Hey, NOVA. Newsletter Editor Ava Wojnowski here, back with another afternoon (+ evening) adventure in Northern Virginia. This time, I took a stroll through the vibrant Clarendon neighborhood in Arlington — and trust me, there’s plenty to see, sip, and savor.
One of my favorite places to hang out is Northside Social Coffee + Wine. It’s truly one of those jack of all trades establishments where you can order a coffee, a sandwich, or a glass of wine. I’m often here writing the newsletter while grabbing a coffee and a breakfast sandwich.
Some highlights include:
- Board game Mondays, which commence at 7:30 p.m., but it’s asked that you arrive at 7 p.m. You just need to make a minimum of a $10 purchase to play.
- Live music on Fridays is from 6 to 9 p.m., along with happy hour deals.
I then grabbed a drink + a bite at Layli Mediterranean. I love the cocktails here, especially when I’m sitting on the lovely outdoor patio. My go-to is the orange dreamsicle made with Olmeca Altos tequila, mandarin juice, orange blossom water, agave, and coconut milk.
For food, I ordered the dip trio, made with hummus, labneh, and your choice of either muhammara or tirokafteri. I also indulged in falafel, one of my favorite foods, with tomato, pickled onion, and tahini sauce.
You can then cap your night off in one of three ways, in my opinion. Which one are you picking?
Chill + relax with friends: The Board Room is the perfect place to end your night. You can play a variety of games with your friends while sipping on drinks.
Indulge in a sweet treat: Van Leeuwen is one of my favorite ice cream spots in Arlington. They offer a variety of flavors, including vegan options.
Get groovy to some live music: Head to O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub + Restaurant and sip on a perfectly poured pint of Guinness while soaking in the sounds of local talent. Live performances kick off every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
