Sometimes, looks can be deceiving. I’ve driven past Willow Bistro easily hundreds of times but, put off by its location in a shabby shopping plaza on 30th Street NW, never thought to check it out. That’s on me. Willow was a pleasant surprise and a place I’d be more than happy to revisit.
As I walked in the door with an armful of pizza from Baja West Coast Kitchen, I was greeted with some confusion. “I thought we were reviewing a taco place?” It’s a fair question. The fast-casual restaurant formerly known as Baja Pizza Fish is either a pizza place with decent tacos or a taco place with excellent pizza.
When someone mentions grabbing dinner in downtown Canton, my first suggestion is usually George’s Lounge. The Canton mainstay dates back to 1959 and is the second-oldest continually operating bar in downtown Canton. Its current iteration in the downtown Arts District is known for its inexpensive drinks and uniquely delicious bar food.
Upscale dinners are great and all, but there’s something to be said for getting down and dirty with simple, delicious, inexpensive food. This was easily one of the messiest dinners I’ve ever had. Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ is worth a visit, but I’d avoid wearing white.
I have to respect a restaurant that embraces its identity. People flock to the Winking Lizard for beer and bar food, and the restaurant is excellent at both of those things. With the exception of rotating seasonal menus, the menu doesn’t stray too far from those basics.
It’s probably a good thing that Shy Cellars is so far out of my way. The intimate Strasburg eatery is nearly perfect with delicious food, wonderful service and possibly the best dessert I’ve ever eaten. If it wasn’t an hour from home, I could see myself spending way too much money way too often.
Jessica Holbrook taste-tests French onion soup, spicy calamari, the lobster ravioli appetizer, ahi tuna, 6 oz. angus reserve filet mignon with blue cheese, bacon and brandy, red pepper risotto, Brussels sprouts, cheesecake and six-layer chocolate cake at The Bistro of Green.
I’ll admit I walked into this review a little confused. Canal Grille has great online reviews. Its menu boasts pages of delicious sounding options—from Asian entrees to seafood to pasta to steak. It was reader’s choice for family restaurant in About’s 2017 Local Faves.
I am notoriously indecisive at restaurants. I’ll stare at a menu much longer than necessary, plagued by FOMO (fear of missing out). What if I order something and miss out on something even better?
Canton Brewing Co. has had an undeniable impact on downtown. The brewery and restaurant, which opened in its current form in 2015, dates its history back to 1883. It was founded by Bavarian immigrant Otto Giessen and went through different owners and incarnations until the onset of Prohibition in 1919.
