Arlington Travel Guide

Admirers say these "top" tapas "temples" from "celebrity chef" José Andrés rival "Madrid or Barcelona" with "tons" of "inventive" Spanish nibbles ("the bacon-wrapped dates are divine"), "knockout" sangria and a "bustling" atmosphere that "makes a meal into a party"; though critics cite "spotty" service, "crowded" quarters and tabs that "add up quickly", most maintain it's "well worth it"; P.S. live music and flamenco dancing add to the "festive" feel at the Crystal City locale.

Offering a "fresh, relaxing alternative to mall fast food", this "locally owned" Lebanese chainlet churns out a "huge variety" of "well-prepared" Middle Eastern fare that includes "choices for the picky" and "adventurous" eater, from "fantastic meze platters" to "tasty chicken shawarma"; the "warm", "family-friendly" settings help make it "worthy of multiple visits", but some say the "service can be spotty" and the "quality varies by location."

Offering a "fresh, relaxing alternative to mall fast food", this "locally owned" Lebanese chainlet churns out a "huge variety" of "well-prepared" Middle Eastern fare that includes "choices for the picky" and "adventurous" eater, from "fantastic meze platters" to "tasty chicken shawarma"; the "warm", "family-friendly" settings help make it "worthy of multiple visits", but some say the "service can be spotty" and the "quality varies by location."

For "reel fine" fish "flown in fresh every day" plus an "impressive" "smorgasbord" of other fin choices, head to this "reliable" "chain with a brain", where "solid service" and a "clubby atmosphere" make it equally suitable "for a business lunch" or a "family celebration"; sure, it's a "predictable" and "expensive" "formula", but if you "show up at happy hour", you can expect "wonderful specials" on food.

The "testosterone is almost palpable" at these "classy" carnivore havens where beef "broiled to protein perfection" satisfies "steak lovers with big appetites", and the "seafood offerings are mouthwatering" too; they're prime "places to impress" a client, since "no other restaurant shouts 'extravagant American business account'" as loudly, though a few gripe that the "dog-and-pony menu show" put on by the "attentive" staff does "get old quickly."

These "premier" meat palaces have "the sizzle as well as the steak", serving their "massive", "perfectly cooked" cuts on a hot "platter with melting butter" alongside "wonderful wines" and "generous" sides that could "be meals in themselves"; their "dark, clubby" environs and "dependable service" work for a "special occasion", and notwithstanding critics who question the "value-to-price ratio", most maintain they're "worthy" of the "top-shelf" tabs.

Located just across the Potomac in Arlington, VA, this "moving", "inspirational" site is the "sacred ground" in which at least one veteran from every American war is buried – more than 350,000 people in all; whether contemplating JFK's eternal flame, witnessing the "changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns", trekking along the "beautiful" "walkways and hidden paths" or taking in an "authentic view of 19th-century life" at the Custis-Lee Mansion, it's a "historically rich", "emotional experience" that "takes your breath away."

There's virtually "an entire city" inside the Defense Department's "mind-blowingly big" HQ, but while tours of this Arlington facility are "very cool", "access is restricted" to "guided" groups (individuals should "check with their congressman"); if you can finagle your way inside, it's "definitely worth the effort" – but if not, "just drive around" and "look for the camouflaged Humvees with their anti-tank guns and sharpshooters watching to see if you look suspicious."

You can't miss the vintage neon sign blaring 'Eat', and you can't miss with the many single-malt scotches, microbrews and wines by the glass at this Arlington extension of Tallula restaurant; chandeliers, colorful sofas and wood booths add up to relaxed glamour, and if one of the 350 bottles of wine tickles your fancy, you can always purchase it at the adjacent wine shop.