Sweetwater Tavern: My Favorite Northern Virginia Restaurant

My favorite Northern Virginia restaurant, hands down is Sweetwater Tavern in Centreville, VA.  Sweetwater Tavern is owned by a local company called Great American Restaurants. I remember their very first restaurant in Fairfax--Artie's.  I bought my first home about one block from there. Whenever it came time to entertain, I was happy as a clam to walk to the restaurant and treat my guests to a meal.   

To say that all of the Great American Restaurants serve nothing but the best is an understatement.  Between Sweetwater Tavern, Mike's American, Silverado, Artie's and Carlyle, I have had the best steaks, ribs, salmon, swordfish, chicken, salads and appetizers...just to name a few.  They just don't serve bad food.  I have yet to try Jackson's or Coastal Flats, but I'm sure they are amazing.  Each restaurant has it's own feel, but very similar menu items.

Sweetwater Tavern in Centreville is the closest Great American Restaurant to my home in Bristow.  It's a nice open dining area on either side of a sunken bar area below dining level.  So for a belated birthday lunch celebration with my Mom and brother, we headed there this afternoon for lunch.  Once again, impeccable service and outstanding food. 

 

I ordered the Louisiana Pasta with Chicken and Andouille Sausage in a Creole Sauce.  Mom had the standby favorite Sauteed Chicken Breast over Capellini Pasta in a Brown Butter Sauce.  My brother went on the lighter side and enjoyed their Santa Fe Chicken Salad.

Didn't notice until downloading the photos I'd taken how the wide lip of the plates and bowls gives the dining ware a Southwestern sombrero feel. 

 

Of course, when dining at any of the Great American Restaurants it is advised to save room for dessert.  My brother went with the Flourless Chocolate Waffle and I had the summer special--Strawberry Shortcake.  I'm not one to enjoy a berry dessert, but this dish beats out chocolate any day in my book.  Look at that thick homemade whipped cream in between the layers of delicious shortcake and topped with organic strawberries and blueberries in a sugary sauce.

Sweetwater Tavern is also known for its Micro Brewery where they make their own beers.  I'm not a beer drinker, but to hear from folks who are, this is just another area where Sweetwater excels. 

If you haven't been to Sweetwater Tavern or any of the other Great American Restaurants, I highly recommend it.  Order whatever you like.  You won't be disappointed.  Click the link provided for address and phone number for each restaurant.  And please note there are multiple locations for Coastal Flats and Sweetwater Tavern.  It's not a bad idea to call ahead if you are planning an evening or weekend dining experience.

Chris Ann Cleland, Realtor- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155.  To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com.