Local Guides World

Top Restaurants in Arlington, United States

Top Rated Restaurants in Arlington

Top Reviewed Restaurants in Arlington

Nestled in the vibrant state of Virginia, Arlington is not only known for its historical landmarks and cultural diversity but also its thriving culinary scene. With a wide range of dining options, from classic American fare to international cuisines, Arlington offers a delightful array of restaurants that cater to every palate. In this article, we'll take you on a gastronomic journey to explore the must-see restaurants in Arlington, where you can savor a variety of flavors and create unforgettable dining experiences.

1. Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery

Our culinary journey begins with Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, a southern-inspired restaurant that offers a taste of the Louisiana bayou. Indulge in classics like gumbo, beignets, and po'boys in a cozy setting.

2. Ambar Clarendon

For lovers of Balkan cuisine, Ambar Clarendon is a must-visit. This restaurant brings the flavors of the Balkans to Arlington, serving small plates and traditional dishes that capture the essence of Eastern Europe.

3. Rustico Restaurant & Bar

Rustico Restaurant & Bar is a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. With a menu that combines artisanal pizzas, hearty burgers, and an extensive beer selection, it's a go-to spot for a relaxed dining experience.

4. Pupatella

Pupatella is a Neapolitan pizzeria that offers authentic Italian pizza with a thin, crisp crust. Enjoy classic Margherita or explore creative toppings in a casual and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Samantha's Restaurant

Samantha's Restaurant is a family-owned establishment that specializes in classic American comfort food. From fluffy pancakes to savory omelets, it's the perfect spot for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

6. Yayla Bistro

Yayla Bistro offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. With a diverse menu that includes kebabs, mezes, and baklava, this restaurant provides a taste of the Mediterranean.

7. Chasin' Tails

For seafood lovers, Chasin' Tails is a top choice. This Cajun-inspired seafood restaurant lets you dive into flavorful boils of shrimp, crab, and crawfish, all in a fun and interactive dining setting.

8. Barley Mac

Barley Mac is a contemporary American restaurant that combines classic dishes with modern flair. Explore a menu of comfort food, including mac 'n' cheese and burgers, in a stylish atmosphere.

9. Jaleo Crystal City

Jaleo Crystal City is a renowned Spanish restaurant created by Chef José Andrés. Experience the vibrant and diverse flavors of Spain, from tapas to paella, in an energetic and welcoming environment.

10. Ambar Clarendon

Ambar Clarendon is worth mentioning again, as it offers an all-you-can-eat Balkan experience that's perfect for those looking to savor a wide variety of Balkan dishes.

In Conclusion

Arlington's culinary scene is a reflection of its diverse and multicultural community. These must-see restaurants offer a window into the city's gastronomic tapestry, featuring flavors from the American South, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and more. Whether you're indulging in Cajun boils, savoring Neapolitan pizza, or exploring the tastes of Spain, Arlington's restaurants provide a diverse range of memorable dining experiences. Come and uncover the culinary treasures of this vibrant city and create lasting memories with every bite.

Reviews

I wasn’t really impressed or inspired from this bakery and cafe. It felt very stereotypical and doesn’t embody the bayou spirit. I don’t want to say I was disappointed, but compared to the other cafes in the area it’s average. Perfect for jumping in, getting what you want, and dipping out. The staff was absolutely amazing, bubbly, patient, and knowledgeable about the menu and beverages. I had ordered after a tremendously difficult customer and still received immaculate service. Kudos to them, gave a big tip.
Rebecca Davis
at 2024 Jan 08
Rebecca Davis
at 2024 Jan 08
Food was really good. Service was sparse. Highly recommend the French fries and corn bread!
Nicole Turner
at 2024 Jan 07
Nicole Turner
at 2024 Jan 07
My waitress was great, she brought over a complementary parfait and asked about nut allergies (which I have) before serving it to me. Unfortunately, the portion of my meal wasn't great and I left still feeling hungry. I had breakfast sandwich from the brunch menu which remind me of a similar sandwich at Starbucks (I would've enjoyed the Starbucks sandwich more honestly). I was down to the remaining sandwich in my hand when someone working walked by grabbed my plate and asked to take my plate before I could finish my food. I didn't appreciate that.
Ashleigh Conrad
at 2024 Jan 05
Ashleigh Conrad
at 2024 Jan 05
My friends and I had an absolutely amazing NYE celebration dinner at SER! The staff was incredibly friendly and greeted us for our reservation and sat us immediately. We all loved the lively atmosphere getting ready to ring in 2024. But where we were truly blown away is both in service and food! Our waiter, Moises, went ABOVE and beyond for us. He was able to work with the bartender to slightly customize one of their cocktails for one of us and it was spectacular. He also gave us great advice in selecting a wine in our budget that paired perfectly with everything we ordered. My boyfriend was obsessed with the smoke in his old fashioned and Moises packed up a small sample of the wood chips they use in that smoker for us to try at home. We didn’t even ask for it, he just went and brought it to our table. I’ve never felt more welcomed and truly taken care of by wait staff like that! Moises is clearly someone who loves his job and the smallest gesture shows that. Now to the food. It was all OUTSTANDING. We all shared a few tapas (super fresh and tender octopus, Catalonian tomato bread, and croquettes) and then split the paella and the rabbit. Truly, this was some of the best Spanish food I’ve ever had outside of Europe. We finished with the Manchengo Cheesecake which is a must try (even if you’re not a big sweets fan, it was so good). We can’t wait to come back for more! Thank you to Moises and the whole team at SER for making it a perfect celebration!
Zachary Silvis
at 2024 Jan 02
Zachary Silvis
at 2024 Jan 02
Very busy and crowded, difficult to find a table. But the food and beer was excellent, and the Toast ordering method worked well.
Spence Boyer
at 2023 Dec 30
Spence Boyer
at 2023 Dec 30
Atmosphere is always awesome. Beer is great and easy to use QR codes. Wheel chair accessible, my grandma loves to watch football here, and dogs can hangout outside. Great place to go to watch a game, grab a beer and some food
It wasn't all that busy tonight. The large parties got all the attention. Didn't get asked after getting our food if we needed anything. Didn't get asked if we needed a drink refill until after our main course was over. The food was amazing but definitely portioned so you could do multiple courses with sides. Good thing we didn't need to order anything else since that would have meant physically hunting down the waiter. He was a good server and gave good recommendations, just need him to drop by a few more times.

I did love the Christmas decorations! So well done!
MC
at 2023 Dec 25
MC
at 2023 Dec 25
Everything was super delicious but the Mac-n-cheese tasted more like flour I'd say (maybe fresh noodles?) and the chicken piccata was just ok so I hate to say I could do the same at home as it wasn't remarkable unfortunately. We did come in at 8:30 (kitchen closes at 9:00) but there should still be attention to every single food item. Steaks were cooked per requests and other appetizers were spot on. Atmosphere is beautiful whether for a romantic date or getting together with friends.
Enjoyed the delicious brunch here on a Saturday morning. We were surprised that we were the only ones in the entire restaurant two days before Christmas. We ordered chicken and waffles, the breakfast sandwich, and the mimosa! Our wonderful server brought us over yogurt parfait as a free treat while we waited for our meals. Excellent customer service! Would highly recommend as the prices were not too high.
Valerie Hermes
at 2023 Dec 22
Valerie Hermes
at 2023 Dec 22
I absolutely adore the green pig bistro! I went on a blind date for brunch and the food was delicious. I live close by so I walked over for a happy hour and was so delighted !! Excellent food and drink prices. The atmosphere is so cozy yet elegant. I will definitely be a regular here !!
R T
at 2023 Dec 17
R T
at 2023 Dec 17
Great place ...happy me and few friends found this spot. Staff could be a bit more friendly and engaging

Ps: they did charge us for more drinks than we drank but we had them correct it. That was not cool. Check your receipts !!
Alan Stinar
at 2023 Dec 17
Alan Stinar
at 2023 Dec 17
The only con: The host practically ignored my question about my reservation and really looked like he didn't wanna do any part of his job.

The pros: old fashioned was outstanding, highly recommended. Smoked wings and green goddess sauce was perfectly cooked and really hit the spot. Other folks in my party loved the house eggnog and recommended it.

The food, drinks and server were top notch. Will definitely eat here next time we're in town.
I’m sitting down here now. Eating the food is marvelous. The fries are great. The burger is just right. I’m so happy and thankful today. Thanks to the manager as well. Thanks to my server for giving amazing service and understanding my pickiness 😩
MRS
at 2023 Dec 14
MRS
at 2023 Dec 14
Because of all the good reviews and the neat looking website I decided to go here, but nothing was as neat as they let it seem.

I had a black angus bacon cheeseburger and a side of fries which was a complete let down. The bread was dry, the meat was more rare than medium, very under seasoned and dry. The side of fries was fried more than once making them not better.

Besides that the table was not clean, they do have a lot if staff but no none of them attentive enough.

All in all a letdown.
Marissa Craig
at 2023 Dec 12
Marissa Craig
at 2023 Dec 12
The brunch is a fun experience. The drink package is an extra $15 and 25c per drink. The brisket and avocado toast was so good! Wish they had better seasonal decorations but overall it was an escalated experience.
Tianling Wan
at 2023 Dec 09
Tianling Wan
at 2023 Dec 09
My experience here was awesome. Love the food, the steak was delicious and the sides are very creative. There are cabbage with bacon and potato chips cooked in a lasagna-like way. Although the steak didn’t seem entirely well done as I requested, it didn’t seem like a big deal to me. The price is also reasonable.
Irene Walshe
at 2023 Dec 02
Irene Walshe
at 2023 Dec 02
Loved this restaurant for the atmosphere , food and service. We had the gluten free pork chop, a huge delicious portion which I shared, the Caesar salad needed a bit more dressing, and the huge, cooked to perfection hamburger. The place was packed on Friday, but we had a reservation. Otherwise, I heard that the waiting time was 1 hour. Nice wine and cocktails. Excellent service.
Earth2 Lana
at 2023 Dec 02
Earth2 Lana
at 2023 Dec 02
Had clams and shrimp as an appetizer, nothing to special about. Also had a mushroom dish with egg that was flavorful and potatoes. I must say I haven’t had such a great tasting Paella since I went to Spain!! It was so good. The ginger soda is fresh and the ginger in it wasn’t overwhelming for my taste bud. So I would also recommend trying the soda.
Monica Palma
at 2023 Nov 21
Monica Palma
at 2023 Nov 21
Love this restaurant top tier service, food is always good, drink menu is amazing! Tapas on point and the vibe is just 10/10. Is always on top on my list pf restaurants in Arlington 🙌🏻
Alex Neubert
at 2023 Nov 19
Alex Neubert
at 2023 Nov 19
We met a party for a reservation and they were already seated so that went quickly. Drinks and appetizers were ordered quickly, but then the waiter disappeared for what seemed like longer than expected as we were sitting with empty plates and glasses for awhile waiting to order main courses. Overall the food was excellent.
I stopped in here while working for a local hotel to pick up to go breakfast and lunch. I got the seasonal soup which was butternut squash beignets and a pistachio latte. The service was quick and friendly, the beignets were larger than I got when I was in New Orleans and a little denser but they were delicious.
Tasha Fuller
at 2023 Nov 14
Tasha Fuller
at 2023 Nov 14
This is my first experience with this restaurant and my husband brought me something to go. The Monday special, and one would think because it’s the special it would be the one thing that the kitchen would get right. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. As you can see from the photos all of my check and biscuits were burnt and extremely greasy. So disappointed. But let’s not stop there. The collard greens were bathed in vinegar. They tasted as if someone poured the whole bottle in the pot, and don’t even think about the mac and cheese. What! The noodles were over cooked and they used some type of white shredded cheese that was sour. If southern comfort food is not your specialty, please don’t try to sell it.
Stopped in for casual breakfast with a friend and was not disappointed. The beignets were appropriately buried in sugar. Definitely recommend the biscuits and pepper jelly. Everything was good though.
Pedro M.
at 2023 Nov 07
Pedro M.
at 2023 Nov 07
I had a wonderful experience at Wilson Hardware in Arlington, VA. The ambiance was stylish and inviting, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. The food was delicious, and they had a great selection of drinks. The attention to detail and the overall atmosphere made my visit truly enjoyable. I highly recommend this spot for a great dining experience in Arlington.
Carla Carlas
at 2023 Nov 03
Carla Carlas
at 2023 Nov 03
I ordered a beet salad which I order at many restaurants. I love beets. The beets that they put in there were pickled and tasted terrible. Really ruined a beautiful salad otherwise. And the piece of salmon that I had put on top was not fresh. So had more of a fishy smell. The menu didn't even describe the salad as having pickled beets. The oysters were superb though. As was the chicken sausage flatbread. The decor is pretty bland and not appealing at all. The lighting is terrible.
Richard Dally
at 2023 Nov 03
Richard Dally
at 2023 Nov 03
The service was really great. The burger slider was really, really good.

If in the area I recommend stopping in for sure. I wish I would have tried more food.
Nate B
at 2023 Nov 01
Nate B
at 2023 Nov 01
We enjoyed this place. Service was great. Pizza was not good. We had the meat lovers. It was like having a frozen pizza at home with prosciutto on top. Great decor. I would recommend this place.
Pretty nice spot. Beignets were good not great. They were kind of tough instead of delicate. Coffee just OK. Other food was good (avocado Benedict), but the portion was small for my hunger level. Also didn’t love that practically every table had a sign that says it’s for 3-4 people. Sorry I am by myself!
Greg Page
at 2023 Oct 31
Greg Page
at 2023 Oct 31
Cool atmosphere with lots of nostalgia on the walls. We had the (,huge) chicken pot pie & the fantastic chicken sandwich, both very good. Service was great & helpful. Definitely a must-try, we'll be back! And the prices are very reasonable for the metro area.
Treasure Island
at 2023 Oct 25
Treasure Island
at 2023 Oct 25
This place is always busy especially on the weekend, but we were curious so we decided to try it on Saturday.
We ordered shrimp and grits, a black Angus cheeseburger and a sticky toffee pudding cake.
The shrimp and grits have a hot sauce and tomato sauce base which was good but not our favorite flavor, but if you like the tomatoe sauce base, you would love it.
The cheeseburger was ok and pretty typical of a nice bistro. It was much better than a cheaper place but a little under seasoned.
The pudding cake was pretty underwhelming as it seemed like a bit dried out spice cake swimming in sweetened condensed milk. The carmel topping and the corn flakes were good, but all in all I would not get this one again.
Janice F
at 2023 Oct 23
Janice F
at 2023 Oct 23
An old favorite in Arlington. The menu always entices with inventive choices and the atmosphere is comfy and friendly. The salmon was fantastic.
Jacob Blandford
at 2023 Oct 22
Jacob Blandford
at 2023 Oct 22
First time here for Restaurant Week and their 5”4 course meal was fantastic! The duck breast charcuterie was amazing. The mushroom ragout had so much flavor. Skip the wagyu sliders, they were just okay but the ceviche was delicious! Cocktails were delicious too. And the art, music and aesthetic made it an enjoyable environment to eat in.
Brian
at 2023 Oct 20
Brian
at 2023 Oct 20
Two South street Satan’s Pony Amber Ales before meeting friends for dinner at Gyu San BBQ around the corner. Great atmosphere, lively, strong happy hour. Only had time for one round but will certainly return and look forward to having dinner here on the next trip through. This place was cool. Keep up the great work Bronson Bierhall and thank you.
Patricia
at 2023 Oct 10
Patricia
at 2023 Oct 10
Had the ricotta ravioli and they were delicious. On their own they weren’t very flavorful, but the sauce was excellent (mildly salty at times but this is usual when eating out at American restaurants overall I fear). The zucchini on the bottom were delicious and went well with the rest of the dish. I’m used to getting only a few pieces of ravioli that are not that great, even at well rated restaurants, so I was happily surprised by these. I feel like getting ravioli is a test of how good the restaurant is - so this one will be worth coming back to for a second time. Service was excellent and the inside is spacious enough that it feels like a good meeting spot. Not too loud, good lighting for an evening meal.
Nice spot for an eclectic menu with southern influences. From scratch sausage biscuit, beignets, hearty salad all good. The cream cheese croissant did not work for me. The decor is really cool
i came here for a birthday brunch with my partner and best friend after a night of partying. the atmosphere was everything, incredibly cozy and welcoming. we all got different signature meals off the brunch menu and tasted eachothers and everything was amazing. also beignets to share, which ive never seen such large ones haha. it's a bit of a drive from where we live, but id absolutely make the trip again for a nice brunch date. the bathrooms were clean, customer service was good, the system for ordering and putting dirty dishes away was easy and efficient. i guess my only complaint would be that they close so early on a saturday! we could easily have spent another hour there chatting over coffee.
Linda A.
at 2023 Sep 28
Linda A.
at 2023 Sep 28
I have had the pleasure of dining here a few times. It is mostly shareable small plates. The prices aren’t too bad themselves. At night time, there is a DJ who played some really good music. There are also art works to check out. I loved the vibe and the atmosphere here. Taste-wise, the food was good as well. They give you a decent portion so that you can truly share it. I would definitely dine again!
Pelumi Olaleye
at 2023 Sep 27
Pelumi Olaleye
at 2023 Sep 27
First time visiting. Great place for various occasions. Also good for kids. Lots of finger foods to choose from. Disappointed that mussels was on the menu but was not available for order the night I went. I highly recommend.
William Slauson
at 2023 Sep 16
William Slauson
at 2023 Sep 16
We did the restaurant week lunch prix fixe. The salad was good but not exceptional, the duck confit was great, the swordfish was average and the hangar steak was nicely cooked. The deserts were uneven. The chocolate flan was good but predictable, but the "French toast" I ordered was soggy, cold and burned at the same time. The selection of teas looked nice but the sugar lumps were awkward to use. Water came in those flip-top glass bottles, but at least it was filtered. The really good stuff was not part of the prix fixe. The house made sodas were excellent, but $6 a pop and the cheese plate was fun to share but $35 for 6 cheeses with accompaniments. The cheeses were described as Spanish in origin and were of good quality, but I have purchased similar products at high end grocery stores for much less money. I think I would have felt happier about the price if the restaurant cut the quantity of cheese in half and added a few pieces of the Jamon Spain is so famous for. The restaurant did kind of randomly give us a ham, egg and cheese sandwich, so that was nice. The complimentary bread and olive oil was also fantastic.
Service was friendly and our waiter was pleasant and approachable. I did not feel neglected or snubbed as a non wealthy person enjoying a rare treat with his family.
I would definitely come back. It would be a good place for a formal dinner in the evenings, but they also seem like a nice place to grab a quick lunch during the work day. This place has the basics down and they seem to have built a good foundation on top of them.
Will Miller
at 2023 Sep 13
Will Miller
at 2023 Sep 13
We started off for the great corn chowder and lobster kind of soup. The chicken and salmon entrees were good but not to the level of the soup. Which was a bit disappointing. Service was good and a quiet atmosphere.
rachel
at 2023 Sep 08
rachel
at 2023 Sep 08
Charlotte was my bartender, she was fantastic in so many ways. I bartend as well, and as a result put all my money and my wedding ring wrapped in a napkin when things get busy at my job. So when I went to pay my tab, the napkin slipped out and I left it on the bar and left. I called them up about 35 min later after I got home and I realized what I had done. In a panic I called to see if they found it. Bless Charlotte, she said she did feel something in a napkin and went through the trash for it!!!!! And found it!!! She put it in an envelope in the safe for me to pick up today, which I just did. You don’t see that kind of honesty these days and when I deeply thanked her, she said “it’s just the right thing to do.” She went above and beyond for me and it’s something I will never forget. I left her a note with my information so I can thank her properly, right thing to do or not she deserves some recognition for going through all that trouble, and not to mention the trash. The hummus was good too, quite different but I liked it. Side note: the bathrooms are always super clean and I really enjoy the deep lighting, they also have quite a nice selection of beers on draft, i ordered a strawberry cider I believe and it was really nice. So in conclusion, Charlotte is a keeper, I hope you all treat her well bc finding someone you can trust behind the bar is very difficult. So again thank you.
Adam Horn
at 2023 Sep 02
Adam Horn
at 2023 Sep 02
Paul is the best bartender our group has ever had. Hit hospitality has been fantastic! Highly recommend this bar for everything from drinks to food! Can’t wait to come back!!
Bjorn
at 2023 Sep 02
Bjorn
at 2023 Sep 02
Such a nice experience. Food was incredible. We got the Truffle Fries, Bourbon Tips and Ravioli. All are winners. Service was great, Deanna was super personable and friendly. We both agreed we hadn't had food this good since Italy (perhaps we don't go out enough). We both agreed the Bourbon Tips were 10/10. As you can see we ate literally everything.
Would recommend! Have been here for both brunch and dinner. Honest food, brought out piping hot. Fast and friendly service. Love the indoor club-vibe, ground floor terrace outside seating and also rooftop seating areas.
Jordyn Ramsey
at 2023 Aug 21
Jordyn Ramsey
at 2023 Aug 21
Amazing resturant for any day, but came here for my boyfriends birthday dinner. Lovely atmosphere and the service was great. Felt a little rushed, but overall very nice and helpful. We got the ribeye for two with the potato’s, mushrooms and salad. All delicious. We had the lobster and heart of palms and cornbread with maple butter appetizer. Highly recommend. Will definitely be coming back.
sonya velasquez
at 2023 Aug 15
sonya velasquez
at 2023 Aug 15
Very nice!! It is a pretty big location. DJ’s are worth it, a mix of everything. Bottle service is I've as well as cleaning service. Most club bathrooms are nasty. This one is decent, and bottles and cups are picked up throughout the night. Definitely, a lovely place to go on a Thursday for Hispanic nights!
Walter J. Herrera
at 2023 Aug 11
Walter J. Herrera
at 2023 Aug 11
Went for a fun Thursday night, they played a lot of great songs. Modern and old reggaeton from the early 2000’s, as well as bachata, some salsa and merengue. it’s a Spanish night on Thursday’s. Very cute waitresses and excellent service. The bar area is very crowded and takes time to get drinks from the bar but most DC and Arlington bars are like that anyways. We didn’t eat so I’m not sure about the food. Had a great time overall 🙌🏼
Pedro M.
at 2023 Aug 11
Pedro M.
at 2023 Aug 11
Rhodeside Grill exceeded my expectations! The cozy yet lively atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a great meal. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes, and the food itself is nothing short of delicious. I particularly enjoyed the friendly service and the way the staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. The live music added an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Rhodeside Grill is a gem for anyone seeking tasty food, good vibes, and a memorable time.
brelc1997
at 2023 Aug 06
brelc1997
at 2023 Aug 06
This place literally has the best food ever. Paul is so nice and he treated our group so well. The bar has live music at night so we will definitely be back for that.
erik kniaz
at 2023 Aug 05
erik kniaz
at 2023 Aug 05
The bratwurst was delicious and the pretzels are massive! The caprese pretzel was divine! Highly recommended
Mikkela T
at 2023 Aug 03
Mikkela T
at 2023 Aug 03
The old hardware store eventually caved, and this eatery replaced it. The food is good. The service is good. The atmosphere is good. Solid. Wait staff were very attentive with the water refills and fixing the wonky leg on the table. Overcooked burger was replaced. This place serves all American food.
Carolyn De Melo
at 2023 Aug 03
Carolyn De Melo
at 2023 Aug 03
My mocktail was one of the best I've ever had, so they have a truly talented bartender. I found the food very hit or miss, in that it was either amazing or just okay, but nothing was bad at all. Service was excellent. Suckling pig was expensive but very very tasty and well prepared.
Alanna
at 2023 Jul 30
Alanna
at 2023 Jul 30
One of my favorite places in Ballston! There's always a great selection of beer on tap for a reasonable price, especially during happy hour. The cheese curds are one of the best things I have ever tasted! There's indoor and outdoor seating available and the service here is always incredibly fast. Lots of nights they also have live music.
Casey McVicker
at 2023 Jul 24
Casey McVicker
at 2023 Jul 24
The food at the Renegade is SO delicious! We ate some tangy guacamole with chips, juicy harissa chicken that was also cooked Peruvian style, these wonderful steak kabob things, truly mouthwatering jerk chicken, and the gooiest chocolate brownie you've ever seen. You cannot top the quality of this food, and the staff are so friendly and welcoming. And it's right by the Clarendon metro station! Definitely give it a try--you will not regret it!
Wei He
at 2023 Jul 22
Wei He
at 2023 Jul 22
"An absolute delight, thanks to my friends! Their favorite Spanish spot did not disappoint. The standout dish for me? The seafood paella- it's bursting with clams, shrimp, octopus - you name it. Every dish is a must-try. But beware of the bread, it's dangerously tasty for a pre-meal treat 😉. Their sangria is next level - fruit integrated into ice cubes that melt as you sip. The vibe's perfect for group hangouts or cozy dates. Can't wait to try their outdoor seating next time I'm in town.
Brenda Donlin
at 2023 Jul 15
Brenda Donlin
at 2023 Jul 15
Great place with a cool, artsy vibe. Our server was attentive and engaging. Tried several drinks and dishes and were not disappointed with anything. Hope to come back soon to try their brunch.
This place has a good vibe! Love the live music on the weekends, food is ok but I don't like to be forced to leave a specific percentage of tip. I always leave a good tip according to the service. If the service is good I can leave even more of what they want to force me to do!
Krish P
at 2023 Jul 11
Krish P
at 2023 Jul 11
Good music and atmosphere, and a great alternative if you want to avoid DC. Bartender was a bit clueless on what flavor High Noons they have on hand, but I guess when you have fake lips and look like a duck you can do whatever right? Great place to get high off weed without actually smoking it cus every other person had a joint lit. Overall decent spot, will definitely be back !
Julio Quintero
at 2023 Jul 08
Julio Quintero
at 2023 Jul 08
The staff here is super friendly and very helpful. The food more than just bar food and the drinks are definitely good and the atmosphere very unique. I feel like I’m a spot in NYC and love that you can purchase the art on display as well.
Renita S.
at 2023 Jul 03
Renita S.
at 2023 Jul 03
Had a reservation for brunch and was seated immediately. Server was nice and food came out quickly. Food was not served as hot as I would've liked but it was ok. The coffee was the worst! It was bitter and I could not drink it. There is a real missed opportunity to have good coffee drink options during brunch. They have an extensive alcohol menu but a limited coffee menu. I had to leave there and go get coffee... smh
Red P.
at 2023 Jun 25
Red P.
at 2023 Jun 25
What an intimate and nice-looking space!
I met up with a friend for hookah and drinks and had a great time. The waitress was extremely nice, answered our questions about the drinks, and made some great recommendations!
My only gripe is that the price is crazy expensive, and they have a "mandatory drink or bottle purchase" later in the evening. We were asked to pay, or leave, or move. It kind of ruined the evening for us, so we left.
Being from the world of entertainment as a audio engineer Darna is hands down the best club in the DMV right now definitely the 🐐🐐🐐of the decade extremely upscale energetic and positive vibes… from the light system to the decor even the bootle girls super professional also the sound system EQ damn near to perfection and tons of fun… APP Security🫡🫡🫡
Edith Martinez
at 2023 Jun 25
Edith Martinez
at 2023 Jun 25
This restaurant was very elegant Lee decorated. There were a bunch of art pieces hung up that were very abstract,modern at the same time. We sat at a round table very comfortably the view was very nice. DJ Gonzo was playing music which really set up the atmosphere vibe my 19-year-old daughter and I enjoyed our brunch date we will be returning because the food was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was very fun and not overly too loud With the music choices and really liked the attention of the waitresses that were walking around checking up on us constantly.
Mimi
at 2023 Jun 24
Mimi
at 2023 Jun 24
This place is hopping!! Fun atmosphere and great ambiance!! Despite the crowds, the service was tremendous!! You order at your table via QR code and it seems like seconds when your drink orders arrive. There were a couple of times I needed special orders and the bartenders did not disappoint. They listened and were very accommodating!! The sausages were a little dry, but flavorful. The pretzel, fries (ordered twice) and pizza hit the spot for our group. A little loud, but a very fun gathering place!!

Ballston and nearby metros. Easy access.
Wanita Niehaus
at 2023 Jun 16
Wanita Niehaus
at 2023 Jun 16
So much fun to be had salsa dancing on a Monday night. Way above average bar food...I had falal bites which were perfect for a little nosh. Other items looked great too. The crowd was lovely, casual and a lot of fun. Band was lively and played forever. Plenty of street parking after 7, or garage parking nearby too. I'll be back!
Rachel Brock
at 2023 Jun 14
Rachel Brock
at 2023 Jun 14
Pretzels were good. Everything else was mediocre. My sandwich and fries were room temperature. Had to ask for ice for water. Service was poor. Our server started as one person who never came back and then someone else filled in. Had to get her attention a few times. Much more expensive than it should be. Thankfully we got lucky and came when kids ate free and pretzels were half off. Even with those discounts, Dinner was the same price as it cost all of us to eat somewhere else the night before.
Tatiana Russell
at 2023 Jun 09
Tatiana Russell
at 2023 Jun 09
Rhodeside has been a neighborhood staple for many years. Reliably good food, friendly service, they stay busy with the locals and visitors alike. I believe they also host stand up events. The $1 oyster special on Thursday is unbeatable, although I found they oysters subpar.
Daniel Arreaza
at 2023 May 31
Daniel Arreaza
at 2023 May 31
Great discovery. The food was just amazing. We had the Magret de Pato and the Presa de cerdo ibérico ahumada and the Goxua for dessert. The specialty cocktails were also great, the diablo and another one with gin and blackberry but I don't remember the name. We were served by Christian and he was just so nice and gave us great recommendations. We'll be back.
Haydar Celik
at 2023 May 07
Haydar Celik
at 2023 May 07
Food is impressively good.
Live music is amazing. On Monday, I listened the best salsa band in recent years in DMV. Will definitely go back if the same band plays.
Natalie Neal
at 2023 Apr 23
Natalie Neal
at 2023 Apr 23
What a fantastic experience! We tried so many dishes and every one of them was amazing. Our favorites were probably the langosteen's and the raw tuna dish, but I also loved that they had whole grilled sardines which are so hard to find around here. The fried shark bites were okay, I'm glad we tried them but I probably wouldn't get them again. The salted cod fritters were a wonderful surprise, and not salty at all. They were perfectly seasoned and fried, with a light citrus background to compliment the fritter. The salads were perfectly dressed, not too rich and just enough to accompany the tapas. I highly recommend trying the olive bread with olive oil and a couple drops of fresh lemon juice to accompany your meal. So glad to have experienced dinner at SER!
Jeff P
at 2023 Apr 13
Jeff P
at 2023 Apr 13
Really good for happy hour. Food was affordable and well executed. Had some decent beer on tap but not as many as other beer halls I've been to in the area. One note is that the noise level inside was positively deafening. So if you have any interest in talking to other members of your party and don't want to shout, you're going want to sit outside.
Tatiana Russell
at 2023 Apr 11
Tatiana Russell
at 2023 Apr 11
Love this wine bar (they have amazing cocktails, too). Somewhat limited food menu, but I don’t consider it a full restaurant. The gallery is fun, they have different artist exhibitions and DJ on weekend nights! I enjoyed celebrating my birthday there 😊
Reare A
at 2023 Mar 20
Reare A
at 2023 Mar 20
The place was good. Everyone is very friendly. Nice place to go on date and dance, especially if you're Latina 💃 🕺 no free parking.
TheNaeKu
at 2023 Mar 20
TheNaeKu
at 2023 Mar 20
The food was amazing. The server was great. Very comfortable environment, and the Rhodeside Slushy was just what I needed. Made me feel a bit jiggly. I like that. Fried oreo trio? Mercy.
Shaunica A.
at 2023 Mar 19
Shaunica A.
at 2023 Mar 19
Had brunch today with a few awesome ladies from work. Service and food were both great. Would like to give a big thank you to Melanie for going above and beyond to accommodate a last minute +1 to our reservation. That was very nice of her!
Unacceptable carry out. I ordered the smoked Turkey club WITHOUT onions and a side of tomato soup that comes with croutons. What I received was a half cup of soup without croutons on the side in a container. I hadn’t looked at the sandwich yet when I made the first call. I asked about the croutons and was told by a very rude young lady that “croutons were not added because they may become soggy.” I asked “why weren’t they placed in a separate bag, as the French fries were for a side to the sandwich?” Her response “because we don’t do that, is there anything else?” I said “oh yes I’m not paying for this soup take it off my bill and I will be calling my credit card company to dispute this 8.00 charge.” She agreed to take it off and then I opened the sandwich container and ONIONS are on it. I called back and of course they didn’t answer so called my credit card company and they will be disputing the charge for the sandwich as well. I will get the full refund but imagine if I had paid cash? I will never, ever order food from here again. There are too many great restaurants for carry out or dining in, in Arlington.

UPDATE: Having read the response from the business, I find it both unacceptable and slanderous. I do not believe referring to an employee as a female dog as foul language. If an employee acts as a mongrel I will point it out. I have no interest in giving this so called “restaurant “ a second chance. “Smokecraft BBQ” is the one I should have ordered from again. So much for giving local businesses a chance.
Nermin Kibrislioglu Uysal
at 2023 Feb 25
Nermin Kibrislioglu Uysal
at 2023 Feb 25
Short rib sandwich and popper peppers were quite delicious.
Regular fries were super salty. Trufle fries were better but you do not taste trufle much.
Truly amazed by this restaurant! Great portions, flavors, and value for your money! Tried the Mr. T sandwich, Mac and cheese and of course the beignets. The beignets have authentic New Orleans flavor and are fresh. Can’t recommend this place enough. Truly a gem in Arlington! 10/10 service, decor and food 🤩🤩🤩 please note that a lot of their dishes have bacon in the case you don’t want bacon.
Stephanie Chin
at 2022 Dec 06
Stephanie Chin
at 2022 Dec 06
There are a variety of cuisines on the menu ranging from Southern, Thai, Korean, Greek and Bar fare. We have sampled most dishes on the menu and they're all delicious. The fried chicken, pretzels and queso, ribs, lemon grass beef and corn dogs are 'some' of our favorites. Renegades is a great place to hang and have yummy food!
TIFFANY DC
at 2022 Nov 07
TIFFANY DC
at 2022 Nov 07
I’ve gone to Darna a billion times over the years and there is always good drinks, great people, awesome music, and amazing vibes. If you’re hungry for a delicious bite and great decor and beats, come here!
ben l
at 2022 Nov 02
ben l
at 2022 Nov 02
Amazing art and the open kitchen is wonderful. The vibe is just refreshing...come check out it.

The murals plaster the ceilings, the hallways, the kitchen, and they have canvas tastefully spread out in the middle of the floor which is a nice touch. Oftentimes the art is just hung discreetly off to the side and to most patrons it's just background noise.. An afterthought. When it's front and center, you can't help but walk by and take a nice gander.

The food is almost an accessory to the art. No complaints here but it's the art that takes the main stage here. When I visited, you had @woes, @imagine876 (Nepali artist) and @dragon76art as the main artists.
Claire Hamilton
at 2022 Oct 18
Claire Hamilton
at 2022 Oct 18
Definitely recommend happy hour! It gets pretty busy at dinner time so we went a little early and still had a great experience. The happy hour menu has a tasty selection and the service was really fast!
D R
at 2022 Sep 13
D R
at 2022 Sep 13
This was my first time going there. I had a great time. They had a band that played great music, had me dancing the whole night. The food was good.
Desire G
at 2022 Sep 11
Desire G
at 2022 Sep 11
Decided to finally try out this place today since I wasn’t too far from the establishment and I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the drink I got. I ordered the kama Sutra drink and it was pretty good. I came for the bao buns, I got the shrimp tempura, braised pork belly and short rib bao buns…they were delicious. I ordered bulgolgi fries and took them to go they were good but got too much of a kick to it for me so next time i’d do without the kimchi and sauce. I ordered the chicken lo mein for my son and it DID NOT MISS! The establishment was pretty clean and the staff were courteous…the chair my son was on was broken (we did not notice) & one of the staff members and a security came up to us inspecting the quality of the chair and asked to switch out the chair. My experience was good.
Stephanie Justiniano
at 2022 Aug 29
Stephanie Justiniano
at 2022 Aug 29
You definitely want to come here! Geo was our bartender and he made EXCELLENT margaritas and green tea shooters! The food was exceptional. They have a fun vibe, with an outdoor patio/ bar. Service was fast and friendly. Geo took the time to come to our table and talk with us. Loved the bulgolgi fries (really delicious and unique) and drinks were strong (that's a plus!) and the buns were delicious! Definitely a new favorite spot!
Shawanda Robinson
at 2022 Aug 23
Shawanda Robinson
at 2022 Aug 23
We had hookah & a bottle of champagne; didn’t dine because we just left brunch. The food looked good from what we saw; will have food next time & update review. We had a vip hookah (cant remember flavor) it was very smooth & long lasting. They periodically the change coals without needing to be prompted 👍🏽The deejay was awesome & played a good variety of genres. Be sure to get your id & credit card back; we got caught up in the moment & the person who paid didn’t realize until the next day that our server never returned those items; even at checkout. Other than that mishap, everything else was good & I would go again.
Cliff Rush
at 2022 Jul 17
Cliff Rush
at 2022 Jul 17
Buns are delicious. I tried the short rib, shrimp and fried chicken ( a little spicy) and all were great. Chicken fried rice is also a no-brainer to order. Service was on-point and atmosphere was lively. If you're just going there for the food, I would say to get there before eight pm. Overall great place for food, drinks and music. Not a family restaurant.
Vivian Cam
at 2022 Jul 12
Vivian Cam
at 2022 Jul 12
Food was great. Parking is a nightmare! We went there because google listed that this "asian restaurant" is open late until 12-1am. We drive 45min there for family dinner of 8people. Theres no information online saying that the restaurant will close at 10 and turn it into a club. We was shock! After 45min of driving, we have 45min to dine in To super rush on eating and get kick out before 10pm. Some food dish is not even done cooking before we have to get out of there. Our bill is near $250 for a super rush dine in. It was an unhappy experience for our first time visiting the area. A plus for the food but the hours and bar/club info need to be listed clearly and correctly for first time visitor like me who based on google info.
Elizabeth Dou
at 2022 Jun 01
Elizabeth Dou
at 2022 Jun 01
We stopped by because my friends liked the outdoor seating area and wanted a drink. They have good beer on tap and a nice outdoor space. That’s where the good things. Food is pricy with just okay portions. The kimchi bulgogi fries are $19 with little meat and kimchi but a lot of mayo. The food is not anything special. The service is not consistent and confusing. Your best bet is to order drinks and food at the bar and then wait there until it comes. The outdoor patio is great when there’s nice weather but I would not order food again.
T King
at 2022 Apr 05
T King
at 2022 Apr 05
Great little place to pop in for brunch - top notch service and cozy urban atmosphere. The Irish coffee is strong! 😁
Stopped in on a weekend trip for brunch and this Bakery is great! It’s easy to get to from the hotel and way better food than what the hotel had! Should’ve had breakfast here twice! The fresh biscuits and rolls were delicious! We tried the quiche and also liked that. Was a bit disappointed a lot of things that were on the menu weren’t available though when we went. With no clear signage that basically if those items aren’t in the case then they don’t have them. It’s always a peeve when then the host gets rude as if I, guest, am supposed to know that and where they store what; after rushing me forward to order when then other things aren’t prepared for the menu that were also full kitchen items. My host was a bit rude while their coworkers serving other guests seemed nicer and less abrasive. But all in all a great spot and he did NOT ruin my experience! They have this pepper jam by the pick up counter that was absolutely delicious! The prices were great too and liked how I could build out my sandwich to my dietary restrictions. They’re spacious with a great ambiance too! I really liked seeing their light fixtures which were really unique! I’d definitely go back again and recommend you stop in if you’re in the area.
stanley chung
at 2021 Oct 22
stanley chung
at 2021 Oct 22
Food is fantastic here and portions are outstanding. They had a decently sized outdoor dining area. We ordered the chicken sandwich, a burger, and the roasted carrots. Also ordered a mixed drink which was really tasty as well. Service was exceptionally slow though and the only thing bringing down the rating. Would def return!
Heidi Howard
at 2021 Feb 28
Heidi Howard
at 2021 Feb 28
Great food, great service, attractive interior. We had burrata beet salad, wild boar tagliatelle, and apple cinnamon bread pudding. It did NOT disappoint. Delicious. Great value.
Klara Raymond
at 2020 Sep 19
Klara Raymond
at 2020 Sep 19
There's some street parking around, we didn't end up making a reservation but it didn't really matter so it was quiet which surprised me.

We opted for the bottomless brunch and the carafe of mimosas which was totally worth it. Our server, James, was awesome. The brunch was $36.99/person and the carafe of mimosas (~8 glasses was only $13.99).

We ordered the Calamari, Honey Shrimp, Chicken & Waffles, Bulgogi Hash, Braised Pork Bao, Breakfast Tots, Salmon Benedict, Pork Dumplings, Home Fries, JFC Bao, Shrimp Tempura Bun, Short Rib Bao, Steak Frites and Nutella French Toast.

Notables and recommendations: Honey Shrimp, Chicken & Waffles, Bulgogi Hash, JFC Bao, Short Rib and Nutella French Toast were amazing. The other ones were ok and not bad but too salty or the sauce was too overpowering for my taste.

Overall, genuinely surprised about how great everything was! Definitely recommend!
Total before taxes ~ $88
Sam Levi
at 2019 Jul 12
Sam Levi
at 2019 Jul 12
It's a nice restaurant. Ordering is quick and the wait is short. They have great wine and reservations are easy. Parking is easy and there are booths available for multiple people. They also have outdoor seating in the summer which is great when the weather is beautiful.
Camille Wu
at 2018 Aug 19
Camille Wu
at 2018 Aug 19
This place was so amazing and so under the radar. The restaurant had a beach bar theme in the back with a quieter, yet still hip atmosphere in the front. The server and the hostess were both so attentive and helpful. The bao buns were incredible and small bites were great too. I highly recommend the bottomless brunch on the weekends for $35 all you can eat + 25 cent mimosas! The happy hour menu also has some interesting selections for reasonable prices too.