Local Foodies Dish on Their Favorite Arlington Eateries

We caught up with a few local foodies at Lyon Hall (3100 Washington Blvd) in Clarendon earlier this month and asked them what they like about Arlington’s food scene.

Do you agree or disagree with their assessments?

Jenna Huntsberger / Editor, ModernDomestic

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Liberty Tavern, Eventide, Northside Social, Bayou Bakery.

How has Arlington’s food scene changed?

“I think there’s way better stuff going on in Arlington than when I was here just four or five years ago… it makes me want to come here more.”

What’s one thing that might be driving new restaurants to open in Arlington instead of the District?

“From the perspective of the small business owner, starting a restaurant in D.C. is just really hard. There are a lot of regulations you have to comply with, it’s really expensive.”

Helena Himm / Contributor, Chowhound

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Pupatella (“The best pizza in D.C.”), Thai Square, Bangkok 54, Chez Manelle (“amazing”), Minh’s Vietnamese Restaurant

What do you like about Arlington’s food scene?

“The Thai food on Columbia Pike is pretty good.”

Anhtu Lu / Foodie

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Liberty Tavern, Eventide, Ray’s the Steaks and Ray’s Hell Burger (“but they’ve become a little overrated over the years, they were better before.”)

Who has the better food, D.C. or Arlington?

“D.C is still ahead… but Arlington has more potential now.”

What do you like about Arlington’s food scene?

“Small ethnic places, that’s what Arlington is known for… the mom and pop places.”

Stacey Viera / Co-Editor, Every Food Fits

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Maruko Sushi on Columbia Pike (“The best restaurant in Arlington… phenomenal.”)

What do you like about Arlington’s food scene?

“All the business owners are really friendly. It’s truly a great community. There’s no reason to leave.”

Jason / Editor, DCFüd

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Fireworks Pizza, Bada Bing food truck, District Taco cart, Pupatella, Ravi Kabob, Nam Viet Restaurant.

What do you like about Arlington’s food scene?

“There is an old, ethnic scene here.”

Nan Kutty / Foodie

Off the top of your head, name some local restaurants you like.

Fireworks Pizza, Kabob Bazaar.

How has Arlington’s food scene changed?

“Frankly, I’ve always felt the food in this area is not the best… but I think recently I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these places could become the best of Washington [in their respective categories.]”