MetroplexJim –
 
I did not grow up in NoVA, but have been here since 1988.   I have tried Willard’s about 5 or 6 times.  Unfortunately, each time I found them mediocre (but not bad).   I do appreciate that they are sort of an homage to the different styles of BBQ around the country.   They even list the names of many famous BBQ joints on their wall.   But, as is often the case, when you try to do it all … (all the BBQ styles ij this case), … you don’t excel at any of them.   None were bad, they’re just kind of mediocre, in my opinion.   I keep going back hoping that the previous visit was just a fluke.  But, it keeps on not thrilling me.   I’m sure I’ll go again, as it is close by.
 
Metro 29 is pretty good.  … Haven’t tried the shrimp.  I’ll ask Janet to try it.  (I’m allergic). 
 
I ate at Yorkshire ages ago, and honestly can’t recall if I liked it.   I need to go back. 
 
Weenie Beanie is on the “to do” list.  I can’t believe I haven’t been there yet. 
 
Our favorite BBQ in the DC region, and favorite overall roadfood in the DC region is Dixie Bones BBQ in Woodbridge (not to be confused with the chain called Smokey Bones.).  Despite our fondness for pulled pork, we think that Dixie Bones’ best food is their beef brisket.  It was better than the places we tried in TX, in our opinion. They also have great “home made” pies.     
 
There is a relatively new pizza place in DC,  and now a 2nd location in Clarendon, called Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza.   It was opened by a guy from New Haven who was tired of the pathetic pizza around here.  As most Roadfooders know, New Haven style pizza / apizza is among the best.   We love New Haven style apizza, and stop at Frank Pepe’s or Zuppardi’s in CT on the way during our frequent trips to RI.     So, we tried Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza and it was very good.   We rate it as the “worst” of the New Haven style that we have had, but the best in the entire DC metro area!   Of course, even the worst of the New Haven style is pretty darn good.  Yes, New Haven style is that good, and DC pizza is that bad, in our opinion.    We have tried most of the so-called good pizza around DC (Generous Georges, 3 Amy’s, and on and on.).  We have come to the conclusion that the people here need to take a road trip to the northeast.  🙂     We knew we were in trouble when we moved here, and heard from people how wonderful the Pizza Hut down the street was, and that we had one of the nation’s top grossing Domino’s franchises nearby.  Aaarrgghh!
 
We do give NoVA full credit for the great hamburgers, as the founding region for Five Guys.   I know many roadfooders are not fond of Five Guys, but we love ’em.    My guess is that if they remained small, and didn’t become the 800 pound gorilla, more people would give them kudos.  It would be interesting to hold a blind-folded taste test with roadfooders rating burgers.  I bet Five Guys would do quite well when people don’t know they are from Five Guys. 
 
 
Glenn