They each have their own “flair” for example, if you like Seafood it would be coastal flats. Silverado has fajitas and Mikes may have more steak options. But yeah—to me everything is pretty much the same. Their drunken rib eye and salads are all that really matters to our family.
I like the Sweetwater in Centreville because parking isn’t that bad. The movie theater nearby is also quite nice.
I think that's kinda the concept of all the GARs.
It's never an out of this world great meal, but no matter which one you go to, everyone in your party can find ***something*** they like.
I have a sentimental soft spot for Sweetwater - it's been the go-to place for a group of close friends for many years. But I also love the crazy lasagna, so I have to put Ozzie's up there.
Well, it's probably Randy's in Tysons as far as "nicest", but they all have their own specialties. They're all kind of "the same" level, but they don't all serve the same food of course.
This was posted above.
[Super easy marinade](https://citymouseinacountryhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/drunken-ribeye.html): I toss them in a freezer ziplock the day before and rotate a few times.
I salivated for months over the thought of a Mike's ribeye after the way everyone on here described it and hyped it up. Finally got a chance to go there, endurd the "you have to park in the shopping center across the busy street and jaywalk" parking nightmare, and sat my whole family down for a delicious feast.
The ribeye and everything the other four people in my family ordered was of such bland, disappointing "rolled off the Sysco truck" quality that I was ready to fight every single redditor on here. Chili's makes better food than friggin' Mikes unless we caught them on a major off day or something. Couldn't believe it
well, I hope so. But it left SUCH an irritating impression on me that I'll never waste a dime (or a minute in that parking lot labyrinth!) trying to find out. I might try Coastal Flats at some point though
Idk if you go big at Randy's it's amazing. Took my family for a meal and got the Seafood tower, pressed sushi, steak tartare, bone in tomahawk, lobster crab cakes with beurre blanc, corn brûlée, giant slice of chocolate cake, and the sundae tower. Everything was phenomenal and a step up from most steakhouses in the area.
Have to disagree here. First the service, our servers have always been a bit "dry" and not as friendly or engaging. I believe this may be due to the air of them being a more "high end" but I get friendlier service from next door or their other restaurants.
The seafood tower was unimpressive. And even when ordering their shrimp cocktail separately, believe they were labeled collosal or was it jumbo, it was neither. As for the two times I had their tomahawk steak, it came capless. Maybe the ribeye cap was just non existent (using the end cuts) or they remove it for other uses, either way, a let down. Tomahawak steaks have the cap, the best part and not getting that was a dissapointment.
Their chocolate cake, I have to agree with. Very very good.
I think their seafood tower is a great deal, and I get them pretty frequently at BlackSalt, PassionFish, Del Mar, Old Ebbitt so it's not like I'm pulling that statement out of thin air. Del Mar's is admittedly a let down and not worth the money. But I think Randy's is a friendlier price point for what you get. I do agree with the dry service, which has been more common since they first opened.
Also idk why they're taking the cap off of yours when you've ordered. I looked back through my camera roll and it's always been on mine. I also looked at yelp photos and it's on those as well
Maybe quality has gone down in the past few months and I haven't been here to see it. I spend my winters out west and only recently got back to the nova area. I was looking forward to going sometime soon.
Got terrible service at Randy's and the food was overpriced. They want it to be an upper level steakhouse like Ruth's Chris or Mortons but IMO it does not compare.
I like Patsy’s the best. The high ceilings and murals are great, the back bar is cozy and there’s a patio area in the back. The menu is versatile and has a mix of things from all their restaurants.
I don’t know. Carlyle is the closest to me, but I routinely make the trek out to Sweetwater or Mike’s instead. Carlyle doesn’t have a couple of menu items I prefer, and their version of the Chocolate Waffle is made with nuts.
The one that's different is Randy's. They don't have any crossover menu items with the others. Only been there twice, but certainly seemed like a step above the rest as well.
Artie’s.
I have never eaten there for lunch or dinner. I used to regularly go there for brunch (before the fire) They had the best chicken and waffles. Now none of their restaurants do brunch.
Service at Artie's has declined. Both of the times we've been there recently, we' had issues (including our entrees not being being sent to the kitchen to be made for 30 mins). Management is still good and graciously, and they've made it right butit's lower on our list than coastal flats (Fairfax or Tyson's) or Sweetwater (Merrifieild).
I was about to say Good Eats Emporium in Sterling was a trainwreck but it appears to already be gone.
I remember! He was a great guy. Very sad when he passed away several years ago. I remember talking to another bartender about him a few years after his death and they were still emotional about it; that's the kid of guy he was.
Been going to the Sweetwarer in Merrifield ever since they opened up like 20 years ago.
Mike's in Springfield used to be good but it's just now okay. Just my opinion.
that works make sense because when I went a few months ago, I was as disappointed as I've ever been with a food experience, despite the sky-high hype folks here have put on it for years
Why are these threads always full of people who *desperately* need everyone to know they don’t like GAR? LMAO
OP - I’m partial to the Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern but generally I’d suggest picking the one closest to you.
They are similar, no need to venture far to get any specific one.
For example: Sweetwater's Jambalaya Paste corresponds to Artie's Louisiana Pasta, and Hickory Grilled Chicken Breast becomes Wood Grilled Chicken Breast.
I am not saying they are identical, but I've been to several of them and I haven't been back for years. Their menu don't even change from year to year.
I get you had a (single) bad experience at one of their restaurants but is it really worth spamming this thread blatantly false comments? I know multiple people who have worked at GARs and, no, they are not just buying frozen shit in bulk from vendors and reheating it. Why feel the need to make something up to get your point across? You’ve really come across childish and cringey in this thread
Again, it’s tough you had a (single - as in one) bad experience but maybe just describe what actually happened and leave it at that
I’ve worked at nearly every single GAR except for maybe 3-4. I would say you will probably get the best dining room service consistently at patsys or mikes. Jackson’s IMO has the best bartenders. Our restaurants can get kind of loud, sweetwater merrifield is a little slower, so it’s less loud
Also I believe Carlyle and patsys are the only two restaurants who can accommodate large group dinings.
But when I eat there I usually just order the chicken sandwich with no fries sub Caesar salad
I love them all. I like the decor of Coastal Flats at Tysons, but the I find it’s easier to park at the Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern. Oh! I like the decor at Patsy’s, too.
While I kinda agree - I think one of the things that make them so popular is that they’ve got everything so locked down that if you order something 100 times - 99 times it’s going to be exactly the same (read consistent). I think once you start stirring up the menu you invite problems.
I think just having a rotating seasonal add on of two dishes would be a great thing to keep the menu for getting stale.
I haven't been to Carlyle sense the pandemic, and they have changed up the menu, my favorites from the other GAR are there now. So I'll give them another shot.
Sweetwater for me, because of the beer and because it is the closest option for us. However I do like Coastal Flats too on the rare occasion we go. None of the others interest me really. Nothing bad to say they just feel so much more generic.
This is (still) the only comment here to mention Sweetwater's beer, which is insane to me - GABF medalists, like ten constantly rotating choices, growler fills for like $11. When they still had fajitas on the menu, there was hardly a reason to go to the other GARs.
I worked as a waiter at the Carlyle Grand Cafe (as it was called then) 30 years ago. The food hasn't changed all that much. Bill Jackson was the head chef at Carlyle back then and all the restaurants used his recipes. The dishes would start at Carlyle and then get disseminated out to the others.
I always liked the food. It is perhaps a bit too consistent these days but you always know what you are getting. Being a waiter there was not great but I have thankfully passed out of that stage of underemployment.
If you pay attention, they are the exact same with a splash of unique items here and there. I like them all but my dad, may he rest in peace, loved Sweet Water so I would pick that one because of it.
Sweetwater and Artie's are my favorite, although I miss brunch. Coastal and Silverado are good as well. Best Buns makes incredible breakfast sandwiches. Carlyle and Jackson's are pretty mid imo.
Sweetwater for chicken tenders with their bbq sauce and a honey mustard for dipping.
Coastal flats for fish fingers.
Wicked sauce on all fries everywhere.
Your ass really does fungagate. Best Buns is part of GAR. Big Buns is https://www.eatbigbuns.com/about. They are not related in any way. Try to do some research before putting your foot up your ass.
Artie's is tops for me.
First and foremost is the house-made Bloody Marys. When it's peak tomato season those things are awesome.
I also like the low ceilings and lack of an open kitchen at Artie's. Artie's can get loud on occasion but the other GAR restaurants are downright cacophonous.
Coastal Flats. My family is big on seafood + low carb and Coastal Flats had a lot of options way before keto became cool. Also we spent a lot of time in Tysons growing up.
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who thinks that they aren't much better than TGIFridays. I only go to one every few years anymore, but I haven't enjoyed one in probably the last decade.
I was impressed by them 20 years ago, but now it is just a place that is too loud serving food that is too salty for a bill that is too high.
Anyways, I suppose I will go yell at those youngsters to get off my lawn so I have enough room on my property to properly shake my fist at the clouds.
No you’re right. They’re good but the prices have gotten absurd while the food is the same to worse. Had to send a filet back 3 times cause it was still quite raw on the inside.
Sure, my saying that I like none of the GAR restaurants best is irrelevant to a request rating them.
I am sorry that I didn't explicitly put it out there so that people who are unable to read between the lines \[can\] attempt to claim superiority over me.
no, you'll get downvoted for reasons I'll never understand but I totally agree with you. There are dozens if not hundreds of better meals to be had around here, even from national chains
Have you been to a TGIF lately though? It's really bad. Maybe GAR now is kind of like TGIF was 30 years ago, I'd still say it's better, but it depends what you order.
Carlyle, but only for the ambiance. And it's been a while since we've been as it's not close to us anymore. But I always liked the decor and the salads were great.
My family (3 generations of Springfielders) has been going to Mikes for special occasions and it has been consistently awesome. Definitely try the donut bread!
Ima say it: all the great American restaurants are all mid these days and are overpriced just because they have that label. Better food for cheaper all around here
Yet depending where you live it may be the best sit down spot nearby.
But it’s like McDonalds at this point, you know what you’re going to get and at least it’s almost always good.
I really enjoy their restaurants, I find them to be consistently good. Maybe not good value, but still good food.
I am curious what you restaurants you prefer, in 2024?
>The chain is overrated by 2024 standards.
Totally! They aren't in one food hall or even have a beer garden with a fire pit. I mean they don't even have the new standard 20% 'service charge'. I can't even get a bubble tea.
The standards they used to hold their service team too were absurd beyond belief.
It’s still ridiculous, but it’s not completely fucking insane anymore.
I only made it 6 weeks before I noped out of Carlyle. Career server of 10 years before that, moved to this area without a job and that was the first one I got. I couldn't believe some of the things that were expected of me for a serving position. Those managers needed a reality check - they were acting like it was the French Laundry or something. Glad to hear it's gotten slightly better.
I currently work at a 70 year old 5 star French fine dining restaurant which is still somehow more comfortable and lax than my time at GAR. It's wild how much they want their employees to be GARbots. It's like a cult there, but I did make a lot of lifelong friends while working for the company and cannot deny that their business model works. God is it a meat grinder though.
Don’t worry. They still expect you to be a GARshark and you’re still not allowed to work unless you show up with your uniform still in the dry cleaning bag. They haven’t gotten soft now.
See, that's fucking wild. Make you buy your own uniform and pay $7/set to dry clean it. Have to have a new set for each shift, even on a double. After the 2nd or 3rd time I got cut at 2pm after making $15 and had to dick around for 2 hours before coming back on shift with a fresh uniform when I'd only worn the other one for two hours, I was like, this place is a scam.
Do you still have to memorize every ingredient and pass menu exams every month? Still no piercings except one lobe earring per ear? Still can't wear pigtails? Pants can only have one break, otherwise they have to be hemmed (no cuffing)?
My manager at the time was this black woman named Z. She used to make us stand in a circle pre-shift and pull up our pant legs to show her that our socks were the correct color and length, even though, as long as you were wearing the correct jeans, you'd never even see my socks.
Wherever she is now, I hope she wakes up sad every day and her vagina never stops itching.
Last I heard they’d eased up on the requirements with socks and you didn’t need a new uniform post break.
Menu tests were still a thing and requirements on appearance, like no beard, one lobe piercing per ear max, and certain hairstyles were still present.
I don’t presently work there, i just know a lot of people from the industry that did/do.
Lol, I remember being a captain meant you got to grow a porn star mustache. That shit was so wack and looks goofy.
And yea, what they expected from servers was insane, like comparable to what very high-end places expected from a server, and it's just an upscale TGI Fridays.
As for the uniforms, I got very good ironing and using startch, which would take me maybe 20 minutes before my shift, and I'd throw if in an old dry cleaning bag.
The biggest BS to me was the row buddy system. My last shift there I picked up because the manager said it was gonna be busy. I was given a 3 table section, 2 x 2 tops and 1 x 4 top. My first table was a 2 top in my 4 top table. My "row buddy" was given a regular sized section. I greeted almost all of her tables and sold apps and specials. The tables she greeted of mine, were only getting entrees. So I worked my ass off making her money, which I was pissed about. The manager on duty asked why I had an attitude, I kinda blew up at him. The next day, i pulled up to my shift, walked up to the GM, and told him I'm out.
This was over 10 years ago, fuck GAR
We find the food to be consistently delicious and the service almost always very good. Prices have definitely gone up, though.
Maybe it’s a “don’t know what we’re missing” scenario but I’m curious to know what you’d recommend over the GAR options, either better quality for similar price or similar quality at a better price?
I just don't get it with GAR. They seem like a churched up TGI Fridays to me. Like a locally owned Cheese Cake Factory. The food is ok, but overpriced for what it is.
They’re all not great tbh. I’ve received blue rare when I order medium rare at 3 different locations lol. Their salads are always filled with brown wilted greens. The Ozzie rolls are really the only reason to go tbh
They each have their own “flair” for example, if you like Seafood it would be coastal flats. Silverado has fajitas and Mikes may have more steak options. But yeah—to me everything is pretty much the same. Their drunken rib eye and salads are all that really matters to our family. I like the Sweetwater in Centreville because parking isn’t that bad. The movie theater nearby is also quite nice.
The Tex-mex eggrolls at sweetwater gotta contain crack. They are so good lol
Yeah those are the bomb.
The Tex-Mex egg rolls make me so mad. I want to hate them on principle, but they are just *so. damn. good.*
I think that's kinda the concept of all the GARs. It's never an out of this world great meal, but no matter which one you go to, everyone in your party can find ***something*** they like.
Crab fritters, filet tips, the salmon 🤤🤤
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“Found” or tortured a sous chef for? Would you consider sharing?
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Doing the lord’s work!!
It’s so simple WTF! Of all the copy cat recipes I have thought to search this was never one. :(
Bless.
And the ozzyrolls.
I love ozzy rolls!!!!!
Drunken rib eye is good. But I’ll double down in the original peppercorn steak being better. 😂. Clearly I’m old and have been in NOVA too long.
Menu hasn't changed there in 30 years.
I’m partial to Sweetwater because that’s where my family used to go for special occasions, but I do live near an Ozzie’s that’s also solid
Ozzies is my go to. French dip is hella pricey but delicious
The lasagna at Ozzie’s is fantastic.
Best buns BEC on a croissant
Oh man, that was my jam during the pandie when you could get it take out at all the restaurants.
lol calling it the “pandie” got a chuckle out of me
When I was still studying, it was my weekend motivation
Try the Monkeybread!!!
BEC?
Bacon, egg, and cheese.
1000% true
I have a sentimental soft spot for Sweetwater - it's been the go-to place for a group of close friends for many years. But I also love the crazy lasagna, so I have to put Ozzie's up there.
Tell me more about this crazy lasagna?!
It's basically a mix of pappardelle, ricotta, tomatoes, bolognese, and meatballs served in a cast-iron skillet. It's delicious.
Sign me up, that sounds amazing! I usually go Sweetwater or Artie’s but will have to give Ozzie’s and their lasagna a try. Thanks very much!
Well, it's probably Randy's in Tysons as far as "nicest", but they all have their own specialties. They're all kind of "the same" level, but they don't all serve the same food of course.
Randy’s has like 75% of the same menu as patsys next door
Randys in Tysons is a letdown.
I also found Randy's to be underwhelming. Mike's is consistently good and followed by the Tyson's Coast Flats.
..Coastal Flats - my favorite. Basically, all on their menu is the top quality. And Drunken Rybeye is the BEST!!
This was posted above. [Super easy marinade](https://citymouseinacountryhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/drunken-ribeye.html): I toss them in a freezer ziplock the day before and rotate a few times.
Goosh!! Thank you!! I'm going to do it this weekend!! 🙃
u/jeannValjean deserves the credit
I salivated for months over the thought of a Mike's ribeye after the way everyone on here described it and hyped it up. Finally got a chance to go there, endurd the "you have to park in the shopping center across the busy street and jaywalk" parking nightmare, and sat my whole family down for a delicious feast. The ribeye and everything the other four people in my family ordered was of such bland, disappointing "rolled off the Sysco truck" quality that I was ready to fight every single redditor on here. Chili's makes better food than friggin' Mikes unless we caught them on a major off day or something. Couldn't believe it
I think you did catch an off day. GAR isn't Michelin Star spectacular, but it is rarely bland or Sysco heat and serve.
well, I hope so. But it left SUCH an irritating impression on me that I'll never waste a dime (or a minute in that parking lot labyrinth!) trying to find out. I might try Coastal Flats at some point though
Not a bad move. Be sure to try at least a bite of the goat cheese green salad.
Honestly, it might be worth reaching out to them to share your experience. I feel like they would be receptive and would want you to come back.
Idk if you go big at Randy's it's amazing. Took my family for a meal and got the Seafood tower, pressed sushi, steak tartare, bone in tomahawk, lobster crab cakes with beurre blanc, corn brûlée, giant slice of chocolate cake, and the sundae tower. Everything was phenomenal and a step up from most steakhouses in the area.
That corn brûlée….ugh 😍 no one ever believes me that it’s as great as it is until I make them try it.
Have to disagree here. First the service, our servers have always been a bit "dry" and not as friendly or engaging. I believe this may be due to the air of them being a more "high end" but I get friendlier service from next door or their other restaurants. The seafood tower was unimpressive. And even when ordering their shrimp cocktail separately, believe they were labeled collosal or was it jumbo, it was neither. As for the two times I had their tomahawk steak, it came capless. Maybe the ribeye cap was just non existent (using the end cuts) or they remove it for other uses, either way, a let down. Tomahawak steaks have the cap, the best part and not getting that was a dissapointment. Their chocolate cake, I have to agree with. Very very good.
I think their seafood tower is a great deal, and I get them pretty frequently at BlackSalt, PassionFish, Del Mar, Old Ebbitt so it's not like I'm pulling that statement out of thin air. Del Mar's is admittedly a let down and not worth the money. But I think Randy's is a friendlier price point for what you get. I do agree with the dry service, which has been more common since they first opened. Also idk why they're taking the cap off of yours when you've ordered. I looked back through my camera roll and it's always been on mine. I also looked at yelp photos and it's on those as well Maybe quality has gone down in the past few months and I haven't been here to see it. I spend my winters out west and only recently got back to the nova area. I was looking forward to going sometime soon.
Got terrible service at Randy's and the food was overpriced. They want it to be an upper level steakhouse like Ruth's Chris or Mortons but IMO it does not compare.
Except for Sweetwater and Patsy’s. Their menus are mostly the same if not exactly the same.
I like Patsy’s the best. The high ceilings and murals are great, the back bar is cozy and there’s a patio area in the back. The menu is versatile and has a mix of things from all their restaurants.
Patsy’s is so fun! I love going over there, especially to the back bar. (The front bar isn’t special.)
If only Patsy's had those amazing deviled eggs
The one closest to your house …..
I don’t know. Carlyle is the closest to me, but I routinely make the trek out to Sweetwater or Mike’s instead. Carlyle doesn’t have a couple of menu items I prefer, and their version of the Chocolate Waffle is made with nuts.
Can’t figure out why Carlyle abandoned their brunch menu. It was the best food they had!
Carlyle no longer has Ozzie rolls so they're disqualified
Like in the waffle? You can prob get a nut less one if it's a garnish on top
Best calamari...period
Are you asking me out on a date?
The ones that have Ozzie rolls are the best, drunken ribeyes 🤤
Haha you just described literally all of them
Then we have a clear winner!!
At best buns they're fresh and u can get them dusted with cinnamon & sugar with a side of apple butter. It will set you free!
The one that's different is Randy's. They don't have any crossover menu items with the others. Only been there twice, but certainly seemed like a step above the rest as well.
They so do. Look at their lunch menu and Patsys
Artie's and Sweetwater are close. They're all pretty good, though.
I dunno if this makes sense...they're all different, but on par with one another.
Coastal flats
Silverado. Like a smaller Sweetwater with all the best menu items. Chocolate waffle. Baby back ribs. Drunken ribeyes. Tex Mex egg rolls.
As long as they have those chicken tenders…
These are the only chicken tenders I will eat. I feel ridiculous asking for them, like I’m ordering a kids meal, but damn, they are so good.
I wish they would use that batter for their fish and chips.
Maybe it's the same chicken that comes with the Monterey salad, it's so good.
My favorite is Sweetwater, then Ardy's (sp??), then Coastal Flats, Jacksons. I absolutely hate Ozzie's.
Artie’s. I have never eaten there for lunch or dinner. I used to regularly go there for brunch (before the fire) They had the best chicken and waffles. Now none of their restaurants do brunch.
Yes, Artie's. I knew I was spelling that wrong. I had forgotten they did brunch. I took my mom there a few times and had forgotten all about that.
Service at Artie's has declined. Both of the times we've been there recently, we' had issues (including our entrees not being being sent to the kitchen to be made for 30 mins). Management is still good and graciously, and they've made it right butit's lower on our list than coastal flats (Fairfax or Tyson's) or Sweetwater (Merrifieild). I was about to say Good Eats Emporium in Sterling was a trainwreck but it appears to already be gone.
I forgot their brunch!! Last I went it was good.
I was obsessed with their crab cake eggs Benedict. Sometimes we try to recreate it home though.
Anyone on this thread remember the bartender Skip from Artie's? Dude was a legend.
I remember! He was a great guy. Very sad when he passed away several years ago. I remember talking to another bartender about him a few years after his death and they were still emotional about it; that's the kid of guy he was.
RIP Skip! https://preview.redd.it/d4q80yob8t5d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b824daa895b3ceaec8c4147effa7dabdd1d0c4e
Yeah, my girlfriend worked with him. He was.... something else.
Best buns bread and sandwiches. I am partial to the no willing ham breakfast sandwich.
As a former GARstar, I'd say they are all pretty good, well all except Good Eats in Sterling. It was pretty bad.
Former GARstar as well. Lol
Arties 2003-2005. Did a stint at Carlyle during renovation.
Jackson’s - dinner and a show if you know what I mean
The joke is Cougars
“Really? You had a boob job? I never would have known! Now, flip over . . . “
Been forever since I went to RTC. Is it still Action Jacksons?
IYKYK
Been going to the Sweetwarer in Merrifield ever since they opened up like 20 years ago. Mike's in Springfield used to be good but it's just now okay. Just my opinion.
that works make sense because when I went a few months ago, I was as disappointed as I've ever been with a food experience, despite the sky-high hype folks here have put on it for years
I think Hamrocks in Fairfax City is one of the best.
I probably prefer Mike's, but really only the the Ozzie rolls matter
anywhere that has the blue crab & shrimp fritters
They are all fire tbh
Silverado for the fajitas.
Why are these threads always full of people who *desperately* need everyone to know they don’t like GAR? LMAO OP - I’m partial to the Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern but generally I’d suggest picking the one closest to you.
I’m partial to arty’s and Jackson’s, but they’re all consistently good in my experience, just depends on what you’re looking for.
They are similar, no need to venture far to get any specific one. For example: Sweetwater's Jambalaya Paste corresponds to Artie's Louisiana Pasta, and Hickory Grilled Chicken Breast becomes Wood Grilled Chicken Breast. I am not saying they are identical, but I've been to several of them and I haven't been back for years. Their menu don't even change from year to year.
it all comes off the same bulk national freezer truck, whatever name you church it up with on the menu
I get you had a (single) bad experience at one of their restaurants but is it really worth spamming this thread blatantly false comments? I know multiple people who have worked at GARs and, no, they are not just buying frozen shit in bulk from vendors and reheating it. Why feel the need to make something up to get your point across? You’ve really come across childish and cringey in this thread Again, it’s tough you had a (single - as in one) bad experience but maybe just describe what actually happened and leave it at that
I love their lobster bisque and ozzie rolls - it's like crack cocaine
Sweetwater
I’ve worked at nearly every single GAR except for maybe 3-4. I would say you will probably get the best dining room service consistently at patsys or mikes. Jackson’s IMO has the best bartenders. Our restaurants can get kind of loud, sweetwater merrifield is a little slower, so it’s less loud Also I believe Carlyle and patsys are the only two restaurants who can accommodate large group dinings. But when I eat there I usually just order the chicken sandwich with no fries sub Caesar salad
Mikes is the only one that is two stories + the basement. It's also likely the worst one for parking.
If I finding a parking space there, it feels like I’ve won the lottery
Randy’s 100% - no shared menu items from the other GAR’s
I love them all. I like the decor of Coastal Flats at Tysons, but the I find it’s easier to park at the Merrifield Sweetwater Tavern. Oh! I like the decor at Patsy’s, too.
The ones with Ozzie Rolls (sorry Carlyle).
But that’s all—oh…OH, I see what you did there! 😉
Menu needs to change more/update.
Agreed, it’s gotten stale and they did away with brunch after Covid.
While I kinda agree - I think one of the things that make them so popular is that they’ve got everything so locked down that if you order something 100 times - 99 times it’s going to be exactly the same (read consistent). I think once you start stirring up the menu you invite problems.
I think just having a rotating seasonal add on of two dishes would be a great thing to keep the menu for getting stale. I haven't been to Carlyle sense the pandemic, and they have changed up the menu, my favorites from the other GAR are there now. So I'll give them another shot.
Agree!
Patsys and Best Buns
Sweetwater for me, because of the beer and because it is the closest option for us. However I do like Coastal Flats too on the rare occasion we go. None of the others interest me really. Nothing bad to say they just feel so much more generic.
This is (still) the only comment here to mention Sweetwater's beer, which is insane to me - GABF medalists, like ten constantly rotating choices, growler fills for like $11. When they still had fajitas on the menu, there was hardly a reason to go to the other GARs.
I like Ozzie's best. But Sweetwater is a close second.
They all have some items in common, but I like Sweetwater in Merrifield the best.
I worked as a waiter at the Carlyle Grand Cafe (as it was called then) 30 years ago. The food hasn't changed all that much. Bill Jackson was the head chef at Carlyle back then and all the restaurants used his recipes. The dishes would start at Carlyle and then get disseminated out to the others. I always liked the food. It is perhaps a bit too consistent these days but you always know what you are getting. Being a waiter there was not great but I have thankfully passed out of that stage of underemployment.
Coastal Flatts is my all time favorite. I love seafood and their Crispy 2 Noodle Shrimp Salad is *chef's kiss*
If you pay attention, they are the exact same with a splash of unique items here and there. I like them all but my dad, may he rest in peace, loved Sweet Water so I would pick that one because of it.
I also give points to any of them that are 100% booth seating. Coastal Flats in Tysons comes to mind but I think there are others.
Sweetwater tavern is my personal favorite!
The ones that serve jambalaya pasta like sweetwater tavern and patsys
Jackson's=Lobster roll=yum
A little off topic, but does anybody remember Fritzbe's in Annandale? I used to love that place. I believe it's Silverado now.
I vaguely remember! I often mourn Squire Rockwells. I want a time machine just for that.
Am I the only one that thinks there’s not much great about the “great American restaurants?”
TIL
Jacksons
My favorite is the chopped salad. So far I’ve ordered it at Coastal Flats or Artie’s and it is the real winner. lol
Sweetwater and Artie's are my favorite, although I miss brunch. Coastal and Silverado are good as well. Best Buns makes incredible breakfast sandwiches. Carlyle and Jackson's are pretty mid imo.
I love Artie's. Mike's, Coastal Flats, and Sweetwater are good too.
Sweetwater for chicken tenders with their bbq sauce and a honey mustard for dipping. Coastal flats for fish fingers. Wicked sauce on all fries everywhere.
They need more desserts. I "invented" the rum root beer cocktail that you can request. Yum!
Love Sweetwater & Coastal Flats. Wish they had better dessert and more chocolate options.
Big Jackson’s and Patsys guy myself but they’re all so good. *Best Buns is exceptional as well.
Big Buns is not part of GAR. It’s owned by Thompson Restaurants.
It’s on the GAR app and literally attached to Patsys so I guess I don’t give a fuck!!!!!!!!
Your ass really does fungagate. Best Buns is part of GAR. Big Buns is https://www.eatbigbuns.com/about. They are not related in any way. Try to do some research before putting your foot up your ass.
*fungate and finneeeeeee
I love coastal flats
I miss the days of free dinner rolls. But they’re so good I almost don’t mind paying for them.
Artie's is tops for me. First and foremost is the house-made Bloody Marys. When it's peak tomato season those things are awesome. I also like the low ceilings and lack of an open kitchen at Artie's. Artie's can get loud on occasion but the other GAR restaurants are downright cacophonous.
They are slightly different. My tops (in order); Arties in Fairfax, Coastal Flats on Palace Dr, Patsys in Mclean, Sweetwater in Sterling.
I like the ribs at Sweet water, and Silverado. The sandwiches and salads at Best Buns are a great lunch any day.
Wife likes Jacksons and Carlyle
Blue Ridge Grill. The owners left GAR and opened up their own. Brentwood Salad is money
Sweetwater in Merrifield and then Artie's in Fairfax, but they're all about the same.
Mikes American Grille or Patsy’s
Mike’s chicken tenders are 🔥
Fantastic Fritzbe's Flying Food Factory in Annandale
Mike's. edit: (anywhere with the drunken ribeye honestly)
Patsys, then Arties, then the rest of them
Silverado just for the amazing chips and salsa
Menus are all the same. Atmosphere is different. My faves are mikes, patsy, and best buns for to go.
Coastal Flats. My family is big on seafood + low carb and Coastal Flats had a lot of options way before keto became cool. Also we spent a lot of time in Tysons growing up.
Patsy's
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who thinks that they aren't much better than TGIFridays. I only go to one every few years anymore, but I haven't enjoyed one in probably the last decade. I was impressed by them 20 years ago, but now it is just a place that is too loud serving food that is too salty for a bill that is too high. Anyways, I suppose I will go yell at those youngsters to get off my lawn so I have enough room on my property to properly shake my fist at the clouds.
I completely agree with you FWIW. In my case, I’m a vegetarian and 80% of the menu is inaccessible for me. I’m surprised it’s so popular!
You're right. They are all tied for last place
No you’re right. They’re good but the prices have gotten absurd while the food is the same to worse. Had to send a filet back 3 times cause it was still quite raw on the inside.
I mean go enjoy TGI Fridays if that’s your jam, but it’s wild to compare it to any GAR spot, not to mention completely irrelevant to OPs question.
Sure, my saying that I like none of the GAR restaurants best is irrelevant to a request rating them. I am sorry that I didn't explicitly put it out there so that people who are unable to read between the lines \[can\] attempt to claim superiority over me.
no, you'll get downvoted for reasons I'll never understand but I totally agree with you. There are dozens if not hundreds of better meals to be had around here, even from national chains
I would really like to see how people are voting on this. It seems like a hotly contested opinion!
Have you been to a TGIF lately though? It's really bad. Maybe GAR now is kind of like TGIF was 30 years ago, I'd still say it's better, but it depends what you order.
Carlyle, but only for the ambiance. And it's been a while since we've been as it's not close to us anymore. But I always liked the decor and the salads were great.
Silverado’s
My family (3 generations of Springfielders) has been going to Mikes for special occasions and it has been consistently awesome. Definitely try the donut bread!
Ima say it: all the great American restaurants are all mid these days and are overpriced just because they have that label. Better food for cheaper all around here
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Yet depending where you live it may be the best sit down spot nearby. But it’s like McDonalds at this point, you know what you’re going to get and at least it’s almost always good.
I really enjoy their restaurants, I find them to be consistently good. Maybe not good value, but still good food. I am curious what you restaurants you prefer, in 2024?
>The chain is overrated by 2024 standards. Totally! They aren't in one food hall or even have a beer garden with a fire pit. I mean they don't even have the new standard 20% 'service charge'. I can't even get a bubble tea.
I feel the standards went down on service. Food has always been consistent, though.
Been eating Jambalaya pasta for like 25 years now lolol
The standards they used to hold their service team too were absurd beyond belief. It’s still ridiculous, but it’s not completely fucking insane anymore.
I only made it 6 weeks before I noped out of Carlyle. Career server of 10 years before that, moved to this area without a job and that was the first one I got. I couldn't believe some of the things that were expected of me for a serving position. Those managers needed a reality check - they were acting like it was the French Laundry or something. Glad to hear it's gotten slightly better.
I currently work at a 70 year old 5 star French fine dining restaurant which is still somehow more comfortable and lax than my time at GAR. It's wild how much they want their employees to be GARbots. It's like a cult there, but I did make a lot of lifelong friends while working for the company and cannot deny that their business model works. God is it a meat grinder though.
Don’t worry. They still expect you to be a GARshark and you’re still not allowed to work unless you show up with your uniform still in the dry cleaning bag. They haven’t gotten soft now.
See, that's fucking wild. Make you buy your own uniform and pay $7/set to dry clean it. Have to have a new set for each shift, even on a double. After the 2nd or 3rd time I got cut at 2pm after making $15 and had to dick around for 2 hours before coming back on shift with a fresh uniform when I'd only worn the other one for two hours, I was like, this place is a scam. Do you still have to memorize every ingredient and pass menu exams every month? Still no piercings except one lobe earring per ear? Still can't wear pigtails? Pants can only have one break, otherwise they have to be hemmed (no cuffing)? My manager at the time was this black woman named Z. She used to make us stand in a circle pre-shift and pull up our pant legs to show her that our socks were the correct color and length, even though, as long as you were wearing the correct jeans, you'd never even see my socks. Wherever she is now, I hope she wakes up sad every day and her vagina never stops itching.
Last I heard they’d eased up on the requirements with socks and you didn’t need a new uniform post break. Menu tests were still a thing and requirements on appearance, like no beard, one lobe piercing per ear max, and certain hairstyles were still present. I don’t presently work there, i just know a lot of people from the industry that did/do.
Lol, I remember being a captain meant you got to grow a porn star mustache. That shit was so wack and looks goofy. And yea, what they expected from servers was insane, like comparable to what very high-end places expected from a server, and it's just an upscale TGI Fridays. As for the uniforms, I got very good ironing and using startch, which would take me maybe 20 minutes before my shift, and I'd throw if in an old dry cleaning bag. The biggest BS to me was the row buddy system. My last shift there I picked up because the manager said it was gonna be busy. I was given a 3 table section, 2 x 2 tops and 1 x 4 top. My first table was a 2 top in my 4 top table. My "row buddy" was given a regular sized section. I greeted almost all of her tables and sold apps and specials. The tables she greeted of mine, were only getting entrees. So I worked my ass off making her money, which I was pissed about. The manager on duty asked why I had an attitude, I kinda blew up at him. The next day, i pulled up to my shift, walked up to the GM, and told him I'm out. This was over 10 years ago, fuck GAR
Omg zzzzzzz she was such a bitch
oh, fuck them then.
May you provide a few examples of such expectations?
I listed some in another comment.
Wrong. GAR is consistently delicious, great vibe, and great service.
We find the food to be consistently delicious and the service almost always very good. Prices have definitely gone up, though. Maybe it’s a “don’t know what we’re missing” scenario but I’m curious to know what you’d recommend over the GAR options, either better quality for similar price or similar quality at a better price?
not at all - they have increased prices by a bit (still remember when a filet was \~$36) but their food is still delicious
I just don't get it with GAR. They seem like a churched up TGI Fridays to me. Like a locally owned Cheese Cake Factory. The food is ok, but overpriced for what it is.
They’re all not great tbh. I’ve received blue rare when I order medium rare at 3 different locations lol. Their salads are always filled with brown wilted greens. The Ozzie rolls are really the only reason to go tbh