The Bars of Arlington

A travel journal to Arlington by mardi

Away from the hustle of Washington DC, Arlington offers some great bars for an evening out.

  • 6 reviews
There are many bars in Arlington offering a wide selection of crowds. Almost anyone can find a bar to suite there preferences here.

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Arlington Cinema 'N' DrafthouseBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Arlington Cinema and Draft House"

An old movie theater turned into a bar. Great casual seating around tables in a slight stadium seating effect. On sundays you can watch football games on a movie screen while drinking beers and chatting with your friends. Careful ladies - the fellows here get very loud and rowdy. On other nights you can go catch a flick for a few dollars, while still drink some brews and being served dinner at your table. It makes for a great movie- going experience! The menu doesn't offer the greatest variety, but it beats popcorn and coke.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by mardi on January 20, 2001

Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike Arlington, Virginia 22204
(703) 486-2345

Clarendon GrillBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

A frequented spot for many of the 20-somethings in Northern Va. They offer dining and a tent-enclosed back patio, which I do not recommend visiting in the winter. The food is good, but a bit over-priced. I would go there for the people and the drinks, and opt to eat somewhere else.

There is a band there 5 out of 7 days a week. The place is a bit on the small side, but very popular and a great place to meet people. They have a small dance floor in front of the stage, and standing room up by the bar. Parking is scarce unless you want to park at the conveniently located parking garage right across the street (well worth the $5). If the crowd is not up to your liking, you can walk across the street to another bar (Mr. Days)if the line isn't too long.

My recommended night to hit Clarendon Grill is Thursdays, but always go early or you will be stuck in a line for at least 1/2 hour.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by mardi on January 20, 2001

Clarendon Grill
1101 N Highland St Arlington, Virginia 22201
(703) 524-7455

Mr. DaysBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mr Days"

Cool spot with a parking garage next to it. The lines can tend to get a bit long so if it's cold outside go ahead and get there early. Inside there is room to sit and dine, stand by the bar, dance or watch people dance from above. The food is moderately priced and well worth it. Drink prices are the norm for around here, and the crowd is great. An over 21 bar, but I don't think I've seen anyone over 40 there - if that. Lots of energy and a wide range of music from the DJ. There is a lot of room, but not a lot of walking space. Also is a balcony-type upstairs where you can sit and chat or overlook the dance floor. It's also much faster to get a beer up here at the small bar. This bar seems to have something for everyone. You can have fun as a couple or in a group.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by mardi on January 20, 2001

Mr. Days
Arlington Arlington, Virginia

WhitlowsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Whitlow's is one of the more popular bars in Arlington. On Friday's you can bring your own mug and have it filled for one low price - no matter the size. They often have bands and there isn't much room to boogie, but they have a great atmosphere. The bar also offers a section with pool tables if you prefer to practice while listening to the band. The food is good, and the crowd here is also a 20-something age group.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by mardi on January 20, 2001

Whitlows
2854 Wilson Blvd Arlington, Virginia 22201
(703) 276-9693

CarpoolsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Carpool WAS once the hot spot when it first opened, but if someone recommends this place to you, don't go there looking to mingle. Carpool is great if you are with a bunch of friends and are interested in playing some pool, but they do not offer loud music, bands or dancing. They have a lot of tables, so the wait isn't long, but this place rarely gets crowded anymore. It is a great place to hang out and chat with friends before moving on to the next bar.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by mardi on January 20, 2001

Carpools
Arlington Arlington, Virginia

About the Writer

mardi
mardi
herndon, Virginia
  • "love children and friends and traveling, exploring new places and things!"
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  • 6 reviews

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