A brightly colored storefront with bagels, deli classics and a devoted regional following is about to open its doors in Ballston.
Call Your Mother, the “Jew-ish” carbs and coffee spot of D.C.-area renown, plans to officially open at 4000 Wilson Blvd on Tuesday, July 7 — just a few months after announcing plans for the location in February.
Employees and managers were crowded in the kitchen and behind the counter this morning (Monday) preparing for the opening. (A private “soft opening” is expected in the days leading to the official opening.)
The new spot will feature all the fan favorites, including babka muffins, house-made cookies and bagel sandwiches like the “Jetski,” described as “a hot, cheesy rollercoaster ride loaded with brisket, pastrami, sofrito and jalapeños.” Drink options will feature locally roasted coffee and seasonal items such as a piña colada iced latte and a strawberry iced matcha latte, according to a press release.
This will be Arlington’s second Call Your Mother location, joining a kiosk that opened in Crystal City’s Water Park in January 2025. (Other locations popular with Arlington residents are open just across a bridge or border, including in Georgetown and McLean.)
“We’ve always had mucho love for our buddies across the pond in Ballston,” Andrew Dana, co-founder and “chief doughboi” of Call Your Mother, said in a press release. “Our aim is to be your go-to neighborhood bagel shop, and when this space opened up we knew we’d found the ideal spot to post up and start baking.”
The Wilson Blvd location promises “bright colors, nostalgic energy and [a] welcoming atmosphere,” with patio seating and milk bones for the neighborhood’s many dogs. It replaces a Starbucks that closed in September 2025.
“Good food always brings people together,” said Chef Daniela Moreira. “We’ve poured a lot of love into this shop and we can’t wait to hook the people of Ballston up with great food and incredible service seven days a week.”
Call Your Mother is one of three bagel shops that have recently announced plans to open in Ballston.
Bagel Uprising, based in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, is planning to open its second location down the street at 901 N. Glebe Road. Meanwhile, PopUp Bagels, a national franchise known for its unique “rip and dip” approach, is opening at 4300 Wilson Blvd.
Call Your Mother was the first of the three to announce its plans, and appears on track to be the first to open.
