Arlington Virginia Nightlife
Arlington, Virginia is a quick trip from most parts of the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area, situated near Interstates 66 and 395 and also easily accessible via the Metro. Arlington is also convenient to DullesInternationalAirport and Washington’s ReaganNational Airport. That and it is a lot of fun. Being so central, most people visiting the D.C. area will travel through or near Arlington and don’t realize that the area has so much to offer and so much to enjoy. Arlington as a whole offers a variety of excellent hotels, shopping, governmental offices and sight seeing attractions such as Arlington NationalCemetery and the Marine Corps Memorial; however, the area also offers a variety of nightlife spots for just about any interest. Of all the areas of Arlington, perhaps one of the most inviting areas is found in the Clarendon neighborhood.
Clarendon, located on and around Clarendon Boulevard – hence the name – is easy to get to from about any where. By car from the District of Columbia, take Highway 50 straight to Clarendon Boulevard. Parking can be a challenge, but there are a number of lots and parking garages to be found. Or, if you prefer you can take the Orange Line on the Metro, get off right in the middle of Clarendon and walk anywhere you would want to go.
Come early as things start to happen fast. From the Metro stop, wander down Clarendon Boulevard and stop in Best Cellars (2855 Clarendon Boulevard- 703-741-0404). They have a tasting every day that generally includes a food pairing. The staff is fun and energetic and knows their wine. There is also an extensive selection of affordable and frequently eclectic wines if you’re in the mood for a bottle. If you’d prefer a different setting in which to sample some wine, venture out onto Clarendon and head just up the street from Best Cellars to Harry’s Tap Room (2800 Clarendon Boulevard – 703-778-7788). Harry’s Tap Room offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes prepared from fresh and organic ingredients. They have an open two level dining room and a great bar that has a popular happy hour. Come in a little early before the crowd and enjoy a number of wine offerings by the glass. In the winter months there’s even quaint gas fireplace going. If you still have a taste for wine, just around the corner on Highland is the Eleventh Bar (1041 N. Highland Street – 703-351-1311) – Eleventh offers a number of wines by the glass and a variety of light appetizers. The lounge setting attracts a laidback crowd during the evening and provides a nice setting if you want a few drinks over a pleasant conversation. You may find yourself staying well into the evening.
After a bit of wandering around and some wine, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. Clarendon offers a number of choices, all within in walking distance of each other. If you like Thai food, hit Sala Thai (2900 North 10th Street – 703-465-2900). Sala Thai has a comprehensive menu of traditional Thai dishes, all reasonably priced. They do a great Pa Nang! On Friday and Saturday nights they have live entertainment, generally a vocalist or a jazz duo. While this may appear to be a bit much for a Thai restaurant, it works well, providing a nice ambiance. Across the street from Sala Thai, is Endo Sushi (3000 North Washington Boulevard – 703-243-7799). Endo Sushi is a comfortable restaurant/sushi bar with a very creative sushi menu. Try the specials. For a great wood fired pizza, head over to Faccia Luna Pizza (2909 Wilson Boulevard – 703-276-3099). While it can be a little crowded around happy hour, the wait for a table is never that long and the pizzas are more than worth it. If you’re with a crowd, order several of the specialty pizzas and share. If Greek fair is more your speed, try the Aegean Taverna (2950 Clarendon Boulevard – 703-841-9494).
After dinner, Clarendon offers a number of options for the remainder of the evening. If you want a quite, relaxed crowd, head up Washington Boulevard to Molly Malone’s (3209 Washington Boulevard – 703-812-0939). Great beers on tap, plenty of tables to sit, relax and enjoy the live acoustic music. It’s a cozy bar where you can talk without having to yell over your pint of Guinness. If you like a younger, more social crowd, head over to the Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland Street- 703-524-7455). Early they have a great happy hour and later, live entertainment. Some nights there will be a cover for the band, but you can always count on a lively crowd. For more live entertainment head to Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Boulevard – 703-276-9693). Whitlow’s is deceptively large inside and serves food during the day, so if you get there early, you’ll likely encounter the dinner crowd. However, late night, things are a bit different. There is always a good crowd. In the back you’ll find several pool tables and up front is a nice size stage that draws some great acts, many that are on their way up. Just down the street from Whitlow’s is the IOTA Club (2832 Wilson Boulevard – 703-522-8340). The Iota Club is one of the best live music venues in the D.C. area, booking some of the best independent acts touring today. The size of the club guarantees a great concert experience.
After an evening of socializing or enjoying some great live music, you can wander back to the Metro to catch the last train out. Or if you’re in the mood for some late night dining, wander into the Silver Diner (3200 Wilson Boulevard – 703-812-8667). You can expect to encounter more than a few folks that have been out enjoying the evening, but the service is speedy and the choices many. Good food too! If you get done to late to catch the last Metro, Red Top Cab is based just around the corner, so you can always find a cab to get you where you need to be.
Overall, Clarendon offers many different options for just about any taste. Hit the places we’ve talked about here or go explore. Have fun and be safe!!
