Mussel Bar & Grille
The lobster mac ’n’ cheese and braised pork shank with jalapeño honey have long been customer favorites. Now you can get those and other dishes to go as the centerpieces of two-course meals priced at $29 per person, each with salad and sides (the pork shank, for example, is paired with roasted mushrooms, onions and potatoes). Chef Brian McBride says the menu will evolve seasonally, but at press time the choices also included a seafood bake with saffron rice, and he was working on a mustard-crusted rack of lamb and pot au feu. To keep things family-friendly, Mussel Bar plans to add more kid foods (e.g., burgers and pizza) to its a la carte takeout offerings, plus several “salads in a jar.” Shareable cocktails ($18), wines by the bottle and beers are also available to go. // 800 N. Glebe Road (Ballston), Arlington
Rebellion on the Pike
Offered daily, Rebellion on the Pike’s family meals tend to sell out. Travis Weiss, a co-owner and culinary director of parent company PROOFhospitality, says his “bar for the people” has found its sweet spot with comforting mains like Peruvian charcoal-grilled chicken, meatloaf, fajitas, chicken parm and salmon, along with add-ons such as Brussels sprouts, collards, mac ’n’ cheese, baked beans and its ever-popular “big ass cookies.” Rebellion’s family-style meals (which generally range from $25-$45 per package) are ample enough to satisfy a party of four, and the specials change weekly. The kitchen has been known to act on requests from customers, and was happy to oblige with a recent chicken-nuggets night for kids. One constant is the “Sunday Savior” meal featuring a house rendition of a fried chicken sandwich with waffle fries and Rebellion sauce. Follow Rebellion’s social media feeds for daily specials. The bar has cocktails to go, too. // 2900 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Sfoglina Pasta House
Chef Fabio Trabocchi wants you to eat well and be well. House-made pastas are the main attraction in a series of elegant three-course dinners for two from Sfoglina in Rosslyn ($78-$88). The flavors change seasonally, but spring selections included lamb ragu rigatoni with heirloom tomato salad and truffle brownie bars; pasta primavera with cream of asparagus soup and tiramisu; and campanelle with clams, tomatoes and chilies, plus smoked salmon-tomato salad and chocolate mousse cake.
The bar, meanwhile, is mixing up “wellness” cocktails featuring super foods (plus booze) and sold in individual pouches or bottles to go. Take the edge off with a “Black & Blue” (vodka, Calvados, blackberry and blueberry syrup, lemon juice and club soda) or a “Fabio & Chill” (gin, St. Germain, cucumber juice, lime juice and tonic). // 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)