Pittsburgh Rick’s: French Fries in Every Sandwich

Rick Allison has been in the restaurant business one way or another for more than 30 years. He cut his teeth in the early '80s alongside his grandmother, who owned a restaurant in Pennsylvania. Together, she and Rick would handcraft pasta, shape burgers, and do everything in between. Rick caught on quickly, which is why he decided to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America and pursue a career in restaurateuring.

At Pittsburgh Rick's, Allison shows off everything he's learned for the people of Leesburg. Many liken the restaurant to Primanti Bros, a well-known sandwich eatery in Pittsburgh. It serves the same Pittsburgh-style sandwiches—that is, sammies stuffed with French fries. Trye the loaded grilled cheese with bacon, the pastrami and cheese, or the butter-poached lobster. They all have fries built right in to the sandwich's structure.

Pittsburgh Rick's
116 E. Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 737-3700
www.pittsburghricks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/pittsburgh-ricks-leesburg

Fire Works Pizza: Craft Pizza a Cut Above the Rest

Offering pies that take the art of pizza to a whole new level, Fire Works Pizza delivers exceptional flavors and fresh ingredients that are sure to impress. Each pizza is cooked over a wood-burning fire which adds an incredible amount of flavor! Start off with a bruschetta with unique toppings like brie with honey or their homemade tomato jam. Specialty pizzas like the French Connection with prosciutto, chicken, brie, apples, and onions will definitely wow taste buds. Many of the ingredients are organic and locally sourced from farms and produce providers in the area. An extremely popular hangout in Market Station, Fire Works Pizza is often crowded around dinnertime, but the food is always worth the wait. And the laid-back atmosphere and swanky interior makes guests feel both relaxed but pampered. The outstanding service and delicious pizza at Fire Works Pizza makes it an unbeatable gourmet treat.

Fire Works Pizza
201 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 779-8400

The Thai Pan: Get Your Fill Today

Located adjacent to a gas station, Leesburg’s Thai Pan restaurant is as well known for its unique location as it is for its standout authentic Thai cuisine. The extensive menu at this hole-in-the-wall hot spot has something for everyone. Favorites like lemongrass soup, drunken noodles, and crispy duck will satisfy even the most die-hard Thai food fans. Vegetarians will appreciate that almost the entire menu is available meat-free upon request. Serious spice-lovers especially love the many hot and spicy specialties like curry bowls or crying tiger flank steak. Every dish is made to order, and the kitchen staff will go out of their way to accommodate diners’ taste preferences. Visitors say Thai Pan really proves the adage “Don’t judge a book by a cover.” In this case, the welcoming staff, charming décor, and made-to-order dishes put even the biggest skeptics at ease.

The Thai Pan
2 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-9487

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers: Cheeseburgers and More in Leesburg

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers fulfills their “gourmet” moniker with an emphasis on culinary quality and crafting the perfect burger, your way, fresh and to-order. Juicy, char-grilled 100% all-natural Angus beef patties towering with your choice of cheese and toppings, fresh in-house baked buns and locally sourced ingredients create an elevated burger experience and the laid-back atmosphere makes Melt a popular destination for an office get-together, date night or family dinner.

Melt’s menu features unusual selections such as a sushi-grade ahi tuna burger and a garlicky bison burger. Specials rotate regularly, including the burger, milkshake and mac & cheese of the month. Crisp salads, abundant sides and a zesty black bean and corn veggie burger are available for herbivore consumption. A menu for children 10 and under features choices for the little ones.

Visit the Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers website to learn more!

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers
525 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 443-2105
www.meltgourmetcheeseburgers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/melt-gourmet-cheeseburgers-leesburg

Mikaku: Enjoy Japanese Fare in Herndon

The master chefs of Mikaku fulfill the eatery’s motto by creating “a true sense of taste” in every bite through the use of fresh ingredients expertly crafted into authentic Japanese dishes. Groups may choose to share a literal wooden boatload of sushi, running over with dozens of pieces hand-rolled maki.

In addition to standard sushi and rolls, Mikaku puts a unique spin on Japanese dining by offering small plate specialties akin to Spanish tapas. Small bites for sharing include steamed shumai dumplings and sake-steamed clams. Their comprehensive sake menu features over twenty varieties of premium sake, as well as more accessible varieties, available cold by the glass or heated in a traditional tokkuri flask.

With traditional artwork lining the walls and otherwise minimal décor, Mikaku’s atmosphere is quietly serene. A private dining area featuring a “zashiki” arrangement, complete with traditional tatami flooring, a low-standing table and comfortable floor mat seating may be reserved, too.

Mikaku
3065-J Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 467-0220
www.mikakurestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mikaku-herndon

Noku: Blend of Traditional and Daring Japanese Cuisine

With consistently fresh sushi and adventurous rolls for the maki fanatic, Noku is a premiere sushi restaurant in the Leesburg area. The proprietor, Jake, welcomes each guest and personally guarantees the freshness of each meal. The great service continues from the time you step through the door to when you finish eating, while being both fast and attentive. Their best offerings are their traditional sushi and sashimi, with options like salmon nigiri and Hamachi/Yellowtail. If you have a favorite sushi that’s not on the menu, they are happy to create it for you. The beautifully presented special rolls are pleasing to the eye as well as the palate! Prices are not inexpensive, but they are worth it for the level of quality and service you get, especially when there are deals like 10% off if you “check in” to the restaurant on your phone. Guests agree that Noku is a must-visit for delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine.

Noku
19302 Promenade Drive
Leesburg, VA 20176
(571) 333-5223

Tipicos Gloria Restaurant Brings Mom-and-Pop Charm and Mexican Food to Herndon

If you adore charming mom-and-pop establishments with great food, you’ll probably love Tipicos Gloria Restaurant, a Mexican and Salvadoran eatery in Herndon. Regulars say the food here is authentic and delicious, and many prefer Tipicos Gloria to any other Mexican restaurant in the area. Patrons especially appreciate the helpful picture menu when ordering. Try the chicken or steak tacos, the pupusas, the quesadillas, the tamales, or the beef burritos.

Though the food here is fresh and authentic, you might want to get yours to-go since seating is so limited—there may only be room for about 10 people in the dining room. Takeout orders are securely packaged, and you can expect your food to hold up well during the journey home. So don't let the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere of Tipicos Gloria Restaurant stand between you and enjoying the tasty, traditional food here!

Tipicos Gloria Restaurant
482 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 437-7950
www.yelp.com/biz/tipicos-gloria-restaurant-herndon

La Lou Bistro: Variety of Cuisines Will Suit Any Taste

With dishes in cuisines ranging from French to Spanish to Moroccan to American, La Lou Bistro will certainly have a satisfying meal for everyone in your party. The regular menu is full of delicious choices, including noteworthy entrees like the seafood paella, the Bouillabaisse with shrimp, squid and mussels, and the combination of lamb, duck, and sausage. One place where they really shine, however, is the specials, which are conceived and executed daily by the adventurous chef, who will come to your table himself to describe what he’s concocting! Their desserts feature French-style pastries and cakes that are beautifully presented and completely mouth-watering. Though on the smaller side, La Lou Bistro handles large groups with ease, so don’t hesitate to make a reservation for a larger party. And the charming atmosphere helps La Lou Bistro create a lasting impression on guests to keep them coming back.

La Lou Bistro
19 W. Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 771-0072

Guapo’s Restaurant: Tacos, Burritos and More in Herndon

Regulars know that Guapo's Restaurant makes a special effort to combine great atmosphere, friendly staff, and quality food for a dining experience you won't soon forget.

The menu is large and varied, ranging from Tex-Mex standards (burritos, tacos, and fajitas) to a creative selection of rotisserie entrees. This Herndon favorite serves award-winning nachos, so start your meal with the nacho platter replete with your choice of meat, a fresh cheese mix, guacamole, and pico de gallo and served over crispy, warm tortilla chips. Regulars also say the sweet fried plantains are a favorite, so make room for a plate of those, too. You can order a whole rotisserie chicken with sides like rice, beans, fried potatoes, and coleslaw. Or you can add a rack of grilled pork ribs and steak to make it a meal for the whole family.

Reviewers praise Guapo's dessert offerings (especially the flan, which is rich and creamy without being too heavy), so be sure you leave a little room for something sweet to end your meal!

Guapo's Restaurant
1042 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 787-8887
guaposrestaurant.com/?page_id=39
www.yelp.com/biz/guapos-restaurant-herndon

Döner Bistro: European Cuisine in Leesburg

Bringing a little-known delicacy from Germany and finding a home for it in Virginia, Döner Bistro offers traditional fare in a lovely beer-garden setting. “Döner,” which means “turning meat,” is a reflection of German’s changing culture. In the 70s, a Turkish immigrant took the popular meat and stuffed it into a flatbread with salad and sauce, creating a fast-food sensation perfect for a modern lifestyle. The owners of Döner Bistro wanted to bring this delicious food to the US. And you’ll be glad they did! Try the tasty gyros paired with pommes or imported German pretzels, and chase it with a cold beer. The outdoor beer garden is gorgeous and sets the scene for live music every Saturday and first Fridays of the month. The laid-back atmosphere means you’ll be comfortable to sit for hours.

Döner Bistro
202A Harrison Street
Leesburg, VA 20178
(703) 779-7880

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