Lost Dog Cafe - Dunn Loring — Restaurant in Virginia

Last night, two friends and myself had dinner at the Lost Dog Cafe. We were here for a conference and it was close to our hotel. Bottom line...It was a great night!

First, the menu is extensive, mostly sandwiches and pizza, with some entrée items. Large choice of beers, some wines and cocktails. Prices are expensive for "bar" food, but so is everywhere and it is the DC area.

Second, fun, relaxed environment. We weren't rushed, the place was full and we had a great time. Dog themed.

Third, our food was great. Two of us got pizza and one had a chicken parm sub. Also had the crab dip.

Here's what made this such a great night...our server Michelle. She was fun from the beginning. Was patient with us as we took our sweet time looking over the menu to order. She was very attentive. But the fun started when I half jokingly, half seriously stated, "what's up with non-Heinz ketchup?". Her answer was, "That is awful! I will tell my manager immediately and he will run to Harris Teeter and get you some!". Of course we laughed and said don't you dare!

A short while later, the manager came to a table with a new bottle of "fancy ketchup" with a post it note that said "Heinz" on it. It was hilarious and just set the tone for the rest of the night.

We had ordered an appetizer that wasn't brought out before our meal came out...honestly we were having such a good time that we didn't even notice. The crab dip was brought out after our food (and it was great!), but Michelle said as she brought it, "I'm really sorry this is so late. It's on us". We didn't ask for it, didn't expect that...it was just nice we didn't have to.

We were obviously having a great time at our table, and Michelle came over and said, "Look what I have for you" and she put Heinz ketchup take out packets down on the table. Sure enough, they had them for take out orders! We were having a great laugh over this, when she started asking about ourselves. We told her it was a bit of a reunion in that we were Navy Nurses who deployed together 10 years ago. Next thing we know she is sitting down and we are telling war stories, taking selfies and enjoying a new friend.

Bottom line, great place to go, we came with our own party, but Michelle made the night! Even sent us home with cookies! ...

When I see the word “gourmet” used in marketing/advertising descriptions of pizza I expect a flavor jamboree which was not the case for the pepperoni and mushroom pizza I was served at Lost Dog Cafe. Old Dominion Pizza in Arlington is my taste benchmark standard for excellent pizza in NOVA in my taste opinion. LDC pizza dough was totally bland and uninteresting compared to ODP’s flavorful corn meal dough. LDC toppings also lacked strong flavor profile by comparison. Using the word “gourmet” indicates to me farm fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I would be stunned if LDC verified that.

LDC beer selection is commendable. I appreciate that LDC has bottle Pilsner Urquell which is reason enough to come back. Would be a nice touch if they had Pilsner glasses. Carrot Cake icing was a bit cloying but saved by distinctly flavorful fresh black walnuts and fresh raisins in the cake. My guess as to $7.95 (let’s call it 8 bucks) a slice price. Coffee was pretty good with it.

The staff was friendly, welcoming, helpful and attentive. Could not ask for better in that department. I like the light color wood square bar design having 5 bar stools with backs on 3 sides of the square. The cafe is exceptionally clean. Their pizza box should win a design award for its solid construction and the Lost Dog logo that covers the box top and includes QR code. I hope they find their dog.

Pizza = 1 star

Carrot Cake = 3 1/2 stars

The rest of the package = 5 stars

Pizza really drags down the overall to 3 stars. I am compelled to give heavy weight to the pizza component because of the loud marketing/advertising that it is “gourmet” which, in my...

Huge menu with a lot of interesting choices. The sandwich combinations alone had my mind reeling. I wanted to try so many of them. Honestly, it was the service that brought the experience down a bit. Our server was friendly throughout but I've rarely had to beg for refills in a sit down service. And this was the first refill, not like we were abusing. We got our drinks and then our appetizer. We had just come back from the National Mall, so a lot of walking on a warm and humid day. So we were hot and had been sweating so understandably we were thirsty. The kids drained their drinks pretty quick. Although our server passed nearby a few times, no refill or even an offer was made with empty cups on the table. The food came and after everything was handed out, our server stood looking at the table and still asked if we would need anything else at the time. My 13 year old beat me to asking for refills. That got 4 of the 5 refilled, as I guess since mine had about an inch of liquid in the bottom, I didnt need more to eat. It was empty by the time the other refills came but still nothing. So we discussed it quietly at our table but another server was apparently just behind the wall we were by which had a cutout and he listened in. I could clearly see him approach yet another employee and point back at me before coming over to ask if we needed anything, specifically looking at my cup. A short while later, our server came by and made a comment that suggested the situation had been mentioned. I guess this is one of those places that tries to limit refills to squeeze out extra profit. In the end, the experience was a bit...