NYE in Clarendon

If you're still planning a New Year's Eve night now, I suggets reading this very detailed listing of all the local venues with their offerings. Thanks to the new Ballston Patch for writing up this article.

Personally, I would rather do something more low key and without a cover charge, like skipping between Hard Times, O'Sullivans, Carpool and Spider Kelly's. Of course all these places, especially Spider Kelly's, are sure to be packed to capacity, so try to head out early if you want a spot at the bar.

Also, its not worth trying to drive under the influence as SoberRide is once again offering free cab rides for certain areas.

Restaurant 3 deal from Living Social today

The online coupon site Living Social, similar to Groupon, is offering a deal for Clarendon's Restaurant 3 today. For $20 you get a coupon for $40 worth of Restaurant 3 dining, drinks not included.

I think its worth it, as this sister restaurant to Whitlows can make a nice dining venue. Offer ends early tomorrow morning!

Hunan Number One

This Sunday was a slow night for Clarendon, as most places were almost empty like the Clarendon Grill which closed around 7pm after the Giants game finished. I was on my way to Iota for the Save the Arlington Planetarium benefit concert, when the freezing wind picked up and I ducked into Hunan Number One for safety. Hunan was also quiet, unlike the previous Sunday before Christmas, but the bartenders were friendly and the huge cheap beers were plentiful.

Hunan is another one of Clarendon's "secrets", as its tucked away down on North Garfield Street opposite of Mexicali Blues. It's famous for their generous 32 oz huge beers and cheap pitchers. They offer good brews like Magic Hat and the delicious Sarana Caramel Porter.

Remember, there is still time to donate to save the Planetarium before the end of the year!

Hot Chocolate at Northside Social

I tried this delicious hot chocolate at Northside Social today made with dark chocolate. Perfect for a cold holiday break!

Most venues are closed for Christmas. But there are still some nightlife options if you are around, as Iota is open from 7pm to 2am on Christmas night with no cover charge.

Merry Christmas Clarendon!

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill opened up on 2424 Wilson Blvd a couple weeks ago above the existing Subway sandwich shop. Despite not having its rooftop on yet as its name implies, I was very impressed with the establishment. After trekking up a flight of stairs customers are greeted by a very tall ceiling, warm dark brown wood accents and more TVs than you can count.

The food is not cheap but good, as it strives to be a slightly more higher end restaurant and not a typical sports bar. their burger pictured here is $10 but includes shoe string fries and bacon if you desire.

Highly recommended as a nice happy hour venue to watch a game or a date night. Can't wait for the spring to arrive so I can try out the roof top deck!

Mad Fox in Falls Church

If you are a beer fan, you should head down Route 7 to try Mad Fox for happy hour or dinner. The new restaurant located in Falls Church welcomes you with its large stainless steel brewing tanks has an amble selection of home brewed beer, meade, and root beer.

The venue also offers pizzas that can rival Fireworks' pies. The soup of the day was mashed potato, which was very creamy and accented with chives and bacon bits.

The main draw is their tasty beer menu, of which there is a good selection and they offer a four glass beer sampler which was very popular. Pictured here is the Stir-About Oatmeal Stout and Ginger-Apricot Meade. I've never had meade before and imagined it as being the drink of sloppy and vicious vikings, but this wine like beverage was sweet and refreshing.

American Flatbread closing Christmas Eve

Sadly, American Flatbread Pizzaria on North Filmore Street has announced it is closing for good after December 24 of this year. The restaurant was never my personal favorite, but it is unfortunate to see a local business leave Clarendon, especially during the Christmas season. In an email to its customers, Flatbread explained three reasons for closing:

1. "Severe issues with the environmental system," of which I don't know anything about
2. The drama with not being able to use their outdoor patio seating, leading to loss revenue
3. Their relationship with a "very adversarial landlord"

 They are staying open until Christmas Eve before the Grinch kicks them out. Drop by before then to help them go out in style! Thanks to Nathan for the heads up about this.

Mike Green charity event for Arlington Food Assistance Center

Thanks to DCist and Living Social for heads up on Mike Green of the Washington Capitals hosting the Greenlife Rock for Charity event at the 9:30 Club in DC tonight at 8pm. There will be performances by G Love and Special Sauce and Billy Woodward and The Senders, with $50 ticket proceeds going to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Mike Green has been involved with AFAC over the last year and generously contributed the top item to their live auction benefit in June for AFAC’s Permanent Home Campaign.

To Do This Weekend

Winter is finally here,with the urban landscape of condo towers funneling the wind and discouraging nightlife. But the cold is no reason to stay in this weekend, as there is plenty to do:

• Friday Dec 10 - Make sure to try out the brand new Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill as this is the first weekend it will be open. While the roof is still closed, the bar is open and located here, just past Earl's and near the Subway deli. Also stop by Galaxy Hut on the way to try their excellent beer selection such as their new on top Sierra Nevada, described as an "oak-aged bigfoot barleywine blended with celebration ale and fresh-hop pale ale".
• Saturday Dec 11 - The modern, experimental and refreshing sound of Amateur Hour headlines at Iota.
• Saturday Dec 11 - Well known local band Gonzo's Nose returns to the Clarendon Grill. Check them out before seeing them play at the Grill's New Year's Eve party.

Bozzelli's in Crystal City opens

The Springfield Italian deli Bozzelli's recently opened a new location much closer to Clarendon in Crystal City. Since they just opened last week, they have a limited menu that does not include their pizzas or all sandwiches. The small to-go only storefront flanks the entrance to new Concord luxury apartment building, and is sure to be come a favorite quick dining option for future residents.

Bozzelli's son was manning the register, and was good enough to honor my Groupon for $15 off the meal even though they aren't 100% operational yet. I had the steak and cheese, which was delicious. Some people think the white bread is bland, but I liked it. The steak cut fries are seasoned just write, but needed to be heated up by the time I started eating.

Parking is tight on the street, but there is a paid garage directly next to the restaurant. Its a steep $5, but you may be able to get it validated and waived by the restaurant.