Sue

Going to Tysons Corner for Christmas shopping. Can anyone give advice on a good restaurant in the area at the end of a hectic day? Thanks!

xxx

Where is Tysons Corner for the unitiated.

xxx

Chris

Tysons Corner is the big mall in Northern Virginia. There are lots of good choices, depending on your tastes. Nothing I would recommend within the mall itself. Across the way, across from Tysons II is A Taste of Saigon -- WONDERFUL Vietnamese food, soothing atmosphere, excellent prices. Would be my personal choice after a long day on my feet. On Route 7, across from Bed Bath and Beyond (and if you know Tysons, you know where I mean) is Konami, a lovely Japanese place, again, soothing and affordable. Clyde's, across from the mall, is noisy but good basic food and festive. If you're willing to head 2-3 miles in any direction you'd find other choices in Falls Church, Vienna and McLean. But give Taste of Saigon a try.

Julie

If you have young kids you might try the rainforest cafe within the mall itself. They have lots of animatronic animals, cool jungle decor and a fake thunderstorm every 15 minutes of so. Food isn't anything special, but it's decent.

For a more adult atmosphere we really enjoy Maggianos, which is an Italian spot in Tysons II (the Galleria). You'll need to call ahead for reservations though or the wait for a table will be much too long. Further down the road (a few miles south on Gallows, just beyond Lee Hwy) is Sweetwater tavern, which has great American food and a brewpub on the premises. You'll want to call ahead here as well. No reservations, but you can put your name on the wait list. Next door to Sweetwater is a Pizzeria Uno, which has great pizza if that's what you're craving.

Emily

If you've never been to a P.F. Chang's before, you need to try it. It's located in Tyson's II and is some of the best Chinese food I've had (Recommend the Chang's Spicy Chicken).

Chris

I second that emotion on P.F. Chang's. And I don't know how I could have forgotten Legal Seafood, in Tysons II, and McCormick and Schmick's, less than a mile from the mall.

beth anderson

Busara, also close to Tyson's I and Bed Bath and Beyond, is a very good Thai restaurant.

also, check out the HUGE Crate & Barrel (not a resto I know, but impressive if you are in the area...)

Ann

Tara Thai's also a good spot. Make a left out of the mall onto Route 7, and continue on until you see Tara Thai on the right in a small shopping center. It's only a mile or 2 away.

kristen

What kind of food are you looking for? There is so much to choose from, as you can probably tell from the posts. Steak - Mortons, Sam&Harrys; Thai - Busara; Vietnamese - Taste of Saigon; Italian - PF Changs; Seafood - Legal, McCormick & Schmicks.

If you don't want to venture from either mall, Tysons I has Slades (american), California Pizza Kitchen, an Italian restaurant (can't remember the name, but the one in Hernond is good; Luciano's, maybe) and a Mexican place. Tysons II has Daily Grill (american), Maggiano's, Legal Seafood, PF Changs.

If you post again, us locals can try and narrow things down for you and give you directions.

Sue

Wow! You people are the best. Your suggestions are very much appreciated. We know the area (have been shopping at Tyson's many times) but have never found a memorbale restaurant. Now we can look forward to the mega day of shopping plus some great food. Thanks bunches!

Sue

Oops - thats "memorable" - now, our group is most interested in to Morton's, Sam & Harry's, and McCormick & Schmicks. Are they casual and can someone give directions? We know where the mall locations are so some additional help with these others would be helpful. Thanks!

beth anderson

Hi

Morton's and Sam and Harry's are within spitting distance. (or stone throwing if you will). Not sure about McCormicks... Morton's is outside of one exit (the one closest to Penney's I think?) and Sam and Harry's I believe is right on 7 (not sure if there is an access road to take right there)

I know where it is, but do not know side-road names so I don't want to confuse you, I will either let someone else here tell you better, or, someone in the Mall can - you could walk there if you had to (inadvisable to cross 7 on foot though..)

Beth

kristen

Here are some directions for you, Sue. I would probably think about making reservations at any of these places. Happy shopping and happy dining

Mortons -> Exit the mall by Bloomingdales/Nordstrom at Route 7 (this is the only main mall entrance/exit on 7). Instead of turning onto 7, go straight through the light, and you'll see an office building with shops at the bottom (Tiffany, Gucci, etc.). When you enter the parking lot, make an immediate right to go around to the side of the building. If I recall correctly, they have valet parking.

Sam & Harrys -> Exit the mall at the same place as above and instead turn right onto Route 7, west. Follow for approx. 1/2 mile (???) through a couple traffic lights and you will see S&H on your right. If you reach the actual exit for Route 123, you've gone too far. S&H is right before 123.

McCormick & Smicks -> Follow the above directions to S&H, but keep going another 3/4 mile on Route 7. Turn right at the traffic light onto Westpark Drive. As you are stopped at the traffic light, you will see a large office building on the opposite right hand corner with Ernst & Young at top and a huge retaining wall. M&S is in the bottom of the building. After you turn onto Westpark, make an immediate left into the parking lot.

Hope these directions help!