Top Restaurants in Arlington
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Where to eat American food in Arlington: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Reviews on American food in Arlington, Virginia, United States. Known for walkable urban villages like Crystal City, Rosslyn and Ballston, Arlington was part of the "10 miles square" surveyed in 1791 to be the United States capital. Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington is home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Air Force Memorial and Pentagon Memorial. With 11 Metro stops, Arlington is car-optional and offers visitors everything from eclectic theater to Bohemian cafes.
Things to do in Arlington
10. Bourbon Steak
Overall Ratings
4 based on 446 reviews
Bourbon Steak is a classic American steakhouse offering seasonal, regional fare with Michael Minaâs modern twist. Our Executive Chef prepares pristine cuts of American and Japanese beef. Using Michael Minaâs signature process, the meat is slow-poached the
Reviewed By IDC637
Once again this great place delivered what they promised. Went there for Easter lunch, not the massive brunch they serve in one of their ballrooms, but the actual restaurant with table service and it was over-the-top.This place is calm and very inviting although is very simply decorated. The Easter menu was a prix-fixe menu with many options for each course. All the dishes were very American and lovely prepared and served.We ordered drinks and with the drinks they brought 3 complimentary tumblers of different flavored French fries with 3 different dips, which is their signature. They are delicious but next time I go there Iâll remember to ask the server to bring them with the main course, since they are so tasteful that you tend to eat them and fill up.After the drinks we ordered rigatoni with beef sauce and the sauté soft shell crab for starters. For main courses we ordered the New York Strip Steak which was perfectly cooked medium rare as we requested. As part of the Easter menu the sides came with it and they were the heavenly Mac and cheese with truffle oil, grilled Brussels sprouts and mash potatoes, all delicious. For dessert we had the cake with ice cream and delicious sauce.We ordered a wonderful Bellegrave Pauillac which was heavenly, I picked the wine consulting with the very helpful sommelier.The best part of eating at Bourbon Steak is the fact that you can ask the maitre Dâ or the bus person for anything and they give it to you, you never hear âIâll get your serverâ to get what you want. Itâs wonderful service. After coffee we were invited to go to the garden and participate in an âadult scavenger huntâ for Manhattan cocktail ingredients, which was lots of fun since there were staff to help you find the ingredients if you didnât want to take the time to search the grounds. All in all a wonderful Easter lunch after going to church. Highly recommended.
9. Blue Duck Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2153 reviews
Blue Duck Tavern, a contemporary neighborhood restaurant, invites its guests to gather and celebrate in good taste with a menu focusing on the freshest ingredients available from local purveyors and artisans. The menu notes every farm where the main ingre
Reviewed By MDMensch
In astronomy, there are mysteries surrounding some high-magnitude stars, like Epsilon Aurigae, which dims to half its brightness during a cycle. The cause of the dimming is not fully known, but star gazers continue to keep an eye on this lustrous object. This same phenomena is true of Blue Duck Tavern, which received a Michelin Star in 2017, but has faded from this magnitude in recent years (more on Michelin Star ratings below).The West End restaurant remains elegant and offers fresh locally-sourced food, but it falls short in service and "standout fare" to keep up with the newest batch of Michelin Star options in DC. This was disappointing, because was truly wanted to be impressed.We gave the restaurant advance notice of our birthday celebration, but were seated between two other encroaching 2-tops. The position of the table (sandwiched with views of a window and the floor to ceiling mirror) paled relative to other open tables.The duck entree and the mushroom side were very good, and worthy of praise. The rest of our meal (Octopus, Gouda Grits), however, was not memorable and disappointed, BECAUSE of expectations that Blue Duck Tavern would deliver a unique, flavorful meal. The service and ambiance were not especially impressive (though the premium pricing remained).For a special occasion, like the one we were celebrating, the Blue Duck Tavern failed to be a worthy complement.More About Michelin Star Ratings:Michelin Stars are awarded based upon five attributes: quality of product, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the expression of the chefâs personality in the cuisine, the value for the money, and consistency across a number of visits
8. Clyde's of Georgetown
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1696 reviews
Opened in 1963, Clyde's of Georgetown qualifies as an institution. This animated tavern in the heart of Washington's most famous neighborhood popularized saloon food and practically invented Sunday brunch. More than 50 years later, Clyde's continues the t
Reviewed By Paul O
An old time DC standby, Clydeâs continues to deliver charming saloon style ambiance, cheerful service, extensive menus, well prepared food and excellent value. The bar can get out of hand on a Saturday night, but that is to be expected in Georgetown. The crab cakes in any form are consistent winners, but seafood in general is outstanding. Excellent value.
7. Legal Sea Foods
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Add a stopover for seafood to your itinerary at Reagan Airport - our restaurant is the perfect place for travelers who need a quick layover for food or drink, want to wine and dine away flight delays or prefer to take off with take-out. We are located pre
Reviewed By Debra R
Our flight was delayed today and we spent the day at the airport. One benefit that ensued however, was having lunch at Legal. The service was ok, but both the fried scallops and the crab cake sandwich were really good. It is nice to have a real restaurant with great food inside the airport.
6. Martin's Tavern
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1288 reviews
The historic service, authentic ambiance, and savory comfort food at Martinâs Tavern has remained a Georgetown favorite for nearly a century. Locally owned for four generations since 1933, the oldest family-run restaurant in town, Martin's is a long-stand
Reviewed By WizardofAz60
There's so much history at this tavern. Make sure you ask for the brochure that tells you all about it and the famous people who have eaten here. There was a bit of a mix up after we were seated and we had to ask the waiter to take out order. After that snafu, it was all good. We shared the petite crab crakes (more like crab rolls) and they were delicious. The sauce didn't match the description though. It was supposed to be mandarin. It tasted like thousand island dressing. I had the French onion soup and they rave that it's the best in DC. There was lots of cheese on top and really quite tasty. It probably is the best.
5. 1789 Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 832 reviews
Sitting on a quiet residential street in Georgetown, 1789 Restaurant has the charm of a historic country inn. Next door in the 1789 Bar & Club Room, the large mahogany bar and tufted leather seating provide a welcoming lounge atmosphere. Both the full din
Reviewed By 413colinm
Very impressive restaurant with a strong reputation- it didnât disappoint and the tasting menu was excellent and represents great value
4. BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 646 reviews
BlackSalt is the much anticipated concept restaurant from Chef Jeff Black, featuring an upscale fish market fronting a vibrant bar and elegant restaurant.
Reviewed By Jeremy H
We come here from time to time by invitation of others; it's never good. Everything is tricked out to appear like a serious fish restaurant. The market in front. The open kitchen. The tasting table. Even the often precious presentation of dishes. But the food never TASTES good. This lunch for three was no exception. The tuna tartar literally tasted like chum. Usually the briny taste of raw tuna is cut with some kind of addition, like soy sauce. There was no balancing of the flavor. The fish tasted old or from the blood line. It was stacked in a small tower over avocado (fancy presentation) with crunchies on top. But the bottom line is that all three of us tasted this dish and put our forks down.For main, I ordered a mixed salad with grilled salmon on top. The salad was overdressed and underwhelming. The salmon was ok, but not great, and certainly not up to the standard that the restaurant claims it rises to. My wife had a salad with sautéed soft shell crab, which was also disappointing. The one bright spot was our server, who was excellent. (Not always the case at this place.) He was friendly, provided great advice, and said any substitution on the menu could be made. But when it comes down to taste, this place has never been good, and we've been reluctantly coming for years. Stick to the raw bar, if you must order food here.
3. Carlyle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1178 reviews
High energy, American bistro with seasonal outside dining and year round classic fare. A perennial brunch favorite.
Reviewed By connies966
We can here with a group of 13. We had to be seated at 3 different tables but the servers, food, atmosphere was wonderful. Unique appetizers, beautiful and delicious salads and entrees that were prepared just to order. The staff was very accommodating with some special orders.
2. Weenie Beenie
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
est 1954, original half smoke, Foo Foo song, authentic NC BBQ Breakfast all day Arlington Lunch in Arlington, Weenie Beenie
Reviewed By Steven W
I saw that this place was highly rated by The Washington Post for having great hot dogs. Stopped for lunch one Saturday and got it to go. Service is fairly quick, even for a place with only one window. They have many types of items for sale, both lunch and breakfast items. It is one step above a food truck, but it continues to draw customers. The food was good. Get it to go as there is no place to sit.So happy to have you come and eat with us, we hope to see you again.
1. Palette 22
Overall Ratings
4 based on 147 reviews
FOOD. ART. FUN. Palette 22 is a creative dining experience like none other, where an eclectic menu of globally inspired shareable plates, fantastic drinks, and unrivaled hospitality are showcased in an art-filled space. From the outside in, art is everywh
Reviewed By MJKinArlington
The food and the atmosphere here for a recent Sunday brunch with friends were amazing. The Shirlington Village has many good options, but I am glad we chose Palette 22 on this day. Our waiter was so friendly and efficient. The small plates allowed us to try many different items. A special thanks to our waiter for helping make it a wonderful experience for all of us. I can't remember his name, but he mentioned he was listening to the Beatles music chronologically, which I thought was cool.
