For months, cocktail hour meant huddling indoors, debating the merits of gin versus vodka while staring at walls. But now, with summer’s glow upon us, the true magic happens al fresco—where the clink of ice meets the whisper of evening breeze, under skies strung with fairy lights. Arlington’s best sips deserve such stages. Here are the sixteen spots where your next perfect drink awaits its sunset.
Colada Shop
$$ | (703) 631-5320 | WEBSITE
Colada Shop is an overachieving neighborhood Cuban restaurant where the menu stays reliably delicious. Expect things like the signature Cuban sandwich with flavorful ham and pork, and be sure to make the sandwiches the main focus of your meal. And, if it’s nice out, ask to get seated at one of the tables outside where you can sit with a friend and appreciate how vibrant, welcoming, and refreshingly authentic Crystal Drive is.
Kaldi’s Social House
$ | (202) 674-6001 | WEBSITE
Kaldi’s Social House is a productive place. We mean that literally, although maybe also figuratively, because we’ve spent hours here that felt like five minutes. You could just come here for espresso before or after work, but you could also make it your main event – they serve a serious menu and many beverages. Plus, you can drink that sparkling water while sitting at your table working on all the projects that need your attention.
Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge
$$ | (703) 248-9439 | WEBSITE
Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge is tucked away in Arlington, and it has a sophisticated yet fun atmosphere. This means that you can settle into the striking blue decor and enjoy some champagne tasting done with this person you’ve chosen to celebrate with, but it also means that the upscale, adult crowd might make you feel like you’re part of something special. So if you’re looking for a kid-friendly spot, this isn’t the best choice.
But if you aren’t bringing children, stop by for some very good cocktails like the French 75 and Ruffino Prosecco, served by friendly, attentive bartenders who make you feel welcome.
Westville Clarendon
$$ | (703) 646-7226 | WEBSITE
Westville Clarendon has a good amount of patio seating right on the sidewalk. Which means that you can bring friends here, then point to the happy crowds enjoying drinks outside in order to prove how popular this spot is. And the Market Plate will only make you seem more impressive. Get some fish sandwiches, some veggie sides, some protein-packed dishes, and (we’ll rarely tell you this) don’t fill up on lunch. You should get a Spicy Pineapple Margarita here.
Also, make sure you really like the people you’re bringing because A) this place isn’t cheap and B) you’ll want to fully enjoy this cozy, bright atmosphere with its modern diner vibe and friendly staff.
Superette
$ | (571) 312-0204 | WEBSITE
Your friends will be impressed that you know of Superette. It’s a seriously good sandwich operation in Ballston Quarter Market that doesn’t get as crowded as it should, and it’s perfect for when you need a quick, delicious meal with someone who appreciates real flavor.
You could easily overlook it in the mall setting, but the Californian sandwich is one of the best handheld meals in the area, and they have terrific short rib sandwiches, steak sandwiches, and satisfying sides like those crispy waffle fries. The sangrias and cocktails are refreshing additions that make this more than just a sandwich stop.
WHINO
$$ | (571) 290-3958 | WEBSITE
WHINO is a lively cocktail bar restaurant in Arlington, VA, located on the second floor of a mall, making it easy to reach for both casual outings and special events. The space here feels like an art gallery with a party vibe—that’s a slight exaggeration, but it is very vibrant with artwork on display and available for purchase and live music on weekends. If you’re planning a happy hour with friends, it’s perfect for that.
Or if you just want to share some Anticucho buns and wagyu beef sliders and then maybe enjoy a discounted shareable punch with one other person, it works for that as well.
Mazaro Italian Restaurant
$$ | (703) 276-3099 | WEBSITE
Arlington has its charms, which means you don’t have to overthink your evening out. We aren’t saying you shouldn’t plan something special for that anniversary dinner, but maybe you’re tired from work and just want something reliably good. Go to Mazaro. Settle into a cozy booth, order the cheese ravioli, and watch the weekend crowd come and go while your companion appreciates the upscale atmosphere and starts imagining you both in next year’s holiday photos.
The setting here is elegant and the food is delicious and reasonably priced—expect to spend around $25-35 per entrée. Just be aware that service can slow down when they’re busy, but the friendly staff and excellent recommendations make it worth the wait.
Sante
$$$ | (703) 412-2762 | WEBSITE
Most cocktail bars in Arlington are loud and packed with standing-room-only crowds. Not the case at Sante, which is quite serene and has one of the best, most comfortable indoor situations in the area: a dining room with elegant lighting and chairs you wish you had in your home.
SER Restaurant
$$$ | (703) 746-9822 | WEBSITE
SER isn’t just Spanish, it’s intensely Spanish. It’s the restaurant where you eat with someone when you don’t want to leave any doubt as to whether you’re eating at a Spanish restaurant. The space is filled with warm, rustic décor, there’s a big map of Spain on the wall, and the menu consists of authentic dishes like pan catalana, patatas bravas, and paella. The inside can get a little loud and bustling during happy hour, but the overall atmosphere is much nicer.
Just be aware that this place is popular for a special evening, and you’ll probably want to take your time enjoying the flame-finished steak and friendly service without any rush to leave.
Mele Bistro
$$ | (703) 522-5222 | WEBSITE
Unless you’re celebrating a major anniversary, a dinner at a seafood spot generally isn’t the most romantic choice. But when the restaurant has a warmly lit patio, inviting atmosphere, and beautifully presented dishes that make every guest feel at home, it just might work. That’s what Mele Bistro is like, and it also has a big menu with everything from New Zealand salmon and lobster ravioli to veal, scallops, and seabass.
And since this is consistently one of the most recommended spots in Arlington, you can probably enjoy a fantastic meal here even if you’re just having a casual dinner.
Banditos Tacos & Tequila
$$ | (571) 257-7622 | WEBSITE
Banditos Tacos & Tequila is a place where you can actually bring your family. That might not sound very remarkable, but when you’re with kids, this is important. You can also have a full dinner here, or can just grab a couple of tacos (or stop by for a strawberry margarita with a Tajín rim).
The space feels like a lively art gallery, there’s a fun atmosphere inside, and it’s the perfect spot for when you’re going out with someone who wants a good time (but you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard).
Lebanese Taverna
$$ | (703) 241-8681 | WEBSITE
This place is Lebanese, but you don’t have to dress up here. It’s cozy, welcoming, and there’s a neighborhood vibe. Getting a table at Lebanese Taverna also isn’t too difficult, so if you decide last-minute and want to feel like a real adult human being, this is a solid choice. The atmosphere here is casual, so it’s a good place to enjoy some shawarma while you watch other diners who aren’t eating shawarma.
Westover Taco
$ | (703) 297-3030 | WEBSITE
A bright, airy restaurant with imaginative decor is a pretty ideal spot for a weekend brunch, and that’s exactly what Westover Taco is. This place is just a nice, inviting space in Arlington, and inside you can sit at a cozy table near artistic touches while you enjoy fantastic tacos and margaritas with friends you’ve known for years.
Layli Mediterranean
$$ | (703) 512-3094 | WEBSITE
We love Layli Mediterranean for two kinds of evening out moves. Try it before or after dinner elsewhere for an awesome one-two punch, or make it your main event with several small plates and the incredible house spreads like labneh. The cocktails are excellent, and the outdoor seating might be limited – but it’s highly pleasant.
Thai Treasure Restaurant and Bar
$ | (571) 312-7795 | WEBSITE
The dining room at Thai Treasure has big windows that let in plenty of light, and there’s a cozy bar area where they mix their inventive cocktails. They also don’t pack the tables too tightly, so you won’t have to overhear a bunch of other groups during happy hour when the noise level rises. You should grab a seat by the window here at some point over the evening, and, when you do, try as many of their modern Thai dishes as possible. Especially the Lava Beef.
The Salt Line
$$ | (703) 566-2075 | WEBSITE
This Arlington modern American restaurant is an excellently designed space, and their patio is similarly enjoyable. Settle in, order some oysters, and completely forget you’re about twenty feet from the Potomac.