Guerra Steakhouse in Rosslyn is off to a slow start after opening this past Saturday, but that is partly by design, according to owner Jackelin Barrera.
The steakhouse at 1725 Wilson Blvd does not yet have a sign, or an advertising campaign, but Barrera said she was more concerned with opening before coronavirus cases could once more threaten businesses to limit capacity.
Guerra offers steaks, wines to pair with them, and other classic steakhouse dishes in the former space of Ben’s Chili Bowl, which closed last year.
The restaurant is family-owned and operated.
“All the people who work inside are family,” said Barrera. “I feel like you can tell the love we have for each other when you taste the food.”
The steakhouse’s story has its roots in family, as it is named for her grandfather, Ermides Guerra, a Guatemalan immigrant who loved steak.
So far, Barrera said the most popular dishes have been the jumbo tiger shrimp with a “fuego spicy paste” and the iceberg wedge topped with blue cheese, bacon, grape tomatoes and radish, in a blue cheese dressing. She said the New York strip steak has also received attention.
“Most of the people that have come by have said Arlington has been missing a good steakhouse,” said Barrera.
In addition to serving quality food, Barrera said Guerra is focused on making patrons feel like part of the family.
“We don’t just give you a steak — we give you an experience,” she said.
Currently, the steakhouse only serves wine and beer, but Barrera said her family plans to add cocktails next week. Down the road, she said the Guerra Steakhouse experience could include a clam bake and a tomahawk steak that will be flamed table-side.
“We’ll hopefully have table-side cocktails too,” she said.