Local Foodies Dish on Their Favorite Arlington Eateries

Columns

by ARLnow.com January 20, 2011 at 3:21 pm 4,623 158 Comments

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.]”

michael

Love the idea of locals supporting local, independent businesses. What i don’t love are the local independent businesses touting community, buy local etc, and then doing their buying from the big, mega distributors that are certainly not locally owned.
- Clarendon Culture
  
  Totally agree with you. Silver Diner is a prime example.
  - TGEoA
    
    That’s because no one wants to pay the sky high prices associated with “buying locally”
    - michael
      
      I think of it as this;
      I need a winter jacket- a North face or a Patagonia- i could get it at Dick’s or Sports Authority, or I could go to Casual Adventure. The price would be copmparable at any of them, the service, guarenteed, would be better at Caual Adventure, and i would be supporting a home grown business. Not meant for all situations, but when you comparing apples to apples, support the local guy!
OX4

So the Fireworks Pizza that just opened a few months ago is now defining the Arlington food scene? Does it define the Leesburg scene too? But I do agree that Chez Manelle is a little gem. I love that place.
- TGEoA
  
  Fireworks pizza is nothing special. Goody’s and the Eye-talian store have better za.
  - AllenB
    
    Completely disagree. Fireworks is great pizza.
    - TGEoA
      
      They have great beer, but their pizza is average at best.
      - AllenB
        
        Nope. I still disagree. 😉
JamesE

I am addicted to Mike’s Cafe.
Lou

None of them mentioned El Pollo Rico? I really have to question their qualifications.
- fluidj
  
  totally agree Lou!!! lol
  The fact that none of them even mentioned it totally ruined any credibility they might have had to me.
  I guess by “foodie” Arlnow means ‘random customers eating at a restaurant’??
- mehoo
  
  Their picks seem heavy on the new, trendy places.
- John Fontain
  
  I can’t stomach supporting business owners that commit crimes such as money laundering.
Lala

Thai Square on Columbia Pike is by far the most authentic Thai food in Arlington. They even deliver!
- alebt
  
  Rincome on Columbia Pike is my number one Thai pick.
  - John Antonelli
    
    Amen to that
  - Jason S
    
    I went there last night, waited 15 minutes to order, then left.
    - Lala
      
      I usually have them deliver and it’s always delivered on time, hot & delicious. Sorry you had a bad experience.
Lumiere

I’ve been addicted to Santa Fe Cafe for 20 years now. Best southwestern food in Arlington imo.
- OX4
  
  +2
- Jobo
  
  You’ve obviously never been to New Mexico then – the food there is far from authentic and nowhere near as good as “real” southwestern food.
Vinh An Nguyen

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.

I wonder if this is true, or is it just perception.
- FedUp
  
  It’s perception. It is difficult to open a restaurant in Arlington. Ask some of the top restaurants here in Arlington what they went through with the Arlington bureaucrats. It’s horrible. The inspectors from the zoning office are very adverse to businesses, and I can’t understand why. Those County employees probably don’t even live here.
notahoo

I have a place in my heart for mom’s pizza kitchen on the Pike…I always wonder why Liberty Tavern gets lots of votes as it always seems like a meat market for people from Chevy Chase who want to pretend that they are hip.
- mehoo
  
  It’s “meet market.” It’s a pun, people, use it.
  - notahoo
    
    My in depth research (thanks google) comes up with both “meet” and “meat” market. Perhaps we’ll just have to agree to disagree. I’ve always thought that the singles bars are places where folks are out looking for a piece of “meat” not looking for a piece of “meet”; ergo, “Meat Market”
    - mehoo
      
      Those people on Google using “meat” are wrong too!
      
      The whole point of using “meet market” is that it’s a play on “meat market.” Turning it back to “meat” makes no sense. There’s nothing clever about it, it’s just a boring metaphor without a pun. Anyone can do that.
    - Maria
      
      I never actually knew it was a pun. Just thought it was “meat market” like you said. Clever!
      - Rankin
        
        It’s definitely not ‘Meet Market”; it’s “Meat Market”… it’s pejorative term for a bar where people go purely (or impurely) looking to hook up. Sizing up the merchandise… short skirt and too much make-up? Check. Tight T-shirt with overly gymmed-up muscles. Check. Six vodka mules and back to his place for a night regretted during the walk of shame? Check…
Kyle

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.”)

I would tend to disagree with someone who rates Liberty Tavern in their favorite food places in the area.
South204

My favorites, in no particular order: Bangkok 54, Pupatella, Lyon Village, and Talulla. I feel that Arlington has an exciting, developing restaurant scene. DC has great food as well, however, getting to/from (parking in particular) can be quite a hassle and makes me think twice of going in regardless of how good the food can be.
- John Antonelli
  
  The Italian food in the DC SUCKS. Gotta go to Baltimore before you get the real stuff like oh TRIPE.
mehoo

Pupatella is good pizza – but come on, Mario’s!
- Bisquit
  
  mmm…Marios.
- SD
  
  Sick! Cardboard crust and the processed cheese they use doesn’t even burn or brown.
Robin

Can someone explain the Eventide appeal to me? Several of the “foodies” listed it. I went once and everything was just okay, certainly not worth the price. For the money and time, I’d rather go to Willow. Why is Willow not on this list?
- Bisquit
  
  Agree. Willow is awesome!
- Lola
  
  I agree, Willow is much better. Eventide gets good reviews in the WaPo and people buy into the hype. I’ve always found the service to be lacking and the food mediocre.
  - ChrisW
    
    Your experience is an anomaly, I think. I have eaten there multiple times and have always enjoyed the service and food. One of my faves. Look forward to trying Willow.
  - SoCo Resident
    
    Hosted a very special retirement dinner at Eventide for a dear friend of many decades. For the price, it was horrible. Very ordinary food with a waitress who wanted to be friend instead of a professional server. At the end, the very old spoiled cream in my coffee really did it. When you count on a place for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and it is SO disappointing, it sticks with you.
    - AllenB
      
      I’m smelling troll here. All you seem to do is bash restaurants on this chain. I think the whole experience you claim to have had at Eventide is a lie.
      - TGEoA
        
        Yeah, well we KNOW you’re a douchebag.
      - AllenB
        
        Considering you’re just a nasty, bitter person, I’ll take that as a high compliment. Glad I could annoy you so much. I’ll keep it up.
  - CJR
    
    Wife and I had been to Eventide on several occasions, downstairs bar and outside patio. One time we made reservations, we were led to the mysterious 2nd floor, which was beautiful – we had never seen it. It was pricier than expected – but food was good – but more of a special occasion place than date night place.
- Maria
  
  I went there once for dinner, and I once had their buffalo sliders at the bar; it was all awesome. Haven’t been more than that though, so I’m no expert. It’s just personal taste and (I think more importantly) experience.
- Greg
  
  Willow doesn’t get the hype it deserves.
- OX4
  
  My guess is the atmosphere. The upstairs of Eventide is fantastic…super romantic.
- SD
  
  Agree! Eventide did have an amazing brunch but then stopped serving it last month. Boo! Willow is awesome.
A.M

Anyone else highly disagree with Pupatella being the “best pizza in DC”? I think the ingredients are great, but everything is so soggy and wet. My friend says that “authentic” Neapolitan style pizza is supposed to be like that, but I like my pies a little more crispy and Americanized.
- mehoo
  
  Yeah, too chewy.
- FrenchyB
  
  I’ve grown tired the need to categorize everything into “Best Of” lists.
  
  That said, I do like Pupatella very much, when I’m in the mood for Neapolitan pizza.
  - LP
    
    Two Amy’s, Pizzeria Orso or NOTHING!
  - John Antonelli
    
    I want to know what ARLNOW thinks the best food in Arlington is
    - ARLnow.com
      
      I don’t know about the ‘best’ food, but you can’t go wrong with Bangkok 54 or District Taco.
- Greg
  
  Pupatella is really solid pizza. I do find that it doesn’t work well for take-out because it’s too soggy by the time I get it home. But eating there, I can’t think of a better pizza in Arlington for that style of pie.
  - Bluemont John
    
    Does anyone know of an Arlington pizza joint that does a crispy crust well?
    
    I agree that Pupatella is a bit chewy for my taste. It makes me wonder why they bothered with the brick oven, whose sole purpose I thought was to allow enough heat to produce a crispy crust.
    
    Their toppings are tasty, though.
    - John Fontain
      
      Goody’s at the Clarendon metro. Free parking right behind the restaurant. Run by a very nice family. The pizza is thin and crispy and a whole pie is so large that it won’t fit through the doorway without being turned slightly sideways.
      - Bluemont John
        
        Wow, that sounds fantastic. Thanks for the info.
    - Bluemonter
      
      Goodys is a good alternative but I am not a big fan of the one girl who works the counter (I think the daughter) who is way to obnoxious at times. Pupatella is fantastic pizza (and a great addition to the nieghberhood)but I can’t believe no one has mentioned the ITALIAN Store..in my humble opinion the best pie in Arlington.
      - TGEoA
        
        The best NY pies in NoVA (in no particular order)
        
        Lucianos in Tysons Corner Mall (been going there over 30 years)
        Tony’s New York Pizza in Fairfax near Walmart
        Italian Store in Arlington
        Valentino’s New York Pizza in Alexandria
        Goody’s in Arlington
        
        Not NY, but honorable mentions go to:
        Lost Dog Cafe
        Anthony’s in Falls Church
        
        The wood fired stuff doesn’t do it for me as much as a NY pie, but if you have to have one Pupatella toss’s a good one.
Clarendon Culture

My list would be Rays, Me Jana, Minh’s, chicken from Pollo Rico, pizza from Goody’s, Lost Dog, Rocklands, Italian Store, Heidelberg Pastry Shop’s sandwiches, El Paso Cafe on Pershing (awesome beef fajitas), and Layalina (hole in the wall Syrian spot on Wilson with delicious and very homemade lamb dishes.)
- mehoo
  
  Layalina – by far the best Middle Eastern food for miles. Best kept secret. Looks like a hole but very nice inside. Very friendly family runs it.
  - Justin Russo
    
    Food is good, but the service is atrocious.
    - AllenB
      
      That’s completely different from what I’ve experienced there – very friendly and efficient service.
    - mehoo
      
      Me too – I’ve always had very good, friendly service at Layalina.
Bisquit

Boulevard Woodgrill is my go-to restaurant. The food is consistently good–not really special–but dependable and good. Not to mention that the staff (including the kitchen) couldn’t be more accomodating and flexible. I don’t get the appeal of Eventide or Liberty. I’ve had great meals at both, and I’ve had really bad meals at both. I prefer to know that I’m going to have a good experience.
- Steve
  
  I second this. The Boulevard Woodgrill is a really great place to host a group dinner in their Filmore room downstairs. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there and the food and service was wonderful. It didn’t break the bank either.
- SoCo Resident
  
  In a near empty Boulevard Woodmont Grill, I asked the waitress why she had not given me all my change (the coins) back after paying the bill. She said incredously “You wanted that?” I said I do now and I won’t be tipping you [for shortchanging me]. She said: “That’s ok, you weren’t much of a customer,” meaning I was alone and had only a sandwich and coke. I then cursed her loudly. Called the manager the next day who told me she had witnessed the whole thing and I, of course, was wrong to curse even though I was a.) shortchanged, b.) insulted! So, if you really want to be mistreated badly to the point where really bad curse words come flying out of you, patronize the Boulevard Woodmont Grill. And, WATCH YOUR CHANGE!
  - AllenB
    
    Since the name is Boulevard Woodgrill, I doubt you even went to this place. You just seem to show up on this string and bash places. I doubt you even had the experience you said you did at Eventide.
    - mehoo
      
      SoCo also had a really bad experiences at Purpatoolla’s, Hard Timer’s Cafe, Jay’s Hellburger, Five Courts, Southside Social, and Spider Nelly’s.
      - AllenB
        
        Don’t forget Tall Hula (where I had a great Restaurant Week meal last night).
- CJR
  
  Wife and I go to Liberty Tavern for the Happy Hour, not dinner. It’s not that the food is bad, but the dinner is just a bit fancy and small for my tastes. But don’t get me wrong, it is our go to for early happy hour – mainly because it’s a nice walk there, and lots of activity.
Brandon C

I’m still unsure as to what sets Eventide, Spider Kelley’s, Lyon Hall, and all the other Yuppiterias that permeate what once was a corridor full of great ethnic cuisine.

They’re all standard American fare, slightly better than what you get at Applebee’s – so besides the wood paneling and the inflated sense of entitlement of much of their customer base, what’s special about these places?

There’s something special about El Charito: Fresh Salvadoran & Mexican for 2 people for under $12. I’d say Ray’s is special due to the sheer quality of the food and the experience itself. Heidelberg is special due to the history of the establishment and their awesome sausage stand. Italian Store is special being the only authentic Italian place for miles.

Other than overcharging for a burger & beer, I’d love to know what makes the places in Clarendon “special” enough to be rated a favorite by all these people.
- Maria
  
  Because they like them?
- AllenB
  
  You seem to be critiquing (sp?) based on the clientele. And you obviously seem driven by price. Good food comes in all price ranges. What might seem overpriced to you is a good deal to others.
- Anon
  
  Brandon please let me know what on the Applebee’s menu approaches the house-made short rib hot dog or gruyere infused sausage for $5 served at Lyon Hall. Also, if you are into bang for your buck, the half portion of the rabbit pasta dish at Lyon Hall is massive, only $8 and comes with their bread that is light years better than anything I have ever had at Applebees.
  - Maria
    
    Wait a minute: I think Lyon Hall food is gross, so NO ONE is allowed to like it. Didn’t you get the memo??
- TGEoA
  
  Lyon Hall may be run by and for yuptards, but they have some tasty dishes.
  - AllenB
    
    Interesting, a dooshtard call others yuptards.
Arrrrrlington

El Charrito, Ray’s Hellburger, Fireworks, Lost Dog, Italian Store, Liberty Tavern and Heildeberg (Sp?) Patries. That’s all I need, thank you very much.

Anybody recommend a wing place better than Hard Times? I like it, but gotta think there is some place better.
- Newt
  
  +1 Italian Store
- Brandon C
  
  I love the wings at Hard Times – a lot. The best part about them is that they’re not fried.
  
  As for anything better wings-wise… I have yet to find it.
  - DCChughes
    
    Guess you’ve never sat at the bar… All their wings are fried. The grilled ones are just tossed on the grill and extra sauced AFTER coming out of the fryer. Sorry to disappoint.
    - Brandon C
      
      Just curious on how you know this. Do you work there or did someone who does tell you? I’ve been getting wings there for a while and they’ve never told me this.
    - Jobo
      
      You sure you’re not a little confused? Over the years it seems that Hard Times has offered both fried and grilled wings, but the ones you order grilled go right on the grill the times I’ve sat at the bar and watched them be cooked. Maybe when people get fried wings they throw them on the grill for a minute to give them some charred flavor?
  - CW
    
    Have you tried First Down Sports Bar and Grill (near the Ballston metro)? They have some pretty good wings, especially the Old Bay. That, and the happy specials are very good ($2 domestics until 8PM I believe.)
- FrenchyB
  
  Last time I had wings at Ragtime they were great, but I haven’t been there in a couple years.
Hilary

And don’t forget the ubiquitous cupcakery! Arlington’s “Bakeshop” is the best place in the area to find a true, homestyle cupcake amongst all the fakers (*ahem* CRUMBS).
- John Fontain
  
  Call me cynical, but for some reason I’m guessing that if Bakeshop was a chain and Crumbs was a one-store local shop you’d be saying the exact opposite.
  - AllenB
    
    +20,000,000
  - Steve
    
    I’ll call you cynical. Have you ever had a Bakeshop cupcake? I’m not much of a cake or cupcake person, but their cupcakes are delicious. Blows away all the other bakeries I’ve had cupcakes from around here. Bakeshop should be a chain.
    - John Fontain
      
      Yes, I’ve had Bakeshop’s cupcakes on multiple occasions and they are great. But so are Crumbs’ (if you judge them objectively without a preconception that anything successful enough to grow beyond one location automatically sucks).
- Clarendon Resident
  
  I’m glad you’ve found a cupcake to your liking – the proprietor seems a pleasant fellow and I hope his shop succeeds. Personally, I think Bakeshop cupcakes don’t have enough density – the top crust has no ‘push-back’ when biting down and rest of the cake just dissolves away like a whisper. In miniature size, they would be perfect for a reception where people needed to nibble and chat. But when I eat a cupcake, I want to feel that I’m eating something a bit more substantial. So Red Velvet gets my vote. Not only are Crumbs cakes too dry, but they’re covered in candy. And I’m not such a foodie that I’ll stand in line at Georgetown Cupcake. But others obviously feel differently. How nice that there’s something for everybody.
  - Idi Amin Dada
    
    LOL. I finally had a Georgetown Cupcake. What is the big deal? Tasted like one you’d get from Giant or Safeway.
    - hmmm…cupcakes
      
      Completely agree. I think people think they are good b/c of the hype and they were pretty much the first out of the box if you take into account mass advertising. There are 1 or 2 better places even within blocks of G-Town Cupcake. My vote goes to Baked and Wired any day of the week and 3 times on Sunday. That place rocks. But let the “foodies” and tourists go to G-Town Cupcake, more for me!
      - AllenB
        
        Riiight… everyone who likes G’Town Cupcakes are just sheep following the hype and are nearly as smart or aware as you are….. wow, pretty self-absorbed you are.
      - John Antonelli
        
        Cupcakes suck
      - whatev
        
        Allen B – you seem to show up on this string just to bash people. Self-absorbed much. Or perhaps just incredibly annoying? Go away or contribute something of use.
      - AllenB
        
        Thanks Whatev, but if you don’t mind, after this I’ll ignore you like the piece of dog poop I stepped over on my walk home. I’ll say whatev I damn please. And if you REALLY read what I wrote you see that a lot of was constructive. I just happen to disagree with some so I voiced that. And just to annoy you, I’ll keep doing it whenever and wherever I please. Ya don’t like it? Then go away.
      - Juanita de Talmas
        
        everyone who likes G’Town Cupcakes are just sheep following the hype
        
        Yep, that’s about right.
      - mehoo
        
        Finally tried a cupcake from a cupcake joint – my wife brought me one.
        
        It was better than your basic Safeway cupcake.
        
        It was not nearly as good as the ones I can make for myself at home, from scratch, for alot less money.
      - OCD Cupcake taster
        
        I don’t really get all the love for Bakeshop, all the cupcakes I’ve had from there were mediocre at best (and overpriced for the size). Baked & Wired in Gtown gets my vote, with Alexandria’s Lavender Moon and Buzz second and third, respectively. Georgetown is overrated, Red Velvet was hit-or-miss but overpriced, and Sticky Fingers is okay. Alexandria Cupcakes is also okay and overpriced. Best Buns had pleasant enough cupcakes, and Crumbs was also pleasant (but has that chain deal-breaker factor).
      - Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
        
        Agreed, “hmmm…cupcakes”! I LOVED Baked & Wired, but Georgetown Cupcake was disappointing. That’s what happens when you’re on TV and on the main strip.
        
        Thanks for the full list/comparison of cupcake shops “OCD Cupcake Taster”! Looks like I have some catching up to do 😉 All I know is the Best Buns chocolate cupcakes w/ cream cheese frosting are orgasmic (and huge!).
Newt

What about Carlyle? El Charrito? Eden Center? anyone….anyone
- AllenB
  
  Carlyle is simply a great restaurant that has stood the test of time. I think it’s open like 15 years or more now.
  - jan
    
    agree
- Vinh An Nguyen
  
  Eden Center isn’t Arlington.
- FrenchyB
  
  Eden Center is just outside Arlington’s borders.
- TGEoA
  
  Eden Center…. God I love that place.
- Northerner
  
  Thank you Newt. Week and after week, Carlyle never disappoints.
Southie

Bangkok 54, Restaurant 3, El Paso, Ravi Kabob, Willow, Nam Viet, Abi’s, El Charrito.
Let them rave about Eventide, Liberty and Lyon Hall, so the interlopers stay in those places and we keep the real places to ourselves. I have been to all three of them multiple times and was just meh. (Not counting the completely bunk mussels I got at Eventide that made me puke.)
- Newt
  
  Eventide is good. I didn’t even realize Liberty Tavern had food, Lol
John Fontain

El Charrito is a weekly habit i can’t seem to kick. As mentioned above, Goody’s pizza is great. El Paso and Bangkok 54 are on my “recurring” list. Ted Montana grill has incredible bison burgers (easily comparable to Ray’s), and hole in the wall Jay’s Saloon has the best philly cheese steak in Arlington (and trust me, I’ve tried them all).
- AllenB
  
  I’m sorry, but Ted’s Montana Grill is part of a chain. Don’t you know that chains never, never, never, never have good food?
  - John Fontain
    
    Now that you reminded me that Ted’s has multiple locations, I’ve redecided that they do indeed suck. And if El Charito ever opens a second location then I’ll say that they suck too. Now I’m superior to the commoners who partake in their fare.
    
    I wonder where the chain-haters buy gas. Wouldn’t want to buy it from an established chain like Shell, Exxon, or Hess, right? And where do they buy groceries, cause god knows all chain grocery stores suck, right?
    - AllenB
      
      And what about the chain pharmacies? I’d rather die, just die, than buy my next antibiotic from a chain. NEVER
      - TGEoA
        
        Let’s hope you catch something that requires antibiotics.
      - AllenB
        
        It’s interesting having a comment like that come from a walking petri dish.
      - Maria
        
        zing!
JamesE

omg so many amazing places, my favs are the Ballroom, Front Page, and Mister Days
Idi Amin Dada

I don’t know why people are mentioning Heidelberg. Talk about over-rated. It is like the Ben’s Chili Bowl of Arlington: Everyone says they like it just because everyone says they like it.
- Maria
  
  Maybe everyone says they like it because they like it.
- jan
  
  I think it’s awful! Randolph’s is far superior
  - dugs53
    
    I totally agree about Heidelberg. I used to go there but the second time I walked out with a bag full of pastries for my family and found mold on the lemon pastries was enough for me. I now only go to Randolph’s. It is truly the best bakery around.
Steve

BBQ: Rocklands
Thai: Neramitra, Rincome
Vietnamese: Saigon Saigon
Kabobs: Ravi Kabob
Sportsbar: Crystal City Sportspub
Pizza and Sandwiches: Italian Store, Lost Dog, Cafe Pizziola
Burgers: Ray’s Hellburger, Five Guys
Streaks: Ray’s
Tapas: Jaleo
Others: Boulevard Woodgrill
Just outside Arlington: Evening Star (Del Ray Alexandria)
- Steve
  
  I forgot Pollo Rico for peruvian chicken. Dirt cheap and delicious.
- John Antonelli
  
  Ok, my faves
  
  Hard Times
  Rincone
  That Sushi joint on the Pike that has changed names a few times
  Murali in Pentagon City
North Cherrydaler

Wow–how fortunate are those of us who live in Arlington to even have this many restaurants to discuss? We’re not talking about a big city or even a large geographical area–and look at the variety and options we have. I’m not ordinarily a big Mary-Sunshine type–but we are lucky!
- AllenB
  
  I completely agree. Considering we’re the smallest county in the country, land mass wise, it’s amazing we have the selection we do.
- John Antonelli
  
  Well than there is Mannee Thai……
  - CJR
    
    Saw-At-Dee @ Courthouse Plaza – has been a favorite for years – great Thai.
    - CW
      
      Agree with that. Sawatdee never disappoints.
MC

What I notice is many “ethnic” restaurants are favorites, but most of the new restaurants slated to open are “American fare.”
- John Antonelli
  
  Because they can pay the rent in the new Class A space
- Suburban Not Urban
  
  +1
PikeHoo

I can’t be the only Broiler fan.
- Frenchy B
  
  Nope, I am too.
- CW
  
  The Broiler is an Arlington INSTITUTION! They’ve been serving up fantastic cheeseburger subs, when just about all of these other places didn’t even exist. Great call on the Broiler.
  - TGEoA
    
    Too bad Steak & Egg is gone.
    
    Trivia: What was the name of the night shift cook who worked there for over 20 years?
    - AllenB
      
      TGEoA
CSEM

Guajillo, Minh’s, Sawatdee, Delhi Club…
- Clarendude
  
  All good. Sawatdee is very good Thai, although a little pricey. The Pike seems to have the preponderance of the good Thai these days. I used to go to a little hole in the wall Ghin Na Rhee up in the Lee-Harrison center when I lived up there and it was good (but that was like 15 years ago). Sadly, the best Vietnamese I’m aware of are in Eden. But, Minh’s is good. When I’m feeling low, a massive Nachos with Texas Chili from Hard Times. We need an authentic cheesesteak!
  - John Fontain
    
    Cheesesteak? Try Jay’s Saloon. Not sure if it’s authentic to you, but it is really good.
    - Clarendude
      
      I go there enough, but not usually to eat. Got a shrimp basket once, was not impressed. But, I’ll give it a try. The philly bread and the ribeye make the sandwich. And if they even offer it with lettuce, tomato or (god forbid) mayo, they don’t know cheesesteaks.
      - Lou
        
        Wait, you ordered seafood from Jay’s and were not impressed? I’m shocked.
      - Clarendude
        
        Well, someone told me it was the best seafood restaurant on 10th street…
      - Lou
        
        They were probably right.
Pingback: Pike Wire | PM Wrap Up for JAN20/11()
MDP

Love Arlington’s food scene.

Entrees: Liberty Tavern
Thai: Sawatdee
Vietnamese: Pho 75
Kabobs: Afghan Kabob
Sportsbar: Mister Days
Pizza: Faccia Luna
Burgers: Ray’s Hellburger, Five Guys
Steaks: Ray’s
Happy Hour: Hunan Number One/ Rock Bottom
Sushi: Hikaru
Brunch: Liberty Tavern/Four Courts
Suburban Not Urban

What about Peking Duck
- Arlingtonthen
  
  Peking Duck is in Falls Church therefore Surburban not urban like Arlington. What about burgers at LA Bar and Grill? Good especially on half price night. All sandwiches – Lost Dog. Cakes – Pastries by Randolph. Wine and cheese – Twisted Vine. Tex Mex-El Paso Cafe.
NewHavNat

Me Jana, Sawatdee (Thai), Rays The Steaks, Minh, Harry’s Tap Room and Ri Ra’s (sic)Sunday brunch is quite good – best Irish Breakfast I’ve had outside a little joint in Skerries, Ireland.
Monty

ugh..did the writer really use the term “foodies”??? wow. did they not talk about the use of cliches in journalism school? what year is this, 2002? “foodies”? just wow. this website never ceases to make me cringe…
- ARLnow.com
  
  I was going to say “food enthusiast” but went with “foodie” for brevity.
- Maria
  
  So why are still reading it? Sheesh.
Wildhair

Not a mention of Busboys and Poets…..never had a bad meal there. For me it’s Lost Dog for comfort food, Boulevard Woodgrill for a nice night out (although Circa may give it run for the money based on my first sampling), and either Willow or Eventide for a special event. Arlington isn’t short of options…..douchetards, yuppitards,flipflopitards…..we got something for everyone.
Francesca

<3 <3 <3 Lyon Hall!

Subscribe to our mailing list