The most overhyped dining day of the year is behind us, and I couldn't be more excited to get back to normal restaurant experiences.

Valentine's Day at restaurants often means paying premium prices for limited menus while fighting for attention in packed dining rooms. I've learned over the years that the best romantic meals often happen on the other 364 days of the year, when restaurants can truly showcase their talents without the pressure of turning tables for the Val day rush.

This week, we're diving into a detailed review of a reliable American restaurant in Fairfax, plus some exciting developments in the NoVA dining scene. Here's what's coming up:

• A thorough review of Arties in Fairfax
• The scoop on Seoul Prime's ambitious new Korean BBQ concept
• A preview of an exciting new beer garden coming to Falls Church

Let's dig into this week's finds...

Featured Review: Arties in Fairfax

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Tucked away just across from Home Depot in Fairfax, Arties stands as another solid entry in the Great American Restaurants chain, offering a familiar blend of American comfort food in a comfortable setting. While it may not break new culinary ground, it delivers a reliable dining experience that makes it particularly well-suited for casual group gatherings and family meals.

Atmosphere & Service

The restaurant's layout features well-spaced booths and tables, though on my visit (a quiet Monday evening in January), the spacing could have been optimized better given the low occupancy. The lighting strikes a pleasant balance - dim enough for ambiance but not so dark you're squinting at your menu. The noise level hits that sweet spot where conversation flows easily and background music blends seamlessly into the atmosphere rather than competing with it.

Service proves to be one of Arties' strong points. Our server demonstrated the kind of attentiveness that enhances rather than interrupts the dining experience - knowledgeable about the menu, proactive with refills, and genuinely helpful with recommendations. The entire staff seemed to genuinely enjoy their work, contributing to the restaurant's welcoming vibe.

The Food

Let's start with what might be the best deal in the house - the Ozzy's rolls. At just $1 per basket, these warm, brioche-like rolls (about 3 inches across) arrive with a fragrant garlic-parsley butter. With their perfectly browned crusts and soft, sweet interiors, they're an absolute steal and an ideal way to begin your meal.

The Firecracker Shrimp appetizer ($11) delivers about a dozen medium-sized shrimp with a mild-to-medium heat level. While the shrimp themselves are competently prepared - crispy exterior without overcooking the interior - it's the accompanying carrot and cabbage slaw that surprisingly steals the show, offering a fresh contrast to the fried shrimp.

For main courses, the burger selection forms the heart of the menu. The Bacon Cheeseburger ($19) arrives as a thoughtfully constructed affair - the patty is genuinely juicy, topped with crisp bacon and melted cheddar. Unlike many modern burgers that prioritize height over practicality, this one maintains a sensible proportion that actually fits in your mouth. The accompanying shoestring fries, however, fell short of expectations, appearing undercooked and pale - a surprising miss for a restaurant that specializes in American classics.

Value

With entrees ranging from $17-19 for burgers, Arties sits in the upper-middle range for casual dining. A meal with a burger, shared appetizer, and soda will run about $37 with tip. While the food quality generally justifies the pricing, the $4.25 charge for fountain sodas feels particularly steep, even with unlimited refills.

Bottom Line

Arties serves its purpose well as a reliable spot for group gatherings or family meals, offering comfortable ambiance and attentive service. While it may not be the destination for a special occasion or those seeking culinary innovation, it delivers a solid, if somewhat pricey, American dining experience. The standout Ozzy's rolls and accommodating service help offset some minor kitchen inconsistencies, making it a decent choice for casual group dining in Fairfax.

NoVA Restaurant News Roundup

• Seoul Prime Opens in Falls Church (5 min read) - The team behind Honest Grill brings upscale Korean BBQ to Falls Church, featuring dry-aged ribeyes and creative fusion dishes like soy-braised short rib risotto. Their $47 per-person prix-fixe offering looks particularly intriguing. Read the full article​
• New Beer Garden Coming to Falls Church (3 min read) - The team behind Brick House Butcher and Dominion Wine and Beer is transforming the old Stratford Motor Lodge into what promises to be an exciting new beer garden and restaurant concept. Read the full article​
• Health Inspection Report Alert (4 min read) - Recent inspections across NoVA reveal some concerning violations, reminding us why it's crucial to stay informed about restaurant safety standards. Notable issues included improper food temperatures and cleanliness concerns. Read the full article​

That's it.

Remember, sometimes the most reliable spots aren't the most exciting ones, but they serve an important purpose in our dining landscape. Next time you're planning a group dinner in Fairfax, Arties might be just what you're looking for.