Warm Up with Arlington's Comfort Foods

Bayou Bakery

Nothing says comfort food like Southern eats! Bayou Bakery in Arlington's Courthouse neighborhood is a go-to spot for delicious Louisiana-style cooking, including beignets, biscuits and gravy, grits, muff-a-lottas, gumbo and more. We'd be amiss if we didn't mention their wide variety of pastries and coffee for those mornings where the winter chill is biting a little extra hard.

Bob & Edith's Diner

Sometimes, you’re just looking for fantastic diner food – simple, classic dishes that fill you up and get you through the day. In Arlington, Bob & Edith’s Diner has been serving just that to hungry Arlingtonians day and night for more than 50 years. At its original location along Columbia Pike, longtime regulars know that no matter what kind of comfort food you’re craving – whether it’s a big stack of pancakes, meatloaf, fried chicken or an enormous slice of apple pie - Bob & Edith’s is ready to comply.

Copperwood Tavern

Copperwood Tavern in Shirlington delivers farm-to-table classic comforts with a twist like succulent pork chops, brown butter ale chicken, five-cheese truffle mac, duck deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and more.

Green Pig Bistro

Green Pig Bistro in Clarendon has seen changes over the years, but one commitment remains clear: Green Pig Bistro serves what may be more obscure cuts of meat in their finest form – food that is hearty, not heavy, in dishes that are approachable, solid and basic, yet premium. It's classic rustic French cooking. As you might guess from the name, the menu is decidedly pork centric, with entrees like pork schnitzel or pork cassoulet. But for that true comfort food feeling, check out the plats du jour, where depending on the day, you can find those classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie.

Ruthie's All-Day

Ruthie’s All-Day is a family-friendly, all-day neighborhood restaurant and bar. In the morning, the takeout counter features an evolving menu with ridiculously delicious breakfast biscuits and bowls, stone-ground grits, house-made sausage, and crispy fried chicken. For dinner, indulge in sticky spareribs, hot hushpuppies with shrimp and jalapeno, and tasty wood-grilled oysters.

Silver Diner

Silver Diner in Ballston is an award-winning local restaurant serving American classics, as well as updated, healthier options with a side of authentic diner hospitality. You'll find "comfort made fresh" through dishes like black angus meatloaf, chicken pot pie, breakfast platters, craft milkshakes, and more.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Tupelo Honey in Courthouse is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina mountains. Infusing southern spirit into every bite for over 20 years, the recipes are simply crafted and made from scratch with responsibly sourced ingredients. Their menu features comfort foods like southern fried okra, Asheville hot chicken, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and more.

Celtic House

With its signature handmade solid oak bar, Celtic House off Columbia Pike specializes in traditional Irish food and drinks sure to bring you a sense of comfort. Enjoy signature dishes like Wexford Lamb Stew and traditional corned beef and cabbage.

Ireland's Four Courts

Warm up by the fireplace at Ireland's Four Courts in Courthouse, a classic Irish pub. Enjoy rugby and soccer on TV, live music, quiz nights and sidewalk seating while indulging in favorites like Irish sausage rolls, Shepard's pie, chicken boxty, and beer battered fish and chips.

Nam Viet

Let’s face it. A big steaming bowl of soup is always a wonderful thing during the winter months, and there’s something that’s just a bit more special about a huge bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho. Clarendon’s Nam Viet, a longtime favorite for locals since the mid-80s, fits the bill. Nam Viet’s family recipes have been passed down through generations, using the best ingredients from Southeast Asia and working with local farms that bring the best, highest-quality meats for entrees. The traditional pho ga takes chicken noodle soup to an entirely new level, or you can enjoy your pho with a kick with bun bo hue, a spicy beef pho that is guaranteed to warm you up quickly.

O'Sullivan's Irish Pub

With authentically Irish owners, O'Sullivans Irish Pub in Clarendon is another spot where you can enjoy traditional Irish fare in a warm and inviting pub environment. O'Sullivan's offers classic Irish dishes with a twist like Irish mac and cheese, a Guinness burger, and even an Irish beef dip.

Saigon Noodles & Grill

Over in Rosslyn, Saigon Noodles & Grill also offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine that is sure to warm you up during the winter months. Their traditional Vietnamese Pho is made of fresh rice noodles in a carefully prepared and flavorful broth, or go for their stir fries or Banh Mi.

Samuel Beckett's

At Samuel Beckett’s in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood, you might as well be stopping into a neighborhood pub in the heart of Galway. Head straight for the “Traditionalist” section of the menu for comforting dishes like Shepherd’s Pie with organic lamb, veggies and Jameson mashed potatoes in a rich Guinness gravy (of course) or try the lamb stew served with Irish brown bread.

Epic Smokehouse

A Pentagon City staple since 2012, Epic Smokehouse serves up hearty, comforting meals with impeccable smokehouse flavor. From brisket and burnt ends to fried chicken and mac and cheese, there is surely something on the menu that'll make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Rockland's BBQ and Grilling Company

Since 2007, Rockland's BBQ has been a local Arlington favorite, famous for their iconic mural outside of their restaurant, as well as their ribs, chicken, sandwiches, and cornbread. You can't go wrong with slow-cooked, savory BBQ favorites during the winter months.

Smokecraft Modern BBQ

You'll find your classic barbecue staples at Smokecraft Modern BBQ in Clarendon, such as their award-winning pulled pork sandwich, wings, and brisket. Along with the classics, you will also experience a more modern take with dishes like applewood-smoked crab cakes, cedar plank salmon, and smoked spaghetti squash.

Texas Jack's BBQ

Another iconic BBQ joint in Arlington is Texas Jack's BBQ. Their menu features delicious smoked meats like beef short ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, pork spareribs, pork belly, turkey, homemade sausage and chicken, as well as baked mac and cheese, redskin potato salad, texas baked beans, and more.