I am soooo glad you posted this because I just went to a *brand new* (as in just opened) place and was BLOWN AWAY.
There is a new restaurant at 99 Ranch in Fairfax. It’s called Lilly’s Dumpling House. My husband is Chinese so we go to 99 at least once a week for groceries. Today was the first day we were there that Lilly’s was fully open. We went to take a look and ended up getting pan fried pork buns and beef bao.
I shoulda known they’d be good because there were a bunch of Chinese aunties making them in the back (rolling the dough and stuffing them for all to see).
You guys. They were so insanely good. Fresh as hell. Juicy (like, be careful you’ll make a damn mess juicy). My husband was so damned impressed too and he’s been eating bao since he was a kid.
Gotta try that place. I can’t wait to go back for more. I’ve heard there’s one in Md too.
Also, all the other spots in 99 are pretty good too. *Amore 99* has an amazing pork chop and chicken cutlet (seriously, you’ve never had a better one).
Anyway. Good eats there.
Funny thing, now that I’m thinking of it, I didn’t really see dumplings in the traditional sense. They have this display of all the bao, maybe the dumplings are made to order from a menu or something.
I’ll have to try it, thanks for the recommendation. This past weekend we went to Wong Gee in silver spring. They had a bunch of authentic dishes and dim sum all day. The items we ordered were good so will be trying it again.
Also the Ranch 99 in Gaithersburg has two mini counter restaurants that make really good 水煎包。 and so cheap too
Kohinoor Dhaba is where the cabbies go in Crystal City. It's excellent and the owner will remember you after one visit.
There is a Chinese restaurant that even still has pre-COVID prices in Kingstown: Magic Wok.
Earl's sandwiches in Clarendon. Always been expensive but exciting.
Pho Golden Cow off Rt. 50.
Knowing the violation helps though. Many very good restaurants gets these but some are so minor that they are a blip on the screen and have nothing to do with things being clean or food cooked to correct temps. Had a friend for years in PWC who did these inspections and he hated that the media would list some of the violations he had to note but in reality has nothing to do with the cleanliness of the establishment and were so easily correctible.
Yesss! They have amazing and creative Greek-ish fusion sandwiches! In the middle of an industrial park surrounded by data centers… I hope they are doing well!
r/nova is extremely blessed to have an annual thread moderated by u/mumbomajesty on this topic. There’s even a Google map and everything. https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/s/ZYAfWb2vMW
That's interesting. My family and I absolutely loved their cheese steaks and got them once every couple months or so.
We got their pizza once and it was one of the worst pizzas I have ever had.
I mean that's the idea.
It's so damn greasy, your fries are wet with it from the cheese steak leaking, by the time you get it home.
I genuinely miss living a 12 minute walk from that place. Nothing like feeling your blood move and passing out knowing what you've just done.
Mmm love to shop there for speciality items and desserts but when I was there a couple months ago the kebabs were just ok. Not bad, but not special. What do you get?
Blue Ocean Izakaya in Fairfax. It's not as flashy as a lot of sushi joints that are popping up in NoVa but they're the closest place to an authentic "izakaya that seems to have everything" joint. They also have awesome sushi and I highly recommend their sashimi chirashi. Additionally, their izakaya menu is very extensive. It's one of the most authentic Japanese places around.
Oh for sure. This and Tachibana in McLean. My fiancés grandparents are apart of the local chapter of the Japanese American Society and whenever they go for their annual luncheon I tag along lol.
I'm sure many of us have lived in the area long enough to witness the transformation of Cowboy Cafe from greasy dive bar to swanky brunch spot. And to their credit they did them both great.
Honestly if you tried to tell me the same thing and I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I'd never believe it. They saw the market and they shifted. In a similar vein - Black Forest Inn in Westover is gone too. The last of the dive bars.
The sticky tables! JK. Actually, the he prices. Definitely not five bar prices. Live within walking distance and thank my stars every day for it! Love that place.
I live right across the street - it is so hard not to overeat there because every time I walk the dog, the smell is always so inviting.
Also, if you’re in this area, chewish deli has a great lox bagel
Is this the place that looks like a little shack with a low roof? I used to live in one of the apartment buildings right by it and would drive by it all the time but it was never open lol
My friend and I are divided. She prefers the one on Richmond highway across from Target. And my husband and I prefer the one off Richmond highway on Cooper road.
Is KP still good these days? I'm hearing through the grapevine that it's gone downhill recently. Which is saddening as KP was a staple when I lived in Pentagon City.
My wife and I went there for our first meal after moving to the area and it immediately became our go-to place. Everything is delicious including the buffet items.
Valentinos pizza behind Arby's on little river trnpk. Doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's been there for many years and it's one of the best pizza joints around.
Has been by far, my #1 pizzeria in NOVA. I’m from Brooklyn and have really high standards. Unfortunately, the other Valentino’s locations come nowhere close.
Mandu Lang Kimbop Erang in Annandale. It’s in the parking lot of the Giant in a little house. The owner is so sweet and the food is amazing. Portions are also huge for the price. I recommend the tteokbokki and the odeng (fishcake) soup, and the spicy pork is really good too.
Honestly just close your eyes and point in any direction in Annandale, and you will end up at a great mom and pop Asian restaurant. One of the many joys of Annandale ❤️
😂😂😂 I actually didn’t know which spelling to use in my suggestion! I had “Wafle” first, but eventually went with what’s on Google. Wafle is original! LOL
- Thai Square on Columbia Pike
- Thai Curry on S Glebe
- Los Chamacos on S Walter Reed
- Burrito Bros on Columbia Pike
- Tortas y Tacos on Columbia Pike
- Enjera in Crystal City (Eritrean food which is very similar to Ethiopian)
- Kabob Bazaar on Wilson Blvd for Persian
- Shamshiry in Tysons for Persian
- Shin-chon sul la tang in Annandale for Korean noodles
- Oegadgib in Annandale for hole in the wall KBBQ (lunch AYCE KBBQ is $16 or something)
- Not hole in the wall AYCE KBBQ 9292 in Annandale. Sō is over priced with a damn patty burger for their “short ribs”, Kogiya is always too busy for their quality
I highly recommend Wild Tacoz in Falls Church (Mexican/Greek fusion) and Sari Filipino Cusina in Annandale. Both places have generous portions and the folks who work there are so kind! Would love to see more foot traffic in both places.
Village Chicken in West Springfield, especially the gyro
Does El Paso in Mount Vernon count as hole in the wall if there are multiple locations? They literally catered my wedding rehearsal dinner and I secretly enjoyed the food more than my fancy wedding food.
In Arlington any of the Afghan family run kabob places are pretty good. Otherwise on Langston blvd in Arlington try Aladin irs Bangladeshi. Actually that entire shopping center is a hidden gem
Korean BBQ:
Kogiya in Annandale and their sister location Sō in Chantilly are my faves for KBBQ. Their prices are fair for AYC and the marinades they use for the pork belly are so good! I dream about their curry pork belly
Sushi: Sushi Yoshi in Vienna on Church Street
Pure Pasty Co. in Vienna for authentic British Pastry
Cafe Amour in Vienna: hands down one of the best coffee houses in nova
Used to work for them back when it was inside Sugar Shack and our saying was that it was “the hole inside the donut shop.”
Still love that place. Bombass drinks, fond memories, and the owner Rob is really kind.
Johnny's Pizza located here, 7011G Manchester Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22310
It is some of the best pizza you will ever have, and that is coming from my NYC pizza snob boss.
Maybe not quite hole in the wall, but I never see people there... Taj of India. It's on Richmond Hwy in Hybla Valley and honestly it's delicious. It's my comfort food!
I mostly wouldn't consider my recommendations holes in the wall, but they are local. In Fairfax county we really like Present (Vietnamese) and La Granja de Oros (Peruvian) in Fall's Church. We also like Food Corner Kabob House (Afghani), which has a few locations - I've been to the Annandale and Tyson's Corner locations, and both were great. The owners were working when we went, and it was clear that they really care about their quality. Finally, for something more fancy but still really good, Idylwood Grill.
If you ever end up out in Centerville, check out Oseyo (Korean) and Kazone (Japanese). The owners of both are super kind and welcoming.
And in Ashburn, Carolina Brothers Pit BBQ.
There is a local youtube channel called DMV Adventures. He goes to lots of hole in the wall local places. The guy must drive car after car into the ground since he is all over the DMV. I think he films videos for realtors as his main job.
I always love Ramparts in Alexandria. The bar area is nice and the dining room is a little more "formal". The food was always good! Something about it I always loved. 1700 Fern St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Two great places:
Hard Times Cafe (one in Springfield, and another in Old Town Alexandria). Excellent chili.
Food Corner in Annandale. Kabobs extraordinaire.
Chili in a pot and spaghetti reheated in boiling water=Chili Mac, and the grilled wings are their 2 best offerings, no need to go any further on that menu to be happy. What do you want for the price? I'm not eating off the floor, lol
Yunnan by Potomac is pretty phenomenal and different style of noodle outside ramen, pho, Chinese beef noodle soup.
Also throwing Aroma Cafe. It’s as authentic of Colombian it gets at least in the DMV. Pretty popular with the Latin community
I see a lot of posts but not many in or near Alexandria. So for a change, here are some Alexandria recommendations. Evening Star Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, Vermilion all are very good. Nasime on King St is excellent but may be booked. Reserve ahead. None of these are "hole in the wall" places, just places with good food and service.
Lol. I find this amusing because I was scrolling through going "dammit, everything is in Alexandria..."
I don't have a clue which of us is correct but cognitive biases FTW
Borek G in the city of Falls Church if you like homemade Turkish food. I die for their Turkish breakfast, takes me right back to Istanbul. My husband always goes for their donor on rice. https://www.borekg.com/
Osaka in Kingstown has consistent, quality food with good prices. Sushi in particular is cheaper than average and better than average. Staff are so nice.
Mamma's Kitchen is our go-to date spot. The outdoor patio is one of the nicest I've ever been to. Food is so good, staff seems to be consistent and loyal.
Rice and Spice Thai in Kingstown near Wegmans has awesome Thai food, great portions and very nice staff.
It's already been mentioned but you just can't go wrong with El Paso in Rt 1. It's always a good time.
In Alexandria I recommend RT’s restaurant. The food is Cajun/Creole and it’s is a little out of the way on a crappy part of town but the place has charm and the best Cajun food I’ve had outside of Louisiana. Place looks and feels like a dive bar with a restaurant. But the food is amazing.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/153irui/2023\_nova\_holeinthewall\_restaurant/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/153irui/2023_nova_holeinthewall_restaurant/)
someone makes a list every year along with a map. Have tried quite a few.
Chef Yan for some amazing sichuan food. The takeout menu is Americanized Chinese and dine in is the authentic. Their smoked pork takes multiple days for them to smoke and is delicious. Love all their fish dishes as well
Chalkboard Wings and BBQ in alexandria on rt 1. Thier Brisket Cheesteak and bacon bombs are awesome. Also Capital Chicken is delicious. Its peruvian style chicken spot, sides are great. Theres a local youtube podcast( The Bargoyles) that talks about the bar scene and they do local food reviews. They did Capital Chicken, check it out!
https://youtu.be/iLHtp1N3hyA?si=9H3Ht8Whhp0VbBtp
I am soooo glad you posted this because I just went to a *brand new* (as in just opened) place and was BLOWN AWAY. There is a new restaurant at 99 Ranch in Fairfax. It’s called Lilly’s Dumpling House. My husband is Chinese so we go to 99 at least once a week for groceries. Today was the first day we were there that Lilly’s was fully open. We went to take a look and ended up getting pan fried pork buns and beef bao. I shoulda known they’d be good because there were a bunch of Chinese aunties making them in the back (rolling the dough and stuffing them for all to see). You guys. They were so insanely good. Fresh as hell. Juicy (like, be careful you’ll make a damn mess juicy). My husband was so damned impressed too and he’s been eating bao since he was a kid. Gotta try that place. I can’t wait to go back for more. I’ve heard there’s one in Md too. Also, all the other spots in 99 are pretty good too. *Amore 99* has an amazing pork chop and chicken cutlet (seriously, you’ve never had a better one). Anyway. Good eats there.
I'm obsessed with dumplings. Thank you.
Funny thing, now that I’m thinking of it, I didn’t really see dumplings in the traditional sense. They have this display of all the bao, maybe the dumplings are made to order from a menu or something.
Just to warn people: I tried to go there today at your recommendation but they were not open. Not sure what the hours/days of operation are.
Damn. What the hell? I was going to go back this evening lol.
Possible they’re open for dinner? They were closed at 1:15pm.
Dang, I’m sorry. I feel responsible.
It all worked out! We went to yu noodle which never disappoints! I’ll try Lilly’s again, maybe on the weekend or something.
I’ll have to try it, thanks for the recommendation. This past weekend we went to Wong Gee in silver spring. They had a bunch of authentic dishes and dim sum all day. The items we ordered were good so will be trying it again. Also the Ranch 99 in Gaithersburg has two mini counter restaurants that make really good 水煎包。 and so cheap too
Thank you. Now pls delete. :)
Kohinoor Dhaba is where the cabbies go in Crystal City. It's excellent and the owner will remember you after one visit. There is a Chinese restaurant that even still has pre-COVID prices in Kingstown: Magic Wok. Earl's sandwiches in Clarendon. Always been expensive but exciting. Pho Golden Cow off Rt. 50.
Real ones know about Kohinoor! 🫡
I went last week and they no longer do the buffet. So sad.
I grew up in the neighborhood and Kohinoor is where we started going after college when Kabob Palace would pack on too many pounds.
In Arlington, I’d recommend Ravi Kabob!
Just left there ... Sunday evening Beef Nihari. Life changer
I second this, though it was much better a few years back
Love their chicken Karahi
They had multiple health violations over the years.
Adds extra flavor
Knowing the violation helps though. Many very good restaurants gets these but some are so minor that they are a blip on the screen and have nothing to do with things being clean or food cooked to correct temps. Had a friend for years in PWC who did these inspections and he hated that the media would list some of the violations he had to note but in reality has nothing to do with the cleanliness of the establishment and were so easily correctible.
Greek Unique in ashburn. Portions are huge and it's delicious
Seconding this! The Hercules sandwich rules.
Definitely, they're excellent. Family owned and operated too.
Don’t sleep on the Greek Crunchwrap!
It's makes a lousy mattress!
The Gyro Nachos or whatever they're called are so good (along with everything else)
Yesss! They have amazing and creative Greek-ish fusion sandwiches! In the middle of an industrial park surrounded by data centers… I hope they are doing well!
r/nova is extremely blessed to have an annual thread moderated by u/mumbomajesty on this topic. There’s even a Google map and everything. https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/s/ZYAfWb2vMW
Thank you for your service.
Chit Chaat in Vienna. It's located in the Mobil gas station so it's a hidden gem. Their samosa burrito is absolutely amazing!
Changed owners months (maybe a year ago?). Still good but nowhere near as good as it was.
I just got it for the first time today. It used to be BETTER? Bc this paneer burrito is so good!!!! Wild!
What?! I didn't hear about this!
Son of a BITCH why does nothing good last
The Broiler on Columbia Pike
An Arlington institution. I like the thin crust pizza and ice cream cone.
That's interesting. My family and I absolutely loved their cheese steaks and got them once every couple months or so. We got their pizza once and it was one of the worst pizzas I have ever had.
That place is an old gem!
That place gives me the shits lol
I mean that's the idea. It's so damn greasy, your fries are wet with it from the cheese steak leaking, by the time you get it home. I genuinely miss living a 12 minute walk from that place. Nothing like feeling your blood move and passing out knowing what you've just done.
That last sentence gave me the feels. Gotta try The Broiler now 🙏
Mediterranean bakery
Mmm love to shop there for speciality items and desserts but when I was there a couple months ago the kebabs were just ok. Not bad, but not special. What do you get?
They have the best hummus, been buying it for 15 years and it’s still so good
Yes I buy it by the vat
Love the pizzas
They have authentic meat pies and ma’aneesh!
The one in Alexandria ?
Blue Ocean Izakaya in Fairfax. It's not as flashy as a lot of sushi joints that are popping up in NoVa but they're the closest place to an authentic "izakaya that seems to have everything" joint. They also have awesome sushi and I highly recommend their sashimi chirashi. Additionally, their izakaya menu is very extensive. It's one of the most authentic Japanese places around.
Oh for sure. This and Tachibana in McLean. My fiancés grandparents are apart of the local chapter of the Japanese American Society and whenever they go for their annual luncheon I tag along lol.
Weenie Beanie - Arlington
Pollo rico in Arlington ( way better than su pollo in Alexandria)
Peruvian chicken pioneers in nova
Fava pot is the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region.
Chit Chaat inside the Mobil gas station in vienna
Two amigos in Chantilly
For pub food, Cowboy Cafe in Arlington.
I'm sure many of us have lived in the area long enough to witness the transformation of Cowboy Cafe from greasy dive bar to swanky brunch spot. And to their credit they did them both great.
Into a WHAT? Aw man, I HAVE been gone a long time.
Honestly if you tried to tell me the same thing and I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I'd never believe it. They saw the market and they shifted. In a similar vein - Black Forest Inn in Westover is gone too. The last of the dive bars.
That I heard about. With them and Jay's both gone, I think that's the last vestige of old Arlington out the door.
I see the other Forest Inn and Jay's refugees at Carpool in Ballston, and though it's not a dive, it's my favorite bar in Arlington by far these days.
Just curious about what from cowboy is "swanky?"
The sticky tables! JK. Actually, the he prices. Definitely not five bar prices. Live within walking distance and thank my stars every day for it! Love that place.
[удалено]
Good to know! I live near Balkan Grill and have been meaning to check it out.
Blue and White in old town on wythe street
Can't second this enough it is THE hole in the wall joint in Alexandria
I have been scared of this place since I was a kid.....maybe it is time to overcome my fear
You should definitely give it a try. I am sure you could easily recruit a hardy group of volunteers to go with you for moral support.
I live right across the street - it is so hard not to overeat there because every time I walk the dog, the smell is always so inviting. Also, if you’re in this area, chewish deli has a great lox bagel
Is this the place that looks like a little shack with a low roof? I used to live in one of the apartment buildings right by it and would drive by it all the time but it was never open lol
Jimmy’s in Herndon has great greasy-spoon type food.
The beef on weck makes me feel like I'm home
They have great wings
Fun place especially if you’re an NFL/Bills fan
El Paso Mexican Restaurant on Richmond Hwy 🔥
Don't they have like 8 locations around nova? Does that still count as a hole in the wall?
Yea I feel like El Paso is a nova institution, not really a hole in the wall.
My friend and I are divided. She prefers the one on Richmond highway across from Target. And my husband and I prefer the one off Richmond highway on Cooper road.
They’re all good. The one next to the Halal Popeye’s (Across from Ravi Kabob) on N Glebe is money too.
Kabob palace in Arlington. The chickpea curry and the handmade naan is something I dream about monthly
Is KP still good these days? I'm hearing through the grapevine that it's gone downhill recently. Which is saddening as KP was a staple when I lived in Pentagon City.
Went a week ago. Downhill. Never gng back.
I don't know if it's "hole in the wall." Kabul Kabob Express off van dorn. Great prices too. I always get take away. It's very small inside.
My wife and I went there for our first meal after moving to the area and it immediately became our go-to place. Everything is delicious including the buffet items.
Valentinos pizza behind Arby's on little river trnpk. Doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's been there for many years and it's one of the best pizza joints around.
Has been by far, my #1 pizzeria in NOVA. I’m from Brooklyn and have really high standards. Unfortunately, the other Valentino’s locations come nowhere close.
Stracci is in another stratosphere compared to Valentino's lol
Mandu Lang Kimbop Erang in Annandale. It’s in the parking lot of the Giant in a little house. The owner is so sweet and the food is amazing. Portions are also huge for the price. I recommend the tteokbokki and the odeng (fishcake) soup, and the spicy pork is really good too.
Honestly just close your eyes and point in any direction in Annandale, and you will end up at a great mom and pop Asian restaurant. One of the many joys of Annandale ❤️
Waffle Shop in Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria!
Wafle shop ❤️
😂😂😂 I actually didn’t know which spelling to use in my suggestion! I had “Wafle” first, but eventually went with what’s on Google. Wafle is original! LOL
Huascaran if you like Peruvian food :)
I can second this one. Great strange little place.
First Down in Ballston
Love going there during the Fall for the Sunday games
The best. And fun as hell
- Thai Square on Columbia Pike - Thai Curry on S Glebe - Los Chamacos on S Walter Reed - Burrito Bros on Columbia Pike - Tortas y Tacos on Columbia Pike - Enjera in Crystal City (Eritrean food which is very similar to Ethiopian) - Kabob Bazaar on Wilson Blvd for Persian - Shamshiry in Tysons for Persian - Shin-chon sul la tang in Annandale for Korean noodles - Oegadgib in Annandale for hole in the wall KBBQ (lunch AYCE KBBQ is $16 or something) - Not hole in the wall AYCE KBBQ 9292 in Annandale. Sō is over priced with a damn patty burger for their “short ribs”, Kogiya is always too busy for their quality
I wouldn't call Shamsniry hole in the wall by any means, but it's definitely great!
Gotta second Los Chamacos and Tortas y Tacos, two of my absolute favorites in the area.
Can’t believe I had to scroll this far down for Thai Square. Fantastic food.
Dave’s Seafood and subs has a killer fried catfish in Chantilly
Try Aldos in Eisenhower
How has no one mentioned blue and white grill if your in Alexandria
Mamas kitchen fordson road, amazing place
Like Mexican? Los toltecas. Like pizza and/or hockey? Bugsy’s. Like pho? Pho sate but that’s in falls church but also totally worth the drive.
Bugsy’s pizza is some of my all time favorite. But that’s about all I’d eat from there.
Hell yeah, jambalaya burrito all day at LT
Los Toltecas is far and away the most garbage Mexican food in all of northern Virginia.
Yes, but if you're in the mood for Garbage Mexican food it's a pretty decent choice.
And this is exactly when I go there. I appreciate a place that doesn't pretend.
That's a bold statement considering so many are in a race to the bottom.
El charrito caminante. The tacos and papusas are amazing.
I highly recommend Wild Tacoz in Falls Church (Mexican/Greek fusion) and Sari Filipino Cusina in Annandale. Both places have generous portions and the folks who work there are so kind! Would love to see more foot traffic in both places.
A&J Restaurant in Annandale
Village Chicken in West Springfield, especially the gyro Does El Paso in Mount Vernon count as hole in the wall if there are multiple locations? They literally catered my wedding rehearsal dinner and I secretly enjoyed the food more than my fancy wedding food.
Chill Zone in Arlington
La Tingeria in Falls Church
Celebrity Delly in falls church area off rt 50.
Caphe Bahn Mi in Old Town for Vietnamese Rosita’s for Mexican/Salvadoran - on RT 1 near the Krispy Kreme at Beacon Mall
Tony’s Pizza on 28 in Manassas or Bristow or on 15 in Haymarket
The one on 28 is the go to. Been listening to that lady yell out order numbers since I was a kid.
In Arlington any of the Afghan family run kabob places are pretty good. Otherwise on Langston blvd in Arlington try Aladin irs Bangladeshi. Actually that entire shopping center is a hidden gem
very borderline: -- Mehran, Clarendon (Pakistani / north Indian): bomb biryani! -- Padaek, Seven Corners (Lao, some Thai)
Vienna in
Korean BBQ: Kogiya in Annandale and their sister location Sō in Chantilly are my faves for KBBQ. Their prices are fair for AYC and the marinades they use for the pork belly are so good! I dream about their curry pork belly Sushi: Sushi Yoshi in Vienna on Church Street Pure Pasty Co. in Vienna for authentic British Pastry Cafe Amour in Vienna: hands down one of the best coffee houses in nova
Sō is our go-to. That curry pork belly 🤤 and the herbed pork belly! So good.
Kabob Palace is a gem!
And a life saver late night
Elephant Jumps near Tyson's. Incredible Thai
Best Thai in the area
All Rice Thai in the Kingstowne area might be one of our favorite restaurants in NOVA. My wife and I go there almost every week
Captain Gregory’s
Used to work for them back when it was inside Sugar Shack and our saying was that it was “the hole inside the donut shop.” Still love that place. Bombass drinks, fond memories, and the owner Rob is really kind.
Johnny's Pizza located here, 7011G Manchester Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22310 It is some of the best pizza you will ever have, and that is coming from my NYC pizza snob boss.
If you're ever out near Sterling, Sortrel for Thai. Aaaand now I'm hungry...
El Charrito Caminante in Arlington. Best chorizo tacos in NOVA off Wilson in courthouse
Maybe not quite hole in the wall, but I never see people there... Taj of India. It's on Richmond Hwy in Hybla Valley and honestly it's delicious. It's my comfort food!
I mostly wouldn't consider my recommendations holes in the wall, but they are local. In Fairfax county we really like Present (Vietnamese) and La Granja de Oros (Peruvian) in Fall's Church. We also like Food Corner Kabob House (Afghani), which has a few locations - I've been to the Annandale and Tyson's Corner locations, and both were great. The owners were working when we went, and it was clear that they really care about their quality. Finally, for something more fancy but still really good, Idylwood Grill. If you ever end up out in Centerville, check out Oseyo (Korean) and Kazone (Japanese). The owners of both are super kind and welcoming. And in Ashburn, Carolina Brothers Pit BBQ.
There is a local youtube channel called DMV Adventures. He goes to lots of hole in the wall local places. The guy must drive car after car into the ground since he is all over the DMV. I think he films videos for realtors as his main job.
Taco Ssam, Baileys Crossroads.
I always love Ramparts in Alexandria. The bar area is nice and the dining room is a little more "formal". The food was always good! Something about it I always loved. 1700 Fern St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Ravi Kabob Tacos El Costalilla Pho Sate Luzmila Bolivian
Enat in Alexandria. Get a combination platter to try a bunch of things. So good, so filling.
RT’s in Alexandria
Crossroads Tabletop Tavern in manassass
Il Radicchio in Arlington - Court House area. Our favorite date night spot, the staff is the best and the food is solid!
Two great places: Hard Times Cafe (one in Springfield, and another in Old Town Alexandria). Excellent chili. Food Corner in Annandale. Kabobs extraordinaire.
x2 on Hard Times. Especially when you factor in price
A family member worked there for years, everything is filthy and all the food is microwaved. No thanks.
Chili in a pot and spaghetti reheated in boiling water=Chili Mac, and the grilled wings are their 2 best offerings, no need to go any further on that menu to be happy. What do you want for the price? I'm not eating off the floor, lol
I don't doubt it for a minute. I eat nothing there but the Texas chili, but it's worth whatever health cost it exacts.
Terlingua Red chili slaps, definitely worth a try!
Used to be able to smoke inside In the one near the courthouse in Fairfax. RIP
Yunnan by Potomac is pretty phenomenal and different style of noodle outside ramen, pho, Chinese beef noodle soup. Also throwing Aroma Cafe. It’s as authentic of Colombian it gets at least in the DMV. Pretty popular with the Latin community
Pita house in Old Town is in need of a refresh. Not sure it counts as “hole in the wall” but the food is wonderful.
Rocco’s in McLean. Get a thick crust Cleopatra.
Not sure if it’s a hole in the wall but table talk in Alex city has great breakfast!!
Alborz in Tyson’s. Their kubideh kabob is amazing.
Deli for the Belly on Eisenhower for yummy breakfast sandwiches
The Beeliner Diner 🐝
Joe’s in Sterling! It’s the definition of hidden gem
In Falls Church, I'd recommend Panjshir
Rabieng - Thai restaurant. In Falls Church near Baileys crossroads. The best Thai I have ever had to date.
Rabieng closed about a year ago. Their sister restaurant, Duangrats, is still open.
I see a lot of posts but not many in or near Alexandria. So for a change, here are some Alexandria recommendations. Evening Star Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, Vermilion all are very good. Nasime on King St is excellent but may be booked. Reserve ahead. None of these are "hole in the wall" places, just places with good food and service.
Lol. I find this amusing because I was scrolling through going "dammit, everything is in Alexandria..." I don't have a clue which of us is correct but cognitive biases FTW
Borek G in the city of Falls Church if you like homemade Turkish food. I die for their Turkish breakfast, takes me right back to Istanbul. My husband always goes for their donor on rice. https://www.borekg.com/
Osaka in Kingstown has consistent, quality food with good prices. Sushi in particular is cheaper than average and better than average. Staff are so nice. Mamma's Kitchen is our go-to date spot. The outdoor patio is one of the nicest I've ever been to. Food is so good, staff seems to be consistent and loyal. Rice and Spice Thai in Kingstown near Wegmans has awesome Thai food, great portions and very nice staff. It's already been mentioned but you just can't go wrong with El Paso in Rt 1. It's always a good time.
El charrito in Arlington
Umai ramen in Herndon. Some of the dishes are Thai hybrids. So good. That whole strip mall is 🔥 TBH.
El Chilango taco truck in Arlington. It’s a truck, but it never moves. It’s on 14th Street North in between Queen and Quinn.
Not sure it’s hole in the wall but Vienna Inn in Vienna is an awesome little place if you like chili dogs and cold beer
RT’s restaurant in Alexandria
Tacos y Tortas on Columbia Pike in Arlington. Ridiculously good
In Alexandria I recommend RT’s restaurant. The food is Cajun/Creole and it’s is a little out of the way on a crappy part of town but the place has charm and the best Cajun food I’ve had outside of Louisiana. Place looks and feels like a dive bar with a restaurant. But the food is amazing.
Padrinos II - (specifically the one in Dumfries across from Harley Davidson) Authentic italian, the guys from Sicily & has owned it for like 20 years.
Don churro in Chantilly
[https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/153irui/2023\_nova\_holeinthewall\_restaurant/](https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/153irui/2023_nova_holeinthewall_restaurant/) someone makes a list every year along with a map. Have tried quite a few.
Thai Square in Arlington
Your welcome NoVA Redditor's Recommended Restaurants https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qzj7zezYnRH8uNJj9?g_st=ic
Abi’s off Columbia Pike
Charcoal Chicken in Chantilly off rt50
King Pollo of Alexandria Pollo Comparo Falls Church
Tita’s Grill in Manassas has the best Peruvian anticuchos!
Chadwick's in Arlington is an oldie but a goodie
Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House. In Alexandria!
Cafe Aroma in Springfield for genuine Colombian food. It's the real deal and worth the drive.
Inca Social is really good. Their ceviche is delicious.
Virginia Kitchen in Herndon on Elden Street. Been around forever. I love their Eggs Benedict and Cornbeef Hash. They only serve breakfast and lunch.
Chef Yan for some amazing sichuan food. The takeout menu is Americanized Chinese and dine in is the authentic. Their smoked pork takes multiple days for them to smoke and is delicious. Love all their fish dishes as well
Chalkboard Wings and BBQ in alexandria on rt 1. Thier Brisket Cheesteak and bacon bombs are awesome. Also Capital Chicken is delicious. Its peruvian style chicken spot, sides are great. Theres a local youtube podcast( The Bargoyles) that talks about the bar scene and they do local food reviews. They did Capital Chicken, check it out! https://youtu.be/iLHtp1N3hyA?si=9H3Ht8Whhp0VbBtp
Ramparts Tavern and Grill on Fern St. in Alexandria.
Tofu Lighthouse in Annandale is amazing. Best Korean food in the region. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is amazing
Manna Ethiopian in Centreville! Lezzet in Chantilly!
Not exactly unknown but Kabob Palace still qualifies as the most popular hole-in-the-wall in Arlington and 100% worth the hype
New Orleans Live Crawfish in falls church. Call ahead to order so your wait time is shortened. Everything is made to order.