I am heading to the Hyatt Dulles in Herndon, VA for a conference in February. The meetings start on a Monday morning, so I will be driving to the hotel on Sunday from my home in New Jersey. Can anyone recommend any nearby places to have dinner? And, is there anything of interest nearby that would kill a few hours to warrant me leaving earlier on Sunday morning? Any and all suggestions would be welcome!

What kind of food do you like?

Meant to also address "items of interest" nearby...if you haven't yet been, the Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center is on Rte 28 and would be very easy for you. Just seeing a space shuttle in person is reason enough to go...the center is quite impressive.

http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/

The Manassas Battlefield Park is not too far from there, if you are into that sorta thing.

If you like BBQ, there's a Famous Dave's and Willards BBQ in Chantilly. There's a Bonefish Grill in Centreville.

Thanks, I love BBQ. We have a Famous Dave's here in NJ--not too good. Maybe I'll give Willards a try. Beanweb--I like just about all kinds of food, but am partial to BBQ since I really can't get any here in NJ.

I haven't been to the Air & Space Museum out by Dulles. I'll have to make a point next month to get there. The Grandkids will love it.

I would argue that you can't get good barbecue here, either. Although I do love Rocklands in DC -- just too far of a drive for you.

In the all foods category, here's what I would suggest:

* For sushi, head to Hama Sushi. Hama Sushi. 2415-B2 Centreville Rd. Herndon, VA, 703.713.0088.
* For most options in one place, head to Reston Town Center where you can choose from Big Bowl, Clyde's, Paolos, M&S Grill, Market Street Grill, Rio Grande just to name a few.
* For casual but super fresh, homemade Mexican food -- head to Guapo's in Herndon. Not at all like the Guapo's in DC.
* If you want a diner (choose from breakfast, lunch, or dinner...or a fabulous dessert from the bakery) go to Amphora's Diner Deluxe in Herndon.
* For a little bit out of the way but great ambience and BEER (my favorite) go to Magnolia's at the Mill in Purcellville (farthest out) or Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg (a little closer).
* If you want brewpub, then Old Dominion in Ashburn is your bet...and my favorites are their porter, oak barrel stout, or JPauls.

Wow... I was about to post and then I read beanweb's post. It is all right on. Amphora's and Hama Sushi, in particular, are great.

Also, in Leesburg, don't miss Lightfoot's for lunch or dinner. Very nice menu and good beers.

Thanks Beanweb and Honest Abe. I'm starting to wish I was going to be in town longer!

Well, now you got choices, and I've discovered some other neat places.

DH and I go to Amphora probably more than any other restaurant in the area. (Doesn't mean it's my favorite, though) If you like Italian food, you could try Luciano, which is right by Guapo's. I like the calzones at Luciano.

Like beanweb24 says, Reston Town Center does have a lot of options. You could even see a movie if you have time.