Ben to Ruthie's several times now, and I'm never disappointed. From its very unassuming, diner,…read morelooking location, the food is excellent... Everything from burgers, to steak, to the salads - all prepared exceptionally well with intense flavors, and their barbecue offerings are very very well done. What's especially nice is the cozy atmosphere which resembles a little bit of fine dining mixed on top of a cozy family restaurant. The staff is always super pleasant and cheerful, and have a lot of suggestions no matter what you're in the mood for.

Want to with these all day to catch up with some old friends and what a great time it was! The weed…read morestuff was very friendly as we asked to move tables because of the heat and they were very accommodating, even though being fully booked! We ordered delicious Matcha and iced coffees that came out very promptly as well as the cornbread as an appetizer that was to die for! The deviled eggs were also made to perfection! Leslie, all three of us got the big plate and it was the perfect combination of everything they had on their menu. We all got sight variations and they were very accommodating to our orders. It is such a fun little spot that is a whole lot of local charm and vibrant energy about it! I would highly recommend going for brunch and I hope to go back for their other menus in the near future

I just had a wonderful lunch with some coworkers and the service was outstanding. I got the chicken…read moreBLT sandwich with the Brussels sprouts and they were delicious. The sprouts were nice and crispy and the sandwich was really moist. Our server was wonderful and the manager even brought us ice cold towels because it was 97 degrees outside. I will definitely be back and I look forward to trying everything on the menu.

This was my second visit to Tupelo Honey after about a year or two…read more When asked about a good brunch spot in the DMV, Tupelo Honey is mentioned from time to time so I was very curious about it. PARKING: Tupelo Honey has several parking garages nearby. -- Tupelo Honey can be a very busy place so reservations are a must depending on the day. The layout has a very nice homey and country vibe that seems pretty that seems very comforting. The service definitely matched the vibe because both times we had a very friendly and engaging server. I love a good chicken and waffles so I was eager to try them out. I got to try the regular classic, peach ,and sample the Mac and cheese waffle. They were decent and I enjoyed what I had but it didn't move me to chorus. The fried green tomatoes were delicious. The biscuits for a cause were incredible. Hands down my favorite. Warm, fluffy, and paired perfectly with the jam and butter. The roasted half bird dish was a item on the special menu. They had a special on mimosas and had a few different dishes that weren't on the regular menu. The chicken was juicy and seasoned well. The green beans were nice and savory. Though the Mac and cheese left a bit to be desired. They complemented the dish but the green beans were definitely the standout. All in all, I'm not disappointed that I went but I can't say that I would return on my own accord. It's a very popular restaurant but I found the food to be a bit mid unfortunately.

What a gem of a place to go to on a really hot July 3rd. The A/C was working fabulous I came as…read morepart of a party of 10. We made our reservation a day or two in advance and when we got there the hostess led us to the second floor. The brunch menu has a myriad of pizza and salad and classic breakfast menu items to choose from. I remember when I was there there was a lunch special offer where you could have a half order of a salad with a side of your choice for a discounted rate so that was cool. I ordered the Tavern salad with a side of creamy potato salad and liked it.

TLDR happy hour is only at the bar and the food is good but service isn't…read more Came on mother's day and came early, before they were busy. When we made the reservation in advance, we called to ask if happy hour was everywhere or just at the bar; they said everywhere, so we booked a table. Plot twist, it's only at the bar / downstairs :))) We arrived 15 minutes early, so while they got our table ready, we ordered at the bar. 5 stars for the bartender. If I could review her, the host, and the happy hour prices in isolation, I would! They moved us upstairs, we sat down, and immediately saw the menus were different. We asked the gentleman bringing waters about happy hour and he sent the waiter over. The waiter, with about 2% helpfulness, shared that happy hour is only downstairs. I mentioned that we had called in advance to ask. We asked if it would be possible to have that menu or perhaps move. The conversation felt like pulling teeth. He said, with much dismissiveness, it was up to the host downstairs to move and if they had availability and left. (Fair, we move, he doesn't get his tip. An alternative? Give us the happy hour menu, still get your tip. Better yet, just be slightly helpful?) The host downstairs found us a table but shared it was booked at 6:15 so we needed to be in and out. It was no problem because we had arrived before 5 (early, remember?). Although, it took 15 minutes (I timed it!) for anyone to come bring waters or address us as their table. A little hard to operate with urgency when no one takes your order!! I got up, told the host stand, and they sent a server over, and he proceeded to come back all of three times. We also had to flag him down to get our check, while we sat with empty waters that were never once refilled. We had pizza, cod sliders, and half orders of aglio e olio pasta. The cod sliders were more breadding than fish, but the flavor was decent. The pasta was delicious. No five star Italian meal, but it hit the spot and the portion was plentiful. I didn't try the pizza but it was 12 inches, piping hot, and the two eating it couldn't finish it. The food came out quickly and hot. I think we spent under or just about $100 for four folks to have dinner + drinks, so the prices are really solid. Perhaps you get what you pay for though? Both of our male servers seemed annoyed to be dealing with us and mostly unhelpful. Noteworthy mention: there was a female server who was kind enough to bring us a brown paper bag for our to go box. She was running around and her tables seemed well cared for. Disappointed in my experience and the customer service.

I gotta give it up for Kaldi's. My first time visiting and while the prices are a little steep…read more(especially for food - $23 for a chicken Caesar salad), I'd def come back. About that $23 salad: The portion is a little skeet (that's an STL term - look it up) but the chicken was honestly juicy and flavorful as hell. And, the salad was full of very fresh spinach, and maybe other greens, as well as a good dressing. They provided a healthy amount of shaved Parmesan, which is my favorite. I would definitely order this again if I knew I was going to be around for a while and really wanted a salad. The vibe inside is so cute. This particular location is huge and there are various types of seating available. They have Wi-Fi, which is helpful., and some of their furniture is super comfy. It is the perfect place to connect or reconnect with a friend. I have never been much of a coffee shop, girl, but I could definitely see myself coming here multiple times a week. Service was good. I didn't interact with them much because all I did was order from a little QR code at my table and they dropped it off, but when observing them interacting with other customers, they seemed nice For the size of this place and people coming in and out, it was surprisingly clean, too. I didn't check the bathrooms out, but parking outside was paid but easy.

Friend told me to have low expectations for coffee in Virginia lol…read more The vanilla latte ($0.60 charge for flavored syrup) did not taste like vanilla for some reason. The corn waffles were really soft and flavorless, I was hoping for crispier or chewier waffles but what I got was mushy and flat? The plus is they gave ample seating inside for working and hanging out.

Yeong is a wonderful bar keeper. I stayed at the Westin for four nights recently and he always knew…read morewhat I was drinking. His football trivia knowledge is next level. Funny guy. Decent food, but if I return (and I hope I do) I hope Yeong is still there.

The food is excellent for happy hour and dinner. I loved my truffle mushroom pizza and the chopped…read moresalad was delicious. The bread they serve with the baked brie is a delicious sourdough and the drinks are great. The breakfast, on the other hand, is nothing exciting even though it's a Westin property and they focus on wellness. They had a couple of interesting, healthy beverages, and that was it. Francisco, who is one of the evening servers is fantastic and he's also a great bartender along with the other Indian bartender. Those guys are great. However, the morning team has a lot of room for improvement. They were friendly to me but completely disorganized amongst themselves. In fact, I didn't even bother with my second breakfast, which was free because what was the point between bad service and mediocre food. The place is spacious and they do lots of cooking classes which appear quite festive and enjoyable for groups. There's plenty of seating options that make it wonderful for everyone.

My husband surprised me with brunch at Ambar because he always researches menus before making…read morereservations to make sure there are enough options for my food intolerances. That thoughtfulness is one of the many reasons I was excited to try it. When we arrived, I was initially concerned after learning that the "G" on the menu indicated dishes **containing** gluten rather than being gluten-free. Since many menu items were marked with a "G," I worried my options would be very limited, especially for the unlimited brunch experience. Thankfully, our server, Emma, immediately put me at ease. She brought me the food allergy menu, answered my questions with patience, and made sure I understood what was safe for me to enjoy. While my husband and I were deciding whether to stay, the manager, Antonio, came to our table after Emma shared my dietary concerns. His kindness completely changed the experience. He took the time to explain my options, offered to have the kitchen modify several dishes, and reassured me that their goal was for me to feel safe and enjoy my meal. Thanks to Emma and Antonio, what started with uncertainty became one of the most enjoyable brunch experiences I've had. I was able to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, the mimosas were a great value, and the restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light. What I'll remember most, though, is how genuinely cared for I felt. Before we left, Antonio stopped by one last time to make sure I was happy with my meal and that all of my needs had been met. My husband had put so much love and intention into choosing this restaurant, and thanks to Emma and Antonio, we both left with happy hearts and full bellies. If you have food intolerances or dietary restrictions, I hope this review gives you confidence to visit Ambar. Their team didn't just accommodate my needs. They made me feel welcome, respected, and cared for. That's the kind of hospitality that earns five stars from me.

New: TG corn ribs. Delicious and creative (see my picture). It's a new interpretation of corn on…read morethe cob. Mixed grill is now more expensive (as part of the Ambar Experience at Home set: grill). Though now you can choose individual ingredients (chicken, lamb and so on as opposed to mixed grill which is no + $4) Baklava shrunk! In the past the portion was generous. Now: only 3 tiny pieces.

Had a nice dinner at Ted's Bulletin my first night in DC recently. My friend lives nearby so we…read morepopped in and were seated immediately. We both decided to have the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and share a bottle of wine. Good was good, service was attentive, and the restaurant is lovely. Great option if you're in the Ballston area!

Prices have risen lately with many places so the happy our discount was a good reason to visit…read moreTed's. I've been to other locations but this was my first. I was surprised by how empty it was for a holiday evening, actually just as strange by how vacant and empty the whole area was. This used to be a very busy area. I started with a White Russian milkshake and it was quite good. Again, that happy hour pricing really made it worth it. My meal was the chicken and biscuits. Large biscuits, fresh, with a little honey and hot drizzle. The hash browns were a tad dry and didn't quite fit the meal I thought, but the chicken biscuits were good. Enjoyed those. BUT one point that was quite annoying: THE GRAVY COST EXTRA! The server tried to upsell me with the sausage gravy (+$3) but when I asked if that cost extra he demurred and said it was just something they asked. He wouldn't actually confirm that. Not cool. I don't like being upsold like it's McDonalds. Eating off my friend's plate I also liked the french fries that came with his steak and cheese sandwich. We also had the cornbread appetizer. Again, if not for that happy hour pricing.. Cornbread is uber cheap so getting four fingers of cornbread felt.. well.. not quite a value match. Service was a little hit or miss. We had a lot of people helping us it seemed, kind of a divided table. Everything is there but I'm just not used to the inflation pricing. Milkshake, cornbread, and the chicken and biscuits, with 20% tip, came out to over $40. This kind of food, at this level of service, .. I feel like I was overcharged or not given the happy hour pricing on something. This just didn't feel like $40 for one person. And they want to do everything on the machine and you don't actually get a paper receipt or a bill unless you ask for one. Which you should. I guess bottom line: Ted's is expensive for it's class and offerings, so it makes a good date spot, but for regular eating out I think there are places better priced.

Finally went to detour coffee and the pistacchio latte is so good. They use pistacchio milk which…read moreis different from other ones I've had in the area as I believe the other use whole milk. I also got the falafel smashburger. I felt there was a lot of bun compared to the filling. The food menu was extensive and seem to switch up often so I'll try something else the next time I go but think I'll stick with the pistacchio latte. Space overall was very nice but fills up fast. Would be a nice place to catch up with friends. Street parking is probably the better option rather than trying to find parking in front of the shop as it is very limited

I went to Detour Coffee Co. and thought it was a good coffee shop overall…read more The coffee and matcha were both okay, nothing amazing, but definitely solid. It's the kind of place where you can reliably grab a drink and hang out for a bit. There weren't a ton of super comfortable seats, which is something to keep in mind if you're planning to stay a long time. That said, you could still go there to get some work done or catch up with friends. It has a nice, easygoing vibe that works well for both. Overall, it's a solid spot, probably one of the better coffee shops in Arlington, just not somewhere I'd call exceptional.

Delicious yeast (filled too!) and cake donuts, big and mini size! There are 20 types of donuts with…read more1/2 dozen new monthly special flavors. The donuts tend to get sold out later in the day. The small cafe is tucked on the street behind the Quarter Market (it's NOT inside the market) and just a few blocks from the metro. I've been to the D.C. Penn Quarter location many times and glad I made my way to the original location in Ballston. The cozy cafe has indoor seating with a few tables (no outdoor seating). The mini Cookie Dough donut, Sept monthly special) was delicious! The regular size was sold out! The Cookie Dough donut was so good that I returned for the regular size in D.C. the next day! My kids enjoyed the mini Triple Chocolate donut and I wasn't a big fan of the stuffed blueberry jam donut. Looking forward to coming back and trying out the new batch of monthly donut flavors!

This is a great breakfast spot in Ballston! I really appreciate that they have both sweet and…read moresavory options - and do both well. My husband had a chocolate cake donut and bagel with lox, while I had a turkey sausage breakfast sandwich and mini maple donut. We'd both order the same thing again - but would be happy to try something new as well. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating is a bit noisy at the moment due to construction across the street. My only complaint is that $3.50 for a very small drip coffee felt a bit steep - the small felt smaller than usual.

A special thank you to Iliana, who made our experience exceptional. She was warm, attentive, and…read moregenuinely welcoming from start to finish. She gave great recommendations, checked on us throughout the meal without ever being intrusive, and made us feel like valued guests. Outstanding service like hers is hard to find and made an already amazing meal even better.

Consistent bright spot in Arlington for over eight years. Fans of the unlimited brunch, decided to…read moregive the Monday all day Happy Hour a try. Natalie was great as always, attentive and helpful. The artsy ambience is charming, happy hour food is as good as the main menu, in case you want to sample before going all in. Black Bean Hummus with fluffy pita remains solid 5/5 Chicken Slider 5/5 Pork and Shrimp Lumpia 6/5