DC MetroMommy - suburban dining

For those that aren't familiar with the local leader in customer friendly, food fabulous dining, let me introduce you to the Great American Restaurant chain. Comprised of Arties, Best Bun Bread Co., Carlyle Grand, Coastal Flats, Mike's American, Silverado and Sweetwater Restaurants this is one of the best pairing of service and food that I have witnessed by a chain. Excellent food and courteous service are a mainstay at all the locations. Take advantage of the call ahead service that normally allows you to put your name in 15 minutes prior to arrival. It will knock a bit of time off of your wait. Going for a weekday lunch, hit it before 11:30am or you are in for wait. Note, it is not as inexpensive as you may think.

Bazin's on Church is a great venue for a suburban culinary experience. The owner, Patrick Bazin, cut his eye teeth at the legendary DC establishment, The Occidental. Once DC Executive Chef royalty, Patrick and his wife decided to set up shop on the soon-to-be very trendy stretch of real estate on Church Street in Vienna. Noteworthy, this is a wonderful spot if you are interested in awesome food, but aren't interested in making the trip to DC.

This is one of the unsung heroes of local/national pizza chains. Bertucci's consistently offers up an incredible margarita pizza, a tasty antipasto and a number of pasta pleasures. In addition, to serving up a scrumptious menu for its adults patronage, the restaurant also offers a number of kid friendly options complete with crayons, dough balls and fun placements. Noteworthy, if you like Italian food, this spot is actually quite nice for a quick meal. Don't forget the Chianti when you order your pasta☺

Bonefish offers an excellent selection of great seafood and an extensive wine list. Lively atmosphere lends itself to this suburban seafood retreat. Noteworthy, come early most of the locations fill up quickly on weekends. In a pinch, Bonefish offers a full menu at the bar area.

This is awesome Italian chain restaurant. From bread & olive oil that greets you, to fabulous Chicken Marsala, Carrabbas will have everyone walk away with a signature dish that they love. This venue is affordable and kid-friendly. You will return again and again!

Coastal Flats has become "The Scene" in the suburbs. The Fairfax Corner location has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for the single and not-so-single in the "Rt 66 West" suburbs. With its trademark Great American Restaurant chain food and service the experience is always an A+. Add in a great outdoor patio, cocktails, bustling happy hours and a festive crew and you have a destination that is sure to please. Note, while the location is an excellent alternative to the mad drive to DC, it is no replacement. The people watching is great, but I wouldn't bring your single BFF here to find love on a bar stool☺

This is a perfect Northern VA night out. The food is great, the staff is inviting and they can handle older children. If you are on a budget or only have a sitter for 3 hours, this is your suburban VA destination. It has an eclectic mix for your palette. Feeling causal, go for the brick-oven pizza. In a date night mood, check out the lobster ravioli. The food, atmosphere and price are always right. Dolce Vita has opened a charming cafe and shop in an adjacent store front. This is a fun stop to enjoy a cappuchino and cannoli either indoors or on the new outdoor patio. Beware, don't go for the view. You will be staring at Rt. 50. Still the store and the authentic Italian offering make it a worthwhile stop.

For many moons (pun intended) Faccia Luna has been one of my most treasured Arlington venues. The outdoor patio and brick oven pizzas are absolutely perfection on a sultry DC night. While you can definitely make the trip with kids, I would recommend an impromptu date night with your amore!

Where have you been all my life? For those that have lived in the DC area, it is hard to imagine a time before Lebanese Taverna. From their humble beginnings to the current "chain" status, Lebanese Taverna continues to wow the local patrons of the DC Metro area. Authentic Lebanese food mixed with unique interiors and fabulous service is one of the reasons why this chain continues to grow in popularity. If you can get hubby to stray from meat and potatoes, I guarantee that you will love this spot!

Fondue for all. This is fun girls' night out or a fresh approach at date night. Despite the roll of the eyes that you will get from your hubby, I think you will find they are quickly jumping into cheese fondue and irresistible melted chocolate and strawberries. Older kids love to experiment with the all the possible culinary concoctions.

You must, must go to this website immediately and sign up for this service. If you are anything like me, a night out is a precious commodity. I plan for the time, the sitter and the restaurant…weeks in advance. Gone are the days of putting myself on a waiting list and accepting an electric coaster and a smile from peppy hostess telling you your wait will be anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours (slight exaggeration). So unless you enjoy jockeying for bar space and hoping that they serve a full menu at said bar, MAKE A RESERVATION! OpenTable has revolutionized this process. It is a FREE online service that allows you to select from hundreds of dining options throughout the Metro DC area. You can break down your selection by region, time and date. Yippie, hassle free reservationIs! Note, not all local restaurants are listed.

Classic Asian food served in a funky atmosphere. If you ask most folks, they all have a favorite at this national chain powerhouse. Lettuce wraps and Orange Peel Chicken always seem to jump to the top of the list. Noteworthy, don't forget P.F. Chang's takes reservations. You don't have to settle for the electric coaster and a long wait. And while this venue is kid-friendly it can often be a bit chaotic for a parent trying to appease a toddler. Stick with kids that are a little older. Sorry no kids menu.

Eclectic mix of high end pot-pies paired with a beer tasting, despite how it may sound it is delicious. This charming get away in Old Town Alexandria is brought to you by the same folks who own Evening Star, Vermillion and Tallula. The tasty resume continues to grow with the birth of Rustico. Despite a slow start, a new chef has reenergized the menu. Check out the rockfish, sunchoke and sheep's milk ricotta pizza and an impressive line up of Draught beer.

Great little Italian restaurant in Burke Commons Shopping Center. This cozy spot offers a fun wait staff made up of local high schoolers. It is a family friendly destination that has a tasty menu, a nice wine selection and even a brick oven offering! Junior even gets dough to play with. Mom gets the Cannoli