American Restaurants near Ft. Belvoir

“Looking for a fun activity with our family before Thanksgiving, we chose bowling. The prices were definitely cheaper than commercial locations. The place was clean with stations every few lanes with balls organized by color and weight. There were ramps available for anyone to use if necessary. There is also the ability to set bumpers to raise and lower for an individual in your group. You have the ability to edit your score, which is great because a few times pins would fall on their own and add to the score. There were options for scoring using regular bowling rules or other fun games. While we didn’t eat there, but there were plenty of food and drink selections. My only issue was the balls were very oily and the finger holes were very small. Staff said that’s how they were ordered but offered me a small container of baby powder to use.“

“As a bowling alley, it's great and very reasonably priced for the area. It can get busy on rainy weekend days, especially in the summer when kids bowl for free. We've also attended a couple of birthday parties there and they do a good job. I work nearby and go MUCH more often for lunch than I do for bowling, so this review is primarily for the Vortex Grill. They've changed their menu a couple times in the past few years, I think responding to requests for more healthy and quick options for lunch on this side of Ft Belvoir. That said, I really miss a couple of the salads that they used to offer (please bring back the Kristen and Mike's salads!), but they have expanded their non-salad offering of "healthier" items, which mostly means that fries no longer come with everything, you can choose from several add-on options for a side, there are more fish options (which I can't bring myself to try at a bowling alley...I wonder how well they sell), and a lot of sandwiches don't come with cheese. I could take it or leave these "healthier" menu options and usually get a salad. When I want to treat myself, I get a burger. Overall, the food used to be more consistent than it is now. I don't know if it's a result of the menu changes or trying to be "healthier," but their food is popular in my office and I've seen some major flops from them lately. Patty melts not fully grilled, chicken wraps made with nasty chicken, ingredients screwed up in salads, etc. I'm giving them a four because the bowling alley itself is great. Five stars for bowling, 2.5 for the Vortex Grill, and I would have given the Vortex Grill four stars a few years ago.“

“You can't go wrong with Mike's American - great food - attentive service - attention to detail - friendly staff. From the moment I walk in, 'til I make my way out the door, I've never had anything less than a five-star experience on every level. It's a local treasure.“

“It was our first time trying Oak in this location and overall it was good. I always have an issue with places that charge for bread, but we gave it a whirl and it was not worth the money, it was dry and unimpressive as was the crudo appetizer, which also lacked flavor but was fresh. The entree part of the meal was the shining moment with a NY strip steak cooked to perfection and accompanied by mashed potato puree and roasted carrots that were all superb. Great hand-crafted cocktails and wine also were a hit!!“

“I did a take out of their delicious Aloo and piyaz pakoras for our Iftari a week or so ago. The packaging was great which included a generous amount of their tasty green chutney. I glanced at their menu main items and their prices seemed high. Manager/owner and helper were polite and friendly. Great efficient service. Good restaurant atmosphere. I wish them success with their new desi restaurant.“

“I really enjoyed my experiences at the The Walrus. They have fresh shucked oysters, the Wally's are the house oyster and they were very good. I think I tried every fresh oyster and there were some excellent options that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also had the lobster roll togo and it was loaded with lobsta. They crab cakes were ok, but they are not using fresh local crab meat. The service was fantastic, it's what had me return, a great experience! The great fresh oysters were also a draw for me.“

“This was my first visit, a suggestion from my sister. I started with the crab hush puppies (delicious!). As an entree, I chose the creole shrimp fettuccini (very good). My server (Amy-excellent!) was attentive and engaging, which enhanced my overall experience. The whole atmosphere had a vibe that was very inclusive and fun. I will definitely return.“

“This was the first time I have ever been here and it was nothing but AMAZING. We had a party of 7 and we were seated in the back party room. Our server was very attentive and patient. I was in awe of the brunch menu. So many options! I 10/10 recommend this restaurant and everything we ordered was delicious! We ordered: Beef Tartare Wood Fire Chicken Thighs Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad Pork Schnitzel House Ground Prime Dry Aged Burger Steam Blue Muscles“

“My hubby and I have been to Carlyle twice. Both times we shared the Judith Point calamari with the corn salsa. Calamari preparation can range from horribly rubbery and tasteless, to just “meh,” or to what Carlyle has done with it - fried to perfection, with complementary flavors in the sauces and corn salsa- for the win!I ordered the smoked salmon on my first visit two years ago, and because it was so tastefully prepared, I couldn’t bring myself to try another dish. It is just delicious.Hubby ordered crab cakes, along with coleslaw and shoestring fries. Crab cakes were meaty and flavorful. Sides were good.Atmosphere and service are good. I love that it’s in a walkable area, just a few blocks from the Shirlington Hilton. Give Carlyle a try!“

“We live in DelRay, Alexandria and love the food at Matt & Tony’s. The food is fabulous, the ambience is fantastic, and the staff is very accommodating.Dietary restrictions: Matt and Tony’s have a large section of vegetarian and gluten-free foods even GF bread!“

“Eggs & Sushi is a hidden gem!! I've driven down Fullerton a bunch of times and just never noticed it until today. We went ahead and checked it out for breakfast since it wasn't quite lunchtime - the food taste and quality was amazing! We had a egg and cheese on a bagel, a breakfast burrito, and a smoothie.The service is fantastic, everyone working behind the counter is so friendly.The food was prepared quickly and was hot and fresh. They also offer smoothies, assorted beverages, coffee, espresso drinks, and even have beers and sake. The atmosphere is like a really cute little deli with a few tables and a sushi bar.The prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions, we're definitely planning to come back for breakfast sometime and want to try their Japanese lunch options. I'd definitely recommend checking it out!“

“Sister and husband down with rehab and covid...ordered a meal delivered to them. Enough food for two meals, even the cheesecake pieces were large enough for 2 meals. More than pleased. I live in Oklahoma, appreciate being able to do this from afar“

“Busy restaurant, the service was quick. We ordered the crab dip which as good and creamy. The fried green tomatoes which were four decent slices and flavorful. The short ribs was boneless and very tender. I got sweet potato mash instead and it was delicious. My boyfriend ordered the lamb chops which came with two decent sized chops. This was the only issue we had. He ordered them medium and they came rare. The waitress took them back, but they just put them back on the grill after one was bitten into and then tasted burnt. Hopefully if I choose to return we won't have this mishap again.“

“My wife and I went for Easter brunch. Food as always along with service was top notch. I like Arti's. The restaurant gives me that when I was a child (many moons ago LOL) and my Mom would take me to a cool restaurant for dinner after church type of feeling. Again food selections were great only thing was, they discontinued Chicken and Waffles on the menu. This was sort of a let down because that was the dish we had many times for Easter Brunch. When I asked the manager he explained that upper management revamped the menus throughout the Great American restaurants after the fire. I look forward to the next time my wife and I have dinner here. I hope that maybe upper management can find it in their heart to bring back the Chicken and waffles. Thanks for the good times.“

“This was my second time going but my mother's first time. I was taking her as an early Mother's Day gift and boy can I say she was very pleased with the experience. The servers are very attentive and polite. Food is constantly flowing. The food quality is top tier. It's always hot and delicious. This has easily become one of my new favorite places for brunch. We will be back.“

“They were amazing with my milk allergy and super friendly. We never had to ask for a refill or anything; someone was there quickly to help us with whatever before we had to ask. We visited from 9.5 hours away, but will be recommending to everyone we know that’s coming this way for vacation! It was a nice little hidden gem!“

“First time back since last year. I ordered the Chipotle BBQ smoked wings which were tasty. The only problem was they forgot to include my Blue Cheese!! The staff was non-existent at the front counter and my order was just sitting there where anyone could have come in, picked it up, and left!! A little more attention to detail would be appreciated.“

“Sat at the bar and loved the ambience. It’s quaint and can be a nice romantic spot for couples. Our bartender was great and he recommended the prix fixe menu and it was definitely worth it. Got the marinated beets salad, lamb and Crème brûlée! Will definitely return. Great service, great food. What else can one ask for?!“

“An absolute gem! Everyone was lovely, the cocktails AND mocktails were delicious, and the small plates were to die for! Can't wait to go back and dig into their wine list. Don't leave without the trying the charred dates or the fried goat cheese, they're knockouts!!Vegetarian options: Some veg small plates, would love to see more veg entrees on the menu“

“Sat the bar on a solo sunday funday. It's on a nice street with street vendors. I came for the food and wasn't disappointed. The she crab soup was very good. I can't tell if the base was store bought but amount of sherry was spot on. I would probably say that if I wanted she crab soup, I'd go here from here on out. They had some soft shells and they were delicious. I should have asked for capers but that's just my preference. Drinks were well made. All in all, a tasty treat. I can't speak to the dinner experience though I'm tempted to try.“

“Been coming here as my Fri night spot for about 4 years!2nd generation family-owned restaurant with a mix of dishes that lean Italian, Greek/Medi, Seafood, and American bar fare. They have weekend specials every weekend (entree and dessert), and a special Mon/Tues dinner/wine combo menu. Bottom line, the food is EXCELLENT, and also priced very well.One of (if not) the best Gin selections in Old Town! The Bourbon and Scotch selections are also above average. 8 beers on tap that largely stay the same (unfortunately).Live Jazz every night on the restaurant side, which depending on the group/performer can still be heard on the bar/lounge side.Parking: Parking garage that's free after 5p and on weekends, down a side driveway.“

“Everything about this diner is absolutely out-standing! Came in for my birthday brunch, just my Bestfriend and I. Had the “SHRIMP AND GRITS” and listen… the hands down most amazing flavors. Just delicious! She had the steak frites and absolutely loved it! Highly recommend“

“We love The Majestic and dine here often. Great for a special occasion and also for a ransom weekday evening. The food is always great and the service (Ellie in particular) is top notch! If you like an Old Fashioned this one is spectacular... try it smoked!“

“The food and variety of choices were optimal. We've been here several times and each time we picked something different with no disappointment. Definitely a must try or just make it your Sunday breakfast or lunch spot.Kid-friendliness: Super awesome vibe and friendliness. Our kid loved it“

“Was exhausted from a trip and really didn't expect much to be fair. I was pleasantly surprised! Great service, decent prices and great food made correctly! The cheese pull apart bread was better than I could of even imagined.Kid-friendliness: Decent kids meal, coloring on menus with crayons“

“First time there and I took the recommendation of the friendly counter person the “Livid Lamb” and Spicy fries. It’s fresh, tasty and an amazing alternative to the typical fast food burger places. Clean, friendly staff and good food very reasonably priced… what more can you ask for? Halal conscious but there’s bacon and booze too. Highly recommend!“

“What a hidden, little gem the Secret Garden Cafe is! We stumbled upon it as we were passing through the area. We ate outside in the quaint “garden” complete with flowers and a lovely water feature! I ate the braised beef over macaroni and cheese while my husband enjoyed the stir fried noodles with chicken. Both dishes were delicious! The wait staff were very friendly and attentive and we enjoyed a nice, peaceful lunch! We will definitely stop back when we are in the area again!“

“Awesome little place, with the best service. Went looking for a simple dinner and ended up with the evening hibachi style food. Yum yum sauce was superb! When I asked about it, the young man said it was a family recipe. Absolutely worth try. Limited seating, but they do have carryout also.“

“When the weather is perfect, Julas is perfect. Yet this experience was heavenly because Angel, our server, was professional, friendly and kind. His recommendations were superb. The food was extra fresh and the wine a wonderful balance to the meal itself.“

“Absolutely wonderful!!Oliver did a wonderful job serving my family. I took my parents, who live in Pennsylvania, here to show them old town.I am so thrilled we picked this spot. We got the chowder, shrimp and grits, and crab cake sandwich. That shrimp and grits was chefs kiss.They even treated us to key lime pie for my 30th ☺️ what a wonderful way to leave my 20s“

“Borrowing from their words. More than 30 years later, the Silver Diner has gone from a nostalgic American icon serving affordable family food to a highly overrated restaurant serving overpriced food that allegedly reflect’s today’s lifestyles. But the one thing that will never change is the stench of their restrooms throughout the diner.“

“Was a unique experience with exquisite cuisine perfectly seasoned with the right amounts of spices. I was blown away by the flavors in yhe food. The environment itself was surreal as if walking into Hello Kitty world with silk curtains for additional privacy for those dining in booths. Otherwise seating is open. Regarding service, you order at the front desk and pick up your own food when ready. However, the clerk is highly knowledgeable about the menu offerings. Highly recommend experiencing at least once.“

“This place was the place serving food past 11 and I am so glad I came here. Customer service was good. Stayed downstairs due to a party going on upstairs. Food and drinks were very good.Ordered the:Grilled lamb burger: 9/10 I wish it had a little more of the yogurt sauceFries: seasoned well and fried just enough for a light crispChadwick’s reserve Manhattan: very good, do not get if not a fan of bitters“

“What a fantastic place to host a happy hour for teachers. The ambiance was nice and relaxing after a tough week. The food was delicious, and the services were outstanding. I must thank our bartender, Richie, for his knowledge and creative mixology and the manager, Juliet, for being approachable and welcoming questions. They treated us like we were part of the family. Thanks Ted's we will be back.“

“I will open with this; GW would be PROUD. The Mount Vernon Restaurant, compared to the thought of what it might be, is nothing short of a quaint and elegant establishment. For a restaurant embedded in a museum one would imagine the many grab and go or poor service options found in many if not all of the DC attractions nearby, but rest assured this is not that. The prices are affordable. The food is delicious. The service is wonderful. My only complaint? I was not expecting the shear amount of food coming my way. The chicken and waffles were simple and astounding. My partner's shrimp and grits were, in her words, "just like ma momma used to whip up!" The cornbread appetizer was fresh. Our drinks, neat and clean. The list goes on. I should also add that the menu was overwhelming... in a great way. I could hardly contain my giddiness when attempting to make my choice. If you are exploring the beauty of Mount Vernon with family or friends, or even on your lonesome, you have NO excuse to bypass this overachieving establishment.“

“Love this place! It's one of just so many wonderful places in Old Town Alexandria!! Burgers, Fisn n Chips, you name it, the food is great! We've been here several times at different weekends and week days, brunch, happy hour and dinner. We've personally never had to wait more than a few minutes. Outdoor dining in nice weather is our favorite! This is a MUST VISIT place indeed!!“

“I had a great time at Burton’s Grill (Alexandria) yesterday (9/30/23). The food was amazing, the drinks were good and strong. The staff was awesome. The GM came and introduced himself to us. The chef came out and talked to us about our food allergies. Our server “T” was as so amazing. She went above and beyond. I really enjoyed myself and I will be back.“

“This place was perfect. From seating to service. We have no complaints. There was no wait for seating. They were rather busy. For the first time there we were not disappointed with anything. The selection was full of great options to choose from. I went with the salmon, my wife had the Bolognese both were delicious. The place has a bar with a very nice selection. The seating is very spacious. With very clean restrooms which is always a plus. We have found our new go-to. Definitely will be returning. Thanks, Courtney for a very hospitable experience.“

“Salmon salad was very good and fresh~! The salmon was not fully cooked and asked to cook it again. The house gave me more salad with fully cooked salmon. And all waiters and waitresses were kind and professional. Will recommend to friends and family.“

“A gem in Old Town Alexandria that I'm surprised I haven't heard more people recommend. Definitely leans more into a cocktail bar than a restaurant but the food was incredible. The menu isn't massive but the list of good quality sandwiches and shareables makes it worth trying. The truffle fries and potato chips that came with our order were FRESH. I took a bite out of the chicken salad sandwich as well as the spicy chicken sandwich (which I ordered) and can say both were phenomenal in terms of texture, flavor cohesion, and size. Service was extremely friendly and efficient. The ambiance is very relaxed and casual. We were one of the first guests there at about 5:30pm on a Thursday afternoon. Indoor and outdoor seating. Just a great spot overall.“

“In this busy world taking very good care of all customers!!! It’s really amazing.The young girls and the man will always greet you with true respect.I tried different locations wings but this one’s wings cook and seasoning perfect and result BEST WINGS.I tried their Sub,Burger, Fish and salads and all make me and my family happy.I will recommend others to come and try their best foods…….“

“Miko, my server was excellent. As a solo vacationer and I was there they during off hours he was kind enough to engage in casual conversation, very pleasant. This location was perfect for outside dining where there the foot traffic was not distracting. The burger was cooked to perfection as ordered and the shoestring fries were delicious as well. Highly recommended.“

“Usually First Watch is very good. Good food and good service. Kind of a slow wait, if you get there around 10am on Sunday. Unfortunately, Sunday, April 21 wasn't as good. Got there about 7:45am. Hubby and I got sat to the left of the bar area. Sat for about 10 minutes. A guy, by himself, got seated in the same area. He was served his coffee and his order was taken. I said to the server, "Don't forget about us over here." She looked over and then left. We waited a few minutes, then got up and asked to speak to the manager. He said sorry about that, we can seat you in another area if you'd like. I noticed the server starting out, then she turned around and went the other way. Not sure what her problem was that day. So we went to IHOP, got sat and served right away.“

“I came here with a friend to play darts. While I didn't get food I did come here to grab a drink and check out the area... The Cue Club is a sports bar and pool hall if you enjoy going with a group of friends for a night out. I think it has the essentials of a good sports bar. Draft beer, good food ( I haven't tried it but the bulgogi sub looks good ), and pool, darts, and foosball for people to play. Service wise it took a minute for me to flag someone down to order some beer but beers did come out quick once I did confirm my order in. I don't know if the cocktails are good but we'll have to try again another time. For what I came here for, darts are in a separate room like the pool tables, and it's very spacious. The darts were available if you chip in 5 dollars, play all you want really. I honestly had fun learning how to play cricket but it is a long game. Although I didn't win against my friend this is enticing enough for me to play more when my friends are available. It's also across the street from O'MyChic so familiar territory for me.“

“On my plate were mash potates and a creamy sauce in small bowls along with 3 small steaks and mixed vegetables with brussel sprouts. Everything on the plate was good except the vegetables. They needed to be cooked longer with more seasoning.Kid-friendliness: Fun for the whole family to dine and enjoy.Wheelchair accessibility: Easy access.“

“Our server was amiable and attentive. The food was great and even my picky teens were able to find something they liked. It was a nice touch to show our visiting guest a little history since we also were able to visit the museum next door after brunch.“

“McNamara’s is a delightful fusion of traditional Irish fare and modern twists that caters to all. Whether you're in the mood for classic fish and chips, hearty chili, or innovative pub grub, you'll find it here, bursting with flavor. For us it’s not just the food that makes stand out—it's the atmosphere. The welcoming ambiance that instantly puts you at ease. Whether you're grabbing a pint at the bar or settling in booth with friends, there's an undeniable sense of camaraderie and the pub's dedicated staff, including Jen, Ryan, Steven, John, and Stacy, who go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels like a cherished regular. From their warm greetings to their attentive service, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in the door.In addition to the great food, warm atmosphere, and excellent customer service, McNamara’s also offers plenty of entertainment to keep the fun going late into the night. From sports games to live music sessions to trivia nights, there's always something happening guaranteeing a memorable night……Karisma & Tee“

“Atmosphere was depressing and service was average. Just buying some sandwhiches.The price was more than I expected I ordered 3 sandwhiches and a juice and it came out to 45$. Not insane considering prices these days but for how dumpy the place is I was hoping to walk out paying 35$ tops.That said, the King Street sandwich was fantastic. The Cali club was average but healthy portions. The food was ready when I arrived in 15 minutes and was still warm.I’d come back again for the king street sandwhich (pictured below) but otherwise not really worth the price IMO.If these came out to 10$ a piece with tax, this place would be outstanding.Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly. Just a run down sandwich shop.“

“Yelp doesn't lie, this place is a top notch breakfast choice in the Falls Church area. There were lots of cars out front so I was worried it would be a wait but the place is much bigger than you'd think so we got a table without a wait on a Saturday morning. The food is large portions and everything was hot, fresh and tasty. The carrot cake and pecan pancakes were enjoyable and even though I was hungry I couldn't finish the second one and might just get one next time. The grits are also fresh and tasty and the million dollar bacon lived up to its reputation as a must try. The coffee was hot and enjoyable as well and they left the pot on the table so no waiting for refills. This place is worth a try if you're in the Falls Church area and I'll be back again sometime.“

“Came for a very simple lunch, the bar lady/ waitress was very friendly and accommodating. It was my first time trying Clam Chowder and I must say you’ve set the bar very high! The Bloody Mary was also delicious and the general atmosphere was very relaxed but efficient. Will definitely visit again if I come to Alexandria!“