Drinking in Clarendon

Sthitch · July 13, 2006

Baccala said:

I wish I were the arbiter elegantiarum because I would bring back Hope Key and other smaller business that have been forced out becuase of the crippling rents. The only arbiter of what people want in arlingiton is the county gov't which has seen fit to convert the blvd into the big box resturnats from hell. That is unless you like the Cheescake Factory

OK, so is it that you want commercial rent control in Arlington? That might be a first, I don't recall New York or San Francisco even going that far. Would you also decrease the property taxes on the building that the owner has to pay? And what if the building owner has other plans for that space, would you have the county force them to sign a lease that they do not wish to sign just so that another crappy faux Irish Pub does not open in the space? While you are at it, why not just have the county own all of the buildings and only allow businesses to rent the space if a committee of learned citizens decides that they are worthy. And just because I do not trust the Zimmerman, Ferguson and their ilk to decide better than the market what business thrive and which ones don’t, does not mean that I like the Cheesecake Factory, McDonalds, or Starbucks.

DanCole42 · July 13, 2006

On another Claredon is going to hell note: Faccia Luna has lost their parking lot. *sigh*

You're kidding! When did THAT happen? Where will I get my Monday Italian fix?

FYI - my comment about Clarendon going to hell since I left was meant to be a humorous comment on how my mere presence positively affects a community. I have nothing against Clarendon. :unsure:

And I LIKE the Cheesecake Factory. Good tex-mex eggrolls. My favorite cheesecake is the vanilla bean.

Baccala · July 13, 2006

OK, so is it that you want commercial rent control in Arlington? That might be a first, I don't recall New York or San Francisco even going that far. Would you also decrease the property taxes on the building that the owner has to pay? And what if the building owner has other plans for that space, would you have the county force them to sign a lease that they do not wish to sign just so that another crappy faux Irish Pub does not open in the space? While you are at it, why not just have the county own all of the buildings and only allow businesses to rent the space if a committee of learned citizens decides that they are worthy. And just because I do not trust the Zimmerman, Ferguson and their ilk to decide better than the market what business thrive and which ones don’t, does not mean that I like the Cheesecake Factory, McDonalds, or Starbucks.

Fact here is that the Gov't redeveloped this area in the hopes of driving up the tax collections and throwing out the people that make the Blvd what it was, just my opinion. Yes I do beleive that there should be controls and reabtes for local business owners. Check the facts, the abatements given to Harry's and Cheeecake fatory could have covered the rent increases for years on the smaller business. How is that acceptable ?

yeuxblu · July 13, 2006

Sad for Clarendon. Good for those of us out in the NoVA burbs. I love Lazy Sundae's and have been lamenting the ice cream since we moved out of that area. Have they posted where in Falls Church they are moving?

Sthitch · July 13, 2006

Check the facts, the abatements given to Harry's and Cheeecake fatory could have covered the rent increases for years on the smaller business. How is that acceptable ?

Now this just does not make any sense. You want the same government entity that gives what you term unacceptable abatements to now turn around and do something that you would consider acceptable. Who on the county board has changed since the previous unacceptable abatements took place? Why do you think that they would change course now?

beezy · July 13, 2006

You're kidding! When did THAT happen? Where will I get my Monday Italian fix?
FYI - my comment about Clarendon going to hell since I left was meant to be a humorous comment on how my mere presence positively affects a community. I have nothing against Clarendon.

When I drove past last night, there were fierce looking valets monitoring the lot - no sign that it was for FL customers only.

And Clarendon is going to hell. Seriously. The advent of the Commons made the boulevard has lose most of its charm. Arlington is a far cry from the place that had all the great vietnamese restaurants, the good punk rock and the cheap rent in the early 90s. (Remember Strangeways and Bardo Rodeo?)

lizzie · July 13, 2006

The sign said that the landlord declined to renew the lease. I only hope that we can still get ice cream at Clare and Don's - I know that Red hot and Blue's freezers were holding their entire ice cream stash.
On another Claredon is going to hell note: Faccia Luna has lost their parking lot. *sigh*

I believe they are also moving Clare and Don's. That was a short-term lease from the beginning, from what I understand.

goldenticket · July 13, 2006

The advent of the Commons made the boulevard has lose most of its charm. Arlington is a far cry from the place that had all the great vietnamese restaurants, the good punk rock and the cheap rent in the early 90s. (Remember Strangeways and Bardo Rodeo?)

You must have read my mind...and - pre-Bardo - don't forget Amdo and Roratonga...

I hope that we'll see some other locally-owned, independent businesses come in to the spaces that will be vacated by Lazy Sundae and Clare and Don's.

danfishe · July 15, 2006

The sign said that the landlord declined to renew the lease. I only hope that we can still get ice cream at Clare and Don's - I know that Red hot and Blue's freezers were holding their entire ice cream stash.
On another Claredon is going to hell note: Faccia Luna has lost their parking lot. *sigh*

There is free, convenient parking in the DHS building in Clarendon, a close walk to everything. An excellent idea by the County to put that in. Not sure I see the issue.

jwhite · July 15, 2006

Now this just does not make any sense. You want the same government entity that gives what you term unacceptable abatements to now turn around and do something that you would consider acceptable. Who on the county board has changed since the previous unacceptable abatements took place? Why do you think that they would change course now?

While I cannot speak for the poster, I suspect that if the govt restrained themselves from "redeveloping the area" by throwing money at large chains such conversations would be unnecessary.

Sthitch · July 15, 2006

While I cannot speak for the poster, I suspect that if the govt restrained themselves from "redeveloping the area" by throwing money at large chains such conversations would be unnecessary.

OK, but the poster was advocating that the same government do something that is completely 180 degrees out of phase of what it has done in the past, but with no change in the make-up of the elected officials of that government. It has redeveloped the area, and not all of it has been bad. Yes, some decent restaurants have been forced to close, or to relocated, but that could also have to do with their business practices, or personal descisions on the part of the owners.

cheezepowder · July 15, 2006

Have they posted where in Falls Church they are moving?

They have paper slips on the counter with their new info -- they're moving to 112 North West Street, and they'll have a parking lot. The note also says they'll have a greater assortment of pastries, desserts and coffees. The person I ordered ice cream from said that their lease is up July 31 but they might move before then.

V.H. · July 15, 2006

When I drove past last night, there were fierce looking valets monitoring the lot - no sign that it was for FL customers only.

At Faccia Luna this evening, there were flyers posted that said they had lost the lease on their parking lot as of June 1 and that Federal Parking had taken it over as a paid lot. Faccia Luna diners will receive $2 off their parking costs and folks getting takeout should be able to get free parking. They recommend that orders be called in ahead of time because the amount of time allowed to get in and out for the free parking is very limited.

mame11 · July 15, 2006

Wow! No, I don't think Clarendon is going down the tube because it is loosing the Tax related establishments. First, neither of the Taxes establishments did brisk business during the winter months. My friends and I often commented that Clare and Don's is the perfect summer place. Ice cream is not a "hot" commodity during the winter either.

Have you been in Ri Ra? Not my scene, but it is a beautiful establishment. Seriously, they have invested a lot of money to make it very Irish. While there are a few Ri Ra, it is not a chain in the sense that Fado became a chain... but regardless the place is pretty.

Somebody (rumored to be Kinkeads) is investing a TON of money in the renovation of the restaurant on the corner past the Clarendon Ballroom. I spoke to someone at the site and the intent is to be a neighborhood American style restaurant.

Do I think the Indian Curry House makes sense? NO. But it will neither help nor hurt the neighborhood. I haven't tried it (and my love for the Bombay place in Del Ray probably will keep me from trying Indian Curry House), but fine it is what it is.

I have spoken to the people leasing all the empty space on Wilson between Herndon and Hudson . They are very excited about the potential tenants and well into negotiations for the leases. I understand that the owner of the property has gone to great strides to pick retail tenants that the neighborhood needs (and can afford the rents).

Sure there is redevelopment going on in the neighborhood. It is the nature of the beast, however, there are still many local and unique elements to love about Clarendon:

Iota

Whitlows

Galaxy Hut

Mama Quan's Tiki Hut

Kitty O'Shea's

Taste of Morocco (which recently spiffied up, even though part of the property is being converted)

The Boulevard Wood Grill

Faccia Luna (I know a mini-local chain but still local)

Kabob's Bazaar

_______ Indian near the metro (blanking)

Murky Coffee

Java Shack

Earl's Sandwich

Minh's

the Crabshack

Eleventh

Mexicali is local too...

There are still independently owned stores mixed in with the chains throughout the neighborhood too. Plus there is plenty of parking in garages scattered throughout the commerical district to allow patrons who drive convenient and relatively inexpensive parking. Even with the chains and big box stuff, this is a neighborhood.

You all are blowing Queen Bee leaving after 25 years and the Taxes relocation to a neighborhood that may sustain them on a less than seasonal basis way out of proportion.

bbhasin · July 15, 2006

__________Indian near the metro, blanking.

DELHI CLUB !

goldenticket · July 15, 2006

And don't forget Nam-Viet!

1127 North Hudson

Meaghan · July 15, 2006

Sure there is redevelopment going on in the neighborhood. It is the nature of the beast, however, there are still many local and unique elements to love about Clarendon:
Iota

Whitlows

Galaxy Hut

Mama Quan's Tiki Hut

Kitty O'Shea's

Taste of Morocco (which recently spiffied up, even though part of the property is being converted)

The Boulevard Wood Grill

Faccia Luna (I know a mini-local chain but still local)

Kabob's Bazaar

_______ Indian near the metro (blanking)

Indian near the metro is Delhi Club, and it's really, really, really good!

JLK · November 7, 2006

Are there any Clarendon restaurants missing from the above list? A friend and I are having dinner; she suggested Clarendon. Chains are out, as is Indian (she won't even try it). I'm trying to persuade her to head elsewhere (Bebo specifically), but just in case, what are my options?

erikv · November 7, 2006

Sette Bello

mdt · November 7, 2006

Are there any Clarendon restaurants missing from the above list? A friend and I are having dinner; she suggested Clarendon. Chains are out, as is Indian (she won't even try it). I'm trying to persuade her to head elsewhere (Bebo specifically), but just in case, what are my options?

A short distance away is Minh's and worth the trip. Not to mention that Ray's is close as is Guajillo.

cheezepowder · November 7, 2006

With varying degrees of tastyness, there's also:

Tallula, Harry's Tap Room, Little Viet Garden, Hard Times, Rien Tong, and Sala Thai (two of them: one on Wash Blvd and one on Wilson towards Courthouse).

DanCole42 · November 7, 2006

Five Guys and Taco Bell.

JLK · November 7, 2006

Friend picked Ray's (yay!). Hopefully we can get a table. Arriving at 5:30 is not an option.

cheezepowder · November 11, 2006

Saw a couple of signs while walking around the neighborhood enjoying the weather tonight.

I posted in the Clare and Don's thread about their moving sign. Also, Mexicali Blues has put up a sign at the old Lazy Sundae on their expansion into that space.

goldenticket · February 6, 2007

And don't forget Nam-Viet!
1127 North Hudson

Bump....

In response to an inquiry on another thread about dining near Iota...my suggestion above still stands. Click for Nam Viet's website. The place may be a little short on ambiance, but the food is good and it's one of an ever-dwindling number of locally-owned establishments in Clarendon. You probably won't have to wait to be seated either. If you park in the free lot at the Arlington County building, or take the Metro, you will be about a block from Nam Viet (and a block from Iota).

Personally, I'm a fan of Bo-Dun on Skewer, Nam-Viet grilled pork and crispy spring roll over rice vermicelli, lemongrass chicken in a clay pot, and both the garden and crispy spring rolls.

liz2041 · April 11, 2007

Bump....
In response to an inquiry on another thread about dining near Iota...my suggestion above still stands. Click for Nam Viet's website. The place may be a little short on ambiance, but the food is good and it's one of an ever-dwindling number of locally-owned establishments in Clarendon. You probably won't have to wait to be seated either. If you park in the free lot at the Arlington County building, or take the Metro, you will be about a block from Nam Viet (and a block from Iota).

Personally, I'm a fan of Bo-Dun on Skewer, Nam-Viet grilled pork and crispy spring roll over rice vermicelli, lemongrass chicken in a clay pot, and both the garden and crispy spring rolls.

I second the Nam Viet recommendation. We have been fans for years. Fortunately, it has been saved from the bastardization of Clarendon. I was happy to see that it did not get torn down as they literally built an apartment building over it. No more patio overlooking a parking lot - oh well. But the goodness is all inside! I recommend almost everything but my favorite is the grilled pork over vermicelli as well. Sometimes the spring rolls can be a bit greasy but oh so worth it...

FunnyJohn · April 11, 2007

Haven't been to Nam Viet for quite a while now (since we moved closer to the Eden Mall at 7 Corners), but my family used to be regulars there. The owner is quite an interesting fellow -- a former ARVN officer and one among the first waves of Vietnamese refugees who left soon after the fall of Saigon in '75. I 2nd all that was said above concerning the food at Nam Viet, at least when we frequented the establishment. Is there still the typo on the menu that says grilled Prok? :blink:

dcs · April 12, 2007

Haven't been to Nam Viet for quite a while now (since we moved closer to the Eden Mall at 7 Corners), but my family used to be regulars there. The owner is quite an interesting fellow -- a former ARVN officer and one among the first waves of Vietnamese refugees who left soon after the fall of Saigon in '75. I 2nd all that was said above concerning the food at Nam Viet, at least when we frequented the establishment. Is there still the typo on the menu that says grilled Prok?

Is this the fellow?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...5123001452.html

FunnyJohn · April 13, 2007

Oh my god! Yes, that's Nguyen. I'm so surprised. Just goes to show one shouldn't stay away from a place too long. I'm sorry that I lost touch with him.

FunnyJohn · April 24, 2007

From "The List":

Restaurant 3 -- Look for American classics at the former Clarendon site of the Aegean Tavern. A vintage, turn-of-the-century bar will be the focal point of the art deco-themed interior. A June opening is targeted. (2930 Clarendon Boulevard, Clarendon, VA)

Turn of which century :blink:

dcs · April 24, 2007

Turn of which century

Party like it's 1999, no doubt.

DonRocks · July 8, 2007

The following posts have been split off into separate threads:

Kabob Bazaar (JLK)

Don Arturo's (cheesepowder)

Boulevard Woodgrill (goldenticket)

DonRocks · July 27, 2007

Taste of Morocco (which recently spiffied up, even though part of the property is being converted)

Yesterday I noticed a place in the same strip that was closed, and it had a giant preview-poster of a modern-looking building in the window. Does anyone know what's going on with this block?

Andelman · July 27, 2007

Yesterday I noticed a place in the same strip that was closed, and it had a giant preview-poster of a modern-looking building in the window. Does anyone know what's going on with this block?

It is my understanding that they are going to build condos on top of the existing structure. I dont think they are going to be tearing down that strip of stores but just adding on.

In other sad Clarendon news, and this is not 100% confirmed, but all of those empty storefronts just west of Highland St are not going to be occupied by 5 separate businesses. No, instead the 5 empty spaces are going to turned into one, giant CVS. No joke. Its really a shame because those spaces are great spots, right next to a metro. Arlington is starting to look more and more like Fairfax County everyday......

dcs · July 27, 2007

Its really a shame because those spaces are great spots, right next to a metro. Arlington is starting to look more and more like Fairfax County everyday......

Well, Clarendon is certainly aspiring to be a clone of Reston Town Center. :angry:

liz2041 · August 2, 2007

It is my understanding that they are going to build condos on top of the existing structure. I dont think they are going to be tearing down that strip of stores but just adding on.
In other sad Clarendon news, and this is not 100% confirmed, but all of those empty storefronts just west of Highland St are not going to be occupied by 5 separate businesses. No, instead the 5 empty spaces are going to turned into one, giant CVS. No joke. Its really a shame because those spaces are great spots, right next to a metro. Arlington is starting to look more and more like Fairfax County everyday......

Great news! Now the people waiting in line for the Cheesecake Factory can have somewhere to pass the time......

DLB · August 2, 2007

It is my understanding that they are going to build condos on top of the existing structure. I dont think they are going to be tearing down that strip of stores but just adding on.
In other sad Clarendon news, and this is not 100% confirmed, but all of those empty storefronts just west of Highland St are not going to be occupied by 5 separate businesses. No, instead the 5 empty spaces are going to turned into one, giant CVS. No joke. Its really a shame because those spaces are great spots, right next to a metro. Arlington is starting to look more and more like Fairfax County everyday......

There is a CVS at courthouse, why another? What a shame, I was just thinking today, how this whole area, as well at the country, is just one big damn chain store.

jturtle3 · August 2, 2007

I miss Hop Kee! 2nd best to Full Kee...closest DC will ever get to NYC Chinese food (i.e., Hope Kee in Chinatown).

Andelman · August 2, 2007

There is a CVS at courthouse, why another? What a shame, I was just thinking today, how this whole area, as well at the country, is just one big damn chain store.

I know, its ridiculous. I said the same thing and apparently the CVS at Courthouse is VERY busy and they feel a need to have another store 1 metro stop away. Again, this is not 100%, but I have heard the same thing from development folks and Arlington County Government folks, so I think it is a done deal.

There is also a new restaurant going in on the corner a few blocks down from the old Queen Bee and record store (not sure of the cross street???). The owner I believe is the same owner as Clarendon Grill and Clarendon Ballroom. I think some other folks on this board may have some more insight on that project....

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of retail space available in Clarendon, however, there are more buildings going up (and down...) along the Wilson Blvd corridor, so hopefully the retail scene will improve. I am looking for about 1500 sq. ft. of space myself, so if anyone knows of anything..... :angry:

Dave Pressley · August 3, 2007

I know, its ridiculous. I said the same thing and apparently the CVS at Courthouse is VERY busy and they feel a need to have another store 1 metro stop away. Again, this is not 100%, but I have heard the same thing from development folks and Arlington County Government folks, so I think it is a done deal.
There is also a new restaurant going in on the corner a few blocks down from the old Queen Bee and record store (not sure of the cross street???). The owner I believe is the same owner as Clarendon Grill and Clarendon Ballroom. I think some other folks on this board may have some more insight on that project....

Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of retail space available in Clarendon, however, there are more buildings going up (and down...) along the Wilson Blvd corridor, so hopefully the retail scene will improve. I am looking for about 1500 sq. ft. of space myself, so if anyone knows of anything.....

Yeah, the rumor is true about CVS. It will be right across the street from our new restaurant on the corner of Hudson and Wilson. (We haven't named the restaurant yet and are currently in the early building stages, BTW.)

Jason- If I find any 1500 sq.ft. spaces in the area, I'll give you a ring!

DPop · February 5, 2008

I've been hearing about this for years, but now it looks like it's really happening. The Clarendon of 6 years ago is almost totally gone....

http://www.examiner.com/a-1201107~New_Clar...e_go_ahead.html

Andelman · February 7, 2008

I've been hearing about this for years, but now it looks like it's really happening. The Clarendon of 6 years ago is almost totally gone....
http://www.examiner.com/a-1201107~New_Clar...e_go_ahead.html

It's going to be like "downtown" Silver Spring.

One of the problems with all of this new development is that the lease rates are going to be astronomical for the retail space. Thus, you will probably be looking at a lot of chain/corporate establishments in those spots. Yes, Clarendon is certainly going to lose a great deal of its neighborhood charm. However, it will be great for the retailers/restaurants that are already there....

Dave Pressley · February 7, 2008

However, it will be great for the retailers/restaurants that are already there....

Or will be soon enough! :mellow:

cheezepowder · February 8, 2008

Or will be soon enough!

Can you share details at this point about the new Eventide restaurant?

Dave Pressley · February 8, 2008

Can you share details at this point about the new Eventide restaurant?

I'll just start a thread on it.

cheezepowder · April 5, 2008

Except for Delhi Club and Hard Times, the stores in that island between Wilson and Clarendon Blvd across from the Clarendon Metro are now closed. I was very sad to walk by Little Viet Garden and see the sign on the door saying that the location is now closed and to visit their other location Miss Saigon in Georgetown.

The British store has moved next to Boulevard Woodgrill.

dcs · April 5, 2008

Except for Delhi Club and Hard Times, the stores in that island between Wilson and Clarendon Blvd across from the Clarendon Metro are now closed. I was very sad to walk by Little Viet Garden and see the sign on the door saying that the location is now closed and to visit their other location Miss Saigon in Georgetown.
The British store has moved next to Boulevard Woodgrill.

Yes. You can tell your grandchildren that you witnessed the Reston Town Centerization of Clarendon. Me, I'd take the Queen Bee and the Peruvian Motors used car lot any day.

danfishe · April 5, 2008

Yes. You can tell your grandchildren that you witnessed the Reston Town Centerization of Clarendon. Me, I'd take the Queen Bee and the Peruvian Motors used car lot any day.

Putting aside the merits of small, locally owned restaurants, used car lots are a horrible use of space in a urban village on a metro stop. The whole point of Metro is smart grown and smart density and you need big buildings for that; otherwise, all metro does is give the Lyon Village homeowners an easy commute...

dcs · April 5, 2008

Putting aside the merits of small, locally owned restaurants, used car lots are a horrible use of space in a urban village on a metro stop. The whole point of Metro is smart grown and smart density and you need big buildings for that; otherwise, all metro does is give the Lyon Village homeowners an easy commute...

A legitimate point. As I am not an urban planner, however, I tend to care more about vibe. That said, in the spirit of conciliation, I hereby welcome the new CVS and 24 hour Commerce Bank to the neighborhood. Who knows, I may come to appreciate the ability to get an emergency loan from an actual bank teller at 3:30am to finance some of my nocturnal misadventures.

jamesttt · August 8, 2008

Has any one heard about the restaurant Yaku being built on the first floor of the Odyssey Condos?

It is apparently going to be Peruvian and Chinese, are there any other restaurants serving this type of food in the area? I don't think I have ever heard of that type of food, any speculation on what they will serve?

Kibbee Nayee · August 10, 2008

Has any one heard about the restaurant Yaku being built on the first floor of the Odyssey Condos?
It is apparently going to be Peruvian and Chinese, are there any other restaurants serving this type of food in the area? I don't think I have ever heard of that type of food, any speculation on what they will serve?

Well, you can get Peruvian and Greek/Italian at Delia's in Springfield....but yes, I'll admit that you have happened upon a unique fusion....

cheezepowder · August 10, 2008

Has any one heard about the restaurant Yaku being built on the first floor of the Odyssey Condos?

The City Paper had an interesting article last year about Javier Angeles-Beron, a chef who would have been a chef and partner at Yaku but had left Latin Concepts.

This past May, the Washington Business Journal also had an article about the upcoming Yaku and said: "Fraga-Rosenfeld brought Chef Gisela Laos from Peru, where she ran a culinary school, to oversee Yaku's menu, which is still being finalized. He said it will likely include some of the Latin fare offered at his other restaurants, along with a mix of Chinese noodle dishes, known as 'tallarines,' stir-fries and soups."

It is apparently going to be Peruvian and Chinese, are there any other restaurants serving this type of food in the area?

There are Inti in Adams Morgan (thread here) and Kam Po on Leesburg Pike near Bailey's Crossroads (anyone been to these lately?).

DonRocks · March 6, 2009

The following posts have been split into separate threads

Mexicali Blues (cheezepowder)

hapatite · October 13, 2009

I went to go lease an apt. last week and the leasing officer (?) had a box of six sitting on her desk and offered one to me.

I tried the coconut one and it was very sweet and on the small side. The cake was very moist, but not in a good way, almost as if they use to much oil in the recipe?

This will be dangerous to be in Clarendon though. Even if they're mediocre cupcakes, I could see myself eating them far too frequently if they were just downstairs from me. I don't know if I'll be moving into Zoso though, the apartment I tried to lease--the tenants changed their mind at the last minute and now it's no longer available.

Other places in Zoso:

American Flatbread (not that good, WAY to expensive for what it is!)

Artisan Confections (1/2 of ACKC! I wonder if they'll bring the cocoa bar? Dunno if thats AC or KC)

Rustico AND Buzz Bakery will be coming to the Ballston/Va Square (halfway b/n) area 2010 summer, which will be MUCH better on both counts (American Flatbread and BakeShopDC)

Andelman · October 13, 2009

Artisan Confections (1/2 of ACKC! I wonder if they'll bring the cocoa bar? Dunno if thats AC or KC)

PLEASE, PLEASE do not confuse Artisan Confections with ACKC. We have nothing to do with them and they are completely different and separate business!!!

It really is like comparing apples and oranges.

BigDawg · October 13, 2009

At Faccia Luna this evening, there were flyers posted that said they had lost the lease on their parking lot as of June 1 and that Federal Parking had taken it over as a paid lot. Faccia Luna diners will receive $2 off their parking costs and folks getting takeout should be able to get free parking. They recommend that orders be called in ahead of time because the amount of time allowed to get in and out for the free parking is very limited.

We have FREE UNDERGROUND parking (1st level of the garage at Zoso Flats) at American Flatbread - 1025 N Fillmore St (corner 11th & Fillmore).

Other places in Zoso:

American Flatbread (not that good, WAY to expensive for what it is!)

Have you been in to try us? We are cheaper than all of the pizza establishments in the area and feature locally sourced and organic ingredients. Additionally, The Washingtonian has featured us as "Best 100 Cheap Eats" in the Greater Metro DC area for 2008 & 2009.

lizzie · October 14, 2009

Very funny - a few nights ago, in front of Cheesecake Factory, employees of American Flatbread were handing out free pizza to people waiting for tables at CF. I hope they persuaded at least some people to change restaurants.

FunnyJohn · October 14, 2009

Very funny - a few nights ago, in front of Cheesecake Factory, employees of American Flatbread were handing out free pizza to people waiting for tables at CF. I hope they persuaded at least some people to change restaurants.

Now that's smart marketing -- and ballsy

DonRocks · October 14, 2009

Very funny - a few nights ago, in front of Cheesecake Factory, employees of American Flatbread were handing out free pizza to people waiting for tables at CF. I hope they persuaded at least some people to change restaurants.

You know what? I was thinking of doing this (flyers, not pizza) to promote our Restaurant 3 Happy Hour. Yep, I was actually going to stand there and do it myself. I originally thought about the concept a few months ago, after walking out of an empty La Canela, and then by a bustling Austin Grill, although that was more of an "on-the-spot" fantasy - on the drive home, I was dreaming up plans to write a short persuasive essay, and signing my name to it, so they didn't think I was some paid shill working for La Canela. I'm absolutely not ruling out some variant of this in the future because I think it's a great idea, and yes, I'll use recycled paper.

Cheer,

Rocks.

jparrott · October 14, 2009

PLEASE, PLEASE do not confuse Artisan Confections with ACKC. We have nothing to do with them and they are completely different and separate business!!!

It really is like comparing apples and oranges.

Right, except your oranges are artfully macerated in booze and then enrobed in tip-top chocolate.

I wonder how the OP got so confused?

ktmoomau · October 14, 2009

We have FREE UNDERGROUND parking (1st level of the garage at Zoso Flats) at American Flatbread - 1025 N Fillmore St (corner 11th & Fillmore).

Have you been in to try us? We are cheaper than all of the pizza establishments in the area and feature locally sourced and organic ingredients. Additionally, The Washingtonian has featured us as "Best 100 Cheap Eats" in the Greater Metro DC area for 2008 & 2009.

I didn't know you had free parking! There is normally street parking nearby, but that is so good to know. Thanks for posting this.

goldenticket · October 16, 2009

PLEASE, PLEASE do not confuse Artisan Confections with ACKC. We have nothing to do with them and they are completely different and separate business!!!

It really is like comparing apples and oranges.

Right, except your oranges are artfully macerated in booze and then enrobed in tip-top chocolate.

I wonder how the OP got so confused?

ACKC is an amalgamation of the names of the two separate businesses - Artfully Chocolate and Kingsbury Chocolate - that merged to create the current one. Artisan Confections IS a very different (and delicious) thing - one that I'm looking forward to having so close to my office!

wendydb22 · October 17, 2009

I have been telling everyone I know that 1025 N. Fillmore St. is the new Clarendon foodie row!

The chocolate rocks(heavenly sea salt caramels), the flatbread rocks(great beer selection as well)...and I hear rumors that the wine bar is going to be rockin'

I am biased though.

Hope everyone is staying dry this weekend. Tonight is going to be a PHO night for me. mmmmm

-Wendy

RWBooneJr · January 2, 2013

I'd planned on eating kind of slowly and relaxing with a drink or two after, but the kitchen closed at 9, and by 9:30 the bartender was basically getting ready to shut down. Ahhh, well...

Yesterday was a weird day in Clarendon and a lot of places were closed or closed early. Lyon Hall is usually open fairly late.

DaveO · January 4, 2013

From a business perspective its interesting to see quite a number of places in Clarendon not opening on weekdays till 4 PM. These aren't straight out high end restaurants. They are restaurants, bars with medium priced fare (and up). There is simply too little day business to go around, evidently with too many places that are there, and relatively little office driven lunch time business to support all these establishments during the lunch hours and merit staffing up.

Ballston has fewer places that don't open till 4, as its office market is simply larger and supports more lunch business. Man....its gotta be tough to make it in Clarendon with a lot of very high rents, a lot of competition, and limited hours to take advantage of it all.

DonRocks · January 5, 2013

From a business perspective its interesting to see quite a number of places in Clarendon not opening on weekdays till 4 PM. These aren't straight out high end restaurants. They are restaurants, bars with medium priced fare (and up). There is simply too little day business to go around, evidently with too many places that are there, and relatively little office driven lunch time business to support all these establishments during the lunch hours and merit staffing up.

Ballston has fewer places that don't open till 4, as its office market is simply larger and supports more lunch business. Man....its gotta be tough to make it in Clarendon with a lot of very high rents, a lot of competition, and limited hours to take advantage of it all.

Welcome to 14 UP. Lunch business there is non-existent.

DaveO · January 5, 2013

Welcome to 14 UP. Lunch business there is non-existent.

I'm not familiar with "14 UP" but Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Bethesda, and Courthouse all have substantially more office space and lunch time office workers, and Clarendon has this surfeit of retail space, most of it dedicated to food, meaning that so many places have to compete for dinner and late night food and drinks, all combined with some enormously high rents. That is a tough place to do business for anyone in the F&B business. Just looking at it makes me think you have to do something special, unique, be damn good at it and consistent because that is a tough market with virtually all of the revenues falling in limited hours.

Just my $0.02.

dcs · January 5, 2013

I'm not familiar with "14 UP" but Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Bethesda, and Courthouse all have substantially more office space and lunch time office workers, and Clarendon has this surfeit of retail space, most of it dedicated to food, meaning that so many places have to compete for dinner and late night food and drinks, all combined with some enormously high rents. That is a tough place to do business for anyone in the F&B business. Just looking at it makes me think you have to do something special, unique, be damn good at it and consistent because that is a tough market with virtually all of the revenues falling in limited hours.

Just my $0.02.

Does anybody have any idea how the Clarendon Ballroom survives when it seems like it is hardly ever open? That must be an expensive location. Maybe they own the building.

cheezepowder · January 5, 2013

I'm not familiar with "14 UP" but Rosslyn, Ballston, Crystal City, Bethesda, and Courthouse all have substantially more office space and lunch time office workers, and Clarendon has this surfeit of retail space, most of it dedicated to food, meaning that so many places have to compete for dinner and late night food and drinks, all combined with some enormously high rents. That is a tough place to do business for anyone in the F&B business. Just looking at it makes me think you have to do something special, unique, be damn good at it and consistent because that is a tough market with virtually all of the revenues falling in limited hours.

I didn't know what 14-UP was either -- found the answer here:

(I can't seem to use the link function when I'm posting from my ipad).

Yup, I've gone out to lunch on weekdays in Clarendon when I've worked from home - such as to Cava, Liberty Tavern, and Screwtop, and the lunch crowd has been pretty sparse. The new office space coming to the block where Eleventh Lounge used to be may help bring more daytime business. Currently there's an enormous hole in the ground. According to ArlNow, CNA is planning to move approximately 600 employees into that building in early 2014. See article and subsequent comment to the article posted by ArlNow about 3/4 of the way down at 1:40om here: http://www.arlnow.com/2012/01/25/new-office-buildings-approved-for-clarendon/

DaveO · January 5, 2013

Aha.

Nick Freshman · January 5, 2013

Does anybody have any idea how the Clarendon Ballroom survives when it seems like it is hardly ever open? That must be an expensive location. Maybe they own the building.

They're open on Fridays and Saturdays which are the two days when we all make most of our money, so while it's hardly ever open, they open on the right days. They also can hold more people in there than 3-4 Clarendon bars combined, so when they are full, there are A LOT of people in there spending money. Thirdly, they have an excellent and successful catering operation. I can understand how that last point could seem inconceivable to anyone who has watched 22 year olds guzzle Red Bull and Vodka with their chicken fingers before lurching out onto Wilson Boulevard, but I swear it's true.

SeanMike · January 5, 2013

Ballroom also seems to do a lot of special events. I know when I worked for US-VISIT that we often had our "team" events there during the mid-late afternoons on weekdays.

cheezepowder · January 6, 2013

Don: there's also this existing Dining in Clarendon thread: http://www.donrockwell.com/index.php?/topic/3552-dining-in-clarendon/

---

[Thanks! Merged! DR.]

---

That older thread is quite a trip down memory lane. So many changes in only 6 years. The thread starts from the days before Liberty Tavern, Spider Kelly's, Eventide, and Restaurant 3. (I'd forgotten all about India Curry House.)

Edited January 9, 2013 by DonRocks

Genevieve · January 6, 2013

IOTA is open for lunch and a good lunch choice (a little closer to Court House than Clarendon, but I think it counts). Their sandwich smashers are very tasty, and boy do they know fries.

Chris Cunningham · January 8, 2013

I'd just like to add that Willow has a great lunch and I will also make the bold statement that we have, hands down , THE BEST Burger around!!!!! I stand by that statement and will buy it back if you don't agree. It's only available at the Bar and my Nosh Area....it's a double burger, Virginia raised beef, smoked in house and on a homeade roll and served with hand cut fries... I challenge anyone to not agree

darkstar965 · January 8, 2013

I'd just like to add that Willow has a great lunch and I will also make the bold statement that we have, hands down , THE BEST Burger around!!!!! I stand by that statement and will buy it back if you don't agree. It's only available at the Bar and my Nosh Area....it's a double burger, Virginia raised beef, smoked in house and on a homeade roll and served with hand cut fries... I challenge anyone to not agree

I won't challenge Chris. But will point out that he's biased since, well, he works at Willow. I, on the other hand, am not biased since I'm just a regular joe fortunate to be able to get around a bit and have had lunch at Willow several times in the past year or two. It's a mainstay for me whenever I need a good lunch spot out Clarendon way for a business lunch. For reasons I can't explain, I usually order seafood there. Always very good food and, anytime you have a seriously accomplished baker as a co-owner, well, good things happen on the dessert menu. All said, didn't know about and have never had Willow's burger. Will do it next time. Still missing Chris at Freddy's. That bar, still great, just isn't the same without him.

Genevieve · January 9, 2013

Responding on the Amoo's Kabob thread (saying that Kabob Bazaar in Clarendon also has delicious Persian food) reminded me that I was pretty sure it was open for lunch. Website says it is. I recommend the chicken shish kabob, juicy and with lots of well-grilled vegetables, with the zeresh polo which is definitely worth the slight surcharge over regular rice for the flavorful bayberries and saffron. The must-o-kheyer is excellent -- yogurt/cucumber sauce akin to raita but thicker -- which I dip the chewy fresh-baked pita in between bites of kabob. I also get the noon paneer sabzi as a side, from the "vegetarian side dishes" -- fresh basil, cilantro and parsley, chunks of pungent feta, and walnuts, all of which I use to top bites of the kabob meal.

That's too much food for one meal for me, so I usually get two meals out of it (especially if I order an extra skewer of grilled vegetables).

DaveO · January 9, 2013

I'd just like to add that Willow has a great lunch and I will also make the bold statement that we have, hands down , THE BEST Burger around!!!!! I stand by that statement and will buy it back if you don't agree. It's only available at the Bar and my Nosh Area....it's a double burger, Virginia raised beef, smoked in house and on a homeade roll and served with hand cut fries... I challenge anyone to not agree

yeah...but Willow is sooooooooooo Ballston...not Clarendon...and has a lot more office space around for potential lunch business

PappyVanWise · January 10, 2013

Since this thread is popping back up, I'll have to remind everyone of the treasure we have in Earl's. I think the original in Clarendon is still running on all cylinders, even with the second location in Ballston. In fact, we just went for lunch today, I had the fish and fries sandwich while Mrs. Viking had the crabcake, both are consistently good.

DaveO · January 10, 2013

I had the pork and fries at Earl's the other day. What a wonderful sandwich. After devouring it I was scraping around for extra itty bitty fries. A staffer, who might be a manager responded to a question saying the pork and fries is their #1 seller. Might be...its a worthy sandwich as are so many others at Earl's.

Then today I walked the other direction to Bayou Bakery...so NOT Clarendon and so Courthouse..ish. Spicy gumbo with delicious sausage...and a creole pilgrim sandwich--> turkey, arugula, dijon mustard, gouda on a wonderful crusty roll.

Damn that area is sandwich heaven.

dcs · January 11, 2013

FYI - my comment about Clarendon going to hell since I left was meant to be a humorous comment on how my mere presence positively affects a community. I have nothing against Clarendon.

No. Seriously. It is going to hell. The end is nigh.

darkstar965 · January 12, 2013

No. Seriously. It is going to hell. The end is nigh.

Agreed this doesn't bode well for Arlington and, heck, NoVa for that matter. But, in the new spot's defense (no, I won't be going), it does sound highly entertaining. Any place that, in their own words, promises to "boldly redefine" (like Star Trek?!?!) and bring "wit and irreverent charm" (not to be confused with the more common 'irreverent wit and charm') should at least be good for entertainment. In fact, free of charge, some of the comments beneath the newsflash are absolutely good for laughs. Finally, how soon we forget. As sad a sign as this is, it could be worse.

DonRocks · January 12, 2013

Since this thread is popping back up, I'll have to remind everyone of the treasure we have in Earl's. I think the original in Clarendon is still running on all cylinders, even with the second location in Ballston. In fact, we just went for lunch today, I had the fish and fries sandwich while Mrs. Viking had the crabcake, both are consistently good.

I had the pork and fries at Earl's the other day. What a wonderful sandwich. After devouring it I was scraping around for extra itty bitty fries. A staffer, who might be a manager responded to a question saying the pork and fries is their #1 seller. Might be...its a worthy sandwich as are so many others at Earl's.

Damn that area is sandwich heaven.

You know, they often call me Speedo - not because I wear one (thank the merciful Lord) - but - and I can't reconcile this - my real name is Mr. Earl.

Heather · January 12, 2013

You know, they often call me Speedo - not because I wear one (thank the merciful Lord) - but - and I can't reconcile this - my real name is Mr. Earl.

And not a negative word was heard from the people passing by...

Josh Radigan · March 11, 2013

By the way, and not making an attempt to hijack this thread, more than a "few" years ago, I was irked when a wine bar by the name of "Tallula" opened up at Whitey's after it was forced to close due to a fire!

Don move as needed. []

Whitey's closed because they lost their liquor license after years of angering the neighbors with unruly customers. There was never a fire. Had Calvin Seville been a smarter owner he never would have opened the second side which was never a part of the original Whiteys. he did open it, added too much additional space that never really filled up. The neighborhood for the most part did not care for Whiteys, they banded together and spoke out at his license renewal and he lost.

FunnyJohn · March 13, 2013

The closing of Whitey's was a blow to its many customers over the years, but Josh is right -- the neighborhood ceased to tolerate the drunken brawls and other bad behavior of some of the patrons and the liquor license was withdrawn -- just as simple as that. Not wishing to sound like a snob, I will nevertheless suggest that Tallula was a plus-up for the neighborhood.

dcs · February 27, 2014

It will be interesting to see how this impacts the dining options in Clarendon.

Assessments for Clarendon Restaurants Skyrocket

I personally have not had much luck challenging my property assessments.

DaveO · February 27, 2014

It will be interesting to see how this impacts the dining options in Clarendon.

Assessments for Clarendon Restaurants Skyrocket

I personally have not had much luck challenging my property assessments.

Those increases are huge jumps. They are property tax assessments. I'd bet in every case or almost every case the lease reads that the tenant (the restaurants or retail tenants) pay their proportionate share (however proportionate share is defined) of the increase. Those could be big big add ons to the tenants, the restaurants.

Meanwhile the rents have skyrocketed especially this last decade. It means the building values have skyrocketed. That means the assessments have skyrocketed.

By example if Spider Kelly's has to absorb all that cost increase from the article it means over $2,000/month in extra new costs. And that is a lot of beer.

Life aint easy...

dcs · February 27, 2014

Hopefully this will not tip the scales to where only national chains can afford to operate in Clarendon. It is halfway there already.......

DonRocks · February 27, 2014

Hopefully this will not tip the scales to where only national chains can afford to operate in Clarendon. It is halfway there already.......

That's right - it is about halfway there, and this will tip that scale. Ironically, I'm not convinced the people who live in Clarendon *want* national chains; they want places like Liberty Tavern and Spider Kelly's - the question is: will they be able to tell the difference between those places, and places like Buffalo Wild Wings and Logan's Roadhouse? If I were renting in Clarendon, I'd be long gone - this is Virginia's 14 UP, or perhaps even beyond that. This is truly a unique place: the smallest county in the country, proximity to DC, a Metro stop, education level, incomes, and youth of its residents.

Rovers2000 · February 27, 2014

I will be curious to see if this has an impact on an area like Ballston. My thought being - Ballston (and it's terrible mall) have long been a second thought to Clarendon in terms of development. Yet recently, we've seen NRG put Rustico there and Isabella is putting a Kapnos. With what I'd imagine being cheaper rents does it become more of a draw - with the potential to be more so if they ever get it together and redevelop that mall.

DonRocks · February 27, 2014

I will be curious to see if this has an impact on an area like Ballston. My thought being - Ballston (and it's terrible mall) have long been a second thought to Clarendon in terms of development. Yet recently, we've seen NRG put Rustico there and Isabella is putting a Kapnos. With what I'd imagine being cheaper rents does it become more of a draw - with the potential to be more so if they ever get it together and redevelop that mall.

Look at the Glebe Road strip of Ballston - the really *bad* chains are already there (and still coming). I'd say Clarendon has more potential to spread to Courthouse and Rosslyn.

ktmoomau · February 27, 2014

With elections coming up in Arlington quickly, I think this was a dumb move. I will be voting on a more pro-small business candidate. Of course anyone who lives in Arlington I would urge to comment, you can always email your county officials here.

DonRocks · February 27, 2014

With elections coming up in Arlington quickly, I think this was a dumb move. I will be voting on a more pro-small business candidate. Of course anyone who lives in Arlington I would urge to comment, you can always email your county officials here.

Is it only businesses, or is it homes as well?

FunnyJohn · February 27, 2014

Classic case of killing the goose...

SeanMike · February 27, 2014

I actually liked that BW-3 came in to Ballston - while I love Rustico, and so many other local places, sometimes you just want a sports bar and a bunch of wings. World of Beer is also a chain but I've appreciated their beer selection (their food, on the other hand...).

Don't forget also there's a very large development going on right next to Ballston mall. And if I remember correctly, there's a rehabilitation project in the works for the mall itself.

Clarendon is overpriced, particularly for the crowd it currently attracts, IMHO. I'm a bit disappointed that I'll need to move in a year from my current place, since I'm about halfway between Ballston and the growing Columbia Pike area, but it'll be interesting how the county keeping affordable housing between the Col. Pike boom and Ballston restoration will affect that area.

On the other hand, with Clarendon, since it is that thread: I'd hate to see more national chains there, especially bad ones (like American Taproom, which I can't stand). But property values are up everywhere, it seems, in the county, so perhaps it needs a bit of the pressure there to force people out to other parts of the county. (The Metro line property values are why a number of my friends left their EFC condos/townhouses; one couple moved to Falls Church, one to Annapolis, one to Del Rey and my brother and sister-in-law to south Arlington, where they could actually afford a yard.)

Josh Radigan · February 27, 2014

Arlington County has to make up for its suggested budget shortfall that is on the books I believe for 2015. I feel for the owners as I do know several of them that have been hit pretty hard, I am talking to you Nick Freshman. But as I have always felt that owners who are a part of the community and as well good business people most likely saw this coming, eventually.

As for Ballston, its vacancy rate within the commercial area is alarmingly high and something that I think scares potential restaurants away, but people like Taylor Gourmet and Mike Isabella will make a run at it, and most likely succeed with flying colors.

Now, if only the County could get the strip mall disasters along lee highway up to speed........

ktmoomau · February 27, 2014

But the fact that they had such a large percentage of a raise in one year, I think that shows there is something not right going on. 83% really? And we have a so called budget deficit, although then we have a surplus, and we have some ludicrous spending projects. And if you read the article it appears they seem to think they may have screwed up, but aren't going to own up to it except in the case of an appeal, but I think this is where you step in and say maybe we made a mistake. You can't just arbitrarily raise property taxes by huge percentages because you want to make some funds, that just is not good business and makes the county look like a joke.

Josh Radigan · February 27, 2014

I agree, but who is going to stop them. Maybe that's why Zimmerman got out along with his side projects. Think about that 1 million dollar bus stop on Columbia Pike or the endless amounts of dollars that continually keep going into researching Trolly cars on the Pike. Or an aquatics center that seemingly doesn't need to be, or overcrowded schools that show no relief in sight except building an elementary school on top of a middle school.

But one does need to ask, with the assessments being so high this time around, are they actually in fact in line with neighboring counties/cities, or is this really gouging to make up losses.

ktmoomau · February 27, 2014

I agree, but who is going to stop them. Maybe that's why Zimmerman got out along with his side projects. Think about that 1 million dollar bus stop on Columbia Pike or the endless amounts of dollars that continually keep going into researching Trolly cars on the Pike. Or an aquatics center that seemingly doesn't need to be, or overcrowded schools that show no relief in sight except building an elementary school on top of a middle school.

But one does need to ask, with the assessments being so high this time around, are they actually in fact in line with neighboring counties/cities, or is this really gouging to make up losses.

And why are some businesses taxes getting raised so much more than others? I could see if all the properties were getting a smaller increase, but this seems like they are just randomly (or not randomly) choosing businesses to kill.

Drinking in Clarendon

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