1. Clarendon Ballroom
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 469-2244
Address: 3185 Wilson Boulevard
Description: It’s art deco and it’s huge. There’s a lot going for the Clarendon Ballroom. The 20,000-square-foot former carpet outlet hosts swing dances twice a week and has live rock and DJs on the weekends. The building retains its original 1930s pressed-tin ceiling in gold leaf, and the 1,000-person-capacity ballroom is decked out in art deco touches. It also rents out to private parties, complete with catering. Cover is $5. Closed Monday.
2. Galaxy Hut
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 525-8646
Address: 2711 Wilson Boulevard
Description: Galaxy Hut has built a solid reputation among fans of indie rock—and among young professionals seeking solitude from spiffy new restaurants and national chains. The place isn’t much to look at, but it’s one of the region’s best places to catch a live music show (presented Saturday through Monday nights). When live acts aren’t performing, Galaxy Hut still offers good reasons to visit—karaoke, and on Tuesday you can bring your own iPod and take a turn as DJ.
3. Iota
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 522-8340
Address: 2832 Wilson Boulevard
Description: For live alternative country and rock music, make your way across the Potomac to IOTA, one of the region’s most celebrated live music venues. Local and national acts love playing this intimate venue; it’s where Washington, D.C. first grooved to the sounds of John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and Norah Jones. IOTA boasts one of the broadest demographics of any D.C.–area club—thanks in part to the “all ages” shows it hosts on weekend afternoons, catering to families with children.
4. Continental
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 465-7675
Address: 1911 North Fort Myer Drive
Description: Welcome to one of the most unusual lounges in the area, with purple felt billiards tables, surfboard-shaped tables, columns painted like palm trees, and two silver bars sparkling with a confetti of silver glitter. Patrons may not be surprised to learn that the establishment was inspired by Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Fantasyland. Depending on who’s feeding it quarters, the jukebox pumps out lounge music or alternative rock. Open nightly.
5. Gua-Rapo
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 528-6500
Address: 2039 Wilson Boulevard
Description: Gua-Rapo is a recent addition to the Arlington nightlife scene, but its quick rise to success hasn’t been much of a surprise. Developed by the owners of D.C. hot spots Chi-Cha Lounge and Gazuza, Gua-Rapo brings a hip Latin vibe to the Court House neighborhood of Arlington. If you arrive hungry, you’ll be relieved to find an agreeable assortment of Latin-inspired tapas on the menu.
6. Summers Grill And Sports Pub
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 528-8278
Address: 1520 North Courthouse Road
Description: Summers has built a reputation in its 20-plus-year history as the place to go to watch sports—particularly sports with strong international followings like soccer and Formula One racing. Inside you’ll find a gallery of flat-screen TVs, along with an appealing selection of draft beers and classic bar fare. Don’t be surprised to find the bar open on Saturday and Sunday mornings, when European fans come in droves to watch their favorite teams face off.
7. Whitlow’S On Wilson
City: Arlington, VA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (703) 276-9693
Address: 2854 Wilson Boulevard
Description: If it’s a young, lively neighborhood bar scene you’re looking for, you’ll find a lot to like in Whitlow’s. It’s one of the Clarendon neighborhood’s most popular watering holes—a place where you can consistently find reasonably priced food and drinks, good music, and a friendly game of pool or Foosball to join.