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Lucky Strike is closing its location at Westfield Montgomery Mall, with its final day of operation set for Sunday, January 4, according to a representative who confirmed the upcoming closure to The MoCoShow on Friday evening.

The entertainment venue first opened at the mall in March 2017, offering bowling, arcade games, food, and drinks as part of Montgomery Mall’s push to expand experiential attractions. The representative shared that the closure is due to the lease expiring, and that it will not be renewed.

The Montgomery Mall closure comes during a period of broader change for the company. In 2024, Bowlero Corporation announced a rebrand to Lucky Strike Entertainment, which included a change to the company’s legal name and a switch of its stock ticker symbol from NYSE: BOWL to NYSE: LUCK, marking a new chapter for the brand.

Locally, the first of those rebrands launched at Lucky Strike Rockville, located at 15720 Shady Grove Rd. in Gaithersburg. Other Lucky Strike locations remain open in Montgomery County, including Lucky Strike Gaithersburg at 1101 Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg and Lucky Strike Bethesda at 5353 Westbard Ave. in Bethesda.

As 2025 comes to a close, our very own “Mr. MoCo” Alex Tsironis is looking back on a year full of memorable meals across Montgomery County (photos available below). After countless restaurant visits, pop-ups, and takeout orders, narrowing the list down was no easy task. While there were dozens of dishes worth mentioning, these ten stood out as the ones that immediately came to mind when reflecting on the year.

Before sharing the list, Alex wanted to thank everyone who followed along throughout the year on The MoCo Show, MoCoSnow, and Taste MoCo. The continued support, engagement, and enthusiasm from the community have meant a great deal. And as he noted with a laugh, photo quality aside, this list comes straight from the heart. Just a guy, a phone, and a lot of great food.

Darband in Rockville delivered one of the most impressive platters of the year with its Combo 2, featuring Chenjeh beef, Kubideh ground beef, and boneless chicken. Each skewer was packed with flavor, and the chicken in particular was a surprise standout, changing Alex’s usual skepticism about grilled chicken at restaurants.

At iL Pizzico in Rockville, a ribeye special earned its place on the list. While the ribeye itself was excellent, the bigger takeaway was a lesson learned. If there’s a meat special on the menu at iL Pizzico, order it and pair it with their pasta. Recent lamb chops only reinforced that strategy.

Little Island Kitchen in Montgomery Village brought bold comfort with its oxtail Alfredo. The dish delivered deep, rich flavor and was incredibly satisfying, blending soulful slow-cooked oxtail with creamy pasta in a way that lingered long after the meal ended.

The Nibbler in Gaithersburg cracked the list late in the year thanks to its steak sandwich. Alex tried it for the first time just days ago, and it instantly earned a spot among his favorites, a testament to how strong first impressions can be.

O’Donnell’s in Potomac made the cut with its crabcakes. While they come at a premium price, they were ordered during a family dinner and proved to be well worth it. Sometimes, classic dishes done right still shine the brightest.

Phowheels in Burtonsville showcased one of the most creative dishes of the year with its oxtail cheesesteak bánh mì. It’s a mashup that sounds unconventional but works perfectly, combining tender oxtail with bold flavors in a sandwich that delivers on every level.

Sardi’s, with locations in Gaithersburg, Rockville, and Takoma Park, earned recognition for its Bang Bang Chicken. The chicken thighs were exceptionally flavorful, and as always, Sardi’s sauces elevated the dish. Alex noted that this one isn’t for everyone. If you’re not into chicken thighs, it might not be your favorite, but for those who are, it’s a 10 out of 10.

Thai Tanium in Gaithersburg revived Alex’s love for soft shell crab. He had mostly stopped ordering it altogether, but this version pulled him right back in and reminded him why the dish can be so special when done correctly.

Vignola Gourmet, located in Rockville and North Bethesda, landed on the list with a pappardelle Alfredo with added mozzarella. This was a delivery order plated at home, which explains the less-than-restaurant-style presentation, but the flavor more than made up for it. Rich, comforting, and memorable.

Rounding out the list is Yuxa Flame in Rockville with its Uyghur lamb kebab served over bread. Though the restaurant is closed for the season until spring, the dish remains unforgettable. For those craving it now, their food is still available through Hulu Skewers on delivery apps.

These ten dishes capture just a snapshot of the incredible food scene across Montgomery County in 2025. From longtime favorites to new discoveries, they highlight the diversity, creativity, and quality that continue to make MoCo such a great place to eat.

 

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