Bees & Tea by Asia Bistro is getting ready to become a standalone cafe at Westpost in Pentagon City.
The “tea bar” located inside Asia Bistro at 1301 S. Joyce Street requested a license to serve beer and wine in May, owner Jessica Arbaugh tells ARLnow. She expects the license to be approved by August or September.
While the beer and wine offerings haven’t been decided yet, Arbaugh says she is “leaning more toward Asian beers” from Japan and Vietnam, which can also be found at its nearby sister restaurant, Saigon Saigon.
Arbaugh wants the adult beverages to complement Bees & Tea’s appetizer menu and light fares like banh mi, dumplings and taiyaki, or Japanese fish-shaped waffles and soft serve.
The anticipated alcoholic beverages will accompany the cafe’s wide selection of bubble tea offerings. Fruit tea flavors include peach, lychee and mango, while milk tea comes in flavors like ube, pistachio and customer favorite Purple Dream, a taro milk tea with flan caramel custard. Also featured are Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee.
Meanwhile, renovations are ongoing nearby at the former Bread & Water Company kiosk, where Bees & Tea will relocate in the coming months as Asia Bistro is slated to close around October.
Spanish restaurant El Mercat Bar de Tapas plans to open in Asia Bistro’s current space by the beginning of 2025, chef and owner George Rodrigues previously told ARLnow.
The tapas eatery applied for remodeling permits last week, and Rodrigues says the construction will take about 12 to 16 weeks to complete.
Despite its closing, Arbaugh says Asia Bistro’s legacy will continue through its sister restaurants. She looks forward to Bees & Tea’s new courtyard spot, which will include some outdoor seating and a garden.
“We’re going to carry over to Bees & Tea and Saigon Saigon for our loyal customers who have been with us for 23 years,” Arbaugh says.
More, below, from a press release issued shortly after this article’s publication.
Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) announces El Mercat Bar de Tapas (El Mercat) will open its second restaurant in the DMV, first in Northern Virginia, at Westpost at National Landing in Arlington, Va., in early 2025.
The 4,059 square-foot restaurant, located at 1301 S. Joyce Street will feature shareable, seasonal and house made dishes including traditional Spanish tapas, paellas, and a Chef’s Tasting Menu, as well as sangria, wines and Spanish beers. The restaurant will have 142 seats and eight ADA seats, including patio space. Its first location is located at Rockville Town Square in Rockville, Md.
“El Mercat brings a taste of Spain to the Westpost neighborhood,” said Chef George Rodrigues. “I’ve been wanting to open a second location and Westpost is the perfect location in Northern Virginia for our cuisine, flavors and lively culture.”
Also joining Westpost’s dining destinations is Bees & Tea, which will be located at the “jewel box” in the Westpost Plaza. Bees & Tea will feature milk tea, fruit tea, boba and small sushi bites and will open in late summer 2024.
“Westpost is one of the area’s most dynamic dining destinations, featuring restaurants rooted in international cuisines to appeal to every palate,” said Vanessa Mendoza of Federal. “El Mercat and Bees & Tea complement this mix, and we welcome both restaurants to the neighborhood.”
“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Bees & Tea,” said Jessica Arbaugh, owner, Bees & Tea. “After successfully incubating the concept at Asia Bistro for the past five years, we are excited to offer our fresh, handcrafted boba tea, Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches, teriyaki, and delightful sweets in a dedicated space at the center of the Westpost courtyard. Our journey at Westpost began 23 years ago with the opening of Saigon Saigon, followed by Asia Bistro. The opening of Bees & Tea is a natural extension of our deep-rooted connection to Arlington and the Westpost community. We are committed to continuing our tradition of exceptional service and high-quality products that our customers have come to expect.”
The amenity-rich neighborhood includes Cathal Armstrong’s Mattie & Eddie’s, Kusshi Sushi, Banditos Tacos & Tequila, Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream and Nighthawk Pizza & Brewery. Westpost also features Sip & Stroll where patrons can take their favorite beverages to-go, and sip, stroll and shop in the neighborhood.
