Where to Sip Cocktails in Arlington

1) Salt

Amongst a sea of glass and steel, tucked away from the hum of traffic in Rosslyn, you’ll find Salt, the closest thing Arlington has to a speakeasy, underneath beloved restaurant, Open Road. Escape the hustle and bustle and sink into the intoxicating beats while you enjoy bold flavors and timeless craft cocktails.

2) Brass Rabbit Public House

Another one of Clarendon's cocktail hot spots serves up elevated pub fare made-from-scratch drinks. Brass Rabbit Pub is located just two blocks from the metro, offering traditional bar fare and inventive craft cocktails. Brass Rabbit is also the perfect place to meet for brunch with friends, dinner, drinks with coworkers, or to watch your sports team on TV.

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3) Palette 22

Located in Shirlington’s walkable Village, Palette 22 pairs colorful, hand-crafted cocktails with a lively, art-filled setting. Share globally inspired small plates or sip on a glass of house-made sangria as you take in ever-changing artwork and the vibrant energy of the neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to gather, sip and stroll through one of Arlington’s most charming dining destinations.

4) Freddie's Beach Bar

Over in Crystal City, Freddie's Beach Bar, Arlington's only LGBTQ+, straight-friendly restaurant and bar, offers visitors a fun, vibrant, and welcoming environment to enjoy delicious bites and colorful cocktails. Freddie's has nightly karaoke, Freddie's Follies drag shows, trivia nights, beach blanket bingo, and more, making their spot a great option for late-night entertainment any night of the week!

5) Cowboy Cafe

Cowboy Cafe along Langston Boulevard is a classic Arlington watering hole that has been a community favorite since the 1990s. This charming establishment is where burgers and wings meet beer and mixed drinks with a Tex-Mex vibe. With trivia on Monday nights and brunch every morning, there's something for everybody at Cowboy Cafe.

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6) Water Bar

For a more relaxed, open-air cocktail experience, head to Water Bar at National Landing’s Water Park. This laid-back spot pairs refreshing drinks with outdoor seating, green space and a breezy, social atmosphere. It’s an easy choice for sunny afternoons, casual meetups or sipping something cool in the heart of Crystal City.

7) Celtic House Whiskey Bar

Off Columbia Pike, Celtic House Whiskey Bar offers a curated selection of Irish whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches and a brand-new cocktail menu to showcase these authentic spirits. As the newest addition to the Celtic House restaurant family, discover the evolution of their downstairs space, and witness how their bar has been meticulously built to embody the warmth and authenticity of Irish hospitality.

8) The Salt Line

The Salt Line in Ballston is more than just an oyster bar - their cocktail menu is packed full of your favorite classics, but also features fun, nautical, New England-style mashups. Some of their most popular drink specialties include The Cape Codder G & T (Beefeater gin, lime, house cranberry tonic), The Saltier Dog (Absolut vodka, Strega, sea salt, Aperol, grapefruit) and our personal favorite, The Perfect Storm (double Bloody Mary, lobster claw, cocktail shrimp, dressed oyster, fried coddie, accoutrements).

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9) Oasis: The Listening Bar

For a cocktail experience that’s all about the vibe, Oasis: The Listening Bar offers a more immersive night out in the Clarendon neighborhood. This intimate spot centers around curated sound, where music takes the lead and craft cocktails complement the experience. Settle in, sip something expertly mixed and enjoy an atmosphere designed for slowing down and really listening.

10) Altitude Wine Bar

Bringing a sense of adventure to Crystal City, Altitude Wine Bar pairs thoughtfully curated wines with a space inspired by the golden age of air travel. Sip on unique pours in a sleek, transportive setting, then settle into the bar’s listening-room vibe for a music-forward experience. Equal parts wine bar and escape, this stylish newcomer invites you to slow down and savor the moment.