Around Town

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Hi everyone, this is Katie Taranto, with more updates for ARLnow Press Club members on food and drink in Arlington and Falls Church.


News

Former President Joe Biden turned an ordinary birthday celebration into a uniquely memorable one shortly after dining in Virginia Square last weekend.

A group of Washington-Liberty High School students were out to dinner at Carbonara on Sunday when they noticed what appeared to be Secret Service members and the 46th president.


Around Town

The Little City has big flavors, and so does Arlington, according to one recent list of Northern Virginia’s best restaurants.

Twelve restaurants in Falls Church and Arlington made Northern Virginia Magazine’s list of The 50 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia for 2025 — including three establishments in the top 10.


Around Town

An organic eatery encouraging diners to “eat positive” is opening soon in Ballston.

Life Alive Cafe intends to open on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 818 N. Quincy Street, filling a retail bay that held Bruegger’s Bagels until April 2023.


Around Town

A new Korean barbecue restaurant has opened for business near Crystal City’s Restaurant Row with grilling options aplenty.

Pi BBQ and Bar, located at 420 23rd Street S., promises “an extensive menu featuring premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood and a variety of traditional Korean dishes” in a modern atmosphere. The restaurant replaces a vacancy left by the Chinese restaurant Young Chow in 2023.


Around Town

A fast casual Middle Eastern restaurant is now open on Restaurant Row after relocating from Water Park.

Falafel Inc opened last week at 500 23rd Street S. after departing its previous Crystal City kiosk at 1601 Crystal Drive. The D.C.-based chain, known for its affordability and award-winning falafel, replaces a bank that closed in 2023.


Around Town

Ruthie’s All-Day and Our Mom Eugenia made it in The Washington Post’s new “40 Best Restaurants in and Around D.C.” list.

Departing Post food critic Tom Sietsema featured the two restaurants in his annual list of the top 40 restaurants across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, which came out yesterday (Wednesday).


Around Town

A week of countywide dining deals kicks off on Monday with the return of the annual Arlington Restaurant Week.

Over 80 Arlington restaurants plan to offer discounts, specials and prix fixe meals from Oct. 13-20 as part of the yearly promotion by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Participants range from fast-casual to formal dining and include local favorites like The Italian Store.


Around Town

An award-winning Thai restaurant from Reston is laying the groundwork for a new location in Crystal City.

Tiki Thai has signed a lease on the ground floor of Reva at 244 19th Court S. and plans to fill one of the apartment’s empty retail bays within a year, owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar told ARLnow.


Around Town

After a nine-month stint as a Caribbean restaurant, Lesly’s Restaurant Bar and Grill has returned to its previous owner and nixed its new menu in Falls Church.

The restaurant at 306 Hillwood Avenue has returned to its roots as a Latin American restaurant and nightlife spot following a dispute in management, departing owner Ricky Bartlette told ARLnow. The eatery has reinstated its previous offerings, which include entrees like carne asada and a variety of fajitas and tacos.


Around Town

An upcoming Thai restaurant in Falls Church is offering a sneak peek of its offerings this weekend.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery is currently under construction at 180 W. Falls Station Blvd, but it will make an appearance at the West Falls Grand Opening and Fall Fest this Sunday. Owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar plans to offer free samples before the restaurant’s projected 2026 opening.


Around Town

A combination halal steakhouse and peri peri chicken shop is closing in Crystal City, leaving its space to a Nashville-inspired chicken and burger chain.

Peri Peri Original & Kallisto Steakhouse plans to shutter sometime next month, owner Zayan Abbasi told ARLnow. Soon after, it will be converted into a new location for Abbasi’s expanding Nash and Smashed franchise.


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