Four of us had dinner last night to celebrate a birthday. We all ordered different dishes and…read moreshared. Everyone thought it was exceptional! The Birthday Boy ordered the Tomahawk Steak 32oz! Treat yourself to this exceptional steak at least once! It was cooked perfectly.

Not bad, but not great either…read more The restaurant's ambience is truly modern and inviting. As someone who resides in Dumfries, this is a very welcome addition to upscale dining, and I was greatly surprised by the decor. I've visited many casinos locally and around the country, including Vegas, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Mississippi, and New Orleans, and I must say this restaurant's decor is on par with many of the other fine-dining restaurants. When I arrived at the restaurant, it was not busy at all. In fact, there were only a few people at the bar and another couple who came in at the same time as us in the dining area. While someone would look at this and be very skeptical, I took it as number one. I was coming on a Sunday night around 5:30. Number two, it may be early for dinner, and number three. I could assure you that my food would come out hot. My server was excellent. The service was terrific, which I had heard was the most mixed part of the experience previously, due to staff turnover and inconsistent service levels for a fine-dining establishment. Akeara was fantastic, I mean, truly remarkable, and coupled with the excellent management and leadership of Veronica Keller, they made the dynamic duo who saved my dining experience. Akeara was very well-versed in the menu and sensitive to dietary restrictions when asked about many of the ways ingredients were prepared. She was invaluable and well-versed in preparation methods, as well as in drink pairings and menu options, to ensure we had a great culinary experience. The food I really enjoyed the calamari. It was fried perfectly. The two dipping sauces were fantastic. The rose salad is absolutely a star on the appetizer menu. I was a little skeptical about the crabcake because the way she described it sounded more like a fried crabcake than a pan-seared one. I think had she mentioned pan-seared, I would have likely gone with a crab cake, but I am certainly not disappointed in the calamari, and again, the salad was phenomenal. The steaks were a different story. I think they marinate the steaks, although I got different answers from the server and the manager when I asked; however, the steaks were a great cut. I saw someone get the bone in Tomahawk, which is presented nicely, hanging from a hook, with the Chef coming out to torch butter over the steak and vegetables beneath. I got the New York strip. It was a very, very lovely piece of meat. The New York strip was severely underseasoned. In fact, I had to ask for steak sauce, which is a cardinal sin of any steak restaurant. I think had they used a little more salt, pepper, and garlic to finish the steak It would've been perfect. The cook was absolutely perfect, medium rare. The seasoning was just off. I also got the risotto and short ribs. The short rib was well seasoned, though so much gravy from the short rib almost covered the entire plate of mushroom risotto. Tasty but just a little disproportionate in presentation. The bread basket was terrific, and the honey butter was nice, though the bread had a slight cheese flavor. It was still a really good combo. The baked potato is by far one of the best values on the menu as a side item. It was large. It was hot and fully loaded. The creamed spinach was a little more cream-cheese-forward, and it seemed like the spinach needed a little something else and seasoning, so it wasn't as bland. The desserts were another story: the toffee cake I thought would look like something I would get at Hell's Kitchen looked more like a very crumbly cornbread with ice cream on top. The vanilla ice cream tasted great, but the cake was just OK. The crème brûlée was on another level. It was fantastic, creamy, full of vanilla, and had a great crunch from the Brulé sugar on top. What really made this meal so good was the service. I talked with my server about my dissatisfaction with the two lobster tails: I did not appreciate being told they were pulled from the lobster shell, and they were served cold and rubbery. The server immediately jumped into action, spoke with the manager, and had the lobster removed from the bill. Thank you so much. But what really impressed me was the time that both the manager and my server spent at the table. Veronica was truly a pleasure to meet. As a military officer who has commanded hundreds and been responsible for thousands, she really hit it out of the park with her ability to problem-solve and immediately address issues as they arose. She was very engaging and really a pleasure to be with. This dynamic duo, who've only worked at this location for less than 5 months combined, really made me say I will come back to the restaurant, assuming they may have had an off night with seasoning and timing in the kitchen. If there's anything to take away, the food is OK (3 stars), the service from this dynamic duo was fantastic, and that's why they got the four stars.

Recently visited this restaurant for a birthday celebration. All 5 of us got something…read more different, and every dish was cooked to perfection! The service is incredible- drinks are filled immediately, and continously; empty dishes are cleared right away as well as fresh silverware provided in between courses. It's like a well oiled machine in there. All sections of the restaurant moving like clockwork in unison to produce a desired outcome of excellence. I can't wait to return in a few weeks and try something new.

Great Filets and meal! Just passing though, we spent our…read morefirst night ever in the area. Thursday night in August, and my wife loved walking around all the shops and restaurants. Lots of places to eat have good reviews but are empty. Then we get to F132 and every table is full and there's a line waiting! We had no reservation and got seated at the bar area in 5 min. Staff were all perfect. Oysters, wedge salad, (2) filet with 2 sides, and 3 drinks, and peanut butter pie dessert. $200 + $40 tip. Crystal commented twice how excellent the steak was, and we eat steaks in a lot of places. Highly recommend!

They only have drinks which is ok for a speakeasy! I came here on a double date really nice cozy…read morevibe & ofc the mirror!

This is a cool spot. Entry is really cool and looks like prohibition speakeasy's of times gone…read morepast. Two HUGE bouncers inside who were policing everything to maintain the vibe. Husband couldn't read the menu, can't use your phone for that, he was leaning up against a wall, can't do that, finally snagged seats on a couch, feet off table. We had two drinks and enjoyed about 20 minutes in here and went off to find something to eat. Definitely work a stop if you are nearby or in the area. It's a cool experience. One thing og note: They do not really deviate from their limited menu of drinks. These bartenders are not like those of speakeasy's from other, larger cities I've been to. I don't drink alcohol at all, so, I tend to ask them to make me a mocktail. They didn't seem very inventive and only offered basically ginger beer in a cup for $14.

Great cocktails in this bar adjacent to a food/wine market adjacent to pizzeria. The only complaint…read moreis the lack of seating. The very small place can be standing room only at times but the service keeps up. Park in the lot and walk around or through the market. Nice restroom in the market.

Absolutely love this place! Bar ambience on point with some good accent lighting and playing the…read morenatural wood tones. They have a small market next door with so many great home made foods! This place is a must if stopping through for some of the site! Bartender Craig was rad and had some great service !

Glad to revisit a place after a while to find they are still as good as they used to be. Jason…read moreknows his craft, makes on point recommendations, food remains fantastic, ambience is warm and inviting. Vesper Martini 6/5-hard to find such a clean, crisp, yet bright Martini. Midnight Sun 5/5-exactly as described Old Fashioned--reminiscent of a Clouseau Dan Dan Noodles--5/5 Harvest Sushi-4/5

This adventitious find popped up on my way out of the city. In general, the outer suburbs are…read morebetter for Chinese food than DC itself, so I gave them a shot. My takeout was ready in timely fashion, and there was definitely some quality there. My kung pao tofu was a little sweet as the dish normally is, but also amply spicy as I requested and came with plenty of peanuts, extra-crispy tofu, and a few other vegetables. Lo mein was a fairly straightforward soy-garlic affair, though I must say I appreciated the option to add some tofu to that as well. My spring rolls came sauceless and were fairly basic and cabbage-y, but a decent way to round out a meal. I appreciated their thorough vegetarian labeling; of course some things were not available to me that I wish they would make vegetarian, but the most important thing is being able to make informed decisions. I skipped the ma po tofu this time, but they claim it offers genuine numbing sensations and they did enough to convince me that it might be worth coming back to try.

yami was a phenomenal bartender. i'm from NYC and i have never met a bartender like him. 10/10…read morerecommend. if you are in the area, must try

I went to Cheekys last night with my girlfriends. They have updated both sides of the restaurant…read morenow with the same eclectic vibe and furniture. Sam was our server/bartender and she was amazing! She was fun, informative, and attentive. She was well versed in drinks based on our specific tastes. Several of us told her to surprise us and her drink selections did not disappoint. We really enjoyed venturing away from the traditional type of cocktails. We will definitely be back and I will ask for Sam specifically.

I absolutely love King's Ransom! The atmosphere is really dope. It is definitely hard to find as it…read moreis in a pizza shop. I went there with one of my friends and we really enjoyed ourselves. It is a nice quiet, hidden speak easy with great vibes. The service was impeccable. The bartender was very friendly and attentive. She gave great suggestions for drinks. We decided on a sour. Which was whisky, lemon, and honey. It was perfectly mixed and served. I also tried the Toki Highball which was excellent. It was rich in flavor and not too strong. If you are really into Whisky King's Ransom needs to be on your list to visit. Unfortunately, we did not order food but the couple next to us ordered the pizza and fries and it looked delicious. The ambiance was great. Its a little upscale with dark lighting. The raised bar and lighting add to the unique experience. This bar is great for date night or just a night out with friends in Alexandria, Va. If you are in the area check it out...you won't be disappointed. Cheers!

We planned a happy hour cocktail before dinner at Josephine's. I'm genuinely baffled at why anyone…read morewould rate this place as anything special. The "hidden" speakeasy is just a second floor bar. (And the bar is nothing remotely like a speakeasy vibe). Tried to order Hendricks gin. Nope. Then Bombay Sapphire. Nope. TheFour bottles of gin that no one had ever heard of. "How about a Jamesons"? Nope. Poor selection of booze and zero atmosphere. (The bartender was fine, though not at all apologetic about the lack of standard liquor selections). There are way better bars....

This is really one of my favorite spots in Manassas. The DMV tends to hype up a lot of places that…read morereally underdeliver in the larger cities around here. Proof is always a hit. The aesthetic is beautiful and feels a little more luxurious. The service is always consistently stellar. The food is always fresh and created with a twist. The entire place has heart. The entire hospitality group that owns everything back there really puts their best foot forward each time I visit any of their places. I literally tell all of my friends about his little compound tucked away in Manassas that offers exceptional food, spirits, and service. I really love this place.

Love this place, especially for its top notch service…read more 1. Reservation: necessary. Or else, you won't be seated like at all. They are usually booked till 9 pm if Fridays and Saturdays. 2. Food: 4 stars Delicious, huge portions. 3. Drinks: 4 stars They look good and taste good but nothing where you will go omg. But very solid drinks. 4. Service: 5 stars. They really are amazing!

Very small and eclectic place focused on their cocktail program, which they do quite well. Numerous…read morespecialty cocktails; classics and those they created. Consistent with the name, it is not a bar or a restaurant. Team members are very nice and take pride in their craft. They feature evening entertainment including bands, stand ups and Karaoke. Would be interesting to experience the late night scene.

Yet another great night out at the CAT. i had the spinach and artichoke dip and it was amazing…read more The best service ever and always great cocktails made by professionals. The ambience is always chill and once you get to know people you'll find this the only place to hang out in FR.

Spent an overnight in Stafford VA en route to the Carolinas. Found Girlfriend's online and decided…read moreto take a chance. The location is on the back side of a shopping plaza that you have to snake through. I'd had my heart set on the crab soup but they were out! Our server, Kelsey, suggested I try their version of Zuppa Toscana, which was amazing! I had a Girlfriend's smash burger and friends had wings with a Cobb salad and a burger with hush puppies. Loved my burger. This place is great for watching sports (lots of TVs) or to meet for drinks after work. Kelsey was attentive, friendly and super efficient!

Girlfriend's Taphouse has taken center stage, stepping into the old Fatty's Taphouse spot in…read moreStafford with a fresh burst of taste and a whole new vibe. Under new management straight from New York, the place delivers that fast-paced, friendly NYC spirit, complete with speedy service and waitresses who make you feel like family the moment you walk in. The restaraunt is handicap accessible and offers three tables of outdoor seating perfect for those summer days when you want to catch the sun and breeze all at once. With 10 large screen TVs scattered throughout, including five right over the bar, there's plenty of sports action to keep you entertained. An as a special treat football Sundays bring all day happy hour, so you can kick back sip, save, and see sports. The restrooms are clean and include a baby changing station for the little ones. They even have lighted mirrors over the sink but, spoiler alert, those lights don't work, so bring your own glow if you want to touch up...lol. Feeling lucky? There are three slot machines to test your good fortune. oh yeah, the food, the salad was so fresh I thought I died and came back as a rabbit.. The crabcake was spot-on, more crab than batter, golden and perfectly cooked. I got adventurous with a mango lemonade blended with mango iced tea, which was straight-up tropical magic in a glass but cost me a dollar up charge for getting fruity. Now, the mac & cheese? It had a strong boxed mac vibe, nostalgic but not quite my jam since I started making over minimum wage. Shoutout to the staff for offering to swap it out immediately, but since it was nothing really wrong with it besides the fact that I don't like box, mac & cheese, I stayed the course (no harm done). Non-lunch hour menu prices run from $12 to $48, offering a large variety of food, options. The lunchtime menu mostly cost around $10, with a few $14 items thrown in, perfect for a satisfying midday break without breaking the bank. Extra points for weekday deals: Happy Hour hits Monday through Friday, 3 PM to 6 PM, ideal for those early evening wind-downs. Plus, lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 2 PM, so Girlfriend's is ready whether you want a quick bite or a relaxed meal. All in all, this taphouse puts a tasty and lively spin on a beloved local spot, and I'm definitely coming back for more of that mango magic and of course a different side dish.