 Happy Hour on all beers. That Funky Monkey
Food trucks around Ballston:
Metro Halal Food Cart- Chicken and Rice, ask for extra white sauce.
Red Hook Lobster Pound- expensive, but terrific lobster rolls
I'd highly recommend checking out La Tingeria, an authentic Mexican taco, sope, and quesadilla place. They're in Ballston once week, Courthouse twice a week, and Rosslyn at least once a week.
The Sushi 2 Go next to the metro is basically a food truck with walls in the end so I think its worth a shout. One of the better locations of its type too.
I recommend anyone in the Alexandria area go visit La Mexicana Bakery and Taqueria. I found it five years back and have since tried almost everything on the menu... it is most definitely on my top five food spots ever.
I just got back from an extended Memorial Day Weekend trip to Los Angeles and expected to have amazing Mexican food. I tried two different taco shops that were highly regarded (Tacos Delta in Silverlake and La Isla Bonita in Venice) and neither bested La Mexicana.
Wilmington, NC
Late night- Cookout
Asian- Indochine
Local Seafood- The Sailfish in Scott's Hill
Pizza- Slice of Life
Sushi- Nikki's
Doughnuts- Wake-N-Bake
Brewery (has full menu)- Wrightsville Beach Brewery
Falls Church/Merrifield
- Mediterranean - Pita Pouch (Go there weekly, place is amazing)
- BBQ - District BBQ (Mostly like that you can get burnt ends as a side)
- Schwarma - Raouche Cafe (Give out free extra garlic sauce, although I've only ever gotten the chicken schwarma platter)
- General Lunch Food - Ted's Bulletin (Found out they've got a few other locations but hit this regularly with coworkers)
- Sammiches - Celebrity Deli (nice chill spot for generous sized sandwiches)
Ted's Bulletin has an amazing smore's milkshake. A bit pricey but worth it.
Yes. This thing really does taste like a s'more. You get the chocolate marshmallow and graham cracker throughout it. It is amazing.
it will get you drunk off flavor alone
Peanut Butter Bacon Burger = Game Over
For some foods that I havent seen mentioned yet.
Filipino: Purple Patch in Mt Pleasant is great, nice variety and authentic menu and the chef/owner women was very welcoming when my GF(who is 100% Filipino) and I have gone on several occasions. Bad Saint is nearby too but a bit more upscale and harder to get a table, Bistro 1521 out in Ballston is just ok in my mind.
If youve never tried Filipino food before you owe yourself to give it a shot. A really incredible mix of contribuitions, from traditional East Asian, to Polynesian, Spanish, and American. And let me tell you, they can cook pork with the best of the Carolinas.
Ramen: Daikaiya next to the Cap One center is my usual go to, price isnt out of step for the area and its fast and filing with good varieties and add ons. Sakuramen in AdMo is for when you want something spicy and hate your that your taste-buds are still living, Toki Underground is a good option too.
Daikaya is my jam! I love sitting at the bar in the back and watching them put everything together.
If you haven't already you should checkout Bantam King. All chicken based ramens from the same owners as Daikaya, and I like it better personally.
Toki is still my favorite of the ramen shops I've tried (Daikaya, Toki, Bantam King, Oki Bowl, Chaplin, DC Noodle).
Toki is my DC comfort food. We have an unofficial tradition to eat there for our first meal of the year.
Still haven't found better Ramen in NY or DC than Toki. Something about the texture of their noodles is just perfect
One of my favorite new year's days was going to Toki right when it opened and putting our name on the list (even at that early, there was a wait list) then hanging out in The Pug (the bar downstairs) until our spot was ready. Eating upstairs, then returning to The Pug to drink beer and watch bowl games the rest of the day. When we got hungry, we would just order stuff to go from Toki and then bring it back down to the bar to eat.
Now Toki has a snack menu for The Pug, making it even easier...
Here's my list of favorite places to eat in the DMV area
Breadsoda (georgetown) on Monday nights does a fantastic chili dog.
TNR Cafe (Courthouse) has really good chinese food.
Churchkey (Logan's Circle) phenomenal brunch. The best "Luther" i have ever had was at this spot upstairs in their bar seating area.
Captain Cookie and the Milkman (Foggy Bottom) best cookies in town.
Burger Tap & Shake (Foggy Bottom and Tenley Town) best milkshake: BTS shake. Its butterfinger twix and snickers in a shake, i get it with chocolate ice cream and have them add peanut butter.
Dogfish Head Alehouse (Gaithersburg) favorite burger in town the chesapeake burger: burger with crab dip and serrano peppers on it.
Don't live in NOVA anymore, but one of my favorite Indian places was Jaipur, it's pretty close to the Vienna metro. I especially recommend their lunch buffet.
I will second Jaipur, great lunch buffet.
Here's a vietnamese restaurant in Falls Church/Merrifield we would go to that was very good whenever we didn't want to trek into Eden center.
>>Four Sisters Restaurant
The staff there all wear matching polos and one time I went to eat there wearing the same colored polo. Being an Asian dude, I was legitimately afraid that someone was going to yell at me to get to work or another patron was gonna stop me and ask for something.
I forgot about that until I wore that same colored shirt today and my gf asked if I just finished my shift at Four Sisters...
OBX Locals Version:
Breakfast - Jolly Roger (KDH)
Grab & Go Breakfast - Bicuits & Porn (Gas Station at KDH & NH line)
Grab & Go Breakfast - Waverider's (NH)
Apple Fritters - Orange Blossom Bakery (Buxton) (Yes, this deserves its own category)
Coffee - Morning View (NH)
Burgers - Art's Place (KH) <--- Strongly Recommend
Dollar Tacos - Plaza Azteca (Tuesday) (KDH)
Dollar Fish Tacos - Frog Island Seafood (Tuesday) (Barco - Mid-Currituck County)
Taco Truck - Taqueria Las Ahumaderas (Rodanthe)
Barbecue - Currituck BBQ Company (Coinjock - Mid-Currituck County)
Seafood Dive - Frog Island Seafood (Barco - Mid-Currituck County)
Seafood Dive - Capt Malcs Seafood (Wanchese - south Roanoke Island)
Seafood - Coinjock Marina (Coinjock - Mid-Currituck County) <-- Strongly Recommend
"Fine Casual" - Blue Moon (NH)
"Fine Dining" - Colington Cafe (KDH)
"Fine Dining" - Owen's (NH)
"Fine Dining" - The Blue Point (Duck)
Tale of the Whale (Nags Head)
Pamlico Jack's
Black Pelican
Poor Richard's for sandwiches in Manteo
We are vacationing in Frisco beach for the first time this summer. Any recommendations down that way? I know it's pretty quiet that far south.
There's a little seafood dive on the south side of NC12 between Buxton and Frisco called "Pop's" - if they have re-opened from their fire, I definitely recommend that one. You also should hit-up the Apple Blossom Bakery in Buxton for Apple Fritters. Beyond that, I haven't got anything - there are others, but I usually don't eat while I'm down there (just surf or fish & then head back)
We planned out week around surf fishing but I hadn't given the food much thought. Thanks for the info.
Should be some Spanish around for ya. Post how you do in the fishing thread. Tight lines!
We like:
Sam and Omie's for breakfast though be prepped for a wait.
Crabs: Kitty Hawk - I Got your Crabs - Good oysters too.
Stack 'Em High in KDH is awesome for breakfast too, There is one in Kitty Hawk too, but we have never been to that one. You will wait, but the line moves and the food is worth it.
Northern Virginia recommendations
Kabobs - Ravi Kabob in Arlington. So good they opened a 2nd Ravi Kabob across the street. Order ahead if it is takeout as they aren't fast.
Sushi - Momo's Sushi in Old Town Alexandria. Not expensive and great.
Bagels - Brooklyn Bagel in Courthouse. Won't really go anywhere else.
Tacoish - Don Taco in Old Town. The bowls there are really good.
When I lived in Arlington, I tried and was VERY disappointed with Brooklyn Bagel. I hope my experience was unique, but I was not a fan.
Ravi is good, and I also like the lebanese/moroccan place next door to Pupatella, though they are notoriously slow.
It was unique
This thread should come with a warning not to read on an empty stomach.
OBX: First Light for breakfast. Best philly fried egg and cheese sandwhich with potatoes. Always add a side of gravy, pour it over the whole sand which and eat it with a fork and knife. It tastes so good when it hits your lips.
My hometown fave for burgers has to be Dudes Drive In.
Fav restaurant of all time is Black Magic Cafe in Folly Beach SC, best brunch spot outside of Sunday at Mountain Lake.
As mentioned above, I put together a Google Map with everyone's recommendations. It now includes all of the above suggestions in their specific category (if you suggested a burger, it's under "Burger"). Many of these did not have a pre-existing category, so I broke them down in bigger topics for the sake of organization. So, for example, if you want Chinese, you will go to East Asian. West Asian includes Indian, Pakistani, Afghani since those tend to be different than their East Asian countries and Middle East are your typical ME countries (from Persian to Lebanese). If you see something that doesn't make sense, feel free to leave me a suggestion to change. Future iterations of the map will probably be organized differently (for example, combining the Burgers and BBQ under the "American" category). Anyways, here it is and enjoy: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q8xuTHfGbEGlcc7Krw2wKc7VVDM&usp=sharing
How about in the NMB / OIB / Little River areas?
One's I know of:
I know I'm late on this, but.....
(Mostly) Central New Jersey
Donuts: Broad Street Dough Co. (Oakhurst), Purple Glaze (Asbury Park)
Pizza: Krispy Pizza (multiple locations, my local is in Old Bridge), Talula's (Asbury Park), Best Pizza (Brooklyn, get a white slice), Liberty Hall Pizza (Lambertville)
Breakfast/Brunch: Comfi (locations in Old Bridge and Belmar, crazy portions), MeeMom's Kitchen (Middletown, Wall Twp), Cardinal Provisions (Asbury Park)
Hispanic: El Meson (Mexican, Freehold), LaLa's Puerto Rican (truck, Old Bridge on weekends)
Fat Sandwiches: RU Hungry? (New Brunswick)
Cafe: Cafe Volan (Asbury Park), Kuppi Coffee Co. (Edgewater), OQ Coffee (Highland Park)
Most of my Go-To's are already on the map. These are all in DC:
Places not on the map (yet?):
Edit to add:
Western NoVA-ish
Burgers: Roots 657 is a small, farm-to-table place on Route 15 north of Leesburg. Get the Roots 657 Cheeseburger, because the only way to improve a delicious bacon cheeseburger is to top it with a fried egg. Melt in downtown Leesburg is also excellent -- get the Poutine fries!
BBQ: Roots 657 again. IMO their BBQ is better than Monk's in Purcellville, which is quite good.
Seafood: Ford's Fish Shack (Lansdowne, Ashburn, and South Riding). Lobster Roll, Connecticut-style FTW! Great place for oysters too. Also King St. Oyster Bar in downtown Leesburg.
Sushi: Kumo (Herndon) has some really good rolls in addition to great sushi/sashimi.
Indian: Angeethi in Herndon. Yelp doesn't love this place but I've never been disappointed.
Kabobs/Persian/Afghani: Moby Dick (multiple locations), Shamshirry (Tysons), and Charcoal Kabob (Herndon).
Fine Dining: Zeffirelli Ristorante Italiano and Russia House Restaurant (both in Herndon).
Pizza: Fire Works Pizza (Leesburg); wood-fired pizza & a good beer list, what more do you need?!
Subs/Sandwiches: Puccio's Deli (Leesburg). Also does great breakfast sandwiches. Also The Deli (Herndon) does fantastic subs, only knock is it's take-out only.
Mexican: Rio Grande/Uncle Julio's. Yeah, it's a chain. It's also delicious!
American: Any of the Great American properties: Sweetwater Tavern, Mike's, Jackson's, Coastal Flats, etc. Everything on the menu is excellent, and the crab cakes are the best I've ever had. To all of you from Bal'mer, know that I am willing to die on this hill, though to be honest I'd rather get together and conduct more field research!
OBX
A couple of favorites from long-time OBX visitors:
Seafood/Fine Dining: The Blue Point in Duck. The local seafood options are excellent and the Pecan Pie is to die for!
Fine Dining: Colington Cafe (KDH/Colington Island).
BBQ: Currituck BBQ in Barco/Coinjock (about 20mi north of the Wright Memorial bridge). Stop there on the way in, and hit it again on the way home!
Bagels: Lighthouse Bagels (Corolla).
Random
Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar at the LINQ (Vegas): The Trash Can Nachos are worth going out of your way for.
Brick Oven Pizza (Kalaheo, Kauai): Best pizza I've ever had, and that includes Backstreets (RIP).
Buz & Ned's BBQ (Richmond): Learned about it here on TKP and it has become a must-stop every time I'm in Richmond for work.
Breakfast
So I have a thing for scouting out local breakfast spots while traveling for work. A few favorites:
Nini's Coffee Shop (San Mateo, CA): Great breakfast spot before flying home out of SFO, tucked away in a neighborhood a few miles south of the airport.
Hobee's (Sunnyvale): The Blueberry Coffeecake may or not be world-famous, but it is delicious!
The Egg & I (Denver): Multiple locations, good variety, never been disappointed.
Du-par's (LA, Vegas): Pancakes Extraordinaire.
Egg Harbor Cafe (Schaumburg, IL).
Mimi's Cafe (Denver, Austin): Solid option for a chain. Yes, I have a Nini's and a Mimi's on the list.
Anyone with some good lunch spots in Landham/Greenbelt area?
Yia Yia's is a fantastic Greek restaurant for a quick lunch.
Forgot about that place! Thanks for the reminder!
I got all of your updates here FAM: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q8xuTHfGbEGlcc7Krw2wKc7VVDM&usp=sharing
Keep them coming and I'll be sure to continue to update.
I moved to the outskirts of Charlotte (Gaston County) 2 years ago. A few spots worth mentioning.
Burgers: Mayworth's Public House (Cramerton Area) Burgers are big and juicy, and the Sloppy Joe Tots are amazing.
Pizza: Joe's Touch of Italy (Belmont) Huge NY style pizzas and they have a great white pizza.
Sushi: Takeout, K.O Sushi (Charlotte Uptown) Small take out place with amazing sushi. Affordable as well.
Dine in/Buffet Mr. Tokyo (Pineville Matthews) Made as you order and all you can eat for $20
Wings: Mac's Speed Shop (various locations in Charlotte) their smoked wings are hands down the best that I've had. Fall off the bone good.
Thai: Thai Thai Takeout (Dilworth) Massive portions and reasonable prices. Tip. Don't ask for extra spicy. They will light you up.
Fried chicken: Nichols Food Store (Wilkinson BLVD) a gas station that serves to go fried chicken. The smell walking in makes you buy some lol.
For anyone that has been to Skeeter's, this is sad news. Skeeter's is to Wytheville as Mike's Grill was to Blacksburg.
It hasn't been the same in the last decade. They made some changes to the dogs, buns, and other things that really made the product suffer.
To be honest, this whole article is just the Smiths finding another way to advertise their sale. They're pretty good at using the local media for their own purposes.
Richmond: Dank Eats (food truck),
Palermos - Italian,
Sabaii - Thai,
Madison Wisconsin: Dotty Dumpliings Dowry - best Cheesecurds IMO
Culvers
The Old Fashioned
For Palermo's, get their pizza. It's fantastic. The family that owns it is also one of the nicest. Good branzini as well.
The Merkis are the best!
Yes they are!
In northern Virginia there are a lot of staples closing wiener circle was a great place for dogs. Ice house cafe in Herndon just closed. They had a fantastic filet, and good oysters. Both of them got driven out by landlord wanting more rent. I am going to really miss the Ice House Cafe, live jazz, great place to take a date, now wife. It was older than I am.
My daughter is graduating in three weeks. Looking for restaurant recommendation for family celebration dinner (no kids involved).
Considering Farm House (haven't been since the mid-80's) or Summit. Any suggestions?