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Clarendon Ballroom & Rooftop Pavilion
3185 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
703-469-2244
Don’t let the name fool you, this not an unapproachable locale playing host to cotillions. I have often wondered why they would choose that name. I digress. At first blush, you may want to lump the Ballroom in with the other “Clarendon Crawl” bars in the area. Nothing wrong with that, the location would be in good company. But the Ballroom does differentiate itself with pure size. The venue is massive. In warmer weather it plays host to a HUGE rooftop terrace bar that is not only comfortable, but you can actually get a seat at happy hour! Inside, there are two floors with multiples throughout the establishment. Note, at press time the “It” night is Thursday. If that doesn’t work for you, try a night with cool band. You want to go when something is happening at the Ballroom. Otherwise it is a large oasis of tables. Patrons make the spot.
Clarendon Grill
1101 N. Highland Street
Arlington, VA 22201
703-524-7455
While the crowd is decidedly young, Clarendon Grill still boasts a nice spot to see a band, grab something to eat and an outdoor patio. The spot is a perennial favorite for the next round 20 somethings hitting the Arlington scene. Still, armed with a few friends and the right band, it is still a fun night. Check the website for bands and information.
Coastal Flats
11901 Grand Common Avenue
Fairfax VA 22030
571-522-6300
Coastal Flats has become "The Scene" in the suburbs. The Fairfax Corner location has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for the single and not-so-single in the "Rt 66 West" suburbs. With its trademark Great American Restaurant chain food and service the experience is always an A+. Add in a great outdoor patio, cocktails, bustling happy hours and a festive crew and you have a destination that is sure to please. Note, while the location is an excellent alternative to the mad drive to DC, it is no replacement. The people watching is great, but I wouldn't bring your single BFF here to find love on a bar stool☺
DC9
1940 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-483-5000
DC9 is committed to bringing you the best in music for the 21st Century, including an eclectic mix of local and national acts. Whether you like cutting edge DJs or the best new up and coming band we are your spot. The site is split into two levels: The ground level is open seven nights a week with no cover charge. There is a jukebox with over 130,000 songs to choose from. DC9 is a great local haunt in the historic and hip U Street Corridor where you can grab a cocktail before or after a 9:30 Club show. The second floor is dedicated to showcasing live music and djs, see the music calendar to see when your favorite act will be playing. Be sure to checkout the Happy Hour! Information courtesy of DC9. Note, this uber cool destination in downtown DC is loved for its Friday night Libertine Dance Party.
Georgetown Waterfront
3 venues on the Georgetown Waterfront
Washington DC
One of the great things about the waterfront is its forgiving nature versus some of the other bars that you might have gone to in your former life. Yes the 20 something’s are all still there, but this DC destination still attracts all age groups. Tony & Joe's holds the record for best people watching (not food) and Sequoia's large tiered brink patio offers a nice menu and a great outdoor bar. We still bring out-of-towners here for outside afternoon drinks, early season football games or for the first weather worthy Friday night of the season. Noteworthy, best for Friday night happy hours and Sunday brunch. Amazing views of the Potomac, Key Bridge, Kennedy Center and downtown DC. It is also a great daytime destination for little ones and families.
Georgetown Waterfront
Tony & Joes
3000 K Street NW
Washington DC 20007
202-944-4545
Yes Tony & Joes! It is a staple at the Georgetown Waterfront and is always a crowd pleaser. You never know who you will run into or meet. Locals, tourists, military, dot.com CEO's, you will find them all here on just about any day that is weather worthy in DC. The food continues to be marginal, but the bar, the patrons and the amazing views of the Potomac River make this a perennial favorite. I have taken friends, family and even a dog to this hot spot and the destination has never disappointed. Noteworthy, despite my limited tenure in the DC area, after only a few months I was running into folks at Tony & Joe's.
Iota
2832 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-8340
Iota is a small venue on in the heart of Clarendon (a.k.a. Arlington, VA). Iota’s loft style interior boasts a cozy restaurant with tasty high-end cuisine. Seating is first come first serve. Get there early for table. After hours, Iota sheds it bistro image and fires up the band or bands to be precise. While somewhat small, the venue offers a cool vibe to watch up and coming artists. Note, even Jenna Bush made her way to this local favorite to see one of her beloved Austin bands. Check out the website for bands and menu info.
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J.Paul's
3118 M Street NW
Washington DC 20007
202-222-3450
Fun stop for visiting family and friends. It is also good watering hole in Georgetown on a Friday night. The oysters are awesome. They also replace bread with bit size soft pretzels and mustard. As a native of Philadelphia, I am a fan of the concept. Noteworthy, get a drink and enjoy the crowd for happy hour. I would skip it for date night.
McCormick & Schmik
Check website for DC Metro locations
McCormick & Schmick is a mainstay in the hectic Metro DC restaurant world. The chain has multiple locations and spin-offs that have all found success in the area. The seafood is wonderful, the happy hour are always fun and the courteous staff make this is a perfect night with hubby or the girls. Noteworthy, happy hours are always brimming with weary business folk that are looking for some fun. Happy hour’s discount burgers, Baja fish tacos and oyster shooters plus fun people watching make this a great diversion from the everyday. Your little one is welcome in the main dining room.
Old Ebbit Grill
675 15th Street
Washington DC 20005
202-347-4801
Old Ebbit Grill is the quintessential DC restaurant. Located just block from the White House, Old Ebbit is the ideal starting point for a day in DC. The verdict is still out on the food. While good, it is hard to compete with some it more food savvy neighbors. Still, celebrity spottings, Friday night happy hours, and the fabulous valet parking makes this a spot to keep in your Blackberry. While kids are welcome, I can think of a number of local spots that would be more kid friendly.
Rio Grande
DC Metro locations
Uncle Julios stands strong amongst the maze of local Mexican chain restaurants. The courteous staff, kid's menu and family friendly vibe make this a great venue for the family with young and not so young children. The restaurant has a great set up for little ones. They offer crayons, kid's placemats and even a dough ball for your budding baker. Most restaurants typically have a wait on weekends. If you are in a hurry, take advantage of the outdoor bar seating at some locations. It serves a nice sampling of the traditional menu. Noteworthy, the Fairfax Corner location has a great outdoor patio that is first come, first serve seating. They offer a light menu and a very stroller friendly area. Ole!
Ritz ~Georgtown
3100 South Street NW
Washington DC 20007
202-912-4100
While I love the outdoor vibe of the Georgetown waterfront, it isn't always 70 and sunny in our Nation's Capital. When the weather turns, the bar at The Ritz Carlton is the spot to be. The size ebbs and flows depending on the time of the night, hotel guest count, etc. Don't be fooled, even if a raucous post wedding crew invade the space, the DC locals own this spot. Noteworthy, despite a semi-casual atmosphere, I would recommend ditching the jeans. Let us not forget, it is The Ritz!
Rustico
827 Slaters Lane
Alexandria VA 22314
703-224-5051
This spot offers an eclectic mix of high end pot-pies paired with a beer tasting. Despite how it may sound it is delicious. This charming get away in Old Town Alexandria is brought to you by the same folks who own Evening Star, Vermillion and Tallula. The tasty resume continues to grow with the birth of Rustico. Despite a slow start, a new chef has reenergized the menu. Check out the rockfish, sunchoke and sheep's milk ricotta pizza and an impressive line up of Draught beer.
Tallula
2761 Washington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
703-778-5051
Sleak and cool restaurant and bar located in the heart of Clarendon/Arlington. This spot is fun pick for drinks and dinner and more drinks. The bar really lights up with interesting personalities. The location plays host to a cool crowd weekends. The bar has received props in the past for Best Cocktails in the DC Area. Check it out and make a reservation, the venue is packed on weekends!
Whitlow's on Wilson
2854 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
703-276-9693
Nestled on Wilson Boulevard amongst the sea of bars I like to call the “Clarendon Crawl”, you will find Whitlow’s On Wilson. For those not familiar with the area, there was a time when Clarendon was glistening with new spots, bars, restaurants, and loft style condos. Back in the humble beginnings of the Clarendon area, Whitlows stood by itself. Thanks to bands, bars and billiards Whitlows still pulls a crowd. They have a nice happy hour and I have attended a few birthday celebrations in their backroom. This one is solid and they have a great Sunday brunch!
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