David T.
Yelp
This is my third time visiting Heirloom, but my first time writing a Yelp review, and Heirloom is the reason. The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere were all stellar, every time I have gone. The restaurant is designed to have a speakeasy vibe, and it is tucked away inside of the Open Road distillery in Reston . This time, we did the Big Back Special and ran the gamut on Happy Hour plates: Crispy Calamari, French Onion Dip, Wagyu Meatballs, Moules Frites, and Short Rib Sliders; plus we added the Beef Carpaccio because why not. I only took pictures of three of the dishes because I was too busy eating.
Crispy Calamari: Flaky and light, crunchy not soggy, crispy on the outside, and tender, perfectly cooked squid on the inside. The seasoning was spot on--savory with a little hint of spice--and the two different dipping sauces took it to another level. Easily one of the best calamari plates I've had in a long time.
French Onion Dip: Creamy, rich, and bursting with deep caramelized onion flavor, it's the best version of a classic dip I've ever had. The balance of savory and slightly sweet notes from the onions is perfect, and the creamy dip makes the ultra-crunchy potato chip pop even more. These stole only suggestion I have would be to serve thicker chips so they don't break in the dip.
Wagyu Meatballs: From the first bite, you can tell this dish is going to be extraordinary. The texture is incredibly tender--juicy and buttery, just as you'd expect from high-quality Wagyu beef. They practically melt in your mouth. Seasoned to perfection with a rich, savory depth, umami bursts from each bite. Served with lightly-toasted, buttery focaccia (perfect for soaking up every--and I mean EVERY--last drop of sauce) Out of the five apps we tried today, all were great, but this was my favorite. Maybe.
Belgian-Style Mussels: Plump, tender, and incredibly fresh--they soaked up all the rich, savory flavors of the broth beautifully. The white wine, garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs created a delicate flavor that is smooth and subtle. It was the full Belgian experience. By the time I was done, it felt like I was in cozy bistro In Bruges (Can we reserve judgement on Bruges until we've seen the place?)
Short Rib Sliders - I tried to save these for last, but I interrupted my first app to sneak a bite, and it did not disappoint. The meat was unbelievably tender, slow-cooked to perfection, and packed with rich, savory flavor. You could tell the short rib had been braised low and slow--it practically melted in your mouth with every bite. Served on soft, toasted buns with just the right amount of tangy slaw and a hint of sauce. Each bite was a brief trip to comfort food heaven. Okay this one may have been my favorite.
Beef Carpaccio: Razor-thin slices of beef covered with a light sauce and micro greens to freshen the dish, please try this if you go to Heirloom. This is my third time having it. We have ordered every time we have gone. The crispy, crunchy gaufrette potatoes bring it full circle. Can I have multiple favorites?
As for the drinks, I have never been underwhelmed by any of the drinks served here. And I've had my fair share. If you decided long ago that cocktails aren't for you, I politely suggest that you try a couple at Heirloom and revisit that conclusion. Taste, presentation, alcohol content, and everything in between--including specialty ice cubes, tiki mugs, stencil art, and diet fireworks--were delightful and EFFECTIVE (our bartender must have had hands like Jeff Dabe). All around fantastic dining experience. 5/5.