|
July, 25 2012
Special to the Times-Mirror — Loudoun’s best happy hour spots may not be a mystery
BY REBEKAH PIZANA
"I set out to discover the best of Loudoun and came up with quite a long list. With so many great places to cool-off after work,
I cut the list down to my five favorite spots. The best happy hours usually stick to a certain criteria:
close to home, cheap alcohol/wine prices, good atmosphere and delicious bar food."
Top five favorite: Ford’s Fish Shack
"Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4 – 7 p.m.
Located at 44260 Ice Rink Plaza in Ashburn, Ford’s may be the only Loudoun restaurant offering $1 oysters during happy hour.
And they are good oysters thanks to owner Tony Stafford, an experienced chef and restaurateur formerly of Bonefish Grill and Artie’s
(part of Great American Restaurants). Friday nights get jam packed with patrons filling up on $1 jumbo shrimp
and $3 draft beers from the New England-inspired. Drafts include local microbrews Lost Rhino and Port City,
and beer snob favorites Allagash, Bass, Smuttynose, Dogfish Head and Bells."
"Simply the best sea food restaurant in Northern Virginia. Great food, great staff, great prices.
When you go there make sure you ask to meet Wayne." — Bob Murphy / December
"Had an awesome brunch and Kevin took great care of us! The food rocked and service was great. Thanks!"
— Susan Gordon Terry / November
"My family enjoyed another fabulous take out meal from you guys. Chips, calamari, bisque, Waynes cod,
Atlantic salmon & fried shrimp basket. All sooooo good. Thanks for another tasty meal. Keep up the good work!"
— Vanessa West Newton / November
"Just moved to D.C. area and someone told me that this girl from Maine could get some whole belly fried clams
here at Ford's Fish Shack. I will be returning again and again!" — Linda McIntire / October
"I'm receiving the keys to the new Minnitti family home in Ashburn!!!
Looking forward to many years of your delicious cuisine." — Kenneth Minnitti / October
"I so miss your restaurant. Last year my son's birthday was celebrated on your birthday at the restaurant.
You were one of his favorite places to eat. Unfortunately, we have moved from the area,
so will not be able to celebrate with you." — Bonnie King / September
"Just back from lunch there today. As always, delicious crab cakes, and great service.
We're so glad to have you in Ashburn!" — Michelle Williams Loprest / September
"I am hoping to go for dinner tonight tonight. Thursday, I went for lunch with 2 friends.
We even got oysters for an appetizer. Lunch was absolute best.
Here is extending CONGRATULATIONS to FORD'S on their 2nd Year!
Your establishment is my "go to place" for out of town visitors, and special occasions...." — Chris Audi / August
"A mini New England Clambake in a bowl. Reminds me of fall weekends on the beach."
— Chris Wentworth Stanbridge / July
"Amazing restaurant. I was in Ashburn VA on a business trip from California and my co-worker/I just
happened to notice this place late at night after a very long day of working. We walked in AFTER closing time and
we were still seated, the place was still hopping at this hour of the night. The service was speedy and the way these people
cook fish is 2nd to none-it is literally like going to a 5 star seafood restaurant without the price tag. I will be going there
next time that I am out in that direction and you should as well." — Greg L. / July
"I'm not the kind of person that orders the same thing every time I eat at a restaurant, but it will be hard
to not order the shrimp tacos at Ford's on any future trips. They are that good! I have started spending more time in Ashburn
because of Ford's. It has that affect on you." — Steven W. / June