Quick Bite Driving Into DC from Va.?

[staunton4]

I'm driving Wed. night to take a train from Union Station, up I-81 and over on 66E to the train station. Anyone have a visit-worthy Falls Church, Arlington or District place they like that wouldn't take forever to get in and out of?

[KeithW]

Ray's Hell Burger is a good option, especially if you don't care about the sides and just want a great (and large) burger.

[Steve]

So many choices form Lao, Sichuan, and Vietnamese to a Mexican taqueria and Bolivian, plus there's fantastic neapolitan pizza, really good burgers, cheesesteaks and fried chicken. The taqueria is counter service, would be the quickest, and the goat tacos are sublime. Is that the speed you have in mind?

[mikemikemike]

are you talking about El Charrito? I love that place. It compares to some of the best Mexican i've had in LA or TX.

I moved to Texas recently (from VA) and the Mexican here is absolutely ridiculous. Some people write off Mexican food here as Tex-mex, but that's the more Americanized places (which are still quite good). I'm talking about the tiny taquerias that serve tacos with some succulent meat of your choice-- barbacoa, lengua, al pastor, tripa -- on two corn tortillas with some chopped onion and cilantro, and it's pretty amazing.

[Steve]

Good to know that TECC stands up well against some tough competition.

[staunton4]

yeah, definitely. i can always go for cabrito tacos. where's the taqueria?

[Steve]

Taqueria El Charrito Caminante. 2710 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA

[ktmoomau]

Note- it at least was cash-only (although it's pretty inexpensive so you don't need a lot of cash).

Second Italian Store (although only a couple outside tables) for a sub and cannoli. Or TECC. If you wanted sit down, Nam Viet is pretty quick service in Clarendon, I like the #31. Bayou Bakery is also really good quick sit-in or take out (more than just a bakery).

[Steve]

Several times I've ordered food at TECC, realized I left my wallet at home, and paid for it with change I found in my car.

[mikemikemike]

a place that doesn't get a lot of attention is The Italian Store, right off of 66-e. It's not knock-your-socks-off food, but simple authentic deli style sandwiches. It's quick and delicious-- feels like you just stepped into a small Italian grocery. Similar feel to a few of the shops I've visited in Little Italy, Manhattan.

If that's not your thing, go a few doors down to BGR (Burger Joint) and grab something there.

[staunton4]

cool. thanks. i'll check that out this trip or a future one. It sounds like a place in Baltimore that i really like: DiPasquale's.

[MikeR]

The Italian Store and environs is a good suggestion. Depending on the length of your train trip and the time you have before catching your train, you might want to pick up a sandwich at The Italian Store to eat on the trip. Ask for the dressing (it's juicy like salad dressing) on the side and pour it on just before you eat the sandwich so the bread doesn't get totally soaked through. In addition to a good burger at BGR, there's a Mediterranean place, Tarbouch, across the street that has pretty decent kabobs.

Hope you're not going away for long. I think the Union Station garage is up to $20/day.

[staunton4]

Good advice. I think i'll hit the Italian store this time, and the taqueria on the weekend when I'm back in DC going to stay at a Canal lockhouse (cool program, btw). Thanks for the advice. I love Chowhound!

[Bob W]

Italian Store also carries two beloved regional favorites -- Berger Cookies from Baltimore and Martin's Chips from PA.