Cafe Kindred/Bar Townshend
It’s rare to find a place that can be so many things for a community. Cafe Kindred in Falls Church manages to be a coffee shop and breakfast favorite starting at 7 a.m. on weekdays (except Mondays, when it’s closed). Wednesdays through Saturdays, dinner is served until 10 p.m. with offerings such as veggie and meat burgers, fried fish sandwiches and appetizers that range from an heirloom tomato caprese to fries loaded with chili, cheese, banana peppers and avocado. Meanwhile, the newish back bar, called Bar Townshend, shakes up classic and seasonal cocktails and offers half-price wine bottles on Thursdays.
450 N. Washington St., Falls Church, cafekindred.com
Metro 29 Diner
It’s tough to beat a diner when it comes to breakfast, and there are perhaps no sweeter words than “breakfast served all day.” It’s one of the many reasons this retro, neon-clad spot near the intersection of Route 29 and Old Dominion Drive has been a success ever since it opened in 1955. Kids (and the kid in you) will love the counter and pastry case filled with housemade cakes, pastries and pies. (Bonus: you can use it to bribe the picky youngsters in your party to finish one of the many items from the kids’ menu.) Another major plus is that it’s open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily, so you always have someplace to go when the urge for an omelet, French toast (made with house-baked challah), triple-decker sandwich or a banana split strikes.
4711 Lee Highway, Arlington, metro29diner.com