"I recently had what might be the worst dining experience of my life at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean. Even a school cafeteria could serve better food. If it were possible to give zero stars, I would, but the friendly and attentive service earned the restaurant a single star. That kind lady might very well be the sole reason this place remains in business.
**Atmosphere:**
This cafe is conveniently located next to a Safeway in a mall, with plenty of parking available. However, the overall vibe felt run-down and gloomy.
**Food:**
We were looking for a dog-friendly cafe and had heard mixed reviews about Lost Dog, so I had high hopes—especially since it’s a chain. We ordered the Crab Dog Dip, The Fat Molly, and the Philly Philly, alongside some Dog Collars (their onion rings). Our total was around $48.18, and that turned out to be a pricey lesson in why certain places should be avoided.
The crab dip was excessively oily with barely any crab present; it was just a mushy, greasy cheese blend. The garlic bread was dry and tough. The Dog Collars were poorly breaded, some were burnt, and the accompanying sauce was mediocre and greasy. Both sandwiches were a disaster! The meat was so dry that it could’ve been mistaken for jerky from medieval times, and the funky, gamey smell only added to the experience. The pitas and baguettes were stale and tough, the veggies looked discolored and old, and everything was under-seasoned—I felt like I was eating hospital food meant for low-sodium diets. Even more puzzling, the sandwiches were so greasy that oil dripped onto the tables and our laps. We found everything to be inedible. My boyfriend and I managed a single bite from each dish before we left, as our appetite had completely vanished.
**Service:**
The only redeeming aspect of our visit was the service. We dined on a Sunday around 2:30 PM, and our server was incredibly warm and caring, which included being very welcoming to our dog. Thank you for that! They do provide milk bones and water bowls for furry friends, so if you’re inclined to spend almost $50 just to sit on the patio with your dog, this might be the place for you.
Overall, it was a terrible experience. I should have just opted for Subway and enjoyed a meal in the parking lot instead; their sandwiches actually taste like food."
