As just one of the metro area’s Clyde’s Restaurant Group eateries, the Reston location showcases all that makes the Clyde’s restaurants — all 14 of them, including 1789 Restaurant — a must destination for so many foodies. Opened in 1991, this location has been one of the leading attractions for Reston Town Center from its beginning.
Its patrons are the people who seek a casual yet upscale setting, and appreciate courteous waitstaff, and a well-framed menu that includes some of America’s faves. These comprise, of course, Clyde’s iconic hamburgers and bowls of chili, the crab cakes, and the fried calamari starter. Its lunch and dinner menus are almost parallel, but the chef does swap out and change around some of the offerings.
Each Clyde’s location has been carefully crafted so that the interior setting and décor, while casual, is also artfully attractive. In Reston, the bar area has a 1920s look with dark woods, eye-catching overhead lights, and a long, dark wooden bar with stools and a sidebar, also with stools. Rather sip wines or cocktails? Head to the bar. And the interior seating area holds a number of booths and tables, also in dark woods.
At a recent dinner (hint: make a reservation) the place was crowded and most tables were taken. Note: Its proximity to the ice-skating rink provides a special treat for patrons who get window seating — they can watch the skaters yet stay warm and comfy indoors. And as patrons settle down for their feasting, many may wish to start with drinks. And ask for the basket of bread — delicious and hot.
As patrons skim the dinner menu for their pick of the meal, they should note that menu options do rotate. The recent Atlantic salmon wedge with assorted veggies as a topping may not be available all the time. But likely the crab cakes with roasted potatoes will be on hand, and the various pasta dishes that may include farfalle with chopped chicken and cavatappi. pasta here served with sausage and tomatoes as a ragu, could also be one of the kitchen’s options.
Another plus that Clyde’s offers: it is open for brunch. Patrons can then choose from among some appealing standards, such as pancakes, Belgian waffles, smoked salmon with a bagel, and several different egg-based dishes.
Desserts, too, are tempting. Usually a pie or tart makes the list, and if patrons find the white chocolate cheesecake, that is a must. The kitchen also offers assorted ice creams, and quite possibly a fabulous sundae of sorts. For folks not counting calories, add on a milkshake to the dessert or main-course orders. The shakes are thick and rich, and worth every caloric sip.
In short: go to Clyde’s often, even daily, to satisfy your cravings for great eats.
Clyde’s of Reston, 11905 Market St., Reston. Phone: 703-787-6691. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Note: John Latham, the CEO, an original founder and an owner of Clyde’s Restaurant Group, passed away on Jan. 3 from long-standing heart problems.