Ambar Clarendon
How about a smorgasbord to go with your family game night? Known and loved for its bottomless Balkan feasts, Ambar Clarendon is now packaging up the experience in customizable grab-and-go repasts, which you can build to match the size of your household and appetites. A six-course Balkan feast for two ($39.99), includes complimentary pita bread, cornbread, house-made pickles and dessert, plus one dippable spread (try the red pepper and feta), one main course (whether you’re craving roasted lamb, beef short-rib goulash, pork belly-stuffed cabbage or wild mushroom risotto) and three sides. If you’re extra hungry or you want to have leftovers, throw in some veal soup or fried chicken for another $7.99. Ambar’s menu also includes craft cocktails, beer and wine to go. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Fire Works Pizza
The woodburning ovens are turning out chewy-crusted pizzas for sure, but the restaurant’s rotating Family Meals for 4 menu ($30-$45) also includes satisfying mains like chicken Florentine spaghetti, beef short ribs, pulled pork, fried chicken and steak frites, plus desserts such as tiramisu, chocolate mousse or carrot cake for another $12. On weekends, a family brunch deal ($25) features pancakes, French toast or quiche, plus sides, and mimosa or Bloody Mary kits for an additional $15-$20. // 2350 Clarendon Blvd., Arlingto
Quarterdeck
Had to cancel that beach trip? We know, it hurts. So here’s an idea for a fun and therapeutic dinner on the deck or patio: Throw down some newspaper, cue your favorite yacht rock station, chill some Natty Boh and pound out your frustrations on a pile of Old Bay-dusted jumbo steamed blue crabs ($150/dozen). They’re in season now, and they’re big. Don’t forget to add peel-and-eat shrimp, fries, hush puppies and corn to your order. Quarterdeck has been serving up Chesapeake’s finest and all those guilty-pleasure sides from its modest little shack in Fort Myer Heights since 1979, and the tradition continues. If you can’t get to the shore, it’s the next best thing. // 1200 Fort Myer Drive, Arlington