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    Ballywhack Shack Cafe

    4.5 (76 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ballywhack Shack Cafe Photos

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    BALLYWHACK SHACK CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Ballywhack Shack Cafe

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    Veggie sandwich with vegan cheese
    Gillian C.

    We went by accident on Mother's Day, and we were so surprised with how wonderful this place was! The bread was good, the ingredients tasted fresh, and the coffee was delicious. Served very fast casual and it was very busy (I did say it was Mother's Day) but they got our food out relatively quick for the crowd! Everyone was friendly and we will be coming back!

    Velnette J.

    Stumbled upon this beautiful gem. And I am so happy I did. It is cozied up in a strip mall in the cutest little town. The inside is so cozy and welcoming. And I loveeeee the menu options. I got a gf blt, soup and a lavender latte and it was ALL fantastic. I could have sat in there all day.

    Beautiful grain adornment!
    Ruth D.

    My husband purchased the Virgina Cafe Passport for me for my birthday, and that's how we discovered Ballywhack and the adorable river town of Occoquan. Our sandwiches were fresh and filling and we each ordered a different latte, which wasn't easy because they have many different flavors. It's enticing us to return so we can keep trying their coffee AND food menu. There is a little indoor seating and outdoor seating along the rail of the covered porch. The indoor seats by the window are definitely prime territory. I highly recommend walking around the town and on the riverwalk, visiting the park by the old mill, and stopping into the local shops either after your coffee or with your to go mug in hand.

    This sandwich is called the " twisted sister ".

    Okay first of all we're talking three stars not bad, but considering how small it is and how packed it is that ain't great but there is seating outside and inside. I ordered a sandwich with Brie apple and ham, the problem was as shown by the photos, they're essentially was no ham on it whatsoever. That's all good and well but this sandwich is almost 13 bucks. Here's the good news It tasted great, the bad news, I could have eaten two and a half of them. So I guess this is a value comment more than it is it tastes good comment. If you like something to taste great there's not enough of it that ham sandwich is perfect for you.

    Coffee and flavored lemonade
    John H.

    We usually go to the Golden Plum to get pies and only just noticed the Cafe next door. Glad we made an effort to stop here first for lunch as they serve great sandwiches, drinks and coffees here. They also serve breakfast all day. We got the reuben and chicken salad sandwiches. You get a choice of sides with the sandwiches. Everything tasted great and fresh. There's outdoor seating as well as tables inside. Definitely worth checking out

    burrito
    Kylie S.

    I lucked on this place on my road trip and it was perfect serendipity. I needed to pick up something for a potluck, and the bakery next door has delicious cookies. I needed breakfast and Ballywhack has the best burrito ever. I almost told them not to put the sweet potatoes in it, because I'm not a huge fan of those. I'm glad I didn't because, they added the perfect touch of sweetness to the savory burrito.

    Outside walk way

    We were looking for a breakfast place in the area and this was one of the places that pop up. Upon entering it seem to be very cozy place. We were not greeted but I still walked up to the counter to get us the menu. My husband and I stopped in recently, and our experience was pretty disappointing. He ordered the Down The Shore and an Iced Dirty Soda (Italian Soda). To him it tasted like flat soda, and to me it tasted more like sparkling water -- definitely not what we expected. I ordered the creamy tomato soup and a grilled cheese, and both were a miss. The soup wasn't hot or creamy, and the sandwich bread was hard, even when I dipped it into the soup. I took two bites and threw it out. I also tried the Dirty Soda Mango-Hibiscus -- it tasted better than it looked, but still not great. The only thing I truly enjoyed was the signature iced caramel latte. That was delicious and something I would recommend. Unfortunately, overall, this visit just didn't hit the mark for us. We won't be returning -- not even for the coffee

    Veggie Vibe
    Chak C.

    Hidden Gem Alert: Ballywhack Shack Café On our way to IKEA in Woodbridge, VA, we stumbled upon a lovely little sandwich shop in Occoquan called Ballywhack Shack Café. What a great discovery! This small, family-run spot has a homey feel and truly deserves the title of a hidden gem in the area. The Food Randy's Reuben - Absolutely mind-blowing. The shaved pastrami was incredibly flavorful, paired perfectly with the cabbage slaw and Thousand Island sauce inside a toasted marble rye. The combination was just amazing--easily one of the best Reubens I've had. Veggie Vibe Sandwich - My wife went for the healthier option, and to my surprise, I actually loved it. The grilled portabella mushroom was the highlight, giving it a rich, meaty texture. As someone who usually prefers meat-based sandwiches, I have to say this was healthy without tasting "too healthy"--just delicious and satisfying

    10/10 The Avocado toast on gluten free bread is phenomenal. I have never been disappointed coming here!
    Brenda M.

    Absolute favorite little cafe! Delicious sandwiches and amazing iced lattes! You can actually taste the flavors unlike other places. Friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.

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    2 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    Sherry M.

    fabulous! So glad for you kind review, we sure do love it here too.

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    4 months ago

    I love Ballywhack! We visit often. Their sandwiches and coffee are always amazing! It stays busy which is a good sign! Highly recommend!

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    Sherry M.

    Bless your heart, thank you so much for the kind words and stars.

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    1 year ago

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    Sherry M.

    Excellent! We are so glad you happened by! Thanks for the stars!

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    2 months ago

    I tried them today. The sandwiches we deserve! Thank you Ballywhack Shack cafe. Try it.

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    1 year ago

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    Sherry M.

    makes our day and is everything we strive for. Thanks for finding us!

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Sherry M.

    Fabulous!! You made our day so much better!

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    1 year ago

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    Sherry M.

    Chili cheese dog for breakfast is all the rage!

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    6 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Sherry M.

    Awesome! Thank you so much. We really do appreciate your kind words.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Great taste and service! Extremely fast as well. The roast beef and horseradish sandwich was perfect.

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    Sherry M.

    Wonderfu! So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Sherry M.

    Thanking you again for all that you said on this platform as well.

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    2 years ago

    Wonderful cozy cafe with the best gourmet sandwiches. Perfect place for coffee with frío. One of Woodbridge best spots.

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    Sherry M.

    Super! Thank you, you made our day. We truly love our customers.

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    Ask the Community - Ballywhack Shack Cafe

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    Two Brothers Chicken & Subs

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    I was in the Woodbridge area and, guided by Yelp's suggestions, decided to stop by Two Brothers for…read morea late-night snack. I ordered a Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Steak & Cheese, and a Fire Burger. The location can be easy to miss since it sits on a corner, but there's plenty of parking available. Inside, the staff was welcoming and helpful, which made the visit even better. My total came to about $34--very reasonable considering the quality. What stood out most is that the food is halal, GMO- and antibiotic-free, and made from scratch. That freshness really came through in the taste. We also received our order quickly, which was a big plus. Ambience is what is at places where fast food is served. Overall, this is definitely a spot I'll be returning to whenever I'm in the area.

    Hidden gem right off Route 1. Located in non descript brown building. ***Note*** took me driving…read morearound twice to find it. It's on the corner facing Maryland Ave. Seems like a family owned place. There's a small place to sit if you like. Place is kind of dark inside. Ordered ahead using Yelp and it was ready earlier than the time on the app. Ordered gyro combo medium spicy with onion rings. Wrapper was a bit greasy when I opened it. Spice was put on bottom of pita so it hit you when you bit the bottom. Onion rings were perfect. . . Super crispy! When I got home, bag didn't have any napkins or ketchup. Make a note to ask before you leave.

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    Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli

    Eddie’s Little Shop and Deli

    4.7(133 reviews)
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    While the shop may be little in size, Eddie's is in the heavyweight class when it comes to the…read moresweet science of the sandwich making arts. It was founded by a culinary institute grad who turned childhood memories of Bronx bodegas into a menu, and you can taste both the training and the nostalgia. The food: I ordered the Roma: breaded chicken cutlet on toasted seeded Italian, with stracciatella, housemade pesto, romesco, and arugula. Think of it as a sophisticated take on the classic chicken parm. The cutlet stays crisp, the handmade stracciatella adds creaminess where mozzarella would usually go, and the pesto and romesco bring herbaceous and smoky-sweet notes that keep it from feeling heavy. The arugula adds a peppery bite, and the seeded bread holds up to everything. It's well constructed and balanced, with no soggy bottom and no ingredient stealing the show. The rest of the menu has original combinations, hot and cold, on a range of fresh baked breads. That variety puts Eddie's above the usual deli lineup. The vibe: It's a late-80s time capsule. Childhood toys, VHS and cassette tapes on display, and vintage baseball card packs and candy are for sale at the counter. It doubles as a mini bodega, stocked with specialty items and beverages worth browsing while you wait. It's playful, and the food keeps it from feeling like a gimmick. Pro tip: Call your order in. Everything is made fresh, so expect 10 to 15 minutes if you walk in, which is worth it but not ideal on a tight lunch break. The verdict: The DMV has plenty of great sandwich joints, and Eddie's has earned a place in that pantheon. Order the sandwich that beckons your call (there may be many), grab some snacks and soak in the nostalgia.

    Second best sandwiches I have ever had, but best on the East coast…read more I'm in Arlington on business from the West Coast and was looking for a quick lunch spot when I stumbled into this little hidden gem. I've eaten at plenty of delis over the years, but Eddie's Little Shop completely surprised me with flavors I've genuinely never tasted before. The sandwiches here are incredibly unique, creative combinations that just explode with flavor in ways I wasn't expecting. What really stood out were the huge, fresh chunks of real mozzarella, paired with their homemade-style dressings, sauces, and condiments. It's easily one of the best sandwiches I've ever had, and I've tried a lot. The portions are generous, the bread is spot-on. I'll definitely be back before my trip ends. If you're in Arlington, do not miss Eddie's Little Shop Deli. Highly, highly recommended!

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    Sandwich Republic - Caprese

    Sandwich Republic

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    I've been here a number of times in the last 12 months. I finally convinced my partner to try it…read more3 weeks ago ago. She loved it! Yesterday we needed to grab a quick lunch and she suggested we go there. The entrance to the parking lot is a mess, but the sandwiches are always first rate. They even have Coke in the original glass bottles without the corn syrup! My goal is to eat everything on the menu. The food is always fresh with organic ingredients wherever possible. The service is great, and the space is always sparkling clean. I'll always look here first whenever possible. My partner finally said to me " I don't know why we old go anywhere else, this place is easily the best."

    We had an extremely troubling experience with the new ownership of Sandwich Republic. We paid…read moreapproximately $30 using tap-to-pay on our phone. Our bank showed that the transaction went through, but the owner insisted that he had not received the payment. He asked us to run the card again, suggesting that if we were charged twice, perhaps our bank would credit one of the charges. We called our bank, and the bank confirmed that we had already been charged and told us they could not simply reverse the transaction. At that point, we decided not to take our food and to leave. Because the owner was claiming he hadn't received our payment, I specifically asked him to simply write on a piece of paper that we were leaving without receiving our order. I wanted documentation showing that we had not received any food in case we needed to dispute the charge. He refused to put that in writing. He repeatedly told us that this had never happened in his 20 years in business, even though this restaurant is under new ownership. When we continued trying to resolve it, he told us it wasn't his problem, told us to call the police, and refused to work with us. We ultimately disputed the charge with our bank because we were charged approximately $30 and received no food. What makes this situation even more upsetting is that, according to the information we subsequently received through our dispute, the merchant responded by claiming that we DID receive the food. We did not.

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    Capo Deli

    Capo Deli

    4.3(49 reviews)
    14.3 mi•Old Town Alexandria

    Capo Italian Deli - Old Town Alexandria…read more I reviewed our new Old Town neighbor - Capo Italian Deli - early in 2026. Time for an update. The deli is outstanding. Taking up a tiny footprint on the N. Washington Avenue thoroughfare, a few seconds from King Street, the deli delivers both hot and cold deli entrees, soft drinks, and salads. There's maybe half a dozen tables inside and a couple of tables outside, but from what I have seen thus far, most of the trade is with carry-out service, drawing from the excellent reputation Capo brought with it as it arrived in Old Town (the restaurant has siblings in Shaw NW, and Western Market in the District, Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA, Annapolis and Potomac, MD). Fresh Philly rolls for those seeking a traditional hero sandwich, with go-to seasonings and all of the essential protein groups. My favorite is a large half roast beef half turkey with lettuce, tomato, and mayo (I skip the Italian dressing, which is part of the default, and I skip the cheese). I can and have made this $18 sandwich last three meals (so I ask them to cut the sandwich into three pieces), and the ingredients stay fresh for the next 24 hours. The last time I did this the sandwich fed me from 4:45 a.m. to 9 p.m., as I served as an election officer at one of Alexandria's polling places. Neat, trim, and completely satisfying. Just a point of concern: given its location, the opportunity to double-park while picking up an order seems to be just too tempting. This location, however, cannot over the long term sustain double-parkers. The deli is about 100 feet from the intersection of King Street and N. Washington Street. There is a dedicated lane for cars seeking to park adjacent to the deli. And then there are two northbound lanes on N. Washington Street. That's it - just two lanes serving one of the busiest intersections in Old Town. If a delivery-service car pulls up alongside one of the parked cars, all hell will break loose by drivers who suddenly find a delivery vehicle double-parking in front of Capo, leaving but one northbound lane open for however long it takes for the delivery agent to gather the order and beat it out of there. This happens with remarkable frequency, starting at about 11 a.m. and running throughout the day. That's not going to make good neighbors of Capo's nearby shops. Alexandria Parking has its work cut out for it, but here the rule prohibiting double-parking has to be enforced - it's both a safety issue and an issue of common courtesy. Doesn't matter if you think you'll just be in and out of the deli in seconds. We know it doesn't work that way, not always, and here - not even often. More often than not the double-parker will be creating a traffic hazard just by parking alongside a parked car in front of the deli. Please, don't do this.

    I got a 6" Roasted Turkey sub and the oreo mousse. The mousse was delicious but the sandwich was…read morelackluster. The bread seemed stale and the dressing could use a little more flavor. It was just a regular sandwich. Prices were extremely high for it to be a normal sub. I will say the portion size is good and they get points for not using mayo. Service was quick.

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    I'm a bit torn on this one…read more I stumbled across Stachowski's while looking for a unique local spot for lunch. The sandwiches looked epic and the photos of the place looked adorable for a local joint. We walked over from our hotel in Georgetown and were overwhelmed by the sandwich choices. Caught between the Grinder and the Pastrami, we went with the employee's suggestion for the latter. About 5 minutes later we were handed a wrapped sandwich the size of a football. We found a quiet spot to unwrap and enjoy it and dug in. Frankly, I wouldn't order it again, and I think we would have enjoyed the grinder more. It was just a huge pile of meat on pumpernickel bread with mustard. Flavor was meh. Neither of us was overwhelmed for nearly $25. Props for the cute European goods in the shop, though, and the employees were courteous and friendly. But next time I'll look elsewhere for lunch.

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    Ballywhack Shack Cafe - sandwiches - Updated October 2026

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