Best of Suburbia Survey, The Winners of 2018

  Running a business can be tough. Running a business in a highly competitive area such as Northern Virginia can be an even greater challenge. After all, our area is full of great companies and discerning consumers who know they have many choices.  

Loudoun County is in a unique position as a place that attracts many high-tech companies yet maintains, in much of its space, a rural feel. Here we have data centers that occupy more than nine million square feet – and more than 142,000 acres that are home to nearly 1,400 farms. The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development notes that up to 70 percent of the world’s internet traffic passes through the county each day… but still it has the largest equine industry in Virginia. 

In between the large high-tech companies and the countryside farms are many businesses in dozens of industries, with more popping up each year. In fiscal year 2017, more than 100 businesses moved to or expanded in Loudoun County. Adding to the existing companies – including mom-and-pop shops and solo practitioners – the county is now home to nearly 12,000 businesses.  Adjacent Fairfax County is home to nearly 38,000 businesses, with more than 94 percent of these small companies, according to the county’s County Economic Development Authority. 

Such a diverse business climate brings many choices for our smart and savvy consumer base. This makes the task of selecting the “best of the best” businesses among multiple categories a tough call. But each year, we ask our readers to do just that: to pick their favorite doctors, private schools, restaurants, wineries, shops, and more. Some fields are highly competitive with beloved, renowned businesses in each. So who comes out on top? That’s up to you! Below are our Best of Suburbia Survey results for 2018, with the best of local businesses as our readers voted them. Did your favorites make the list? Take a look at the results from all 70 categories!  

19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg, VA  20175 

(703) 777-2797 

19870 Belmont Chase Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 840-0999 

Most wineries have limited food choices, and some restaurants are limited in their wine choices. Cooper’s Hawk bridges the two types of facilities with its special concept of a restaurant with a built-in winery. Enjoy its custom wines with dinner (our readers loved the menu choices) or take in a tasting while you wait for your table. If you can’t get enough of the wines, or just want an excuse to come back to the restaurant, sign up for its wine membership program and get bottles all year long. 

44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 918-4092 

Locals can’t get enough of the “fresh-off-the-hook seafood” Ford’s serves up. This has led to the company’s growing business model and now three locations (Ashburn, Lansdowne, and South Riding). In addition to the food, which readers just rave about – one reader says “everything they make, they make well” — Ford’s also offers award-winning desserts and more than 20 microbrew and craft beers. 

43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Suite 121, Broadlands, VA 20148 

(703) 858-0077  

Comfort food meets sophistication and an extensive drink selection at Parallel Wine and Whiskey Bar. Locals consider this restaurant in Ashburn a “hidden gem” and tout the great flavor combinations that chef Colin Callahan brings to dishes such as pork tacos, duck fat fries, and lobster mac and cheese. 

20350 Bashan Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 510-3898 

A night out for dinner doesn’t get better than a visit to Eddie Merlot’s, where the elegant setting, fine food, and nice bar menu await you. Fans of this restaurant love the classy décor, “amazing wine options,” and excellent food. Of course, the steaks take center stage, with the USDA certified Prime beef aged naturally for a minimum of 21 days for incredible tenderness and flavor. 

201 Harrison St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 779-8400 

fireworkspizza.com  

This family-friendly restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas that are sure to please everyone in your group. Sure, you can stick to the classics of plain cheese or pepperoni, but with 16 signature pizzas (including some with Mexican, Spanish, or Asian themes), you can go for something truly different. And while the pizza toppings selections go beyond the ordinary – we’re taking artichokes, Spanish chorizo, olive tapenade, and other options – the crust itself is wonderful, fans say. 

44720 Thorndike Street, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 918-8024 

With great thin-crust pizzas, burgers, salads, fun appetizers, and local beers, Matchbox is a popular dining choice. People who are single also find it a fun place for happy hours and special events, thanks to the restaurant’s trendy feel and cool vibe. The outdoor patios are great for “people-watching,” and you also can sit in the indoor/outdoor bar with fire pit or “the box,” a private booth suspended in the sky.  

21434 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling, VA 20164 

(571) 665-5700 

The Sterling location of this upscale chain is a favorite of locals. Its extensive menu of American cuisine makes it a popular place for lunch or dinner, but our readers rated it as a top spot for cocktails, too, not just for the drink selections but overall experience. “It’s the best bang for your buck,” one voter said. “I think the décor is great, the food is amazing, and the service is en pointe.” 

42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg, VA 20176 

(703) 779-7407 

Vanish is a brewery that doesn’t want nature to disappear. The company touts its “thoughtful engagement with nature” a something that “enables us to create uncommon beers that show people just how interesting beer can be.” This new brewery – it was launched as Black Hops Farm in 2014 to provide local hops to other brewers – brings beer that is “plant to pint and seed to sip.” Fans love the unusual variety of beers and fun events the brewery hosts, such as yoga sessions. 

220 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 771-8590 

With a name like “Mom’s,” a bakery better be good. Anyone who has visited Mom’s Apple Pie in Leesburg knows that this small hometown bakery is all that, and more. This is the go-to place for locals looking for an everyday treat or a dessert for a special occasion. Just before Thanksgiving and other holidays, it’s no surprise to see long lines outside the tiny shop as people get their fruit pies, breads, cookies, and other items. This bakery is dedicated to making natural, preservative-free pies, growing as much of its own high-quality fruit as possible. 

20356 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 763-2020  

You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a visit to Topgolf – and that’s what makes it a fun and huge venue for people of all ages. Topgolf is a game that anyone can play, and win, since it’s all about hitting micro-chipped golf balls at targets across a large field. Add fantastic food and a full bar, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours. No wonder our readers named it the best place for a birthday bash! 

20600 Red Cedar Drive, Leesburg, VA  20175 

(703) 777-3841 

lcds.org  

Founded in 1953, Loudoun Country Day School (LCDS) is an accredited private school focused on developing each student academically, physically, artistically, socially, and emotionally. The school provides a challenging and rigorous but well-rounded curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade with small teacher-student ratios. Accompanying the core subject areas are programs in art, music, foreign languages, technology, and physical education, including multiple sports. With a focus on a fun, well-rounded education, LCDS provides many hands-on projects, field trips, special events, and even community service projects for kids.  

10675 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22030 

(703) 352-0925 

As a top-ranked Catholic high school, Paul VI boasts a strong academic program that prepares students well for college and life. Our readers love it for that but also for the strong sense of community that the school instills, as well as its excellent sports program. 

44830 Lakeview Overlook Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 724-9050  

Primrose Schools, a national family of private accredited early education and care schools applies its “Balanced Learning” approach to students, combining proven, traditional educational approaches along with the latest insights into child development.  Its camp program, Primrose Summer Adventure Club, has fun themes each week, such as movie-making, robotics, or the science of cooking. 

22621 Amendola Terrace #153, Ashburn, VA 20148 

(844) 838-9700 

Teaching children in a practical way is the goal of Nova Enrichment Academy. This science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-focused program aims to connect classroom education to the real-world for students of any age. Customers love the high-quality, engaging content that focuses on real-world problems and solutions and that also incorporates art. 

1601 Village Market Boulevard SE Suite #117, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 771-6378 

Preserving family memories, both the milestones and the “everyday moments,” is the mission of Little Nest Photography. The boutique photo studio specializes in maternity photography, newborn photography, and family portraits, capturing beautiful images to reflect on through the years. Posh Seven readers love the fact Little Nest provides high-quality work but is still very affordable. 

44710 Cape Court, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 724-4900 

This dance studio is a local favorite for its classic programs. From Baby Ballerina to adult classes, with after-school programs and camps, the studio provides training for dancers of all ages. Its emphasis on making sure the experience is fun and that children are happy, confident, and uplifted has made it an enduring success. 

Kids can get in shape, become more confident, and learn self-defense while having a great time at TopKick. This martial arts studio focuses on providing a positive, safe, yet challenging martial art and fitness environment through its classes, camps, and after-school programs. 

BeanTree Learning & The Pavilion at BeanTree 

43629 Greenway Corporate Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 223-3110 

Its huge, beautiful campus with themed rooms and an airy pavilion that resembles a town plaza will be the first thing that catches your eye. But what’s really attractive about BeanTree Learning, our readers say, is the very high-quality programs and the “amazing” leadership of the school’s staff. This accredited school hires only degreed, professional teachers and promotes a very well-rounded program that includes music, performing arts, and foreign languages. One reader calls it “the best early childcare you can buy.” 

13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 

(703) 713-1332 

Creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, confidence, and compassion are some of the guiding principles The Nysmith School instills in young students. Boasting an award-winning program and low teacher-student ratio, the school provides challenging and thought-provoking learning while still being plenty of fun and letting kids be kids. Our readers cite the STEM programs from an early age as one of the best features of the school. 

21730 Red Rum Drive # 107, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 726-2500 

Potomac Swim School encourages the development of your children’s self-esteem, confidence, responsibility, and love of the water. The school caters each lesson to the students’ individual needs, and our readers cite it as a “classic, trustworthy” choice. 

43635 Greenway Corporate Drive #20147, Ashburn, VA 20147  

(808) 990-7115 

This newcomer to the area already stands out for its ambitious programs. The many programs the club offers to the Loudoun County community include elite teams that compete in monthly tournaments. Customers rave about the highly trained, knowledgeable coaches and small group practices that help bring out the best in players. 

44200 Waxpool Road Suite 137, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 426-6503 

Pets are beloved members of our family, and most people won’t trust their “furbabies” to just anyone. Northern Virginians who need pet care trust Woofie’s to take care of their animals incredibly well. Over 13 years since its founding, Woofie’s has expanded its pet-sitting and dog-walking services to include Pet Taxi, Overnight Care, and “Bed & Biscuit” services. This nationally acclaimed company has earned the loyalty and love of the local community for its professionalism, responsiveness, and level of care. 

44031 Ashburn Village Blvd. #287, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 858-1112  

21460 Squire Court, Sterling, VA 20166 

(888) 475-3580 

Imagine a great getaway at a fancy resort, enjoying the best of the best. Now imagine you are a dog. Where you would be is the Old Towne Pet Resort, a cool and classy facility where pets can enjoy a getaway of their own while their humans travel elsewhere. This boarding facility has “welcome” interviews to get to know you and your pet, automatic water dispensers in every pet suite, grooming rooms, webcams so you can see your pet, multiple safety measures, 24-hour staffing, back-up generators, and other great features. And yes, kitties… you’re welcome here, too!  

44200 Waxpool Road Suite 137, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 426-6503 

Already a successful pet-sitting and dog-walking company, in 2011, at the request of its customers, Woofie’s expanded its offerings to include mobile grooming. Today the company has seven mobile pet spa vans running every day of the week. Woofie’s fans love it for the quality of service and how comfortable they make even the most nervous pets feel. 

19463 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 777-3313 

For more than 30 years, this full-service veterinary hospital has served the Leesburg community. As it has grown, it has expanded into a state-of-the-art facility and adopted groundbreaking practices such as its Fear Free initiative. The hospital in the only one in this area with most of its team certified in this process that includes modifying procedures to help pets feel safe and comfortable during their visit. 

19357 Diamond Lake Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176 

(202) 815-8131 

Whether you are doing yoga for meditation or for exercise, it should be a relaxing, positive experience, and that is what our readers find at Five Peaks. This hot power vinyasa studio helps students “awaken and experience the infinite power, wellness, and wisdom that resides within.” It does this by building a community through its classes and meditation programs. Best of all? It’s a place for the whole family: Its Treehouse Kids Yoga program helps children ages 5-14 to experience improved physical and emotional health, focus, and attention, and experience a sense of deep community. 

44610 Prentice Drive, Sterling, VA 20166 

(703) 433-0256 

This huge, top-of-the-line facility offers everything:  hundreds of cardio and resistance machines, plenty of free weights, group fitness classes, aquatics, basketball leagues, medical spa services, and more. Its spacious, clean facilities include a nice café, and because it’s open 24 hours a day, you can work out at any time. Families love the bright and fun supervised children’s area, summer camps, swimming lessons, and special events for kids; memberships for children come at an additional cost each month.  

44710 Cape Court Suite 104, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 634-3697 

When you’re ready to take your fitness routine to the next level, look no further than Exsurgo. This newcomer to Ashburn (founded in California) specializes in elite-level personal and small group training. The company gets high marks from our readers for its focused offerings and very strong expertise in health and wellness. 

21495 Ridgetop Circle #100, Sterling, VA 20166 

(703) 406-8600 

Citing her excellent bedside manner, kind approach, and friendly disposition, even those adults who are (by their own words) most “terrified” of going to the dentist say Dr. Claustro has put them at ease. This top-notch dentist has built a welcoming practice staffed with great hygienists to help round out what many patients call a comfortable, pleasant experience. The cheerful attitude and personal attention of the team has earned the practice consistently high rankings.  

21785 Filigree Court #208, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 729-7005 

This beautiful, modern facility looks more like a spa than a dentist’s office – and it seems to bring that same level of peace and comfort. At NOVA Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, the team aims to make your child’s dental care as easy, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible. Our readers picked Dr. Valerie Woo, one of its dentists, as the area’s best for kids. Parents like the way she quickly earns the trust of their kids and how she provides a fun atmosphere and positive environment, even turning a visit to the dentist from a routine appointment into a real treat.  

25055 Riding Plaza #110, Chantilly, VA 20152 

(703) 722-2900 

When you are known not just as an excellent dentist and community leader but also the benchmark to measure others, you’re doing something right. In the world of orthodontists, Dr. Neal Kravitz is somewhat of a rock star, not just in Northern Virginia, but also in his profession. Beyond the excellent and affordable dental care he provides and the wonderful customer service his staff brings, is a great sense of community (Kravitz Orthodontics sponsors dozens of schools and community groups each year). On a personal level, he is known as a charming, enthusiastic, and positive doctor who responds to patients quickly, whether it’s a regular visit or an emergency. Words such as “wonderful,” “phenomenal,” “unsurpassed,” “fantastic,” and “beloved” frequently appear in reviews for his practice. It’s no wonder that on Facebook pages such as the South Riding Community Group’s, when people seek recommendations for other businesses they often ask for “the Neal Kravitz of ENTs,” “the Neal Kravitz of air conditioning,” and the like. 

25055 Riding Plaza #150, Chantilly, VA 20152 

(703) 327-0075 

The care and compassion of the doctors and staff set this pediatric office apart, say our readers, who note how at ease they make even the youngest or most nervous patients. The practice receives rave reviews for ease of scheduling and clear explanations. Dr. John Farrell Jr. M.D. (who took over the practice from his father), his fellow doctors, and staff have earned the trust and high admiration our readers for their consistently great service. 

(703) 858-1500 Lansdowne, (703) 430-2070 Sterling 

Dr. Michelle Roberts-Borden is an obstetrician-gynecologist affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. Patients rank her for her attention to care and the ease of scheduling appointments. They give her high marks especially for explaining conditions and taking the time to answer questions. 

1825 Samuel Morse Drive, Reston, VA 20190 

(703) 893-6168 

This medical spa has earned a great reputation and consistently high reviews for its excellent care, warm welcome, and great customer service. At the state-of-the-art facility, Austin-Weston’s board-certified plastic surgeons and certified nurse anesthetists provide surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the face, body, breast, and skin to make patients feel and look their very best.  

 

44714 Brimfield Drive, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 724-9444 

Current Salon has many reasons to celebrate this year – a new location at One Loudoun, the addition of a state-of-the-art color bar, and a growing team of impressive stylists. Inside the modern space, you will relax in all that encompasses the Current Experience. Each one of their award-winning stylists has a deep artistic expertise, with personal service at the core of the salon. Whether you’re seeking the latest trends in hair design and cosmetics or you have an appreciation for the classics, you will always leave the salon feeling beautiful and having loved your time with their team. Clients tout the team’s attention to detail, friendly demeanor, and professional skills—and the new salon at One Loudoun, which rivals any nice New York City salon.  

45155 Research Place, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 858-0500 

Dr. Maragh is an expert in her field who offers the most advanced laser technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques for facial reconstruction and body rejuvenation. Our readers love the friendly, welcoming staff in her office, and the attentive way in which they provide information and answer questions. 

BEST PLASTIC SURGEON 

Bruno Brown Plastic Surgery 

24430 Stone Springs Blvd., #345, Dulles, VA 20166  

(703) 721-4455 

Dr. Bruno is a highly experienced and top-ranked plastic surgeon who serves patients with care and great attention to detail. From cosmetic procedures to reconstructive surgery, happy patients give him top marks for his knowledge and kind service, and the trust they can place in him. Our voters, who ranked him the best, also like that he is a talented physician who does all line fillers and other procedures that technicians typically do himself.  

108 Church St SE Suite B, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 777-2220 

With more than 10 years of plastic and reconstructive surgery experience, Sarah Safa, MS, PAC, Aesthetic Specialist, is well-known for her non-surgical precision with laser treatments and advanced injections with Botox, facial fillers & Kybella.  Our readers love that she is a highly trained professional and provides excellent customized service to all her patients. 

 

Multiple Locations in Northern VA and Loudoun County  

This boutique fitness center located in Ashburn, Sterling, Reston and coming soon Vienna offers heart rate-based interval training workout that helps get or keep you in shape while having fun!  The one-hour total body group sessions run by a certified personal coach at Orangetheory Fitness combines endurance, strength and power training with multiple intervals of indoor rowing, treadmill training and weight room or resistance training blocks for a well-rounded routine.  During your session, you wear a heart rate monitor to ensure you are not over training or under training and keeping your heart rate in the “ORANGE” zone.  Backed by the science of Excess Post-Excercise Oxygen Consumption (or EPOC), Orangetheory is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Readers who voted Orangetheory Fitness as their favorite gym highlight great coaches, an easy-to-stick-to schedule by using app to book classes and motivation.   

Brambleton, a master planned community in Ashburn, is more than just a neighborhood. This “walkable” community includes a great town center with stores and restaurants, open park spaces, and more. Nice, new model homes, special events throughout the year, and a new community for “boomer” (age 55 and up) living keep Brambleton evolving.  

One Loudoun  

20626 East Hampton Plaza, Ashburn, VA  20147 

(703) 724-1111 

Whatever you’re in the mood for, chances are good you can find it at One Loudoun. Visitors to “Loudoun’s new downtown” can enjoy more than 20 restaurants, from popular fast-casual chains to upscale dining to festive pubs, where the fun lasts late into the night, to the Alamo Drafthouse, where you can eat and drink while watching the latest movies or enjoying a fun sing-along or quote-along event. Shoppers will find boutiques, salons, and service providers. Need a break for the kids? The plaza features an interactive splash fountain, which bursts with color at night. Summer and holidays add special events including a farmer’s market, free concerts, and seasonal celebrations. 

20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Sterling, VA 20165 

(703) 404-5100 

Falcon’s Landing is a Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, catering to retired military officers and federal employees. This beautifully designed community is rich in amenities and activities. But in addition to the lovely surroundings, what our readers loved best is the management and the great care Falcon’s Landing shows for its residents. 

1602 Village Market Blvd SE Suite 360, Leesburg, VA 20175  

 (703) 777-1795 

whitbecklegal.com  

Expert knowledge and trustworthiness are two of the top attributes clients seek in an attorney, and Jennifer Cisneros has both. A partner in Whitbeck Cisneros McElroy, her practice focuses on family law, criminal law, estate planning and civil litigation. Her clients rate her highly for her knowledge of complex issues and her compassionate approach.  

12 Sycolin Rd SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 777-9474 

Putting your home in the hands of others can be a nerve-wracking experience, and with so many contractors in Northern Virginia, it’s hard to know who to trust. Not so when it comes to KBF by Audi Contractors. Our readers say:  This family-owned company is reliable, trusted, and provides great customer service, so you know your home projects will be done well by people who will care for your home as though it’s their own. 

14382 Clearview Ave., Gainesville, VA 20155 

(703) 577-8188 

Whether you’re designing a room or a whole house, transforming an old place or filling up a new one, a home decorator can help you make the most of any space. Alison Shortmeyer helps clients pick the right furniture, accessories, color, and other design elements for these tasks and other projects such as home staging. Her clients cite her attention to detail as one of the reasons she is the best. 

Multiple locations 

(703) 745-5081 

You may have seen Tailored Living on the super-popular Property Brothers TV show. If you’re inspired now to see your home in a new, nicer, better organized, and more functional role, call on the local franchise of Tailored Living. This locally owned and operated expert team can tackle the most challenging areas of your home, conducting amazing garage transformations and closet makeovers. 

300 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170 

(571) 297-2298 

3850 Dulles S Ct., Chantilly, VA 20151 

(703) 956-6060 

741 Miller Drive SE I1, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 777-5344 

601 Tavistock Drive SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(703) 443-6766 

19465 Deerfield Avenue # 408, Leesburg, VA 20176 

(703) 723-6568 

2 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Sterling, VA 20165 

(703) 430-7090 

44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA 20176 

(703) 858-6000 

  

19465 Deerfield Ave Suite 205, Lansdowne, VA 20176 

(703) 726-1300 

25048 Owl Creek Drive, Stone Ridge, VA 20105 

(703) 994-9681 

500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA 20117 

(540) 687-3600 

24560 Dulles Landing Drive, Dulles, VA 20166 

(703) 273-7878 

22570 Markey Court #108, Sterling, VA 20166 

(888) 624-3274 

1603 Village Market Boulevard Southeast #116, Leesburg, VA 20175 

(571) 577-2775 

44927 George Washington Blvd., Ashburn, VA 20147 

(571) 223-0051 

44365 Premier Plaza #120, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 726-8100 

305 E Market St S, Leesburg, VA 20176 

(703) 771-0208 

43777 Central Station Drive #390, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 574-3478 

21760 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 115, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 628-1894 

20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza Suite 183, Ashburn, VA 20147 

(703) 858-9298 

107A W Federal St, Suite 4, Middleburg, VA  20117 

(571) 933-8366 

If you are a homeowner or a business owner in Northern Virginia, you will want to get to know Appaloosa Painting Co. They are a full-service painting company you can trust to give your space a beautiful, professional and long-lasting new look. They are creative professionals who have a passion for renewing residences and commercial spaces with color and versatility. From painting to remodels, they have the professional expertise to handle the next big project in your home or your business.