Pho 234 has only been open for a few years, but in its short lifespan the Vietnamese restaurant has already won many fans in the diners of Manassas. That's because its chefs consistently deliver the best pho you'll find anywhere near The Courts at Historic Manassas—at least according to regular diners.

Pho, a Vietnamese soup traditionally filled with beef, makes for a more filling meal than you might expect. Its medley of sprouts, veggies, and protein (which can be meat-free, if you prefer) come together in a savory broth seasoned with classic Vietnamese herbs and spices. Pho 234's bowls are famously large, so you'll likely be full after a meal here. If the soup alone doesn't quite squash your hunger, add an order of the popular crispy rolls or a cup of the Thai bubble tea.

Pho 234
10376 Festival Lane
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 530-9999
vietnamesefoodmanass.wix.com/pho234
www.yelp.com/biz/pho-234-manassas

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

Dizzy Pig BBQ Company's story extends across international borders. Chris Capell started experimenting with his new smoker in Fairfax; across the border in Canada, Mike Kerslake was doing the same. They happened upon one another in an online forum for cooks, and their shared love for everything barbecue eventually blossomed into a friendship that brought Dizzy Pig BBQ Company into business.

Dizzy Pig has a number of outlets, including one just a short trip from The Courts at Historic Manassas. The distinct rubs have won numerous competitions, and they're available at the store in Austin (as well as a slew of retailers across the country). From "Dizzy Dust" all-purpose barbecue rub for meats to sweet Pineapple Head rub for grilled fruits, pie fillings, or even fruit salads, the Dizzy Pig BBQ Company has a seasoning for every type of food and occasion.

Dizzy Pig BBQ Company
8763 Virginia Meadows Drive
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 273-3580
dizzypigbbq.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/dizzy-pig-bbq-company-manassas

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffreyww

The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but a much tastier version will be held today near The Courts at Historic Manassas. For February's First Friday, the Souper Bowl comes to Center Street. Various shops downtown will welcome locals to slurp up as many soup samples as they like for a flat fee of $5. Just grab a wristband at any of the stores along the Souper Bowl's route.

The city's eateries supply the soup, so if you try something you like, make a note of the source. At Prospero's Books, you can try the ancho tomato soup and grilled cheese from Zandra's. At Allyssa Bryn boutique, enjoy a sample of Okra's Creole gumbo, studded with chicken and andouille sausage. Anyone looking for something a bit heartier should head to Records & Rarities for smoked brisket chili by The Bone or Creative Brush Studio for clam chowder from Philadelphia Tavern.

Check out visitmanassas.org to learn more about tonight's First Friday event!

First Friday Souper Bowl
Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
visitmanassas.org/event/first-friday/?instance_id=5575

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Rachel Hathaway