Dirt Cheap Eats 2007: Food Factory - Arlington

Reviewed by Cynthia Hacinli , Todd Kliman , Sara Levine , Ann Limpert , Erin Zimmer

Food Factory - Arlington

4221 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 703-527-2279

Cuisines:
Afghan

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Nearby Metro Stops:
Ballston-MU

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Best Dishes
Bone-in chicken kebabs.

Price Details:
Chicken kebabs, $6.19.


Cafes & Carryouts

One of the worst fates for a good, generous place is to be called a “factory.” Not to mention that speed is the last thing you should expect from a bare-bones operation like this one. The heart of the business is kebabs—you can choose the spear of meat you like from the refrigerated case by the counter.

All are charcoal-grilled to order, imparting a smokiness reminiscent of a backyard barbecue. The bone-in chicken ($7.62), more succulent than the boneless, is our pick; the lamb chops ($14.99) are also tasty with a hot, lightly blistered naan and a side of channa, a slow-cooked chickpea stew.