Starbucks introduced the world to the PSL in 2004, and it quickly developed a cult following. Today, almost nothing is too sacred for a sprinkle of pumpkin spice. These area restaurants are adding it to their fall menus in unexpected ways.
Pupatella
Pizza, but make it pumpkin spice. That’s what Pupatella is doing at its original Wilson Boulevard restaurant near Ballston. Coming out of the oven as of Sept. 15 is a white pizza with roasted pumpkin, sharp white cheddar, sage and pumpkin spice, topped with a glaze of honey. That’s not all. Starting on Oct. 1, customers can sip house-made Pumpkin Spice Cello (think limoncello but pumpkin spice flavored) at the pizzeria’s South Arlington location on Walter Reed Drive. 5104 Wilson Blvd. and 1621 S. Walter Reed Drive, Arlington; and 2980 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Sisters Thai Tysons
For another boozy take the fall flavor trend, head to Sisters Thai in Capital One Center for the Thai Tea Coquito, a spiked version of the sweet drink made with rum, Thai tea, pumpkin spice syrup and coconut milk. You can also get your gourd in the Siam Pumpkin Crunch, a crispy pumpkin salad. For dessert, the restaurant’s built-in Flore Café serves a mean pumpkin-spice scone a la mode with vanilla gelato. Sisters Thai Tysons, 7735 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons
Call Your Mother
Feeling autumnal? Top your bagel with pumpkin spice cream cheese at this DMV deli with a cult-like following. The spread goes great with plain, challah or cinnamon raisin bagels and, of course, a pumpkin spice latte. Order a half-pint of cream cheese to take home, or choose it as a schmear and eat it immediately. 6232 Old Dominion Drive, McLean; 1671 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Jake’s Ice Cream
This scoop shop with a pretty sweet mission is putting the PSL into its ice cream. Look for the perennially popular Pumpkin Pie flavor to make its return to the freezer in October and November. Sister shop Jake’s Gourmet Popcorn will be selling Caramel Pumpkin Spice popcorn in October and November as well. 6353 Columbia Pike (ice cream) and 6328 Seven Corners Center (popcorn), Falls Church
The Casual Pint
If you’re committed to pumpkin spice in liquid form, there’s beer. This Little City spot offers plenty of pours to quash a craving for squash. There’s the Pumpkin Spice Lager from Devils Backbone Brewing Co. or Pumpkin Spice Latte Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co., plus three kinds of pumpkin ale on tap. 6410 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
The Happy Tart
“We went all in on fall,” says Kerrigan Firth, owner of this gluten-free bakery in The Little City. One item she’s especially excited about is the White Chocolate Pumpkin Matcha. Yeah, we know…it’s technically a latte, but this dessert-y take on the uber-popular green tea has a pumpkin spice blend that’s made in-house. It’s part of the bakery’s extensive new coffee program. 410 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church