There’s a steady stream of new restaurants opening soon in the Arlington area, despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. This fall and winter, explore new local options for oysters, pizza, sushi, margaritas and more. And if you’re looking for outdoor seating, including some heated options for when the weather is chilly, several spots have that, too.
Brass Rabbit Public House
When (and where) one Clarendon bar closes, another opens. Built in the former home of sports bar Bracket Room, the Brass Rabbit is the latest concept from local restaurateur Reese Gardner (The Pinemoor, Copperwood Tavern, Dudley’s Sport & Ale, Quinn’s on the Corner), set to open later this year. It will feature standard pub fare, 14 beers on tap, craft cocktails and house-infused vodkas. Projected Opening: Winter 2021. // 1210 N. Garfield St., Arlington (Clarendon)
CarPool
CarPool, whose name stems from its vast collection of auto memorabilia and the onetime auto shop that served as its original home, is heading back to Ballston. The new locale isn’t far from where the old one stood from 1995-2017 before its move to Fair Lakes. The restaurant will sport a hefty beer menu, bar food—plus fried cheesecake with banana and caramel—billiards and pinball (owner Mark Handwerger also runs the game-centric Board Room in Clarendon). And it has garage doors that will open out onto a large patio. Projected Opening: October 2021. // 900 North Glebe Road (Ballston)
El Rey
The taco and tequila emporium from sibling restaurateurs Ian and Eric Hilton (Parc de Ville, Café Colline and several D.C. concepts) is getting its second location; the U Street original, known for its colorful shipping-container facade, serves elote, tamales and 10 varieties of tacos. And it’s got a margarita garden. Projected Opening: Fall 2021. // 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Harvey’s
The all-day cafe that aspires to be “home to good food and friends” is the first ownership venture for Thomas Harvey. The L’Academie de Cuisine-trained chef has prepared a menu of comfort food, including a recipe for “toad in the hole on a stick” that taps into his grandmother’s cookbook. Harvey’s also includes a food market and a large patio. (Read more on what to expect.) Projected Opening: November 2021. // 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Inca Social
Rosslyn is the second location for this Peruvian eatery, extending its reach from Dunn Loring out toward the Potomac. In addition to empanadas, lomo saltado and chicharrón, the concept includes a sushi and ceviche bar, as well as an expansive pisco sour bar. Plus, there’s outdoor seating. Projected Opening: Late November 2021. // 1776 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Jack’s Ranch
Hell’s Kitchen alum Declan Horgan is executive chef at this forthcoming Italian outpost, which promises to serve house-made pasta, pizza and an array of smoked meats. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant, owned by Steve Roberts (Texas Jack’s Barbecue), boasts a 360-degree bar, a multi-level patio and an aerial hanging garden. Projected Opening: Early November 2021. // 1755 Tysons Central St., Tysons
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream
This haven for frozen treats, which shares a name with one of owner Rollin Amore’s daughters, is among several new dining options at recently rebranded Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row). Choose from 42 ice cream flavors, including sweet Thai basil and matcha. Projected Opening: Mid-October 2021. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
Nighthawk Pizza
Low-ABV craft beer and ’90s nostalgia are on tap at this forthcoming pizza joint from chef Johnny Spero (D.C.’s Reverie), Arlington entrepreneur Scott Parker (Barley Mac, Bronson Bier Hall, Don Tito, Bash, Bearded Goat) and Aslin Beer Company. From the renderings, the space—which includes a sizeable interior bar and an outdoor patio—is reminiscent of Saved By the Bell’s The Max. And plan to take some cans of Nighthawk home with you—the restaurant will brew and brand its own beer. Projected Opening: January 2022. // 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington (National Landing)
The Salt Line
Those who love to indulge in oysters at The Salt Line in Navy Yard can now enjoy them on this side of the river. The seafood brand from executive chef Matt Singer and chef Kyle Bailey (a 2019 RAMMY Award winner for chef of the year) is soon to open its doors—and its ample patio—in Ballston. Find favorites like the New England smash burger, as well as house-made pastas and plenty of options on the raw bar. Projected Opening: Oct. 19, 2021. // 4040 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Taco Rock
Restaurateur Mike Cordero is tripling down on his fast-casual taqueria Taco Rock, adding a Falls Church location. This marks his third iteration of the brand and 10th Northern Virginia restaurant with Team Cordero (which includes sons Nick and Anthony Cordero, and Stefano Marzano). The new site features a 25-foot tequila bar and large outdoor patio with heat lamps. Projected Opening: Early December 2021. // 1116 West Broad St. (Falls Church)