What does Annandale need?
We asked random people who live here what Annandale doesn’t have—and needs—and here are their responses:
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| Trader Joe’s in Bailey’s Crossroads |
- “A movie theater.”
- “ Trader Joe’s, especially now that Bloom is gone, leaving a large empty store.”
- “A really good bar where people of all ages can hang out, like the bar at the old Ribsters on Little River Turnpike.”
- “A Wegman’s, although there is no room for it.”
- “Whole Foods”
- “A museum”
- “An airport – because cab rides to Dulles or Reagan cost too much.”
- “A performance space with entertainment for all ages, like Jammin’ Java in Vienna.”
- “A restaurant with American food.”
- “A restaurant that provides organic and special diet foods; i.e. dairy free, gluten free food, etc.”
- Other types of stores mentioned: a bookstore, a wine and cheese shop, craft shop, ice cream shop, doggie daycare, and a tattoo parlor.
- “More Korean restaurants.”
At least one person is happy with Annandale as is. “The nice thing about Annandale is you can always find what you need,” he said.
11 responses to “What does Annandale need?”
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A performance space! Brilliant. Vienna's Jammin' Java is a family-friendly, smart, hip, happenin' venue – that, after 20 years, is nationally known. World-renown artists, music lessons, spoken word, and the coffee's not bad. Also in Vienna is The Soundry – only a few years old – an art incubator, and performance space. Then there's the charming Cafe Amouri (sp?). What is Vienna doing that we are not, do you think? How can we bring The Arts to Annandale?
Movie Theater- there were 2, now we have Blockbuster and On-demand-make your own popcorn
Trader Joe's- Nice idea but Bloom had the essentials.
A really good bar- that would be one with free drinks and an AA meeting in the back. Try the Grill. 40 years ago they use to make breakfast.
Wegmans,Whole Foods and the museum put them at the airport.
Entertainment- maybe at the hotel that is proposed.
American food- Almost an oxymoron, try Juke Box diner or Micky-d's
Organic and special diet foods; i.e. dairy free, gluten free food – go to the airport.
Having lived in Annandale for the best part of 50 years, I could wish for a lot. The fact I didn't buy commercial property and build an empire leaves me with;
Korean Air as the only choice at the airport.
A new "Mexican" Restaurant run by a Korean caterer. Entertainment- Karaoke and Kimchi being the main dish at most restaurants.
Welcome to America!
My husband and I talk about this all the time…Annandale needs more nice, sit down restaurants that we can bring our kids to. Not too expensive, or fancy, but definitely with good food on the healthier side. Silverados is perfect, but there are only so many times we can go there! Fuddruckers is good too, on occasion for lunch, but crazy inside at dinner. Anyways, that's my vote!!!
I've lived here for 8 years, and it's conveniently placed on the map (especially for those that work in McLean, Alexandria, and Arlington)without having to pay for ridiculously high rent. I also like the fact that there are several grocery options. But like the post above, I would really love more family-friendly restaurants or places to eat. I often find myself having to drive out of Annandale to get something simple. Sure, we have a lot of restaurants that serve good food, but most are Korean and how often can you eat at Korean restaurant especially if you are not Korean?
Also, I'd love for our shopping centers to be upgraded (but that's a long shot). The shopping center where Blooms used to be is nice, but the rest seem like a distorted concoction of little shackles misplaced in between the bigger commercial spaces. Anyway, I still have high hopes that Annandale will one day be redeveoped!
Sorry, meant shacks!
A large hardware store would be nice, Home Depot is a bit of a drive. Perhaps where the Bloom used to be.
While I love all the Korean restaurants and bakeries, I agree that the current arrangement in central Annandale is fragmented and not particularly friendly to pedestrians. Everyone, the residents *and* the businesses, would benefit from a coherent, well-thought out redevelopment. That's my biggest wish.
A HD at the former Bloom location would be way to close to the one on Little River Turnpike.
Right now, Annandale only has one pharmacy – CVS. I do not like how they push the self-service all the time while their staff stands around asking if you used your CVS card. You still need them to take care of any coupons.
Annandale could use another pharmacy. The old Bloom location would be perfect for Walgreen's. Their staff is always helpful and you can have someone take care of your sales. Their prices are reasonable and you can find things that you won't find at CVS.
Giant and Safeway have pharmacies.
“A movie theater.” – ok
“ Trader Joe’s, especially now that Bloom is gone, leaving a large empty store.” – Whole Foods would be better
“A really good bar where people of all ages can hang out, like the bar at the old Ribsters on Little River Turnpike.” – Yes, i.e. a place that has trivia nights, happy hours, ladies night, etc…??
“A Wegman’s, although there is no room for it.” – exactly , no room
“Whole Foods” – yes
“A museum” – ??? all the free museums in DC aren't enough?
“An airport – because cab rides to Dulles or Reagan cost too much.” – being sarcastic? it takes 20mins
“A performance space with entertainment for all ages, like Jammin’ Java in Vienna.” – Yes or even something less alternative like a community center for local markets, small outdoor performances, movies, christmas markets, etc..
“A restaurant with American food.” – YES, there's Mike's in N. Springfield but its always packed which should be a good indication that another place would also be successful. Also there's the Silverado which is by the same ownership. There's killjoy's but it could use an update and its actually closer to Springfield
“A restaurant that provides organic and special diet foods; i.e. dairy free, gluten free food, etc.” – sure something for everyone.
Other types of stores mentioned: a bookstore, a wine and cheese shop, craft shop, ice cream shop, doggie daycare, and a tattoo parlor. – yes, I.e. a walkable avenue (broad sidewalks at the 6 corners)
“More Korean restaurants.” – Ok must be sarcasm, i like korean too, but its like saying we need more salt in the ocean.
At least one person is happy with Annandale as is. “The nice thing about Annandale is you can always find what you need,” he said.
A few more:
– bike lanes and connections to WO&D/Custis trail
– a better dog park
– a metro stop
Kmart/Giant/Safeway in Annandale all have a pharmacy.