A Woodmoron's Guide to the Neighborhood
I've lived in Woodmoor for about 6 years. This is what I've figured out about where to eat, shop, and hang out. Obviously just my takes - hit Remix if you disagree.
Food - Delivery & Takeout
Nash & Smash
Their fried chicken is a solid 4/5 but the smash burgers are 6/5, genuinely out of this world. Walk-to distance, I hit it once a week or every other week.
Amina Thai
One of my two favorite Thai spots. Reliable, good.
Thai at Silver Spring (Upstairs Thai)
The other favorite Thai spot. Both are great, depends which one you're closer to.
Curry Place
The Indian food is fine, honestly. But they have momo dumplings and those are FANTASTIC. Go for the momos.
Methi
Been my solid Indian choice for a long time. No complaints.
4 Corners Pub (Takeout)
THE pizza around here. Hard to get - I mostly have it at kid birthday parties or the rare pickup. Worth the effort.
Squisito's
Look, they're kind of mid. But the Chicken Bruschetta Pizza is something special. Get that one specifically.
Pizza Hut
I know, I know. But the thin crust pepperoni-only is genuinely good in a way you can't quite get elsewhere. My guilty pleasure, now it's public.
Sit-Down Spots
4 Corners Pub
Total vibe. Great food beyond the pizza too - I actually get the pizza to-go and eat other stuff when I'm there.
Quarry House Tavern
A great dive bar in downtown Silver Spring. Exactly what you want from a dive.
Silver Branch Brewing
Good beer, good space. I like going here.
Zinnia
I've only been for brunch but the duck confit eggs benedict has changed my life. I'm not exaggerating. Go.
Groceries
Trader Joe's
I love TJ's. It's about half a mile so I consider it walking distance. Supplemental shopping - frozen butter chicken, greek yogurt, you know the drill.
Giant (New Hampshire Ave)
Our main grocery. We do pickup orders here. Gets the job done.
Safeway
It's close but I never go. In my memory it's a cut below, but maybe it's better than I remember. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Beer Runs
Woodmoor Market
My favorite for beer. Local, good selection.
Bottlegonia
Also good. I grab beer here if I'm driving to Trader Joe's - otherwise it's a pain to carry beer alongside my 5 boxes of frozen butter chicken.
Fenwick Beer and Wine
Just outside (or part of depending on your perspective) downtown Silver Spring. Really like this place. I don't go anymore since I moved to Woodmoor but if you're down there, check it out.
Auto Maintenance
DARCARS Toyota Silver Spring
I take my Prius here. Easy, reliable. Probably a little overpriced but I don't pay much attention - the peace of mind is worth it.
Midas (Wheaton)
I take the minivan here. Cost effective and I've had good experiences. The guys are a little rough around the edges but they come across as honest - they even referred me to a dealership when I had a DIY sliding door motor job go wrong.
Parks - Kids
Pinecrest Park
Inside the neighborhood, walking distance. The playground isn't huge but it's plenty for kids to burn off energy. My go-to for "I need a park right now" moments.
Wheaton Regional Park
The big one. Little kid playground plus a GIANT big kid playground - the slides are huge. My kids loved them even when they were probably too small. There's a carousel (recently upgraded, haven't seen the new one) and a train. The train is a gem - everybody should do it at least once.
Trails
Northwest Branch Trail (to Wheaton Regional)
You can actually walk from the neighborhood to Wheaton Regional Park - about 2.5 miles along the Northwest Branch stream. There's an easy side (more developed, flat) and a harder side (not so flat). I like both.
Neighborhood Stream Trail
On the edge of Woodmoor, follows the stream. Some absolutely beautiful views and real woodsy vibes. It's still suburban, obviously, but it's the closest I get to feeling like I'm in the woods. I should probably make a whole separate list about this trail.
Game Stores
Game Kastle College Park (College Park)
My primary store. They run a ton of events - paint nights, tournaments, RPG nights. Friendly staff, great stock, solid Discord community. If you're into tabletop gaming, this is the spot.
Pure Panic (Downtown Silver Spring)
Smaller than the others - it's primarily a comic shop with a TON of comics. But they're cool and they let me run TTRPG games in the basement. They have a "Made in the DMV" section with games by local designers.
Dream Wizards (Rockville)
Lots of space, has what I need for Warhammer and Battletech miniatures. Not my primary but solid if you're in Rockville.
Movie Theaters
Regal Majestic
Where I go when I actually go to movies (rarely these days). It's fine.
AFI Silver Theatre
I went and saw the Testament of Ann Lee. This is my new preferred theater! Went to theater 1, the theater itself is amazing. Enjoy the effort that made it so beautiful. Concessions are great for the money! I got a beer and a hot dog. Hot dog bun was interesting, not stale but chewy, not sure what it was exactly.
Fishing
Don't bother (around here)
I've tried many spots in and around Montgomery County. Tons of fishing pressure, not much to show for it. The neighborhood stream has constant E. coli warnings so even if there were fish, probably not a good idea. If you know better spots, remix this list and tell me - I'd love to be wrong. I know the Potomac River is good but I ain't got a kayak (yet).
That's what I've got after 6 years. Remix it with your own picks - that's kind of the point.
