The only ingredient missing from the original is a water view,” Sietsema writes in his 2022 spring dining guide of the Arlington outpost of thisseafood showplace. The standards are all there — including freshly shucked, locally sourced oysters; “fluffy” Parker House rolls; and “stuffies” filled with lemony sausage and baked clams — but Sietsema says keep an eye out for daring crudos “splashed with ponzu sauce” and pasta dishes decorated with butter-poached squid, peppery cream sauces and saffron-spiked crushed hazelnuts. Meanwhile, land lovers can always count on the signature roast beef sandwich, a two-handed treat boasting tender meat, melted American cheese, horseradish-fueled aioli and a “zingy” barbecue sauce.

In October, the buzzy, seafood-centric restaurant and bar—a favorite après-baseball spot next to Nats Park in Navy Yard— opened a second location in Ballston, where the brunch choices include smoked steelhead trout Benedict, lobster rolls, chowder, salt-cod fritters, rockfish tartare, and a seafaring rendition of Eggs in Purgatory featuring poached eggs, spicy tomato sauce and fried octopus. For the ultimate briny bonanza in a glass, order The Perfect Storm, a double Bloody Mary festooned with a lobster claw, cocktail shrimp, dressed oyster, fried coddie and various other accoutrements. The brunch menu is served Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.

This Northern Virginia city has been recognized over the years as a great place to live and was even awarded the "Best City to Live in the United States” in 2020 by Niche.com and for good reason. With great schools, public transit, family life, and nightlife, young professionals have been flocking to the area for years. This desire to live in Arlington has led to the build up of some cool neighborhoods offering awesome things to do for locals and visitors alike. Check out our list below for some of the coolest neighborhoods and best things to do in Arlington.

The Salt Line in Ballston is more than just an oyster bar - their cocktail menu is packed full of your favorite classics, but also features fun, nautical, New England-style mashups. Some of their most popular drink specialties include The Cape Codder G & T (Beefeater gin, lime, house cranberry tonic), The Saltier Dog (Absolut vodka, Strega, sea salt, Aperol, grapefruit) and our personal favorite, The Perfect Storm (double Bloody Mary, lobster claw, cocktail shrimp, dressed oyster, fried coddie, accoutrements).

At The Salt Line, we’re taking inspiration from that magical blend and creating a lively and welcoming experience of classic New England dishes influenced by the bounty of the Chesapeake. The second of it's kind, The Salt Line – Ballston is located in Arlington’s burgeoning Ballston neighborhood. Executive Chef Matt Singer leads the kitchen in partnership with Long Shot Hospitality Chef/Partner Kyle Bailey and bring his own culinary influences to the menu.

For those seeking an outdoor dining experience like no other, the Water Park at National Landing is a must-visit destination. Nestled between Crystal Drive and the Mount Vernon Trail, this oasis offers not only beautiful landscaping and soothing water features but also a diverse array of food and beverage options. From Indian dosas to tiki drinks, there’s something for every palate.

For seafood lovers, The Salt Line in Arlington’s Potomac Yard neighborhood is a hidden gem for brunch. This New England-inspired seafood restaurant offers a brunch menu filled with coastal favorites like lobster rolls, crab benedicts, and shrimp and grits. Enjoy your meal in their stylish indoor dining area or opt for their outdoor patio with views of the Potomac River.

We thought that it might be something that the area needed, and it was definitely something that we were passionate and excited about exploring,” Carman said. “So, that was several years ago, almost three or four years ago when we started talking about that…I think that we’re all really glad that we set out to execute it, and we’re pretty excited with how it turned out.

and the other in Ballston, a neighborhood in the center of Arlington. The tagline for the Ballston location is, “Oysters and Ale.” In general, the food at The Salt Line is inspired by Chesapeake Bay, and the restaurant specializes in classic New England cuisine, as well as an array of drinks. Check out the covered and heated outdoor seating to eat with your pup.

Get your fill of fresh oysters and seafood at The Salt Line!. A popular restaurant originally from DC, newly opened The Salt Line recently debuted within a 3,800-square-foot space at 4040 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. The raw bar and sustainable seafood house is known for its Chesapeake-inspired New England seafood dishes.

Head to The Salt Line (another DC favorite) to get your fix. They serve brunch from 11-3PM on weekends, offering dishes like scallop ceviche, baked pimento crab dip, coddies, and smoked salmon benedict. The oysters are a must, and they have a large selection to choose from so make sure to go with a variety of options.

The Salt Line is one of the best seafood restaurants in Arlington, Va. The menu includes all of the traditional seafood fare plus a wide variety of other tasty entrees like burgers and steak. The restaurant has a nice cozy feel as it is kind of away from the hustle and bustle.

Roadside shacks, Styrofoam containers, and picnic tables are usually defining facets of New England–style seafood. The Salt Line elevates this experience, offering updated favorites in a casual-yet-chic coastal setting. No seafood feast is complete without clam chowder.

This New England-inspired oyster house is offering a $30 two-course lunch and a $50 three-course dinner. Its famed smash burger is on the lunch menu, while dinner features stuffed clams, a Ritz-cracker-crusted cod piccata, and blueberry icebox pie.

Notable Arlington-adjacent restaurants on the 2023 list are the Bethesda outpost of The Salt Line, which also has a Ballston location, and Rice Paper, located in the Eden Center, just across the county line in Falls Church.