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Crave-Worthy Local Eats & Outdoors in Arlington

24 items

Kristin Gould

This is my go-to list when I want to feel inspired and well-fed. From the best pizza in the DMV to sunset picnic spots and easy weekend walks, these are my favorite ways to enjoy the area like a local. Perfect for solo wandering, casual dates, or sho...

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Outdoor Activities

Restaurants

Outdoor Activities

From morning dog walks to weekend farmers markets, stroll through the park or some basketball, these are my favorite outdoor spots that bring a little peace, movement, and magic into everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a quiet trail, a dog-frie...

This cozy, tree-lined neighborhood park is one of my go-to spots for dog walks, play breaks, or just a breath of fresh air. There’s a small playground for kids, tennis courts if you’re feeling active, and plenty of shaded green space for pup-friendly...

Lyon Village Park

One of my favorite hidden gems in Clarendon! Rocky Run Park has something for everyone—a modern playground, basketball courts, wide open turf for kids to play and even a small hill that’s perfect for laying out or watching the sunset. Theirs is a pla...

Rocky Run Park

Held every Saturday morning, this local market is one of my favorite weekend rituals. From fresh produce and local honey to baked goods, flowers, and small-batch dog treats, it’s got a little something for everyone. Plus, it’s super walkable, dog-fri...

Farmers Market

I love walking here on the weekends when the sun is out. This local gem is more than a historic landmark—it’s a peaceful, open-air spot that feels grounding every time I visit. The iconic statue is powerful to see up close, and the wide, grassy lawn ...

US Marine Corps War Memorial

For something totally different: grab a blanket and planespot at this riverside park just across from Reagan National Airport. Watch aircraft take off overhead, feel the breeze, and enjoy the open sky .

Gravelly Point Park | Arlington Convention & Visitors Service

Restaurants

These are the spots I dream about mid-scroll and suggest every time someone says, “Where should we eat?” From loaded nachos and spicy margs to wood-fired pizzas and cozy noodle bowls, this list is full of local gems I actually go back to (and bring f...

I first tried Andy’s at an event I helped coordinate—and let’s just say, it was love at first bite. The crust is perfectly crisp, the sauce has that just-right tang, and the cheese? Pure bliss. Whether you’re grabbing a slice on the go or ordering a ...

Andy's Pizza Ballston

This is an amazing pizza chain originated in Connecticut and made its way to Arlington, VA. Colony Grill serves up thin-crust perfection in a cozy, laid-back setting—and it quickly became one of my go-to pizza spots. The crust is crispy, the toppings...

Colony Grill

Certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Pupatella delivers light, wood-fired Neapolitan pies with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s consistently praised by locals as the best authentic Italian-style pizza nearby. Listen, I can’t al...

Pupatella

A beloved local chef renowned for bold, authentic Szechuan dishes. Arlington outpost offers a range of chili-wok classics and flavorful specials. Beloved for lunch deals and bold flavors. My husband and I kept hearing about this place and it did not ...

Peter Chang

A local gem praised for handmade dumplings and comfort bites—highly rated for takeaway and affordable quality. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing but everything is delicious. I recommend making a reservation and they have a fantastic happy hour.

Tiger Dumplings

Hands down my favorite Chinese spot! Once I introduced my husband here, he was addicted because the food isn’t greasy and is light. The food is amazing! TNR Café is one of those low-key spots you walk into once—and keep going back. Their menu covers ...

A hidden gem near Courthouse, Sawatdee is beloved for its authentic Thai recipes—think robust soups, fragrant curries, and vibrant presentation that transports you straight to Thailand. We always get the duck kra Pow and the combination pad see ew - ...

Sawatdee Thai Restaurant | Authentic Thai Restaurant in Arlington, VA

This place will always have a special spot in my heart—it’s where I had my very first date with my husband. Since then, it’s become my go-to for casual, consistently delicious Mexican food. The loaded nachos are unreal (just ask my coworker who now r...

Mexicali Blues | mexican restaurant | 2933 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA ...

A lively three-story spot with a rooftop patio, offering modern Mexican cuisine, creative cocktails, and memorable gatherings. From brunch to bottomless drinks and nacho nights, this place is as much about community as it is about quality. The roofto...

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

Not only is this a very popular happy hour spot but it’s bold mouthwatering Mexican flavors in a fun, festive setting. Famous for handcrafted margaritas, shareable nachos, tacos, and hearty fajitas. Excellent if you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packe...

Don Tito

My first favorite taco apot will always be taco bomba. Modern, edgy, and packed with flavor—Taco Bamba puts a fun twist on classic street tacos. Their rotating specials are always fire (literally and figuratively), and it’s a top spot for a quick bit...

Taco Bamba Ballston

My favorite big group happy hour spots. El Rey brings the party to tacos. With colorful decor, upbeat music, and seriously good food, it’s the kind of place you go for more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Their street-style tacos are packed with...

El Rey Ballston

My favorite small and quaint coffee shop. They have some of the best coffee in the area and offer seasonal coffee creations. And don’t get me started on the Focaccia bread breakfast - you have never had better. And they have half price wine bottles f...

Simona Cafe

Tatte has some great wraps, bowls, salads, breakfast and coffee always hits. Plenty of outdoor seating as well and cute place to enjoy a coffee or pastry with a girlfriend. They have a ton of fresh pastries and sweet goodies, so really they have some...

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Clarendon

A super clean spot with outdoor seating if you have a furry friend. They have delicious huge cookies and top notch coffee, the aesthetic will invite you to want to work from their shop and enjoy a nice dose of caffeine.

For Five Coffee Arlington

Compass coffee took over when Pete’s coffee vacated and compass did a good job with the remodel inside. As a coffee phenatic, compass coffee carefully creates each cup of coffee, my personal favorite is a vanilla latte. The environment is ascetically...

Compass Coffee

Screwtop is the perfect spot for an intimate date or a girlfriend catch-up session over a glass of vino or bubbly. Service is always top notch and the food seems to taste better every time. I love the meatballs. It’s a cute place that isn’t huge so t...

Screwtop Wine Bar

First I will start with the wine is fantastic. Verre is the kind of spot that instantly feels like a little escape. With its cozy-chic vibe, curated wine list, and shareable small plates, it’s perfect for date night, catching up with a friend, or sim...

Verre Wine Bar

Wagamama brings a fresh, modern twist to Asian comfort food—and it’s become one of my favorite spots when I’m craving something cozy but elevated. The vibe is clean and casual, the ramen bowls are soul-soothing, and the shareable sides (hi, bang bang...

wagamama clarendon