Do you self-identify as a “burger snob”? Have you spent money on any pizza-related apparel? Ever found yourself wondering, “Is butter a carb?”

If your answer is “Yes” to any or all of the above, trust us that Loudoun’s done your favorite foods better than you’ve ever tasted. Warm your soul (and your stomach!) this winter with these comfort food classics!

 

Forever Carboloading

Parmesan Truffle Frites from Delirium Café: Let’s be honest... fries before anything else. Or, should we say “frites”? These divine strips of potato-y goodness come straight from Belgian tradition to Leesburg at Delirium Café. This downtown eatery is an upscale beer-focused café that aims to merge the Belgian café experience with the local Loudoun flavor, and their fries are everything. While it’s almost impossible to pick our favorite of the five frites options at Delirium, we’d have to recommend you go for the Parmesan Truffle frites 🍟

Ciabatta from South Street Under: When you think of “comfort food,” we’re going to assume that bread is a big part of that mental image. And let us tell ya, you will find the best of the yeast at South Street Under. This beloved bakery has evolved over the years into Old Town Leesburg's favorite gathering place, with the reputation of their incredible fresh baked ciabatta bread leading the way. “Ciabatta bing!”

 

 

Cheese, Please!

Oatlands Sandwich from Bites: Whether you’re feeding the kids or you’re just a kid at heart, you’ll melt over the menu at Bites. The eatery serves up exciting twists on a childhood (often vegetarian!) classic: grilled cheese. With ingredients like Muenster, Gruyere, balsamic glaze, and truffle butter, the locally named “Oatlands” sandwich has to be one of our favorites.

Mac ‘n’ Cheese from Roots 657: With large spiral noodles and extra velvety cheese sauce, the “mac ‘n’ cheese” at Roots 657 is a must. The attention to detail that Certified Master Chef, Rich Rosendale, dedicates to delicious locally-inspired menu items does not go unnoticed — especially when it comes to beloved comfort foods 🧀  Whether you enjoy this gooey goodness as a side or a main, we guarantee you’ll return for the mac again and again.

Black Sheep Pizza from Fire Works: Tomato Sauce, House Blend Cheese, Feta Cheese, Local Lamb Sausage, Spinach, Marinated Tomatoes, Red Onion, Balsamic Glaze. Are you drooling yet? 🤤 With a 700 degree wood-fire oven, Fire Works pizzeria in historic downtown Leesburg delivers bubbly, crispy crust nirvana. These pizza pies are pure amore 😍🍕

 

 

International Sensation

Pad Thai from Sense of Thai: At Sense of Thai, it’s all about the noodles, doodes 🤙🍜  The pad thai gai, in particular, is such a winner. Bonus: every Monday at Sense of Thai is “Pad Thai Monday,” where the dish is only $5 and bottles of wine are half off! Okay, someone needs to take us there every Monday from now on. Pretty please with crushed peanuts on top?

Butter Chicken from 5 Tara Authentic Indian Cuisine: Chicken soup for the soul has nothing on butter chicken for the soul! A little heat from some delicious Indian food is just what you need to melt those chilly temps 🌨️😬➡️🔥😋 Head to 5 Tara to spice up your life this winter!

 

 

The Meats

The Market Burger from Market Burger Fries & Shakes: Named by TripAdvisor to be the best burger joint in the entire state of Virginia, Market Burger has got the goods! Located in downtown Purcellville, this old-fashioned joint takes a local approach to the traditional hamburger. Farm-fresh and local ingredients are of utmost importance at this establishment — and not only for the meat. The chalkboard menu lists out where ingredients are sourced from for a true farm-to-table mentality!

Pulled Pork from Monk's BBQ: If you’re in the mood to pig out on some comfort food, Monk’s BBQ is your spot. This family-owned business  is dedicated to making sure your BBQ experience is traditional and authentic and takes no shortcuts when smoking meats. Their famous pulled pork is terrific with its unique blend of sweet and spicy rub. Enjoy the flavor and tenderness with each bite!

 

 

Save Room for Dessert...

Apple Pie from Mom's Apple Pie Company: We couldn’t write about comfort food without including a delicious dessert! And the fresh baked goods that Mom’s Apple Pie churns out daily are a pillar amongst Loudoun foodies. The bakery’s standard bearer, the "Mom's Apple Pie" is made from premium Crispin, Northern Spy, and Granny Smith apples. And sugar. 😜

(P.S. If we’ve triggered your sweet tooth, you can also find lots of other delightful desserts here 🍭)