. . . ducked in to Loudoun County for dinner. It's clear from Planet Wayside's pint-size door that this isn't your average eatery. Quirky charm fills the joint, from the mismatched flatware to the Mason jar glasses and even first-name service. But the real beauties here are the hickory-smoked barbecue and the delicious desserts. One word of warning: With just a couple of tables and booths and even fewer counter seats, this planet fills up quickly. Call ahead to reserve a spot or wait for warmer months, when the patio opens up.

If Planet Wayside looks like it used to be a chicken coop, that's because it was.
(File Photo/ Tracy A. Woodward -- The Washington Post)
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Planet Wayside
420 W. Colonial Hwy., Hamilton.
Open Wednesday through Saturday. For reservations and more information, call 540-338-4315.
Know of a uniquely Washington area experience or a place you always take out-of-towners? Send a note to haventlived@washpost.com. For previous features, go to www.washingtonpost.com/haventlived.