Coastal Flats is about the only chain restaurant I enjoy. But if I had a dinner out with DH it would never be at CF or Sweetwater Tavern (unless we were Christmas shopping or had some errands at Home Depot).

Thank you all. It's not until this weekend and I'm kind of leaning towards ethnic at the moment but we'll see what DH says.

And now I will do a little dance in anticipation...

The Four Sisters is right there and there is a great little bakery nearby for dessert.

Sea Pearl is good, but that is hearsay from a friend.

Let us know how it went, OP!

Present on 50 inside the beltway is good choice near you if you like Vietnamese.

I'd say 2941 if you want an expensive place, or Nostos in Tysons which is newer but supposed to be really good and moderately priced. If you want to go to the mall, I like Brio at Tysons Corner Center. If you like more ethnic food, Sea Pearl and Three Sisters are both very good in Merrifield.

2941 in Fairview Park is great!

I second Sweetwater Tavern. Call ahead as they get busy quickly.

You don't say what your proce range is and whether chains are OK, but based on your location alone, I'd recommend the Sweetwater Tavern-Merrifield. It's right at the Beltway and 50. It's a Great American Restaurant and that chain has impeccable service. The food is very good too - and the free bread/butter is to die for. http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/sweetmainmeri/

Coastal Flats is another GAR, but the one close to you (in Tysons) isn't as nice as the one in Fairfax, I think, and that might be a bit too far for you.

GARs don't take reservations but you can call ahead and get your name on a list. Weekday nights should be better than weekend nights.

We live just outside the beltway around route 50. I don't want to go too far from home in case the kids freak out while we're gone.

TIA.