Keystone Coffee & Auto Spa

2206 Princess Anne Street  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://www.keystonecoffeeandautospa.com/

I frequent this shop to buy coffee for my mom and her coworkers, who prefer their drip coffees over the brews at Hyperion and Starbucks.  Doubling as an autospa, the cafe area is usually sparsely populated, making it a perfect place to work (note: you will need to ask for a wiFi login).  I go here more for the atmosphere than the food, which is just “ok.”  The menu offers a number of classic sandwiches and this time I ordered the hearty chicken salad on a warm croissant with carrots and ranch dip.  Overall, the meal eliminated my hunger pangs, I did not leave feeling too guilty and I enjoyed the quiet environment where I was able to work with a caffeine buzz and without any distractions.

Small Caramel Latte

Chicken Salad Sandwich on a Croissant with Carrots and Ranch Dip

This coffee and sandwich shop offers cozy seating options, from plush couches to lounge chairs and a cushioned booth

Eileen’s Bakery and Cafe

1115 Caroline St.  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://www.eileensinc.com/

I had visited Eileen’s a few years ago when it had first opened and had been underwhelmed by the desserts I tried.  My experience this time was pleasant though, and after seeing the sandwiches on display, I was sad that my stomach could hold no further contents after lunch at Foode.  A smiling young woman at the counter asked me what my friend and I would like and was patient through our hesitation and mind changes.  When asked for a recommendation, she pointed to the cream cheese danish, which was warmed up to where the flaky perfection melted in my mouth.

Despite the pastry heaven that I was in, arctic chills brought on by several ceiling fans made the interior an uncomfortable place to stay for long periods of time.   Also, there were no outlets available in the main seating area, so I would not recommend coming here to work on a computer.

Cream Cheese Danish

I definitely would have tried the Katmandu Curry Chicken Salad (Peanut Butter, Creole Mayo, Lettuce and Pickles) if I was not stuffed from my delicious Foode black bean burger

Arriving just as the lunch rush had gotten their food, we were able to get our drinks and pastries in no time

Once a church, Eileen's has renovated its interior to accommodate large parties

Foode- Best Burger

1006 Caroline Street  Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401

http://foodeonline.com/

“I’m sorry, we are no longer accepting customers for lunch,” with just one sentence the Foode staff crushed our hopes.  This time my friend and I came prepared, knowing exactly what time we should arrive and what we were going to order.  The ordering process is nontraditional in the sense that you order at the front counter before you are lead to your seat and brought a cup of refreshing lemon water.  We decided on the the Foode fries with a curry dipping sauce as an appetizer, which was brought out quickly by one of the Foode chefs.  I would recommend the grilled cheese for crust lovers, but those who prefer their grilled cheeses on loaf bread will be startled.  The sandwich was tasty, but paled in comparison to the black bean burger, which is hands down the best veggie burger I have ever had the pleasure of consuming.  From the stylish presentation to the moist burger and soft bun, the burger dazzled my taste buds in a way that I have never experienced before.

There are many reasons why I would return to Foode.  The fresh ingredients are largely acquired locally and the food is creative, visually appealing, made with care and not to mention ridiculously tasty.  The service is also efficient, as the wait for neither the line nor food took too long.  I cannot wait until I am in Fredericksburg again so that I can return to Foode and treat myself to another mouth-watering meal.

Foode Fries (Hand-Cut Russets Served with Curry Aioli Sauce)

Foode Fries (Hand-Cut Russets Served with Curry Aioli Sauce)

Cheesy Black Bean Burger (Black Beans, Green& Red Peppers, Seasoned Rice, Cilantro Mayo, House Pimiento Cheese) with Potato Salad

Cheesy Black Bean Burger (Black Beans, Green& Red Peppers, Seasoned Rice, Cilantro Mayo, House Pimiento Cheese) with Potato Salad

Cheesy Black Bean Burger (Black Beans, Green& Red Peppers, Seasoned Rice, Cilantro Mayo, House Pimiento Cheese) with Potato Salad

Grilled Cheese for "Big Kids" (Bentons Bacon, Sharp Chedder, Organic Arugula Pesto, Smoked Jalapeno Aioli) with Potato Salad

Foode's interior features seating for parties of 2-10.

Goolrick’s Modern Pharmacy Drugs

901 Caroline Street  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://www.yelp.com/biz/goolricks-modern-pharmacy-drugs-fredericksburg

Great place for simple, cheap eats.  Tasty tuna sandwiches and good tomato bisque soup.  Soups available in the winter, milkshakes in the summer, pie all year.  Cool counter seats and yes, they spin!  Seating does not afford a comfortable situation for parties of 4+ and it is often difficult to find a place to sit during peak hours.  When we were there we sat by a man who was campaigning for senate and was meeting with a woman representing the Tea Party.

Tuna Salad with Egg, Chips & Pickle

Hyperion Espresso

301 William St  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://www.hyperionespresso.com/

This corner coffee shop is always bustling with activity.  Demographics include artsy students erasing away at their portfolio pieces, sleep deprived and disheveled slaves of academia, perky Sunday morning runners, and smartly dressed business associates.  Good place to finally get started on that outline or meet up with old friends.  Wifi is spotty at times, but maybe it was just inclement weather interfering.

Short Hazelnut Latte, almost good-looking to drink!

Here & Abroad Bistro and Bakery

1004 Princess Anne St  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://www.yelp.com/biz/here-and-abroad-bistro-and-bakery-fredericksburg

Cheerful and friendly staff with consistently good desserts that won’t expand your waistline (too much) or flush out your wallet.  With 3-4 tables inside, this is not the place to eat in for large groups, but works nicely for a quick lunch or sudden bout of the sweet tooth.

With the cream light and smooth on the tongue and the toasted almonds offering a pleasantly subtle crunch, the toasted almond cream cake always has me coming back for more.

Chocolate Mousse Cake was very moist and the chocolate taste was just enough not to be overpowering.

Here & Abroad's charming exterior features chairs and tables for those who prefer fresh air with their delectable desserts.

Near the traffic-heavy Hyperion Espresso in downtown Fredericksburg and tucked away behind a small gift shop, Here & Abroad is almost easy to miss.

J. Brian’s Tap Room

200 Hanover Street  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://jbrianstaproom.com/index.htm

Crab Dip with White Pepper & Old Bay Seasoning, Baked into Cream Cheese, Garnished with Parmesan & Scallions; Served with Pita Crisp

Crab Dip with White Pepper & Old Bay Seasoning, Baked into Cream Cheese, Garnished with Parmesan & Scallions; Served with Pita Crisp

Buffalo Wings

The Otter House

1005 Princess Anne Street  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

http://theotterhouse.com/

I had been eyeing this place for a long time, but was disappointed with both the food and the service.

The smiles of my friend and I were wide when we caught sight of the gravy and queso fries.  The appetizer was tasty, but would have preferred to savor the crispness of the fries with a gravy and queso dip, rather than have to pry each fry from the artery-clogging concoction.  The burger selection was creative with choices like the Gus Burger (Taylor ham, fried egg and cheddar cheese) and Surf & Turf Burger (topped with lump crab meat and house hollandaise sauce), but neither had the “wow” factor.  I would have liked to try the Salisbury Burger (topped with mashed potatos & gravy), but sadly it was not available as a trio.

The waiter was friendly, but often unavailable and our burgers and fries took upwards of a half hour to prepare when there was only one other table present.  Our waiter left without announcing the end of the shift or that we would be served by another waitress for the remaining time.  After the underwhelming food and irritating service, I will not be returning.

Gravy and Queso Waffle Fries

Burger Trio (Gus, Surf & Turf, and Classic Burger)

The Shake Shack

2 St. Marks Pl.  New York, NY 10003

http://shakeshack.com/

Single Hamburger (only pickles)

Single Hamburger (only pickles)

Cheese Fries (Shack Cheddar & American Cheese Sauce)

Single Hamburger (all toppings)

Moonbay Coastal Cuisine

201 Waterfront Street  National Harbor, MD 20745

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/dining-activities/national-harbor-restaurants/moon-bay-coastal-cuisine/index.html