The Garden

I witnessed a boy put his mouth on the water cooler spigot and drink from it (it was the one on the left, if you're concerned). The "Oktoberfest" beer was definitely a pale ale and not a märzen but it tasted good. So if that is the vibe you're looking for, enjoy!

Good beer options. Enough good food choices. But my God, do they always play that 90s pop, faux-grunge Soul Asylum, etc. nonsense? Because that's enough to keep me away sometimes when the beer would otherwise bring me in.

Beer selection is good, seating is good, ordering through smart phone is very quick and efficient-- beers come out very fast! Bathrooms are nice. Food was not memorable.

The Garden has a pleasant layout and the app-based service approach is interesting and efficient, once a customer gets the hang of it.

But, while the family friendly atmosphere is attractive to young parents it is annoying and distracting to others. While I was there, kids were running around tables playing games, yelling at each other, and throwing toys and hands full of rocks from the outdoor surface. Their parents were too absorbed in their own groups, to be consideratr of others. Also, while I like dogs and places that allow leashed dogs at tables, dog owners at this place were allowing unleashed dogs to wander between tables. Having an unknown dog nose you as you eat, is not pleasant.

Also, seating at the venue can be overcrowded, even though there is room for additional tables. Consideration could be given to adding a few more tables.

The beer choice is decent, but caters to light beer drinkers. The addition of a few northern VA heavier porters and lagers would be nice. And, something like the Fair Winds, Howling Gale IPA would be excellent.

All, in all, a nice venue but a bit too much of a kids playground to be completely enjoyable.