Favorite "hidden treasure" restaurants in the area?

[Anonymous]

It's a bit of a trek, but for Peruvian chicken, our family is obsessed with Sardi's on Route 1 in Beltsville (not far from the College Park Ikea, just up from Costco.) It's in an old Pizza Hut building and looks a little hsabby - but inside it's clean, neat, renovated, staffed by friendly & efficient workers and the food is AMAZING. My kids (who are so, so picky) adore it and ask for the "spinning chicken" place all the time. So good.

PS, I love this thread. Thanks to the OP who started it!

[Anonymous]

Not a trek for me, I live near Burtonsville and was wishing there were some more posts in this area (or Columbia). Thanks for the tip! There's a serious dearth of decent food around here.

[Anonymous]

In Burtonsville, I really like Maiwand Kabob for hole-in-the-wall Afghan kabobs. I particularly love their pumpkin side dish (it's sweet and savory at the same time) and lamb kabobs (super tender and flavorful). and Pho Real in nearby Briggs Chaney, which is probably THE cleanest pho joint I have ever stepped into, plus they accept credit cards.

In Wheaton I like Nava Thai (but who doesn't!) and Full Kee (Key?) for Cantonese style cheap eats.

For Peruvian chicken (which could probably get its own thread) I like Crisp & Juicy (there are multiple locations throughout the area including Wheaton Plaza, Leisure World, and Rockville pike) but mostly just because I really like their spicy sauce. All the other Peruvian chicken joints usually only have pureed jalapeno style sauces available.

I don't know how hidden this one is either, but I'm smitten with Ray's the Classics in downtown Silver Spring. In the classy bar/bistro area, they offer a fixed price menu that gives unbelievable bang for your buck. When I last went, I had a cup of crab bisque, perfectly delicious and cooked properly hangar steak, and a dessert for $24. They also sell the infamous Ray's Hell Burger in the bar area for cheap as well.

[Anonymous]

I am a big fan of Nest in Bethesda. Great food, friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a trek for me, I live near Burtonsville and was wishing there were some more posts in this area (or Columbia). Thanks for the tip! There's a serious dearth of decent food around here.

I am in Burtonsville too! Try Mangos in Laurel (route 1 and 198) awesome Mexican/Salvadorian food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bahn Mi sandwich, can't remember the name, but it's on rt. 50 near Loehmann's Plaza.

DC Sandwich is the name for some reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Del Ray PP again. Also wanted to mention, for decent, cheap, casual family dining - Atlantis in the Bradlee shopping center. It requires a 5-minute drive, but if you're looking for cheap and kid-friendly, it's a decent spot. They have really great gyros and burgers, but have lots of other stuff to offer too. It's a family run restaurant, I believe the owners are Greek.

Actually I have to say that I have dined there several times as we live close by and they are pretty expensive for what they serve, service is slow and the food isn't very good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Adam Express in Mt.P. You would never think to step inside this place if you walked by. It's really hole-in-the-wall takeout. But it's owned and run by this adorable couple - they owned a restaurant in Korea and set up shop in Mt. Pleasant I forget how many years ago. Order off the Korean menu. (They have "Chinese" and "Japanese" as well but both are subpar.) The bibimbap is really good. I'm also a fan of their spicy squid, seafood pajun, and their soups.

Yes! I love their kim chi soup!

Could not disagree more about Piccolo. Mediocre food at best. And while there may be a "glut" of Italian restaurants (although I don't know were they all are) there is certainly not a glut of good ones. In fact, lack of good Italian food is, in my mind, one of the DC area's greatest food shortcomings.

I was going to write the same thing. Piccolo is a tourist trap with gummy pasta.

[Anonymous]

RT's in Arlandria - Mount Vernon Avenue - the best cajun food in the region.

[Anonymous]

le chat noir in dc is surprisingly yummy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a trek for me, I live near Burtonsville and was wishing there were some more posts in this area (or Columbia). Thanks for the tip! There's a serious dearth of decent food around here.

Ho Co dweller here- I second Maiwand Kebob - there is one in Harper's Choice in Columbia.

Iron Bridge wine company is awesome (on Rt. 108 in Ellicott City / Columbia area)

Happy Hour at Ranazul in Maple Lawn is great for sangria and a few small plates, but I find the rest of their menu to be overpriced.

Everyone goes to Clyde's but the Tomato Palace next door is better (though service won't be as good)- Trenton tomato pizza, gorgonzola salad, and shrimp and scallop pasta are my favorites. Also steak salad. I believe Monday is half-price bottle of wine night there. They have combo plates where you can get a salad and pizza / pasta for around $10. Plenty of food- and so fresh and delicious.

Sushi King in Dobbin Center area off 175 / Dobbin Road is great sushi and easier to get a table at than Sushi Sono.

http://howchow.blogspot.com/ is a good source of info- he goes to more hole in the wall places.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone, love this thread. Please more opinions on Columbia, Silver Spring, Burtonsville areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any recommendations in the Mt Vernon/Rte 1 corridor area? There are tons of independently-owned restuarants along there, and I'm willing to wager some are fantastic, but I have no idea which ones.

Mama's Kitchen which is right off Route 1 close to the Home Depot. A combo of greek and italian food. Very good food!