We asked our readers and the people have spoken! You told us your favorite restaurants in our first-ever Reader’s Choice Awards survey, and we are delighted to finally share the final results.
Burger Battles
The battle rages on as more and more restaurants get creative with their burgers. Earls Kitchen + Bar and Five Guys tied as our readers’ favorite places to get a burger. Readers also enjoy Social Burger in Vienna, and the now-closed Clyde’s of Tysons. Our recommendations: the Classic Bacon Cheddar, California Chicken Burger, and the Forager Burger from Earls. Enjoy yours on the patio with a side of Yukon Fries as you take in the scenery on the plaza.
Readers’ Favorite Burgers:
- Tie: Earls Kitchen + Bar and Five Guys
- Social Burger
- Our now closed friend, Clyde’s of Tysons (other locations still open)
Brunch in Tysons
We agree with our readers that brunch at Founding Farmer is a must! Owned by more than 40,000 family farmers from North Dakota Farmers union, their brunch selection is incredible. You can easily lose yourself in the numerous choices offered from their Butchers’ Table and Sweets Station. Don’t miss the Beef Pastrami Hash, and baked delights such as the Apple Brie, Onion Bread, and Peanut Butter Banana Toast. The runners-up include Earl’s Kitchen + Bar and Wildfire.
Readers’ Favorite Brunch:
Seafood
It comes as no surprise to us that our readers selected Eddie V’s as their favorite place for seafood. Since it opened on the plaza just a few years ago, they have established themselves as the place to go—not just for seafood. Flown in daily from pristine waters around the world, Eddie V’s sources their swordfish from Block Island, scallops from George Banks, and (our publisher’s favorite) yellowfin tuna from the Caribbean. Reader favorites include the fresh-made Lobster Stuffed Tortillas, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and Chilean Sea Bass. They also have a great Happy Hour and live music seven days a week. Readers also enjoyed seafood selections from Coastal Flats and Legal Seafood.
Readers’ Favorite Seafood:
Italian Cuisine
Pazzo Pomodoro won the hearts of local diners with its warm and rustic family-style service. On any given day, expect to see a full house of regulars and first-time diners enjoying each other’s company and mouthwatering appetizers and entrees. “The Crazy Tomato” is just the place for amazing pizza and delicate dishes. We recommend the Gamberoni al Salmoriglio (herb-crusted grilled shrimp), and the Trota di Fiume (pan-seared rainbow trout topped with shrimp and lobster sauce). Say hi to Lee for us when you visit. With so many excellent options for Italian food in the area, it’s no wonder our readers had a hard time choosing a favorite. In second place, was a tie between Ristorante Bonaroti and Maggiano’s—in third: a tie between Da Domenico and Assaggi Osteria.
Readers’ Favorite Italian:
- Pazzo Pomodoro
- Tie: Ristorante Bonaroti and Maggiano’s
- Tie: Da Domenico and Assaggi Osteria
Asian and Asian Fusion
The first time we stepped into Neisha Thai, we fell in love with this dining oasis. Their inviting, soothing atmosphere paired with their excellent service and incredible food seems to have had the same effect on our readers. Among our favorites are the Crispy Shrimp Dangerous and Pineapple Fried Rice. There are plenty of noodle and curry dishes of note, as well as dessert like the Thai Taro Custard. Oh, and the Fried Banana with Young Coconut Ice Cream and Mango with Sticky Rice are to die for. Readers also love the food at Busara and PF Chang’s (tied for second place), and Tara Thai.
Readers’ Favorite Asian Cuisine:
- Neisha Thai
- Tie: Busara and PF Chang’s
- Tara Thai
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Not only is Pazzo Pomodoro a local favorite, it is also a family favorite. While they offer a wide variety of Italian specialties, kids love some of their simpler options like pizza or the Capellini al Pomodoro—which is just a fancy way of saying “angel hair pasta with tomato sauce.” Simple, but delicious! Families also enjoy an evening out at Earls and McLean Family restaurant.
Readers’ Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurants:
Honorable Mention: McLean Family Restaurant
Happy Hour
A happy hour should be at a happy place, and once again, Earls Kitchen + Bar wins the top spot! High ceilings, two bars, attentive servers, and high spirits at every visit. It is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day before hopping on the Silver Line to go home, or to take a break during your shopping spree. Their happy hour menu features signature cocktails such as the Bees Knees, Marilyn Monroe, and Tiki Torch. They also offer appetizers from $3 and up such as the Baja Fish Taco, Guacamole and Chips, Garlic Fries, and Leroy’s Crispy Ribs. Other great places for happy hour according to our readers (and we agree) include Pazzo Pomodoro in second place, and Chef Geoff’s and Café Deluxe in third. Honorable mentions include Barrel & Bushel, Season 52, Bazin’s on Church, and BJ’s Brewhouse.
Readers’ Favorite Happy Hour:
Honorable Mentions: Barrel & Bushel, Seasons 52, Bazin’s on Church and BJ’s Brewhouse.
Sweet Endings
Once again, our readers love for Pazzo Pomodoro shines. With classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Panna Cotta, it is hard to argue. We particularly recommend their amazing selection of house-made Gelato, but most notable has to be the Baci di Sofia Loren—their house specialty. Other great places for desserts include Earls Kitchen + Bar, Cheesecake Factory, and Capital Grille.
Readers’ Favorite Dessert:
