Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - Decent restaurant near IAD

Have about a 7 hour layover at IAD, thought about getting away from the aiport and finding a decent restaurant, will need to use public transportation. One though was to take the bus to downtown and go over to Union Station, as I know there are many restaurants located inside the station. What about Dulles Town Center? any ideas would be greatly appreicated.

If you don't want to take the chance of getting caught in rush hour etc, Reston town center nearby has some good dining options. It is a beautiful evening spot just to hang out and enjoy some live music every now and then

reston town center (http://www.restontowncenter.com/dining.html)

If you don't want to take the chance of getting caught in rush hour etc, Reston town center nearby has some good dining options. It is a beautiful evening spot just to hang out and enjoy some live music every now and then

reston town center (http://www.restontowncenter.com/dining.html)

I second this recommendation. Going into D.C. is certainly an option, but, even with 7 hours, you won't exactly have loads of time. It could take an hour or more to get in/out of the city, depending on the time of day. You might also find some local fare along the Rt. 28 or Rt. 50 corridors, but that will probably require a taxi to and from IAD.

Does "public transportation" include a taxi? If not, your bus options are pretty limited. Loudoun County transport takes you to Dulles Town Center, and WMATA's 5A goes near, but not into, Reston Town Center and Tysons Corner.

If taxi is an option, I'm happy to recommend the following restaurants that are probably within a 30 minute drive from the airport.

2941-Falls Church (near beltway).
L'Auberge Chez Francois-Great Falls
Nizam's-Vienna

With 7 hours it may make sense to rent a car. Then you could also take in the Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Annex. If you like planes, well, they. have. planes.

Thanks for the above replies, no a taxi is not an option, am too cheap. I also checked out Tysons Corners, but the 5A does not serve the transfer point needed, only during the middle of the day and late evening. Will take a look at Reston Town Center.

Dulles Town Center has Vapiano, which is quite good. Very nearby to the mall is Sweetwater Tavern which is always fantastic! Good luck.

Any public transportation, or only taxi to Reston Town Center?

Eh, 5 guys IN the airport is awesome :)

Aren't there any hotels in these areas with free shuttles? That's usually my first choice of transportation when wanting to leave the airport for a few hours.

That' what I think I will do, find a hotel in the Town Center and ride the shuttle.

I'm not sure about public transit to Reston Town Center, but if you can get there try Passionfish. It's part of the same group of restaurants as Acadiana, DC Coast, Ceiba and Ten Penh in the city.

Closer to the airport but probably only doable by taxi, Thai Basil on Route 50 is one of the best Thai restaurants in the region.

There's also a decent barbecue place at the Dulles Expo Center and there are a couple of hotels that are near enough to there that a hotel shuttle should be workable.

That' what I think I will do, find a hotel in the Town Center and ride the shuttle.

Yup, a hotel shuttle is your only free option. Here's the list of restaurants at the Town Center (http://www.restontowncenter.com/iframe/pop-ups/dining_a-z.htm); the aforementioned PassionFish has gotten good reviews, and I've eaten well at other Clyde's locations around town.

If a hotel shuttle doesn't work out, you'd take the Metro 5A bus (http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/dc/05a.pdf?n) (PDF) to its first stop, the Herndon-Monroe bus station, then transfer to a Fairfax Connector bus (http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/) to get to most other places nearby. I'd suggest a stop in downtown Herndon, which--unlike the Town Center--has been around for more than a century. And if paying $6 for the 5A bankrupts you, you can still get a free slice of bread at the Great Harvest bakery there.

Yet another option, should your flight be delayed to 2016, would be taking Metro from IAD to any other stop.

The Hyatt Regency Reston may send a shuttle on the hour and half hour. Check that out for the current schedule.

The Hyatt Regency Reston may send a shuttle on the hour and half hour. Check that out for the current schedule.

Most of the restaurants at Reston Town Center are upscale chains or part of restaurant "groups". But usually good ones.

I'd recommend

Il Forniao
Jacksons
Mon Ami Gabi
M&S Grill

PassionFish is the best in the area - it is located in the Reston Town Center. Jackson's has very good food and service, but is very loud in case that bothers you.

The BBQ place at the Dulles Expo Center (Willard's) is excellent, and owned by a neighbor, but I don't think is anywhere near any reasonable public transportation option.

Just cab it over to Hooters... it's easy to kill 7 hours there.

Just cab it over to Hooters... it's easy to kill 7 hours there.

Sure, if you want over priced beer and average good.

You can see the same amount of eye candy at Jacksons....