Undoubtedly, many of us can agree that mac and cheese is one of the best comfort foods of all time. In fact, Virginians love the dish so much there are even mac and cheese festivals in Norfolk and Richmond every year! Celebrate National Mac and Cheese Day (July 14) at these four great spots serving mac and cheese in Northern Virginia.
Barley Mac
There is no end to the mac and cheese options at Barley Mac. Choose from the grand-père mac, which is baked with Swiss cheese and tomato sauce, then smothered in crunchy fried breadcrumbs; the herb mac and cheese; the cheddar broccolini mac; and more variations you won’t find in a box. Insider tip: Add truffle oil to the herb version to take it to the next level. 1600 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Caboose Commons and Caboose Tavern
The mac and cheese is a staple on the menus at Caboose Commons and Caboose Tavern. It’s made with the brewery’s own blend of four different cheeses from a Pennsylvania farm, Goot Essa. You will love the earthy and nutty combination of aged cheddar, cow’s milk asiago, Pecorino Romano, and Parmigiano Reggiano. A healthy smattering of panko breadcrumbs brings just the right amount of texture to the dish. 520 Mill St. NE, Vienna; 2918 Eskridge Rd., Fairfax
Cheesetique
It is only fitting that the obviously cheese-focused restaurant Cheesetique would have a sublime macaroni on its menu. Made with a blend of three cheeses (goat gouda, Cacio de Roma, and Asiago), this is one of the richest, cheesiest macs in the DMV. A generous sprinkling of truffled breadcrumbs only makes the dish more delightful. 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Josephine
True to its Parisian brasserie vibe, Josephine’s macaroni is rich and comforting. The gratin features perfectly baked macaroni, doused in a creamy Mornay sauce and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Gruyere and Parmesan, which adds depth of flavor and even more decadence. 109 S. St. Asaph St., Alexandria
Feature image of macaroni and cheese at Josephine by Rey Lopez
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