Goodbye Bobby Lee and Mister Days

Mister days on a popular night in April 2025

It's so sad to hear that DC area entrepreneur and business owner Bobby Lee, owner of the famous Mister Days, passed away this past weekend. Bobby was often present at Mister Days in Clarendon recently even though he was retired and was always very friendly and talkative when I visited. 

Mister Days is also closing according to his daughter Tiffany Lee as reported by ArlNow. This is also a tragic loss for Clarendon, as Mister Days was one of my favorite late night spots in the neighborhood and has a long history as a Clarendon nightlife staple. They have always had super friendly staff, a casual environment, and their food was surprisingly amazing (I will miss their cheeseburgers and BBQ burgers!) for a sports bar. 

While Mister Days closing isn't shocking, as they have been open less and less this past year and sometimes was open but mostly empty. Their last Rally In The Alley was sparsely attended, which was a huge contrast to the massive crowds that would come to that party in the 1980s. I was really hoping things would turn around for this local favorite and it would once again become the hotspot of Clarendon nightlife it once was in the early 2000s. 

Goodbye Mister Days! 

Clarendon Ballroom Summer Jam Session

On Saturday July 25 Clarendon Ballroom is hosting an outdoor live music festival from 2pm-9:30pm. The Summer Jam Session features several DJs, discounted beers early in the day, and two live bands. Admission is free or you can choose to upgrade to a $11 VIP pass for guaranteed rooftop entry. The festival kicks off with a Kick the Keg. From 2-3 PM, enjoy $2.50 featured beers until the first two kegs run dry. 

 🎧 3 PM–5 PM: DJ Set (artist TBA) 

🎸 5 PM–6:30 PM: @jacksonperkins band 

🎶 6:30 PM–7:30 PM: @djdconte 

🎤 7:30 PM–9:30 PM: @lightsoutby8band 

 VIP includes: 

Guaranteed entry 

Fast Pass check-in 

Welcome shooter 

Exclusive event party favors 

VIP viewing area 

Early access to the after-party

Mister Days Rally in the Alley

Mister Days Sports Rock Cafe is bringing back its beloved fundraiser event Rally in the Alley and shutting down part of 11th Street to welcome thousands for some barbecue and dancing March 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Smokecraft Modern Barbecue will bring the meat, a DJ will spin tunes and guests can access the fun for $10. That money will go to Mister Days’ Reach Out Foundation, which supports Arlingtonians in need. Bobby Lee, founder of the rally, says he expects about 2,000-3,000 party-goers this year.