Best family-friendly, chow-worthy RIGHT off I-66?

[sweetpotater]

We drive about every other weekend from downtown DC to western Virginia and back. While we don't have to eat out along the way, it's nice to have that option if if we know about some truly terrific restaurants. They must be within a mile or two max from the highway (returning from a weekend away, we don't want too much driving hassle) and appropriate for a 1-year-old. Thanks!

[chowser]

Seoul House in Chantilly:

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=seoul+house,+chantilly&fb=1&gl=us&hq=seoul+house,&hnear=chantilly&cid=10593992855285860331

Coastal Flats in Fairfax Government Center:

http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/CoastalFairfax/general_info.php

J's Gourmet in Front Royal:

http://www.jsgourmet.com/

[menmom1]

Old Salem Cafe in Marshall, VA off I-66W is great. The owners also own the Frost Diner in Warrenton, VA, Frost Cafe in Culpeper, VA, and Blue Ridge Seafood in Gainesville, VA.

Great food and a great Sunday Brunch Buffet from 10 am to 2 pm. Country breakfasts and great food.

Good luck.

[Dennis S]

Love Frost Diner.

[Dennis S]

Hi-Neighbor in Strasburg. You'll know why when you see it.

[sweetpotater]

Funny you should mention that. Strasburg is where we spend the weekends, and while we used to go to Hi Neighbor on occasion, it's gone downhill. (Though it didn't start to steep to begin with.) I really want to like it, but after giving it a thousand chances, we've given up.

[Dennis S]

Really? Any specifics? Thinking about it I haven't been since September of 08 or so, but it was the real deal home-made meal. Took me back to my Grandma's cooking.

Other options for you aren't as stellar (in my mind) include a Foster's Grill outpost in Haymarket, and sort of across the street, just a tad further, a Mexican place that is good and solid (not a destination place but if I lived or worked in Haymarket I'd go there at least once a month). Unfortunately the seafood place akin to Foster's closed - another American place opened up in it's place but I've heard it's nothing special.

Mexican place is I think: El Vaquero West.
14910 Washington Street
Haymarket, VA 20169

[Steve]

In Centreville, Soo Wan Galbi has really temendous galbi (what else?). Order the one that says Jumbo Galbi. This does not necessarily refer to portion size.

Thanks to Polly G for mentioning this to me.

Eden Center is only about a mile off 66 at Exit 69. My favorite places there include Nha Trang and Bay Lo. You could do a search for my recs. Bay Lo is the more adventurous of the two.