Top Businesses Falls Church Readers Would Like To Bring Back

FALLS CHURCH, VA — There have been many business openings and closings over the years, but some closed businesses are especially missed in Falls Church.

We asked readers businesses they wished they could bring back, no matter how long ago they were from. Several comments came in as readers shared names of their favorite businesses of years past. From recently closed businesses to those popular years or decades ago, readers shared a variety of businesses.

Some businesses received multiple mentions. One of the top mentions was La Caraqueña, a popular Venezuelan restaurant in the Stratford Motor Lodge. The restaurant opened in 2007 and closed in 2017.

Other restaurants missed by residents are Bangkok Blues on W. Broad Street and Taco Laredo on Hillwood Ave.

Hole in the Wall Books, the institution on W. Broad Street, also was remembered by readers. Edie Nally and her husband Michael opened the bookstore in 1979 and operated it for 40 years before deciding it was time to close up shop in 2019.

They retired to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

Burke Used Books, another used bookstore near the Safeway on Lee Highway west of Falls Church, was remembered by a reader.

Grevey's Restaurant & Sports Bar and Dominion Deli, in the same shopping center at the corner of Arlington Boulevard and Gallows Road in Merrifield, also were mentioned.

Going back to the 1980s, readers said they missed Playtime, a popular arcade in Falls Church before home video games became popular.

Can you name any other Falls Church businesses you wish could come back? Leave a comment below.