In Arlington, you can’t walk a block without spotting a sleek cocktail lounge or a cozy gastropub. Yet this concentration of watering holes yields some of the region’s most inventive bar bites and craft pours. From a speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase to a rooftop patio with panoramic D.C. views, these are the best spots to sip, savor, and socialize.
Texas Jack’s Barbecue
$$ | (703) 875-0477 | WEBSITE
Don’t let its unassuming location in a suburban strip fool you. Texas Jack’s Barbecue is a genuine barbecue joint—and one of the most satisfying comfort food spots in Arlington. Every evening, the lively chatter of families and friends fills the warmly lit dining room, a steady hum over the clatter of plates and the occasional clink of glasses from the bar.
Groups settle into sturdy wooden tables that offer just enough space to spread out with platters of food without bumping elbows with the next table. The menu delivers on all classic barbecue expectations—flavorful brisket, inventive twists like brisket egg rolls, hearty sides, and strong, well-made drinks. But what sets this place apart from other area spots is its consistently friendly, welcoming service (and those surprisingly delicious dessert cupcakes).
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites
$$ | (571) 517-8253 | WEBSITE
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Bites has been a convenient airport dining option at Reagan National for years. Our go-to here is the beef skewer with harissa dipping sauce, which cooks up tender and makes scarfing down the pita wedges and side salad an easy feat. And no meal is complete without a side of their Turkey sandwich. The single-level restaurant has a bar and small seating area that’s straight off the set of a modern travel hub.
And they have enough awesome views of the US Capitol from the gate-side windows to compete with a sightseeing tour (and they’re always worth watching).
Surreal by Seven Reasons Group
$$ | (703) 249-9618 | WEBSITE
For the last few years, Surreal in Crystal City has been the Arlington escape hatch. You’ll usually find groups celebrating birthdays nestled in those stylish yet comfortable seats, marveling at creative presentations like the beet tartare with its vegan egg yolk that looks and tastes like the real thing.
Because of the tropical-inspired interior and warm lighting, the space feels like a vacation even on a Tuesday evening, making it a perfect spot for date nights, friend reunions, or for splurging on that stellar cheesecake without worrying about breaking the bank. But it’s worth the occasional wait, because Surreal’s elevated dishes are always thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor.
Pair one with the creative mocktails, which come with such fun presentations that we always finish every last drop.
Continental Pool Lounge
$ | (703) 465-7675 | WEBSITE
Continental Pool Lounge in Arlington meets all the requirements for a proper hangout spot. The retro 60s vibe reels you in with pool tables and a classic jukebox in the corner. There’s a lively main area for game nights and a quieter roped-off section that works well for work events. And, of course, the menu is packed with dependable comfort food that comes with a generous amount of what they call “standout dishes,” which are really just various forms of delicious.
Highlights range from good (tasty appetizers) to better (the famous chili and the recommended smash burger). Everything is good enough to make this just-off-the-main-drag spot part of your regular after-work rotation.
Astro Beer Hall
$$ | (571) 570-9880 | WEBSITE
A $15 smashburger, adult arcade games, and karaoke nights might be the equation for attracting fun-loving crowds, so it makes sense that sports fans and families fill the spacious tables of this Arlington hotspot. Both the indoor bar area and outdoor patio offer the same menu and friendly service from staff like Iryna and Jordan, but the main hall feels like a lively game-filled hangout while the bakery next-door provides a quieter, sweeter escape (so bring your kids or your competitive friends).
In both spaces, you’ll see groups cheering on local DC teams and friends laughing over quality bar bites, from more affordable waffles to those indulgent cinnamon rolls. When paired with other signatures like the new Asian wings and the Fried Chicken Honey brunch dish, we see why Astro Beer Hall is still jumping years after opening.
Oasis The Listening Bar
$$$ | (703) 512-3068 | WEBSITE
An occasional burst of live jazz from the stage adds to Oasis The Listening Bar’s already vibrant dinner setting. Whether you grab a seat at the sleek bar (complete with well-decorated walls and comfortable stools) or slide into a cozy booth in the low-lit dining area, this Arlington listening bar is meant for a sophisticated, enjoyable night out. The sushi is the best ever, including perfectly fresh cuts that melt in your mouth.
We recommend getting the chicken teriyaki, too (it has good flavor and comes with a side of seasonal vegetables). Add a creative cocktail or a smooth glass of sake, made with premium ingredients for a delicious finish.
Ruthie’s All-Day
$$ | (703) 888-2841 | WEBSITE
A welcoming spot with indoor and outdoor seating is the restaurant Arlington never knew it needed until Ruthie’s All-Day. This beloved destination offers a catch-all of Southern comfort favorites that can please any large, inharmonious crew who can’t even agree on what to order.
With skillet cornbread that’s practically a meal itself, crispy smoked wings with that perfect bite, smoked brisket that falls apart tender, and a pulled pork sandy that’s become legendary—you may all reach a refreshing agreement for once. The crispy Brussels with fish sauce vinaigrette add that necessary crunch, while the mac and cheese brings the creamy comfort.
At around $18-24 for most mains and $8-12 for starters, you get excellent food that’s plentiful enough for leftovers, with tasty drinks at reasonable prices. The friendly, polite staff in this great atmosphere make getting a seat worth the challenge, and that three-course restaurant week menu shows they understand value. Just remember to ask for those black-eyed peas in your Hearty Grain Salad.
Mussel Bar & Grille
$$ | (703) 841-2337 | WEBSITE
Head to Arlington’s Mussel Bar & Grille if you love your mussels with a modern twist. All their preparations are served in steaming pots and have that aromatic broth with a distinct wine-infused flavor and an incredibly tender interior. If you’re doing dinner with friends, get the Mussels Bolognese. It’s rich and dramatically presented alongside crusty bread perfect for sopping up every last drop.
Starters like their incredible fries with garlic aioli or the huge oysters on the half shell help set the stage. With sleek wooden tables fit for a lively gathering, warm lighting, and a contemporary vibe, the dining room could easily be the backdrop of a buzzing city scene. Plus, they’ll play you a tune you can’t ignore.
CarPool
$ | (703) 516-7665 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Arlington, the lively restaurant rarely draws quiet, reserved (and perhaps boring) crowds, so CarPool’s arcade games are perfect for navigating any awkward lulls in conversation. The bar restaurant offers the usual fried pickles, which are crispy and served on a simple plate with your choice of dipping sauces.
And the best move here is to come with friends to share a few rounds, like their renowned fried pickles, the pool tables, and the pinball machines with a musky scent (our favorite thing in the place).
Banditos Tacos & Tequila
$$ | (571) 257-7622 | WEBSITE
Taco joints in Arlington can be overwhelming for families. So if you want a lively, flavorful meal without the chaos, head to Banditos Tacos & Tequila. It’s in a bustling part of town, but this place fills up with folks who treat Friday nights like a weekly celebration rather than a special occasion outing. If you didn’t make reservations, you can still easily find a spot at the bar. But it doesn’t matter where you sit when an order of perfectly crafted vegetarian nachos hits the table.
Those nachos along with a delightful strawberry margarita with a Tajín rim are our favorite things on the menu. When paired with a solid mushroom taco, it makes us want to sign up for that online cooking class, so we can make this our ritual, too.
Barley Mac
$$ | (571) 800-3070 | WEBSITE
Grabbing a bite at Barley Mac is basically just an excuse to unwind, but with wings. For an Arlington bar restaurant, the place has some serious neighborhood pub qualities, especially on the patio where it’s basically a people-watching spot with the after-work crowd chatting about everything from office politics to weekend plans. People sip craft beers, order chicken wings (there’s no fancy plating), and watch the street scene unfold.
Inside is cozier, but the welcoming atmosphere still makes us feel like we’re at a friend’s place. Responsive service, friendly staff, and Wily’s menu knowledge are the only hints that it’s a restaurant. Well, that and the fact that terrific chicken wings are on the menu. Solid comfort food like the excellent French Dip sits alongside fresh options like the Southwestern Salad. But we’re here for the wings and the conversation with Wily anyway.
SIP MUNCH & MORE
$ | (571) 353-0314 | WEBSITE
We come to this Arlington bar restaurant when we want to unwind after a long day, feel completely at ease, and enjoy some seriously good comfort food. The space pairs its clean, comfortable vibe with friendly service every time we visit. Before you dive into a basket of crispy tater tots, the bartender Russell will greet you with a genuine smile, making you feel right at home. Splurge for the Beyond Burger which gets you a satisfying plant-based patty with all the classic fixings.
Plus, there’s a solid selection of local IPAs on draft—if you’ve ever wanted to try a Virginia-brewed hazy IPA now is your chance.