Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in DC/Baltimore and Suburban Virginia
Start New ThreadHi all--need some non-corporate/non-chain seafood restaurant suggestions in the Northern VA area. I know tons of places in MD, but am unfamiliar with VA. Preferably not too expensive or swanky. Maybe something reminiscent of Cantler's or G&M.
Thanks!
By debit
on Mar 16, 2005 12:57 PM
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The Fish Market in Old Town Alexandria is good, although crowded and hard to park at (but those are true for all of Old Town). It's just across the street from the Torpedo Factory art center. I generally don't like Old Town (too "aren't we just the most adorable neighborhood?"), but I will go there for this place every once in awhile.
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Try Vermilion at 1120 King St. They have some of the best fish dishes in the area. They run fish specials almost every night. Oh, get the mussels.
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The Fish Market is at the absolute least accessible point in Old Town--end of King Street. Agree parking is near impossible, that is why I would suggest something with ample parking on the outskirts, Blue Point Grill, attached to the Balduccis. Top notch seafood. Come in off of St. Asaph and take advantage of their covered parking. Williams Sonoma is across the street for browsing post-meal and you can walk thru Balducci's on your way back and pick up some Lewes Cream ("this is not a guarantee").
And if you want to nurture your hatred for Old Towners, you need to pay a visit to the half dozen or so "dog treat" boutiques, temples of modesty and humility... Good values, too!!
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Actually, there are two large, public parking garages on Union Street and within a block north, and a block south of The Fish Market. Additionally, there are often metered parking spaces available on the Strand. Also, I would hardly call the intersection of King Street and Union Street inaccessable. It is THE crossroads of the east end of Old Town. That said, none of this is to imply that the Blue Point Grill is other than excellent.
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A curious wrinkle in human nature, how one can fork out a C note on a meal, but refuse to pay $4 for parking. But, maybe it's just me...
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"It's not the money, it's the principle of the thing....."
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Well, there you have it. I guess it's not about the food after all.
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Check out "Hooked" in Cascades. It was ranked as the 4th out of 10 best sea food restaurants in the D.C. area.
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My husband and I liked it first time we went, but were not as impressed with takeout and second trip. The restaurant is very small and dominated by a large sushi bar, where you will be seated even if you want entrees from the menu. Reservations do not guarantee a table.
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I'm blocking on the name right now, but the one in the back parking lot behind Arrowine in N. Arlington. More of a market, but you can eat at one of the few tables there.
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America Seafood, pretty good platters/sandwiches. Nice outdoor tables on the cooler days. I think they were named as being one of the cleanest seafood places in the DC metro area by Channel 4 News a couple years ago.
Not sure how to make the link work so I will do it both below and in the Beta...
http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/re...
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Most definately go to Hooked! It's unlike any other seafood restaurant in the area. The atmosphere has a loungey/mod vibe. Best sushi I have out here by far!!! It's in Sterling www.hookedonseafood.com
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Since this is generally an older thread that is resurrected, PassionFish in Reston needs to be added.
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I agree - PassionFish is awesome! Went there for brunch on Easter. Amazing!
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one of the best fish dishes I have ever had in the area was at Majestic in Old Town Alexandria. The salmon is always joined by the best seasonal vegetables and even some lardons now and again. Hit it up!
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I will have to say that El Manantial has a great Salmon dish. Broiled to perfection. Also Reston - Tall Oaks Center.
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Tall Oak's Restaurant
1541 Colony Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
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After living here for 15 years, I don't think there is good inexpensive seafood in NOVA. I went to Maine, the Keys, the Outer Banks, great seafood, decent prices.
Here? America Seafood? Crisfield? Quarterdeck? M&S? Charthouse? Phillips! Abysmal.
It is sad when Bonefish is the best you can do when you are this close to the Chesapeake Bay.
Why is it that you can't get decent, not good mind you, just decent, seafood or barbecue within 40 miles of DC?
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