Best Boxed Meals for Groups in Arlington and Where to Enjoy Them

Every group needs a good meal after a fun day exploring Arlington and the capital region.

Although Arlington has a great variety of group dining opportunities, sometimes boxed lunches can be a lot more convenient for larger groups. Fuel up for the day and try some of Arlington's local flavors with this list of restaurants offering boxed lunches.

Credit | Earl's Sandwiches

Best Boxed Lunches for Groups

Crystal City Sports Pub

An Arlington institution for over 20 years, Crystal City Sports Pub & Restaurant offers several breakfast, lunch, dinner and buffet menus featuring a wide array of “kid and adult friendly” options, sure to please your entire group. For pricing and menus, visit their website here.

Peruvian Brothers

The Peruvian Brothers, Giuseppe and Mario Lanzone, serve authentic “Comida Criolla”, the tastiest part of their Peruvian heritage rooted in Andean, Spanish, African and Asian influences. Peruvian Brothers offers a variety of boxed lunch options including sandwiches, ceviche, empanadas and various side items. For more information on their catering options, visit their website here.

Bayou Bakery

Owned by celebrity chef David Guas, this counter-service community spot explodes with sustainably sourced produce, both savory and sweet, with a focus steeped in his heritage and rich culture of New Orleans and the South. Their catering menu includes everything from authentic New Orleans dishes to Cuban sandwiches, and an array of Southern savory suggestions. Special accommodations such as boxed lunches are available upon request. View their full catering menu and more information on their website here.

The Italian Store

The Italian Store is a family-owned gourmet Italian specialty shop, owned and operated by the Tramonte family for over 30 years. Their deli offers made-to-order Italian subs and gourmet sandwiches, fresh New York-style pizza, and ready-to-go entrées prepared daily. With offerings such as sandwich platters and boxed lunches, The Italian Store is the perfect spot to pick up some delicious food while visiting Arlington. For more information on their catering offerings, visit their website here.

Best Buns Bakery & Burgers

Best Buns in Shirlington is a community staple offering everything from freshly baked bread to delicious cupcakes, sandwiches, burgers and their signature Irish soda bread. If you’re looking for a box lunch, any of their sandwiches have the option to include your choice of cookie, a side and a bottle of water. Their additional catering offerings include cookie trays, bagel trays, assorted sandwich trays and more. For more menu information and to place your order, visit their website here.

Sloppy Mama’s BBQ

Sloppy Mama’s on Langston Boulevard is a must-try when visiting Arlington. Owned by husband-and-wife duo, Mandy and Joe Neuman this eatery serves only 100% wood-smoked BBQ, with a variety of meats including prime brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, turkey and more. Their Combo Meal makes the perfect to-go boxed lunch; It includes a sandwich (with your choice of meat) on a potato bun with slaw and house-made pickles, your choice of a side and a drink. View their full menu and place your order on their website here.

Earl's Sandwiches

Earl’s Sandwiches in Clarendon serves fresh, high-quality food at reasonable prices. They roast their own turkey and beef, their cookies are made from scratch, and their side salads are prepared fresh daily. Within their various catering options, Earl’s Sandwiches offers a Bagged Lunch, which includes a sandwich of your choice, a side salad your choice of a brownie or a cookie. For more information about their bagged lunches and additional catering options, visit their website here.

Texas Jack's Barbecue

Named best barbecue joint in the D.C. area by the Washington Post, Texas Jack's is a friendly, yet sophisticated restaurant that serves up top-notch 'cue. Locally-sourced, reclaimed wood, antiqued brick, and hand-forged metals lend a warm backdrop to succulent, smoked meats. Their catering menu included a variety of smoked meats, platters, and sliders, which are all accompanied by their house-made barbecue sauce, sweet and spicy pickles, and utensils. View their full catering menu and place your order here.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company

From delicious barbeque to an Instagram-worthy outdoor mural, Rocklands has been an Arlington staple since opening in 2007. This local barbeque joint uses red oak and hickory, never gas or electricity, to cook meat, fish and poultry. Its counter-service menu features its signature wood-only barbeque, classic sides and vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Rocklands also offers catering services including full-service catering, on-site grilling, and food truck service. Their catering menu also accommodates boxed or bagged lunches upon request. For more information and to contact their staff visit their website here.

Chick-Fil-A

Order party trays, packaged meals, entrees, sides and more from the various Chick-Fil-A locations around Arlington. Their packaged meals serve as great grab-and-go lunches that include an entree, side and dessert of your choosing. View their full catering menu here.

Potbelly

Known for their iconic sandwiches and shakes, Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers customizable boxed lunches, sandwich bundles, and catering options for groups of all sizes. Pick your favorite fresh sandwich, chips, and cookie to create the perfect boxed lunch combo. More information about their catering options here.

Where to Eat Your Boxed Lunch

Now that you've acquired your tasty lunch, you may be wondering where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy it in Arlington. Here are some of the most popular places for groups to gather and eat their boxed lunches:

Pictured | Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima)

Let Us Help You

Reach out to ACVS Director of Sales and Visitor Services, Portia Conerly, at 703-228-0873, or Destination Sales Manager, Roxana Rivera, at 703-228-5108 for assistance with every aspect of your group visit. Get brochures, itinerary suggestions, site visits, hotel RFPs, vendor suggestions and more. We look forward to working with you to welcome your group to Arlington!

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