Best American Food in Woodbridge, VA

Although sushi is delicious, and so are a variety of other dishes that originated on distant shores, there are times when all you want is a juicy burger with some tater tots or a New England-style clam chowder. If you live in or around Woodbridge, Virginia, there are a few quality restaurants you can visit on those days when the craving for some decent American food hits.

The Secret Garden Cafe

The Secret Garden Cafe, which lies in the heart of Historic Old Town Occoquan, boasts a beautiful setting. It’s located in a house that was erected in 1840 and was inhabited by the town pharmacist. Over the years, the house provided a home for many families until it was recently converted into a restaurant. Inside the venue, the raw-brick fireplace and wooden floors and furniture provide a homey and rustic feel. When it’s a nice day, the outside area, which offers views of the gorgeous secluded garden, is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal.

All the items on the restaurant’s menu are prepared from scratch with only the freshest and quality ingredients. Since the chefs create the recipes, they bring their own unique touches and cooking styles to the dishes, which makes for an eclectic menu. Apart from Mediterranean influences, the menu also offers a few American favorites.

For lunch, try the Georgia Reuben, which consists of rye bread topped with sliced roast turkey, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Apart from a mouthwatering Black & Bleu Ribeye with gorgonzola cream and roasted potatoes, the entree list includes Shrimp & Grit Cakes, which is jumbo tiger prawns served with roasted corn salsa and cheddar grit cake, and Lump Crab Cakes with cauliflower mash and sauteed vegetables.

The Bungalow Alehouse

If you’re in the mood for some good beer, a game of pool, and delicious pub fare, head out to Bungalow Alehouse, which is located in a popular shopping/restaurant strip along the Prince William Parkway. The Alehouse features a large venue, which is divided into three spaces: the bar area, dining room, and pool hall. All spaces are clean and the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. 

Owners Keith and Cheryl Early opened the original Bungalow Billiards and Brew in Chantilly back in 1997. The concept was to provide a restaurant where patrons could enjoy good food and interact with each other in a clean and comfortable environment. Their concept worked and it wasn’t long before the Earlys opened other Bungalow venues.

At the Bungalow Alehouse, patrons can choose from a large variety of beers on tap, including various lagers, stouts, Irish red ales, IPAs, ciders, and more. The food menu offers an equally wide selection of tasty pub fare. If you feel like a light snack, try some fried pickles, served with a side of chipotle ranch dressing, or a few Reuben Spring Rolls made with corn beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. 

The locals rave about the jumbo chicken wings, hand-tossed in your choice of sauce, and served with carrots, celery, and homemade garlic ranch dressing. In addition, the menu offers fire-grilled pizzas and juicy burgers. Try the mouthwatering Applewood Bacon Cheese Burger, with an Angus beef patty, Applewood smoked bacon, and Vermont white cheddar.

Buffalo Philly’s

Buffalo Philly’s is a fast-food joint that serves all your standard American favorites. You can sit down for a meal in the clean and pleasant venue, which features bright red and yellow walls and red, cozy booths. Or, if you feel like having a night in, order takeout or request a delivery. Buffalo Philly’s guarantee that their food is always fresh. What’s more, their menu items are also super affordable. So, when you’re on a tight budget and in the mood for some quick comfort food, Buffalo Philly’s is just the place for you.

The menu offers a variety of American staples, such as boneless strips, hot dogs, pizzas, burgers, and combo meals. Their buffalo wings, which you can pair with one or more of their 22 delicious sauces, are very popular. Another hot favorite is the Philadelphia cheesesteak, served with sauteed Vidalia onions and Portobello mushrooms. Testament to how good these dishes are is the fact that Philly’s cheesesteak and buffalo wings have been voted the best in Woodbridge.

Silver Diner

Silver Diner is a regional chain that’s modeled after the classic American diner. Featuring checkered floors, plush booths, jukebox tunes, neon lights, and a long sit-down counter, the venue has a retro 50s vibe. To see what this diner has to offer, take the short 13-minute drive out of Woodbridge to Dale City. 

According to the wealth of positive reviews this chain has been receiving, you won’t regret the drive. Apart from a cheerful vibe, patrons report that the place offers friendly and efficient service, and food that’s both tasty and reasonably priced. In addition, Silver Diner is open from 7 a.m. until 12 a.m. for dine-in guests and a delivery service runs until 10.30 p.m.

What distinguishes Silver Diner from most other traditional diners is the abundance of vegan, vegetarian, and generally healthy options on the menu. If you’re trying to get your bikini body ready for the summer, opt for items such as the Tofu Banh Mi, which is sambal agave-glazed non-GMO tofu, banh mi slaw, pickled ginger, and eggless mayo served on ciabatta. 

However, those who want to tuck into some American comfort food will not be disappointed. The menu offers delectable items such as Ribeye Philly Steak with caramelized onions and white American cheese, Kickin’ Crab & Corn Chowder, and the Kickin’ Wagyu Burger with nitrate-free bacon, cheddar, jalapenos, and southwest ranch.

When the mood hits for some American comfort food, head out to these restaurants and eateries in and around Woodbridge. They all offer distinct settings and unique takes on American staples, so you can enjoy different dining experiences depending on your mood. What these restaurants all have in common, however, is the delicious food and attentive service they provide their patrons. Do you have another favorite to add to the list? Let the team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC know, and we’ll check it out.

*Image via Flickr by avlxyz

Tags: American food, Woodbridge
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