Coastal Flats — Restaurant in Fairfax

I decided to visit on a Sunday to enjoy a warm weather evening at the open bar with which I am familiar. The lone barkeep (Lauren) greeted me and asked my name within a minute and just afterwards I had a menu. After perusing the choices I decided on a leisurely meal that started with a mojito, kale Caesar salad, and bread basket, continued with a double entree of fish fingers followed by salmon with a couple of side substitutions, and finished with the chocolate waffle dessert. Pacing of each dish felt well controlled, as Lauren kept regular contact with me and other customers during my time. Service by the runners was quite prompt and cordial throughout.

My drink had nice balance and taste. The salad felt a touch overdressed, even if the crisp croutons, sharp flavors, and overall portion were both reassuring. Bread was thankfully as I remember with rolls appropriately warm. Fish fingers had a warm, crunchy texture and soft almost melt-in-your-mouth fish. Fries were likewise warm and crispy for a sweet potato variety. The cole slaw garnish had uniform cut cabbage and fresh taste, even if again I could do with a little less dressing. I asked for salmon rare with broccolini and the corn/cucumber/tomato salad subbed for the cauliflower mash. Fish temperature appeared to be basically rare as asked and thus retained the satisfying flavor I expected. The broccolini was cooked well for the most part and accompanied but not covered in cheese. The salad tasted light and fresh as desired. Finally, the chocolate waffle had a decidedly chocolate flavor coming through a restrained portion I welcomed to avoid overindulging. The ice cream held its shape while I was eating, although this was one dish that made me wonder whether it had sat for a few minutes before being delivered since a little of the ice cream had already melted. No matter though, as finishing posed no troubles at all.

The total bill with tax came to just under $70 which with the prices of today did not seem unreasonable. An eating event here might not qualify as a value pick or not-a-value pick from my perspective. For a stop while in the area or a pre- or post-movie lunch or dinner, these offerings easily and reliably satisfy with a truly casual atmosphere, professional staff, and well cooked...

As an almost 40-year patron of the Great American Restaurants, it still confounds me how they do it and do it so well. Whether Italian, American, Seafood, Steak eats, you’re in for a treat. The consistency, the value, the tastes as well as their impeccable service seem to always stand up to time. Coastal Flats proves my thought of their ongoing appeal, therefore their growth in a difficult industry. Our most recent visit did not fail us. Throughout my visits to Coastal we’ve had the opportunity to sample and enjoy such offerings as the Yucatan Shrimp Cocktail with gulf shrimp, mango, jicama and avocado in a traditional tomato, orange and lime sauce, a very unique and flavorful rendition that is well above par to any other similar seafood resto offering. They offer the best Hot Spinach, Parmesan and Artichoke Dip with fresh tortilla chips served anywhere in the country that I have visited! Whenever at any GAR resto, we order this appetizer – it’s the bomb! They offer their superb Crispy Sweet and Spicy Point Judith Calamari that is “tossed” with really, really thin beans and a tasty tangy pepper jelly. Their Crab and Corn Chowder is to die for; and the Lobster Bisque in a subtle yet delicious Sambuca cream with fresh chives is like nowhere else. Last, yet placed first, is their uniquely fantastic Community Breadbasket with your choice of Best Buns (an incredible GAR bakery) bread Ozzie rolls or an assortment of each and served with the best honey butter anywhere – we got the assorted to enjoy their array of fantastic and perfectly made dough. And for desert, you’ll never go wrong with GAR’s Warm Flourless Chocolate Waffle with vanilla ice cream along with toasted almonds – superb! Unfortunately, we are no longer Virginians, but with every visit to the Metro DC region we visit at least one of GAR’s places which now stand at 9 restaurants with 18 locations. This visit was Coastal Flats Fairfax Corner! We miss your great foods while we return home to Phoenix, and hope someday, the Valley of Sun may have a Great American Restaurant. Kudos to Management, Staff and Cooks as well as Randy Norton and Jim Farley, founders of, and provisioners of excellent hospitality and simply terrific food – also your fab server Deshawn....

While waiting for a table, we took seats at the patio bar. Eventually, we were guided to a table where a friendly waiter greeted us and took our drink and food orders. Our drinks arrived promptly, but suddenly, a manager approached our table and began speaking rudely and loudly, insisting that we were seated at the wrong table. Despite our request for him to verify with his staff, he continued to speak disrespectfully towards us. As a result, we made the decision to leave, leaving behind our drinks, and promptly reported the incident to other managers. As we were leaving, the manager caught up to us, acknowledging a miscommunication and offering a $50 gift card as an apology. However, his demeanor lacked sincerity, and he failed to grasp why his rude behavior was inappropriate, aside from the miscommunication.

We reluctantly decided to give the place another chance and continued with our dinner. After finishing our meal, we asked the waiter for the check, only to be informed that we didn't have to pay due to the earlier incident. We remained seated for a few more minutes, and as we began to get up, another waiter from the bar hurriedly approached us, assuming we were leaving without paying and inquired about payment. Taken aback by the treatment, we returned to our table and expressed our situation to the second waiter, who then allowed us to leave. On our way out, we tipped the waiter who had brought our food to the table, as he seemed genuinely apologetic for the entire incident.

Our evening dinner plans were completely ruined, and we have made the decision to avoid visiting the same location for an extended period of time. We hope that the management takes steps to train their staff in treating customers with respect and humility. Nobody deserves to be subjected to...