I will be there Feb 13-14, and I need to book a hotel. Never been there before. Here is a list of hotels to choose from along the Orange Metro Line, I care more about the neighborhood (walking/hanging/restaurant scene, breakfast joint) than the hotel. Any suggestions?
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January 28, 2012 at 11:11 am
David
The best place for eating and drinking in Arlington is Clarendon. It’s extremely walkable and has a high concentration of restaurants, bars, and shopping. The hotel off the Courthouse stop on your sheet is sufficiently close to Clarendon for walking (about .5 mile), but I don’t know anything about the hotel itself since I stay with family when I’m in DC/NoVA.
Another good option would be Foggy Bottom. It’s three stops away from Clarendon on the Orange Line and less than a mile away from Georgetown, which is another great walkable shopping/dining area in DC.
This video covers several of the neighborhoods you asked about and is pretty entertaining (most of the scenes were filmed in Clarendon): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T1RMuoQnKo
January 28, 2012 at 11:59 am
Jeff
I agree that the Clarendon/Courthouse area would be the best choice. There is a Residence Inn at Courthouse that is new and not on your list. Between Courthouse and Clarendon you have many good restaurants, an Apple Store, a Barnes & Noble and other shops. Courthouse Plaza (I used to live there) has some restaurants and a movie theater. It’s a pretty nice area, and with the Residence Inn there, you have a good hotel option. Clarendon is the Metro stop after Courthouse.
January 28, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Rob
Rosslyn’s probably your best bet for a hotel in terms of accessibility. Short walk to Georgetown (or more likely a quick cab ride in February), one stop to Foggy Bottom, one stop/walkable to Courthouse and two stops to Clarendon. The blue line also goes to Rosslyn, so you can Metro to/from Reagan if you need it.
As far as atmosphere, Courthouse and Clarendon are pretty much dominated by young professionals. Georgetown is Georgetown–a mix of students and very wealthy people. Clarendon and Georgetown are the best to just walk around and spend a night, though. The Key Bridge Marriott is very close to Georgetown if that interests you.
These were my go-to food spots when I used to live in the area. Nothing fancy, but very good stuff…
Breakfast: Brooklyn Bagel Bakery
Lunch/Sandwiches: The Italian Store
Burgers: Ray’s Hell Burger
Just as a heads up, Ray’s and Brooklyn Bagel are cash-only if you decide to go.
January 28, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Jacob Grier
The character of Arlingotn has changed a lot over the past few years with a lot of new development favoring higher rent places that attract a frattier crowd. My last visit was a little disappointing but some of my old favorites are still there:
Peruvian rotisserie chicken — Peruvian rotisserie chicken is a must in Arlington. I actually prefer Crisp and Juicy because they offer yucca fries (not sure why this place doesn’t), but you’ll need a car to get there. El Pollo Rico in Courthouse is walkable. The chicken is great at both spots.
Vietnamese — Again there are more options if you had a car. But on the Orange Line Pho 75 in Courthouse is fantastic. Nam-Viet, tucked away in Clarendon, is good and does a more extensive menu.
Kabob Bazaar — For the ghormeh sabzi available on Mondays and Fridays. Excellent. In Clarendon.
El Charrito — Good, cheap tacos. The goat tacos were a stand by for me when I lived there.
Rustico — If you’re a beer lover, the selection here is fantastic.
Elsewhere — The food inside the District has gotten MUCH better since I left. If you have some time it’s also worth exploring Old Town Alexandria.
January 28, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Tyler Cowen
I largely agree with Jacob Grier. And try to get to Little Serow in DC. Clarendon is the fun and walkable area, the best places to eat are all on its immediate outskirts. There is also Don Arturo’s for Bolivian, maybe you need a car but a three minute drive. Cava is pretty good too, for Greek/Mediterranean. Ray’s Hell Burger you need to drive to, but it is not far.
Tyler Cowen
January 29, 2012 at 7:29 pm
Jacob Grier
Quick correction to my comment: Pollo Rico is near Virginia Square/Clarendon, not Court House.
January 29, 2012 at 10:30 pm
N
You should talk to Tyler Cowen.
January 29, 2012 at 10:36 pm
jeff
Thanks to everyone. Looks like Clarendon is the place to stay. Lots of great ideas for stuff to do.
January 29, 2012 at 10:37 pm
N
http://tylercowensethnicdiningguide.com/?s=arlington
Tyler Cowen’s reviews.
January 29, 2012 at 10:38 pm
N
I’m sorry, I’m exhausted. Somehow I didn’t see Tyler’s comment right above mine. I need to go sleep.
January 29, 2012 at 10:55 pm
jeff
🙂
January 31, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Alex
Caribbean Breeze’s pioninos (plantains stuffed with pork) is my favorite dish from the area.
If you are meeting someone for a beer and an experience, I suggest Galaxy Hut. You can check out their beer menu online.
March 10, 2014 at 4:10 am
indian restaurants
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