Sure, pumpkin has its place, but it’s not the only fall flavor worth savoring. Tuck into an Oktoberfest-inspired burger, sip on apple-centric cocktails and get a caffeine kick with a blast of butter pecan at these area restaurants before peppermint and mocha take over.
Northside Social
NoSo’s fall latte lineup is next-level, with temptations such as an Iced Sage Cornbread Latte with corn cold foam, a Salted Rosemary Latte with candied rosemary and a Spiced Banana Bread Matcha topped with a sweet and salty crumble. If pumpkin you must, the Toffee Pumpkin Spiced Latte is certain to scratch that itch. Hungry for something savory? The wood-fired pizzas at the Falls Church location include a fall pie topped with butternut squash puree, cheddar, caramelized onions, sage, roasted squash and arugula. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
The only thing scary about this box of Halloween bites is how quickly it could disappear. Available for online preorder through Oct. 31, it comes with a dozen festively decorated mini doughnuts in these fall flavors: Candy Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Honey Bun and Vanilla Glaze. From the coffee bar, pair your pastry with a Butter Pecan Crème Brûlée Latte, made with brûlée topping and crushed pecans; a Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Latte topped with sprinkled cinnamon; or an Apple Pie Latte infused with vanilla and apple cider syrups. Prefer iced? Ask for the Caramel Apple Cold Brew topped with caramel cold foam and cinnamon. 4005 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Wren and The Naisho Room
For autumn in a glass, head to this Tysons izakaya and its sister speakeasy for cocktails featuring Hibiki Japanese whisky, including an old fashioned made with Okinawa sugar syrup and house umami bitters with bonito fish scales. Gin-lovers may prefer the Earl Grey Fizz, with tea-infused gin. Also worth a sip: the award-winning Silent Garden, a sweet-and-savory creation made with strawberry and tomato dashi. 1825 Capital One Drive, S., Tysons
Dominion Wine and Beer
Oktoberfest shows no sign of slowing down at this Little City watering hole and bottle shop. Order up a German brat with Duroc pork (made next door at sibling business Brick House Butcher), tucked into a pretzel bun and finished with braised sauerkraut and beer cheese. Not a meat eater? You can also just order the locally made Hank’s pretzel and some beer cheese for dipping. For a heartier option, dig into a plate of chicken schnitzel with spaetzle and savory onion gravy. 107 Rowell Court, Falls Church
North Italia
The Italian restaurant’s seasonal menu debuted Oct. 14 with comfort dishes like Fusili Al Telefono (corkscrew pasta with tomatoes, mozzarella and roasted garlic breadcrumbs) and Crispy Chicken Piccata with strozzapre
Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese
Four new cocktails have a distinctly fall feel at this Founders Row restaurant. Try the Verdant Lake, made with jasmine, bergamot, Caribbean rum, soursop (a tropical fruit) and topped with a pandan foam; or the Luck of Autumn, another rum-based cocktail that blends in persimmon, cinnamon, nutmeg and orgeat (a creamy almond syrup). The Bitter Purity is a gin-based quaff with plum cordial, Umeshu plum liqueur, fennel and lapsang souchong tea. Last but not least is The Forbidden Fruit, featuring apple, Japanese whisky, cinnamon, yuzu, and pine honey. If you’re hungry, consider trying the new unlimited dining menu. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Big Buns
Feeling decadent? Sink your teeth into the Okto-Burger, a massive pile-up of grilled angus beef, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, grain mustard, lettuce and red onions. While you’re at it, why not gild the lily with a Pumpkin Spice Shake? 4401 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston) and 4251 Campbell Ave. (Shirlington) in Arlington; and 1336 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Immigrant Food
Ever thought, This drink is great, but it could use bacon or perhaps sweet potato? You’re in luck, because the fine folks at this gastroadvocacy pub have added just those ingredients to their fall cocktails. A bevvie called That’s all, Folks! is made with gin, sherry, maple syrup and bacon, while the Andean Espresso Martini has pisco, muddled sweet potato, rosemary and espresso. For a fruitier option, try the Date Night, made with apple brandy, apple vodka, dates, raspberry and lemon; or the heady Dusk at Dawn, with blends peach whiskey with plum, pepper, honey and red wine. Can’t pick just one? Get a flight of three. 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
