T.H.A.I In Shirlington

4029 28th St S
Arlington, VA 22206

Laura V. writes: T.H.A.I. Shirlington,

How is it possible that I've walked past you so many times, yet never partook of your lovely atmosphere, wonderful service, and outstanding food?  That is my bad and I promise it will never happen again.

Seriously, how could I…

The Velvet Lounge
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor

915 U St NW
Washington, DC 20001

Courtney R. writes: As an ex-DJ, I think I must be shunning night-spot reviews due to my long and painful recovery from severing my alter-ego.

So a good place to start would be rock bars. Here's my second (Rock 'n' Roll, check).

Velvet Lounge has housed me many nights, as…

Exploraworld

6570 Dobbin Rd
Columbia, MD 21045

Tracie P. writes: We always play here when we visit Grandma.  Its kind of like a kids discovery center.  Its now called PlaywiseKids and the website is http://www.exploraworl....

Roots Market

5805 Clarksville Sq Dr
Clarksville, MD 21029

John S. writes: Root has great selections of organic and natural foods and products. The fresh fruit and veggies tend to be a bit pricey than Fresh Fields/Whole Foods, but very good selection.

Columbia Mall Inc

The Mall
Columbia, MD 21044

Aaron R. writes: I want to give this mall a five star rating, because as far as malls go, it is very well put together, the parking is ample, and the stores and restaurants are a pretty good variety.  

Why won't I give it a five?  The same reason I should give it a…

Poste Moderne Brasserie
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter

555 8th Street, NW
Inside Hotel Monaco
Washington, DC 20001

Carla C. writes: My new favorite BRUNCH destination.  Ok Ok, maybe I'm biased, I LOVE Doughnuts, and as soon as I read "House Made Chocolate Ganache Doughnuts" I was ready to move into a cabinet in the kitchen and stuff my face with them for the rest of my life.…

San Marco
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

2305 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Lun-na L. writes: I absolutely loved this place when I lived in DC. I came here often with my ex who was obsessed with all things Italian. Their portions are large and the food is great. I particularly love their calamari appetizer. The owner was always incredibly…

District Chophouse & Brewery
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter

509 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20004

Stef W. writes: Chophouse Memories:

1998: The Chophouse opened in DC.  My very talented boyfriend at the time worked there as the head sous chef.  Back then, it was tough to imagine how much development would take place in Gallery Place/Chinatown!

My favorite items on…

Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurant

3052 Gate House Plz
Falls Church, VA 22042

Christine C. writes: I love this restaurant! The chip servings are seemingly never-ending, since the staff efficiently makes sure that refills are in order. The salsa is also really delectable. Although I'm not usually one to order large portions, the cheese and onion…

Churreria Madrid
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

2505 Champlain St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Tom W. writes: A traditional Spanish bar and restaurant, serving basic but good fare.  This place is Spanish food before Spanish food in America became synonymous with tapas bars and tapas became short-hand for all small dishes.  We came here on Sunday night after…

Grevey's Restaurant & Sports Bar

8130 Arlington Blvd
Falls Church, VA 22042

Andrea U. writes: Grevey's has great nachos, solid wings, an awesome brownie sundae, and booths with individual flat screen TVs.  They also have an all you can eat Sunday brunch with all the trimmings that's a screaming deal at under 20 bucks.

Stay far away from their…

Centro Italian Grill

4838 Bethesda Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814

Tu-Van L. writes: Nice little Italian restaurant in the heart of it all in Bethesda.  The wait staff was very attentive and their food was excellent.  The portions are on the small side (even smaller if you get their tastings menu), but each bite brought you to the…

The Boulevard Woodgrill

2901 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

Diana K. writes: I've eaten at Boulevard Wood Grill quite a few times, for both brunch and dinner.  It's always been good.  It's an easy walk from my house and the outdoor seating area is really nice.  It's also good for a big group because just about everyone will…

Tara Thai

7501 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043

PC W. writes: Great  lunch prices!  I haven't been here in a long time but the honey-roasted duck tastes as good as it did years ago.  The duck sits on a bed of crispy noodles and has sweet soy sauce drizzled all over.  You can also spice it up with the spicy…

Stella's Restaurant

1725 Duke St Ste 500
Alexandria, VA 22314

alexis g. writes: Stella's is right off the King Street metro in Alexandria. I was there for a school-related event, so we had one whole side of the restaurant blocked off for our group and there was a buffet of various items. I must say that the chicken satay was…

Davelle for Men

11904 Market St
Reston, VA 20190

Steve C. writes: There are very few specialty mens stores in the DC suburbs.  This is the best one near where I live and work.  They have a limited but quality selection of shirts, suits, and accessories.  Their occasional promotions and sales can be very good price…

Asahi Japanese Restaurant

13919 Baltimore Ave Ste 4
Laurel, MD 20707

Su K. writes: Being a dad has its pros and cons. Teaching my daughter new lessons (see new profile pic), how any stresses from my workday melt away when I get home and see her smile, watching her grow and develop, and seeing such innocent joy are some of the pros.…

Relaxing Alternatives Wellness Center

12619-K Wisteria Dr
Germantown, MD 20874

Tiffany B. writes: Wow...So I was out of town visiting family and friends in the DC Metro area for the first time in over three years.  I promised I would not go back in the dead of winter...but it was now or who knows when!  Anyway, after a cross-country flight…

Cafe Luna
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1633 P St NW
Washington, DC 20036

Larry G. writes: I love this place!  This is where I come when I'm in the mood for pasta.  Not California Pizza Kitchen!

Cafe Luna is a cute little pasta/pizza/sandwich place.  I dunno if I'll call it an Italian place.  You have to keep your eyes peeled for it because…

Taipei Tokyo Cafe 1

11510 Rockville Pike Ste A
Rockville, MD 20852

Wayne C. writes: Taipei Tokyo is situated in a corner, beneath Kinko's. It's manned by staff who only understand the language of fingers pointing at the menu. Their idea of presentable is wiping the table clean with the same cloth that also used to dry the plates,…

Anadolla Mediterranean Restaurant and Bakery

650 S Pickett St
Alexandria, VA 22304

Joel S. writes: UPDATE 11-2007 -  - sadly Anadolla has closed, I believe its an El Salvadorian place now, first experience was not so great, but it was their first week and I ordered off the Anadolla menu.  Going to have to try again

One would never expect this type…

Fuddruckers

6486 Dobbin Center Way
Columbia, MD 21045

Mark S. writes: While the service at this Fudd's has gone downhill just a little, the food is still good and the kids love it.

I'm a big fan of the Works burger, which is cheese, bacon and 'shrooms on top of the burger (add banana peppers, lettuce, hot cheese and…

Grace's Fortune Restaurant

15500 Annapolis Rd
Ste 115
Bowie, MD 20715

Sotereas P. writes: I drive from Annaplis to Bowie to eat Chinese/ Asian food here.  

This place is the best and when eating there keep an eye out for a number of Local Celebrities.  

They use real pasta in dishes so when you eat Orange Chicken it is actually chicken in…

Linda's Nail Boutique & Skin Care

Leigh Corner Center
10132A Colvin Run Rd
Great Falls, VA 22066

Lynn S. writes: Linda gathers the nicest people as clients because she is so pleasant to work with.  The staff are known for their excellent work on all kinds of artificial as well as natural nails.  Recently, she moved from Herndon to Great Falls, (just off Route…

Express Printing & Graphics Inc

7004 Little River Tpke Ste B
Annandale, VA 22003

Ossama A. writes: Best print shop out there.

Ayoub Carpet Service

6840 Fairfax Dr
Arlington, VA 22213

Lynn S. writes: Not inexpensive, but pleasant to deal with, excellent for Oriental Rugs

Mary Hunt, nutritionist

Offices of Dr. Cecilia Young
Fairfax., VA 22037

Lynn S. writes: Excellent outcomes.  She has a pleasant, caring personality. I took a yoga class with her and then personally saw how she was able to help an overweight friend reclaim her life...her work recommends her.

Radloff & Schmitz, PLLC

Great Falls, VA 22066

Lynn S. writes: An accounting firm started by the father and now run by the daughter.  This is personalized service at its best, where clients keep coming back year after year.  Erica is competent and professional.

Appalachian Spring

Reston Town Ctr
Reston, VA 20190

Gayle G. writes: Agree with Lynn S. on the sticker shock associated with some of the items here...yikes! I guess it is par for the course since this store is right next to the Hyatt and in Reston Town Center.

However,  it is tough to find unique and pretty incredible…

Three Cees

10701A Leesburg Pike
Herndon, VA 20170

David W. writes: I have been quite pleased with Three Cees. They do a good job on your car's wheels which is not the case with many car washes. Consider buying a prepaid card since you can save up to 20%. However you need to avoid the associated oil change shop since…

Mayflowers

11700 Plaza America Dr
Reston, VA 20190

Lynn S. writes: Beautiful and artistic florist, but pricey!  They specialize in corporate accounts and weddings. The shop uses as many unique flowers as they can and position many in naturalistic baskets.  Their work makes a perfect gift for the nature lover, anyone…

Meze
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan

2437 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Gayle G. writes: Moment of silence for Mo Bay Cafe which used to be in this same building. And....I'm OK now.

Meze serves middle eastern tapas. Like spanish tapas, Meze's menu has hot and cold offerings. There are about 30 meze/tapa options -- I  suggest selecting…

Sequoia

3000 K St., NW
Washington, DC 20007

Victor M. writes: Now I want to start this off by saying I worked here as a bartender for years so I understand the back of the house and front of the house differences. I will go through a bit of info that people may not know and then give you some practical advice…

Cafe Japone
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

2032 P St NW
Washington, DC 20036

jenn h. writes: Clear throat.
*Eyes closed*
Blasting back in time, belting it out WITH FEELING:

Lately I have had the strangest feeling,
With no vivid reason here to find.
Yet the thought of losing you's been hanging,
Round my mi---nd...

Far more frequently…

Beyond Comics

701 Russell Ave Ste D210
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

Mark B. writes: Well-stocked shop, friendly service. Good on recommendations for new books, if you ask (they don't often volunteer). Discount if you sign up for a subscription folder.

Buffalo Billiards
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1330 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20050

Laura T. writes: Things beginning with "B" that apply to Buffalo Billiards:

1. Beer;
2. Billiards;
3. Bouncers peering suspiciously at you like you have a baby finger poking out of your mouth;
4. Bizarrely-dressed girls;
5. Brahs;
6. Brahs with aforementioned…

Home Improvement Professionals, Inc.

4830 S. 8th Road
Arlington, VA 22204

cindy s. writes: Outstanding service and excellent quality work -- this small family-owned and operated company can do it all for much less than the big guys.  Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, call them for all your home improvement needs - electric, plumbing,…

Zorba's Cafe
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1612 20th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Nish N. writes: I'm not sure what everyone's talking about here, I was really quite impressed with my gyro. The pita bread was buttery and warm, the tahini a perfect complement to the lamb, I suppose if they had more hot sauce I would have been in gyrvana.

I found…

Baccus

Washington, DC 20050

Dina H. writes: The most incredible Middle Eastern food I have had outside of Lebanon.