Bottle Stop Wine Bar
One of the gourmet burgers pairs well with almost anything. We recommend the Mushroom-Blue Burger made with Shenandoah Black Angus, cremini mushrooms, and blue cheese spread. With heaters on their porch and a cozy atmosphere, this is one of our favorite spots for date night. 311 Mill Street, bottlestopva.com.
Ballywhack Shack
What “the Shack” lacks in square footage, they make up for in delicious handcrafted sandwiches. We recommend the Twisted Sister or the seasonal Lobster Roll. Gluten-free locals praise the Shack for their locally sourced GF bread and baked goods. 304 Mill Street, ballywhackshack.com.
Madigan’s Waterfront
If you’re looking for a seafood fix, we have found your place. Our recommendation is the Shrimp Po’ Boy, which is perfectly paired with Old Bay chips. Bonus: Madigan’s has arguably some of the best views of the river and great outdoor seating. 201 Mill Street, madiganswaterfront.com.
The Spot on Mill Street
This Grilled Cheese is loaded with gruyere, smoked gouda, cheddar, and havarti on buttery toasted bread. Ask for the “adult” version and get it with bacon and aioli. 406 Mill Street, thespotonmillstreet.com.
Cock & Bowl
This Belgium bistro has a variety of European inspired sandwiches on its lunch menu, but our favorite is the Steak and Brie: pan-roasted strip steak with roasted red peppers, melted brie, and tangy curry ketchup on a fresh baguette. Check out the extensive Belgium beer list. 302 Poplar Alley, cockandbowl.com.
The Secret Garden Cafe
The Bahn Mi is the sandwich you didn’t know you needed in your life. With soy glazed pork tenderloin, asian slaw, basil jalapeno aioli, and mozzarella, you have to try this scrumptious dish. The gorgeous outdoor garden seating is perfect for a date, family meal, or catching up with an old friend. 404 Mill Street, thesgcafe.com.
D’Roccos Grille
This Italian joint has more than just great pasta. Our go-to lunch sub is the Italian Cold Cut. With salami, pepperoni, capicola ham, provolone cheese, and all the fixings, the stand out of this sandwich is the traditional sub roll. 301 Mill Street, droccos.com.
Grind N Crepe
In case you want sandwiches for all three of your meals (no judgment here)... head to Grind N Crepe for a Hot Panini Breakfast Slider. Your choice of meats and cheeses, plus eggs on a toasty english muffin. They open weekdays at 6am and weekends at 7am. 301 Commerce Street.
Zorba’s Grill
Looking for tasty traditional greek? Look no further. The Gryo (with beef and lamb) is fantastic, but it’s the Falafel Pita Sandwich that makes us all warm and happy inside. With crispy seasoned chickpea patties, feta cheese, tazatziki, and all the fixings, this oversized sandwich comes with fries or traditional greek potatoes. 201 Union Street, zorbasgrill.com.
Bar J Chili Parlor
While chili and tex-mex is their main focus, we had to mention the tasty Chicken Bubba Sandwich. Not your standard chicken breast sandwich - this one is topped with bacon, melted jack cheese, and special sauce. 125 Mill Street, occoquantexmexfood.com.