Top Arlington Hot Spots for Craft Cocktails
Experience the spirited side of Arlington with exquisite cocktails at these favorite local haunts.
If you appreciate the nuanced creativity of today’s mixology, you’ll love sampling the unique tastes, twists and local flavor of cocktails in Arlington.
At these neighborhood establishments, you can observe the fine art of craft cocktail-making, and even pick up tips on how to create your own perfect libation.
The Board Room
![Close up of a red cocktail served with green and red floral garnish at The Board Room](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/@mspeacockslounge_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3036abeef47bafa1395d619a72970ff9 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/@mspeacockslounge_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e8693afea7e491576abd72f6aedd08d6 360w)
With more than 50 board games, The Board Room in Clarendon lets you brush up on old-school classics like Monopoly, Pictionary and Yahtzee that play nicely with boozy drinks. It’s game on with Mules Against Humanity, a vodka lime juice and ginger beer mix. A mixture of tequila, grapefruit, lime juice and grapefruit soda is called Park Place Paloma.
Salt
Amongst a sea of glass and steel, tucked away from the hum of traffic, you’ll find Salt. Escape the bustle and sink into the intoxicating beats while you enjoy bold flavors and timeless craft cocktails. The warm and intimate vibe is an inner-city oasis. Get lost in conversation and enjoy the moment.
WHINO
This modern open-concept venue invites patrons to inhabit large-scale mural installations while enjoying craft cocktails, beer, wine and globally inspired social plates. WHINO sports exposed black steel high ceilings, creating a loft-like experience. The combination of design elements will provide a fun and refined destination for socializing and dining.
Brass Rabbit Public House
Clarendon's newest hot spot serves up elevated pub fare with a healthy flare and cocktails made from scratch. Brass Rabbit Pub is located just two blocks from the metro, offering healthy bar fare and inventive craft cocktails. Brass Rabbit is the perfect place to meet for brunch with friends, dinner, drinks with coworkers, or to watch your sports team on TV.
![Close up of a bright orange cocktail served with a slice of lime and green garnishes at Brass Rabbit Pub](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/departmentofcocktails-Instagram-688-ig-17851315631722962_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2302d9fe8607ae080ee865af1a590f92 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/departmentofcocktails-Instagram-688-ig-17851315631722962_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=afaa9b1ab0200e04a0ffb69a59b9a2f1 360w)
Guapo’s Restaurant
![Two margaritas, a dark stone mortar and plate of fresh guacamole on a table at Guapo's](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Guapos-via-@heelwillmahoney_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=83a92ed4e5ff69e88abf4707a3b855d5 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Guapos-via-@heelwillmahoney_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ccf18668c85a7b1d2e5e2b9df204f850 450w)
Made with a secret family recipe, the Sophisticated Margarita at Guapo’s is for those who love a cocktail with some zing. The recipe was perfected by the Rincon family, which founded its capital area Tex-Mex restaurants in 1988, and it quickly became the Shirlington neighborhood restaurant’s most popular cocktail. Guapo’s makes them by the gallon at the energetic bar that’s also known for mojitos and plates of fajitas, burritos and quesadillas.
Guapo’s appeal at cocktail hour is good drinks, the chance to mingle and inexpensive prices, said Sofinias Diaz, the restaurant’s manager and former bartender. The secret of Guapo’s margarita is its constancy, Diaz said. “Customers from other states come for margaritas because they know.”
Sparrow Room
Located inside Bun'd Up at Wespost (formerly Pentagon Row), this speakeasy-style mahjong parlor serves dim sum and cocktails in a chic and unique setting. Enjoy delicious shareable plates, full sized entrees, and of course, cocktails. Sparrow Room's drinks menu features a variety of fun and colorful cocktails including their Golden Flower Spritz, Mum's Daquiri and much more. Looking for a tasty alcohol-free drink, their menu also offers various mocktails. Stop by for a night of fun games of Mahjong and incredible food and drinks!
![A hand holds a bright green cocktail in a highball glass at Sparrow Room in Arlington, VA](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Copy-of-20220106_MM_SparrowRoom-169_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3022c5951e7cf0a1f45414439d8d8dca 300w)
SER
![Waiter carrying a tray of colorful cocktails at Ser in Arlington. There are 5 cocktails in varying shades of green, red, and yellow.](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Ser-drinks-@serrestaurant_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b69f1dc58506f28c4c91734a3692bf79 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Ser-drinks-@serrestaurant_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8a5f4766f4d78d08b2aaba6bf269d830 450w)
SER, in Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood, features a wide array of specialty cocktails that complement its popular menu of authentic Spanish comfort foods. Unique specialties include mint-infused brandy and house-made vermouths, said Dimitri Brinza, manager. You can try the vermouths on the rocks or in a cocktail.
Or, indulge in Pippi Longstocking’s Sippycup, with rum and a sherry vinegar-strawberry shrub – the kind of drinking vinegar that gives a drink a summery flavor. Another special cocktail, The Campos Rose, has gin, elderflower, lime juice and rose bitters. Or, you can spice things up with the Nerva Quickstep, made with Absolut Citron vodka, white grape juice, and lime-, cayenne pepper- and black pepper bitters.
William Jeffrey’s Tavern
![Interior of William Jeffreys Tavern in Arlington. There is a modern, indoor fireplace made of glass, black metal and a column of grey stone](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/William-Jeffreys-Tavern-website_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=3f526683dba216643ec657ee2efe64d2 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/William-Jeffreys-Tavern-website_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d3e2f113529946c189c30392907453df 450w)
A quintessential gathering place in Arlington’s Columbia Pike neighborhood, William Jeffrey’s Tavern elevates the cocktail experience with special touches like liquor pickled with fresh ingredients. From its Corpse Reviver #2 (with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, absinthe rinse and lemon, served up) to the XXX Adult Hot Chocolate (brandy, aged rum, spiced cream, honey and house-made marshmallow), you can sample a diverse range of specialties. For a take on Bermuda’s unofficial drink, check out the tavern’s Dark & Stormy – Demerara Rum, house-made ginger beer and fresh lime.
A make-your-own Bloody Mary bar during brunch also means you can mix it up just the way you like, with house-infused vodkas (pickled garlic, horseradish or habanero) and choices of 30 ingredients. And if you’re more in the mood for a draft, William Jeffrey’s offers a 16-tap bar with a wide-ranging selection of local, national and international brewers.
Wilson Hardware
![overhead view of a crowd of people enjoying craft cocktails and conversation at Wilson Hardware in Arlington, VA](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Wilson-Hardware-via-@jad.bouchebel_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=58545f55a7de4e26fabbc3e5231b8f2b 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/Wilson-Hardware-via-@jad.bouchebel_4b4079f92aeaaa0ffd4ee406edf9a260.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=08067b8d4c986941d7aa9c2278a06a02 450w)
In the heart of Arlington’s Clarendon neighborhood, Wilson Hardware pays homage to the old Virginia Hardware store that occupied the location from the 1960s through early 2000s. This three-story venue – with a warehouse vibe, exposed brick and a rooftop bar – is a perfect spot for sipping on an eclectic selection of signature and slushy cocktails. For fan feedback, see reviews on EaterDC.
Hardware-themed specialties include the Adjustable Wrench (bourbon, rum, vanilla and chocolate bitters), Nailed It (bourbon, peach, lemon) and Permit Denied (Draft), made with tequila, watermelon, lime, agave and mint. These are alongside favorites like the Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy, and more.
Related Stories
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/patio-web_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=f0b425c7bb9fad831de88e3e0fb20863 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/patio-web_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=dbaf0cc283621f5c7be3d644b975900d 400w)
18 Places to Have a D.C. Dining Experience in Arlington
Arlington, Virginia has outposts of much-loved D.C. restaurants that bring more of the same delicious eats right across the river…
![a couple enjoys each other's company and great food and drinks on a date in Arlington VA](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20201109_Cameron-Davidson_Westover-Beer-Garden_800x600_1120_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=b35de5e89f5c53cf584db9f028713e40 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/20201109_Cameron-Davidson_Westover-Beer-Garden_800x600_1120_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=77bf404e8d3ae44ffa11a69e39d3457f 400w)
7 Great Date Ideas in Arlington, Virginia
After you have seen the sights, hit your hotel room to dress up for a date night in Arlington. Arlington…
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=7db16d6e520003f477132c5a5fb78ba3 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=79c71082c2053861d6dfd90b755efe4f 540w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=768&q=80&w=768&s=04063816b1c240586b6436e8c72eaef4 768w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=1024&q=80&w=1024&s=d58bb8785a7ad269bc05b85a25fd8903 1024w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=1200&q=80&w=1200&s=3c3c4f48ab02d4327ac9fa499264086e 1200w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/main-images/estef.alejandra-Instagram-688-ig-18301515466097011.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.7464&fp-y=0.86&h=1440&q=80&w=1440&s=98dea9087c30a3fd1e252d63a8ef4399 1438w)
Top Brunch Hot Spots for Your Weekend in Arlington, Virginia
It's the weekend, which in Arlington means it's time for brunch. Arlingtonians take brunch seriously with heated debates over who…
![Colorful plates of food cover a table at Greens N Teff restaurant in Arlington](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/greensnteff-Instagram-688-ig-17921662531991067-1_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=ed40508699aa6b3af79d8c22f7a2e96e 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/greensnteff-Instagram-688-ig-17921662531991067-1_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=9647018027206649ff0666768a2147fb 400w)
Vegan, Vegetarian, & Gluten-Free Restaurants in Arlington, VA
Whether you're eating paleo, sensitive to dairy, allergic to nuts or have Celiac disease, Arlington restaurants have you covered.
![](https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/sfoglinapasta-Instagram-688-ig-2624253906813468556_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=320&q=80&w=320&s=f3c07de241b636aa8197f3c102fb3a66 320w, https://arlington.imgix.net/images/blog/sfoglinapasta-Instagram-688-ig-2624253906813468556_609ccc0e5477b265684c7b706e93c704.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=min&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=540&q=80&w=540&s=2b0c3f4fc29d7d322751d55c059af68f 400w)
Eat. Drink. Love. in Rosslyn
For those who live and work in the Arlington area, it can be easy to find truly authentic international experiences…
Featured:
925 N. Garfield St. Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 248-9439
1201 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22209 (703) 875-0491
4238 Wilson Blvd Arlington, Virginia 22203 (571) 752-9677
1210 N Garfield St Arlington, VA 22201
4028 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA 22206 (703) 671-1701
1110 N Glebe Rd Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 746-9822
2301 Columbia Pike Arlington, VA 22204 (703) 746-6333
2915 Wilson Blvd. Arlington , Virginia 22201 (703) 527-4200