As I walked into the recently opened Stratford Garden, I was immediately met with a warm and lively atmosphere. The bustling environment gave the impression of a local favorite, a restaurant you would assume had been open for years.

The Stratford Motor Lodge was built in the early 1960s and closed its doors in 2021. Since then, it’s been recognizable as a run-down, neglected, and uninviting building to any passersby.

The brothers behind Dominion Wine and Beer and Brick House Butcher, Arash and Afsheen Tafakor, have transformed this once-forgotten space into a bustling new local dining option in Falls Church City.

“We have had nights in here where every single seat was taken from happy hour all through the night, and it’s definitely been a pleasant surprise,” General Manager David Portillo said, reflecting on the restaurant’s early success.

The restaurant is divided into a bar area and a more traditional dining area that succeeds as a versatile space, appealing to a wide range of people.

“We’re many things… you can really make it whatever you want it to be. It’s a space where families can come in and gather, or you can host an event, or even just a place where you can come sit down and watch the game,” Portillo explained. “It’s just a space where you can gather and have a good time.”

The diverse menu offers something for nearly everyone, ranging from a raw bar to sandwiches, salads, and steaks, making it a place where one could dine every night of the week and still enjoy a completely different meal. It also has a cafe that opens at 7 a.m., to accommodate the morning crowd.

Of course, the true test of any restaurant is the food, and it certainly did not disappoint. The portions were generous, so I shared a few dishes, which I would highly recommend if you want to taste more of the menu without feeling overwhelmed.

The Ricotta Gnocchi ($14) quickly became a favorite of the night. The pillowy gnocchi practically melted in my mouth, complemented by the creamy texture and the flavorful pairing of roasted butternut squash. It was rich, comforting and cohesive.

The Pomebiscus Nojito Mocktail ($9) was sweet, tangy and refreshing. The pomegranate and sweet flavor was strong, complemented by subtle hints of lime and cucumber.

The Four Cheese Mac & Cheese ($14) was perfectly creamy with a crispy bread crumb crust. This classic comfort food was heavy but not overpowering.

The Stratford Ribeye ($52), ordered medium rare, came on the rarer side and was full of flavor. It was tender and juicy, with the mushrooms and onions on the side giving a perfect balance to the meal.

While the prices are on the higher side for a typical student budget, the quality of the food, drinks, and overall experience made it a great spot for a night out with family or friends.

Portillo also shared exciting plans for the future.

“In the spring, we’re opening the beer garden. We’re trying to do some live music outside for the beer garden and patio. We are also hoping to serve soft serve ice cream in the springtime as well.”

It’s busy enough that you just might run into someone you know, and when the outdoor area is open in the spring, I expect it will feel like a charming new addition to the city.