Looking for your new favorite barbecue place or pizzeria? The Taste of Arlington festival returns to Wilson Boulevard in Ballston on May 20 from noon-6 p.m. Save your appetite and sample menu items from a wide and diverse array of restaurants and—new this year—food trucks.  General admission is free, but you’ll need to buy taste tickets ($45 for a book of 10 before May 19; $50 on event day) to sample the fare at the restaurant booths. And you’ll need to purchase drink tickets to partake of the beer and wine options. Here’s a preview of just 15 of the participating eateries and what they’ll be serving.
1. Texas Jack’s Barbecue
Stop here for brisket sliders served with quick fried onions and two sides—queso and potato slaw.
2. Epic Smokehouse
If you’re craving smoked meat, try Epic’s Applewine smoked ribs with a refreshing blackberry-infused lemonade.
3. Fire Works Pizza
The Courthouse pizzeria and bar feature will be serving up housemade lamb meatballs stuffed with goat cheese, and braised pork barbecue sliders.
4. Palette 22
For something on the lighter side, the Shirlington restaurant and art gallery will offer spring vegetable ceviche with aji-amarillo vinaigrette, cilantro and red onions.
5. Bar Louie
You have to be 21+ to try Bar Louie’s Bulleit bourbon sliders (no kidding). The boozy little burgers are served with a side of loaded tots drizzled with hummus and tzatziki.