Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Curious Grape: The Place for Wine Lovers

The Curious Grape started out as a wine shop, and then expanded to become a top wine bar and casual dining spot. Why? Because wine always goes better with food! Come in and relax in the classy, comfortably decorated bar and dining room. Enjoy a glass or even a half-glass from a nice selection of vintages, and share some equally nice cheeses. Stop in the café for breakfast or lunch, and get a great cup of coffee, a nosh or a sandwich. And the dinner menu is always paired well with some wine (ask your server for recommendations). Or just go to the shop and buy a bottle to take home!

The Curious Grape is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Curious Grape
2900 South Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 671-8700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-curious-grape-arlington-2

Retro Ray’s: Retro Dining in Arlington, Virginia

If you’re looking for a steakhouse experience like the kind Don Draper might have enjoyed on Mad Men, Retro Ray’s has got you covered. This Arlington restaurant offers up exceptional steaks and sides with a retro flair – classic recipes prepared exceptionally well. Located next door to the larger Ray’s, this 40-seat bistro is tough to get into but very worth it. The steaks are the big draw here, with a variety of cuts seared to perfection on the grill and topped with a variety of accoutrements. Some of the most popular include the Onglet hanger steak, a Ray’s specialty, that provides incredible rich beef flavor, as well as the house special New York strip served with a peppercorn crust, brandy mushroom cream, and bleu cheese crumbles. Every steak comes with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, served family style, but the sides include some classic steakhouse offerings like deviled eggs and onion soup.

Retro Ray’s
2300 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
http://www.yelp.com/biz/retro-rays-arlington-2

El Pollo Rico: One Red Hen

If there’s one dish that Peruvian cuisine is known for in the United States, it’s roasted chicken. There’s something about the rotisserie method of cooking in conjunction with a unique blend of herbs and spices that makes for irresistible flavors. If you’re hungry just reading about it, make a trip to Ell Pollo Rico in Arlington, which serves up dozens of awesome chickens each and every day. The restaurant, part of a local chain, has won accolades from discerning Arlington locals. No matter what size portion you order, your chicken is accompanied by your choice of two sides. Frequent diners usually go for the crisp French fries, but the rice and beans are worthwhile as well. Top it all off with the house-made sauces. The hot green sauce is dangerously addictive, and you’ll want to order extra to put on home-cooked meals. Prices are very affordable and service is quick and professional.  

El Pollo Rico
932 N. Kenmore Street
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-pollo-rico-arlington

El Charrito Caminante: An Expanse of Flavors

From the outside, Arlington’s El Charrito Caminante may not look like much – just another anonymous Mexican restaurant in a town full of them. But once you step through the doors, you’ll might be dazzled by the spectacular tastes on offer here. The menu incorporates dishes from a variety of South American cuisines in addition to classic Mexican fare, and everything is well-regarded. Some favorites include pupusas, the Ecuadorian corn cakes stuffed with melted cheese and topped with tangy cabbage – they’re a bargain at just $1.50 and a pair of them make for a good cheap lunch. Don’t miss out on the incredible burritos as well – they’re flavorful and stuffed near bursting. El Charrito Caminante is a local favorite for value, with just about everything on the menu coming in at $4 or cheaper. Get a glass of cold, sweet horchata with your meal. El Charrito Caminante is one of Arlington's hidden dining gems.

El Charrito Caminante
2710-A N. Washington Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 351-1177
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-charrito-caminante-arlington

Fettoosh: Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine

One of the biggest challenges when you’re going out for Mediterranean food is that there are so many different regional variants, each with their own flavor profiles and favorite ingredients. Arlington natives will all tell you that if you have a hankering for Moroccan food or Lebanese cuisine, Fettoosh is one of the best places to get it. The owners of this place have made a reputation preparing the highest-quality ingredients in signature dishes like beef shawarma and lamb couscous, which is only served on Fridays. The entire menu is exceptional, though, with hidden treasures like the chicken mhamer with preserved lemons waiting to be discovered. Service is fast and prices are very reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes. At the end of your meal, clear your palate with a cup of Moroccan mint tea on the house. Fettoosh also delivers within a reasonably large area — check the website for more info!

Fettoosh
5100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22203
(703) 527-7710
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fettoosh-arlington

Fyve: Arlington New American Cuisine

If you are looking for a great breakfast, power lunch or an elegant dinner, Fyve is a great place to go. Located in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near the Pentagon City Metro station, Fyve has established itself as the home of classic new American bistro in Arlington. The chef believes in using local, organic ingredients for a fresh and exciting menu. For breakfast, check out the Belgian waffle, lemon ricotta pancakes, or cranberry brioche French toast. Or go for the fitness breakfast: an egg white omelet with a variety of fillings. For lunch, get half soup and half salad lunch choices for just $15, with chef’s soup specialties like butternut squash with maple syrup and ginger. Or go for the executive lunch — $22 per person that includes appetizer, dessert, and entrée. For dinner, be sure to check out the seafood, or choose the Kinderhook beef tenderloins which get high marks. Fyve also offers an excellent Sunday brunch!

Fyve
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
1250 S. Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 415-5000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fyve-restaurant-lounge-arlington

Tagolio: Hot Pizza in Crystal City

When it comes to delicious pizza and Italian dishes, Tagolio is a coal-fired wonder. Located near the Crystal City Metro station on Arlington's “Restaurant Row,” Tagolio Pizza offers classic Neapolitan pizzas, baked in an 800 degree coal-fired oven. It produces an amazing pizza! Tagolio uses only the freshest ingredients to produce outstanding pies like the Margherita with buffalo mozzarella, the Salsiccia with homemade sausage, or the Regina with smoked mozzarella, wild mushrooms, prosciutto, and truffle spread. Or, create your own special pizza! There’s also fantastic appetizers and salad (try the chef’s soup of the day), great pasta choices (don’t miss Chef Daniele’s meatballs) and fabulous entrees like the Veal Sorrento with artichokes and the rack of lamb. Come for happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., when every pizza is half price!

Tagolio
549 S. 23rd Street
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 553-2070
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tagolio-arlington

Me Jana: Lebanese Cuisine (and a Friendly Bar!)

The owners of Me Jana understand that great food must be complimented by great service. Located just off the Courthouse Metro station near Arlington's Justice Center, Me Mana serves authentic and tasty Lebanese food in a casual setting, for lunch or dinner. Not sure of what to order? The friendly and helpful wait staff will be glad to help you with your choices. For lunch, try a great pita sandwich or go with the set price menu – $28 per person includes many excellent choices such as hommus and baba ghanoj with eggplant. Other great items include a traditional tabouleh salad, cheese rolls in phylo dough, and a mixed grill of chicken, lamb, and kafta. There’s also a terrific Dinner set menu of $40 per person that includes many of the lunch items but also includes entrees such as chicken shawarma, falafel, and fried kibbeh.

Me Jana
2300 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 465-4440
http://www.yelp.com/biz/me-jana-arlington

William Jeffrey’s Tavern: A Great Arlington Gathering Place

With a décor reminiscent of 1930s era prohibition speakeasy, William Jeffrey’s Tavern is the ideal place to meet with friends, watch a game, and have a terrific dining experience. Nestled in Siena Park, William Jeffrey’s features great American food and more. Grab a beer from its selection of 16 on-tap brews. Enjoy the raw bar, or get an appetizer sure to please, like nachos piled high with cheese, jalapenos and pico de gallo, lager-steamed mussels, wings, or other tasty options. Sit down for lunch or dinner and enjoy the chowder of the day, a doll-it-up burger that you can build yourself or one of the many sandwiches, salads, and wraps on the menu. Entrée items are eclectic, with dishes such as Argentinean hangar steak and Cioppino –a shellfish and fresh fish stew! William Jeffrey’s Tavern is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

William Jeffrey’s Tavern
2301 Columbia Pike
Suite 101
Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 746-6333
http://www.yelp.com/biz/william-jeffreys-tavern-arlington

Busboys and Poets: A Legendary Cafe in Arlington

From the streets of Washington D.C. to Arlington's Shirlington Village, Busboys and Poets is a celebration of art, history, and great food. The name refers to poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy in D.C. His life was a springboard for what is now a socially-conscious bookstore and cafe. Enjoy the casual atmosphere and enjoy an organic coffee or latte, while perusing the variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections. Start your day with poached eggs, buckwheat pancakes, or French toast. Come for lunch and try to decide between a hot Panini, burger, sandwich, or pizza. Have a drink with an appetizer of Nachos, wings, hummus, or bruschetta. Or stay for dinner and order the excellent shrimp and grits or the blackened salmon – both rated high. Busboys and Poets is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m. and Sundays until 11 p.m. It's also a bookstore, so check the website for upcoming events!

Busboys and Poets
4251 S. Campbell Avenue
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 379-9757
http://www.yelp.com/biz/busboys-and-poets-arlington