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Foster's Grille
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Foster's Grille
Review Highlights
"...and I would recommend it over Five Guys just for the fact..."
(in 4 reviews)
"I ordered the Old Fashioned Charburger (the half-pounder..."
(in 1 review)
"Chicken Sandwiches, oven roasted turkey and roast beef, two..."
(in 3 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from David L.
Vienna, VA
10/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am a burger fanatic. You won't find me at McDonald or BK unless I really have to. Whenever I am out in CA or Vegas, I always stop by at In N Out Burger. Around here, I went to the original 5 Guys and they are my favorite to go for a burger.
Foster is another place. The burger is cooked perfectly and you can really taste the freshness. Not a bad place to go to at all especially if there's one near you. -
Review from Riley T.
Fairfax County, VA
1/19/2012
Good food, streamlined ordering service, awesome shakes and burgers. This is a true burger joint. There isn't a thing on the menu to complain about and its a relatively clean and friendly place to enjoy a meal.
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Review from Jonathan B.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/18/2012
Burnt and flavorless. I'm a burger guy and have tried many places all over the U.S. I have been here a couple times and food was pretty good- not 4 stars, but better than fast food. Tonight Foster's was by far one of the worst burgers I have ever had. They burnt all 4 of our burgers which ran me about $30. Fries were soggy and seemed old, which further attested to the low standards. I actually called the manager but no resolution was offered. Won't be back...
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Review from Jason M.
Alexandria, VA
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here for lunch last week, and enjoyed it very much. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich, and my only wish is that it were bigger. It was delicious, and so were the fries. The food was cooked fresh to order, so there was a short wait for the food. I will be going back to try out their burgers, as they looked delicious as well.
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Review from Vishal S.
6/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I can't believe I have not reviewed Foster's yet. This is a local Vienna gem (even though it is a chain). The lines are always out the door and the staff is quite friendly.
I like their burger and fries - greasy but good!
This place has a fun atmosphere and can get loud especially with kids around.
The wings are good too! -
Review from Lucas P.
New York, NY
Updated - 11/7/2011
They are always so nice to us and we love the staff. The food that they serve, for the type, is very well done.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/28/2011
They are all so nice to us and we love the staff and the food that they serve, for the type, is very… Read more »
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Review from Sarah C.
5/17/2009 7 photos
I like charred cuts and I can not lie
You other lovers can't deny
That when a shaped meat sits, on the griller in this place
Then that round thing's in your face
Taste buds - sprung! Wanna put out your tongue
'Cause you know that burger's a ton
Heap, circle all fave toppings
I'm starved so I pick most choosings
Oh baby, half pounder's got flavor
Thus take your picture
My french fries, hand-cut lures me
But "Olde Fashioned" choice makes me so happy
Ooh, rump or chuck mince?
You say it doesn't matter, why wince?
Well 'xcuse me, 'xcuse me
'Cause this ain't an average patty
Dive, seize, then baskin'
To hell with a napkin
Beef's sweat - wet
Overflowin' and the bun's on threat
I heart my stretchy jeans
Strainin' that stuff with proteins
Take the raw-roughage, dressings and flesh - compact
These well-done burgers pack
So, ladies! (Yeah!)
Fellas! (Yeah!)
Has your burger got much pack?
(Hell yeah!)
Take 'em and surfeit!
(Surfeit!)
Surfeit!
(Surfeit!)
Sate that hearty glut!
Burger got pack!
(V A place with a fun-land bevy)
Burger got pack!
.
.
.
Sure Hits-the-Spot
3.5 stars http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Carnivore Corner
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Review from James B.
Fairfax, VA
6/9/2008
Obviously, everyone is making the comparisons to Five Guys, as that is the dominant local burger joint...but I might be in the minority in saying that Five Guys has really stagnated in quality while their prices have risen considerably over the years. With the aggressive expansion the concept of Five Guys is really starting to lose some of its charm for me.
At five guys, you get an extremely greasy and stingy patty (or two) of ground beef. Yes the meat is fresh and not frozen, but it's also really dull in flavor outside of the preponderance of fat. Fosters Grille has a chargrilled patty that is a bit thicker then five guys' double stuffed "regular" burger and comes with cheese as a free extra. The burger is not greasy and has better texture and flavor then five guys...though I assume the patties to be frozen instead of fresh which can impact the evenness of the cooking. The wealth of toppings offered by five guys is not equaled by Foster's...Mayo, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and cheese are all offered at no charge...bacon comes in at $0.75 extra. Your price includes fries and a drink, making it a better value then five guys in most cases as well.
My problem with Five Guys recently is that the consistency of their fry cooking has gone in the toilet completely. Sometimes you'll get a batch of barely fried greasy limp sticks and sometimes you get the batch of divinely crispy and well seasoned fries you expected. More often then not, you're getting something in between...underdone, over greased and limp to a fault. Foster's fries aren't anything surprising, but the texture is currently surpassing Five Guys standards as of late. They come out crisp and dark, ready for a dousing of malt vinegar...though you should be forwarned, when taking your food to go, the Styrofoam container will quickly ruin the texture of your fries...so assume they don't travel well and eat in the restaurant.
Finally, Fosters offers considerably more variety then Five Guys. Chicken Sandwiches, oven roasted turkey and roast beef, two salads and buffalo wings. Options like chili cheese fries, milkshakes, draft beer and fresh squeezed lemonade (yes they have lemons and a squeezer right behind the counter) provide a lot more variety then Five Guys and the "kids menu" of smaller burgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs and chicken fingers make the place a little more family friendly.
Don't get me wrong, the place is quite corny with local advertisements plastered into the tables, a gigantic race-car body hangs from the ceiling and there is a selection of neo-vintage tin signs with lots of "attitude"...so it's far from perfect. But the food is decent, the prices are respectable, there's a happy hour for beer and I won't be sliding out the door on a river of burger grease...so this place gets my vote over five guys for right now. -
Review from Michelle P.
Fairfax, VA
3/4/2008
I decided for the new year that i would "give up" my two biggest indulgences in order to promote a healthier lifestyle. For me, those two things are beer and cheeseburgers. The beer lasted until science fair, which drives all science teachers to drink. However, i was doing really well with the cheeseburgers, as i found alternatives such as kubideh kabobs to satisfy my cravings. Then I cracked. And i REALLY wanted a hamburger. And if i'm going to break my "diet" its going to be at Fosters.
Fosters is famous for their "charburger" , which basically means crispier on the outside, but still nice and juicy inside. What i love about them is the fact you order on a little pad, meaning theres no way they can mess up what they put on your burger!
The fries are awesome, boardwalk style and there is vinegar on all the tables for those of you who like that option. And since you're already eating the burger and fries, you definitely need to get a milkshake. They are basically the same consistancy of a Frosty, but have real handscooped ice cream and you can watch them make it before you very eyes. Might as well go all out.
I know they have healthier options, which i'm sure are also as good, but in all honesty you're never going to catch me passing up an awesome cheeseburger for a salad. I'm just not that type of girl :)Listed in: Best Buns in the Business!
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Review from Christine R.
Fairfax, VA
8/5/2008
Fosters is great! Sadly I can't review the burgers here because everytime I go I end up getting the chargrilled chicken sandwich. I can't help it! It's so delicious :) The fries here are freaking dirty! (dirty meaning wonderfully greasy and nommy goodness). Bonus that they have bottles of vingear on the table. OH and this specific location is not so friendly service nice. Might be because of the lunch rush but Ive been to this Fosters on non busy days too and get the same kind of debbie downer service. They use to not accept credit cards either! Glad they decided to join this century and offer credit/debit swipes.
All in all I would recommend Fosters to anyone that loves chargrilled sandwiches :) -
Review from Anson P.
Roanoke, VA
5/14/2008
Damn, I get to be the dissenter here. Will I take a "charburger" over a Five Guys burger? The answer to that is a resounding "hellz nah".
The place itself is hard to see if you're headed towards Fairfax on 123. It's in a weird looking shopping center next to a Magruder's not too far from the Whole Foods. This area usually has pretty bad traffic during rush hour.
My friend and I both had a charburger. I also decided to try the wings. Both of us thought the charburger was nothing special. The first thing that came to mind was Flamers, the burger place in most mall food courts. The burger tasted almost identical, although I tend to prefer Flamers. The outside of the burger is grilled to a slight char while the inside is soft. Not a greasy burger, but grease is what makes a burger good for me. The fries were ok although I didn't feel there were enough. They were crispy and decently seasoned. The wings get my all purpose "meh" rating. I feel like I could have gotten the same wings at Chili's. The burger came with fries and a drink all for about 9 dollars. After a burger, fries, drink, and 12 wings, I was still a little hungry. That makes baby Jesus cry.
The place has a gameroom in the back with 2 arcade games and a claw game. Yay.
For what I paid, I really wasn't impressed. I dropped 13 bones on wings, burger, fries, and a drink. I would have gotten the lemonade had it not cost extra. What can I say, sometimes I'm a cheap bastard. The menus and your ability to circle your choices was clever, and the service was good.
I might be convinced to go try other Foster's locations, but I won't be headed back to this one unless I was in the area and Five Guys was closed. -
Review from Blake J.
Washington, DC
1/3/2009
I've been to this Foster's Grille location on two occasions and have not been impressed either time.
The first time was awhile back, when I was at Whole Foods (before the one in Fairfax had opened) and was in the mood for a milkshake. I just remember it took sooo long to get my milkshake and it wasn't even very busy.
My most recent visit was a few weeks ago. This was my first time actually sitting down and eating at this location, before I hadn't really paid much attention to the layout. The whole place is very awkward... the booths are kind of to the side and dingy and then you visit the bathrooms, which are painted in a bizarre cartoonish fashion. I know Foster's Grille tends to be pretty eclectic, but this one was just kind of strange and didn't really fit together.
My friend and I both ordered the wings meal, which comes with a dozen wings and fries. Usually, I really like the wings at Foster's but these ones were way overdone and really dry. Not good at all...
I wouldn't really recommend getting the wings as an entire meal. It's kind of like too much of a good thing... They're good when you have a few (up to 6), but as a whole meal it's just too much grease and bleh... I've usually ended up feeling sick to my stomach each time I've done this.
So, I'm normally a fan of Foster's Grille, just not this one. -
Review from Jeff W.
Updated - 8/14/2008
Inconsistencies have caused me to downgrade my rating of Foster's. I still love it, but it really is hit or miss with whether or not you'll have an overcooked burger, and I've recently found out that aside from burgers, fries, and shakes, nothing else is really worth getting.
I decided to take a break from their burger and got the grilled chicken sandwich which tasted good but was very thin, and pretty expensive for how small the chicken breast was. I also substituted a crappy salad for fries, which irritated me by costing a premium of $1. $10 for not a whole lot left me pretty sour.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2007 First to Review
Tucked away in a crowded shopping center, Foster's proved to be a surprise gem in Vienna. They are… Read more »
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Review from Toby C.
Rockville, MD
I have gone to Foster's many times for lunch. It has been in regular rotation with my lunch group for a couple of years. The burgers are pretty good, but a little pricey for what you're getting. You can eat on the cheap when they have the junior burger discount one day a week (I think it's Tuesday).
The service at this location is pretty much non-existent. You fill out an order slip and write you're name on it. They ask you to point to the table you're going to sit at and write a number on the slip. Later, someone will bring your food out to your table and start calling the names on the slips. That's pretty much it.
Still, I'm going there to get a burger, fries, and a drink. Once that's brought to me, I eat and leave. The lack of service really is not an issue. -
Review from Chris M.
Alexandria, VA
6/29/2008
In my mind, I was all set to knock Five Guys down a couple notches but...
After a few weeks of trendy DC eateries, exotic dishes from the far east and European Bistros, I discovered I was really in the mood for a great burger.
I have been to my local Five Guys so many times, and I always had some appreciation for the burger, yet it never satisfies my burger craving. Oh the portions are enormous, so I feel full - but the meat always seems a little plain, a little dry...it just doesn't "do it" for me. I lacks a certain...je ne c'est quoi. (Tacky cliche, but I really felt like working it in to a review - nevermind). I was hoping that Foster's would be a place I could place on a pedestal and proclaim, "Here you are FIve Guys Fans - a juicy, flavorful burger to fulfill your heart's desire!" Alas, I don't think it gets the job done.
I ordered the Old Fashioned Charburger (the half-pounder which is priced to include fries and a fountain drink) and a freshly-squeezed lemonade.
Here's what sucks, if want freshly squeezed lemonade, you have to order it (and be charged for it) in ADDITION to the fountain drink that has already been priced into the burger order. Kinda lame, but it's not going to break the bank. Lemonade is supposed to be tart and sweet in varying degrees - but it always hits your tastebuds. NOT the lemonade here. It's neither tart, nor sweet. It's a watery nothing in my book. Perhaps I had a bad batch, but I was the second table there that day, right after they opened - thought I would have received the freshest of the fresh lemonade.
The fries were fine and had a nice texture, but other than being overly salted, did not have a lot of flavor.
The burger? It was pretty good! It was big, it was juicy and flavorful, and the bun didn't get it in way. I would say the burger at Foster's is very similar to the burger at Fuddrucker's. I do prefer this style of burger to the FIve Guys burger.
The service when I was there was pretty uninspiring - lots of long faces, not even the hatefully contrived mock friendliness of your average restaurant. Still, it's a young group forced to spend a sunny, summer Saturday stuffing suburbanites and their ungrateful offspring, rather than doing something meaningful - who can blame them? That said, the folks in my local Five Guys tell jokes to the customers while they wait on their food, laugh and snack on peanuts.
3 stars - I did get my burger fix so the basic requirement was fulfilled, but the fries and lemonade were disappointing. It's a bit out of my way, so I'll just go to Fuddrucker's or Five Guys if I want something quick. I'm still searching for a burger worth traveling to...Happy Dining! -
Review from Ryan I.
Fairfax, VA
10/15/2007
Haven't been to Foster's in a while, mostly because I'm a new healthier eating machine. But if you love burgers and love wings, this is the best place in Fairfax County for either.
The burgers are grilled, and taste like your dad grilled them out on the back porch. If I recall correctly, you can actually get a small burger, which is a patty half the size of the usual. Fries are great too.
The wings are also excellent, the best in the area that I can think of. Haven't been at happy hour in a while, but as I recall they have some decent after work beer specials. While the beer selection isn't huge, the place also isn't packed to the gills either.
One thing to be aware of: last I remember they didn't take credit cards. They do have one of those little "pay a $2.50 fee" ATMs in there, but otherwise be sure to swing by the bank before you stop in.
One final note: apparently there is a Foster's coming soon in those newly built shops in Old Town Fairfax. Might have to suspend my healthy eating habits for that at some point. :) -
Review from Nancy T.
Kansas City, MO
7/23/2008
I stopped by here thinking it was going to be another one of those dime-a-dozen lunch spots that serves boring BLTs and salads to senior citizens. Boy was I wrong! This could be one of, if not THE, best burger I've ever had. It's better than Five Guys by a mile, even better than Clyde's. I wish I had discovered this place sooner. It's kind of hidden away in a nondescript strip mall and the name and look of the restaurant from the outside belies its great quality grilled burgers, dogs, wings and fries.
The burger was perfectly charred on the outside, but still very juicy and flavorful. It's a medium-thin patty, not super thick and round (I don't like really thick burgers that are hard to hold and they fall apart when you pick them up). The bun was the perfect size. The toppings are custom. I like mine with mayo, mustard, pickles and cheez (yeah, that's how they spell it on the menu, but I will forgive them). The fries are really good, too. Cut long and large and nicely seasoned. Both the fries and my burger were served piping hot, which I loved. The food came out fast, the drinks are self-serve so you don't have to wait for them, the staff said "bye, thanks for coming" when we left. My friend and I were both very impressed. This place is deserving of raves. I love it! -
Review from Mitch R.
Vienna, VA
11/11/2008
I am very familiar with the whole Foster's chain having been to the Warrenton, Vienna, Herndon locations many times.
The food here is always consistent and I would recommend it over Five Guys just for the fact that they have VARIETY! I regularly get cravings for their grilled chicken sandwiches and chicken wings. Their burgers are great and they always have a daily special that is pretty good.
One thing I do not like about Foster's is the price. It seems that they keep on boosting it higher and higher and now it is at the point where I question if that lunch I want is worth the $10 or $11 bucks it is going to cost me. I always cave, but still, it is getting pricey.
Bottom line? If you like Five Guys and are tired of having no choices or variety you will love this place. -
Review from Michael M.
Alexandria, VA
6/1/2010
Well the Wifey for Lifey and I took a trip to try out the Burgers here on Monday and as the burgers and Wings were top notch the service was poor and lackluster. I know it was Memorial Day but C'Mon Son!!!
I ordered a Milk Shake (they didn't charge me) but they didn't even acknowledge that it wasn't brought out!? The girl taking our order didn't read the entire sheet, I also didn't know the wings came in different flavors as they aren't listed on the menu and I had to go back up to the counter to make sure I actually ordered them HOT... I don't think I will be coming back here. -
Review from Remy M.
Arlington, VA
4/2/2008
A neat find in Vienna. Great place to grab a meal with some friends. One of the few unpretentious and independent places to grab a meal in the area.
We just decided, by chance, to check this place out. You can't go wrong with the burger--tastes like a backyard burger you'd be eating poolside in the summertime.
One thing I was sure about was the ordering process. You fill out a form, circling your menu selections, drinks, toppings, etc. This takes me a while because, well, I'm a moron. The server ends up checking over your slip and re-circling all your selections anyway. May as well eliminate the self-circling, I reckon.
Check this place out! -
Review from Hanh L.
Vienna, VA
2/20/2010
Yummy burgers at a reasonable price (you get a drink and fries). I like how you can customize your order yourself on paper. It is smart how they have you check off on a list what you want to order cuz if the order is messed up-you have yourself to blame!
I also like the family atmosphere-very homely place. You always see generations of families here. -
Review from Alicia R.
Vienna, VA
1/15/2010
It's great to be back reviewing after being so sick. Without further ado!
I would have given Foster's 4 stars except last night they put MUSTARD on my burger. I don't even know what kind of person eats mustard on burgers. That's illegal in some states or at least it should be. Ew. THEN, I send it back and they rush back my burger, more fries, all new.... and no cheese. I ate it because I didn't want to wait again but I was upset. How do you mess up an order twice in a row?
Oh well. Their fries are bangin' and the char on the burgers is great. I love the taste of their sweet tea too! :) All in all a great cheap meal. -
Review from Jim G.
Manassas, VA
3/23/2011
I love this place, I always get treated like family and the food is good. I love the wings and get my burger a different way everytime I go, the chicken sandwhichs are the best of any place I know, especially the buffalo chicken sandwhich.
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Review from Bro H.
Syracuse, NY
8/25/2009
One of the worst value propositions for a burger joint. Priced like other chains such as Fuddruckers or Red Robin, but with burgers that aren't any better than Five Guys. I get a half-off coupon for this place every year, and I enjoy the hell out of it for half price, but I'd never pay 10 bucks for a meal here.
This place serves beer but for some reason always is full of little kids soccer teams, so I can't imagine wanting to drink here.
For some ridiculous reason they decided on an unorthodox source revenue by plastering gaudy ads all over the tables. I think the point is supposed to be that they're supporting local businesses, but it's kind of ridiculous.
Basically, the place just doesn't feel right. -
Review from Gary M.
Vienna, VA
2/27/2011
Great fast food served in a comfortable environment.
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Review from Jessica K.
9/28/2010
i was really craving a veggie burger one night so i decided to come here with my sister.
she ordered wings and i ordered the veggie burger.
never again will i order a veggie burger but the wings were good.
i need to go again and try other things from here. -
Review from Thuy L.
McLean, VA
5/13/2008
I'll eat Foster's burgers over Five Guys anyday! No greasy burgers here since they grill everything. I leave fully satisfied after grubbing on a burger, chili cheese fries and drinking a refreshing freshly squeezed lemonade.
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Review from Christa H.
Vienna, VA
5/19/2010
Skip the burger, get the cheese fries.
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Review from Karen D.
Vienna, VA
9/10/2008
Fosters is very casual, kid friendly, and all about the burgers and shakes. Expect to see Little League teams and clusters of neighbors on weekends.
The shopping center is the magnet for real locals...the Magruder's Grocery, Rexall drug store, a furniture store, Connell's dry cleaner, etc. Come here to run your errands and have a good family burger without moving the car!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Rebecca V.
Vienna, VA
9/7/2008
Good burgers with better ambiance than Five Guys. It feels more like a local joint than a drug store/cafeteria, which is what Five Guys conveys. But it shares the distinction with Five Guys of offering NO healthy side dishes. Would it be so hard to throw a potato in the microwave? Or leave the cheddar cheese off the iceberg lettuce side salad for which there is no light dressing? Or make a batch of soup? So basically unless you eat fries, you'll get a good burger but leave feeling not-quite-full.
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Review from Brent R.
Reston, VA
1/15/2009
My co-workers seem to go to this place at least once a week for lunch but honestly I can't figure out why. The fries are not even worth eating, and it takes a lot for me not to eat fries, and the burgers have been burned every time I've ordered them. The chicken sandwiches are ok but nothing special. Overall I'd rather go to a Five Guys or even the Wendy's up the road.
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Review from Raymond B.
Oakton, VA
6/5/2010
Finding it difficult to understand the concept of a "char burger", which in my mind is a burnt burger that should be sent back. Cheese tasted processed. One of many junk food joints - one expects bad quality, and one gets it.
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Review from NoV a.
Northern, VA
1/18/2010
It's not as good as Five Guys, but it's above any other fast food joint like McDonalds/Wendy's/etc. The burgers seem like they're one grade above cafeteria patties. If you're already at Foster's in this location, you might as well buy some ground sirloin from Magruder's and make yourself a really tasty burger.
