Hokies for Sandy Hook HH at Whitlows

Virginia Tech alumni have organized a happy hour to benefit the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, happening tonight Dec 19 at Whitlows. From 5 to 9pm, you can buy a $5 wristband which gets you the following drink specials:
  $10 Miller Lite pitchers ($4 discount)
  $10 Bud Light pitchers ($4 discount)
  $3 most draft beers 
  $3 shooters
  $3 house red & white

There will also be a table set up for people to create cards for the victims/community, which they will bulk mail to the school's PTA. Donations can also be made by check mailed to:
  Sandy Hook School Support Fund
  c/o Newtown Savings Bank
  39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

Girl Scouts bakesale for Hurricane Sandy

Clarendon's newest wine shop Grateful Red is hosting a Girl Scout bake sale today to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims. Come by 2727 Wilson Blvd today, Sat Dec 16, between 12 and 2pm to support them.

La Tagliatella to Open in Clarendon soon

La Tagliatella is planning to open its doors soon in Clarendon. Although no opening date is set, they hope to open "early 2013." La Tagliatella will be on the corner of Clarendon and Garfield, replacing Restaurant 3's old space. This will feature Italian dining and offer 20 Napoletano-style pizzas. The restaurant is mostly an European chain, with 130 locations overseas and this Clarendon spot being their third in the US. La Tagliatella claims to feature "Italy’s rustic culinary traditions with a menu focused on fresh ingredients and eclectic flavors."

La Tagliatella will be located at 2950 Clarendon Boulevard, Arlington, Va., 22201 and will serve lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Justin Trawick and 9 Songwriter Series at Iota

Popular local musician Justin Trawick is playing at Iota this Friday, Dec 14. This is going to be a blowout party with co-headliner Taylor Carson and his full band as well as Cassidy Ford opening.  Music will start at 9pm with Cassidy, followed by Taylor and then Justin's band around 10pm.  Tickets are $12 and the show is 21 and up.

 

Then next week don't miss two nights in a row of the 9 Songwriter Series. These awesome traveling showcases was started by Justin Trawick and feature nine musicians in one night for a single cover charge of $10. They will be playing on Monday Dec 17 and Tuesday Dec 18 at Iota starting at 8pm. Both nights will feature holiday themed music to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Leadership Institute happy hour at Clarendon Grill

This Thursday Dec 6 Clarendon Grill is hosting a happy hour and networking event for the Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is a political conservative think tank that resides directly above the Grill in the same building. Also in attendance will be the Center for Shared Services and America's Future Foundation. The event lasts 5:30 - 7pm, and afterwards DJ Pat Premier takes the stage.

Arlington Planetarium Concert at Iota Monday

Monday night Dec 3, Iota is doing its part for the Arlington Planetarium. The four band show will help raise funds to digital full-dome programming to complement the library being developed by Arlington Public Schools and other needs of the refurbished and reopened facility. One of my local favorites Margot MacDonald will be on stage, along with Lost Civilizations, Dominic Fragman, and Koshari.

Instead of a cover charge, there is a $10 mininum donation to the Planetarium. To donate directly to the cause, check out the Friends of the Planetarium page for paypal details.

Hurricane Sandy Ballston Poker Bar Crawl

This Saturday, December 1st there is another day long benefit to raise money for victums of the recent east coast hurricane. Starting at 12:00 PM, the Ballston are Bars will be throwing a blow out fundraising event to support those who were devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The DC Restaurant Group partners Kevin Roberts and Chip Thompson have started a Non-Profit called Delaware Coast Aid to benefit this and have already raised over $50K for those suffering in New Jersey and New York. Here are the Details for the Pub Crawl / Poker Run: Starts at The Front Page in Arlington at 12pm Registration is $10 or $15 which gets you an event t-shirt $2 Bud Lights, $3 Fireballs Start at Front Page then go to: 1st stop - Union Jacks 2nd stop - Rock Bottom Brewery 3rd stop - Bailey's 4th stop - World of Beer 5th stop - A-Town 6th stop - Carpool 7th stop - First Down   There will also be a poker prize give away at Front Page. You need to get a playing card from each bar listed above, then return to Front Page by 4pm. The best hands sit down at poker tables and play for the grand prizes, including Redskins and Capitals gear, gift cards and golf bags. There will also be 5-10 more poker tables available for people to buy in and play rounds of poker.   Zippy Shell Mobile Moving & Storage will also be out in front of The Front Page in Ballston on Wilson Blvd from 9am-8pm for donations. They will be collecting: canned goods, diapers, blankets, pillows, clothes, and all other non perishable items to be delivered to the folks in New Jersey and New York who have lost so much.

Mad Rose Hurricane Sandy Sunday Funday

This Sunday Dec 2 Mad Rose is hosting a benefit for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are donating 20% of bar proceeds to the Red Cross. The fundraiser goes from noon until close (around 1:30am) with music provided by DJ Clinton Matthews. Drink specials include $2 Miller Lite, Bud Lite or Coors Lite, 1/2 price drafts, $2 Mimosas, $3 Bloody Mary's and food specials.

9 Songwriter Series at Iota Tuesday

I'm always enthusiastic when the 9 Songwriter Series returns to Clarendon. This Tuesday, Iota is again hosting a wonderful night of talented musicians for a single cover charge of $10. Starting at 8pm, you get to see live performances from nine people, including:

 Justin Trawick 

 Chris Behrmann 

 Cathy DiToro 

 Elyse Krachman 

 Nita Chawla 

 Nathaniel Davis 

 Jason Masi 

 Laura Baron 

 Laura Van Duzer

Thanksgiving at Arlington Rooftop

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill is also hosting a special turkey day menu this Thursday. Their three course Thanksgiving meal and dessert is $40 per person and is highlighted by a roasted turkey breast with homemade gravy and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving at Lyon Hall

One of the best Clarendon restaurants Lyon Hall is offering a three course feast on Thanksgiving day for those who don't want to stay at home. The $35 menu includes favorites like their steak frites and French beignets. Call them for a reservation or check out their Facebook page.

Pics from Iota Red Cross show

Iota hosted a great night of live music last Saturday night with proceeds going towards Red Cross' diaster relief fund. There was such a wonderful diversity with different styles of music, but my favorite was the multitracking and great vocals of Margot MacDonald.

 

Hurricane Benefit Concert at Iota Sat

This Saturday night get ready for a night of great live music for a good cause at IOTA. The venue is hosting a benefit concert for the Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund. Their stage is going to be filled with local talent, as ten musicians will be entertaining you including my favorites Margot MacDonald, Lost Civilizations and the Highballers.

Instead of a cover charge, the suggested donation is $10. If you want to contribute directly to the Red Cross, check this link out.

DC101 Halloween bash at Ballroom

80s cartoons were represented well

Halloween is really the only time of the year I frequent the Clarendon Ballroom. The large three level dance club has the reputation of aggressive bouncers, sleazy guys, tons of girl drama, sticky floors and predictable cover band music. But on Halloween weekend that all changes and Ballroom becomes a fun and happy place with everyone in costume being friendly to each other. I call this the "Halloween effect", as all the patrons are so happy to show off their costumes and very willing to compliment others on their creativitiy.

Last Friday night was DC101's annual Halloween party and costume contest. Since the winner gets a grand prize of $3,000, tons of creative and hilarious costume ideas are brought out to the Arlington club.


Crazy huge homemade angel wings
barely fit throught he door

As always, a long line forms around the block for entrance into Ballroom around 10pm. But even those standing in line seem happy, as being in costume and "being seen" outside Ballroom is popular. The $15 to $20 cover and no re-entry rule didn't discourage people and Ballroom was filled up early.


Best costumes this year in my opinion were anything 80s cartoon related (pictured here is an amazing Thundercats get up), giant Bender and Beaker suits, and original couple sets like The Price Is Right contestants. Costumes to avoid included adult Alice in Wonderland, as there were countless girls wearing the same light blue short dress costume.

Be a zombie at RiRa Saturday

If you are in the mood for Irish zombies this Halloween, check out RiRa this Saturday Oct 27. RiRa is waving their cover charge (usually $5 or $10) to anyone dressed as an Irish zombie! The night will also include costume contest with a $250 prize for best contest and anotehr $250 for best couple.

Nightmare on M Street Saturday

This Saturday, October 27 Lindy Promotions, Coors Light, & Bacardi present the 13th annual Nightmare on M Street bar tour and costume contest. Specials run from 5pm-1am at many DC bars, including  $2 Coors Lights, $3 Blue Moons, $3 Red Bull and $4 Bacardi Oakheart drinks:


Black FinnBread 'n' Brew
James Hoban's
Mackey's
MadhatterMcFadden's
Ozio
Public Bar
Rumors
The Front Page
Mighty Pint
Buffalo Billards
Sign of the Whale
Black Rooster PubDirty Martini
Fiesta Lounge
Cafe Citron
Elephant and Castle
Irish Whiskey Public House
Maddy's
Midtown Party Plex
Panache
The Bottom Line
The Exchange
Lindy's Red Lion
19th
One Lounge

Don't miss out on this Halloween bar crawl and midnight costume contest at McFadden's! Advance discounted tickets are available online for $12.50 (price will increase as event nears) Purchase tickets here.

Wedding afterparty at the Continental

Simpsons arcade mesmerizing the groomsmen

Last Saturday night I finally got a chance to make it to Rossyln to visit the Continental Pool Lounge. The casul bar proved the perfect venue for our special event. That night there was an after party for not one, but two weddings!

Coninental is much larger inside than I thought with bright, fun colors and friendly bar keeps. The lounge obviously has a number of pool tables, but many other games are available including basketball, skeeball and old arcade classics like the Simpsons arcade. Hidden away in Rosslyn on Fort Myer Drive, this fun bar is worth the trek out to the usually quiet Rossyln for.

Kundalika at Iota Sunday

Kundalika

On Sunday Oct 21 at 4pm, a unique local band called Kundalika is playing at Iota. They are an improvisational ensemble that bridges jazz and North Indian classical music.  The band, whose name is Sanskrit for "circle", uses a variety of instruments like guitar, vocal, tabla, mandolin and harmonium. This family friendly show is followed up by Kopecky Family Band at 8:30pm.

Halloween at Clarendon Ballroom

So many Waldos in Clarendon last year

This Halloween I'm looking forward to another weekend costume bash at Clarendon Ballroom. This is really the only time of the year I frequent Ballroom, since the "Halloween effect" this time of year causes everyone to be super friendly. 


On Friday Oct 26, Elliot in the Morning is hosting their annual Halloween bash featuring Toxic Mouse and DJ Lil Fos. The DC101 costume contest is sure to bring out a ton of creative and homemade costumes. Cover is $15 (and it might go up to $20 if it gets crowded), and get there early because there will be a long line later.

If you are one of the many costumed freaks who didn't make it in Ballroom Friday, drop by again Saturday Oct 27 for Ballroom's own Halloween party. On stage will be Mr. Greengenes and Bunt Sienna. Cover is $10 ($20 later), and doors open at 6pm.

Juniper Lane at Iota Friday night

Vivion Smith leads the vocals of Juniper Lane

Tonight not only will we have great autumn weather, but great live music too as one of my favorite local bands is back at IOTA. The five member rock band Juniper Lane is playing tonight, along with The District Lights and the Tommy Gann Band. You get to see all three acts tonight for one cover charge of $12 starting at 9pm.

Juniper Lane has been playing together for many years, and got a popularity boost in 2008 when they opened up for Coldplay. Last time they played in Clarendon, it was the last show before Vivion Smith gave birth and the pregnancy didn't interfere with her great vocals in the least. Looking forward to tonight's show!

Free "Fed Up with Politics" wine tasting tonight

Politics have invaded everything in DC area life during election season, including happy hours and wine tastings. In this spirit Grateful Red is hosting a free "Fed Up with Politics" wine tasting tonight. The event lasts from 5 to 7:30pm and features three politically related wines. It's a perfect time to try out the "Ass Kisser" Shiraz!

Lyon Hall has new brunch hours

Lyon Hall is now extending their delicious brunch hours from 9:30am to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday starting this weekend. Also, they will have these same brunch hours available this Monday to celebrate Columbus Day.

Their weekend happy hours remain the same, as they serve drink specials from 3 to 7pm in the lounge, bar, and patio.

Thursday events not to miss

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria just opened in Clarendon! The Mexican restaurant replaces Market Tavern (which replaced Harry's Tap Room) and looks promising with its larger downstairs bar. Their happy hour today runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. ArlNow.com has the details.

Tonight Frontpage is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Thursday is also their rock and country night, with 2 for $1 tacos from 5-8pm. Music starts at 8pm featuring DJ Smoky.

Grateful Red wine shop is having a free Kosher wine tasting tonight from 4 to 7:30pm.

Fellow Clarendon bloggers Boobs Bacon Bourbon are having their second Thirsty Thursday party at Policy in DC. Details here.

Bartending School meetup

Want to learn how to mix drinks just blocks from where you already go out to the bars? The Professional Bartending School near Courthouse is hosting their annual casual bartending class Sunday Oct 14. This 20s and 30s meetup is now priced at $40 (it goes up to $50 soon) and is sure to have a fun crowd of young people eager to learn how to make their own concoctions. The class consists of 2 hours of lessons, followed by 1 hour of hands on bar training by local bartender Dimitri Ofiesh.

Tailgate Party at American Tap Room

This Sunday and every Sunday during football season American Tap Room is offereing a Tailgate Party special. From noon to 6pm, they are offering $3 Heineken, cornhole, and food specials.

Drunk driving late night accident in Clarendon

Photo via @SmackBoii_G

Late Friday night, a pedestrian was struck by a fast moving car near the intersection of Highland and Clarendon Blvd. I did not witness the accident which happened around 12:30am, but I heard all of the commotion as police and ACFD shut down the street.

The great weather brought out a good sized crowd to Clarendon last night, and there is always alot of foot traffic right around the time bars close, but accidents like this are thankfully not that common.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the victim, who is in critical condition. The driver, according to ArlNow.com, was charged with DUI. This serves as yet another sober warning about the dangers of drinking and driving. There are so many other options of getting home safe after a night out in Clarendon, including my favorites of calling Uber Cab or Red Top taxi.

Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie music festival Oct 5-7

Get in the mood for autumn with the massive Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie music festival in DC next weekend. This live music event hosts over 200 bands in multiple locations in DC from Firday Oct 5 to Oct 7. Over the course of 3 days bands from DC, PA, NYC, VA, MD, NC, TX and beyond fun music festival across multiple venues around Adams Morgan, U Street, Shaw, Cleveland Park, and more in Washington, DC. A $1 donation gets you a entry wrist band and sticker, $5 adds in a bottle opener gift, and $10 also gets you a T-Shirt. You can find more info at www.STPPFest.com

Lost Civilizations and Loop 2.4.3 at Galaxy Hut Oct 8

Loop 2.4.3 and their drums

Expect to hear a lot of percussions around Wilson Blvd on Monday Oct 8, as Galaxy Hut is hosting two unique bands that night. Loop 2.4.3 is a drummer duo from New York that "brings together classical music and fine art with Americana, roots music, and electronic mediums." This Arlington appearance is a continued collaboration with experimentalists Lost Civilizations. The shows start at 9pm and its $5 at the door.

9 Songwriter Series at IOTA Monday

Photo courtesy of their Facebook page

I'm excited about this upcoming Monday in Clarendon, as the 9 Songwriter Series returns to Iota. This is an amazing deal for quality live music in the area, as you get to see nine great local musicians for one cover price of $10. Including local Arlington favorite Justin Tradwick! Also gracing the stage will be the talented folk-pop guitarist Emily Henry, who has been the guest star for Iota's open mic Wednesday nights in the past.

Clarendon Fitness karaoke finals at Mad Rose Tuesday

Photo via Clarendon Fitness

Clarendon Fitness is hosting it's karaoke finals at Mad Rose on Tuesday Sept 18. From 8:30-10:30pm, contestants will battle it  for prizes from many local restaurants and businesses. See Patch's event listing for more info on this fun and free event.

Grateful Red offical grand opening

Screwtop Winebar's sister store Grateful Red is finally having their official grand opening this Saturday. They will celebrate with a free wine and beer tasting from 1 to 4pm. Using the coupon on their site, you can also save $5 of a $50 wine purchase.

South Block for Hangover Sundays

South Block isn't just for smoothies and breakfast burritos. Now the tech-savy little smoothie and coffee shop on 11th Street is featuring remedies for a late Saturday night out. Every Sunday from 9am-12pm enjoy drink specials designed to help your hangover such as wheatgrass shots that are half price.

9 Songwriter Series at Iota Tuesday

The 9 Songwriters Series is returning to Iota this Tuesday, August 21. This event is one of the best values in live music in the area, as you get to see lots of talented local musicians for one $10 cover price. Starting at 8pm, series organizer Justin Trawick will start out the night and host the following artists:

Victoria Vox
Aaron English
Tami D'Mar
Jenny Leigh Freeman
Jim Shirey
Robert Higgs
Jon Blashford
Elyse Krachman

Goodys pizza eating contest & 7th Anniversary

Goodys via Yelp

It's been seven years since the small and colorful Goodys pizza and ice cream shop became a late night staple for Clarendon nightlife. Providing large slices for those starving after the 1:30am last call at most local bars, Goodys food menu (ice cream, subs and pizza) seemed to always taste better late at night.

Tomorrow, August 18, Goodys is celebrating their anniversary with a pizza eating contest. Drop by from 2 to 5pm Sunday to participate or just fight off the summer heat with some ice cream.

Jammin Java Band Battle

Vienna based hotspot for local live music Jammin Java is hosting a battle of the bands tonight, August 17. At 8pm, four bands will fight to win the seventh Mid-Atlantic Band Battle and $2,500 grand prize. The bands include:

Lightspeed Rescue - hip hop
Western Affairs - experimental pop
Flux 180 - hip hop
Dale and the ZDubs - rock reggae

Tickets are $13 and doors open at 7pm.

A-Town happy hours

Modern booths at A-Town in Ballston

A-Town opened last Friday in Ballston, replacing Caribbean Breeze and updating its interior. The new space is much more modern and open with plenty of floorspace and ample outdoor seating and an outside bar. I missed their grand opening, but dropped by tonight for their 6-8pm happy hour specials. Despite its controversial name, I liked the atmosphere and look forward to visiting on the weekend when it is more crowded.

Tuesday night Clarendon Fitness karaoke at Mad Rose

Tonight Mad Rose hosts its weekly Tuesday karaoke night. With only a few more weeks left in this event series, sponsor and Mad Rose's neighbor Clarendon Fitness is bush awarding over $6,000 in prizes to talented singers.

Grateful Red dog themed beer tasting tonight

Don't miss the free beer tasting tonight at the new Grateful Red wine shop, which is themed the "Dog Days Beer Tasting". From 5 to 7pm you can stop by the rear of this dog friendly store and try several IPA and a cream ale.

Happy Hour at Oby Lee Winery

Oby Lee Winery and Coffee Roastery is a colorful and friendly new establishment off of Washington Blvd. Taking over the the retail space that used to be Quizzno's, it offers Clarendon a different type of venue. It combies a bakery, coffe shop, a self serve wine fountain, and wine shop.

Oby is now offereing happy hour specials Monday through Thursday, 3-6pm. Specials include $12 Sangria pitchers, $5 margaritas and $5 mojitos.

Huge CD release event at Iota tonight

Iota is hosting the CD release event "Music Still Happens Here" tonight at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to see SIXTEEN different artists in one night for only a $10 cover. Local favorites including Brittany Jean and Derek Evry and many more will be filling the stage with hours of great music.

7:00PM - Matt Tarka
7:15PM - Addieville
7:30PM - Derek Anderson
7:45PM - Kate Moran Band
8:00PM - Johari
8:15PM - Mr. Forge
8:30PM - Brittany Jean
8:45PM - GO
9:00PM - Sweet Interference
9:15PM - Wes Tucker & The Skillets
9:30PM - Norman Rockwell
9:45PM - Ditched By Kate
10:00PM - Ted Hovis & The Stolen Cameros
10:15PM - Classified Frequency
10:30PM - Irresponsible
10:45PM - Derek Evry

Grateful Red free wine tasting tonight

Screwtop Wine Bar's sister store, Grateful Red, is having a free wine tasting tonight from 5 - 8pm. The new wine shop, located across from Whole Foods in Clarendon, is focusing on three Oregon wines tonight.

Grateful Red is in a soft opening phase now, so they are continuing to grow their selection. By Fall they should be stocked with anything you could ever want or need from a wine and gift perspective.

Screwtop Wine Bar "Born In The USA" class



This Saturday July 21, Screwtop Wine Bar is offering a "Born In The USA" wine tasting class. The event, offered at 1 or 3:30pm, promises to educate wine lovers in the lesser known American wines. The class is $40 and you can RSVP to save a spot to AmandaP@screwtopwinebar.com.

The WeatherVanes at Iota Friday

The WeatherVanes are coming to Iota Club and Cafe this Friday, July 20th. The four-member Americana/Roots Rock band will be showcasing their songs and pushing the limits, as well as being joined by the Carolina based folk-rock band Wylie Hunter the Cazadores and the Boston based Americana rockers Hallelujah the Hills.

Freedy Johnston at Iota July 30

NYC indie-rock artist, Freedy Johnston is performing at Iota Club & Cafe on Monday, July 30. Rolling Stone and Spin hailed  his eleventh full-length album, Can You Fly as a masterpiece. Johnston’s songs are often praised for their literary quality, but they also hit you on a gut level.  

Atoms Apart at Fort Reno tonight

Atoms Apart (photo via Suludc.com)

If you can stand the heat tonight and are looking for some good live music, local electonic band Atoms Apart are playing in Fort Reno tonight. Inspired by bands like Daft Punk and The Cure, brothers Mike and Emil Favilafrom Virginia pumps out upbeat and catchy tunes.