Food Review: Elevation, Baby

When I stay in Northern Virginia on the weekends (which is maybe 60% of the time), I try to expand my knowledge of Falls Church and the outlying areas as much as I can. It's always beneficial, for instance, to note which intersections are needlessly convoluted and hopelessly, perpetually snarled in traffic (Seven Corners), and which roads are handy shortcuts to places you'll be frequenting a lot (Shreve Road).

Like a good resident, I also try out as many local restaurants as I can, in search of some sort of hidden surprises. Most of the time this results in a happy Bret, a happy stomach, and a happy restaurant. For instance, we originally made fun of the alternate-universe shopping center behind our house, where everything is named ever so slightly differently from their national-brand counterparts (see "7 Market" and "Papa Joe's Pizza" for more). But now, I'm coming to rely on the ease with which I can pick up some excellent BBQ, a calzone or a pizza or even a gyro, and grab some popcorn or a pinata at the 7-M, all within a span of five minutes and minimal walking!

Elevation Burger on Lee Highway has always caught my eye when I drive to work. First by the name itself, then by the colorful signage inside. This weekend, I finally satisfied my curiosity. Imagine a cleaner, healthier, and 70% less greasy Five Guys, without peanut shells, and you can get the idea of what Elevation Burger is all about. Their fries are cooked in olive oil, and they offer a few veggie-burger-type things for those people who are meat adverse. They have stupendous milkshakes, too - I drank half of my strawberry shake just waiting on my cheeseburger to be done. It was just that irresistable. And the burger itself, though smaller than I was expecting for the price, was well worth the wait. Elevation Burger: it's family friendy, not too greasy, and awesome... just expect a little lighter wallet than if you'd gone to Wendy's or something.