Columbia Pike

Culturally Diverse

The world in a zip code, this 3.5-mile-long corridor represents 150 nationalities and Arlington’s largest selection of ethnic restaurants.

One of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Arlington, 3.5-mile-long Columbia Pike is a vibrant community often described as Arlington’s “Main Street.”

With nearly 40,000 residents who represent 150 nationalities, you’ll find everything from international markets to Arlington’s largest concentration of ethnic restaurants. Having served as a major thoroughfare connecting the nation’s capital to Northern Virginia since 1810, the corridor epitomizes Arlington’s rich history and unique culture.

Visitors are fascinated by the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, which honors African American history in the county from slavery to freedom with exhibits, a monthly lecture series and an oral history program. The Penrose Historic District, settled at one time by large numbers of African Americans, features a range of dwelling styles, from the late-19th and early-20th-century vernacular to Queen Anne, Italianate and Colonial Revival farm dwellings. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Black Heritage Museum of Arlington

Celebrate the great outdoors at a dozen parks — from 100-acre Glencarlyn Park to tiny 0.2-acre Cleveland Park — which attract one and all to their playgrounds, recreation facilities, trails, dog parks and lovely spots for a family picnic. Or enjoy outdoor events such as the year-round Columbia Pike Farmers Market, outdoor movie nights each summer, and the annual summertime Columbia Pike Blues Festival, the largest blues festival in the DC metro area with nationally renowned headliners, local food, craft beer, and arts and crafts vendors.

Columbia Pike Blues Festival

Dining

Dine around the world at more than 45 international eateries. Savor zesty pad Thai or chicken satay at Bangkok 54 or a sizzling Szechuan hot pot at Supreme Hot Pot. Head south of the border for authentic Mexican cuisine washed down with a margarita at family-owned Los Chamacos. Slurp steaming ramen or sample sushi at Takohachi Japanese Restaurant. Go Mediterranean with tasty kebabs at Atilla’s Restaurant or herb-marinated lamb chops at Caspi Lounge & Restaurant. Yes, there’s American food, too. Rebellion on the Pike honors the Whiskey Rebellion with 100 types of whiskey and bourbon and classic American pub fare. New Orleans-inspired cuisine — including a weekly raw bar — shines at William Jeffrey’s Tavern. And what could be more American than a slice of pie? It comes sweet and savory at Acme Pie Co

Nightlife

When not watching a film, laugh out loud at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse standup comedy acts. Tap your toes to live music at the Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant, voted No. 1 place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in America. Enjoy a night of trivia or live music at William Jeffrey’s Tavern, a neighborhood hotspot with a 16-tap bar, fireplaces and HDTVs. Light up for a one-hour hookah session and choose from 17 flavors at the Mediterranean hookah bar, Caspi Lounge & Restaurant.