Coastal Flats

Coastal Flats Restaurant Review:

Saturday midday is probably not the right time to try to get a seat at this Fairfax eatery, in a huge shopping complex and near the government center. Crowds line up, eager to tuck into one of its offbeat and appealing southern coastal-influenced dishes. You can expect good things from a meal here, mammoth portions, big flavors and a giddy mix of the south, the Caribbean, and Latin ingredients and tastes. We are tickled with the Coastal shrimp roll, preceded by the jambalaya egg roll, and all accompanied by a mound of freshly baked bread from Coastal's own ovens. That's just lunch. The dinner menu features many of the same items, but expands into seafood dishes, baby-back ribs and hickory-smoked steak. Fortunately, both meals showcase what is probably the best cheesecake we've ever had: the dulce de leche cheesecake which is caramel upon caramel in a luscious wedge of calories. Also located at 7860-L Tysons Corner Center, McLean, 703-356-1440.