Arlington Local Guide

Dining

Red Apples

Arlington’s wide variety of restaurant options attracts diners from around the Capital region. The Clarendon Grill is a popular spot in the trendy Clarendon village with affordable modern American cuisine. Live entertainment, dancing and a large outdoor patio make for a fun place to meet friends. (www.cgrill.com)

Beer lovers will enjoy the Galaxy Hut, the first microbrew pub in Arlington. The restaurant carries a wide variety of regionally brewed beers and a pub menu. Vegetarian and vegan selections are available and the kitchen is open until 11:00pm. Appetizers are served until closing. There is outdoor patio seating and live music. (www.galaxyhut.com)

Traditional Lebanese dishes are served at the Lebanese Taverna. A family fleeing the war in Lebanon moved to Arlington and eventually opened the Taverna, which became so successful it now has several locations. A warm atmosphere and gracious hospitality complements the extensive and unique menu. There is a large vegetarian selection. (www.lebanesetaverna.com)

Another popular dining spot is the Stardust Restaurant. It’s unusual design features fine dining in private and semi-private rooms alongside a funky “leopard bar,” with booths and retro décor. The menu is both Neuvo-Asian and Creole and the Stardust offers specialty martinis, including the Key Lime Pie dessert martini. A fun atmosphere and fireside dining complete the experience. (www.stardustrestaurant.com)

For authentic northern Italian visit Tutto Bene for an elegant, yet casual dinner. The family owned restaurant also has a Bolivian menu and Opera night by reservation in which local opera singers perform while visitors dine. There is a large wine list and banquet facilities. (www.tuttobeneitalian.com)

Mexicali Blues is a bright and colorful eatery with glass walls looking out into the streets and complementary hand made chips and chipotle salsa. The restaurant serves El Salvadoran and Mexican fare and has a late night menu. Catering and delivery are available. (www.mexicali-blues.com)

Arlington has a variety of coffee shops, the famous 24-hour diner, Bob & Edith’s, ethnic cuisine of every variety, pubs, ice-cream parlors and all the chain restaurants of any major US city. If you can’t find what you crave in Arlington, the dining options of DC are just around the corner.