Virginia’s gubernatorial race is coming to an end on Tuesday. Candidates Terry McAuliffe and Glenn Youngkin have gone all across the state shaking hands, meeting voters, and discussing their platforms with the residents who will be most impacted by their proposed plans. Whether it’s for a rally, roundtable discussion, or just a round of beers with their supporters, the restaurants each candidate chooses to patronize over the years can tell you something about them–while also inspiring your next meal. These eight locally owned NoVA restaurants and bars have played important roles in the candidates’ careers.
Terry McAuliffe (Democrat)
Abugida Ethiopian Cuisine
Branching out from American cuisine, McAuliffe held a small business roundtable at this Ethiopian restaurant in Woodbridge, talking with Phyllis Randall of the board of supervisors, Lillie Jessie of the Prince William school board, and Potomac district supervisor Andrea Bailey. Agubida is a new business, established in 2019 by a married couple from Ethiopia. McAuliffe called it “the best Ethiopian food in the United States of America.” The restaurant serves up traditional Ethiopian cuisine, as well as an assortment of pastries and coffee, and even offers occasional wine tastings.
Amoo’s Persian Fusion
McAuliffe made his way into the kitchen at this Persian restaurant in McLean, using it as an opportunity to discuss paid leave and his plans to support small businesses with the chef, known colloquially as “Chef Seb.” The restaurant’s name comes from the word for “uncle,” reflecting the comfortable, family-forward atmosphere, a philosophy also shown in their spread of family-style shareable dishes. Offering both dine-in and takeout, Amoo’s menu features dishes with influences from Iran, best known for their wide array of kebabs.
Yorkshire Restaurant
In 2017, McAuliffe stopped by the family-owned restaurant in Manassas for an omelet. Yorkshire Restaurant has been a staple for the Manassas area for thirty years. The original owners moved to Virginia from Lexington, Kentucky, and said that it was their intention to bring a taste of traditional southern comfort food with them when they moved north. The business is still run by that same family, and they proudly declare that “Their mom still makes the biscuits and gravy daily!” The no-frills menu, classic American diner aesthetic, and the hints of southern charm make this unassuming spot a local gem.
McLean Family Restaurant
“When you’re at MFR, you’re family,” is the slogan for this restaurant, a family-owned business that McAuliffe declared to have “The best food in all of America.” McAuliffe chose to highlight them as his Virginia Business Spotlight of the Week in the first week of January 2017. As reflected in their name and their slogan, the focus for this restaurant is family; in 1969, George Kapetanakis turned the local deli into MFR, and it’s been run by the Kapetanakis family ever since. MFR’s menu is full of classic American diner cuisine, with traces of the owners’ Greek background still reflected in their offerings.
Glenn Youngkin (Republican)
The Pier
In Culpeper, Youngkin visited a local restaurant for a “Parents Matter” rally to discuss his thoughts on education. This has become a hot topic in the election, with Youngkin pushing parental involvement in school curriculums. The Pier is a new establishment, formed in March 2021 when four employees from the previous ownership took it over to make it their own. The Pier serves American food with a seafood focus, and operates as a local hub for Culpeper residents, hosting regular community events.
Kilroy’s
Youngkin spent time meeting voters in Springfield, at the popular locals’ spot Kilroy’s, a sports bar that’s been serving the area for around 40 years. The name of this establishment has a story rooted in World War II, a nod to the popular graffiti “Kilroy was Here” that could be found marked on pieces of military equipment, an inside joke among veterans. Kilroy’s is known for their traditional American pub food, priding themselves on their slow-roasted prime rib.
Sabor A Barrio
In Manassas, Youngkin reached out to a coalition of his Latino supporters, hosting a “Latinos for Youngkin Meet and Greet” at the Peruvian restaurant. While there, he spoke about issues he believed to be relevant to the Latino community, including lowering taxes and increasing jobs. The restaurant aims to provide their guests with an authentic Peruvian experience, with the slogan “Un pedecito de peru en tu mesa,” which translates roughly to “A little piece of Peru on your plate.”
Bourbon Boulevard
In the last push before the election, Youngkin announced a bus tour of campaign events in the weeks preceding the vote, making stops across the commonwealth. For the campaign stop for voters in Fairfax County, Youngkin chose Bourbon Boulevard in Chantilly. The bourbon-centric steakhouse is a popular spot in the area, hosting live music every night of the week, often featuring local bands and musicians.
Feature image by Rey Lopez
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
