New to Fairfax, Pt. One
August 5, 2010 12:39 PM Subscribe
I recently moved to Fairfax, VA, and I have tons of questions about the area. For the sake of organization, I'll ask these questions first and shoot out a second post in the future. Also, know that I've already researched some of these questions on Yelp, Chowhound and the like, but I trust MF much more.
This post will be fun, food, and mundane stuff like that.
What is the best Thai place around?
What other restaurant should I make one of my regulars? Know that my girlfriend isn't quite as adventurous as I am; she's not big into exotic flavors.
Where is the best place to get a haircut? I'm a 25-year-old teacher, if that helps.
What are some fun weekend activities we can do without going into DC or straying too far from Fairfax? We're into food, sports, culture.
There are a few farmers markets around the county; which ones are your favorites?
This post will be fun, food, and mundane stuff like that.
What is the best Thai place around?
What other restaurant should I make one of my regulars? Know that my girlfriend isn't quite as adventurous as I am; she's not big into exotic flavors.
Where is the best place to get a haircut? I'm a 25-year-old teacher, if that helps.
What are some fun weekend activities we can do without going into DC or straying too far from Fairfax? We're into food, sports, culture.
There are a few farmers markets around the county; which ones are your favorites?
Can you be a little more specific about where you're located? There are a lot of us locals around, and we can likely give you better advice if we know more precicely where you live.
Tyler Cowen is my go-to guy for food recs. Wild Chicken is amazingly fantastic, and would suit even those with non-adventurous palates. Bombay Bistro is consistently great, too.
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:48 PM on August 5, 2010
Tyler Cowen is my go-to guy for food recs. Wild Chicken is amazingly fantastic, and would suit even those with non-adventurous palates. Bombay Bistro is consistently great, too.
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:48 PM on August 5, 2010
The best Thai, I think, is Thai X-Ing at 5th and Florida. Absolutely worth the trip into DC (which is less of a big deal than you maybe think it is).
For other restaurants in Northern Virginia, check out Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. I also like Sweetwater Tavern a lot, for those with less adventurous palates.
In terms of sports activities, check out the Washington Capitals' practice facility in Arlington to see some of the world's best hockey players up close and personal. It's called Kettler Capitals IcePlex, and it's on top of the Ballston Mall, maybe 10 minutes away from Fairfax on 66. Recreational skating is allowed on one of the rinks.
By far the only semi-legit Farmer's Market anywhere near Fairfax is in Falls Church.
But seriously, don't be too scared of the city, there's much, much more to do and you live 15 minutes away (if that).
posted by downing street memo at 12:49 PM on August 5, 2010
For other restaurants in Northern Virginia, check out Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide. I also like Sweetwater Tavern a lot, for those with less adventurous palates.
In terms of sports activities, check out the Washington Capitals' practice facility in Arlington to see some of the world's best hockey players up close and personal. It's called Kettler Capitals IcePlex, and it's on top of the Ballston Mall, maybe 10 minutes away from Fairfax on 66. Recreational skating is allowed on one of the rinks.
By far the only semi-legit Farmer's Market anywhere near Fairfax is in Falls Church.
But seriously, don't be too scared of the city, there's much, much more to do and you live 15 minutes away (if that).
posted by downing street memo at 12:49 PM on August 5, 2010
Is there some reason that you don't want to go into D.C.? I've lived in the area my whole life, and you're really cheating yourself if you restrict yourself to Fairfax.
posted by ryanshepard at 12:53 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by ryanshepard at 12:53 PM on August 5, 2010
Thai Square in Arlington has the best crispy duck I've had by a mile and a half. Sooo much flavor. It's very hot unless you specify mild, but great either way.
Sweetwater Tavern has a sibling called Jackson's that's in Fairfax and really pretty good for a chain.
I have to say I've always been kind of disappointed when I've taken a Tyler Cowen recommendation.
posted by callmejay at 1:01 PM on August 5, 2010
Sweetwater Tavern has a sibling called Jackson's that's in Fairfax and really pretty good for a chain.
I have to say I've always been kind of disappointed when I've taken a Tyler Cowen recommendation.
posted by callmejay at 1:01 PM on August 5, 2010
The Falls Church farmer's market has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last several years. Now it's on all year long (Saturday mornings) and has everything from produce to baked goods to arts and crafts. I haven't been in probably a year, but when I was a kid we went basically every week while it was running.
My mom went and took Thai cooking classes from the woman who runs Thai Basil in Chantilly after my parents went to visit my cousin in Thailand. Apparently, it's really, really good and rates as a very authentic Thai food experience. I haven't been there, and apparently it can get really crowded and hard to get a table.
Sweetwater Tavern is really good (I absolutely love their house-brewed root beer, and they do a mean steak), but it's kind of on the pricey side.
If you're into "food, sports, and culture" as you say, you're really, really missing out if you don't want to go to DC. It's where the vast majority of those things are. The possible exception is that there's a heck of a lot of really good food in NoVa, especially in some of the poorer Arlington neighborhoods (in my experience).
The good news about stuff being in DC is that all you have to do is drive to a Metro station near you and you don't have to worry about parking in the district. If you decide that you do want to drive for whatever reason, it will probably only take 10 or 15 minutes for you to get downtown.
posted by malthas at 1:22 PM on August 5, 2010
My mom went and took Thai cooking classes from the woman who runs Thai Basil in Chantilly after my parents went to visit my cousin in Thailand. Apparently, it's really, really good and rates as a very authentic Thai food experience. I haven't been there, and apparently it can get really crowded and hard to get a table.
Sweetwater Tavern is really good (I absolutely love their house-brewed root beer, and they do a mean steak), but it's kind of on the pricey side.
If you're into "food, sports, and culture" as you say, you're really, really missing out if you don't want to go to DC. It's where the vast majority of those things are. The possible exception is that there's a heck of a lot of really good food in NoVa, especially in some of the poorer Arlington neighborhoods (in my experience).
The good news about stuff being in DC is that all you have to do is drive to a Metro station near you and you don't have to worry about parking in the district. If you decide that you do want to drive for whatever reason, it will probably only take 10 or 15 minutes for you to get downtown.
posted by malthas at 1:22 PM on August 5, 2010
You can do a lot of excellent food shopping at the various Asian supermarkets in the area, notably Super H and Lotte. You will be blown away by the variety and low cost of the fruits and vegetables there, and there are good things to be found at the prepared-food counters, too. I've not been impressed by their meats, but their seafood is unbeatable in the area.
posted by MrMoonPie at 1:52 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by MrMoonPie at 1:52 PM on August 5, 2010
I'm in the Fair Oaks/Chantilly region of Fairfax, so I'll gear my recs towards that:
The Metrotech Dr shopping center has some good ethnic places. I recommend Fuji's for Japanese, Viet Crystal for Vietnamese, Alf Laylah Wa Laylah for Kabobs, and Sila Thai for Thai. And then there's the Lotte's, which you can think of as a Costco for Asian grocery shopping. They have a bunch of samples out on weekend mornings - my husband and I love to battle the crowds then, pick up some new ingredients, and then have fun cooking the rest of the day.
The Fair Oaks/Fair Lakes area is full of your regular chain restaurants, most of which would be good for someone who isn't too food-adventurous.
For things to do, well, you're in suburbia - DC is really the hub of culture & weekend activities. George Mason University has a performing arts center that puts on interesting concerts, plays, etc year-round. Burke Lake is a nice place to chill on the weekends - bike around the lake, rent a row boat or canoe, do some grilling with a bunch of friends. I like to head west on the weekends and get into Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest for some hiking, but that's a good two hours away.
posted by Gori Girl at 2:32 PM on August 5, 2010
The Metrotech Dr shopping center has some good ethnic places. I recommend Fuji's for Japanese, Viet Crystal for Vietnamese, Alf Laylah Wa Laylah for Kabobs, and Sila Thai for Thai. And then there's the Lotte's, which you can think of as a Costco for Asian grocery shopping. They have a bunch of samples out on weekend mornings - my husband and I love to battle the crowds then, pick up some new ingredients, and then have fun cooking the rest of the day.
The Fair Oaks/Fair Lakes area is full of your regular chain restaurants, most of which would be good for someone who isn't too food-adventurous.
For things to do, well, you're in suburbia - DC is really the hub of culture & weekend activities. George Mason University has a performing arts center that puts on interesting concerts, plays, etc year-round. Burke Lake is a nice place to chill on the weekends - bike around the lake, rent a row boat or canoe, do some grilling with a bunch of friends. I like to head west on the weekends and get into Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest for some hiking, but that's a good two hours away.
posted by Gori Girl at 2:32 PM on August 5, 2010
Thai Basil in Chantilly, Tara Thai in Tyson's Corner and Pilin in Falls Church are all excellent. Wolf Trap has concerts and other cultural activities during the summer. The Tyson's corner area has more restaurants and shopping than anyone could possibly want to visit.
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 2:33 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 2:33 PM on August 5, 2010
Try the crispy roasted tofu with basil at Bangkok 54 on Columbia Pike in Arlington. Seriously, even if you eat meat, try the crispy tofu.
posted by hilaritas at 2:37 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by hilaritas at 2:37 PM on August 5, 2010
I don't live in Fairfax, but I travel there 2-3 times a year for work, and I feel like I've eaten at every restaurant in the area.
If you enjoy Italian food at all, I just tried Villa Mozart with some colleagues and everyone in the party thought it was excellent. It's a bit fancy, though.
At least once every trip we end up at one the Great American restaurants (of which Sweetwater Tavern is one, and Arties is our usual choice) and they are uniformly good, but once you've been to them all you'll notice that the menus are similar.
Minerva has a good lunch buffet, in my opinion.
posted by cabingirl at 3:06 PM on August 5, 2010
If you enjoy Italian food at all, I just tried Villa Mozart with some colleagues and everyone in the party thought it was excellent. It's a bit fancy, though.
At least once every trip we end up at one the Great American restaurants (of which Sweetwater Tavern is one, and Arties is our usual choice) and they are uniformly good, but once you've been to them all you'll notice that the menus are similar.
Minerva has a good lunch buffet, in my opinion.
posted by cabingirl at 3:06 PM on August 5, 2010
Seconding the rec for Bombay Bistro, and Tara Thai is good. If you like Vietnamese at all -- well, I was about to direct you to Eden Center, but I see the former best restaurant there, Four Sisters, has moved to Merrifield Town Center, so go there too!
I definitely agree that you want to spend a little time in DC. You're probably near the Vienna-Fairfax Metro and/or one of the Falls Church stations, and at least two of those three have ample parking. No sweat. For starters you could check out the Smithsonian, or take the red line to Adams-Morgan and have (I'm fairly certain) the best Ethiopian food you can lay hands on in this country.
posted by clavicle at 3:08 PM on August 5, 2010
I definitely agree that you want to spend a little time in DC. You're probably near the Vienna-Fairfax Metro and/or one of the Falls Church stations, and at least two of those three have ample parking. No sweat. For starters you could check out the Smithsonian, or take the red line to Adams-Morgan and have (I'm fairly certain) the best Ethiopian food you can lay hands on in this country.
posted by clavicle at 3:08 PM on August 5, 2010
5 Guys: great burgers.
Hard Times: great chili.
Both places have locations in Fairfax.
posted by kirkaracha at 3:16 PM on August 5, 2010
Hard Times: great chili.
Both places have locations in Fairfax.
posted by kirkaracha at 3:16 PM on August 5, 2010
Welcome to Fairfax! I've been living in the Fair Lakes area (near the Parkway) for about 15 years, so this is the area I know best.
Best Thai: Hm... difficult to say. There are several Thai restaurants in the Fair Lakes/Chantilly area where I live but none of them really stand out.
Other restaurants: We love Minerva -- an Indian restaurant. There are a couple locations. You said your girlfriend isn't into exotic, though. Is Indian "exotic"? I guess... Even my Minnesotan mother loved the food at Minerva, though, so you may want to ask your girlfriend to give it a try. We also pretty regularly hit Cantina d'Italia in Fair Lakes. Great food -- but not an especially "happening" kind of vibe. It's the kind of restaurant one can imagine one's parents enjoying. A grown-up's restaurant. Excellent food and service, though.
Hair cut: Can't help you there. I just go to Cost Cutters.
Fun weekend stuff that's not in DC: If you're into plants and being outside, Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna is a hidden gem. And, jeez, right next door to Meadowlark is Wolftrap!! There are still plenty of concerts coming up with seating out on the lawn. You can bring your own food and drink, park yourself on a blanket in the grass, and listen to great music. If you're interested in Civil War history, there are some pretty good battlefields in the area. The best, of course, being the Manassas National Battlefield -- only about 10 miles west on 66.
Farmer's Markets: I'm afraid I'm no help there either. I keep meaning to check out the one at Frying Pan Farm park, but I never seem to get around to it.
posted by rhartong at 3:16 PM on August 5, 2010
Best Thai: Hm... difficult to say. There are several Thai restaurants in the Fair Lakes/Chantilly area where I live but none of them really stand out.
Other restaurants: We love Minerva -- an Indian restaurant. There are a couple locations. You said your girlfriend isn't into exotic, though. Is Indian "exotic"? I guess... Even my Minnesotan mother loved the food at Minerva, though, so you may want to ask your girlfriend to give it a try. We also pretty regularly hit Cantina d'Italia in Fair Lakes. Great food -- but not an especially "happening" kind of vibe. It's the kind of restaurant one can imagine one's parents enjoying. A grown-up's restaurant. Excellent food and service, though.
Hair cut: Can't help you there. I just go to Cost Cutters.
Fun weekend stuff that's not in DC: If you're into plants and being outside, Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna is a hidden gem. And, jeez, right next door to Meadowlark is Wolftrap!! There are still plenty of concerts coming up with seating out on the lawn. You can bring your own food and drink, park yourself on a blanket in the grass, and listen to great music. If you're interested in Civil War history, there are some pretty good battlefields in the area. The best, of course, being the Manassas National Battlefield -- only about 10 miles west on 66.
Farmer's Markets: I'm afraid I'm no help there either. I keep meaning to check out the one at Frying Pan Farm park, but I never seem to get around to it.
posted by rhartong at 3:16 PM on August 5, 2010
For food, I love the Great American Restaurants (referenced above by callmejay, it includes Mike's American Grill, Sweetwater Tavern, Coastal Flats, Carlyle, etc). There are locations all over the county. Here is the site, though it seems to be down right now. Definitely call ahead when you leave your place-- they are popular!
Seconding Burke Lake Park, and the whole park system in general. Check out Parktakes (online or a free hard copy subscription) so you can find out about events and classes. There is also an amazing adult and community education system run by the school district that offers a huuuuuuge range of classes you wouldn't find in other areas (languages, tech stuff, floral design, cake decorating, home improvement, self improvement, couples massage, cooking classes to learn how to make your own Thai food, all kinds of stuff).
I also want to second the recommendation that you use the Metro to venture into DC. You won't have to drive, and with so many free museums and events, you would be cheating yourself if you don't go. Alexandria is fun if you want to stay out of the city... lots of restaurants and shopping, plus the biking/walking trail along the Potomac. Visit Mount Vernon and George Washington's Distillery. Or head out to the western end of the county to visit Sully Plantation or the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Air & Space Museum).
Gori Girl is right about George Mason's performing arts center... heck, a lot of the high school theatre in Fairfax is better that stuff I've seen in other parts of the country.
God, I miss living there.
posted by scarnato at 3:24 PM on August 5, 2010
Seconding Burke Lake Park, and the whole park system in general. Check out Parktakes (online or a free hard copy subscription) so you can find out about events and classes. There is also an amazing adult and community education system run by the school district that offers a huuuuuuge range of classes you wouldn't find in other areas (languages, tech stuff, floral design, cake decorating, home improvement, self improvement, couples massage, cooking classes to learn how to make your own Thai food, all kinds of stuff).
I also want to second the recommendation that you use the Metro to venture into DC. You won't have to drive, and with so many free museums and events, you would be cheating yourself if you don't go. Alexandria is fun if you want to stay out of the city... lots of restaurants and shopping, plus the biking/walking trail along the Potomac. Visit Mount Vernon and George Washington's Distillery. Or head out to the western end of the county to visit Sully Plantation or the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center (part of the Air & Space Museum).
Gori Girl is right about George Mason's performing arts center... heck, a lot of the high school theatre in Fairfax is better that stuff I've seen in other parts of the country.
God, I miss living there.
posted by scarnato at 3:24 PM on August 5, 2010
My immediate thoughts for restaurants are kind of exotic (sorry), but maybe if you guys are feeling adventurous try out:
Saravana Palace -- an vegetarian Indian restaurant
China Star -- have both and "American-Chinese" menu and a Szechuan menu that is more authentic
Also, less exotic, Uncle Julio's. It's a chain and all, but the food is really delicious and is recommended by a friend who is Mexican and is very enthusiastic about Mexican food.
No one's mentioned the two Old Town Fairfax Thai restaurants yet: Best of Thai and Courtside Thai. Both are good but I prefer Best of Thai.
Last of all; it's hit or miss and may not be to your tastes at all, but I love Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna.
posted by hellogoodbye at 4:12 PM on August 5, 2010
Saravana Palace -- an vegetarian Indian restaurant
China Star -- have both and "American-Chinese" menu and a Szechuan menu that is more authentic
Also, less exotic, Uncle Julio's. It's a chain and all, but the food is really delicious and is recommended by a friend who is Mexican and is very enthusiastic about Mexican food.
No one's mentioned the two Old Town Fairfax Thai restaurants yet: Best of Thai and Courtside Thai. Both are good but I prefer Best of Thai.
Last of all; it's hit or miss and may not be to your tastes at all, but I love Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna.
posted by hellogoodbye at 4:12 PM on August 5, 2010
We just moved here, and haven't experienced much NOVA food yet--but we did get burgers at Ray's Hell Burgers. Seriously, skip Five Guys and drive over to Arlington to Ray's. It's amazing.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:17 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:17 PM on August 5, 2010
You know where my daughter and I always have a decent meal? Noodles and Co. Five Guys. Ledo's Pizza. Sure, there's better food out there, but these are good, quick, decent meals.
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:50 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by MrMoonPie at 5:50 PM on August 5, 2010
I used to live in West Springfield, so my suggestions are biased toward things south of Fairfax City. For farmers markets, the Burke one off of Roberts Parkway is probably the best one I've been to in NoVA. The Lorton one on Sunday is pretty nice as well, but all of the Fairfax County ones are good because they tend to focus more on farmers, and less on food makers.
For parks, Oak Marr has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, minigolf, and a RECcenter. It's also right along the Cross County Trail, which goes through some great parks in the whole county and Ffx city that sometimes get overlooked. I've walked on the southern half of it and it's all pretty much worth it (other than the mile and half or so connecting south from Oak Marr to Thaiss Park in Fairfax City. Come Spring, there's a lot of Virginia Blue Bells along most of the lower area of the CCT (Wakefield, Lake Accotink, as well as the famous ones in Bull Run Regional Park).
University Mall Theatres at 123 and Braddock Road, owned (at least used to be) by GMU, has $4 tickets ($2 on Tuesdays). Shows secondish run movies and isn't in great shape, but is fun and the people are nice.
The best Thai place I went to in the general area is House of Siam, but in Springfield it's getting a bit far from Fairfax. Santini's is a pretty good NY style deli. The Celebrity Delly on route 50 in Merrifield/Falls Church is good.
Oh, and depending on exactly where you are (the "Fairfax" is pretty big), the Reston location of Sweetgreen might not be too far.
Norm's Beer & Wine is probably the best beer store in western NoVA.
The Potomac Nationals (Washington Nationals' single A minor league team) has their stadium north west of Woodbridge; a relatively short 17 miles from Fairfax City and is a great baseball experience. They play into the first week of September.
posted by skynxnex at 6:40 PM on August 5, 2010
For parks, Oak Marr has a 9-hole golf course, driving range, minigolf, and a RECcenter. It's also right along the Cross County Trail, which goes through some great parks in the whole county and Ffx city that sometimes get overlooked. I've walked on the southern half of it and it's all pretty much worth it (other than the mile and half or so connecting south from Oak Marr to Thaiss Park in Fairfax City. Come Spring, there's a lot of Virginia Blue Bells along most of the lower area of the CCT (Wakefield, Lake Accotink, as well as the famous ones in Bull Run Regional Park).
University Mall Theatres at 123 and Braddock Road, owned (at least used to be) by GMU, has $4 tickets ($2 on Tuesdays). Shows secondish run movies and isn't in great shape, but is fun and the people are nice.
The best Thai place I went to in the general area is House of Siam, but in Springfield it's getting a bit far from Fairfax. Santini's is a pretty good NY style deli. The Celebrity Delly on route 50 in Merrifield/Falls Church is good.
Oh, and depending on exactly where you are (the "Fairfax" is pretty big), the Reston location of Sweetgreen might not be too far.
Norm's Beer & Wine is probably the best beer store in western NoVA.
The Potomac Nationals (Washington Nationals' single A minor league team) has their stadium north west of Woodbridge; a relatively short 17 miles from Fairfax City and is a great baseball experience. They play into the first week of September.
posted by skynxnex at 6:40 PM on August 5, 2010
You also have a Wegman's, a Trader Joe's, and a fantastic public library. Kabob Corner's good.
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:50 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by MrMoonPie at 6:50 PM on August 5, 2010
Tyler Cowen lives in Fairfax, and in addition to his popular economics blog, he also writes a food blog about local restaurants: Tyler Cowen's Ethnic Dining Guide.
posted by Jacqueline at 8:56 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by Jacqueline at 8:56 PM on August 5, 2010
You didn't specify what part of Fairfax County you're living in, or if you're in Fairfax City proper. (Fairfax County is pretty huge, with many neighborhoods with very distinct identities within it. Fun fact — it has more people living in it than about seven states.) Either way, welcome to the area!
There are a lot of very good Vietnamese places in Falls Church, and Annandale is known for Korean. I'm a fan of the Ba Le Friends Bakery, a Vietnamese sandwich shop not far from the 495-66 interchange. It's open 24/7; I'd advise trying the spicy pork. For Korean BBQ, Honey Pig is popular (and also 24/7), but I'm personally a fan of Seoul Bok Dae Gee, located across the street next to the Giant grocery.
Raaga (warning music), near Bailey's Crossroads, is some of the best Indian around, IMO. The lunch buffet isn't as extensive as Minerva, out on Rt 50 near 29, but the service is better and there's rarely a line.
If you've never had "Peruvian" rotisserie chicken ('pollo a la brasa'), you're in luck; there are a lot of great places around. My favorite is Chicken Pollo (yeah, "Chicken Chicken"), also in Annandale. In lieu of regular potato fries you can get fried yucca, which is awesome. Always order extra green chile stuff.
Speaking of chicken, over on the Annandale / Alexandria border is Bon Chon Chicken, which I'm told is one of only a handful of US locations of a popular S. Korean chain. (Their website doesn't work for me so I can't verify this, though.) It's great, just don't go there in a hurry expecting a quick meal.
Flippin Pizza, which has locations in Falls Church, Reston, Annandale, plus a few in metro MD and one in DC, is the best pizza around in my opinion, although it hasn't been around long enough for a reputation to really have been built up yet. (Yelp inexplicably rates it lower than Big Bite, which just shows that Yelp is not to be trusted.) Some locations do $1 slices during the middle of the day.
The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is a great local venue (technically not in Fairfax); on most nights it has cheap second-run movies, plus reasonably-priced beer and food. On weekends (or some other night, but generally at least once a week) it has live standup. It's not a cheap date if you factor in a few pitchers of beer and food, but it is a lot of fun.
You mentioned getting a haircut ... if you are cheap, there are a number of "beauty schools" located along Little River Turnpike where you can get a basic haircut for $4-6. The only one I've ever tried is actually off of 236, near the corner of Columbia Pike and Evergreen, in a low-rise office building. I decided it was a bit too Russian Roulette-y for my taste (five great haircuts, one time that was ... bad) but I know a lot of people who think it's a great deal. There's a legit barber shop in the plaza across the street which, while more than twice the price, doesn't involve any risk.
I can't comment on many of the farmer's markets, because I have a CSA subscription/share from a farmer who delivers to various places in Fairfax County. If you're interested in this, drop me a MeMail and I'll find the information. Not sure if it's too late for this Fall or not.
If you can stand to be out in the heat, there are a ton of bike trails around. Here's info from the County. If you prefer to paddle, you can rent a kayak and use it on the Potomac at the Belle Haven Marina, located on the southern border of Alexandria City and Fairfax County (so yeah technically not in Fairfax, but it's an easy drive on a weekend). If you own a kayak there may be more convenient places to put in, but I'm not sure of anyplace (except maybe Woodbridge?) where you can rent one. N.B. that kayaking — except as a platform for fishing — is not allowed in Burke Lake. (Though Burke Lake Park is still a crazy-great place and you should go there. Seriously, they have a little train.)
Oh, if you drink alcohol: wine is very inexpensive in Virginia and beer is competitively priced, but distilled spirits are ridiculously overpriced. So buy your liquor elsewhere — Maryland will do.
If you don't have a library card already, you should get one. Hours and branches are listed on the County library system site. The County and City share the same unified library system, so you should be able to go to any one regardless of where in "Fairfax" you live. Many have evening hours.
Anyway, those are the things that are basically off the top of my mind, when I think about what I wished I'd known when I moved here.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:49 PM on August 5, 2010
There are a lot of very good Vietnamese places in Falls Church, and Annandale is known for Korean. I'm a fan of the Ba Le Friends Bakery, a Vietnamese sandwich shop not far from the 495-66 interchange. It's open 24/7; I'd advise trying the spicy pork. For Korean BBQ, Honey Pig is popular (and also 24/7), but I'm personally a fan of Seoul Bok Dae Gee, located across the street next to the Giant grocery.
Raaga (warning music), near Bailey's Crossroads, is some of the best Indian around, IMO. The lunch buffet isn't as extensive as Minerva, out on Rt 50 near 29, but the service is better and there's rarely a line.
If you've never had "Peruvian" rotisserie chicken ('pollo a la brasa'), you're in luck; there are a lot of great places around. My favorite is Chicken Pollo (yeah, "Chicken Chicken"), also in Annandale. In lieu of regular potato fries you can get fried yucca, which is awesome. Always order extra green chile stuff.
Speaking of chicken, over on the Annandale / Alexandria border is Bon Chon Chicken, which I'm told is one of only a handful of US locations of a popular S. Korean chain. (Their website doesn't work for me so I can't verify this, though.) It's great, just don't go there in a hurry expecting a quick meal.
Flippin Pizza, which has locations in Falls Church, Reston, Annandale, plus a few in metro MD and one in DC, is the best pizza around in my opinion, although it hasn't been around long enough for a reputation to really have been built up yet. (Yelp inexplicably rates it lower than Big Bite, which just shows that Yelp is not to be trusted.) Some locations do $1 slices during the middle of the day.
The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is a great local venue (technically not in Fairfax); on most nights it has cheap second-run movies, plus reasonably-priced beer and food. On weekends (or some other night, but generally at least once a week) it has live standup. It's not a cheap date if you factor in a few pitchers of beer and food, but it is a lot of fun.
You mentioned getting a haircut ... if you are cheap, there are a number of "beauty schools" located along Little River Turnpike where you can get a basic haircut for $4-6. The only one I've ever tried is actually off of 236, near the corner of Columbia Pike and Evergreen, in a low-rise office building. I decided it was a bit too Russian Roulette-y for my taste (five great haircuts, one time that was ... bad) but I know a lot of people who think it's a great deal. There's a legit barber shop in the plaza across the street which, while more than twice the price, doesn't involve any risk.
I can't comment on many of the farmer's markets, because I have a CSA subscription/share from a farmer who delivers to various places in Fairfax County. If you're interested in this, drop me a MeMail and I'll find the information. Not sure if it's too late for this Fall or not.
If you can stand to be out in the heat, there are a ton of bike trails around. Here's info from the County. If you prefer to paddle, you can rent a kayak and use it on the Potomac at the Belle Haven Marina, located on the southern border of Alexandria City and Fairfax County (so yeah technically not in Fairfax, but it's an easy drive on a weekend). If you own a kayak there may be more convenient places to put in, but I'm not sure of anyplace (except maybe Woodbridge?) where you can rent one. N.B. that kayaking — except as a platform for fishing — is not allowed in Burke Lake. (Though Burke Lake Park is still a crazy-great place and you should go there. Seriously, they have a little train.)
Oh, if you drink alcohol: wine is very inexpensive in Virginia and beer is competitively priced, but distilled spirits are ridiculously overpriced. So buy your liquor elsewhere — Maryland will do.
If you don't have a library card already, you should get one. Hours and branches are listed on the County library system site. The County and City share the same unified library system, so you should be able to go to any one regardless of where in "Fairfax" you live. Many have evening hours.
Anyway, those are the things that are basically off the top of my mind, when I think about what I wished I'd known when I moved here.
posted by Kadin2048 at 9:49 PM on August 5, 2010
Have you ever been to H-Mart? It's a a chain of Korean grocery stores, and it looks like there's one right in Fairfax.
The one by us (in Philly) is great, and always has at least 3-4 tables set out throughout the store serving up freshly-made samples. They have a wide selection of in-house pickled items (including Kimchi).
Just note that the prices are generally higher than other Asian supermarkets, but unlike those markets H-Mart actually does chain store things like sale items.
The one by us has a food court upstairs with 4-5 different restaurants, plus a bakery and other nifty things.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:18 PM on August 5, 2010
The one by us (in Philly) is great, and always has at least 3-4 tables set out throughout the store serving up freshly-made samples. They have a wide selection of in-house pickled items (including Kimchi).
Just note that the prices are generally higher than other Asian supermarkets, but unlike those markets H-Mart actually does chain store things like sale items.
The one by us has a food court upstairs with 4-5 different restaurants, plus a bakery and other nifty things.
posted by Deathalicious at 11:18 PM on August 5, 2010
Welcome to Fairfax!
There are free performances in Fairfax County parks during the summer. This summer I have seen the Seldom Scene at Nottoway Park in Vienna, and the Capitol Steps at Mason District Park. Summer movies, too, at many venues in NOVA.
Seconding Thai Basil and Sila Thai for Thai. I also like Sakoontra in the Costco shopping center on Rt. 29 for the fried watercress salad with chicken and shrimp. Vietnamese pho restaurants are as plentiful here as Chinese restaurants are elsewhere. For starters, try Pho Bistro in Centreville with sliced eye of round, and an order of summer rolls on the side; later, branch out to other pho places that are much more bare bones in terms of decor, but equally delicious.
Haircuts: Lanh at Hair Cuttery in Chantilly Crossing shopping center is great.
Go to Mason Neck Regional Park / Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Lorton to look for bald eagles. Check out Great Falls National Park. Bike the W&OD trail.
Culture/history: Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, Civil War sites, the Frank Lloyd Wright "Usonian" house on the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation, and many more Northern Virginia museums listed here.
I realize you said, "not DC," but don't rule out the free Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and the programs at the Library of Congress in DC. The Smithsonian Associates provide local historical/cultural programs. Free parking at metro station lots on the weekends.
See also the Thursday Washington Post for the Fairfax Local Living section and the Friday Weekend section for listings of things to do.
posted by apartment dweller at 7:24 AM on August 6, 2010
There are free performances in Fairfax County parks during the summer. This summer I have seen the Seldom Scene at Nottoway Park in Vienna, and the Capitol Steps at Mason District Park. Summer movies, too, at many venues in NOVA.
Seconding Thai Basil and Sila Thai for Thai. I also like Sakoontra in the Costco shopping center on Rt. 29 for the fried watercress salad with chicken and shrimp. Vietnamese pho restaurants are as plentiful here as Chinese restaurants are elsewhere. For starters, try Pho Bistro in Centreville with sliced eye of round, and an order of summer rolls on the side; later, branch out to other pho places that are much more bare bones in terms of decor, but equally delicious.
Haircuts: Lanh at Hair Cuttery in Chantilly Crossing shopping center is great.
Go to Mason Neck Regional Park / Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Lorton to look for bald eagles. Check out Great Falls National Park. Bike the W&OD trail.
Culture/history: Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, Civil War sites, the Frank Lloyd Wright "Usonian" house on the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation, and many more Northern Virginia museums listed here.
I realize you said, "not DC," but don't rule out the free Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo, and the programs at the Library of Congress in DC. The Smithsonian Associates provide local historical/cultural programs. Free parking at metro station lots on the weekends.
See also the Thursday Washington Post for the Fairfax Local Living section and the Friday Weekend section for listings of things to do.
posted by apartment dweller at 7:24 AM on August 6, 2010
I no longer live in Fairfax, but I believe both of these institutions are still in operation:
Amma Vegetarian Kitchen in Vienna (not far to drive, at least when it's not rush hour!) is affordable and tasty, and although if you are not familiar with South Indian food the menu may be intimidating (as it was for me), I think you'll both find dishes you like here. Big Planet Comics is nearby, and while you did not specify a love for such, I thought it worth a mention.
Cinema Arts Theatre is in Fairfax, tucked into an old shopping center (next to Record & Tape Exchange, if you are into that). They play both interesting wide release and smaller films, and it's a nice alternative to visiting a massive multiplex; also note their sunday morning Film Club.
Additionally, Burke Lake Park offers mini-golf. Mini-golf!
posted by treefort at 8:16 AM on August 6, 2010
Amma Vegetarian Kitchen in Vienna (not far to drive, at least when it's not rush hour!) is affordable and tasty, and although if you are not familiar with South Indian food the menu may be intimidating (as it was for me), I think you'll both find dishes you like here. Big Planet Comics is nearby, and while you did not specify a love for such, I thought it worth a mention.
Cinema Arts Theatre is in Fairfax, tucked into an old shopping center (next to Record & Tape Exchange, if you are into that). They play both interesting wide release and smaller films, and it's a nice alternative to visiting a massive multiplex; also note their sunday morning Film Club.
Additionally, Burke Lake Park offers mini-golf. Mini-golf!
posted by treefort at 8:16 AM on August 6, 2010
Mmmmmmm, Amma! My first dosa and still one of the better ones I've had. Also along the 123 corridor in Vienna are Jammin' Java (coffee, light lunch and dinner, and acoustic shows), the CD Cellar, and Yama (good sushi).
I also really love Sunflower and will add that it's a prime location for vegetarians to bring skeptical carnivore friends and family. If you don't know what to order, get the General Tso surprise.
posted by clavicle at 11:39 AM on August 6, 2010
I also really love Sunflower and will add that it's a prime location for vegetarians to bring skeptical carnivore friends and family. If you don't know what to order, get the General Tso surprise.
posted by clavicle at 11:39 AM on August 6, 2010
oh no ! i forgot to mention Moby Dick (kebob and the best rice ever) .
posted by hellogoodbye at 5:36 PM on August 6, 2010
posted by hellogoodbye at 5:36 PM on August 6, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
I trust them much more then both chowhound and askmefi
posted by JPD at 12:41 PM on August 5, 2010