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. Bon appétit!

Nice walkable shopping area with a Chico's, Loft, Soft Surroundings and plenty of other cute shops. Oh yeah lots of restaurants too! Parking structure available and scattered lots. Plan on walking. This time of year the weather was not a deterrent.

Fairfax Corner is a nice shopping area with a variety of good restaurants. There are also some interesting shops. It is very popular so parking can be at a premium.

The restaurants here range from very expensive to inexpensive. My personal favorite is Ozzies. Good range of food and is part of the Great American restaurant chain. The Italian dishes are very good, especially Lasagna. The shopping is pretty good here and there is a large theater with current films.

Friends suggested a movie after dinner and we ended up at the Fairfax Corner Theatre and saw the Green Door. Great movie and very comfortable seats.Plenty of parking within walking distance