Arlington’s food scene never stops evolving.
In recent weeks and months, plans have been made to not only revive a once-popular local watering hole but also to welcome new outposts of some national and local restaurant groups.
Below are updates on just over a dozen expected new restaurants.
Mister Days
1101 N. Highland Street, Clarendon
The local watering hole with a treasured past is back once again, this time in a new spot.
After closing in 2019, Mister Days Sports Rock Cafe aims to make a comeback in June “no matter what,” according to owner Bobby Lee. A stone’s throw from its old location, the new Mister Days will be divided into several different areas — each tailored to a different vibe — and have multiple unique menus.
Van Leeuwen
269 19th Court S., Crystal City
The New York-based ice cream franchise set its sights on Northern Virginia last year, but we now know when it expects to be up and running.
Van Leeuwen, which dabbles in both the traditional and more unique flavors, is scheduled to open on Tuesday, June 11. An ice cream display freezer appeared to be in place when ARLnow stopped by the new location last week, while company branding was already featured on the space’s walls.
Dumpling District
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
Two new offerings are coming to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, including the local Dumpling District chain.
Boasting “authentic homemade dumplings and traditional Shanghainese cuisine,” Dumpling District joins Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen as new options in the mall’s food court this summer. It appears to be the fourth offering of Asian-inspired cuisine in the mall — the fifth if you include the Korean corn dogs from Kong Dog.
Thakali Bhatti
1010 N. Glebe Road, Ballston
Rising from the ashes of Booeymonger in Ballston is Thakali Bhatti, a Nepalese eatery owned by an Ashburn restaurateur.
The 50-60 seat restaurant is anticipated to open in the first half of this year, according to owner Dipar Magar.
Tatte Bakery and Cafe
269 19th Court S., Crystal City
Tatte’s expansion across the D.C. area continues.
The cafe chain’s next storefront will be Arlington’s second — after an existing location in Clarendon — this time bringing the company’s popular sandwich, salad and other offerings to Crystal City. It is scheduled to open July 31, though the company hopes to move up the date by one week, founder Tzurit Or told ARLnow.
Colada Shop
269 19th Court S., Crystal City
Colada Shop is not slowing down after opening its Clarendon location in March.
The café and bar is planning to open its seventh D.C.-area location — and its third in Virginia — later this summer, bringing Cuban cuisine and cocktails to Crystal City.
Yunnan by Potomac
1446 S. Grant Street, Pentagon City
Named one of Yelp’s 100 best restaurants in 2022, Yunnan by Potomac will soon open its doors in Pentagon City.
Relocating from its current outpost in Old Town Alexandria, the eatery is eyeing a late August or early September date to begin its soft opening period, executive chef and owner Shao Bruce told ARLnow.
Omacase
480 11th Street S., Pentagon City
From the creators of Fairfax’s Gyu Shige Japanese BBQ & Bar comes a new high-end sushi spot.
Omacase will move into a nearly 2,000 square feet ground-floor retail space at a Pentagon City apartment tower, creating an upscale sushi restaurant that some believe will have a high-demand. Accordingly, the eatery is anticipating a reservation-only environment when it opens early next year.
Paris Baguette & Kilwins
3101 Wilson Blvd, Clarendon
Bakery chain Paris Baguette and ice cream chain Kilwins — neither one a stranger to the D.C. area — are slated to be installed across the street from the Clarendon Metro station.
The two eateries will take over a combined 4,900 square feet of retail space at The Hartford building, providing two new options in the first quarter of next year. Paris Baguette (3,400 square feet) and Kilwins (1,500 square feet) will enter the largest and smallest spaces, respectively, of the four new tenants.
Andy’s Pizza
901 N. Pollard Street, Virginia Square
The next installment of Andy’s Pizza is coming to Virginia Square, but when that will be is still unknown.
It appears that work is underway at the former Ballston Place Gourmet, but paper covering the windows prevents pesky reporters and passersby from peering inside. Still, a work permit affixed to the door suggested that work had likely been underway since earlier this year.
Immigrant Food
4245 Fairfax Drive, Ballston
From Executive Chef Ben Murray, Immigrant Food is on the way in Ballston — the eatery’s first non-D.C. location.
Construction to change the facade of the new location was underway when ARLnow stopped by last Friday, but no opening date has been made public as of yet.
Bar Colline
269 19th Court S., Crystal City
French-inspired Bar Colline is the next endeavor from D.C. natives Eric and Ian Hilton.
The eatery, “an elegant and dynamic interpretation” of the brothers’ French bistro Café Colline at the Lee Heights Shops, is still a ways out, expecting to open its doors in the first half of 2025.
