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MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: MuggsyB on April 20, 2021, 07:30:03 PM

Title: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 20, 2021, 07:30:03 PM
I just found out I have to make a quick trip to DC and will be staying near DCA.  Food options near the airport?  Ty.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: NextChampionship on April 20, 2021, 09:51:00 PM
Assuming you're staying in Crystal City, I'd recommend Jaleo. It has excellent Spanish tapas and is owned by Jose Andres, a well-known chef in the area.

For a casual option, I'd recommend Kabob Palace. They might have the best food in the DC area, and there's always an interesting mix of cab drivers, office workers, and families there. I haven't been there since the pandemic began, but it's historically been very crowded inside. It might be takeout only right now.

Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 20, 2021, 10:16:58 PM
Assuming you're staying in Crystal City, I'd recommend Jaleo. It has excellent Spanish tapas and is owned by Jose Andres, a well-known chef in the area.

For a casual option, I'd recommend Kabob Palace. They might have the best food in the DC area, and there's always an interesting mix of cab drivers, office workers, and families there. I haven't been there since the pandemic began, but it's historically been very crowded inside. It might be takeout only right now.

Excellent!  Thank you very much.  I'm a 7 min walk from Jaleo.  There seems to be nice variety of choices in Crystal City.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: WarriorHal on April 21, 2021, 12:46:35 AM
There are a bunch of restaurants on 23rd St. @ Richmond Highway -- the area is called Crystal City’s Restaurant Row. Nice variety including the Crystal City Sport's Pub.  https://www.ccsportspub.com/



 
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: warriorchick on April 21, 2021, 01:21:55 AM
There is a gay bar in Crystal City that has a great happy hour.

Cheap drinks and appetizers. And while you are enjoying them, you can check out the pink grand piano and the large display of MIB Barbies.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 21, 2021, 04:34:20 AM
If it's been asked on here before I refer you to this thread

https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=56125.0
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 21, 2021, 05:55:32 AM
Thanks for the suggestions!
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: reinko on April 21, 2021, 07:59:04 AM
Thanks for the suggestions!

If you are up for a cab/Uber ride, hit up Old Town in Alexandria, lots of great bars and restaurants only about a 10 min ride.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 21, 2021, 11:07:24 AM
If you are up for a cab/Uber ride, hit up Old Town in Alexandria, lots of great bars and restaurants only about a 10 min ride.

Everything is on King Street.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: reinko on April 21, 2021, 11:24:58 AM
Everything is on King Street.

Thanks for that important, yet forgotten detail 😃
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: tower912 on April 21, 2021, 11:47:46 AM
Arby's.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 21, 2021, 11:57:01 AM
Awesome!  Ty Reinko and MU fan in Connecticut. 
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 21, 2021, 01:58:02 PM
Muggs,
Since we like to talk about Real Chili, King Street in Alexandria has Hard Times which is a chili restaurant.  My family always makes a stop.
They offer 4 different types and you can sample before ordering.  You can't miss the horse out in front.

King Street starts at the George Washington Masonic Memorial which offers great views of greater DC without even entering the tower.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: NextChampionship on April 21, 2021, 04:04:00 PM
I second Hard Times Cafe for the Cincinnati chili.  Other good options in Old Town Alexandria are Vermillion (fairly upscale) and Virtue Feed and Grain (really good American food in a cool building).
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 21, 2021, 04:19:33 PM
I second Hard Times Cafe for the Cincinnati chili.  Other good options in Old Town Alexandria are Vermillion (fairly upscale) and Virtue Feed and Grain (really good American food in a cool building).

I've eaten at Vermillion.  The Obamas eat there.
Brabo, was good also.  I've eaten at a bunch down by the Torpedo Factory.  There a good cupcake place on King Street. 

We visit DC once or twice a year (2020 excepted) for the last 20+ years and normally stay in Old Town Alexandria, the last two times excepted, where we stayed in Foggy Bottom.   (Kid was touring GWU and there was some other reason the next time.)
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 21, 2021, 06:43:44 PM
Muggs,
Since we like to talk about Real Chili, King Street in Alexandria has Hard Times which is a chili restaurant.  My family always makes a stop.
They offer 4 different types and you can sample before ordering.  You can't miss the horse out in front.

King Street starts at the George Washington Masonic Memorial which offers great views of greater DC without even entering the tower.

Wow......now I have really tough choices in 48 hrs.  I love Ethiopian Food and they have great ones in DC. Whoever invented Injera is a genius.   I will have to figure this out....or stay an extra day!  Tremendous variety near DCA which I didn't realize.  Ty all.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 21, 2021, 06:51:42 PM
Damn....that Jaleo menu is badass.  Paella is vastly underrated.  :)
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: Dr. Blackheart on April 21, 2021, 06:53:40 PM
Muggs,
Since we like to talk about Real Chili, King Street in Alexandria has Hard Times which is a chili restaurant.  My family always makes a stop.
They offer 4 different types and you can sample before ordering.  You can't miss the horse out in front.

Ummmm....Ben's
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 21, 2021, 07:01:56 PM
Ummmm....Ben's

I've been to Ben's.  Their half-smoke chili dog is always good.  DC has great eats.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: keefe on April 22, 2021, 05:40:33 PM
If you go to Old Town I highly recommend Taverna Cretekou. Order the exohiko which is sublime.

Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: Babybluejeans on April 22, 2021, 05:59:38 PM
With scant exceptions, Old Town food is pretty mediocre. But it's a cool place to hang and have a drink. Better to duck over to the Eden Center and eat the best Vietnamese outside of Hanoi.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 22, 2021, 06:21:23 PM
With scant exceptions, Old Town food is pretty mediocre. But it's a cool place to hang and have a drink. Better to duck over to the Eden Center and eat the best Vietnamese outside of Hanoi.

I live close to many great Vietnamese, Thai, and Lao Restaurants.  But that said a good Duck Pho can honestly be downed every day.  :)
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: keefe on April 24, 2021, 09:43:47 AM
The best Chinese food in the District is Tony Cheng's on H Street. Order the Crispy Beef with Carrot Strips. It's not on the menu but if you ask they will make it.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 24, 2021, 05:18:06 PM
The best Chinese food in the District is Tony Cheng's on H Street. Order the Crispy Beef with Carrot Strips. It's not on the menu but if you ask they will make it.

Tyvm keefe.  There are some old and underrated Chinese joints in the DC area.  This is extremely difficult....unless I skip the meeting and eat 8 meals in 48 hrs.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: keefe on April 27, 2021, 10:56:38 AM
Tyvm keefe.  There are some old and underrated Chinese joints in the DC area.  This is extremely difficult....unless I skip the meeting and eat 8 meals in 48 hrs.

I am headed to DC for meetings this week. One of our dinners will be at the Old Ebbitt. I give it 5 Stars.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on April 28, 2021, 09:44:41 PM
I am headed to DC for meetings this week. One of our dinners will be at the Old Ebbitt. I give it 5 Stars.

I've heard excellent things about the Old Ebbitt.  It's generally considered one of the best restaurants in the entire city.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on April 29, 2021, 10:33:34 AM
I've heard excellent things about the Old Ebbitt.  It's generally considered one of the best restaurants in the entire city.

I have eaten and drank here before.

It's best know as the place where British soldiers drank during the War of 1812 while DC was burning.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: keefe on May 01, 2021, 12:12:11 PM
Try Bistro Aracosia for Afghani. Solid fare.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on May 05, 2021, 07:59:45 PM
Assuming you're staying in Crystal City, I'd recommend Jaleo. It has excellent Spanish tapas and is owned by Jose Andres, a well-known chef in the area.

For a casual option, I'd recommend Kabob Palace. They might have the best food in the DC area, and there's always an interesting mix of cab drivers, office workers, and families there. I haven't been there since the pandemic began, but it's historically been very crowded inside. It might be takeout only right now.

We hit Jaleo tonight after a long flight from the West Coast.  Thank you very much for the suggestion.  Between the four of us we had an assortment of tapas and an excellent seafood paella.  All in all it was a real treat.  I was pleased not to have to pay the tab.  :)  Now, it's tough....lots of good choices.  Thx again.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on May 06, 2021, 10:29:55 AM
Muggs - we're waiting on your mealtimes play-by-play breakdowns.
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: keefe on May 06, 2021, 01:23:30 PM
Muggs - we're waiting on your mealtimes play-by-play breakdowns.

Any floor or table slapping?
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on May 08, 2021, 03:29:40 PM
Let me just say that I had a myriad of outstanding meals in DC and Crystal City.  Thank you all for your suggestions.  One place we tried, and not mentioned in the thread here, was a Malaysian restaurant called Makan near Adams-Morgan.   

I'm not sure if any of you have been fortunate enough to travel to Malaysia/Singapore, or have a local Malaysian joint, but it is a highly, highly, underrated cuisine.  It's somewhat an amalgamation of a number of South East Asian and Chiness dishes.  We're talking recipes with extremely complex spice and food combinations but somehow are consistently as good as Steve Novak at the free throw line.

I would give an entire play by play MUFan in CT but I thought it might irritate people.  All in all I would give this place a 977/1000 rating.  Superb meal and you could tell early there would be no worries of defeat at any time.  :)
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MU Fan in Connecticut on May 08, 2021, 04:18:40 PM
LOL!  Glad to hear you had a good trip.

Yes, on Malaysian food too!
Title: Re: Restaurants in Arlington, VA?
Post by: MuggsyB on May 08, 2021, 04:43:55 PM
LOL!  Glad to hear you had a good trip.

Yes, on Malaysian food too!

The other thing about Malaysia, and the Kopitam's in Singapore, is the tremendous variety of food choices and overall price for the quality you get.  It's pretty remarkable.  I find Malaysian food better than Thai or Indonesian.  It's all good mind you but I really like the combinations and their tweaking of various cuisines.  As a side note most Americans don't realize that Pakastani and Nepalese food is better than Indian food.  :)