Think Outside the Golden Arches

A Real Estate Broker specializing in Ashburn VA Real Estate, Shawn Milletary is a lifelong Loudoun County resident and Broker/Owner of Century 21 Redwood Realty.

It's no secret: Americans like to eat out. According to a survey conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, almost 75 percent of Americans eat out at least once a week; 25 percent eat out every two to three days. But, where Americans go to eat out is the question! Don't subject yourself (and your family, friends, co-workers) to heaven-knows-what "pink slime" at other notorious restaurants. Pay a visit to one of these delish local area restaurants instead!

At , located in Brambleton, you can watch the big game on multiple high definition televisions, listen to live local bands or a DJ, play Texas Hold 'Em poker or feel like an American Idol and partake in karaoke. The menu consists of your traditional American fare—burgers, meatloaf, chicken parmesan—as well as a kids and dessert menu. The menu also boasts a section called Creole Corner, which features many popular N'Awlins dishes like Orleans gumbo, seafood basket and shrimp Creole. Top dishes include the delicious jambalaya (it's seriously good!) and dirty chicken for all you Creole spice lovers out there.

Other perks offered by Nick's include 1/2 priced burgers on Monday nights, kids eat free and 25 cent wings at the bar on Tuesday nights as well as fundraisers and other special events to benefit local non-profit organizations and charities. Nick's Corner Grill is located off Ryan Road in Ashburn. It's open Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Visit their website for more information or call 703.327.7844.

Prefer to nosh on raw foods? Then, head over to Hooked in Potomac Falls where you'll enjoy fresh seafood and sushi in a totally chic, contemporary, almost New York City-like atmosphere. Named one of Northern Virginia Magazine's 50 Best Restaurants for three years in a row, Hooked features grilled dishes such as stuffed trout, lobster pad thai and jumbo shrimp scampi. Hooked also offers just about every type of sushi under the Japanese sun, including tiger and spicy lobster rolls as well as the sashimi combination which features your choice of a soup or salad and 17 pieces of assorted sashimi of the chef's choice. Hooked also offers non-seafood menu items as well as gluten-free foods.

Enjoy daily happy hour food and drink specials. Become an eClub member and receive special offers and promotions as well as $10 off your next visit. Hooked is located in Potomac Run Plaza in Sterling. It's open Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit their website for more information or call 703.421.0404.

Susan Diranian also contributed to this piece.