Ruthie’s All-Day and other local favorites capture ARLnow Readers’ Choice awards

Ruthie’s All-Day and The Italian Store might be some of ARLnow readers’ favorite places to visit in town.

That’s according to the hundreds of votes cast so far this year in the ARLnow Readers’ Choice polls, where these establishments have won top rankings in multiple categories.

Since January, Ruthie’s All-Day at 3411 5th Street S. has captured the No. 1 position in “Best Breakfast Spot” and “Best Brunch Spot,” as well as second place in “Best Outdoor Dining.”

Two-time winners, meanwhile, include the likes of The Italian Store, which received first prize for both “Best Longtime Institution” and “Best Italian Restaurant.”

There’s also First Down Sports Bar and Grill, top-ranked among both sports bars and chicken wing spots, and Lyon Hall, a destination of choice for a fancy dinner or outdoor dining.

The weekly ARLnow Readers’ Choice program publishes a new Crowdsignal poll every Friday morning, with categories seeking to find the best of Arlington’s restaurants, retail and services. Nominees are selected through a process that considers online reviews, local significance and previous coverage.

Winners are determined only after ARLnow removes excessive votes sent by singular IP addresses, votes cast by bots and other attempts at cheating. Each voting period lasts for two weeks.

Here’s a recap of the ARLnow Readers’ Choice winners in restaurants and retail categories so far in 2025.

Breakfast

1. Ruthie’s All-Day
2. Bob & Edith’s Diner
3. Metro 29 Diner

Brunch

1. Ruthie’s All-Day
2. Busboys and Poets
3. Ambar

Bagel Shop

1. Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
2. Bethesda Bagels
3. Call Your Mother

Wings

1. First Down Sports Bar & Grill
2. Bonchon
3. bb.q Chicken

Food Truck

1. A Toda Madre
2. Rossana
3. Portal Maya

Barbecue

1. Sloppy Mama’s BBQ
2. Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company
3. Texas Jack’s Barbecue

Outdoor Dining

1. Westover Market Beer Garden
2. Ruthie’s All-Day
3. Lyon Hall and Courthaus Social (tie)

Mexican Restaurant

1. Taco Bamba
2. Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita
3. El Paso Cafe

Italian Restaurant

1. The Italian Store
2. Carbonara
3. Sfoglina

Steakhouse

1. Guerra Steakhouse
2. Medium Rare
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Restaurant for a Fancy Dinner

1. The Portofino Restaurant
2. Cafe Colline
3. Lyon Hall 

Longtime Institution

1. The Italian Store
2. Quarterdeck
3. Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe

Ice Cream Shop

1. Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
2. Nicecream
3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Bar

1. Bronson Bierhall
2. Cowboy Cafe
3. Galaxy Hut

Sports Bar

1. Ireland’s Four Courts
2. Crystal City Sports Pub
3. First Down Sports Bar & Grill 

Happy Hour

1. Buena Vida Gastrolounge
2. Peruvian Brothers
3. Ballston Local

Bicycle Shop

1. Conte’s Bike Shop
2. Bikenetic
3. Phoenix Bikes

Florist

1. Company Flowers and Gifts Too!
2. CYMNOW Flowers
3. Poppyseed Rye

Photo via Ruthie’s All-Day/Facebook.