An Afternoon In Wheaton

I have lived in Montgomery County for all of my 34 years without ever taking a walk in Wheaton, so yesterday I decided to do just that.

I parked in a smaller lot next to where the larger lot used to be (now unavailable and under heavy construction). Here’s the mural that was visible on the side of the building as I exited my car.

I walked towards Filippo’s, formerly Marchone’s, one of the most popular delis in MoCo. As I approached, I noticed the lights were off. I was an hour too late– the deli closes at 2pm on Sunday. As I was reading the store hours on the door a gentleman walked by and said “They have the worst hours…but I’m addicted to their subs.” The plan was for my friend and I to get a little bit of food at a couple places. Unfortunately, my streak of not eating their Italian sub continues (6 years and counting).

​I walked across Georgia Avenue, made a right on Price and a left on Elkin Street. To my right I saw Legends Billiards. I want to say it has changed locations a few times, but I just don’t remember. What I do know is that a lot of my friends from the Wheaton/Silver Spring area would spend countless hours shooting pool at Legends when I was growing up.
When I reached University Blvd. I saw the Wheaton Shopping Center. Though I’m sure a lot of the shops have changed, the look of the shopping center itself has not changed since as long as I can remember.

Mì La Cay was the first official food stop of the day. It came highly recommended by many of our Twitter followers, so I had to give it a shot. I asked our server what the most popular plate was and she recommended the Pho La Cay. In my relatively limited experience with Pho, it has tasted about the same almost everywhere I’ve tried it. This was different, it was exponentially better. I tried my best to not eat the entire bowl so I can save some room for a few more spots.

Max’s Kosher Cafe was next on the list. I was told I had to try their shawarma so I stopped by and tried two of their most popular dishes– the shawarma and the falafel, both in a pita. We had the gentleman at the counter prepare it however he thought was best. Both tasted great.

I wanted to give Ren’s Ramen a try, but they were closed between 3-5pm so I had to move on. Many said it’s the best ramen in the DMV, and that’s saying a lot considering some of the spots that can be found in D.C. Next time, Ren, next time. I also heard great things about their neighbor, Ruan Thai.

Next on the list were pupusas. A lot of people were raving about Irene’s, but many also told me it was overrated. I decided to check out Pupuseria La Familiar based on recommendations, Yelp, and proximity to where I was. I didn’t regret it. It reminded me of the type of restaurants you find in non-touristy areas of vacation spots. Seemingly quiet on the outside, but packed when we walked in. The servers were some of the nicest people I’ve encountered in a while, and it was just a cool experience. We had the queso, bean, and pork pupusas.

I would have gone to Seoul Food, the gas station gem of Wheaton, but it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays. Instead I decided to get a quick picture of the Anchor Inn sign. The sign is the only part of the Anchor Inn that’s left. The iconic restaurant operated in the heart of Wheaton from 1954-2004. Anchor Seafood Place has opened nearby. It’s not related to the Anchor Inn restaurant.

Had to end the afternoon a sweet note. It’s summer, so ice cream was the obvious choice. I went to Yummy In My Tummy. The owners were making new ice cream and boxing some up for Whole Foods when I walked in. All of the ice cream is made in the store and most flavors contain zero added sugar (taking the flavor of whatever fruit is in the ice cream). I had pistachio and rum raisin. It was tasty, just the right amount of sweet, and was a perfect end to the afternoon.

I asked for food recommendations on the Twitter account (@TheMoCoShow) about an hour before I went to Wheaton. By the time I arrived I had a list of over 20 places that I “had” to try. I couldn’t get it done in one trip, but I can guarantee you I will be back. I really enjoyed my afternoon in Wheaton.

Recent Stories

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonio Thompson, 29, of no fixed address, for stolen auto, theft from auto and 1st degree…

A Rottweiler puppy has been reunited with its owner after a good samaritan found the dog in a dumpster near her Silver Spring apartment on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Friday, March 29, Ride On Route 76 (Shady Grove/Poolesville) will no longer serve The Crossvines Golf Course as a termination point…

According to Montgomery County Police, the coyote that attacked two people on Thursday, March 28, was located along a trail near Dustin Rd in Burtonsville. It was shot and killed…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list