This is a nice casual place to grab drinks! They have a menu with cocktails or you can probably…read moreorder what you want off the menu. I ordered a strawberry cocktail and I like how they aren't too strong. They drinks came out really quick and there's a good amount of seating. When I went, they had a comedian show going on for free. So I would check the vibes of the events going on over the weekend before going.

July 2022 - COVID Review:…read more I hadn't been to Crooked Run in a few years so it was nice to hear they expanded and added a couple extra places in their space. Nectar has daily drink specials and a bunch of different cocktail flights - including a margarita flight for my fellow tequila lovers! They had good drinks and a number of tables for small and large groups. We went on a Friday night and there was a live performance happening on stage.

Return visit after first time several months ago, celebrated friends anniversary. This visit was…read morefor my birthday. Chose from the Restaurant Week menu. Cocktails were my La Serre Martini and my husband had a Le Steb. We both loved the goat cheese salad (think they called it something else) appetizers. I enjoyed the Steak Frites and my husband had the Halibut. Dessert was a chocolate profiterole and a crème brûlée. Our server presented me with a little dish that included two small scalloped shaped muffins that tasted almond flavored and came with a little candle that he lit at the table for me to blow out. He nor my husband sang, which was fine I love French food and this restaurant is the perfect place for it and the decor truly resembles a traditional French Brassiere. We will definitely be revisiting soon.

Stopped in for a nice evening to myself. I decided to do their dinner tasting menu with wine…read morepairing. I really enjoyed the spring tasting menu. The food was beautifully presented and the wine pairing was superb. Definitely recommend having them pair your wines. The grilled shrimp was a great start. The sparkling rose made the shrimp taste even better. The goat cheese ravioli was probably my favorite savory dish of the evening. The sweet sage-maple syrup-tomato sauce was fantastic. The Sancerre was pleasant with it, although I thought the ravioli itself was more impressive than the pairing. I had to order bread so the sauce wouldnt go to waste. I ordered the lamb medium rare, but it arrived closer to medium, and initially it was somewhat underseasoned. After adding salt and pepper and getting some of the thyme from the plate into the bite, the lamb became significantly better and worked better with the Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The creamed spinach underneath was delicious on its own, but I didn't enjoy it with the wine. Interestingly, the absolute highlight of that wine pairing was the braised garlic. The sweet, mellow garlic and Châteauneuf-du-Pape were wonderful together. Dessert was the highlight of the entire pairing. The lavender ice cream was outstanding, the Chantilly surrounding it was light and delicious, and the strawberry sauce wasn't overly sweet. The Sauternes was excellent with the dessert, particularly with the fresh strawberry. This was the pairing where the food and wine truly made each other better. Even though I was one of the last diners of the evening, I never felt rushed. My server was very attentive and social which I love. It was very romantic and yet comfortable enough that dining alone wasnt awkward. I'd happily return.

I came here for dinner while in town on business, and had to return the next night!…read more The Caesar salad is so... perfect. The rigatoni bolognese was unforgettable. It was Restaurant Week while I was there, so the 2nd night I tried the flatiron steak and it was fantastic also. Our servers both nights were top notch, and they have sparkling water (or still) by the bottle for the table, which makes my heart soar.

Stopped in here after hiking at Seneca Regional Park with our dog, Onyx, and honestly we were only…read moresupposed to grab a quick drink. Ended up staying for almost three hours. Started with an espresso martini, a smoked Old Fashioned, and the fritto misto to share. Everything was really good. Then we split the lamb burger and the shrimp risotto for lunch. Both were excellent, although I think the risotto edged out the burger. Our server Mike made the whole experience. Before he even brought us water, he showed up with a bowl for Onyx. Come on, that's an instant five stars in my book. We ended up talking wine with him for a good part of the afternoon. He had us sample a few different pours before we landed on a Nebbiolo we loved. Later, after another conversation about wine, he brought over a taste of a white we'd never even heard of because he thought we'd enjoy trying it. It never felt like an upsell. It just felt like talking with someone who genuinely enjoys wine and likes sharing it with people. Relaxing patio, great food, excellent cocktails, and genuinely memorable service. We'll definitely be back, and Onyx probably will too.

I am actually reviewing the rooftop bar on the pool deck. I think it's a beautiful location for a…read morecocktail hour and especially Sunday Funday vibes. The staff are actually very nice (so important) and will bring you your cocktails or food poolside with a great attitude and are always asking what else they can do for you. Pricing is actually great - $10-15 a drink, and $12-17 for food. You can order via QR code right next to your cabana. It's open right now to the public, not just members of the gym and it's 21+ entry. It's perfect and you should check it out if you're local!

From the owner: VIDA Reston is our newest flagship location in Reston, VA. This location spans 50,000 square feet…read moreon three levels dedicated to health, wellness, and leisure, with the addition of Penthouse Pool and Lounge on the 14th-floor rooftop. A full-service lobby bar and café offering healthy food options, wine, and VIDA signature smoothies

The Bungalow Lakehouse has something for everyone with their separate dining area, dining area…read moreinside the bar area, a separate bar with a variety of high tops, and a deck bar with limited seating around the bar which serves the customers outside smoking cigars. Food is OK quality and prices are reasonable if not inexpensive on their specials, like the steak and ribs for only $25. Good flavor and cooked ok but a nice combo for the price. Service is OK with some wait staff being more efficient than others. There were some who knew their customers by name and took time out to talk with them but that slowed down service a little for the rest of us. Nothing too bad but you might wait a bit for refills or something you need after your food or drinks arrive. We had cool fries and it took a bit for the staff to come back to our table to check in the dining room. Similar response time for wait staff outside when we needed condiments that were ordered but didn't come out with our entrees. Cigar menu is an ok selection where there is something for everyone; however, our experience was the place ran out of the first four cigars we selected and each time the wait staff had to come back to our table to tell us they were out of that cigar. Wait staff didn't know what cigars were in stock and which they were out of. Overall, very good experience for both inside the dining area and outside where you can smoke. Recommend The Bungalow Lakehouse as it is a good experience and has a variety of experience options.

We were here on a Sunday around 4 p.m. At that time, the place wasn't busy. Upon entry, a young…read morewoman at the host stand asked us where we wanted to be seated. The choices were: outside, the sports bar, or the dining room. We chose the dining room. A large group of people was sitting at a table. We were given a booth by the window and right by the server's station. Looking over the menu at home, we both decided that we would get a bacon cheeseburger. The entrees seemed, to us, to be too filling. The bacon cheeseburger consists of: "100% angus burger, apple-wood smoked bacon, vermont white cheddar, canadian cheddar, sliced tomato, and crispy leaf lettuce". We both ordered it cooked medium. The dish comes with fries. To drink, I had ginger ale while my husband had a Heineken 00. Our server was friendly and efficient. He made a mistake, bringing my husband a Coke instead of the beer. My husband corrected him. He apologized and retrieved the correct drink. The burger was dry and overcooked. It was more on the medium well side. In one way, I didn't mind that as I didn't end up with greasy hands or a burger that falls apart. The bacon and the cheese provided some relief from the dryness. The fries came out hot, which we appreciated. All in all, it was an OK experience; we would consider going again sometime.

Ivy on the Lake is a very cool Mediterranean restaurant and bar with a laid-back, hidden-gem feel…read more The space is clean and stylish, but the real draw is the huge patio overlooking a small man-made lake. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, order a few plates, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. And the food? Top-notch in option. We kept it light this time and went with appetizers instead of a full meal: shawarma bites, olives, Brussels sprouts, and Spreads with Tandoori Bread. Now, I normally don't even like Brussels sprouts. The other two people in our party were loving them, so I finally gave in and took a bite. Yeah, pretty freaking delicious. For the spreads, we chose baba ghanoush, tzatziki, and cacik. The tandoori bread was warm, incredibly soft and tender, perfect for tearing apart and dragging through the dips. Definitely one to order for the table. The shawarma bites were another decent hit and had us eyeing some of the larger dishes coming out of the kitchen. And that's when we realized we're going to have to come back. There's a mixed grill that looks like it could feed about four people, piled with grilled meats and made for sharing. Then there's the Shawarma Experience, which requires at least 24 hours' notice. Overall, Ivy on the Lake has the combination we love: great Mediterranean flavors, a beautiful outdoor setting, and a very chill atmosphere. We only scratched the surface this time.

After looking at Ivy By The Lake's menu online, we decided to give them a try. They open for…read moredinner at 4 p.m., and we showed up shortly after. While there are some good things about the place, which I will list first, there are some not-so-good things. The good --- When we arrived, the place wasn't busy at all. There were a few people sitting outside. The dining room was empty. Throughout our meal, we had the place to ourselves. Our server greeted us and seated us. Masha was very friendly, polite, and efficient. The dining room was decorated with artificial hanging plants. Also, there was a large mural of Eve holding the apple with the serpent coaxing her to eat it. Now for the not-so-good things --- getting to the entrance wasn't easy, especially for my husband, who is waiting to get his knee replaced. To reach the entrance, you had to walk down a paved path with descending steps after parking the car. Upon entry, we had to climb a somewhat long staircase. On the way out, Masha stated that there was a ramp and pointed to a door leading to the kitchen and said we could go out that way. We chose to exit the way we entered. Also, they don't have any printed menus -- just a QR code to scan for the menu. We found that to be off-putting. Fortunately, we had already decided what to order before coming here. We chose to start with "Zaytoun", which consists of "Mixed Pitted Olives Tossed In Extra Virgin Oil. GF". This was a tasty starter. There were a few different types of pitted olives. However, we didn't think that there was any olive oil in the small bowl; rather, it appeared to be brine. For our main course, we both chose "Beef Kofta" which consists of: "Beef rolls served with Lebanese Couscous, Refreshing Tomatoes, Cucumber, & Labneh". The beef kofta was very dry. Growing up, I sometimes had Kofta, and it often turned out quite dry. The kofta did have some kick, and the small amount of very tasty labneh helped mute the spiciness. The Lebanese couscous portion was huge. That, too, helped give moisture to the kofta. This was a filling meal, and we ended up taking some home. Weighing the pros and cons, the cons, alas, outweighed the pros for us.

I'm blown away by the taste of this place. I'm currently going through the menu items as I work…read moreclose by. So far, the spring rolls, the pho-nomenal, and caramelized fish are all 5/5 taste wise. Wow! The place is quite polished ready to serve business lunch and dinner dates. The decoration is quite modern. I like the overall vibe. The price of the menu reflects this but everything I ordered so far is so good that the price tag may be worth it. The staff is really nice and friendly and I already know what to order for my next few visits. Parking may be a challenge but it's not really a busy area. If you cannot get street parking, there are parking lots within walking distance either to the left or right side of the restaurant.

Unclear if I like this place or not. First time I got my pho here and then came back and ate in…read more Beautiful interior and very thoughtfully decorated. The owner was there by himself and he was frantic which really bled into the experience. He was running around and a little panicked. I'm just not sure if the pho broth had much flavor. It didn't have that rich depth of umami flavor that makes a place stick out to me but it certainly wasn't the worst. Curious to try other things on the menu here.

The food was excellent. The bartenders are really friendly and they take great care of youread more

Benny was amazing!!! His service was perfect and took care of us very well. Was very attentive to…read morewhat we needed.

Absolutely amazing! From the ambiance to the food, it was a delightful and delicious dinner. The…read morebread rolls were some of the best I've ever had in my life. Fresh and warm, they had a crispy crust and a soft interior. They resembled mini ciabattas and were scrumptious with the butter. The salmon en croute blew me away! It was of the best dishes I've ever had. The salmon melted in my mouth, and the puff pastry was still crisp. I loved the flavorful sauce; it made the dish even better. The steak frites were just ok. The steak was cooked to my preference, but it was bland. The fries were amazing, though. Crunchy yet fluffy. I wish the steak came with a sauce, like the one served with the salmon en croute. The service was good overall, and they were attentive. The ambiance was lovely - cozy and romantic. I can't wait to come back for the rolls and the salmon en croute, and to try their other dishes! Highly, highly recommend La Bonne Vie!

I still can't believe this place! I made a reservation for 6:30 Monday evening, fully expecting the…read morerestaurant to be packed. Instead, I walked into what felt like a scene straight out of Ratatouille--an intimate Parisian French Bistro escape hidden in plain sight. Everything was exceptional: the ambiance, the service, and especially the food. Candlelit tables and soft French music from the 1950s and '60s filled the room, creating one of the most romantic settings I've experienced in a long time. The only thing missing was my beautiful wife! I couldn't believe I had the restaurant almost entirely to myself. I'm certainly not complaining--it made the evening feel even more special. Like Anton Ego discovering that unforgettable plate of ratatouille, every bite reminded me that truly memorable food doesn't require a professional critic's approval. It simply needs to make you feel something--and this meal absolutely did. From the incredible food and attentive service to the charming, romantic atmosphere, this restaurant earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. If you haven't been yet, bring someone special and experience it for yourself. You won't regret it!

Stopped at Makers Union in Reston on a rainy Sunday afternoon after taking our dog to the dog park…read more We sat outside on the patio with Onyx, and our server Kenny was great. When the rain started becoming an issue, he actually moved the umbrellas together to make sure Onyx had a dry spot. Really appreciated that. We started with a Bourbon Club and the Nitro Espresso Martini, then got the buffalo wings and she-crab soup. The wings can be grilled or fried and we went grilled, which was definitely the right call. Good char on them and I'd get them the same way again. The she-crab soup was also really good and perfect for a rainy afternoon. For lunch we had the French dip and the Reuben, and subbed the mac and cheese for one of the sides. Both sandwiches were solid, but the mac and cheese deserves a mention of its own. Definitely worth the substitution. Good food, good drinks, and especially good service from Kenny. Being able to hang out on the patio with our dog without the rain ruining lunch made the whole experience even better.

First time at Makers Union and it definitely didn't disappoint! Great atmosphere for a date night,…read moregroup gathering, or family dinner (like we did). We had Mackenzie as our server and immediately connected because she's a foodie like me. At her suggestion, I got the Grilled Chicken Sandwich but swapped the grilled chicken for fried. She had me at bacon. I mean, what doesn't go well with bacon? The chicken was crispy without being greasy and all the flavors just worked. My son had the chicken and waffles. Chicken was perfectly crispy, although the batter was a little sweeter than I prefer. I'm more of a Southern, savory fried chicken person. We asked for hot sauce to add to the maple syrup and Mackenzie upped it by bringing us hot honey instead. YES! Makers Union, add that to the menu. Promise you, it'll be a hit. You can thank Mackenzie for that one! Hubby had the fish and chips. His first reaction was, "Is that all?" Turns out, it was more than enough and really flavorful. The food was great, but honestly, Mackenzie made the experience. When your server understands food AND is a great people person, that's a winning combination. Great first visit and we'll definitely be back!