Clarendon | ARLnow.com

Published June 9, 2026 at 1:45PM

Clarendon Barnes & Noble (via Barnes & Noble/Facebook)

The author of a critically acclaimed book about the harrowing experiences of World War II soldiers and Holocaust survivors is hosting a talk and book signing in Clarendon this weekend.

Arlington resident Nina Willner will pay a visit to the Clarendon Barnes & Noble (2800 Clarendon Blvd) from noon to 2 p.m. this Saturday, June 13, to discuss her narrative nonfiction work, “Boys in the Light.” The book delves into the parallel experiences of her father, Holocaust survivor Eddie Willner, and American soldiers during World War II.

Around Town

‘Cielo’ nightlife spot opening soon in Clarendon with afterlife-inspired aesthetic

By Katie Taranto

Published June 4, 2026 at 11:45AM

A look inside Cielo (courtesy of Rey Lopez)

A supper club with Latin American cuisine and an afterlife-inspired theme debuts in Clarendon later this month.

The new restaurant and nightlife spot Cielo opens Tuesday, June 16, following two years of preparations at 1137 N. Highland Street. Restaurateur Michael Sina told ARLnow he hopes to offer an upscale, “fully immersive experience” with dining and music, centered around a “heaven and hell” aesthetic.

News

Man charged after accidentally firing bullet into neighboring apartment

By ARLnow.com

Published June 3, 2026 at 9:30PM

File photo

An Arlington man is facing charges after police say he accidentally fired a shot into a neighboring home while cleaning his gun.

The incident happened just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 1100 block of S. Highland Street, just south of Columbia Pike.

Around Town

Live jazz brunch launches at Oasis: The Listening Bar in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto

Published June 3, 2026 at 11:45AM

Oasis: The Listening Bar and Glowbar (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new option for weekend brunch in Clarendon comes with an audiophile twist.

Oasis: The Listening Bar has begun hosting live jazz music from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sundays at 2940 Clarendon Blvd, offering sweet and savory Japanese dishes and patio seating along with the tunes.

Around Town

Memorial Day marks milestone anniversaries for Clarendon War Memorial

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 28, 2026 at 8:30AM

Participants in 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at Clarendon War Memorial (staff photo by Scott McCaffrey)

A recent ceremony honored the 95th anniversary of the Clarendon War Memorial, as well as the 40th anniversary of the move to its current location.

The memorial provides “a sacred reminder” of the sacrifice of U.S. military personnel, County Board member Julius “JD” Spain, Sr., said at the annual Memorial Day commemoration, held at the memorial located above the Clarendon Metro station.

Events

Pet Palooza to bring two days of pet-friendly vendors and activities to Clarendon

By Katie Taranto

Published May 26, 2026 at 10:00AM

English bulldog Turbo at a local park in April 2025 (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Two days of vendors, activities and pet-themed fun are returning to Clarendon in an annual market happening this weekend.

Pet Palooza is coming to 2800 Clarendon Blvd from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 30-31, bringing pet adoption opportunities, live music and giveaways. More than 50 vendors are expected to participate, offering items like handmade pet accessories, treats and toys.

Around Town

Rotating art exhibit at Clarendon restaurant to feature works by local artists

By Katie Taranto

Published May 21, 2026 at 1:45PM

Westville in Clarendon (photo by Joy Asico-Smith, courtesy of Asico Photo)

A rotating exhibit of art pieces from the Arlington Artists Alliance is coming to an American restaurant in Clarendon through a new partnership.

Westville will be hosting a reception for the new project from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at 2800 Clarendon Blvd. The exhibit, which is expected to change on a quarterly basis, will feature works available for purchase that are aligned with the restaurant’s earthy aesthetic and veggie-forward menu.

Around Town

Clarendon barbecue restaurant’s inventive flavors featured on WETA’s ‘Signature Dish’

By Katie Taranto

Published May 20, 2026 at 1:45PM

Smokecraft Modern Barbecue founder Andrew Darneille (left) appears on WETA's "Signature Dish" with host Seth Tillman (via WETA)

A Clarendon barbecue restaurant earned a recent feature on “Signature Dish,” a WETA program highlighting standout cuisine in the D.C. area.

A plate of cedar plank smoked salmon at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue (1051 N. Highland Street) was one of three dishes highlighted on the show’s “BBQ Bonanza” episode this week, where host Seth Tillman “follows the aroma of smoke across the DMV.”

Around Town

Scoop N Scootery ice cream shop holding June grand opening in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto

Published May 13, 2026 at 11:45AM

Signage for The Scoop N Scootery at 1138 N. Irving Street (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The Scoop N Scootery has set a June grand opening date for its new late-night ice cream shop in Clarendon.

The ice cream franchise will hold a grand opening on Saturday, June 6 at 1138 N. Irving Street with merchandise and treat giveaways to celebrate. The shop plans to offer more than 70 loaded sundae variations for pickup and delivery until 2 a.m., five days per week.

Around Town

Solset rooftop bar opens in Clarendon atop new restaurant, The Boulevard

By Katie Taranto

Published May 7, 2026 at 11:45AM

Solset's rooftop bar (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Solset, a new rooftop bar in Clarendon, has opened for business this week, joining the neighborhood’s bustling happy hour scene.

The bar, situated atop the new “supper club“-inspired restaurant, The Boulevard, offers cocktails and “modern American food with a little bit of Asian fusion,” co-owner Nico Karagounis told ARLnow. The restaurant and bar replaced Wilson Hardware, refreshing the 8,000-square-foot space at 2915 Wilson Blvd with a revamped interior and new menu.

Around Town

The Board Room abruptly closes in Clarendon after eight years of business

By Katie Taranto

Published May 4, 2026 at 1:45PM

The Board Room sign (file photo)

A game bar and brewery in Clarendon closed its doors last week after eight years in business, citing high rent and labor costs.

The Board Room’s last day in business at 925 N. Garfield Street was Thursday, owner Mark Handwerger told ARLnow. A 35-year veteran of the D.C.-area bar space, he said that business never fully recovered from the pandemic and struggled with high overhead costs.

Around Town

New restaurant underway at former 7-Eleven space in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto

Published April 29, 2026 at 1:45PM

3137 Clarendon Blvd (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new restaurant from the founder of a fast-casual Middle Eastern chain appears to be underway at a vacant Clarendon storefront.

A permit application filed this month requests interior alterations at 3137 Wilson Blvd for a business under the name “Clarendon Eats.” The application was filed on behalf of Ahmad Ashkar, the entrepreneur behind fast-casual chain Falafel Inc.