Good Eats: Elevation Burger

Elevation Burger
442 S. Washington St.
Falls Church, VA
(703)-237-4343

Since I mentioned Elevation Burger in my post about Johnny Rockets, I feel as though I should give the restaurant a proper review.

Currently (as of Aug 2008) there seems to be only one location in Falls Church. However, according to this article more locations can be expected.

It is a casual environment where you order at the counter and seat yourself (highchairs and booster seats available). It is clean and the staff is friendly. Food comes out pretty quickly and we have retrieved it ourselves and also had it brought to us so I am not sure what the SOP is. There are small high top tables and large lower tables but no booths. Given how crowded it is, you might end up sharing a large table with another family.

Dada loves Elevation Burger. He says that they are some of the best burgers in the area. I take his word for it. LG is pretty happy with her burgers from there as well. Mama is happy because they have Veggie Burgers! Two types actually and both are good depending on what you are in the mood for but Mama does prefer turkey burgers. (Hey Elevation Burger, want to add to your menu? Can you PLEASE add a Turkey burger? Thanks!) The milkshakes are fantastic.

Elevation burger has replaced Five Guys for us since Five Guys uses peanut oil (a no-no for LG) and does not have Veggie or Turkey burgers for Mama (they have some sad little thing that they call a Veggie sandwich but I have nicknamed it the toppings sandwich because there is nothing to it but burger toppings).

Thankfully, Elevation Burger now has Sunday hours 11am to 5pm so we can head there for lunch on the weekends.

Good Eats: Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets
Pentagon City Mall
Shirlington Town Center
Georgetown

A fun atmosphere where you don't mind if you kid's are loud or make a mess. A good burger for Mom and Dad and milkshakes all around. At the Georgetown location the wait staff performs during certain songs and I have seen quite a few birthday celebrations there as well. The Pentagon City location is by far the least festive. The wait staff is fine, but doesn't usually cater to children. Still a decent choice if you are at the mall and need something besides the food court.

I like the Turkey burgers here and there is a veggie option as well. My favorite is a #12 and Dada likes the Original.

Watch out for: kid's menu prices, for some items it is actually less expensive to order off the adult menu. A la carte ordering can be pricey as well. The french fries do not come with meals and can quickly add to your bill.

Overall: An expensive but kid friendly option.

Other options for a good burger: Elevation Burger in Falls Church (perhaps a better option)

Good Eats: Cheesecake Factory

Cheesecake Factory
2900 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 294-9966


Not unique to our area but kid friendly all the same. A kid's menu is not available but since the portions are so large, you can probably get away with just having your little one eat off your plate. There is a toddler plate that servers will bring out for free (ask if they do not do so automatically). It consists of bread, bananas, and strawberries. The smoothies at Cheesecake are also made with real fruit so if you have a smoothie nut like we do, that might be a good option as well.

LG's favorite part is the bread and bacon:

Good Eats: Silverado

Silverado
7052 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 354-4560
map

YUM! So delicious and yet kid friendly. The atmosphere is relaxed and loud enough so that you don't have to worry if your toddler is having an off day. No table clothes to worry about and booster seats and highchairs are readily available.

Best part? Mom and Dad get a GREAT meal. Starting with the delicious breads from Best Bun Company (extra good during brunch times) and moving right on through to the unbelievable chocolate waffle for dessert I have yet to have miss here. My personal favorites include: the Tex Mex Eggrolls, Silverado Roast Chicken Salad, Sweet Potato Fries, and the chocolate waffle. No one likes the chocolate waffle more than my husband. He will crave it and devors it quickly. Since my daughter has a dairy allergy she has limited participation in this portion of the meal, but has already learned that the chocolate star that decorates the plate is hers (just a decorative dose of dark chocolate but for her it is heaven).

Watch out for: No kids' cups. Odd in a place that is so kid friendly but they serve children's drinks in glasses with coffee lids. Some children may be able to handle this but for us, it is a disaster waiting to happen. We bring our own cup.

Kids' Menu:

For kids under 12...served with fountain soda or milk

• Cheeseburger with choice of fries, unsweetened applesauce or carrots
• Cheese Quesadilla with choice of fries, unsweetened applesauce or carrots
• Chicken Fingers with choice of fries, unsweetened applesauce or carrots
• Grilled Cheese with choice of fries, unsweetened applesauce or carrots
• Grilled Short Smoked Salmon with choice of fries, unsweetened applesauce or carrots

Yummy.... great now I am hungry. Maybe we will head here for dinner tonight :).