A decade-long run for Rosslyn’s Barley Mac restaurant and bar came to an abrupt end yesterday (Monday).
Co-owner Andrew Lewis told ARLnow that he is evaluating next steps for the restaurant that opened in spring 2016 following “leasing difficulties” at 1600 Wilson Blvd.
“This last minute notice is due to our need to use the rest of our leased time to evaluate and effectuate our plans for our physical assets at the store,” Lewis said.
Local restaurateur Fitzgerald Lewis and his partners have run Barley Mac since 2023, when they purchased the restaurant from its original owners Scott Parker and Mike Cordero.
Under Lewis’ tenure, the restaurant — which began life as a bourbon bar serving “American tavern cuisine with an Italian twist” — pivoted to a more “lively” approach. Lewis added more televisions to the restaurant in hopes of attracting a more sports-focused crowd.
“That’s where the need is,” Lewis told ARLnow in 2023.
Barley Mac marketed itself as a modern American comfort food restaurant serving dishes like wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and mac and cheese. The restaurant’s extensive liquor menu featured nearly three dozen beers and 20 different wines, as well as specialty and seasonal cocktails.
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Despite Barley Mac’s closure, Lewis will still be around. He owns nearly 20 eateries in the D.C. area and internationally, including a handful of other Arlington spots.
“While we are sad to close our doors so suddenly, we will be ensuring that every single one of our active employees will be transferred to our other locations in Arlington,” Andrew Lewis said. “We look forward to continuing to serve this community at Green Pig Bistro, Buena Vida, Fire Works Pizza and Dudley’s Sport and Ale.”
