The best bars & nightlife in Arlington

11 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 11 places · showing the latest additions first

Ireland's Four Courts leans into its “America’s Best Soccer Bar” cred with big-match energy, chants that find you, and proper pours. Then…

2051 Wilson Blvd

Ireland's Four Courts leans into its “America’s Best Soccer Bar” cred with big-match energy, chants that find you, and proper pours. Then keep the buzz going with live music after the final whistle, because this week deserves a little victory lap.

From the Washington newsletter, August 29, 2026

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If the group chat can’t choose between pool, shuffleboard, darts or button-mashing, Spider Kelly’s delivers in a large neighborhood bar…

3181 Wilson Blvd

If the group chat can’t choose between pool, shuffleboard, darts or button-mashing, Spider Kelly’s delivers in a large neighborhood bar with multiple lounge areas to post up. Grab a round, spark some friendly trash talk, and call it your midweek reset.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Nick's Riverside Grill keeps it simple in the best way with a patio right on the water and a bar that knows its way around a proper…

3050 K St NW (Washington)

Nick's Riverside Grill keeps it simple in the best way with a patio right on the water and a bar that knows its way around a proper cocktail. Think seasonal menus with the freshest seafood, hand cut steaks, flatbread pizzas and fresh ground burgers... plus an easy weekend breakfast plan this week.

From the Washington newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Dim lights, cold microbrews, and legit pub grub make Ramparts Tavern & Grill the kind of neighborhood hangout you only share with friends…

1700 Fern St (Alexandria)

Dim lights, cold microbrews, and legit pub grub make Ramparts Tavern & Grill the kind of neighborhood hangout you only share with friends you actually like. When the game is on, the sports TV room hits the sweet spot between rowdy and relaxed... your couch might get jealous.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Clarendon Ballroom Nightclub and Rooftop keeps the DMV’s weekend pulse up with DJs, multiple levels of dancing, and a leafy rooftop for…

3185 Wilson Blvd

Clarendon Ballroom Nightclub and Rooftop keeps the DMV’s weekend pulse up with DJs, multiple levels of dancing, and a leafy rooftop for frozen cocktails and catch ups. Hit Full Send Fridays or Saturday Night Out, reserve a cabana if you’re feeling fancy, and let the night do its thing.

From the Washington newsletter, September 6, 2026

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When you want a cozy spot that knows its vintages and its cheddar, Screwtop Wine Bar delivers with guided tastings, low-key classes, a…

1025 N Fillmore St

When you want a cozy spot that knows its vintages and its cheddar, Screwtop Wine Bar delivers with guided tastings, low-key classes, a patio perfect for lingering, and a few thoughtful craft beers. Their wine club and cheese flights make it dangerously easy to turn an ordinary Wednesday into something worth toasting.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Bar a Vin

Nightlife

Le Bar à Vin is the cozy hideaway beside Chez Billy Sud where the wine list leans French and the full bistro menu tags along. Ideal for a…

1035 31st St NW (Washington)

Le Bar à Vin is the cozy hideaway beside Chez Billy Sud where the wine list leans French and the full bistro menu tags along. Ideal for a low-key date or weeknight victory lap this week, with pours that make even simple bistro bites feel like a mini Paris moment. Check it out.

From the Arlington newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Galaxy Hut

Nightlife

Galaxy Hut has kept it whatever since 1990 with a vegan-friendly grill, craft beers, and a tiny room that transforms into a DIY stage most…

2711 Wilson Blvd

Galaxy Hut has kept it whatever since 1990 with a vegan-friendly grill, craft beers, and a tiny room that transforms into a DIY stage most Sundays. Expect original bands only, delightfully scruffy energy, and bar food that even your carnivore friend will mysteriously demolish.

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique is the neighborhood spot for adventurous pours, a tidy bistro menu, and Grape School sessions that turn…

Entrance and Parking on, 576 23rd Street South, S Fern St

' into confident sips. Pop in for fun tastings, join the Bellezza Wine Club, or let The Wine Concierge find your next favorite bottle.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom brings the winemaker’s restaurant vibe to the neighborhood with 60 wines on a sustainable tap system and wine…

2200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Ste 300R (Washington)

Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom brings the winemaker’s restaurant vibe to the neighborhood with 60 wines on a sustainable tap system and wine country inspired cuisine. Think seasonally inspired plates, weekend brunch, laid-back lunch, or a celebratory dinner...

From the Washington newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is an easy win this week with national comics, occasional movie nights, and tableside service so your beer…

2903 Columbia Pike

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse is an easy win this week with national comics, occasional movie nights, and tableside service so your beer or cocktail arrives without missing a punchline. Classic theater vibes, full menu, zero fuss... the easiest midweek reset for Arlington brains.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 20, 2026

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