Shirlington Village
As I was thinking about what to post today, I started thinking about things that I need to do this weekend and it occurred to me -- write about a place that you go to all the time. I live near an area of Arlington, Virginia, called "Shirlington." To me, Shirlington, until not too long ago, was simply one block filled with restaurants and a movie theater but it has definitely grown in the past year.
It always shocks me how people will tend to flock to certain hangout spots, including restaurants. I have noticed that on Sundays, the Carlyle Cafe, is always packed around brunch time. I have been there and found it only so-so but others rave about it. My hairdresser LOVES their waffles. I think that I will have to give this place another try because there are TOO many people there during the weekends. The bar area is nice but isn't all that large.
In addition to the Carlye Cafe, there is a Capitol City Brewing Company, which is always good for watching a basketball game on television or just hanging out near the bar. There are also numerous ethnic restaurants in Shirlington as well, such as, Charlie Chiang's (Chinese), a thai restaurant, Guapo's (Mexican), and Aroma (Indian). Recently, I went to Extra Virgin, one of the newest restaurants in Shirlington. This italian restaurant has a really nice ambiance and has live music most nights of the week. I highly recomend the risotto with shrimp and prosciutto. Yummm!
Shirlington is also home to a Virginia outpost of Johnny Rockets, need I say more? There is also a second location of the locally owned bakery, Cake Love, if you want to get your cupcake fix satiated. With all of these new places, traffic in Shirlington has definitely increased.
For those of us who live in the area, I have been happy that there is a new Harris Teeter grocery store within walking distance. There is also a new theater in the area as well, Signature Theatre.
If you are in Northern Virginia, take a little time out to visit Shirlington. You may find yourself waiting outside to get into the Carlyle Cafe.
For more info, please visit:
http://www.villageatshirlington.com/