Moving to downtown Silver Spring - a summary, please

[joshdacane]

All - I'm moving back across the river from Virginia to MD for the first time in five years, this time into the downtown Silver Spring area. I searched and couldn't find a "comprehensive" post for the area - I apologize if it exists, and if you want to gladly point me there, I'd be happy to read it.

Otherwise, I'm just looking for an idea on what all of the options are. I know there are some chains in the area - so I know I can get decent, but uninspiring food at places like Macaroni Grill, Austin Grill, etc. I'm looking for some of the one-offs or local chains that are within walks (I'm right near the Metro station) or short jaunts.

I'm not overly adventurous but I do like at least a few dishes of each "ethnic" type, and would also like thoughts on potential go-tos for pizza, etc. Always happy to know of solidly "nice" places to take the parents or the girlfriend (I know there's a Ray's down there...).

Anyway, any links, specific recommendations, and so forth are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[The Big Crunch]

Quarry House. Best dive bar in the world. I lived in SS for nearly ten years and was there multiple times a week for at least the last five years. Excellent burgers as well. 1/2 price on monday nights, which can get pretty packed.

For "nice" meals, check out Jackie's and 8407, both of which routinely end up in the Washingtonian's 100 Best restaurants list.

Pacci's makes great neopolitan style pizza.

[msjess]

The food at Quarry is almost too good for a dive bar. They do very delicious things with Tater Tots/

Up Georgia ave from silver spring is York Castle Ice cream is another highlight. They do amazing tropical flavors.

Also in Wheaton is E Pollo Rico, which does amazing salvadorean chicken

[SimonF]

I think Abol is the best Ethiopian food downtown. They have a good lunch special.

[MyLineIsRed]

Sidebar is my favorite hang out spot. Olazzo has chill outdoor seating (small) for dinner and/or drinks. Pacci's is great for pizza. Ray's the Classics is awesome for a bang for your buck steak.

Check out my blog focused on Downtown Silver Spring. I also link to other Silver Spring blogs:

http://www.mylineisred.blogspot.com/

[4X4]

El Golfo. Not downtown Silver Spring, but pretty close. Mexican and South American food. They have live music on Thursdays, and the $5 cover gets you a free beer or margarita.

Royal Mile Pub in Wheaton. It shut down for a while, but according to a recent CH post, it's open again.

[joshdacane]

thanks, everyone. I'm looking forward to checking some of these places out!

[poncedeleroy]

Sergio's in the Hilton. Ravioli, pork chop, mussels. Vicino's on Sligo Avenue. White pizza with herbs and fontina, veal roast.

[Steve]

Get the bandeja (sampling platter) at Cubano's and make sure to ask for both dipping sauces: the mojo and the cilantro aioli.

[4X4]

Pacci's Pizza
Parkway Deli

[Just Visiting]

Not downtown Silver Spring, but close enough - Samantha's (Langley Park) for great Salvadoran & Mexican food.

[crackers]

Ray's The Classics (and Hellburgers at the bar)
Jackie's
Jackie's Sidebar
Addis Ababa
8407 Kitchen Bar
Ghar-E-Kabab
Mandalay
Crisfield
Moorenko's Ice Cream

up the road in Wheaton:
New Kam Fong
Ren's Ramen - bring cash
Nava Thai
Max's Kosher Cafe for shawarma and falafel, etc.
Hollywood East for dim sum

[wineo1957]

To add to this good list:
Siriwan Thai Cloverly
Kebab n Kahari Cloverly
Wong Gee Wheaton
Juanita's Kitchen in a latino market Wheaton

[repete]

Great list. I go back and forth, but still think Nava is No. 2 in Wheaton Thai behind Ruan. Both very good.

There used to be a tasty Mali food truck stationed at a gas station in DT SS, but haven't been for a while.

[small fry]

8407