Fave Restaurant Meals from “Back in the Day”
Growing up in Arlington back in the 1950’s and 60’s, most meals were home cooked as we always sat down together as a family. But then there were those times when we had the pleasure of going to a restaurant. Whether the restaurant was fast-food, family dining, or more fine dining, I always looked forward to being able to go out. My mom was a decent cook, and I enjoyed most of the meals she fixed, though, over time, I did grow weary of the same meals, week after week, year after year, as her menu was very repetitive not ever changing very much.
So, upon some reflection, I’ve created a list of my fave restaurant meals from “back in the day” which are listed in no particular order. I hope this list will help jog your memory of meals you enjoyed while dining out.
Clyde’s of Georgetown–their Bacon Cheeseburger cooked medium rare. No doubt the Baby Boomer has eaten more than his fair share of burgers, but this one really “hit the spot” as it was always so tasty and more than a bit juicy.
Hot Shoppes on Kirkwood Road–no doubt I thought the Mighty Mo was wonderful as I seldom ordered anything else and the Orange Freeze did indeed freeze your brain.
Hsian Foong–the was my favorite Chinese restaurant on Washington Boulevard because of its wonderfully spicy Pork Szechuan which always broke you out in a sweat. I distincly remember the owner sitting at a small desk counting all of his money.
Peaks of Otter–located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Bedford, VA, the colossal Seafood Buffet was nothing other than first class with a huge offering of the best and freshest seafood available.
Williamsburg Lodge–served another magnificent Seafood Buffet on Friday nights which was always packed with delectable seafood and packed with patrons as well.
Tom Sarris Orleans House in Rosslyn–a really fun place to enjoy the “best” of salad bars and medium rare prime rib which lapped over your plate. I never thought I would ever finish it all, but somehow, I always did.
Alpine–located on Lee Highway, this was one of my most favorite restaurants of all time. They always brought to your table this delicious thick sliced fresh Italian bread which I would slather with butter and I’d top it with their fresh ground parmesan cheese as my appetizer–grossly delicious! My fave meal was the Veal Saltimbocca–thinly sliced veal top with prosciutto and melted fresh mozzarella and glazed in a wonderful demi-glace wine sauce.
RT’s in Arlandria–a favorite seafood restaurant featuring the best She Crab Soup and my fave meal of Shrimp Etouffee served with rice and in a thick, savory sauce. Their small salad is a real hit just because of their Cajun salad dressing. You’ll never go wrong here as anything I’ve ever ordered has been nothing but great!
The Peddler–in Williamsburg was a neat beef lovers experience because a variety of cuts were brought tableside for you to select, not only which type of beef you desired, but also the size of your choice as it was cut right in front of you based on your desires.
The Flagship on Maine Avenue–the restaurant that served dessert first with their fabulous warm Rum Bun. The fave meal, though, was the Crab Imperial with its crusty oven-baked mayonnaise and caper topping over nothing but jumbo lump crabmeat.
La Bella Vista–located at the top of Arlington Towers with a wonderful view of Washington and maître d’, Michael, who looked identical to Al Pacino when he played Michael Corleone in “The Godfather”. My all-time favorite appetizer was a half-order of their fabulous Fettuccine JFK which was fettuccine in a delectable cream sauce mixed with green peas and ham.
Robertson’s at Pope’s Creek–speaking of crabmeat–nothing beat the hard-shell blue crabs steamed to perfection in spice washed down by a cold, cold beer sitting there and enjoying for an entire afternoon overlooking the Potomac River.
The Lazy Susan–located near Woodbridge, this was a fun, fresh-food homestyle restaurant serving its offerings family-style. It’s been closed for years, but the last time I looked, the sign was still there.
Hunter’s Lodge on Commerce Road–in its day served the best breakfast one could ever desire.
The Wharf–in Old Town Alexandria was a great spot for an outstanding lunch where you could enjoy a fine cigar with, at least, two extra dry martinis (shaken and not stirred) each with three extra-large olives then dig into their wonderful Fried Scallops which were outstanding in every unforgettable way.
Cascades Restaurant in Williamsburg–“back in the day” their daily Hunter’s Breakfast Buffet was next to none–always fresh and delicious.
Mario’s Pizza–sure Joe prepared the sheet pans of cheese pizza, but it was Lefty’s subs which were unsurpassed. A Steak and Cheese or Cold Cut Sub accompanied by a center slice of pie topped with an entire sausage patty was the way to go!
Joshua Tree–this McLean restaurant had the second-best salad bar around but was unique in they also offered a bread bar featuring a variety of fresh loaves of bread which you sliced yourself.
Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse (Nashville, TN)–founded in 1934, this is a southern steakhouse by which all American steakhouses are measured along with a huge selection of whiskey. Perhaps, the steaks are so wonderful after a whiskey, or two, or three. At Vanderbilt, I had a sponsor who was named Hap Motlow, one of his father’s, Lem Motlow, four sons, proprietor of Jack Daniel Distillery, who was a daily loyal customer of Jimmy Kelly’s in its original location prior to it burning to the ground. Hap always had a smile on his face and I always knew why.
S&W Cafeteria at Seven Corners–always a neat place with so many choices that actually tasted very good. I really enjoyed filling my tray with items I wanted to enjoy and they had someone take your filled tray to an available table of your choice.
The Gondolier–on Columbia Pike across from the Arlington Theatre with really delicious authentic pizza and where I was introduced to anchovies which I added to my pepperoni pizza–delish!
219 in Old Town Alexandria–a New Orleans inspired restaurant with a great weekend brunch. The Oysters Three-Way were to die for and the accompanying crusty bread was great to sop up all the delectable leftover sauce the oysters were served in.
Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Annandale–was normally a Friday fun night family event with a decent pepperoni pizza, but it was the entertainment from the Dixieland jazz banjo and piano which really kept us coming back.
Caesar’s Forum in McLean–a well-adorned restaurant with a remarkable Steak Diane Flambe which was prepared tableside–magnifique!
Coco’s–a Columbia Pike landmark, with red and white checkered tablecloths, family-owned Italian restaurant which served the best spaghetti and meatballs. Chef Coco would always make the rounds making certain you were pleased.
Fitzgerald’s in Georgetown–had the most magnificent luncheon seafood salads loaded with either jumbo shrimp, lump crabmeat, or chunks of lobster tail meat.
Top Of The Town–located at the top of the Prospect House where the food was just okay, but the maître d’, Josef, always made you feel welcome as the drinks put you in the mood to enjoy the million-dollar view of Washington, DC.
Joe Theismann’s–located at Bailey’s Crossroads, this was the spot to watch the Washington Redskins “back in the day” when they were a very good team. The Lobster Bisque was the best I’ve ever had and the Theismann Cheeseburger wasn’t so bad either. Another enjoyable dish was The #7 which was a roast beef sandwich with melted cheese, coleslaw, and Thousand Island dressing.
Williamsburg Inn–classic well-served American dining at its best from “back in the day”. Their signature entree was their delicious Chateaubriand with the vast accompaniment variety of fresh vegetables all served tableside–just a wonderful formal dining experience.
King’s Landing in Old Town Alexandria–an excellent restaurant with a pleasing ambiance and a wonderful filet mignon served with a delectable Bearnaise.
Manny Moon’s–a pizza joint in Woodbridge whose pizza was authentic Italian perfectly cooked in a traditional pizza oven with a thin crispy crust.
Finally, you can’t have a list like this without including my fast-food faves:
McDonald’s–on Lee Highway where my dad would take me to the outside walk-up where I could see the French fries being fresh cut. We had to eat our lunch in the car, but who could go wrong with two cheeseburgers, an order of fries, and a soft drink for under a buck.
Roy Rogers–being greeted with a, “Howdy, Pardner”, and enjoying a cheeseburger just the way you wanted by way of the “Fixin’s Bar”. Not a fan of their signature roast beef sandwich or Pappy Parker’s fried chicken, but did enjoy the staff saying, “Happy Trails” as we departed.
Hot Shoppe’s Junior–their Royal Burger was the best and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.
Tops Drive Inn (Route 50 and Glebe Road)–featuring the best onion rings I’ve ever had and I mean ever! I also enjoyed the carhop bringing our tray of food to the car where it was attached to the side.