Lunch in Kingstowne/Springfield?

[chowser]

I meet my husband for lunch near Kingstown/Springfield Mall area often. Any suggestions for non-chain places? We've been to Pasaro too many time to count, especially for how hit or miss it can be. House of Dynasty is good but too heavy for lunch. It seems like near Trader Joe's there are quite a few little restaurants. Anyone try any? Thanks!

[Custis]

I would reccommend ZPizza, I think it is a chain, but it is a good one. They were voted best pizza by the Washingtoian Magazine. I have to say since I found them, I don't go anywhere else. They do have it by the slice, but that is sometimes hit or miss--do ask them to heat it unless it looks fresh.

Today I went to the food court in the mall. Mostly jusk but there are a few that I like. In particular, well, I am not sure I know its name! It is a fast Thai place, maybe something like Mynmar. They have a green curry that is pretty good. For some reason, I really like food courts

[Custis]

I live nearby and have found a number of very good places to eat. I think someone mentioned the Thai place Rice and Noodles (the correct name), it is very good, agree with the great owners comment. However, I do disagree about Burrito Joint, I have always enjoyed their burritos and homade salsa.

Just across the street, go past Franconia Pizza without stopping to the far corner to find the Mediterranian Cafe (or is it Grocery?). Anyway, they have great daily specials as well as nice pita sandwiches--I usually order the Chicken Shawarma. This place is owned by a Lebenease family. I don't know much about it, but would assume the food leans that way.

Back towards the mall, next to Home Depot, try ZPizza for the best pizza in the area. Specials include 2 slices and a drink for @$5. Their salads are wonderful, no iceburg lettuce. Also an interesting Latin chicken sandwich.

I rarely cross 95, but down backlick (inside the Beltway), their is a new International Grocery going in. There are a few small ethnic grocerys there. There is also a Vietnamese place, something lile the Ba Min Deli (I haven't been in a good while,) but they had interesting sandwiches.

Also, next to Red Hot and Blue on Beulah, is a good Indian buffet and also what I think is the best sushi in the area, Matsui.

Oh yeah, one last thing. The Safeway in Kingstown makes great sandwiches at lunchtime. Very good, overstuffed, gormet ones. 6 inches is more than enough.

[chowser]

Thanks--that's a great list to start with. There were places I've wondered about, like that ZPizza. It looks so chain-like that I haven't tried it. I've been looking for a good Indian place, too, nearby w/out having to drive out to Bombay Bistro and sushi.

[NoVaDog]

The Lebanese place is the Mediterranean Gourmet Market 6122 Franconia, it is in the strip mall with the Sampan Cafe, last business way in the back. They have an open fire oven where you can get freshly baked zaatar and ground lamb topped bread. Limited menu, just a few tables, but good to know about. The place is primarily a market.

Matsui is good, I like the chirashi bowl there, excellent value. In that same strip mall is a Greek place which has hearty gyro platters and the like.

For pho, Pho Cong Ly on Backlick Road is the one.

[chowser]

we just got a flyer for that place and I wanted to try it out. I think first on my list is the sushi place. We don't have it often because we haven't found a place we like. I like Pho Cong Ly, but didn't remember the name. I like pho in colder weather, like today, it would great. Thanks!

[Lonewolfcub]

You mentioned House of Dynasty as being too heavy. Another option for Chinese fare is Canton Cafe, next to Trader Joes in the Springfield Plaza. I've had some good dishes there and their roast pork has been good in the past. I do believe they serve soups too, so that might be better if you are looking for 'lighter' food for lunch.

[chowser]

Funny you'd mention that. We used to go there all the time because my husband's uncle owned it (nothing like free food). He sold it and moved on to a place near Rose Hill (he's gone for the americanized chinese food crowd for the most part). Bad blood with the two owners so we can't go there anymore. I really liked the jook they have there.

[davefaris]

Have you tried King Street Blues? It's a chain, but a local one. And while it's not haute cuisine, the food is pretty good.

[chowser]

Yes, that and Red, Hot and Blue. They're pretty good for a quick bite, too. I haven't been to King Street Blues in a while. Thanks for reminding me.

[MLP]

Yes, lots of choices at Delia's but I kind of think of Delia's as a greek diner with a peruvian twist. I grew up in New Jersey so it kind of reminds me of home. Good luck -- please post anything new that you find.

[MLP]

I've been working near the Springfield mall for the past 6 months and have to agree that there really isn't much but I have found some "chowhound" places I keep returning to:

Kate's Irish (in the shopping center across from Mike's) serves decent food at incredible prices. I like the irish stew but not fond of their corned beef.

Delia's on Backlick (near the Jiffy Lube) the gyro greek salad is something to go back for, and most of their sandwich's are great, my fiancee loves the pizza and the dolmades entree.Also they have a very good Peruvian chicken that is served with two sides.

El Paso - not bad, but not great either. the service is friendly.

on the other side of the mall - I enjoy a Thai Place called Rice & Spice on Franconia (next to the Burrito Joynt - which I do not recommend). The owners of the Thai restaurant are really nice. The Asian Roll is great, fresh basil, fresh mint and plump shrimp. The rest of the dishes are above standard and they can make it very spicy if you ask.

[chowser]

Thanks for the recommendations! I'll give that Thai place a try. I've wondered about Kate's Irish, too, and will have to check that out, too. Delia's confused me w/ the two restaurants in one. I have problems in places where the menu is like a novel!

[Dennis S]

Really? I only barely know that area, but I find myself with whiplash as I drive through after seeing all the nice potentials.

For one, one of the original 5 Guys is down there.

Two, there's a little mall just south of the VW dealership, all the signs in the mall are in black and yellow. There's a very good Thai place back in the SW corner, a vietnamese place and some other interesting looking places throughout the mall.

There's a couple of good looking holes in the wall sort of across from the VW dealership and a tad north, and in the mall on Old Keene Mill are a few places I know have piqued my interest.

Sorry that I don't know more specifics, but it seems like you can have a few weeks of chow hunting to report to us all about.

[chowser]

I'm up for the challenge.:-) I've tried some places on Backlick that weren't as good as the reviews I've seen in the paper. The ones behind the mall are what catch my eye. We'll start trying them out. My husband likes 5 guys, didn't know it was the one of the originals. I try to look for healthier options for lunch. Thanks!

[Dennis S]

On the Five Guys - it was one that existed well before they started franchising anyway, as to where in the order of existence it is, I'm not sure.

[DC Gal]

i'd agree with Mike's - I've not been for lunch, but their dinner is fantastic. Also, for quick and cheap mexican, the El Paso is good. It is there near Mike's on Commerce Street.

[chowser]

Mike's is about the same for lunch but it's good. I'll have to check out El Paso. I did try a Peruvian place behind Trader Joe's. Sit down was okay but they seemed to do a huge take out business.

[AlliantK]

I'm sorry you haven't gotten any replies...but I think it's because there really isn't much to choose from in that area. I lived in Kingstowne for a year and then moved back to Arlington partially because of the lack of good restaurants and activities in this area...also because it wasn't very safe.

I did, however, really like Pasara and it was right across the street from where I lived. Over near the Trader Joe's is Mike's American Grill (one of the Great American Restaurants...e.g. Sweet Water, Coastal Flats...etc.) Mike's has good, consistent food like the other G.A.R. chains. There is also a Five Guys over there for quick burgers and fries...not a nice joint but good (at least I think they're good).

The Kingstowne/Springfield area has potential but unfortunately there isn't much there right now. Good Luck!

[chowser]

Thanks for responding. That's what we're finding, too, that there aren't many choices. I like Mike's but I find I always get the same thing at all the Great American restaurants. Maybe I'll just start trying out all these little restaurants that are out near Springfield. I'll report back if I find anything good.