Falls Church News-Press Best of Falls Church 2017

PAGE 14 | AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017 • EDITORS’ PICKS

F

or the eighth consecu�ve year, Falls Church News-Press readers went to the polls (ok, computers) and voted for their favorite places to eat, drink, shop and more in and around The Li�le City. And once again, News-Press editors made their own selec�ons of Falls Church’s best. Editors’ picks start here and all 2017 Best of Falls Church winners can be found star�ng on page 17.

BA LE

BEST Secret Menu

DOGFISH HEAD

BEST Late Night Bites

Dogfish Head Alehouse’s buffalo chicken sandwich is best thing on the restaurant’s secret “speakeasy” menu. P����: J��� F������

S

With a menu filled with delicious soup and banh mi, nothing in Falls Church beats bakery and deli Ba Le for late night eating. P����: J��� F������

I

t’s 3 a.m. Last call has come at any hour of the day.

BA LE and gone, the drive thru at With 14 options, all the tradiTaco Bell is dark and there’s tional banh mi are here — dac biet 2822 Graham Road nothing in the fridge but a (special combo), xiu mai (meatFalls Church half-eaten PB&J and a jar of ball), xa xiu (BBQ pork) — but 703-876-9062 mayo. don’t overlook the cha trung which While the City’s dining scene combines pork and an omelet-style continues moving steadily uphill, egg with pickled veggies on a butthe pickings get pretty slim when the witching tered banh mi. hour comes around.

And because nobody is worried about eating Fortunately for the City’s ravenous insomniacs, light after midnight, pairing a sandwich with a the best late-night eating in Falls Church isn’t giant bowl of Ba Le’s soup is practically a must. a stale, nine-hour-old taquito rolling around at The shop serves up 15 generously-portioned 7-Eleven or a short stack and hash browns at IHOP. bowls of pho, congee and more filled with everyHead and shoulders above anything else for thing from egg, rice and glass noodles plus beef, F.C. night owls is the longtime Vietnamese deli, pork, chicken, seafood and more.

Ba Le, stuck in the back of a strip mall on Graham It’s 3 (or 4 or 5 a.m.) eating at its finest.

Road. Not only does Ba Le’s made-to-order soup (Ba Le has pared back its 24-hour schedule and sandwiches rival the Eden Center’s best, the during the week as the deli is now open all-night 24-hour bakery and deli also serves a selection Thursday – Saturday and until 11 p.m. Sunday – of pre-made dishes that are better than anything Wednesday.) you’d find on the shelf of a convenience store — – Jody Fellows

ometimes a double-pattied, bacon, cheese and onion ring-topped burger just won’t cut it.

It might be hard to overlook the overstuffed sandwiches and entrees, and the 22 rotating beer taps could make it hard to concentrate, but if you manage to eschew the in-print menu at Falls Church’s Dogfish Head Alehouse, there’s some good stuff waiting.

“It’s our speakeasy menu,” says Falls Church Dogfish manager Drew Cocks of the 10 or so items that were once part of the regular menu but have since been “retired.”

DOGFISH HEAD Those in the know can order ALEHOUSE any of the restaurant’s nowdeparted options (like a crab 6220 Leesburg Pike cake grilled cheese) but the real Falls Church star of the secret menu is the dogfishalehouse.com buffalo chicken sandwich.

First introduced about eight years ago, it sounds innocuous enough but Dogfish’s version is one-of-a-kind. The guts of the sandwich are more-or-less standard with two breaded-andfried strips of crispy chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and covered in homemade bleu cheese dressing along with lettuce, tomato and red onion. But sending it to the next level is what it’s all wrapped in: a 14-inch round of deep-fried pizza dough, folded in half like a taco. Cocks says he once had a customer request a slathering of the restaurant’s three cheese crab dip on the fried dough, which he gladly obliged. All that’s missing is some guacamolito sauce and a tote bag and it’s like an SNL skit come to life.

Dogfish customers have even taken to building their own creations like one regular who ordered a full one-pound double cheeseburger but instead of buns, he sandwiched the beef inside two fried chicken filets. “We called it the ‘Tubby McFatFat’,” Cocks laughs.

While he can’t guarantee they can make everything a customer requests, Cocks says if they have it in the kitchen, they’ll hook it up.

Dogfish Head’s motto is “off-centered ales for off-centered people,” and with dishes like the buffalo chicken sandwich and the Tubby McFatFat, that adage applies to its secret menu as well as its beer.

– Jody Fellows

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 | PAGE 15

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

EDITORS’ PICKS

BEST 2 Guilty Pleasures Under 1 Roof

H

ey you. Yeah, you! Have you been eating healthy lately? Stocking up on your greens with salads for lunch and cutting down on meat at dinner because “Why put gas in the car just to park it in the garage,” or whatever your doctor says. Did ASTRO DOUGHNUTS you just finish up with a three& FRIED CHICKEN day cleanse by 7511 Leesburg Pike #103 drinking nothFalls Church ing but lemonwater? (It’s not astrodoughnuts.com lemonade, trust me.)

Well if you feel your arteries are carrying blood just a little too fluidly and your t-shirts aren’t getting as damp as they used to when you walk up a flight stairs, then I’ve got the answer for you!

Take a trip to Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken where

you can indulge in an array of sinful treats that’re sure to make your doctor keel over and your spouse use the nose plugs she had when you were “off the wagon.” Feel free to enjoy some of the store’s staple items, such as the maple bacon or Nutella cake doughnut to go with classic flavors like glazed and cinnamon sugar. When you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth and want to move onto something more savory, then order some fried chicken to crunch your way through some southern cuisine.

But wait, there’s more! If you want to satisfy your salty-sweet cravings simultaneously, then look no further than sandwiches that use sliced doughnuts as buns! From potato and biscuit rolls to the Old Bay doughnut, you’ll get your money’s worth from Astro’s. You’re body may cry foul, but your tongue will never stop thanking you.

– Matt Delaney

BEST Piped-In Music At a Restaurant

N

ormally, when one is mulling options to go to, or to take family and friends to, a really nice restaurant, the decisions are RGIA S made according to the quality of the food, the location, the price and the general ambiance of the place. But in thinking of the ambiance, we normally think of the stuff that goes into the appearance of the place ARGIA’S from the inside, like nice art, 124 N. Washington St. and other stuff hanging off Falls Church the walls, for example, and whether or not the noise argias.com level inside the place suits the mood and purpose of the meal.

Unfortunately, we all know there are some establishments in the City of Falls Church that might otherwise be great for dining, except for a boisterous clientele that hangs out at the bar that is too close to the dining area. Well, Argia’s can sport a noisy bar crowd around happy hour from time to time, but it is well insulated from the main dining area, which is graced by, in addition to large bay windows looking out on the City’s central Broad and Washington intersection, a full wall’s-length colorful painting of a scene of daily life in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance. It is a delightful work, with many details to make it interesting. But for our purposes now, the honors go to Argia’s for their piped-in music via Pandora on the Internet, whose most popular choice is the lyrical Simon and Garfunkel channel that includes, in addition to the boys, vocals by Billy Joel, Van Morrison, Donovan, Don McLean and, well, you get the idea.

Without even realizing it, you’re thoroughly enjoying this stuff, if that is, your lifespan has reached into that very mellow, special era.

– Nicholas F. Benton

A

’

ASTRO DOUGHNUTS & FRIED CHICKEN A plate of doughnuts and fried chicken at Falls Church’s Astro is the best way to satisfy two guility pleasures all in one spot. P����: M��� D������

BEST Restaurant VideoAugmented Ambiance

T

here’s a lot Italian to like about the Sfizi Cafe on the ground floor of the famous Flower Building.

Owner Lino P. Ricciardi, being from the Milan region of Northern Italy himself, has crafted an establishment that is among the most charming and unique in Falls Church with outstanding cuisine to match the ambiance that includes the display of an extensive but not overly expensive wine selection and shelves full of unique Italian imported food products ranging from pastas to jars of olives, gnocchi and sauces, The big screen TVs at Sfizi Cafe display breathtaking aerial views of Italy. P����: N������� F. B����� all for sale, of course.

Incomparable is the open visual access to the kitchen, where one can observe all the bustling comSFIZI CAFE ings and goings of the wait staff with their interactions with the food preparations prior to swinging doors being banged open and plates 800 West Broad St. and platters of food, from the antipasti and salads to the main dishes Falls Church are thrust onto the dining room floor in the hands of those deft servsfizi.com ers. Deep in the back, one can catch glimpses of the main chef and his team working away, who never disappoint with their featured dishes of the day.

But in the small but not too small dining area there is one special feature worthy of honors this year, and that is the large elevated HDTV screen that silently displays incredibly detailed aerial views of areas from all over Italy, both in video and still photo formats. These are breathtaking, honestly, and they keep rolling, showing those who pay attention to them some of the most cherished spots in the Italian peninsula, from Rome, to Florence, to Venice, coastline fishing villages and much more, including Sicily.

Lino says he’s collected these tapes over time, and they range from ones that are an hour and a half long to 20 minutes, and enjoys arranging them for showing to his diners. It’s a fabulous show worth the price of admission, they say, all by itself.

SFIZI

– Nicholas F. Benton

PAGE 16 | AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

BEST Place To (Justifiably) Honk Your Horn

There’s no more appropriate place to honk your horn than the left lane of Broad St. P����: M��� D������

W

e’ve all been there before.

You’re on a time crunch to get to your kid’s game or meet a client for lunch, the only thing standing in your way of a punctual arrival is a trip down Route 7. Time is of the essence, so naturally, you’re taking the left

lane. And you’re cruising along just fine until the person in front of you...starts slowing their roll...until reaching a full-stop in order to make a left turn onto one of the City’s side streets.

It doesn’t take long for your time-sensitive self to add up that the constant traffic on the opposite side of the road and the con-

EDITORS’ PICKS

LEFT LANE OF BROAD STREET Literally every junction/intersection along Broad Street voy of cars stuck in the left lane behind you are making any quick escape unlikely. Even worse, the bozo causing the backup had some narrow windows to turn through, but clearly doesn’t have anywhere to be so is waiting for the “sure thing.” All these factors compound in your psyche as you feel the clock winding down, leading you to utilize the only (productive) release available — blaring that horn.

Some of you may give your steering wheel the Buddhist palm.

Some of you may throw some jab combinations. Those closest to the end of their rope may be found headbutting their horn. Whichever way, the world needs to know that YOU are LATE and that is UNACCEPTABLE. And you know what? You’re totally justified. You did everything right except believe the driver in front of you is also on a time crunch. So light a fire under them with a colorful array of honks and get on with your life.

– Matt Delaney

BEST Retail Piped-In Music

T

hey say that “music soothes the savage beast,” and I know that works on the savage beast in me. So, when one is beset with a deluge of errands to run for this or that, if the errands happen to include a trip to the cleaners, and one’s savage beast is running amok from the day’s pressures, honkSPECTRUM ing rudely at misfit drivers CLEANERS and yelling 450 W. Broad St. #130 at tardy red Falls Church lights, then if that clean703-237-2889 ers happens to be our friends at the Spectrum Cleaners in the horseshoe drive that includes Mad Fox, Koi Koi and Panera, along with others, in the 400 block of W. Broad Street, then the savage is suddenly soothed by the piped in musical strains that can be heard therein.

There’s nothing that special or complicated about how they do it. They simply have a radio tuned to WETA-FM, the region’s only classical music station. And unless that sta-

SPECTRUM CLEANERS tion is on one of its annoying (but necessary) fundraising drives, or unless it has succumbed to the foul pressures to convert its wonderful classical music mission over to sloppy, deathly dull, redundant and boring so-called “holiday carols” in December, then you and your inner beast are in for a treat everytime you take your stuff into there.

Even better, you will discover that when you get back into your car after loving what you’ve had to hear for a precious few moments, you can dial up 90.9 FM on the dial and can continue your bliss through the rest of the frantic episodes of your day.

– Nicholas F. Benton

With Cue Recording Studios, CD Cellar and Action Music all in one shopping center, the 100 block of Park Avenue is the hippest in Falls Church. P����: D��� C������

BEST Walking Stretch in the City

It’s hard to beat a walk from The Happy Tart to The State Theatre in The Little City. P����: M��� D������

W

alking is great. There’s a pretty good chance you like walking too. From 2005 to 2015, women who considered walking as exercise jumped from 57 percent to 65 percent. In that same span, men went from 54 percent to 63

percent.

What makes walking even better is when you don’t have to go out of your way to get a good walk in. Sure, some of you may think that driving out to a nearby park so you can walk among THE HAPPY TART TO nature is nice. And I admit, trees and animals and all THE STATE THEATRE those aromas are pretty 410 S. Maple Ave. #110 to neat. But city walking stands 220 N. Washington St. above the rest because you can stop your exercise at Falls Church any time to gorge yourself. I mean, isn’t that why we all work out anyway?

The Little City has supreme walkability. Not only are there plenty of shops to pop into to catch your breath but also a variety of cool spots to eat. A favored stretch starts at the base of Maple Avenue that zags at Annandale Road and onto Washington Street until reaching the State Theater. It’s only a little over half a mile, but the gradual incline mixed in with some of the City’s premier dining and even getting to witness the Falls Church make it a prime combination of exercise and entertainment. Even subtle breaks from that route — such as staying on Maple to go up near the Harris Teeter and other shops or continuing on Annandale Road to head all the way down to JV’s Restaurant – are welcome changes and provide citizens with a breadth of landing spots to integrate into their daily routine. So lace up your kicks and stretch your legs, it’s time to explore the City on foot!

– Matt Delaney

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 | PAGE 17

FOOD & DRINK READER VOTE

BEST BURGER Elevation Burger 442 S. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Trifecta of great burger, killer fires, awesome shakes!”

“Excellent veggie burgers!” “Freshest meat.”

RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Dogwood

Photos by Tenzin Namgyel, Eleanor Kay (IMAGESFORGOOD.ORG) Tavern, Mad Fox Brewing Company & J. Michael Whalen

BEST PIZZA Pizzeria Orso 400 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“On par with the best in Italy.” “Light, delicious, always fresh tasting.”

“Brick oven, sourdough crust, innovative toppings.”

RUNNERS-UP: Flippin’ Pizza, Ledo Pizza, Mad Fox Brewing Company, Paisano’s

BEST SEAFOOD

BEST SANDWICH

BEST ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae 112 N. West St., Falls Church

Super Chicken 422 S. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

BEST SUSHI

BEST ITALIAN

BEST VIETNAMESE

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

“Smoky, juicy, crispy, and the green sauce is awesome!” “Best spices.” “Fish tacos are awesome!” “Made with love.” “Best crab cakes in FCC.” “The BEST tuna melts and the Gainsville Green is AHH-mazing!”

“Delicious & huge.” “Great vegetarian and vegan options full of flavor” “No one else comes close.” “Crispy yucca, sweet plantains & good sauces.” “Fried fully belly clams.” “Shrimp anyway you want it.”

RUNNERS-UP: Chaisn’ Tails, Dogwood Tavern, Hot n Juicy Crawfish, RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, Chick-fil-A, Dogwood Tavern, Spacebar RUNNERS-UP: Crisp & Juicy, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, Plaka Grill TRIO Grill

Maneki Neko 238 W. Broad St., Falls Church

The Italian Store 5837 Washington Blvd., Arlington

Four Sisters Restaurant 8190 Strawberry Ln., Falls Church

“Like an authentic Japanese sushi bar.” “Love the nuta, miso soup.”

“Fresh, well-made, lovely ambience.” “Closest, fastest, fair price.”

“Its opening is the best thing that’s happened to me since moving to F.C.” “The beef is the tastiest thing I have ever tasted.” “Great food and service.”

“Hoagies are the best in the area.” “Awesome pizza and sandwiches.” “The flower arrangements and decor.” “Great pho, very authentic dishes.”

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

RUNNERS-UP: Iron Chef House, Koi Koi Sushi & Roll, Sea Pearl, Takumi

RUNNERS-UP: Argia’s, Italian Cafe, Pizzeria Orso, Sfizi Cafe

RUNNERS-UP: Huong Viet, Pho 88, Pho Sate, Present

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

PAGE 18 | AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

FOOD & DRINK READER VOTE

BEST LATIN AMERICAN BEST BREAKFAST Taco Bamba 2190 Pimmit Dr., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

Cafe Kindred 450 N. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

BEST BRUNCH Ireland’s Four Provinces 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Best Mexican street tacos in all of DC.” “Clever and surprising combos!” ”The most innovative tacos.” “Best hangover cure in town.”

RUNNERS-UP: Blanca’s Restaurant, District Taco, Luzmila’s Cuisine, Super Chicken

“My favorite breakfast sandwiches around!” ““Beans on toast.”

“Croque Madame is unbelievably good.” “Pastries baked fresh each day.”

RUNNERS-UP: Bentley’s, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae, Original Pancake House

“Irish breakfast. Enough said.” “Wonderful buffet with a great variety.”

“Strawberries and Whipped Cream. OMGosh.” “Best selection.”

RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, Dogwood Tavern, Mad Fox Brewing Company, Open Road

BEST BAR FOOD

BEST SPORTS BAR

BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“All the fried food and nachos.” “Fish tacos & pinot grigio.”

“Delicious yet cheap grubbiness.” “Fried pickles!” ““TOTCHOS.”

Dogwood Tavern 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Always a fun scene for sports broadcasts. Good food and drinks, too.”

“TVs everywhere, fun atmosphere.” “Great games, great energy.”

Mad Fox Brewing Company 444 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, Dogwood Tavern, Ireland’s Four Prov- RUNNERS-UP: Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Ireland’s Four Provinces, inces, Mad Fox Brewing Company The Locker Room, Open Road

“Delicious and beers named after so many Falls Church icons.”

“Simply the best craft beers I have ever tasted.” “Step up to the flight line.”

RUNNERS-UP: Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Dogwood Tavern, Dominion Wine and Beer, Spacebar

BEST WINE LIST

BEST HAPPY HOUR

BEST VEGAN

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Dominion Wine and Beer 107 Rowell Ct., Falls Church

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

“Passionate about good wine and service.” “Best assortment in town!” “Margaritas outside at the tiki bar...” “They have koozies.”

“Love these guys and their canned pinot noir.” “Has it all at a decent price.” “Specials, drinks, music all on point.” “Low key and great service.”

RUNNERS-UP: Argia’s, Cafe Kindred, Sfizi Cafe, TRIO Grill RUNNERS-UP: Pizzeria Orso, Red, White & Bleu, Sfizi Cafe, TRIO Grill

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant 6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Menu really tailored for vegan eaters.” “Amazing variety, good prices.”

“I am not a vegetarian, yet I love the food.”

RUNNERS-UP: Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, Loving Hut, Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae, Spacebar

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 | PAGE 19

FOOD & DRINK READER VOTE

BEST COFFEE SHOP

BEST FROZEN TREATS BEST BAKERY Lil City Creamery 114 W. Broad St., Falls Church

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe 2150 N. Culpeper St., Arlington

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Cafe Kindred 450 N. Washington St., Falls Church

“The coffee is fresh, the vibe is chill.” “Best coffee anywhere.”

“Delicious lattes with a beautiful presentation!” “Love the monthly specials.”

“High fat content of ice cream makes it worth the calories.” “Real cream!”

“One word: strudel...” “Authentically German.” “The bread.”

“Creative flavors like Steam Oil! “ “Best bobblehead collection anywhere!” “Doughnuts and cookies are better than homemade.”

RUNNERS-UP: The Happy Tart, Mom & Pop, Rare Bird Coffee Roast- RUNNERS-UP: FDB Eatery, Mike’s Deli at Lazy Sundae, Sweet Frog, RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, The Happy Tart, Panera Bread, Tifers, Starbucks Zinga Frozen Yogurt fany’s Bakery

BEST DELIVERY RESTAURANT BEST KID-FRIENDLY DINING BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR Paisano’s 244 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Kate’s Crepes Saturdays at Falls Church Farmers Market, 300 Park Ave.

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Great steak and cheese!” “Fast and accurate.”

“Good selection and quick delivery.”

“Fun kids menus and good options.” “No worries about noise or messes.”

“The outdoor space and decor keep the kids entertained.”

“The crepes are delicious and the people are awesome!” “Light as air.”

“The crepes melt in your mouth and your tongue does a happy dance.”

RUNNERS-UP: Flippin’ Pizza, Hunan Chef, Lucky Thai, Sweet Rice

RUNNERS-UP: Cafe Kindred, Chick-fil-A, Pizzeria Orso, Open Road

RUNNERS-UP: Chris’ Marketplace, Donut Heaven, Valentine’s Country Bakery & Meats, Virginia Chocolate Company

BEST OUTSIDE EATING

BEST SPECIAL OCCASION DINING

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack 130 N. Washington St., Falls Church

2941 Restaurant 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church

Lucky Thai 240 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Easy seating, great feel.” “Just like being at the beach.” “Dog friendly!” “2941 has no peer when it comes to special occasion dining.” “Koi!” “Spacious patio with live music.” “Space heaters, fire pit for chilly nights.” “Breathtaking location and incredible food!” “Great chef in charge.”

RUNNERS-UP: Dogwood Tavern, Ireland’s Four Provinces, Mad Fox RUNNERS-UP: Argia’s, Sfizi Cafe, TRIO Grill, Yayla Bistro Brewing Company, Open Road

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Duck rolls to die for!” “Most amazing Thai food for the price.”

“Never had a bad meal there ever!” “Friendly. Great food.”

RUNNERS-UP: The Black Squirrel, Falls Church Distillers, Jinya Ramen Bar, Rare Bird Coffee Roasters

PAGE 20 | AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

BEST ACCOUNTANT Diener & Associates 125 Rowell Ct., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Experienced and committed to FCC.” “Friendly staff.”

“Great service, great people.” “Excellent services!”

RUNNERS-UP: Make My Day CPA, Robert A. Radan CPA, Erika Ramthun CPA, Ryan & Wetmore

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

RETAIL&SERVICES READER VOTE

BEST ARCHITECT Moore Architects 105 N. Maple Ave. #100, Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Extraordinary service! Brilliant design!” “Attention to detail!”

“World class design talent who treats every client like a neighbor.”

RUNNERS-UP: Ballard & Mensua Architecture, Coupard Architects & Builders, Luther Paul Weber, Winn Design + Build

BEST LAWYER

Erik Pelton Erik M. Pelton & Associates, PLLC, 111 Park Pl., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY HE’S THE BEST:

“His legal services are top notch.” “Friendly and knowledgeable.”

“Cares as much about his clients as he does the community in general.”

RUNNERS-UP: Baskin, Jackson & Lasso, Gayle B. Matthews, Needham, Mitnick & Pollack, O’Hara Law Firm

BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT BEST REAL ESTATE GROUP Navy Federal Credit Union Multiple locations

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Kathy Szymanski Fairfax Realty, Inc., 3190 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY SHE’S THE BEST:

Rock Star Realty 2101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Convenient and friendly.” “Best rates and service!” “Customer-oriented.”

“Very sound and member oriented.” “Polite, helpful and caring.”

RUNNERS-UP: BB&T, Burke & Herbert, PNC, Suntrust

“She is very experienced and super friendly.” “Best customer service ever!”

“Incredibly reliable and detail oriented.” “Caring, knowledgeable, thorough.”

RUNNERS-UP: JD Callander, Genevieve Concannon, Chris Earman, Tori McKinney

“The best team in town!” “Very involved in the community.”

“Knowledgeable and customer driven.” “They really give back to the City.”

RUNNERS-UP: Advon Real Estate, JD Callander & Associates, Keller Williams Realty, Re/Max West End

BEST DOCTOR

BEST DENTIST

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

William V. Dougherty, III Gordon Theisz Family Medicine in Falls Church, 124 E. Broad St., Falls Church Dougherty DDS, 200 Little Falls St. #506, Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY HE’S THE BEST:

“Country doctor in the Little City!” “Great doctor, great citizen.”

“Friendly, involved in community.” “Personal relationships with patients.”

RUNNERS-UP: Capital Women’s Care, Lisa Kelly, Philip O’Donnell, Andrea Schmieg

WHY READERS SAY HE’S THE BEST:

“Knowledgeable doctor, state-of-the-art, friendly staff.” “Staff is great!”

“Attentive, caring, thoughtful.” “Flexible hours and convenient location.”

RUNNERS-UP: Growing Smiles of Northern Virginia, Peterson Huang, Drs. Love & Miller, Johana Nieto

Ted Perih Falls Church Chiropractic, 803 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY HE’S THE BEST:

“Incredible caring, support of patient needs!” “Kept me upright & mobile.”

“Kind and caring attention by the doctor and a great front desk person.”

RUNNERS-UP: Joshua Brooks, Charles Cho, Ilana Goldberg, Ray Solano

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT Brown’s Hardware 100 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 | PAGE 21

RETAIL&SERVICES READER VOTE

BEST HANDYMAN Harry Shovlin Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY HE’S THE BEST:

BEST MOVERS Two Marines Moving 6021 Farrington Ave., Alexandria

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Old school favorite.” “Helpful staff and they carry a lot of products.”

“Most anything you want.” “They have everything I need.”

“He knows everyone and everyone knows him, and he does good work.”

“Amazing work ethic.” “Great work, friendly, long serving.”

“Great guys! Fast service and careful with our stuff. Ooorahh!”

“Semper fi.”

RUNNERS-UP: Bonilla Construction, Foxcraft Design Group, Potomac Legacy Homes, Winn Design + Build

RUNNERS-UP: Douglas Bonilla, House Doctors Handyman of RUNNERS-UP: Carmack Moving & Storage, Express Moving & Storage, McLean, Ed Lovak, Peter Trevisan Majestic Moving & Storage, The Phoenix Movers

BEST LAWN SERVICE BEST MAID SERVICE BEST DRY CLEANERS Andy’s Lawn & Landscape 2860 Hartland Rd., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Merry Maids 6408 Seven Corners Place, Ste. K., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Spectrum Cleaners 450 W. Broad St. #130, Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Dependable, thorough, pleasant personnel.”

“Beautiful work.”

“Very reliable.” “The best.”

RUNNERS-UP: Craig’s Lawn Care, Eddie Mendes Lawn Service, Hambleton’s Lawn Care, Smoot Landscapes

RUNNERS-UP: A&G Cleaning Service, Haydee’s Cleaning Service, RUNNERS-UP: Classic Cleaners, Hillwood Cleaners, Jin’s Cleaners & Tailoring, Potomac Cleaners The Maids, WellNest Home Cleaning

BEST CAR DEALER

BEST AUTO SERVICE BEST NAIL SALON

Beyer Automotive 1231 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Excellent service and very friendly staff.” “Great service.”

“Very generous in the community!” “The best.”

RUNNERS-UP: Bill Page Toyota, Brown’s Arlington Honda, Koons Ford, Stohlman Automotive

City Sunoco 934 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Better work at great prices compared to dealer.” “Friendly.”

“Honest and professional.”

RUNNERS-UP: All Tune & Lube, Curry’s Auto Service, NOVA Family Auto Service, Smokey’s Garage

“Friendly, prompt, quality service.” “Terrific service and customer care!”

“Best customer service in Falls Church.” “Reasonably priced.”

Rex Day Spa 442 S. Washington St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Clean, accommodating, professional, happy place.”

“Great service at a great price.” ““Clean and friendly salon!”

RUNNERS-UP: Aislinn Nails & Spa, Lotus Nail Spa, Nail Bonita, Present Nail Spa

PAGE 22 | AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

BEST OF FALLS CHURCH 2017|

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

RETAIL&SERVICES READER VOTE

BEST HAIR SALON/BARBER BEST FITNESS/SPORTS SHOP BEST FITNESS STUDIO The Neighborhood Barbershop 417 W. Broad St. #103, Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Bikenetic 201 W. Jefferson St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

Dancing Mind 929 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Old time barbershop at its finest!” “The best haircuts, best barbers.”

“Super laid back, super comfortable environment & super nice gentlemen.”

RUNNERS-UP: Father & Son Barber Shop, Hair Cuttery, Nash Hair Design, Perfect Endings

“The people, the bikes, the pie!” “Fun and knowledgeable staff.”

“They sponsor rides and events to engage the community.”

RUNNERS-UP: Conte’s Bike Shop, Road Runner Sports

BEST GYM

BEST SUMMER PROGRAM BEST PLACE TO BUY A GIFT

24 Hour Fitness 1000 E. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Always open, no wait, pool.” “Very affordable and great equipment.”

“Convenient location, parking, well-equipped & maintained, fine staff.”

RUNNERS-UP: 9Round Fitness, CrossFit Falls Church, Gold’s Gym, Planet Fitness

City of Falls Church Recreation & Parks 223 Little Falls St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“One of the best reasons to move to Falls Church! What a great program!”

“Excellent counselors, staff.” “Great variety of classes and programs.”

RUNNERS-UP: Camp Columbia, Congressional Camp, Clay Cafe Summer Camp, Falls Church Schools Extended Day Summer Camp

BEST GROCERY STORE BEST BOOK STORE Harris Teeter 301 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

One More Page Books 2200 N. Westmoreland St. #101, Arlington

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Great instructors, friendly atmosphere, great workouts!”

“Great variety of yoga and other fitness classes.” “Loving community!”

RUNNERS-UP: 9Round Fitness, Blue Nectar Yoga, Falls Church Wellness Center, My Thrive Pilates

Doodlehopper 4 Kids 228 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Excellent selection.” “Fun stuff for all ages (not just kids).”

“Best selection of kids toys and a staff who really knows the merchandise.”

RUNNERS-UP: Botanologica, Galleria Florist, Pursuing Vintage, Stylish Patina

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Harris Teeter 301 W. Broad St., Falls Church

WHY READERS SAY IT’S THE BEST:

“Love the pizza bar and pre-made meal selections at the deli.”

“New beer/wine bar.” “All employees and so cheerful and helpful.”

“Book clubs, author meet and greets, wine tastings!!”

“Friendly, knowledgeable staff.” “Events especially with authors.”

RUNNERS-UP: Giant Food, The Local Market, MOM’s Organic Market, Trader Joe’s

RUNNERS-UP: Barnes & Nobel, Falls Church Antiques, Hole in the RUNNERS-UP: Botanologica, Lemon Lane Consignment, The Neighborhood Barbershop, Pursuing Vintage Wall Books, Victory Comics

“Close to my house and very convenient.” “Open 24 hours.”

“Great concept, terrific butcher shop/seafood counter.”

FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM

AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 | PAGE 23

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE 2017 WINNERS!

YOU’RE THE BEST!