New Restaurant Marble & Rye Brings Whiskey to the Pike

A new restaurant on Columbia Pike is ready to reintroduce Arlington to whiskey.

Marble & Rye opened last week at Penrose Square (2501 Columbia Pike), near the Giant and new Starbucks. Although the restaurant has served customers for only about two weeks, the restaurant is already making a name for itself when it comes to its whiskey and ribs, said spokeswoman Sarah Lakey.

“We really want to be known as the new place for whiskey in Northern Virginia,” Lakey said.

The new whiskey bar and restaurant features a tasting room, more than 150 different whiskeys and whiskey-based cocktails, in addition to its wine and beer selection.

From strong and smokey to smooth and sweet, the staff can recommend just the right whiskey for you from their extensive list. The cocktails have also been popular among both whiskey fans and newcomers.

One of the more popular drinks is the Marble & Rye Old Fashioned, which uses a whiskey infused with orange zest and cherries. The drink is getting rave reviews, with customers saying it is one of the best they have tried. Staff members also recommend the Gold Rush, which features a pistachio sugar rim.

Beyond the drink menu, the restaurant boasts a seasonal menu, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One must-try dish is the baby back ribs, which are moist and fall right off the bone. The ribs can compete with some of the best in the city, but customers are encouraged to come try for themselves.

For those who are vegetarian or gluten-free, Marble & Rye has plenty of options, which are highlighted on the menu. Vegetables, including this season’s crispy Brussel sprouts and roasted squash, are cooked in a wood fired oven, giving them a little extra flavor in the process.

To compliment the locally-inspired menu, Marble & Rye brings in wine and beer from Virginia wineries and local breweries.

The local angle extends beyond the food.  They used a local artist to paint the large backsplash mural and logo and the chandelier was done by an Arlington resident, Lakey said, adding that all furniture was made in the United States using reclaimed wood for the tables and walls.

To enhance the experience, it was important that the staff had a say on what was being presented to customers so they could stand behind it. Each server has sampled every dish, every cocktail, wine and beer, they understand where it comes from and what makes it special.

While the restaurant hopes to bring whiskey to Columbia Pike, Marble and Rye is focused on creating a dining experience and working with other Columbia Pike restaurants to make the Pike a destination.

“Our goal is to be a neighborhood place where people can relax, enjoy a great drink or sip on some whiskey, and just have a great time,” Lakey said. “We want to create an experience for everyone who walks through the door.”

Marble & Rye is open on Monday from 4-11 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The preceding post was written by Heather Mongilio for ARLnow.com.