7. Clare & Don’s Beach Shack
130 N. Washington St., Falls Church City
Beachy-themed restaurants tend to be a bummer for vegetarians who shudder at the thought of eating a crustacean—but Clare & Don’s is not your average clam shack. Not only will you find enough flipflops and knickknacks to fill all of Florida’s gift shops, you’ll also enjoy an array of fresh, summery foods that will make you feel like you’re dining in a tropical paradise. The fried coconut tofu (a riff on coconut shrimp) is flawlessly crisp and flavorful with warm, silky tofu on the inside and a zesty mango dipping sauce. “Phish and chips,” the restaurant’s vegan take on the classic dish, keeps the fries but ditches the cod for an equally tasty and flaky soy substitute. Looking for the taste and texture of crab cakes minus the crab? Order the “Uncrabcake,” a hot and crispy mock crab cake made with tofu, onion, celery and Old Bay.
Other dishes to try:
- Redneck falafel
- Buffalo tofu
- Boat House chopped salad