Old Town Manassas has come a long way since the Manassas Gap Railroad first built a station here in the 1850s. This year is the 150th anniversary of Old Town Manassas, It remains a stopover on both Amtrak and the Virginia Railway Express lines. Big on charm, with lots of history behind Old Town, the town has lots of beautiful stores and restaurants with many choices to pick from. With so much to do you can easily spend multiple hours here at Old Town, from an ice skating rink to a big parking garage and amazing pizza places, there is so much to do here at Old Town!

Right in the center of Old Town, there’s a large platform. It is Old Town’s Harris Pavilion. If you walk around it, you’ll find a small gazebo and also a bunch of little shops. There’s a fudge shop, an old-timey gallery, and a place where they make and sell homemade ice cream. It’s a great place for pictures too. If you get thirsty, there’s also a lemonade stand and a few other places where you can buy drinks. There’s always something going on in the square. There’s usually a band playing or some other type of entertainment.  

Next to the pavilion, there’s a display train that has large wooden letters that spell ”LOVE.” The display train is a popular place for couples to take pictures, and it’s also a good place for small children to run around. On any given day, you’ll see locals enjoying the pavilion. During the winter, the Old Town pavilion turns into an ice skating rink. The ice skating rink is a great place to go if you’re looking for a fun date idea, or if you just want to have some family fun. You’ll see all types of people, from young to old, and from all walks of life. There’s always something going on, and the pavilion is also a good place to meet new people, as there are always people gathered around it.

For a lunch idea, we highly recommend Foster’s Grille. The food is great and the service is pretty good. Kimora always gets the chicken tenders. Four chicken tenders were about 4.50 plus tax, but their burgers are really good too. Each of their burgers is around 6 to 7 dollars which can be pricey, but the burgers are large enough to make you full after a few bites, making them so worth the money! And their fries are the best we’ve ever had. They have a full basket of fries and half a basket. The full basket is 3.99 and the half is 2.49. Once you walk into Fosters, you grab a small order sheet by the door and you find your own seats; once you’re seated, you checkmark the paper with the food you want to order. And there are many options for burgers, chicken wings, and even desserts like milkshakes and cookies. Foster’s is located at 9417 West St, Manassas, VA 20110. If you find yourself getting hungry later in the day, there are plenty of places to grab a quick bite. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Old Town has you covered.

Mariachis Tequileria & Restaurant, is a family-owned establishment known as “the spirit of Mexico in the heart of downtown Manassas.” The restaurant first opened in 2018 and has since then crept into people’s hearts and has become a very popular and well-known establishment. Mariachis can be found at 9428 Battle St. In Manassas, VA 20110. It is located just a few blocks away from the popular attraction Harris Pavilion, and within the area of some of the most popular restaurants in Old Town. Looking from outside you can see all the bright authentic colors strung around the building, not forgetting to include the very beautiful traditional decorations showing who they are and where they’re from. Mariachis offers a wide selection of Mexican dishes, from tacos to mar y tierra. It ranges from traditional flavors to some more modern fusion plates. The plates may be pricey for some but be assured there is lots of love and hard work being put into the food. On the weekends, they feature live mariachi music, giving it the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a place to hang out, or just a casual meal, Mariachis is sure to have something for you. The restaurant’s ambiance is both welcoming and unhurried.

Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is a restaurant and bar located at 9412 Main St, Manassas, VA 20110. If you are looking for a fun and unique dining experience, be sure to check out Crossroads Tabletop Tavern. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern offers a large variety of delicious menu items such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and an array of appetizers. The items may be a bit pricey but their food is well-cooked and worth it. Along with the appetizing entrees, there is also a selection of desserts and milkshakes. In addition to great food and drinks, Crossroads Tabletop Tavern also offers a variety of games and activities for families, friends, and couples. From board and card games to giant Jenga and Connect Four, there is something for everyone. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is sure to have something just right for you. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a night out with friends, family, or a special someone. Whether you are a fan of classic tabletop games or are looking for something new, there is a game for everyone at Crossroads Tabletop Tavern. 

Benny’s Capolago is a pizza place where they are mainly known for their humongous pizza slices, each almost the size of a person’s head. Benny’s Capolagos is located in Historic District, 9209 Center St, Manassas, VA 20110 located near the ice skating rink. Benny’s pizza has some perfect prices for huge pizza slices. A slice of pizza costs around 6-8 dollars, being a perfect price for the younger audience. For the pizza, you have so many choices from pepperoni, cheese , chorizo, mushroom, and sausage. It’s perfect for a weekend meal or snack. The service is amazing, and everyone who works there is incredibly nice and helpful. On the downside, this place is really busy on weekends, and there is barely any seating. But it’s very easy to see why they are so busy. We believe Benny’s Capolago is a perfect place for some delicious pizza!

Jirani Coffeehouse is a very nice coffee house where you can hang out with friends and family. It’s located in the Historic District at 9425 West St, Manassas, VA 20110 Located near the train tracks, Jirani is a coffeehouse where you could go hang out or do some work. The menu mainly includes coffee and drinks like juices and smoothies costing around 3-5 dollars. And they have little pastries and muffins and sandwiches costing around 6-9 dollars. The service is alright, it’s not perfect, but not awful. Just a bit more energy would’ve been better. The atmosphere is beautiful and gives them a very good vibe at the coffee shop. Something special that Jirani Coffeehouse has is a mini library where you get to read books and they have an open mic where people get to talk about things they have been through or experienced. This is a beautiful addition to a coffee house.  There is so much space and seating area to do your own thing for work or get a cup of coffee or even just look at the train tracks. If you are in town and are bored, go here and get a quick cup of coffee or even finish some work at Jirani Coffeehouse. 

Old Town is the heart of Manassas, and it’s cherished by all. If you’re visiting or just out for the day and need something to do, Old Town is definitely the right place to go. There are plenty of stores and restaurants to keep you busy, and the people who live and work there are always happy to help. Plus, it’s just a really pretty area to walk around. If you’re looking for a charming and historic place to spend some time, Old Town Manassas is the perfect spot.