Discover Arlington After Dark for Nibbles and Nightlife

While Arlington is a bustling location by day for seeing historical sites, shopping and outdoor dining, an entirely new Arlington comes alive at night.

No matter what your vibe is, Arlington is the place to be for a fun night out with friends. Explore local clubbing favorites, top spots for live music and more!

Pictured | Dancing at The Renegade

Best Places to Bust a Move

When the night calls for dancing, Arlington’s nightclubs will get you moving. Arlington’s clubbing scene is all about great music, an electric atmosphere, and diverse crowds. Some of the most popular nightclubs include Bar Bao (an Asian-fusion restaurant with funky cocktails), The Clarendon Ballroom (a multi-level space with a rooftop bar, eclectic dancefloor, and booming sound system), Don Tito (Arlington's tequila destination with multiple floors of fun), Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant (a fabulously campy LGBTQ+ friendly, beach-themed party destination), L.A. Bar and Grill (top-rated dive bar with lively vibes) and Spider Kelly's (a young, energetic sports bar).

Dancing the night away make you hungry?

Late Night Bites

There are a handful of spots in Arlington that stay open late to satisfy your late-night cravings. The iconic Bob and Edith's Diner in Crystal City and Columbia Pike stays open 24/7 and offers classic diner breakfast favorites, milkshakes, and more. If you're looking for vegan/vegetarian options, Galaxy Hut in Clarendon offers a large array of options after midnight. Mehran Restaurant in Courthouse offers late-night South Asian Halal options on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy specialties like samosa, biryani and gyro wraps.

Best Late Night Wine Bars

Wine bars also take center stage throughout Arlington, with plenty of places for visitors and friends to sip and swirl their way through the evening. Try Northside Social Coffee & Wine Bar, Screwtop Wine Bar, Verre Wine Bar or Grand Cru Wine Bar & Bistro for vino from around the world.

Best Live Music

For the lively musical atmosphere of an Irish pub, Samuel Beckett’s in Shirlington features live music several nights each week. Guests can enjoy a pint or two at the bar while enjoying traditional Irish tunes or a variety of local acoustic acts and sampling authentic cuisine. Meanwhile, Ireland’s Four Courts in Courthouse offers live music every Friday and Saturday, with additional nights of trivia, karaoke and more for those looking for a fun evening out.

The Renegade in Clarendon is a rockin' club and live music venue where you can get some grub while listening to your favorite local bands. This spot is perfect for those who love to get on their feet and jam out to great tunes.

Other hotspots for live music in Arlington include Ballston Local, Bronson Bierhall, O'Sullivans Irish Pub, The Celtic House, and more.

Not a Night Owl?

Staying out late not really your scene? Make sure to explore Arlington's top cocktail spots, options for sunny rooftop fun and more in the related stories below.

Related Stories

Author

Jackie Evans

Featured: