Not every edible discovery comes from a different part of the world. These native specialties are worth a trip, too.
Battlefield Country Store
6150 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
The specialty: Over-the-top milkshakes and towering sandwiches
Why it’s special: “One guy flew in his helicopter, he was so pumped about the sandwich of the week,” says owner Jeff Meier. Even if you don’t have a way to fly to Fredericksburg, you’ll be similarly inspired by options like the oversized BLT filled with fried eggs; cheese; and Kunzler bacon, made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
But the shake is on our cover for a reason: It takes the whole team at Battlefield to come up with the weekly special, and since August 2019, there hasn’t been a repeat. With names like Thick-a-licious and So Shakin’ Happy, the giant drinks are festooned with desserts, including a slice of raspberry cheesecake or pecan pie. “We’re offering people something important: happiness. This is their one chance to escape all the negative,” Meier says. He’s spreading joy one overstuffed sandwich and shake at a time.
Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food
101 Executive Dr., Ste. A, Sterling
The specialty: Chicken wings
Why it’s special: Soul food isn’t easy to find in NoVA, but these highly seasoned chicken parts are slap-your-mama tender and juicy within a crisp jacket. It’s well worth seeking out in its industrial-park home.
Pica Deli
11864 Sunrise Valley Dr., Reston
The specialty: The Caesar Augustus, an Italian sub
Why it’s special: At this deli tucked between medical offices, second-generation owner Tyler Pica gets fresh bread locally from Lyon Bakery and sources high-quality meats and then adds a generous dousing of red wine vinegar to his craveworthy sandwich.
Sandwich Republic
7020 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield
The specialty: Braised short-rib sandwich
Why it’s special: We usually associate this particular cut of meat with hoity-toity dinners paired with wine. This short rib? It’s a pressed sandwich with provolone, arugula, and tomato that goes best with a watermelon soda from the case.
Tamalero
25387 Pleasant Valley Rd., Ste. 110, Chantilly
The specialty: The Monster SQ Triple burger
Why it’s special: It’s hard enough to find a great burger made with halal beef, but this one has beauty, deliciousness, and size in its favor. Stacked with bacon (or skip it), American cheese, and fried eggs, it also benefits from a slap of heat courtesy of grilled jalapeños, Sriracha, and spicy mayo.
This story originally ran in our April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
