Many Arlington-ites can immediately direct a newcomer to town in the direction of neighborhood mainstays such as Whitlow’s on Wilson (2854 Wilson Blvd, www.whitlows.com, 703-276-9693) for burgers, brunch or the locally renowned Mug Night; Murky Coffee (3211 Wilson Blvd., www.murkycoffee.com, 703-312-7001) for a cup of joe and a comfy sofa on which to read; or the Clarendon Grill (1101 N. Highland St., www.cgrill.com, 703-524-7455) for a cold beverage and to get their dance on while conversing with members of the opposite sex. .

However, what about when you want to branch out from these neighborhood staples? Where does an Arlington-ite go? Luckily, Arlington may be one of the smallest counties in the United States, size-wise, but we are one of the largest, fun-wise. Check out some of the below local favorites — broken down into dining, shopping, and entertainment — and thank me later.

DINING
Caribbean Breeze (4100 North Fairfax Dr., www.caribbeanbreezeva.com, 703-812-7997). Their distinct ‘nuevo latino’ cuisine brings customers back again and again, and accompanied with caipirinhas, Bahamian batidos, and pineapple mojitos this is one of those philosophically impossible no-lose situations. The Nicaraguan Tres Leches is to die for. In Ballston.

Café Asia (1550 Wilson Blvd., www.cafeasia.com, 703-741-0870). If you want happy hour sushi specials, or have a hankering for some late-night sushi, Café Asia is for you. The bar at Café Asia often can seem to be the place to see and be seen in the Rosslyn area on Friday or Saturday nights, full of beautiful people drinking, (sometimes) dancing, and making merry. However the sushi bar and restaurant also is the place to be — the place to be for some delicious food including not only sushi, but also “cooked” foods including Pad Thai, Teriyaki Salmon, Panang Curry, and Thai Basil. There is outside dining for the warmer months, and even delivery for the lazier among us who want our Café Asia fill but don’t want to go out of the house to get it.

Delhi Dhaba (2424 Wilson Blvd., www.delhidhaba.com, 703-524-0008). This Arlington location of a local chain of North Indian cuisine has one of the best specials in the area on some delicious Indian fare. $9.99 for a plate of three yummy choices from the Delhi Dhaba buffet can’t be beat. This writer recommends the house specialty, Butter Chicken; or the equally delicious Lamb Vindaloo. You can carry out or eat in — if you choose to eat in, you can enjoy watching some of Bollywood’s latest hits on the TV screens in the dining room. There also is outside dining open during warmer months.

The Italian Store (3123 Lee Hwy., www.italianstore.com, 703-528-6266). The Italian Store makes some of the best pizza and sandwiches in Arlington. The almost-always long lines may be a bit daunting, but they certainly are worth it and give visitors to this establishment a chance to browse the offerings in the aisles behind the popular deli counter. If you prefer wine to pizza or hoagies, check out www.theitalianstore.com to see when The Italian Store is holding its next wine tasting.

Tallula (2761 Washington Blvd., www.tallularestaurant.com, 703-778-5051). Tallula (and the accompanying “Eat Bar”) sits in the location that formerly housed old Arlington landmark Whiteys. Tallula is a far cry from the old Whiteys — no big American flag, no live bands, no homemade doughnuts. However don’t consider the lack of doughnuts to be a bad thing — Tallula is one of the best dining destinations in North Arlington (at least according to this writer). Their “Amuse Yourself” menu consists of bite-sized portions of some delicious delicacies including mini corn dogs, mini burgers, mini portions of beer tartar and mini-sized polenta. Making a meal out of a plate of “minis” is one of the most fun things about Tallula, but there are plenty of delicious meal-sized options as well.  Their wine selection also is to die for. Check out the adjacent store Planet Wine.

Ray’s the Steaks (1725 Wilson Blvd, 703-841-7297.). Ray’s may not be as fancy as Morton’s or Ruth’s Chris, but it is better, cheaper and much more laid back. This storefront-steakhouse in between Rosslyn and Courthouse has some of the best steak this side of Chicago, at some of the best prices you can find.  While there always may be a line to get in (and some very odd rules surrounding making reservations), it is worth it. They also don’t skimp on the COMPLIMENTARY side dishes (when is the last time that you have seen a complimentary side dish at Morton’s?), nor the wine pours. Take a date, or your parents next time they are in town, to Ray’s and get ready to impress.

ENTERTAINMENT
Continental (1911 N. Fort Meyer Drive, www.modernpoollounge.com, 703-465-7675). Continental, located in the Rosslyn section of Arlington, has the coolest décor of any bar in Northern Virginia, bar none. The unique tiki-styled lounge houses two bars, two dart boards, room for a live band, a fully stocked jukebox, and last but not least — pool tables. If billiards or darts aren’t your game, you also can relax with a fun game of Connect Four, or other board games found behind the bar. The drinks aren’t bad either — if your thirst will be quenched only by a martini with a gummy bear in the bottom of it, this is the place for you.

Galaxy Hut (2711 Wilson Blvd., www.galaxyhut.com, 703-525-8646). There’s always something happening at Galaxy Hut: free movies or shows on Monday, a ‘hump night’ on Wednesdays, lively and friendly karaoke every Thursday, and bands every Saturday and Sunday night. The weekend brunch is excellent. Wonderful selection of local and international beers and wines every night.

Gua Rapo (2039 Wilson Blvd., www.latinconcepts.com/guarapo, 703-528-6500). Whether you are looking for a good hookah, a lounge that pours a mean drink, or somewhere with a cozy corner in which to canoodle with a new date, Gua Rapo is the place for you. This two-level lounge located near the Court House metro often has live entertainment or DJ’s (always “World Music,” never “Frat House Garage Band”-type of music), and has its own special drinks called “Gua Rapos”. The Mango mojitos aren’t bad either. Neither is the food, for that matter ... start with some drinks and dinner, smoke a hookah, then enjoy some canoodling in the corner — Gua Rapo has it all!

IOTA Club & Cafe (2832 Wilson Blvd., www.iotaclubandcafe.com, 703-522-8340). Talk about the ultimate date place. Iota has two “sides” — one has a bar and tables where you can order dinner, the other has a bar and an area where live music can be seen every night of the week. So, have dinner and drinks on the “food” side, then go and see some great live entertainment on the “music” side. And, don’t worry that somewhere that has live entertainment won’t have good food, because they sure do!

Kitty O’Shea’s (2403 Wilson Blvd., www.kittyosheava.com, 703-522-5295). If Gua Rapo is the “yin” to the Court House area of Arlington’s entertainment options, Kitty O’Shea’s is the “yang”. Kitty O’Shea’s is a no-frills bar to go for a few drinks, or watch some sports on TV. The food here may not be as good as it is at Gua Rapo, but if you are looking for somewhere casual to chill after a long day (or week) or want to watch some international sports, this is the place for you.

Java Shack (2507 N. Franklin Road, www.javashack.com, 703-527-9556). Java Shack may not have the “name recognition” of Murky Coffee, nor the wireless Internet, but there is always a place to sit, rarely ever a study group taking up five tables, nor any “I saw you on Craigslist” stalkers checking out everyone who walks in. Which is just fine with me. Java Shack always provides a tasty cup of coffee (or tea), and even has an outside balcony for the occasional patron who either wants a cigar with their joe; or who just wants some fresh air with their tea.

RiRa Clarendon (2915 Wilson Blvd., www.rira.com/locations/arlington, 703-248-9888). Solid and enjoyable Irish pub with all the trimmings that one would expect – good beer, good food. Tons of live music and events, and a newly expanded stage area.

WHERE TO GRAB A DRINK
Irelands Four Courts
(2051 Wilson Blvd. www.relandsfourcourts.com, 703-525-3600).  With wonderful atmosphere emitted from the dark woods and the fireplace, Four Courts is a genuinely great place for a drink. Located in Court House this pub is never too far away, and one can always justify a trip for a Guinness in a room named after James Joyce.
 
Front Page (4201 Wilson Blvd, www.frontpagearlington.com, 703-248-9990. With a laid back, non-pretentious atmosphere and $1 Miller High Life Draughts on Wednesdays, you really can’t go wrong with the Front Page. Now that they’ve opened their back patio for the wonderful weather they should definitely be on your ‘places to drink in Arlington’ list.

Rock Bottom (4238 Wilson Blvd (Ballston Commons Mall), www.rockbottom.com, 703-516-7688. Often heralded as being a great, comfy after-work spot, this brewpub also is heralded for its focus on local beers like Potomac Pale Ale and Ballston Brown. For $4 a pint, you can’t get yourself too worked up over the price. Plus check out their Wednesday $1 pint night.

CATCH THE BIG GAME
Bailey’s Pub and Grille (4238 Wilson Blvd., www.tentcorp.com, 703-465-1300). Carving out a nicely sized 17,500 square foot section of Ballston Commons Ball, Bailey’s Pub and Grill is a great place to catch a game. The entire pub is lined with televisions, so many that there are a few free for non-sporting broadcasts!

Mister Days Sports Rock Café (3100 Wilson Blvd., www.misterdays.com, 703-527-1600). A high energy, raucous environment with more than a hundred televisions – a sound recipe for lively sports viewing.

Rhodeside Grill (1836 Wilson Blvd., www.rhodesidegrill.homestead.com. 703-243-0145). While the walls may be covered in local artist Thomas Mullaney’s art, there’s also some televisions to catch sporting events. If you’re so inclined you can even rent a room for the big game. A diverse menu is available.

Summers Restaurant (1520 N. Courthouse Road, www.summers-restaurant.com, 703-528-8278). Summers has been providing sports coverage to the area since 1984, and not just your usual American sports, but also international soccer and rugby. They’ve even been so kind as to provide a non-smoking bar for those in Virginia that are big fans of the smoking ban in DC.

SHOPPING
a.k.a. spot (2509 N. Franklin Road, www.akaspot.com, 703-248-0093). This absolutely is the cutest boutique for dogs. Ever. This pet boutique/doggie grocery/doggie self-wash has everything that Spot or Fido might need — ranging from a leash or collar to dish and food to pet-related presents. You can shop online at www.akaspot.com, but you absolutely must come into a.k.a. spot to give Fido a bath using their doggie self-wash. You bring the dog, they provide the bath, shampoo, and towels.

Arlington Gift and Garden (2727 Wilson Blvd., www.arlingtongiftandgarden.com, 703-527-3828). Arlington Gift and Garden is the best place in Arlington to buy a gift for someone who either “has everything”. It may have “garden” in its name, but this store certainly is more “gift”. From gifts for bachelorettes to birthday presents for someone who likes novelty, they certainly have something for everyone. Granted, most gifts are more appropriate for someone female, but nonetheless, they have cool gifts that will make the recipient smile much more than if you gave them a gift card or CD. 

Current Boutique (2529 Wilson Blvd., www.currentboutique.com, 703-528-3079). This recently opened boutique actually is a consignment store where customers can both buy and sell the latest fashions. Whether you are looking to get some Paper Moon or Seven jeans for less than the cost of your first-born child; or you have a Coach purse that you never use but don’t want to just give away to Goodwill, Current Boutique is the place for you. All of the prices are affordable, the clothes are modern, in season and good quality, and selling your stuff is easy — it’s all computerized, and you make 50 percent of what Current Boutique sells your stuff for. And, the best thing about Current Boutique is that unlike some other consignment stores in Northern Virginia, you won’t find anything that looks like your grandma dropped it off.

Shoefly (2618 Wilson Blvd., 703-243-6490). This local boutique is THE place in Arlington to buy hip, funky shoes. Adorable hip, funky shoes, that is. And accessories to go with the adorable shoes. Any shoe-lover in the DC metropolitan area must check this place out. Words can’t do this place justice, but trust me. Their stuff is cute.

What Readers Had to Say

GARY S.
The best place in Arlington off the Orange line is not so much a specific place but more of a location. Clarendon, anywhere between the courthouse stop and the Clarendon stop has a number of places to enjoy depending on your mood. On the courthouse end there is The Four Courts which, for as large as it is, plays the role of the best Irish Pub around with awesome live music.  On the other end there is The Clarendon Grill and Mr. Days that provide a contemporary bar scene. In between there is everything from the sports bar of Summers and the typical bar scene that usually has great live music and awesome food Whitlows and not to forget IOTA which is probably provides the best in the local music scene.  These are just a few of the places that can be enjoyed in the Clarendon area, not to mention the numerous restaurants of great quality.  When one scene is not “doing it” for you on a particular night you can just walk to another hotspot.

JUDY
I live in the City of Falls Church. Although I’m closer to Tyson’s Corner, my preference is North Arlington for eating, dancing, and shopping. One of favorite places to eat is Harry’s Tap Room on Clarendon Blvd.  Everything is delicious — I especially love the mussels.  There are so many good restaurants! A longtime favorite for special occasions is The Alpine on Lee Highway – wonderful Italian food. Caribbean Breeze is another favorite — in fact I’m meeting a friend there tomorrow night for dinner. My favorite place to dance is the Clarendon Grill on N. Highland Street. Monday is Salsa night, with a topnotch instructor from 7-9 p.m. and great DJ music for dancing until 1 a.m.  They have good food too – especially the fiery shrimp. As for shopping, I like the open shopping area along Clarendon Blvd that has The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Barnes & Noble, and other great stores.

ALFREDO F.
I love dollar beer Wednesdays at Rock Bottom.
 
ROBERT L.
Caribbean Breeze is my favorite place.

JENNIFER L.
Best pizza place in North Arlington (and Northern Virginia) is the Italian Store on Lee Highway.. Faccia Luna in Clarendon is a great date spot for dinner. Guarapos in Clarendon/Courthouse has tapas downstairs, and a fun lounge upstairs with really good mojitos. You have to get there early to get chairs for your group. Sushi Zen in the Lee Harrison shopping center has excellent sushi.

ANAND K.
I love the Ballston area and hang out there several times a week. I enjoy a nice cup of coffee and relaxing at the COSI off of Fairfax Drive across from the metro. It’s nice and quiet, so you can read the paper, or  a nice book and have a nice cup of fresh coffee to enjoy with it.   I also enjoy excellent Thai Food at Tara Thai off of Fairfax Drive.  The staff is friendly, polite and very knowledgeable about the food. I enjoy my usual chicken pad thai or the occasional drunken noodle.  The food is very tasty and enjoyable.  I would highly recommend those two places.


A QUICK LOOK AT ARLINGTON

Asahi Kaiten 671 North Glebe Road 703.248.0777 www.asahisushi.com
Bailey’s Pub & Grille Ballston 4323 Wilson Blvd 703-465-1300 www.tentcorp.com
Bertucci’s  Arlington 2300 Clarendon Blvd 703-528-9177 www.bertuccis.com
Boulevard Woodgrill, The 2901 Wilson Blvd 703-875-9663 www.theboulevardwoodgrill.com
Cafe Asia 1550 Wilson  Blvd 703-741-0870 www.cafeasia.com
Caribbean Breeze 4100 Fairfax Dr. 703-812-7997 www.caribbeanbreezeva.com
Carpool - Arlington 4000 N. Fairfax  Dr. 703-532-7665 www.gocarpool.com
Chevys Fresh Mex - Ballston 4238 Wilson Blvd. Ste. 1132 703-516-9020 www.chevys.com
Circo Pizzeria & Grill 2300 Clarendon Blvd. 703-465-2100
Clarendon Ballroom 3185 Wilson Blvd. 703-469-2244 www.clarendonballroom.com
Clarendon Grill 1101 N Highland St. 703-524-7455 www.cgrill.com
Continental Modern Pool Lounge 1911 N. Fort Myer Drive 703-465-7675 www.modernpoollounge.com
Dan & Brad’s 950 N. Stafford St. 703-812-5114 www.danandbradssteakhouse.com
Delhi Club 1135 N. Highland St. 703-243-6522 www.delhiclub.com
Dr. Dremo’s Taphouse 2001 Clarendon Blvd. 703-528-4660 www.drdremo.com
Eat 2761 Washington Blvd 703-778-9951
El Ranchero 4617 Wilson Blvd 703-524-1010
Eleventh Street Lounge 1041 N. Highland St. 703-351-1311 www.eleventhstreetlounge.com
Faccia Luna 2909 Wilson Blvd. 703-276-3099 www.faccialuna.com
Flat Top Grill  4245 N. Fairfax Dr. 703-528-0078 www.flattopgrill.com
Front Page Arlington 4201 Wilson Blvd 703-248-9990 www.frontpagearlington.com
Galaxy Hut 2711 Wilson Blvd. 703-525-8646 www.galaxyhut.com
Great Eatery Café 1000 Wilson Blvd 703-527-2110
Gua Rapo 2039 Wilson Blvd 703-528-6500 www.latinconcepts.com/guarapo/
Hard Times Cafe 3028 Wilson Blvd. 703-528-2233 www.hardtimes.com
Harry’s Tap Room 2800 Clarendon Boulevard Suite R-800 703-778-7788 www.harrystaproom.com
Il Radicchio 1801 Clarendon Blvd. 703-276-2627
Indian Curry House 3181 Wilson Blvd 703-527-3444
Ireland’s Four Courts 2051 Wilson Blvd. 703-525-3600 www.irelandsfourcourts.com
IOTA Club & Cafe 2832 Wilson Blvd. 703-522-8340 www.iotaclubandcafe.com
Jay’s Saloon & Grille 3114 N. 10th St. 703-527-3093
Kitty O’Sheas 2403 Wilson Blvd. 703-522-5295 www.kittyosheasva.com
La Tasca 2900 Wilson Blvd. 703-812-9120 www.latascausa.com
La Union Restaurant 5517 Wilson Blvd.703-522-0134
Layalina Restaurant 5216 Wilson Blvd 703-525-1170 www.layalinarestaurant.com
Liberty Tavern 3195 Wilson Boulevard 703-465-9360 www.thelibertytavern.com
Listrani’s Arlington 2323 Wilson Blvd. 703-526-9300 www.listranis.com
Little Viet Garden 3012 Wilson Blvd. 703-522-9686
Matsutake Hibachi Steak & Sushi 4121 Wilson Blvd. 703-351-8787
Mexicali Blues 2933 Wilson Blvd. 703-812-9352 www.mexicali-blues.com
Mezza 9 - Hyatt Arlington 1325 Wilson Blvd 703-908-4672
Mister Days 3100 Clarendon Blvd. 703-527-1600 www.misterdays.com
O’Sullivan’s 3207 Washington Blvd.  703-812-0939 www.celtictaverns.com
Pho 75  1721 Wilson Blvd 703-525-7355
Pines of Florence 3811 Fairfax Dr. 703-243-7463 www.arlingtoncountywebsite.com/PinesofFlorence.htm
Ragtime Restaurant 1345 N. Courthouse Rd. 703-243-4003 www.ragtimerestaurant.com
Ray’s the Steaks 1725 Wilson Blvd. 703-841-7297
Red, Hot & Blue 1600 Wilson Blvd 703-276-7427 www.redhotandblue.com
Rendez-vous  3540 Wilson Blvd. 703-527-1165
Rhodeside Grill 1836 Wilson Blvd. 703-243-0145 www.rhodesidegrill.com
Rio Grande Café Arlington 4301 N. Fairfax Dr. 703-528-3131
Rock Bottom Arlington 4238 Wilson Blvd 703-516-7688 www.rockbottom.com
Royal Lee Bar & Grill 2211 N. Pershing Drive 703-524-5493 www.royallee.cjb.net/
Ruby Tuesday Rosslyn 1300 Wilson Blvd 703-526-1956
Sala Thai 2900 N. 10th Street 703-465-2900 www.salathaidc.com
Santa Fe Cafe 1500 Wilson Blvd 703-276-0361 www.santafecafe-arlington.com
Sette Bello 3101 Wilson Blvd. 703-351-1004 www.settebellorestaurant.com
Sobe Seafood Co.  3100 Clarendon Blvd 703-527-1283
Summers Sports Bar 1520 N. Courthouse Rd. 703-528-8278 www.summers-restaurant.com
Sushi - Zen 2457 N. Harrison Street 703-534-6000 www.SushiZen.com
Tallula 2761 Washington Blvd. 703-778-5051 www.tallularestaurant.com
Tara Thai 4001 N. Fairfax Dr. 703-908-4999
Ted’s Montana Grill 4300 N. Wilson Blvd. 703-741-0661 www.tedsmontanagrill.com
The Cheesecake Factory 2900 Wilson Blvd 703-351-0300 www.thecheesecakefactory.com
The Melting Pot - Arlington 1110 N. Glebe Road 703-243-4490 www.meltingpot.com
Tivoli Restaurant 1700 N. Moore 703-524-8900
Tom Sarris Orleans House 1213 Wilson Blvd.  703-524-2929
Tutto Bene 501 N Randolph St. 703 522 1005 www.tuttobeneitalian.com
Vapianos 4401 Wilson Boulevard  www.vapiano.com
Whitlow’s on Wilson 2854 Wilson Blvd. 703-276-9693 www.whitlows.com
Willow 4301 N. Fairfax Drive 703-465-8800 www.willowva.com
Zen Bistro and Wine Bar 1301 South Joyce Street D9 703-413-8887 www.zen-bistro.com