Remember when you first discovered the joy of a perfectly grilled burger? In Arlington, VA, that feeling gets a grown-up upgrade. Here, wide avenues invite exploration, and finding the right spot feels like unlocking a delicious secret. We’ve scouted the neighborhoods to bring you the definitive guide to Arlington’s best bar & grill experiences.
The Haymaker Bar
$$ | (202) 368-1626 | WEBSITE
The Sunday football deal might be what pulls you into The Haymaker Bar, but this place is useful beyond its drink specials. The cozy cocktail bar with speakeasy-ish vibes also has delicious food, like dumplings and old bay wings, and well-crafted cocktails that are scientifically proven to cure cravings, such as the strong and tasty Painkiller and a refreshing Pisco Sour.
The bartenders are attentive and quick, even when the bar is busy, and the lively atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Overall, The Haymaker Bar is a great place for good drinks, tasty bites, and a fun time.
Burtons Grill & Bar
$$ | (703) 922-1730 | WEBSITE
When people ask us about bar and grill spots in Arlington, we always mention Burtons first. And then we get distracted by a daydream about the buttery appetizer bread here, and the person we’re talking to walks away. The spacious dining room feels like almost any other welcoming neighborhood spot, but it’ll seem a lot more impressive once you and some friends try the chicken piccata and fresh Harvest salad.
No matter which of the gluten-free dishes you order, you’ll have a great meal for around $40 a person.
SANGRIA BAR AND GRILL
$$ | (202) 240-3030 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking to spend around $20 on a satisfying meal, make your way to Sangria Bar and Grill near the Georgia Ave-Petworth metro station. This cozy bar and grill has a handful of booths, a bar with Tinka mixing drinks, and a kitchen turning out generous portions while maintaining a cool interior despite the warm weather. This welcoming spot serves excellent black pepper steak, delicious chicken fajitas, and a standout Caesar salad and shrimp Alfredo.
Our favorite is the perfectly balanced sangria.
Ricky’s Pub & Grill
$ | (703) 243-7400 | WEBSITE
Let’s say you’re wandering through Arlington when your stomach tells your brain that you either need to eat something substantial or just call it a day and head home. Luckily you’re near Ricky’s Pub & Grill, a cozy little dive bar where you’ll find the best steak and cheese sandwich in the area. Get one with the perfectly seasoned ceviche, have a few bites, then wrap up the generous portion to take out and enjoy the rest later as you continue your evening.
Legacy Hifi
$$ | (202) 450-1671 | WEBSITE
Legacy Hifi truly lives up to its name – it’s really the only haven in the middle of Arlington’s restaurant scene. The cool new spot is covered in dim lighting, vinyl spinning behind the bar, and mismatched seating that feels like a listening lounge meets cocktail haven. Between the atmosphere and the fact that a meal here will probably cost you around $30 with a drink, Legacy Hifi works as the perfect casual hangout or group gathering spot.
Especially before going to a karaoke night on Wednesdays or catching one of their live DJ sets.
The Front Porch
$$ | WEBSITE
Remember when you were a kid, and you’d wander into a neighbor’s backyard party and feel instantly at home? If you’d like to recapture that cozy, spontaneous vibe (but with better food this time), try The Front Porch. It’s a bar and grill in Arlington with a unique seating process and a warm atmosphere, and it feels like a little adventure. The space is complete with fire and lights, it’s cozy and inviting, and it’s a great spot for a casual meal.
Order the smash burgers to start, then enjoy the friendly staff and great location.
Haydee’s Restaurant
$ | (202) 483-9199 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for late-night eats with a side of karaoke but don’t want to break the bank, head to Haydee’s Restaurant. It’s that lively spot in DC where the party keeps going, but instead of just drinks, this place serves up solid bar food until the early hours. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant, multicultural vibe with colorful decor and a DJ booth that feels like the heart of the celebration.
The menu features crowd-pleasers like the fajita platter and nachos, alongside those famous wings everyone raves about. Drinks flow freely to match the energy, making it perfect for weekend gatherings where the efficient staff keeps things moving smoothly.
Jake’s Tavern
$$ | (240) 269-2556 | WEBSITE
We’d walk to Jake’s Tavern from anywhere in Arlington just to settle into a cozy booth with a cold Jake’s lager and a plate of their outstanding cheese curds. If you’re here for a game, we’d recommend grabbing the $24 red beans and rice with a side of gumbo. It’s hearty enough for a hungry sports fan and you’ll get to taste their best dishes.
Two more important things: Jake’s Tavern has a solid drink selection with friendly bartenders like Landy, and the outside seating is perfect for watching games on their TV.
LESLY RESTAURANT BAR & GRILL
$ | (703) 241-3795 | WEBSITE
If you’re willing to sacrifice quiet conversation and eating with silverware, the Caribbean food at Lesly Restaurant Bar & Grill is actually even more satisfying than many sit-down spots. You won’t find any better options in the area for a casual dinner with friends or drinks after work than this lively bar and grill. And we fully endorse filling your takeout container with several orders of jerk wings and jollof rice for later.
Hamilton’s Bar & Grill
$ | (202) 347-6555 | WEBSITE
“Bar full of wings” sounds like the name of a classic American dive. But it’s also the perfect description of what’s happening at Hamilton’s Bar & Grill, a casual spot near the sightseeing trail with a great bar in the front. You can order any combination of wings and sandwiches for about $15, and we’d suggest trying the Buffalo chicken sandwich and California Chicken Club. It’s important that you grab an Old Fashioned from the bartender and find a seat at the bar where you can enjoy your meal.
Come with a friend and take advantage of the fabulous happy hour.