Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls in Shirlington hoping to open by early fall

(Updated, 11:20 am) It’s still likely going to be at least six more months before diners can get some fresh catch in Shirlington.

Annapolis-based Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is readying itself for a potential late summer or early fall opening at 4017 Campbell Avenue in the Village at Shirlington, a company spokesperson told ARLnow.

Mason’s is moving into the 1,334-square-foot space formerly occupied by Nirvana Reflexology Spa, which closed late last year.

With construction plans all but finalized, the spokesperson said, the restaurant is now applying for county permits. Records show the restaurant started applying for permits in November.

Mason’s first announced its Arlington arrival in December, its first such location in the county and third in Virginia. The other Northern Virginia location is at Reston Town Center, which opened in 2018. There are also three locations in D.C., in Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Foggy Bottom.

The company has scouted Arlington for a long time, the spokesperson said, particularly Shirlington due to its “town center atmosphere” and abundance of foot traffic. Shirlington has continued to be a hot spot for new businesses with a number of openings announced in recent months, including Astro Beer Hall and CHIKO. Also nearby, The Cookery announced it was closing after the owner choose not to renew the store’s lease.

Opening its Arlington restaurant is part of the lobster roll eatery’s continued expansion, with a number of locations opening recently across the country. With Reston and, soon, Arlington, though, there are no current plans to open more locations in Northern Virginia, we’re told

The menu at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls consists of, yes, lobster rolls, but also a number of variations of the red crustacean, including lobster bisque, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese and lobster salad. There’s also shrimp salad, clam chowder and hot dogs (for the kids).