Lost Dog Cafe - Dunn Loring

2729 Merrilee Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031, United States
$$$ Gastropub
(1186 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Lost Dog Cafe in Dunn Loring, a vibrant gastropub nestled in the heart of Fairfax, Virginia. Known for its casual yet inviting atmosphere, this lively café is the perfect spot for a laid-back dinner or a relaxed lunch with friends and family. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and hearty portions, it promises a delightful culinary experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

The menu at Lost Dog Cafe is a treasure trove, showcasing a variety of options that cater to diverse palates. Begin your meal with one of their mouthwatering salads, like the Farm Dog Salad or the tantalizing Classy Lassie, each priced at $19.50 and bursting with fresh flavors. For something truly comforting, dive into their large pizzas, where you can’t go wrong with the Popeye Pizza or the savory Buffalo BBQ Chicken, both popular among regulars. At around $30, these pizzas promise generous toppings and a perfectly crispy, chewy crust that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

But the gastronomic journey doesn’t stop there! Treat yourself to a sweet ending with one of their decadent desserts. The Bad Dog A La Mode or the Reese's Peanut Butter Pie (both around $11.75) are perfect choices to round off your meal, offering a sinfully sweet experience that's not easily forgotten.

One of the highlights at Lost Dog Cafe is its outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal while soaking up the sun or basking in the cool evening breeze. As you savor your food, you’ll appreciate the friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable dining experience. Customers rave about the welcoming atmosphere, with one patron noting, "Really, Genuinely, Nice and Welcoming Staff Members and Servers,” emphasizing the cafe's community-centered vibe and commitment to supporting local dog and cat rescue facilities.

While diners have praised specific menu items like the lasagna, known for its generous portions and exquisite taste, some have found other offerings, such as certain sandwiches and pasta dishes, to be slightly pricier for the value they provide. However, the extensive menu means there is definitely something for everyone; whether you’re in the mood for a sub, pasta, or a shareable pizza, you will find delicious options that hit the spot.

Lost Dog Cafe stands out not only for its crowd-pleasing dishes but also for its mission of supporting local animal rescue efforts. Every bite you take contributes to a greater cause, making your dining experience not just enjoyable, but meaningful. So, whether you're stopping in for a cozy meal after work or gathering with friends for a fun night out, Lost Dog Cafe invites you to indulge in soul-satisfying food while helping make a difference.

Call them today at +1 703-205-9001 to learn more or check out their menu! It's a delightful journey waiting to unfold right in Dunn Loring!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Has karaoke
Has live performances
Has quiz night
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

1186 Reviews
J Nguyen

17 Sep 2025

TLDR: Great Pizza, Outdoor Seating, Nice Casual Atmosphere, O.K drinks Ate here for a nice outdoor fall dinner. We got the Popeye Pizza, Bendito Sub, Fries, Arnold Palmer alcoholic drink and Moscow Mule. The highlight for me was the pizza (very crispy, but chewy pizza crust, not dry, good mild flavor). The sub was also good, although it was advertised as spicy and it wasn’t really to me. Good bread though. The fries were nicely fried and not too salty. The drinks we got were a little on the meh side, but the good service and food made up for it. Would recommend for casual dining in good weather, sit outside if you can!

Wendy Miranda

01 Sep 2025

This was my first time here. I had never heard of this place before and I work right down the street, so going after work was a great choice! They had a variety of subs to pizza to pasta! The price was a great snatch as well for the deliciousness of the food! The selection of beer was huge. Karen was our server this night and she provided excellent customer service! She was very friendly and knew what to recommend when I asked her. The artwork inside the restaurant is also neat! I will definetly come back and recommend it to others!

Tamera Frederick

29 Aug 2025

Came here for dinner with the family. The pepperoni pizza was good. The other meals were really nothing special and seemed a little expensive for what they were. We tried ravioli and fettuccine with garlic bread. It was similar to what I could buy and make at home. That being said, there are so many different menu options to choose from that everyone in your party should be able to find something. The menu is quite large with sandwiches, pizzas and pasta dishes. I also like that the cafe supports lost animals and a foundation trying to find them forever homes. The atmosphere is also very cute with murals throughout the restaurant. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available.

Merriam Alwani

19 Aug 2025

The sandwich I got was personally the best I’ve ever had. I got grilled chicken on whole wheat with fresh mozzarella, garlic Mayo, pesto, lettuce (which is shredded), roasted tomatoes, and avocado. It was toasted and everything was so fresh and delicious. I think it was slightly overpriced for a sandwich but it was delicious. I also wanted to try the pizza, and unfortunately I regret it. The crust had a strange taste and slightly weird texture. It just tasted doughy and floury even though it was fully cooked. I liked the crunch of the pizza and the flavor was decent. I did find the Italian seasoning or oregano on it overwhelming. I wish I had one closer to my house because the sandwich was truly amazing! Overall the service was good and they were nice. I don’t drink and I asked to not sit at the bar and they were totally fine with that and they warned me the service would be a bit slow. Nothing about my order was messed up and overall I was extremely pleased with my sandwich. I’m craving it now.

hamed farmand

05 Aug 2025

I ordered American style IPA, mild bitterness, medium lasting in your mouth. I also tried Black Bean deep, was included chopped tomatoes, avocados, and onions, super delicious

Arthur Serratelli

16 Jul 2025

Reasonable Prices! Gigantic Servings! Really, Genuinely, Nice and Welcoming Staff Members and Servers. A nice place promoting a good cause: Dog and Cat Rescue Facilities in the DC Metro area . . . 5 Stars; 10+ Stars for Good Karma.

Parag Mani

07 Jul 2025

Had the pleasure of trying the Penne Fresca tonight, and it was a delightful experience. The penne pasta was cooked perfectly, and the generous portion of portobello mushrooms and roasted tomatoes added a wonderful depth of flavor. The fresh spinach provided a lovely touch of freshness. But the homemade garlic and pesto sauce? Truly outstanding! It was rich, aromatic, and tied all the elements together beautifully. The parmesan and fresh basil on top were the perfect finishing touches. If you're looking for a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish, look no further The staff is very friendly and ambience reminds me of a cafe in Budapest.

Patrick Min

19 Jun 2025

We have occasionally ordered food from this place, as it is nearby. They have a great selection of menu items, including sandwiches, pasta, and pizza, which we like. We especially appreciate their lasagna's good quality, delicious taste, and generous portion size. It is always baked to perfection, making it our favorite dish.

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