There are new restaurants and bars in Arlington! The neighborhood has been experiencing lots of growth and renewed popularity, and local restauranteurs have taken notice. Arlington residents can expect to see new eateries and bars open their doors this year. The neighborhood will welcome a variety of new and reimagined cuisines that will keep your tastebuds hungry for more. Take a look at some of the most talked about new restaurants and bars either open for business or coming soon in Arlington:
Baba
A new Balkan-inspired restaurant, cafe, and cocktail lounge just opened this week in the 3,000 square foot basement below Ambar Restaurant in Clarendon. Baba, which translates to “grandmother,” will offer a warm, welcoming gathering place with a chic, modern vibe. Baba’s concept is to become an all-day Arlington neighborhood hotspot that will open early to serve coffee and breakfast, then transition into midday lunch, and finally transform into a restaurant-lounge at nighttime. Baba will host DJs on weekends amid dim lights and roaring fireplaces. Expect small-plates and speciality cocktails.
When: January 2017
Where: 2901 Wilson Blvd
Quinn’s on the Corner
The restauranteur behind local Arlington eats like Copperwood Tavern and the soon-to-be Dudley’s Sports & Ale opened a new spot for Belgian and Irish cuisine along with whiskey and beer early this year. Quinn’s on the Corner is described as a “casual neighborhood pub with a food-first focus” and an emphasis on the whiskey. There is a wraparound oak bar that serves 27 different kinds of whiskey, but Quinn’s hopes to build up its stock until it can offer more than 50 different types of whiskey to its customers. Local VA Tech alums and fans of the Hokies can go to Quinn’s to catch the games every weekend. Try one of the more savory menu items like the waffles topped with creamed corn beef and fried lobster — and don’t forget the whiskey!
When: January 2017
Where: 1776 Wilson Blvd
Pamplona
If you’re a fan of Spain, the Running of the Bulls, and tapas, you must try this new Arlington restaurant that just opened in Clarendon in early January. The owners visited the city of Pamplona in Spain and fell in love with the cuisine, and now they’re here to share it with us. The menu at Pamplona features small bite-sized plates called “pinxtos” and vibrant, authentic Spanish dishes like black squid ink seafood paella. The cocktail bar offers eight different types of sangria along with beer, wine, and other traditional cocktails. Even the restaurant’s decor is meant to transport you to Pamplona; there are real Spanish tile floors, bull heads mounted to the walls, and photo murals of the famous Running of the Bulls displayed throughout the eatery. Ernest Hemingway would have felt right at home at Pamplona in Arlington, and you will too among good company, great eats, and vibrant cocktails.
When: January 2017
Where: 3100 Clarendon Blvd
Dudley’s Sports & Ale
Arlington plans to welcome its first and only rooftop bar early this year in the Shirlington area. Dudley’s Sports & Ale will be a 12,000 square foot sports bar and full service restaurant aiming to entertain Arlington’s biggest sports fans and cocktail lovers with a “stadium-seating” view area boasting comfortable armchairs with drink holders in front of massive tv screens. The rooftop is another 3,000 square feet with a game area, 15-seater bar, and tables for more than 100 other patrons. Dudley’s will offer lunch and dinner, though there are hints that it will offer also brunch on weekends. The opening has been delayed since last year due to complications with construction, but Arlington can expect to welcome Dudley’s very soon in 2017.
When: Spring 2017
Where: 2766 S Arlington Mill Dr
Moby Dick House of Kabob
Moby Dick House of Kabob plans to open a new location in Arlington to add to its other locations in and around the D.C. area early this year. Described as “food with character; food you crave,” this wholesome, fast-food style restaurant serve some of the best Persian and Mediterranean food around and features authentic cooking techniques. Moby’s is known for its signature pita bread and flame-grilled kabobs, and everything is home made from the finest ingredients. Local residents will be sure to appreciate the eat-and-run mentality without sacrificing healthy choices.
When: Spring 2017
Where: 4037 Campbell Ave
The G.O.A.T. Sports Bar
A new sports bar and restaurant will open this summer across from the Clarendon Metro station in Arlington. The G.O.A.T. Sports Bar labels itself as a “premier sports bar and game lounge” that hopes to create a fun, relaxing environment with the “greatest of all time” American comfort food and drinks. This new eatery in Arlington is coming from the same group behind A-Town Bar and Grill and Don Tito. The G.O.A.T. will feature three different bars and be able to comfortably seat 350 guests in its 8,800 square foot space. There will be live music and a special late night menu for patrons who love the nightlife along with regular rotating specials and daily deals for sit-down diners. There will be three walls stacked tightly with TVs of all sizes to make up one giant screen that all customers can see from any seat in the house and a separate room for private parties.
When: July 2017
Where: 3028 Wilson Blvd
