Greenbelt Marriott

6400 Ivy Ln
Greenbelt, MD 20770

David G. writes: There aren't a lot of choices for full-service hotels in this area, so the Greenbelt Marriott becomes my favorite by default.  I've stayed here many times over the years (ever since it was a rather crappy Hilton) and have found it to be largely the…

Firehook Bakery

912 17th St NW
Washington, DC 20006

Amy Z. writes: across from farragut park, great ambiance inside, excellent food, free water, and superior service.  i ordered a pecan/blueberry tart and my friend ordered a fruit tart.  the crust was perfect, crisp and just the right amount of butter.  the pecan…

Hinata Sushi Carry Out

4947 Saint Elmo Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814

Mariko F. writes: This place is so cute. I found it walking down the street, actually looking for a different Japanese place. I only realized that it wasn't it after I had ordered. I wasn't disappointed at all though. In fact, I was rather happy that I had run into…

Z Pizza

1051 West Broad St
Falls Church, VA 22046

Allan H. writes: I went here on Aaron's recommendation and it was pretty good.  I've never been to 2 Amy's or Pizza Paradiso, but this place was pretty good, and it's like a block from my house, so that helps with the rating too.  The inside is pretty small with…

Childe Harold
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1610 20th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Lydia P. writes: First time I come to this place, I spontaneously says, this place look like a saloon bar where the cowboys hang out to have their beers after a long day in the movies.

My friend that a regular customer had takes me and introduces me with to this…

Wingo's
Neighborhood: Georgetown

3207 O St NW
Washington, DC 20007

Alicia G. writes: Doctor's (and mom's orders) prevented me from doing much over the weekend aside from laying on my couch. I hadn't gone grocery shopping so I figured ordering in was my best bet...also, I was unable to stand long enough to actually cook something.

I'm…

Potbelly Sandwich Works

4201 Fairfax Corner Ave
Fairfax, VA 22032

Heather M. writes: I feel like I've been doling out a lot of 5 star reviews lately. That probably signifies something, but I'm already over it. Moving on.

I wasn't having the best day. It wasn't a horrible day, but it certainly wasn't a good day. I was hungry, I had…

Frager's Hardware-Capitol Hill
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast

1115 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003

Heather P. writes: When the zombies rise from their graves, I'm heading to Frager's for supplies.

I've been in all kinds of hardware stores--my mom is an interior designer--so being impressed by one is something that rarely happens with me. The moment I first walked…

Crate & Barrel Outlet

1700 Prince St
Alexandria, VA 22314

Sean G. writes: Why pay $3 bucks for a wine goblet when you can pay $1?
It's a local's secret.
In the shadow of the Masonic Temple in Old Town and a stones throw from the King Street Metro, this is a great place to go to stock up before a party and the place to…

Insect Zoo at National Museum of Natural History

10th St and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20560

Bill C. writes: If you like the creepy crawling things, this is the place for you.   This is a well set up display of insects.   It's not just a place to view the buggies, it's a place where you can interact with them under the supervision of the specialists at the…

Stardust Restaurant & Lounge

608 Montgomery St
Alexandria, VA 22314

Gayle G. writes: Fish and chips, tempura style. If that sounds good to you, then you need to make a trip to Stardust.

I hadn't seen decor quite like this until I met one of my friends for lunch here not too long ago. The place is filled with-- what else - -stars. Kind…

Monterey's Pizza

1230 N Henry St
Alexandria, VA 22314

Cristina R. writes: LOVE this pizza!!!  They always say it'll be 40 minutes to deliver and they're here in 15.  The pizza arrives so piping hot my kids have to wait (they like the cheese to congeal before they start--how appetizing...)  

Back to pizza!!!!  My favorite is…

Strosniders Hardware Stores

6930 Arlington Rd
Bethesda, MD 20814

Jed S. writes: This is definitely my favorite local hardware store. It has just about anything one could want from a hardware store at reasonable prices, the staff is knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and is scattered throughout the store (unlike my experience at…

Circa at Dupont
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1601 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009

Matthew D. writes: Classin' it up in the old Wrap Works locale!  Circa is a delight!  I haven't been to the Fruit Loop, (Dupont Circle) as I like to call in a while but I must say I totally dig Circa.  It was by chance that we walked in.  Actually just blowing some…

The Liberty Tavern

3195 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

Takaki K. writes: On a Saturday evening the bar inside was a typical scene with nervous-looking guys in button-down shirts and slutty-looking girls with a lot of makeup on, yelling at each other.  But sitting outside with a couple friends, we actually enjoyed the food…

Brasserie Beck

1101 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20050

Jen K. writes: Brasserie Beck, you have my heart!
The five stars is for a wonderful experience with a huge assortment of AMAZING Belgian beers; the food on its own would get 4 stars.

I had dinner here with two friends last night, and what started at 6:45pm somehow…

Moorenko's Ice Cream

8030 Georgia Ave
Ste B
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Mimi X. writes: So delicous, so creative! Try the ice cream sandwiches on brioche. Sounds weird, but ohhhhhhhhh so good. I like them with amaretto ice cream. Mmm. Also impressive: the variety of fruit sorbets (pomegranate! blood orange!). My favorite ice cream…

City Sports

1111 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20050

Jason C. writes: Every winter my workout routine grinds to a halt. Motivation is nonexistent. It's too cold, it's too grey. I've got every excuse in the book. And January-April means the gym is packed with Resolutioners. Hey, I appreciate the urge to better yourself,…

Trousseau Ltd

306 Maple Ave W
Vienna, VA 22180

Gayle G. writes: Want to know something funny? I spent over a year working at Victoria's Secret and I would send ladies here all the time. I sure hope that the sales staff at Trosseau get a commission. If so, I think I deserve some sort of kick back. Kidding. I kid!…

Tiffin

1341 University Blvd E
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Su K. writes: And I said what about "Breakfast at Tiffin?"
She said, "I think they're not open till 12"
And as I recall, I think, we both love lunch buffets
And I said, "Well, that's why I have a gut"

It's true - there were times when I wanted to have Tiffin at 10am…

Shilla Bakery

7039 Little River Tpke
Annandale, VA 22003

Jake K. writes: The four stars come from the baked goods and the shaved ice.  The lack of the fifth star comes from the fact that the teens working there are unfriendly.  But hey, it's a Korean business.  For the uninitiated, this can be a turn off, but anyone who…

The Grooming Lounge

1745 L St NW
Washington, DC 20036

Ronnie C. writes: Ok, look, I've been going here for like two years now.  You know why?  Because all my friends go to Supercuts or places like that and trying out random salons in Foggy Bottom was getting me the worst results possible.  One time I came out of a random…

BLT Steak

1625 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

Aaron A. writes: Arrogance is an art form at this pompous downtown steakhouse.  With prices to match the attitude, the food is very good and very forgettable.  Note that entrees are just that , and portions are unusually small, so you'll need to order a few sides…

Hole In the Wall Books

905 W Broad St
Falls Church, VA 22046

Carolyn G. writes: I refer to myself as a "bibliomaniac" which means that I spend a great deal more time and money than I should on books.  Since I'm a card-carrying member of the Arlington County Library I have no excuse except that I'm very weak willed.  Which is…

Hama Sushi

2415 Centreville Rd
Ste B2
Herndon, VA 20171

Takaki K. writes: One of the better sushi restaurants in the area.  Fish is better than most places in the area-- nothing extraordinary but decent, definitely not gross like some places around.  They also have some special fish on the white board, including some…

Picante the Real Taco

14511 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy
Suite B
Chantilly, VA 20151

Rachal L. writes: My family has been going to Picante's since it opened. It is a wonderful family owned restaurant in the Chantilly area. It is one of very few chains and it has a great feel and friendly people. They have Mexican food that  isn't processed and is as…

Takoma Park-Silver Spring Food Co Op

201 Ethan Allen Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Erin W. writes: Organic, organic everywhere! I'm house-sitting 1/2 block from the Co-Op and loving it. Produce, slices of vegan pie, buckets of tahini--what's not to love about this little store? I even browsed the selection of Crocs hanging on the wall by the…

Rio Entertainment Center

9811 Washingtonian Blvd
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Samira J. writes: Maryland, USA.
It`s pretty much the focal point of all-things-boring. Unless you live by the beach, your "funtime" pretty much revolves around Saved by the Bell re-runs in your living room. In this state of ultimate dullness, Rio has been my knight in…

Giovanni's Trattu
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle

1823 Jefferson Pl NW
Washington, DC 20036

Giovanni M. writes: If you can't tell this place is spectacular simply from its name then I just don't know what to tell you except to dine here and find out for yourself. I'm a very critical person when it comes Italian food since my mother spoiled me so in the kitchen…

Adega Wine Cellars

8519 Fenton St
Silver Spring, MD 20910

laura w. writes: 1) sweet potato fries and eggplant fries (get the half and half plate) - simply amazing
2) happy hour with glasses of wine under 4 bucks
3) good wraps and salads
4) nice atmosphere - very sunny and open
5) scenic view of silver spring's very own…

Willard's Real Pit BBQ

4300 Chantilly Shopping Center
Ste 1A
Chantilly, VA 20151

Kevin L. writes: Props to Michelle and Jeff for recommending this place.  I wouldn't have known about it otherwise.  I was trading messages with Deanna about getting BBQ and she prompted me with a question of "what kind?"  I had no idea - I figured BBQ was BBQ.…

AMC Theatres Tysons Corner 16

7850E Tysons Corner Cente
McLean, VA 22102

Leila S. writes: This five-star rating can be summarized with three Cs...

1. COMFORT
The seats are huge... they recline... they have cupholders... and the armrests go up if you care to cuddle up to your movie-watching neighbor... or stretch out and rest your legs on…

Round Robin Bar

The Willard Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004

Gayle G. writes: If you are in the mood for a trendy, hip bar with bright and fruity martinis, this isn't the place for you. Why not hit a place that has some history?? This spot can credit Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and Abraham Lincoln as patrons. Typically there's a…

Pangea Artisan Market & Cafe

2121 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20433

angela n. writes: How rich ARE you? This site ranks your income among everyone in the world: http://www.globalrichl.../

Feeling flush now? Then head to Pangea, which provides artisans in developing countries with access to markets.  It's a project of the International…

Costa Verde Restaurant

946 N Jackson St
Arlington, VA 22201

PC W. writes: Another place that I drive by all the time and never noticed.  It's right across from the Hess that has cheap gas.  The food is sooo good and I left sooo full.  The price is right too.

The inside is plain - we're talking banquet hall chairs with the…

Negril

965 Thayer Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Ina K. writes: Forget all the national chains and cookie-cutter restaurants that Silver Spring's "revitalization" has brought in. You want to go to Negril because the food is delicious, it's a great value, and they are utterly unpretentious about what they have to…

Jamie's General Bean

13848 Lee Hwy
Centreville, VA 20121

Heather M. writes: Scenario this.

You've gotten off work. Within the last few hours of work, you chugged an energy drink [Full Throttle: drink of champions]. Consequently, you're simultaneously bouncing off the walls yet exhausted from aforementioned day at work. Your…

Dae Sung Kwan Restaurant

11215 Veirs Mill Rd
Wheaton, MD 20902

MiRIAM w. writes: The lure of jjajangmyun* (noodles with black bean sauce, a Chinese-Korean hybrid) was strong enough yesterday that that I Google mapped some directions and hopped in the 'vo and headed to Maryland. I'd read a couple of zealous five star yelps about…

Georgetown Nail Salon
Neighborhood: Georgetown

1800 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20007

Stef W. writes: I love this place!  Great technicians, reasonable prices ($19 for a manicure and $36 for a pedicure), and a clean salon.   The manicures and pedicures last forever.  Well, maybe not forever, but no chipping on my manicure for at least a week.  My…