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    Mike's Cafe

    4.0 (206 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    MIKE'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Mike's Cafe

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    Becca H.

    I ordered the KBBQ sandwich online for lunch. It was tasty and reasonably priced for this area. Essentially all the food options in Ballston Quarter are $15-20+ which is ridiculous to spend on lunch. This place has options for everyone including vegetarians. The sandwich had good flavor and texture. I might suggest a thicker sub roll as the sauce and other juices from cooking made the roll soggy pretty quickly. I'd come here again though!

    Tuna Melt
    Ailun H.

    So I live incredibly close to Mike's Cafe and have been in the area for almost two years. I wonder how long it would take me to try Mike's and I guess today was finally the day. I was craving a sandwich, out of groceries and on a time crunch. It was either Mike's or Potbelly's but I'm glad I chose Mike's. Mike's is literally downstairs. Potbelly's would have been a trek across Welburn Square and that was too much for me. I walk by Mike's at least once a day and have never glanced inside for more than a second. But the interior is a lot more spacious than I thought with several high tops. There's also seating outside, perfect during nice summer days. They also sell "pharmacy check-out counter distractions" aka candy bars, granola bars, and other snacks that you can think of. I also saw a few Costco muffins sold individually, lol, along with a couple vending machinese filled with drinks. Overall, lots of snacks and an extensive menu -- a large list of breakfast sandwiches, subs, melts, salads, soups, and more (very much your deli cafe basics) along with Korean bento boxes. I saw that there were a bulgogi meal and bibimbap along with other Korean options. TUNA MELT - 11.99 I saw that this was the most popular option on Yelp and the person who ordered right before me got the same thing. Now, I'm normally a cold subs kind of a person, but I'm so glad I got the tuna melt with rye bread. The rye bread was toasted to perfection and every bite had a nice crunch. The turkey was grilled nicely with the melted cheddar and Swiss cheese on top. I love that they give a generous amount of avocado here which made the sandwich extra creamy (along with a bit of mayo on both slices of bread). The lettuce and tomato really helped to make the sandwich less dry. Overall, a very balanced sandwich with lots of ingredients. I thought I was only going to eat half of it and save the other half for dinner, but I ended up eating the whole thing because it was very good. I was very satisfied with my sandwich because it was tasty and went beyond my expectations (to be fair, it was kind of low). I'm glad I was able to try Mike's after living here for awhile. Maybe I'll stop by again before I move, but the timing needs to be right.

    Small chili is large in flavor.
    Russ I.

    The best chili, fast service, nice and clean and great prices for that munchie. The sushi service is no more so I opted for chili before an early movie. Yum.

    Breakfast BST! -- Bacon, Spinach Tomato w/ Egg over Easy...on a Crossiant!  Pure Love!!
    DON C.

    Diamond in the Rough! This place has been my secret breakfast and lunch spot for years now....ever-since my office moved to this neighboorhood! Among all the glitz of the rebuilt Ballston Quarters Mall, the many new high-end condos developments, more recognizable brand name restaurants & fast food eateries now blanketing this once bleak neighborhood....there stands this little gem. Mike's is a small, unassuming "mom and pop" cafe that puts a lot of love in their eats. Don't let the "plain Jane" Mike's sign throw you...this is flat out the best little cafe in Ballston. For sure the love and pride that go into everything from the excellent coffee to the super generous omelettes of all varieties as well American fare....to Sushi is very good. All orders are made to order and the folks here are very accommodating with your request to augment their menu items to your liking. Their breakfast is delicious with the breakfast and lunch sandwiches being the highlight. My go-to is the Breakfast BST!...Trust me on this and thank me later. BST stands for a Bacon Spinach Tomato on a croissant, with a fried egg and cheddar cheese! One word....HEAVEN!! The toasted croissant and the combination of the egg and tomatoes with the crisp bacon satisfy the taste buds for sure. Although you can get the sandwich on toasted sliced bread, I suggest the croissant. When it is buttered and toasted it adds the perfect salty-chewy crunch with each bite of the moist egg, tomatoes and cheese gushing everywhere! Uggggh....my mouth is watering just thinking about it while I write this review. They fold the egg around the cheese so it's perfectly melted. They also seem to have a legit sushi, ramen and bulgogi for lunch, although I have never tried it. My coworkers on the other hand, have given these options a thumbs up tho!! In all, outstanding food and great prices.....with special touch of home cooked taste to your meal....something you can't get from the neighboring fast-food eateries around this place. Only one note of caution, the line particularly for lunch can get long but it moves quick --thanks to the many sandwich makers. You see, Mike's makes all their meals and their notable sandwiches to order; including roasting their meats for the sandwiches and making their soups from scratch. For under $10 you can whole sandwich and a cup of hot soup. They also offer daily specials: a sandwich of the day, chips & soda for $8.99! You can't beat that in this posh neighborhood where a lunch meal or even just a salad can run you $12-$15 bucks alone. The place was very clean with some eating tables within the space. Mike himself is sometimes on hand to meet and greet his guests and a few lucky souls, like me, got a free mint patty to end my lunch today! Great little place in the Ballston-Arlington area. It's been my little secret for years when looking to break away from the typical ordinary - everyday "brand name" lunch options in the area. Ssshh!!...Just don't tell everyone!

    Veggie Patty BB Box
    Monica C.

    + great for lunch + great selection of sandwiches, American breakfast items, and Japanese options (rolls, ramen, rice bowls) + busy but not crowded + friendly service I came here for lunch and loved their veggie patty BB box. If I'm in the area again, this will be my go-to lunch spot. There seemed to be a lot of regulars and people on their lunch break getting food to-go. There's some seating inside too (convenient on rainy days).

    Menu
    Anh N.

    Mike's Cafe is your perfect get-lunch-quick before your next meeting joint. Located below the Meridian at Ballston Commons, Mike's Cafe can't be missed with their window signs. They have everything from chips, sandwiches, sushi, iced tea, and even freshly brewed coffee. For lunch I got the Bulgogi BBQ Box and salmon roll. Bulgogi BBQ Box: I think their bbq boxes are a great value because you get rice, beef, and two refreshing sides for less than $15. The Bulgogi is pretty standard, and good enough for a quick lunch. Salmon Roll: I personally didn't like the salmon roll - despite what the other reviewers wrote about the sushi from here. The rice was on the soggy side and the salmon's cut made it a lot chewier than normal. I would order this again if I was absolutely craving sushi and couldn't go to my usual spots, but probably wouldn't order it regularly. Overall: Mike's cafe is efficient and affordable. It's a great spot to pick up a quick lunch, and dash home for your next meeting.

    Chicken & cheese

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great sandwiches, especially for breakfast. Be prepared to wait though, even if you order ahead.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Clean, convenient and delicious. One of the best Turkey Melts I've had. Trying breakfast today.

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great place to grab a steak and cheese! Looking forward to trying the rest of their menu.

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great local spot, fresh ingredients, friendly staff, and even a nice outdoor patio. This is a regular go to for me and many locals.

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    8 years ago

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    3 years ago

    By far the best breakfast spot in the Ballston area. The food is great and the service. Thumbs up guys!

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    The Italian Store - Lyon Village

    The Italian Store - Lyon Village

    4.0
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    A Milano, some Route 11 chips, and gelato... basically, I had a very Italian afternoon…read more The sandwich, chips, and gelato were all amazing! The Italian Store has so many Italian subs to choose from, but I went with the Milano, their most popular sub. The combination of the sweet and spicy peppers really made this sandwich stand out. There was just the right balance of flavors, and I can definitely see why it's one of their most popular choices. A heads-up when ordering: They typically have several sandwiches pre-made and ready to go, but if you want something made fresh to order, you'll need to order by phone or online. At least at the Lyon Village location, you can't order a made-to-order sandwich directly at the counter. So if you have your heart set on a freshly made sub, plan ahead! Of course, no Italian sub is complete without chips. They carry Route 11, a Virginia-based chip company, and they had several varieties available: lightly salted, dill pickle, Chesapeake Crab, Mama Zuma's Revenge, and salt & pepper. I went with the lightly salted, which was the perfect pairing with my Milano. Unfortunately, the Lyon Village location doesn't have fresh gelato, so I had to settle for the pre-packaged variety. I went with the caramel gelato, and it was delicious! It wasn't overly sweet, which I appreciated, although it was a little on the expensive side. The store was pretty busy when I stopped in, with several people inside and a few others enjoying the outdoor tables. They also sell pizza by the slice, or you can order a whole pizza to take home. I saw several people leaving with whole pizzas, so clearly I need to add that to my next visit. Between the Milano, Route 11 chips, and caramel gelato, this was a fantastic first experience. Definitely coming back -- next time, I'm trying the pizza!

    I really don't want to do this review! Why? Because I, and many of the locals, would love to keep…read morethis Jim of a place all to ourselves. The sandwiches here are absolutely amazing. There's a lot of back-and-forth about who offers the best sandwiches./subs in the DMV. My vote is for The Italian Store! Even when you're in a rush, they have ready-made classic sub choices for grab-n-go. This is a great spot to try for lunch one day or even on the weekend. You will not be disappointed. Also, when the workday has been to rough and you don't feel up to cooking, TIS is a great option. Happy eating.

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    The Italian Store - Lyon Village
    The Milano
    The Milano
    The Italian Store - Lyon Village

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    Superette

    Superette

    4.7
    (224 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Located in Ballston Quarter Market, Superette is a sandwich shop that sells burgers, sandwiches,…read moreand even alcohol. I ordered a steak and cheese with fries, and the fries were great. Well seasoned with a good crunch. The steak and cheese for me was a mixed bag...I saw my food coming and was dumbfounded by how big the bread was, and I didn't see any meat popping out. Pulled the sandwich open and saw what little meat I got. For $12.95, I feel a little ripped off. Especially when places like The Broiler and George's Steak and Things offer similar prices with an astoundingly higher meat in the meat to bread ratio. What little of the meat was available was delicious. I wish I had gotten a sub-$13 worth, not barely $7.65. Not sure I could come back. With how much I paid, it felt like a diminished return. And if I did come back, I'd hope the other offerings, like the breakfast sandwich, burger, and pulled pork, offer a better meat-to-bread ratio.

    The Short Rib is kind of small, which was expected. The amount of meat relative to the amount of…read morebread was high, but the whole sandwich is kind of small for $14. The flavors are good--slightly sweet but savory meat that is easy to pull apart. I also ordered an add on of short rib on the side, and for $5.50, it was a rather small portion. It comes in a cute box and the staff was super nice and offered water while I waited for my order. It's located in the Ballston Quarter food court area.

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    Waffle fries IG SpicyAivy
    Waffle fries IG SpicyAivy
    Blackened Chicken
    Blackened Chicken
    Steak & Cheese

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    Steak & Cheese
    Jon’s Joint

    Jon’s Joint

    4.4
    (188 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Jon's Joint is a great place with delicious food and excellent customer service. Sumayya is always…read morefriendly, helpful, and makes every visit enjoyable. Her positive attitude and hard work truly make Jon's Joint stand out.

    This is exactly how smash burgers should be done!! Fresh, hot, and incredibly juicy! Jon's Joint…read moremakes everything fresh to order. It only took a quick 10 minutes to receive our entire order, which was 3 burgers, a crispy fried chicken sandwich, loaded fries, and 2 milkshakes! I was very happy with how efficient the service was and the most important part, how delicious every bite was! The smashburgers are made with 100% halal beef and they come out HOT with perfectly crispy edges on the patties and a juicy center. We ordered 3 burgers and each of them stood out in their own way. You can get a single, double, or triple patty burger and add whatever toppings to it too. The jalapeño burger was the star of the show, it had a such a nice and spicy kick to it. I wasn't expecting much but this burger had HEAT! Another favorite was the Juicy Lucy. It was packed with grilled onions and the patty was stuffed with cheddar cheese. A super messy and cheesy option that was definitely worth every bite! I liked that Jon's Joint offered other options too such as loaded fries and fried chicken sandwiches. What I found unique is that for the loaded fries, you can get it with falafel and make it spicy! This time, they had run out of the falafel so I am excited to try it next time. If you're in Arlington and craving a casual burger spot, you need to go to Jon's Joint. You'll get quick service and a delicious meal!

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    Inside
    Inside
    #5 Jalapeo Burger
    #5 Jalapeo Burger
    #3 Juicy Lucy

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    #3 Juicy Lucy
    Colada Shop

    Colada Shop

    4.3
    (88 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    We were wandering around Clarendon looking for a quick bite and were originally planning to hit…read moreTatte Bakery & Cafe. Then we spotted Colada Shop tucked away in a little corner/alley next to Tatte. Naturally, the plan changed. When a place catches your eye like that, you have to investigate! Colada Shop is a cute little spot with a small patio, a few booths, and a bar inside. You can order using a QR code, kiosk, or directly at the bar. We opted for the bar and were greeted right away. The vibe inside is relaxed, casual, and full of Latin influences. There are also self-serve water stations both inside and out on the patio--which is always appreciated, especially when you're walking around Clarendon just looking for a "quick bite" that somehow turns into a full meal. I went with the Colada Shop Cuban, while the wife ordered the empanada tray with bacon & egg, summer corn, and beef, along with the chilled corn soup. The Cuban was delicious! It came with a generous amount of ham and slow-roasted pork, making for a seriously satisfying sandwich. The wife's chilled corn soup was actually the star of her meal. The empanadas were hot, flaky, and packed with flavor. The staff was friendly, although I did notice there wasn't quite as much interaction with guests sitting on the patio or in the booths. Most of the interaction seemed to happen at the bar. There also appeared to be a pretty small staff, with most of their attention focused on the coffee bar. That said, our bartender was doing ALL the things--helping customers at the bar, handling coffee orders, and delivering food to people sitting in the booths. Despite the limited staffing, we still had a great experience. Everything came out fresh, the food was delicious, and we were pleasantly surprised by this little hidden gem. So if you're wandering around Clarendon and find yourself debating where to eat, keep an eye out for Colada Shop. You might just walk in for a quick bite and walk out wondering why you hadn't tried it sooner.

    Had a fantastic meal here catching up with my friend Hunter. We ordered the colada trio and it came…read morewith 1 empanada (chorizo and carrot), 2 ham croquettes, 2 little fried sliders (chorizo, mozzarella, salsa verde, plantain shoestring fries), and yuca. Also got a cafe con leche (Miami style) for my drink. We weren't super hungry so the trio was perfect for us. Everything on it was great, with my favorite being the sliders since it was crispy and a little meaty. The empanada was a little oily but still satisfying, and the croquettes had great crunchy texture. Yuca was okay. I should've gotten a sweeter coffee drink cause I have a sweet-tooth but it was still solid. The inside vibe is pretty chill. You just grab seating yourself and can order on your phone through the QR code that's associated with the table. You can also order at the front. There is parking around the area too (paid and unpaid (if you're lucky)). Glad I came here and checked it out. Definitely a solid chain for a quick bite and refreshing drink.

    Photos
    Colada Shop
    MOJO PORK BREAKFAST SANDWICH
    MOJO PORK BREAKFAST SANDWICH
    Cute holidays drinks! Check out their happy hour

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    Cute holidays drinks! Check out their happy hour

    Mike's Cafe - delis - Updated August 2026

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