It's summer! Nothing says summer like grillin' out, drinkin' beer, and having a summer fling. So, if you're single and want to mingle, taken but don't want to do the bakin', or just a chick that's not afraid to admit she watches Nascar and enjoys a ball game, make sure you check out these local eats while getting in touch with your manly side. You can thank us if you meet a keeper or when your other half is impressed. Just don't blame us when you see how many calories you've consumed or if you catch yourself yelling at a TV screen like a sailor. Enjoy!

shenandoah american grill
44630 Waxpool Road | Ashburn, VA 703-858-7777
www.shenandoahamericangrill.com
A new venture opened by two southern natives, is sure to please anyone in need of wholesome comfort-food with its creative take on come-to-mama cuisine. Though the flavors are familiar, originality is key and definitely not lacking here. Try pimento cheese fritters or a deep-fried deviled egg as a starter, fill up on baby back ribs or taco pie, and make sure you save room for dessert. Who can resist Coca-Cola cake or Krispy Kreme bread pudding? If you really want to indulge, try the fully enclosed cigar lounge for a nightcap.

ben's chilli bowl
1213 U. Street, NW | Washington D.C.
202.667.0909
www.benschilibowl.com
Since President Obama visited, the lines may be a little longer, but trust us it’ll be worth the wait, - and who knows who you’ll might run into: Bill Cosby, President Sarkozy of France, or perhaps Roberta Flack? Ben’s has stood the test of time and is the one thing that hasn’t changed in D.C. Offering up the capitol‘s best chili-dogs and half smokes, this is the one place you can’t miss. Seen on Oprah, CNN, Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Man vs. Food, and many others, this is one joint that is press worthy.

robeks
Several area locations
www.robeks.com
Looking for a man fresh out of the gym, proudly date a meathead, or perhaps you just feel better when you don’t down fattening foods? A cheap and easy date can be had by grabbing a smoothie. Fresh, premium, and made to order, Robeks smoothies remain flavorful even with a double scoop of protein powder. Unlike many smoothie locations these are made without all of the additives, which just means that you might have to be the one giving your shuga some sugar.

captain pell's fairfax crabhouse
10195 Fairfax Blvd | Fairfax, VA
703.560.0060
www.captainpell.com
This is one place that you can hold the stilettos and forgo the hassle of getting dolled up. Roll up your sleeves and bring on the melted butter, mallets, and Old Bay seasoning. For a mere $36, patrons enjoy an allyou- can-eat crab feast piled high on brown-paper covered tables with mismatched chairs. Get ready to get down and dirty, throw back some ice-cold beers and eat to your hearts content.

cap city brewing co.
Arlington/Shirlington/Capitol Hill/Downtown DC
www.capcitybrew.com
As the first brewpub in our nation’s capital since prohibition, Cap City offers the beer lover state-ofthe- art brew houses located in each restaurant.
Tours of the brewery are gladly given upon request. Pair the great beers with an excellent menu of regional cuisine with ingredients delivered fresh daily, unlimited free soft pretzel baskets, inviting locations and you have one great place to spend an evening.

peter's
8017 Wisconsin Avenue | Bethesda, MD
301.656.2242
www.peterscarryout.com
One word: Dive. This hole-in-the-wall couldn’t be any better for traveling folks who just can’t take yet another chain restaurant. Bethesda magazine wrote that Peter’s is right out of a sitcom, a modern-day Cheers. Don’t miss out on the grill-cooks steak-ncheese, complete with an egg.

the liberty tavern
3195 Wilson Blvd | Arlington, VA
703.465.9630
www.thelibertytavern.com
Located in a historic building in the heart of Clarendon, Liberty Tavern offers the best of both worlds:
dine upstairs in a sophisticated setting for date-night and then head downstairs for the vibrant bar scene. If the wonderful aroma of the two wood-burning ovens doesn’t pull you in, then let Chef Liam LaCivita’s culinary skills do the job. Recently featured on Food Network’s new show, Meat and Potatoes, this is a restaurant that’s well worth the hype.

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SHELLEY MCCULLERS graduated from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and began working as a group home counselor until the birth of her first child. She spends her days working out, eating poorly and chauffeuring her children. She authors theknockoutmama.blogspot.com where she chronicles her never-ending weight loss journey. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia with her husband and two children.