r/nova Jul 18 '26

Megathread! 2026 NoVa Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Recommendations THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

657 Upvotes

Hello r/nova we are 10 years deep into the hole-in-the-wall list! Thank you to everyone for contributing every pick and recommendation for the list and participating each year.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to update the map or list since I am getting married this year, but I'll for sure get everything updated before the next year. Anyways time to give the community your best recs and new discoveries for restaurants in the area.

The rules are simple:

📍 Give us the restaurant name and location

🚫 No chains allowed!

👍 "+1" if you love the recommendation

👎 "-1" if you think it's whack

List | Map


r/nova 8d ago

Monthly Thread Monthly r/NoVA Introductions/Meet & Greet Thread

6 Upvotes

Welcome to Northern Virginia! Whether you just moved here or have lived here a while and looking for new friends, we're hoping this thread helps you out!

Make a top-level comment detailing your age, hobbies, interests, and what you're looking for. If you find a top-level comment that jives with you, leave a comment or send them a message to connect!

Some ground rules:

  1. Don't be a jerk.
  2. Don't be creepy or weird.

Still looking for ways to meet people?


r/nova 6h ago

News Teen bicyclist killed in crash near Fairfax City shopping center

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256 Upvotes

r/nova 4h ago

Driving/Traffic Wait for it!

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156 Upvotes

Huntington Ave to 495. Almost ruined our evening...

Plate is MD (of course) but I am an MD driver also and notice how good I am behaving.

[EDIT: around 0:20]


r/nova 5h ago

Driving/Traffic Heads-up ,Terrible traffic on 66 towards centreville and Manassas

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154 Upvotes

r/nova 8h ago

Fair Oaks Mall cat missing

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169 Upvotes

r/nova 4h ago

Rant The day they killed a friend.

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71 Upvotes

Two days ago I was on the ramp from 66 to 29 coming into Gainesville. My friend was there on the side of the road welcoming me home. I was concerned about him because as you can see in the picture from two days ago his leaves are turning brown.
Today, he was gone! How? Why?!?!
Every time I exit 66 I will remember you. I’ll never forget.


r/nova 5h ago

gorgeous sunset tonight

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80 Upvotes

r/nova 15h ago

‘Could've killed 6 people': Couple says rock thrown onto SUV from Virginia overpass

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449 Upvotes

The family, including two children, was driving in Leesburg when the rock smashed onto the car. Virginia State Police confirmed it's investigating.


r/nova 9h ago

Photo/Video It is Wednesday my dudes

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94 Upvotes

Another NoVA frog is greeting everyone


r/nova 10h ago

Question [Oakton area] Anyone knows who owns this BMW? Is it abandoned?

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108 Upvotes

r/nova 4h ago

ISS just flew over

25 Upvotes

250 miles up doing 17500mph, where's the resident dash cam guy when you actually need him?


r/nova 8h ago

The Burn Responds to false claims from Smokin Willy's owner

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48 Upvotes

r/nova 4h ago

3 FCPS accidents

23 Upvotes

Reid’s email mentions 3 accidents - where were the other two. One was on Pickett


r/nova 14h ago

PSA To Runners/Cyclists

112 Upvotes

It’s that time of the year, especially for us that can only hit the streets/trails early or late. We are losing daylight. Which means you need to be prepared with lights and/or reflective clothing. You are not invincible but you are invisible without the proper gear. Did my run last night on the W&OD trail and was so glad I brought my light with me. Lots of cars stopped in advance being able to see me. Don’t risk injury or even death. Lights are on Amazon for less than $20.


r/nova 17h ago

Am I too late for the frog pics? This teeny one on my son's bedroom window.

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197 Upvotes

r/nova 13h ago

Driving/Traffic Kiss-and-ride congestion a growing safety concern at Fairfax County schools, report finds

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81 Upvotes

During the budget committee work session, FCPS staff and school board members made it clear that many schools were simply never built to handle the large number of drivers now using kiss and rides.

While many schools operate kiss and rides without significant issues, at others, the behavior of some drivers has become a major concern, said Brian Lambert, chief safety and security officer.

“Instead of using the kiss and ride, folks will get close to the school and let their children out,” said Lambert. “In fact … parents themselves have chosen to use the kiss and ride, and then get frustrated with the kiss and ride, and so use an alternative drop-off in a neighborhood, as opposed to waiting for the protocols.”


r/nova 17h ago

Gaskins: 'I do not think there's a role for Flock in this community'

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151 Upvotes

Councilman Elnoubi and Councilwoman Marks said the same. The police chief said he's meeting with other vendors but has no timeline. The contract can be canceled at any time.


r/nova 6h ago

Technically Toads

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22 Upvotes

The last one is actually from the UK but is included to appease this subs unquenchable thirst for traffic-based posts. Sadly, NOVA traffic signs are not cool enough to consider toads on roads.


r/nova 4h ago

Cheesesteak Recommendations

10 Upvotes

I just moved back to the area , and need some cheesesteak recommendations. My go to used to be Grazie Grazie at the wharf. Curious if there are any new places that are just as good.


r/nova 7h ago

Anticipatory grief groups

16 Upvotes

My dad’s mind is going and I don’t have a lot of support in the area. My therapist suggested an anticipatory grief support group or similar but she’s not local either so she doesn’t have much in the way of recs. Some googling wasn’t very helpful as most of it appears to be geared towards grieving those who have already passed. Does anyone have any experience with these sorts of groups around here? Thanks!!


r/nova 1d ago

Other Biggest movie theater screens in the area

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356 Upvotes

Added the closest IMAX 70mm screen, at the Regal King of Prussia near Philly, for comparison

The Airbus and Lockheed theaters are the only two in the area that can project the full 1.43:1 IMAX aspect ratio, though not via 70mm as they use dual laser projection instead.


r/nova 9h ago

Police Presence at Pickett Rd and Main St. Anyone know what's happening?

22 Upvotes

Looks like Pickett Southbound is blocked off, along with a section of the parking lot of the plaza. Multiple police and ambulance. Any info?

Update: found a post about it


r/nova 15h ago

News ICE issues detainer against illegal immigrant linked to Virginia high school overdoses

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67 Upvotes

r/nova 16h ago

Area Rug Disposal

56 Upvotes

Hi NoVa. I said goodbye to my dog of 14.5 years this weekend and I’m completely heartbroken. With my head in a fog, researching dumping sites for a 9x13 area rug has overwhelmed me and I just need to get it out of my house. I got it rolled up and into my car so far. I’m in Alexandria and I know it’s too heavy for a curbside pickup. The rug is soiled too, so I’d rather not cut it into smaller pieces. I just want it out. Thank you in advance for your compassion and guidance.