Mexican food fans should find plenty to be happy about with a bevy of spicy restaurant destinations now open in Northern Virginia. Beyond new Mexican and Peruvian food options, there’s also Filipino to try, as well as other new options.
Restaurants Now Open:
Arlington
BB.Q Korean Fried Chicken
This Korean chicken chain claims its bird is crisper, juicier, and more tender than anything out there. Now is your chance to see for yourself. Try the signature Galby or 12 other styles of tantalizing poultry dishes. There are also plenty of Korean dishes at this growing chain. 3503 Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Kong Dog
Give these trendy, handmade corndogs at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City a taste. They come with kooky flavors like potato, sweet potato, ramen, churros, hot Cheeto, and spaghetti. Also enjoy a variety of beverages like lemonades and bubble teas. 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington
Taco Bamba
Now Shirlington diners can enjoy this trendy local taco chain offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. See what all the fuss is about — check out Mexican staples, like huevos rancheros, super tortas, traditional tacos, street corn, and churros. 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington
Centreville
Amor Cafe & Pastry
Give the baked goodies and the bevy of beverages here a try. Amor offers coffees, teas, juices, bobas, and frappes, plus sandwiches, croffles, and shaved ice. 5107 Westfields Blvd., Centreville
Anthony’s Pizza Kitchen
Enjoy traditional chow here — pizza, subs, calzones, pasta, and wings. This joint offers compelling lunch specials for budget-conscious diners. 6355 Multiplex Dr., Centreville
Chi McChicken and Beer
This chicken and beer spot touts excellent Korean food and drink options. Try the wings and drumsticks with soy garlic or spicy sauce; beer selections are numerous, as are non-poultry dining options. 6041 Centreville Crest Ln., Centreville
Fairfax
Pho Towda
Enjoy pho-nomenal pho at this Vietnamese restaurant, which offers its broth in stone bowls. Each dish is heated and delivered tableside with a generous platter of freshly cut noodles, choice cut meat, crisp bean sprouts, and fragrant basil. 12152 Fairfax Towne Ctr., Fairfax
Falls Church
Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita 2
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine with a menu that showcases traditional favorites and regional specialties. Tempting dishes are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Refreshing margaritas and a curated selection of Mexican beverages are available. 8106 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Fredericksburg
Iztac Mexican Cantina
Diners are raving about the tacos and burritos at Iztac in Fredericksburg. This new Mexican restaurant brings classics dishes and some with creative twists. Try the birria fries and tacos del mar. 10649 Spotsylvania Ave., Fredericksburg
Leesburg
Anchor Bar
Anchor Bar says it’s the inventor of the original world-famous Buffalo wings — really. The new Leesburg location just opened and features 24 beers on tap, pizzas, salads, pastas, wings (with nine sauces), and sandwiches. 1609 Village Market Blvd., Ste. 105, Leesburg
Caffe Bottega Italiana
Savor a variety of food and drink from this Italian deli, market, coffee house, and wine bar. The shop is chock full of specialty cheeses, organic pasta, cured meats, Italian coffee and beverages. Shop and sit — indoors or on the shaded deck. 8 Fort Evans Rd. SE, Leesburg
Manassas
Taco Chinoz
Located in the Oh! Market food court, Taco Chinoz offers a wide variety of tasty tacos, burritos, loaded fries, and quesadillas. Try notable dishes like sweet soy sliced ribeye burritos or spicy pork belly quesadillas. 7412 Stream Walk Ln., Manassas
Reston
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar is the stylish new kid on the block at Reston Town Center, bringing Peruvian cuisine to the neighborhood. The dining spot serves creative twists on traditional dishes, cocktails, and oodles of beers. Drop in to dine on ceviche, sushi or tempting South American cuisine for brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. 1871 Explorer St., Reston
Stafford
Yummy Chicken Rotisserie
Yummy Chicken is a family-owned restaurant specializing in pollo a la brasa-style chicken paired with authentic Latin flavors. Chefs serve fresh, nutritious ingredients for a memorable meal. Dine on popular items like chicken, rice, potatoes, and salad. 1075 Garrisonville Rd., Ste 107, Stafford
Sterling
Bites
Bites shares a collective space with Crooked Run Brewery, Daybreak Biscuits, Nektar Cocktail Bar, and Señor Ramon Taqueria. It offers childhood classics with artisanal upgrades. 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling
Vienna
The Kitchen Collective
Diners can do some one-stop shopping at multiple eateries in this virtual food hall. Order food online and pick it up at the curated food hall, or have it delivered. Cuisine options include Yasmine and Pizza Serata, but plenty more restaurants are in the works. 8045 Leesburg Pk., Ste. L160, Vienna
Restaurants Coming Soon:
El Fresco Tex-Mex Grill
El Fresco is a Mexican fast-casual restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Its Alexandria and Sterling locations are listed as “Coming Soon.”
Jollibee
Jollibee is a Filipino fast food chain with 1,500 outlets worldwide, specializing in fried chicken, burgers, spaghetti and Filipino dishes. Dig into a crispy chicken sandwich, a burger steak, or try Jollibee’s fruity peach mango pie. It opens in August. 4406 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly
Feature image courtesy Iztac Mexican Cantina
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