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1-Day Fairfax Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Fairfax in 1 day
If you only have 1 day to spend in Fairfax, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Fairfax offers a blend of small-city charm and deep American history, with a preserved 19th-century courthouse, historic downtown, and the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center. Its location in Northern Virginia puts you close to Civil War battlefields, scenic parks, and extensive hiking and biking trails. The city hosts seasonal festivals and community events that give visitors a local, laid-back feel. Fairfax also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby Washington, DC and major regional attractions.
With favorites like Eerkins Uyghur Cuisine, Van Dyck Park, and Bonds Escape Room - Fairfax, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Bellissimo Restaurant and Eerkins Uyghur Cuisine so you can get the best taste of Fairfax while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
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Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
- Fairfax in 1 day
- 1-day itinerary
Day 1
1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Bonds Escape Room - Fairfax and De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich -Main St with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Fairfax without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1
Caroline S — Google reviewAmelia H — Google reviewDianne H — Google reviewTiffany R — Google reviewK C — Google reviewKendra B — Google reviewMichelle B — Google review
Bonds Escape Room - Fairfax
4.9
(9961)
Escape room center
Bonds Escape Room in Fairfax offers an extensive selection of 9 escape room games suitable for all ages, providing an hour of thrilling fun and problem-solving challenges. The rooms cater to different group sizes, with options for 2-8 players. Each room presents immersive themes and varying difficulty levels, promising an engaging experience for all participants. Additionally, the facility offers team bonding packages that include amenities such as pizza and drinks in a VIP room before embarking on the escape room adventure.
Beth was a great host. We did the White House room and it was pretty intense kinda difficult. We had to ask for more than the allotted clues. We actually preferred this one over the others we have done at different escape room companies.
Kristin B — Google review
We had so much fun!! Our room was definitely challenging and worth our money. You can tell there’s a lot of effort put into designing the rooms. Eli was our game master and he was awesome! Super sweet and was very invested in making sure we made the most of our time. We had a great experience here and we would come back!
I LOVED THIS ESCAPE ROOM!!! Me and my friends went for my birthday and it was amazing!! They had so many options and it was actually challenging for once compared to other escape rooms ive done! Our gamemaster Alexis was so fun!! And made the experience amazing for us :D! Thanks!
We had a blast. Needed one clue in the beginning and then figured out the rest. Good level of puzzle and reward. The magnet remote release mechanics are cool.
Great game master (I did not know they accept tips, next time I will double tip). Calling is a great way to set up the exact game for you.
While on a short weekend vacation to VA from NJ, my brother in law (Melvin) took us to do an Escape Room! It was our very 1st time doing one and he was happy to take us!!! We went 8/9/25 Saturday night at 930 PM and did the “Save the White House” room…… It was really fun and MAX came through clutch at the end and helped us finish saving the WH or else we’d been sleeping in it for sure 😂 Max was super nice and awesome!!! I told her I’d be giving her a solid review, once I got back to Jersey❤️❤️ Thanks Max and the other workers that helped with the clues and funny voices over the walky talky!!!! Til next time🫡
Amazing!!! Wonderful staff that really made the experience worth the while! Em was an amazing hostess and really sweet! Eli was our game master and explained everything perfectly to us! Me and my family played Joker’s Trap and had so much fun! Friendly staff and amazing escape room! 10/10 would recommend! Me and my family already booked for our next game too lol!
I came here with a group of 7 people to try out The Frightful Feast. We were kindly greeted by Jay who was amazing throughout the entire time. Jay was very enthusiastic when explaining to us how the game world work, as well as kind enough to take pictures of us and help us out when he didn’t beat the time. Overall 10/10 experience, and we’ll definitely be coming back.
My son and I had a great time and we actually escaped!! Highly recommend Bonds escape rooms and we will be back again!
3949 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
3 min · 0.15 mi
2•Moonsil K — Google reviewHaya A — Google reviewCo L — Google reviewJiun Y — Google reviewJean Y — Google reviewSally Y — Google reviewHarrison L — Google review
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich -Main St
4.6
(1373)
4.5
(37)
affordable
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Coffee shop
Sandwich shop
De Clieu Coffee & Sandwiches -Main St (Original) is a contemporary coffee shop in the City of Fairfax, named after Gabriel-Mathieu Francois Dceus de Clieu, who introduced coffee to the western hemisphere. The cafe offers locally roasted coffee beans and a variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads. It has become a popular brunch spot known for its cute ambiance, friendly staff, and delicious pastries.
Everything I had was delicious — especially the Chicken Boom Sandwich, Eggplant Sandwich, and Blackberry Latte with oat milk I tried today.
If I lived nearby, I’d come here every day.
The atmosphere was so peaceful and made me genuinely happy.
Such a lovely spot all around!
Bumjoo L — Google review
I had heard the coffee here was amazing and it really was. But what surprised me even more was how good the sandwiches were. I had the vanilla bean latte and it was so rich and smooth, just the kind of coffee I enjoy. We also tried the BLT and the Super Club and both were really satisfying.
Honestly, if I lived closer, I think I would come here all the time. It has such a cozy vibe and everything we tried was full of flavor.
Love the kind and energetic staffs too! It’s a bit far from where I live which is the only downside, but I’m already looking forward to my next visit. I definitely want to try more of their sandwiches.
My friends and I were at the Fairfax library and stumbled upon this café, it looked so cute and cozy from the outside that we decided to try it for breakfast. The food was absolutely delicious, everything came out quickly, and the service was excellent. Prices are affordable and convenient, which makes it even better. We’ll definitely be coming back!
Ordered the super club and nitro cold brew and both were delicious. I've tried several of the drinks and sandwiches and the food is always hot with noticeably fresh ingredients, I appreciate that they don't skimp on the meat or vegetables. The coffees are also always high quality and can't recommend the strong and smooth flavor of their nitro enough. Overall, great customer service. I've noticed that employees are always patient with modifications and answering questions. I appreciate that the staff is also diverse to assist with ordering for multilingual folks.
Such a great find in downtown Fairfax. The sandwiches were delicious and plentiful. The cold brew coffee hit the spot. Lovely atmosphere and friendly, inviting staff with prompt service. Highest recommendation.
DeClieu is such a gem! The sandwiches are fresh and delicious, and the coffee is excellent. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes the atmosphere warm and inviting. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy a great meal or coffee break.
Super cute cafe with delicious drinks, sandwiches and other desserts. The workers were very polite and the cafe itself was very clean. Great to just get a quick bite or to study.
Highly recommend trying their specialty drinks :) the sandwiches were very filling
Went for a second time and got their honey toast for take out. They packaged it so well and it was delicious!! Not too sweet and the fruits were very fresh
I’ve been coming here for over 5+ years and only good experiences. Great ambience, food, and drinks.
They use high quality Intelligentsia beans and have a fun, rotating menu of seasonal drinks like Orange Bonbons and Salted Caramel Einspanners. Their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are also fresh and full of protein.
Go in for a usual coffee or spice it up with their specialty drinks and foods!
10389 Main St B, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3 min · 0.13 mi
3•Andrew P — Google reviewDrew B — Google reviewJosh G — Google reviewNiall O — Google reviewLisa H — Google reviewMaria B — Google reviewThu-Nga M — Google review
The Auld Shebeen
4.6
(1839)
4.4
(253)
affordable
Irish pub
The Auld Shebeen is a beloved Irish pub and restaurant in Fairfax, Virginia. It's a popular hangout for locals and students, offering multiple rooms, live music, and even a basement dance floor for those looking to let loose. The establishment prides itself on being the only original Irish restaurant and tavern in the area, bringing an authentic Shebeen experience to the city.
Went here for Valentines Day dinner. Loved the atmosphere. They had live music which was awesome. I loved most of the food we ordered. I found the concept of the Creme brulee cheesecake fascinating but couldn't bring myself to actually like it. Maybe it's just a me thing. Do try the baked brie with bread. It's delicious. I believe they had a Valentines Day special clam chowder which was pretty good. All in all wonderful experience. It looks like they also have trivia nights and other fun stuff so might swing by again some other time.
It might have been due to the kind of items we ordered but I found it a bit expensive for a pub/bar.
Overall 4.5/5
Asmita A — Google review
Delicious food! It was a live music night. It was enjoyable to hear the Celtic music but it was very loud. My wife and I could barely hear each other. Service was okay. Lacked friendliness from the waiter but he was still professional.
Tables are very close together when not in a booth. Don't go in planning on having a private conversation. 😆
Overall a good experience and would recommend a visit!
Oh my god. I just had the Scottish eggs and corned beef/cabbage and it took me back like I was a kid eating at grandmas house all over again. I can’t explain it, it was exactly what I’ve been craving and longing for the past… well ever since I haven’t had grandma’s meals. Dylan at the bar was fantastic, not overbearing and polite/accommodating, seemed like the owner was helping out (I may be wrong here) but was friendly and made sure I was doing alright- older gentlemen, black polo with no Auld logo. Nice quiet ambience with respectful patrons, just what I wanted after an exhausting day at work; I highly recommend this place and will be stopping here consistently.
We love it here. We went with a large group of 12 for lunch on a Tuesday and were able to get seated all together. The service is quick and amazing and the selection of Irish fair is pretty excellent.
Wonderful authentic Irish establishment, excellent food & drinks, and outstanding friendly staff...but their modern take on the pub burger was extraorinary...one of the most delicious meals I have ever had! AND they had live Irish Music as well! Definitely a must-visit!
Great food! Great cocktails - omg, the Butterbeer!! I am a (very) picky eater, and there were lots of menu options for me and tons of great options for the rest of the non-picky eaters. We will definitely be coming back often. My husband was very happy they have stout beers. I was very happy the shepherd's pie had the veggies on the side. Win for everyone! Only downside was we had to park like 2 blocks away.
My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this Irish pub for lunch, and we were pleasantly surprised from the moment we walked in. It was our first time here, and we both agreed it definitely will not be our last.
For drinks, I tried the Irish Rose, which was perfectly balanced and refreshing. If you enjoy pomegranate, this is absolutely the drink for you. My boyfriend went with a classic Guinness, and it was poured just right, creamy and smooth in the way it should be.
When it came to food, I ordered the traditional beef stew. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth was rich, flavorful, and comforting. My boyfriend chose the steak and mushroom IPA pie, which was hearty and well cooked, although we both agreed the stew was the standout dish of the meal. Both plates came with soda bread that was warm, fresh, and the perfect complement.
The ambiance was everything you would hope for in a pub: cozy, welcoming, and clean. It had a relaxed and friendly vibe that made us want to linger and enjoy our meal without feeling rushed.
Overall, this little find was a gem. The food, drinks, and atmosphere all came together for a really enjoyable experience, and we are already looking forward to coming back again soon.
Great food and customer service. The manager was very willing to help accommodate me when I requested for a low carb margarita. The stew was good and something you wouldn't expect at a restaurant. The fish and chips were delicious. I would definitely come back to try other food there. The brunch steak and eggs was delicious! The steak, eggs, and the home fries were all perfectly cooked and one of the best steak and eggs of all brunch places I have been to. Of course this is not a steak house but the steak was a thick cut and seasoned well and it was juicy. Jerry our server is the best. He keeps our table cleared and clean and was very attentive during our entire meal. We will be back and this will be our regular dining place!
3971 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
13 min · 0.69 mi
4Samer H — Google reviewChi C — Google reviewA M — Google reviewABO T — Google reviewMelody Y — Google reviewChris F — Google reviewPaul L — Google review
Van Dyck Park
4.6
(995)
Park
Van Dyck Park, located in downtown Fairfax, is a 20-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities for families and individuals. The park features three playground areas with unique play structures, a shaded walking trail, and a skate park with jumps and ramps for skateboarding enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can enjoy lighted tennis and basketball courts, as well as sand volleyball courts.
A Unique and Clean Park Experience!
Van Dyck Park's restroom cleaning is top-notch, and the scan-to-enter system is intriguing! The playground is enjoyable, but more picnic tables would enhance the experience. Overall, a great park with a few areas for improvement.
S G — Google review
Nice and private, Bring cart if you're planning to use the pavilion.
Great place for kids to play. It is spacious.
This place has a large parking space, but a lot of people visits here. So the parking lot is kinda packed during weekends.
This park is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon. With numerous picnic spots available, you're sure to find the perfect spot to unwind. The provided grills offer a great opportunity for a barbecue with friends and family. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful surroundings this park has to offer.
The garden is large and beautiful. It is open until late at night.
Lovely park with a large field. My son likes to bike here and we love to have a picnic on the grass. Lots of playground spaces spread out for the kids to explore. Bathroom is available near entrance
This is a large park with several separate playground areas to help separate big kids from little kids. The largest section has 11 pieces of equipment. I've only been once so I don't know if I was there at fortunate time or it's a regular thing, but there was a fresh layer of mulch.
Parking might be an issue as there didn't seem like there would be enough during busy periods.
The playgrounds were clean and the park in general seemed clean.
There is a large restroom cube sort of thing with solar panels on top. When we arrived someone was using it, when we left is was being worked on by someone who seemed a little frustrated by something.
As a side note, there was a tall young man, whose age I couldn't determine, who seemed to have a mental capacity issue. I don't know if it's a normal place he spends his days or if anyone was with him but he was there that day. He said hello to a few adults and seemed friendly but I didn't notice him approach any children specifically.
This park offers a lot for families: a playground plus a toddler area, a basketball court, a small skate park, and multiple tennis courts. It’s clean and well maintained. My only issue was parking—on weekends it can be tough to find a spot. I’ll return at an off-peak time.
3720 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away from De Clieu Coffee & Sandwich -Main St.
Bellissimo Restaurant
4.2
(426)
4.4
(188)
expensive
Italian restaurant
Restaurant
Bellissimo Restaurant is a charming Italian eatery located in Fairfax, known for its elegant ambiance and extensive menu of traditional dishes. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, with a formal dress code and attentive staff that ensure a luxurious dining experience. Guests rave about the rich and generously portioned food, particularly the delectable pasta options.
Three nights in a row, three places in Old Fairfax that I give 5 stars to. Tonight is was one of the best Italian places I've ever been. Owned for 16 yrs by the same chef (pointed out by our waitress), I had the best raviolis I've ever had! They were the crab stuffed specials with shrimp in an amazing sauce - so good that I ordered a second plate - and polished it off with fantastic fresh cooked bread to dip in the sauce. Put this place on your list!
Mark D — Google review
Been passing by this restaurant a lot and meaning to go, but never got the chance. Coincidentally, saw that this restaurant was participating in Fairfax Restaurant Week and decided to finally stop by. Got two full course meals. For appetizer, we got Cream of Brocolli Soup and Classic Caesar Salad. The Cream of Brocolli soup tasted rich and amazing, and salad was OK. For entre, we got Gnocchi Marinara and Ravioli Portobello. Both melted in the mouth and tasted amazing. For dessert, we went with dark chocolate mousse and tiramisu. Dark chocolate mousse tasted out of the world and very tasty. Tiramisu was OK, was a little dry... have had better ones before. Overall, the food and service was great.
Bellissimo was hands-down the best choice for our wedding rehearsal dinner. The best Italian food in the entire DMV! Everyone who came to our rehearsal dinner loved it and are still raving about the dishes. Also, the staff and wonderful family that runs the restaurant are so sweet. We really felt taken care of. Thank you for helping making our big day so special.
Amazing! From the apps to the main courses, you’ve got to stop in.
I got the linguine with a spicy marinara, shrimp, mussels and lobster tail. So good.
Also tried the lobster ravioli — you’ve gotta try. We already downed everything before I could get any pictures of the food, but I did get a snap of the cheesecake.
Delish!
I stopped in at Bellissimo Restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. The food was flavorful and well-prepared — my pasta was cooked just right, and the sauce had a rich, authentic taste. The staff were attentive and kept things running smoothly, and the place had a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. It’s a solid 4-star experience — quality food, good service, and a nice spot to unwind over a great meal.
Incredible Food, Chaotic Service
Belissamo delivers outstanding food — seriously, the dishes were so good I almost applauded the kitchen. Everything was seasoned perfectly and beautifully prepared.
But the service? That’s where things slipped. Our server was clearly overwhelmed and rushing all night. The restaurant was packed, and clearly they were understaffed, which created a chaotic atmosphere 🤷♀️The order was correct, but one of our guests was autistic and needed a bit more explanation. Instead of offering , patience or clarity, the server became annoyed, and more flustered, which made the experience feel tense, awkward and uncoordinated.
With food this good, Belissamo has the potential to be a standout. But better staffing and more compassionate, attentive service would make a huge difference.
It has the best tasting menu in the town, for the tastes of food and the price. $119 for two people 5-course meals. We had the first course, fried burrata with the excellent tomato sauce,, second course with shrimp and fish, third course lamb chops, forth course cesear salad, and desert chocolate mousse and tiramisu. Each tasted wonderfully.
We had an anniversary dinner here and enjoyed the food very much. We ordered appetizers Burrata ( excellent), salad (good), lamb shanks (excellent), veal (excellent), chocolate mousse (excellen) and tiramisu (excellent). Definitely will come back again to try other food.
I am a real customer:
Dined there last night and we are still talking about how good the food was.
Service was attentive without being overbearing. Atmosphere was a mix of fine dining without being pretentious ( we were in travel clothes and didn't feel out of place).
Perfect date night restaurant!
Prices were not bad either, I had the lamb and it was $35 which is a deal.
Wife and daughter both had seafood pasta dishes which I tried/tested....excellent.
Shared Carpachio and later cheesecake.
Again perfect place to go and not break the bank and look good doing it.
10403 Main St, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
Eerkins Uyghur Cuisine
4.3
(901)
4.2
(45)
affordable
Asian restaurant
The restaurant Eerkins Uyghur Cuisine features delicious Asian cuisine from the Uyghur people. With Lamb Kebabs as their top dish, it is definitely a place you don't want to miss. The service can be slow at times, but the food more than makes up for it.
A Culinary Journey to Xinjiang: Eerkin's of Fairfax is a Must-Try Halal Gem!
As an actively practicing Muslim, finding authentic and delicious halal cuisine is always a priority, and Eerkin's of Fairfax truly delivers. This Uyghur restaurant, offering the distinct and captivating flavors of China's Uyghur region, is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a unique and incredibly satisfying dining experience.
Upon entering, the welcoming atmosphere promises a delightful meal, and Eerkin's certainly lives up to that promise. We opted for a selection of their renowned dishes, and each one was a testament to their culinary expertise.
The Gambian Soman was a standout. This dish, with its distinctive flavors and textures, immediately transports your taste buds. The noodles were perfectly prepared, and the rich, savory sauce created a truly memorable experience. It's clear that the chefs at Eerkin's put immense care into their traditional noodle dishes.
For our protein, we indulged in both the Lamb Kabab and Chicken Kabab. Both were absolutely fantastic, showcasing the mastery of grilling and seasoning that is characteristic of Uyghur cuisine. The lamb was tender and perfectly spiced, while the chicken was succulent and flavorful. Served with their fresh, soft Naan, these kababs were a perfect combination of smoky goodness and comforting bread. The fact that all their meat is halal is a huge blessing and definitely appreciated.
Beyond the savory delights, Eerkin's also excels in their beverages and desserts. The Mint Green Tea was out of this world! It was refreshing and aromatic, serving as a perfect palate cleanser and a delightful accompaniment to the meal. And to truly top off the experience, the Neapolitan Cake was simply divine. Its layers of flavor and delightful texture made it an unforgettable sweet ending.
What truly sets Eerkin's apart is its authentic Uyghur food, which offers a beautiful fusion of Central Asian and Chinese influences. It's a rare and precious find, especially as a halal establishment. The attention to detail in every dish, from the hand-pulled noodles to the perfectly grilled kababs, speaks volumes about their commitment to tradition and quality.
For a taste of truly amazing Uyghur food, served with warmth and adhering to halal standards, Eerkin's of Fairfax is highly recommended. You absolutely must try their Gambian Soman, their exquisite kababs, the wonderful naan, the refreshing mint green tea, and certainly, the out-of-this-world Uyghur cake.
Yusuf ( — Google review
We got home made lagman with beef and lamb kebab. Everything was delicious and freshly made. Restaurant is a bit small and Friday night it was busy. They close early. We were a large group and some friends got the eggplant salad. It was tasty too.
Eerkins has the best Uyghur food you can get in the country. Their food is so perfectly made with aromatic spices and savory flavors. I got their beef khazan with rice and I’ve never had anything better. I dream of this meal every night before bed because it’s just that delectable. The atmosphere of the restaurant itself has a cozy ambiance and almost traditional. They were all very welcoming and hospitable. Would definitely go there again and again.
AMAZING!!! Great value, quality, and portion sizes. Service excellent and the food was very tasty. I highly recommend. I went with a big appetite so I had the lamb and chicken skewers, eggplant salad, ugrah soup, and one of the stir fried noodles with beef. And everything was truly a hit!! Wish I took more pictures of the food lol.
To top it all of it, it's HALAL.
Sweet Dough drink: Basically homemade ayran with sugar, definitely refreshing. Nice foam layer. Not too sweet, good for someone who wants something related to a lassi.
Homemade Laghman: Nice thick noodles. Chewy. Highly recommend. The only advice id give the restaurant regarding this is maybe add a little bit more beef. It felt like there wasnt much beef in ours
Beef Thugur: Nice and soft. Properly cooked. Tastes delicious. Equivalent to a momo. I would recommend enjoying with some soy sauce and chilli oil poured on top
I recently dined at Eerkin’s and was very disappointed with both the service and the billing. Our food subtotal was $141.45, but we were automatically charged a 20% “large tab” service fee ($28.29). When I questioned it, the waitress said it applies to bills over $150 including tax, which doesn’t make sense since service charges are usually based on the pre-tax total.
There was also no real service provided — we even cleaned up our own table. The bathroom didn’t have soap, and when I asked, the waitress told me to borrow some from the men’s bathroom! For a restaurant adding a 20% service fee, I expected much better care and cleanliness.
Very disappointing experience overall. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend it until they improve both their service quality and billing practices.
I used to really love this place, but I’m very disappointed with my last visit. I went there with my college friend and we ordered a $4 chicken seekh and $18 noodles. My total was about $23–24, but a few days later I noticed they charged me $39. They added a tip without my consent and then refunded me $11. That’s not acceptable. Because of this, I will not be bringing my friends or family here anymore. I’d rather go to Mim’s Uygher Cuisine they have the best customer service and never charge extra afterward.
I have been here multiple times and I continue to come back because of the food. The food is always delicious. I will always be in the mood to eat some lamb laghman. The samsa is good too.
4008 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
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Bollywood Bistro
4.4
(755)
4.4
(172)
affordable
Indian restaurant
Restaurant
Bollywood Bistro is a vibrant restaurant where the sounds of Bollywood music fill the air as patrons indulge in traditional Indian cuisine surrounded by captivating images of Indian movie stars. Established in 2009, this culinary hotspot has garnered acclaim for its modern and fresh approach to classic dishes. The menu features an array of contemporary Indian fare, including tandoori specialties, biryani, and tikka masala.
First time trying Indian food and everything tasted really good! The mango juice was seriously SO SO good and I highly recommend trying it. The food came out promptly as well, THE GARLIC NAAN WAS SO SO SO GOOD!!!🥰
The only thing was the waitress was acting a little strange the entire time and when i asked her for recommendations she wasn’t very helpful. Still giving 5 stars but did want to mention that
Usamah N — Google review
Not bad, it was one of my best Indian restaurants in the area, but now I’m not sure if coming back
Placed a phone order but when I reached for take out, they didn’t have the order at all as they forgot to enter it into the system! So had to wait for them to put it in and prepare it. The chicken biryani was average and disappointing as they used tasteless white meat for it (who does that!). The Malai Kofta was good though, hence the 3 stars but I don’t think I am going back there!
We reserved a table and we were happily seated immediately upon arrival. The waiter was attentive, our food was delivered quickly, beautifully presented and most importantly, was delicious!
We went with Bollywood Bistro for our wedding Reception and it was honestly the one of the best decisions we made. The food was absolutely delicious and all of our guests raved about every single dish that was provided on Sunday. We were able to grab a plate with our dinner items at the reception, and we must say, the dishes were absolutely amazing, probably the best we've ever had. The food already tasted amazing during the tastings and somehow all the food tasted better during the wedding reception, which is incredibly rare since we were expecting a drop in quality because of the bulk, but the food made in bulk was incredible.
We also really appreciate the hospitality and kindness, Mr. Sharma, and the rest of the Bollywood Bistro team provided to our families during the food tastings. They were incredibly kind and Mr. Sharma dropped by many times to talk casually and made conversation, which made us feel incredibly welcomed.
Would 1000% recommend for any wedding.
Bollywood Restaurant was a pleasant change of pace from all of the strip mall joints which line NOVA. The atmosphere was excellent, the service was polite and precise, and the food was superb. Narayan is truly doing an outstanding job managing the Fairfax location. We will definitely be back. Bollywood should be ranked 4.8 or even 4.9 instead of 4.4. One of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve had in a long time.
My husband and I dined at Bollywood Bistro for the first time and had such a wonderful experience! The food was absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Our server, Narayan, was incredibly kind and knowledgeable, offering thoughtful recommendations that we really enjoyed. The entire staff was attentive and professional—quick to refill water, clear plates, and ensure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. It’s hard to find a restaurant that delivers both exceptional food and outstanding service, but this place truly excels at both! We look forward to dining there again!
This place is one of the few restaurants that serve excellent Indian cuisine in the area in our opinion. My wife and I frequented here before the pandemic as well. During and shortly after Covid, we were so sad when they took away the lunch buffet option for a few years for obvious reasons.
But we’re so delighted that they have brought the lunch buffet option back recently! We went back on a whim because we were craving Indian food and found out it had returned. We’ve tried other Indian places in the area, but we found Bollywood Bistro to be the best for our liking. Their customer service has been excellent and always accommodating, especially now we are a family of three! We try to revisit at least once a month.
3955 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
Ornery Beer Company
4.2
(463)
4.0
(27)
Brewery
American restaurant
Brewpub
Ornery Beer Company is a vibrant spot that perfectly blends the charm of a modern pub with the comfort of home-cooked meals. This full-service restaurant offers an impressive selection of house-made ales and lagers, making it an ideal destination for beer enthusiasts. The atmosphere is lively yet minimalist, featuring TVs that create a sports bar vibe while still feeling cozy.
I absolutely adore this restaurant. The beer is delicious, the food is amazing, and the staff is so kind. This is a new spot for my partner and I. Thank you guys for all you do 💕
Jessica T — Google review
So the flash fried Brussel sprouts with honey and red pepper flakes are genius. Might be the 2nd best Brussel sprouts i have ever had. I love Brussel sprouts. Perfectly cooked. Sweet of honey and slight heat of the pepper flakes actually brought dish over the top. The jagerschnitzel was good. Like maybe the 4th or 5th best. Well maybe not. Schnitzel was adequately pounded properly breaded as well. The mushroom gravy overpowered the dish with blandness. It needs some apple sweetness for typical schnitzel. Or some pepper flavor. Any flavor would have made it better. The beets were the best part of the dish. I love asparagus but it was disguised in the dish. It was hidden under everything. And it was not necessary but ok. Potatoes were good. A potato pancake might help wrap dish together better with some onion and apple in the Shred. It would tie it together better. The gravy took away from the dish. A spiced apple sauce might have been better flavored with one of your fruit tart beers. The service was great. The bartender gave great help and allowed tastings of different beers. The rise lager was good. Bad with the schnitzel. Lord Vader Imperial stout is S or A tier. Chalice of Goliath Barleywine was strong and well flavored but it is not as good as other American brewery barleywines. I prefer 3 Floyd's barleywine behemoth. Berlin pop was the strangest berliner Weiss that I have ever tasted. I wanted to explore it but knew it was not palatable with the schnitzel. The Fuzzy logic also had good flavors.
Positives: The staff was great and attentive. The restaurant has a good atmosphere's and it’s clean. The fried pickles were also good.
Negatives: I ordered Steak Frites, and on a plate of Steak, Fries and Salad, the steak was by far the worst thing. Very little seasoning, drenched in oil from the chimichurri sauce that had no acidity to cut through all that grease. Very disappointed with it. The beer was okay. I bit more bitter than I expect for non IPA beers. Would love to see IBU units for the beers on the menu.
Great experience! Especially after walking out of the previous establishment for poor service! Very casual atmosphere... Our server, Rachel, was so polite and eager to please. The beers were fabulous. I had an IPA and a Stout! Wow! Both of them were delicious! Also it was Happy hour and we got a $2 discount for each beer. This is definitely the new hangout for me and my friends!
Good service. Family friendly. Am always on the lookout for kid friendly menus, since a lot of times kids will eat very little of a meal you pay $10+ for, so it's great that their kids menu items are free on Monday and Tuesday. I got the burger, which was decent, and kids got spaghetti and pizza both of which they liked a lot. Will definitely go back.
Excellent food and service. Had the wings and Goat pizza. Faith was great! We’ll be back!
Great beer. Friendly service.
High priced food that is just plain greasy and awful.
I ordered the Belgian style - Down Wit It.
It was awesome just as described.
Wheat ale with good aromas and flavors.
And it arrived pretty quickly.
The waiter was friendly. The gender inclusive toilets were clean. I guess there were just 3 of them. I'm more of a Men's room fan when it comes to breweries because that would ensure better availability.
They had multiple TVs with multiple sports on them.
I had ordered fried green tomatoes without the beef. The cheese and tomato sauce made it taste a bit sweet. I was expecting a more sour flavor.
The fried pickles, although good on the quantity, the ones on the bottom were dripping with oil and the bread skins were just slipping out due to the grease. Didn't expect this sloppy dish for a 11$.
Staff was very attentive, friendly and helpful I came here with a large party during lunch time. Sports bar vibes, great beer selections. I had the bang shrimp that were average and old bay and barbecue wings, the barbecue wings were distasteful I didn’t taste any barbecue. Fries were over cooked my table enjoyed their burgers entrees.
3950 University Dr #106, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA•
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