The Readers Have Spoken

Winners of the Prince William Living

2023 Readers' Choice Awards

By Dawn Klavon

If you just met someone new to Prince William and were asked about the best local places to eat, hang out, and shop, what would you say? Prince William Living readers shared their answers. Now, we’re spreading the word about exceptional experiences at restaurants and destinations around the county. (Winners were chosen by public nomination and reader feedback.)

Readers’ Favorite Restaurants

Semifreddo

Manassas

Chef Franklin Hernandez opened Semifreddo’s in May of 2020, a tough time for anyone in the hospitality industry. But the seasoned chef has spent years building a loyal following.

Today, diners flock to his masterpiece, embracing the ambiance, the service, and especially the cuisine.

Stop in this unassuming strip mall and be pleasantly surprised at the oasis Semifreddo offers. There are no wrong choices when ordering. Whether it’s the calamari starter with just the right crunch, just the right jalapeno kick, or the grilled romana salad with charred romaine and life-giving parmesan shavings, you’ll be more than satisfied. Entrees run the gamut, from housemade pastas, vitello marsala, and inventive specials — each promises to bring you back again and again. The signature semifreddo dessert, for which the restaurant is named, must not be missed.

Semifreddo’s Italian Cuisine, located at 8687 Sudley Road, Manassas, is open for dine-in or take-out. Call for reservations at 571-379-5295 or visit online at semifreddollc.com. Closed Mondays.

Benny Capolago’s Manassas

Benny Capolago’s is a quintessential neighborhood pizza joint, serving 28” pies and Fred Flintstone-sized slices. Locals line up for affordable slices of cheese, pepperoni, or Italian sausage. Rotating special flavors round out the simple menu. Top it off with a soft drink and chips, and you’re good to go.

Benny’s Pizza parlors can be found across the state, with different last names for each; Benny Capolago is a go-to in downtown Manassas. Don’t expect white linen tablecloths and violins here, but if you want pizza that is hot, fresh, flavorful, and easy on the wallet, Benny Capolago is required dining in Prince William.

Benny Capolago’s is at Historic District, 9209 Center Street, Manassas 571-292-1486.

Red House Tavern

Haymarket

Red House Tavern will surprise you. Located in the Haymarket Hilton Garden Inn, this boutique destination delivers outstanding seasonal cuisine from Chef Joel Valente, a protege of Chef Patrick O’Connell of The Inn at Little Washington.

Imagine — high end dining without all the stuffiness.

The acclaimed restaurant touts a modern take on classic Virginia, and that’s exactly what you’ll devour. The curated menu was designed with plenty of shareable plates, so diners can embrace community. Dig into unusual options, like roasted bone marrow, tuna crudo, or strawberry and goat cheese salad. Entrees include intriguing options like local wagyu beef, halibut, cavatelli, and pork chops. (Don’t panic — there are classic burgers for the less adventurous, as well.)

Make a point to visit Red House Tavern for a sophisticated take on classic favorites.

Red House Tavern is located at 15001 Washington Street in Haymarket. Reservations are accepted on the website at redhousehaymarket.com.

Bistro Hermitage

Occoquan

Bistro L’Hermitage is a cozy French restaurant in the heart of Prince William, offering an elegant but comfortable meal for family and friends. Located near downtown Occoquan, the renowned dining spot has received national recognition for its cuisine, being placed on numerous ‘Best’ lists over the past decade.

The restaurant’s cuisine, service, and ambiance are all top-notch, achieving a trifecta of excellence. Diners boast about the classic dishes, like the onion soup and creme brulee. But others note the creatively prepared dishes are not to be missed. Sample poached shrimp with watermelon cocktail sauce, roasted chicken with Meaux mustard sauce, and grilled lamb sausages. Bistro L’Hermitage is an excellent choice for a special occasion or just to enjoy a classically French meal, any time.

Bistro L’Hermitage 12724 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 22192, 703-499-9550

Crimson Coward

Woodbridge

Save yourself the airfare to Nashville, and dig into authentic hot chicken at Crimson Coward in Woodbridge. The expanding franchise offers premium, all-natural, non-GMO chicken free of hormones and antibiotics. And it’s got some definite heat to it. Try the signature Crimson sandwich — a boneless chicken sandwich with Crimson sauce, house coleslaw, and pickles on an artisan brioche bun. Hot damn, it’s good. Also, enjoy an assortment of chicken sandwiches, tortilla wraps, grilled cheese, and tenders, plus tasty sides like fries, mac and cheese, potato salad, and fried pickles. Bonus: Fabulous treats like the Crimson Onion or Joey Fries are a magnificent blend of crunchy goodness.

Crimson Coward is located at 12707 Ridgefield Village Drive, Suite #105 in Woodbridge. Visit crimsoncoward.com.

Ghana Jollof

Woodbridge

Jollof is a colorful West African rice dish and namesake for Ghana Jollof in Woodbridge, located in the Potomac Mills Shopping Center. Opened in 2020, the cheerful mall restaurant embraces authentic West African cuisine, but also features classic Caribbean dishes as well.

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Try fan favorites like fried rice and chicken, curry, jerk chicken peanut butter soup, fried fish, and kabobs. Of course, the flavorful signature jollof is woven throughout the menu. Ghana Jollof offers catering services on top of in-house dining.

Ghana Jollof is at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Unit 157, Woodbridge 703-910-4365, myghanajollof.com.

Destinations

Eavesdrop Brewery

Yorkshire

Eavesdrop Brewery craft beers combine a unique mix of local ingredients, fresh flavors, and new twists on classic beers. Brewed onsite, Eavesdrop offers IPAs, fruited sours, stouts, lagers, seltzers, and many more. The beer tap lineup is continuously changing, so guests are encouraged to come back again and again to sample all their offerings. And food is available: Eavesdrop Brewery partners with Eugene’s Sausage & Fries in their on-site, full kitchen. It’s a family friendly space — grab some board games, coloring sheets, and yard games for the whole family!

Eavesdrop is located at 7223 Centreville Road, Suite 115 in Yorkshire 703-662-5503.

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Triangle

Embrace history at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, located near Marine Corps Base Quantico. Open since 2006, the 135-acre museum is now one of the top tourist attractions in the state, drawing over 500,000 people annually. It is a lasting tribute to the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of U.S.

Marines, offering world-class interpretive exhibits with innovative technology and unique artifacts. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Christmas Day. Admission to the National Museum of the Marine Corps is free.

The Marine Corps Museum is located at 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, 703-432-1775.

ARTfactory

Manassas

ARTfactory, formerly Center for the Arts, is a not-forprofit 501(c)3 organization that provides programs in the arts for ages 5 and up. Founded in 1984 by a group of artists and art lovers, the inspiring spot offers an art gallery, theatre arts, visual arts education, dance classes, Arts on the Go™, summer camps, and the SummerSounds Concert Series.

In August, youth can explore art camps, Dungeons and Dragons programming, 3D art & sculpture classes, and more. Teaching, docent, and volunteer opportunities abound here — check out their website or stop by for more information.

ARTfactory is located at 9419 Battle Street, Manassas 703-330-2787.

Hylton Performing Arts Center Manassas

Find any excuse you can to visit this elegant complex with an opera house and theater, presenting a broad range of riveting music and performances. Opened in 2010, the Hylton Performing Arts Center boasts chorales, symphonies, dance, and opera among its exciting upcoming performances. George Mason University students may receive free tickets to many shows, and subscriptions are available. Also, the Hylton Performing Arts Center offers performances designed for children, makes available half-price Hylton Presents tickets for kids, and designates performances most suitable for all ages as family friendly.

10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, 703-993-7550, https://hyltoncenter.org/

Historic Occoquan

Located along the scenic Occoquan River, this quaint mill town attracts visitors galore for its historic shopping district, Mill House Museum, outstanding restaurants, and River Mill Park. The vibrant riverfront town offers over 80 small and family-owned businesses, including awardwinning restaurants, art galleries, hair/ spa services, unique shops, and boutiques. Some favorites include Bottle Stop Wine Bar, Cock & Bowl Belgian Bistro and Mill Street. This charming village offers a picturesque location for meals, strolling, or unique shopping opportunities.

KO Distilling Manassas

For high quality, locally made craft spirits, drop in on KO Distilling in Manassas. Enjoy curated tastings of their awardwinning Bare Knuckle Whiskeys, Battle Standard 142 Gins, and premium Distiller’s Reserve Bottledin-Bond Whiskeys. KO also offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails and special limited tastings and cocktails. Want to learn more about the process? Then take a tour to hear how they mill, mash, ferment, distill, barrel, and bottle spirits onsite. Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays, upon request. At the end of your visit, take home a bottle or two of your favorites, which are all for sale at the tasting room.

10381 Central Park Drive, Suite 105, Manassas, 571-292-111

Dawn Klavon is a regular contributing writer for Prince William Living.