Restaurants come and go in our area all the time, and we are here to help you keep track. Check out these recent openings if you’re hungry for tartines, Asian specialties and bar food in retro environs, plus new places to watch out for in the coming weeks.
Now Open
1969
Shirlington’s Astro Beer Hall is now home to vintage-themed basement bar and pool hall that celebrates milestones and events from the eponymous year. The 50-seat bar has 12 tap lines and classic diner booths surrounded by custom art and murals by artist Billy Colbert commemorating the year 1969. Open until 2 a.m., the bar will offer a late-night menu from 9 p.m. to last call that includes a $5 Apollo Smash Burger featuring two Pat LaFrieda beef burgers, and an Asteroid Chicken Sandwich with jalapeño coleslaw. Between bites and sips, patrons can use a retro phone booth with a dial payphone and an old IBM Selectric typewriter to post a message to the “analog blog,” a poster board behind the bar. Opened: Aug. 15. // 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
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Chicken Salad Chick
Now available at Idylwood Plaza in Falls Church, this fast-casual chain with more than 225 locations specializes (unsurprisingly) in scratch-made chicken salads. Savory and sweet flavors include the Sassy Scotty with ranch, bacon and shredded cheddar, and the Fancy Nancy (a nod perhaps to the beloved children’s book series), which has Fuji apples, seedless grapes and pecans. Other menu options include egg salad, pasta salad, turkey club sandwiches and handmade buttercream-frosted cookies. Opened: Aug. 7 // 7505 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
Wagamama
The U.K.-based full-service Asian restaurant opened its eighth U.S. location in Clarendon this month. The menu includes vegetarian and meat ramen, teppanyaki (pad Thai, udon and yaki soba), rice bowls topped with spicy tuna or teriyaki chicken, and veggie or chicken curry, plus libations crafted with SOTO Sake. Sip on a Vietnamese espresso martini, Matcha Mule or Passionfruit Paloma. Opened: Aug. 1. // 2950 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Immigrant Food
You can now travel the world from your seat at the Ballston outpost of this gastroadvocacy restaurant, which specializes in dishes with a global flair. Try the Belgian fries with garlic aioli or whole roasted branzino with Mexican chili. A $25 lunch special includes gazpacho and a bowl (such as the popular Madam VP Heritage, packed with coconut-curry chicken, turmeric rice, baby spinach, plantains, chickpea and pineapple) and a dessert of alfajores, Argentine sandwich cookies with dulce de leche. Opened: July 23. // 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Tatte Bakery & Café
Joining its sister location in Clarendon (2805 Clarendon Blvd.), this chainlet started by a self-taught cook serves all-day breakfasts such as a Halloumi Sunny-Side Breakfast Sandwich on a challah roll, tartines with avocado and smoked salmon, and lamb hash with roasted garlic labneh. You can also find plates of shakshuka, salads, couscous bowls and sandwiches stuffed with short rib, roasted cauliflower, or prosciutto and fig. The drink menu includes a black sesame latte and lemon, thyme and espresso soda. Opened: July 31. // 269 19th Court S., Arlington (National Landing)
New Offerings
Joon
On Wednesdays, we drink wine—for half price. All glasses and bottles of adult juice from California, France, Italy and Spain are 50% off. Be sure to soak up some of that alcohol with the restaurant’s Persian cuisine. // 8045 Leesburg Pike, Tysons
Coming Soon
Bees & Tea by Saigon Saigon
Formerly Asia Bistro and from the owners of Saigon Saigon will come this new concept serving milk tea, fruit tea, boba and small sushi bites. Look for it later this summer. // 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Colada Shop
The fast-casual Cuban eatery keeps popping up in new places, and it’s next opening is coming to National Landing in September. (A spot in Clarendon opened March 18.) Founder Daniella Senior started a catering business at age 13. Her growing empire now includes seven restaurants and cafecitos serving rummy cocktails, Havana blend coffee and Latin American snacks such as empanadas, croquetas and Cuban sandwiches. // 244 19th Court, Arlington (National Landing)
La Tingeria
The homegrown taqueria, which has locations in Falls Church and Spotsylvania, will open at Port City Brewing Co. in Alexandria in October. Beer drinkers can look forward to a menu of chef David Peña’s signature tacos—including cult-favorite goat and beef birria and the namesake chicken tinga—plus new items such as lamb burger sliders and Sonoran hot dogs wrapped in halal beef bacon. // 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria
El Mercat Bar de Tapas
If all goes as planned, Westpost will welcome the first Northern Virginia location of this tapas bar in early 2025. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant will serve house-made dishes, including traditional Spanish tapas and paellas plus sangria, wine and Spanish beer. // 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
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Fish Taco
Joining local favorites Ellie Bird and Nue at Founders Row in Falls Church, this will be the fifth location of the family-owned, Baja-inspired taqueria, which also has a spot at The Boro in Tysons Corner (1644 Boro Place, McLean). Don’t let the name fool you. The menu extends beyond pescatarian favorites to include chicken, chorizo and beef, plus rice bowls, burritos, and quesadillas. Frozen margs and rotating draft beers round out the beverage list. // 100 Founders Ave., Falls Church
Raising Canes
Coming to Falls Church in October, this Nashville-based chicken finger chain is adding to its NoVa locations (Manassas and Sterling). Put your cardiologist on speed dial and prepare to order baskets of chicken, crinkle-cut fries and buttery Texas Toast. There will also be veggies in the form of coleslaw. // 6363 Seven Corners Center, Falls Church
Shut
Mattie & Eddie’s
Chef Cathal Armstrong’s Irish bar in Westpost has closed and the Irish-born chef is reportedly moving back to the Emerald Isle. // 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)