Want to check out the newest businesses to open in Arlington? From a new high-tech library to a spot to score pizza and beer, read on to see the newest destinations to open for business around town.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
100 S. Center St., Downtown
The new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is named for the Arlington newspaper publisher who lived and worked in the city for more than three decades.
According to the Star Telegram, the high-tech, 80,000-square-foot library includes computer labs, a creative space with 3D printers and even a tech genius bar that can help patrons with e-books and other tech-related issues. There's also a rooftop garden area, adult education programs and a playroom for children.
Of course, it wouldn't be a library without actual books, and there is a wide selection on the third floor of the new building.
There are just two reviews on Yelp thus far, which give it five stars.
Anh P., who reviewed the library on June 16, wrote, "This is a brand spanking new (upgraded) library in the heart of Arlington! It is absolutely breathtaking and exceeded my expectations for a local biblioteca. ... The glass lobby you enter through is a nicely lit and welcoming space, with bathrooms, vending machines and a cute little modern shop where you can purchase shirts, mugs and books."
John Q. added, "[It has] the easiest checkout system ever and the friendliest staff ever seen at a library by either my wife or myself. This place is tremendous, modern, brand new and fully electronic. It is where I will go from this point on."
Ready to stop in and check out a book or two? George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is open from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2–6 p.m. on Sunday.
Flying Daiquiri
900 E. Copeland Road, Suite 150/160, East Arlington
Flying Daiquiri is a soul food restaurant where you can pair your meal with a wide selection of daiquiris.
Its menu includes stuffed chicken, meatloaf, oxtails, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, beans and cornbread. Look for daiquiris like the Peach Octane, Hurricane Watermelon, Blue Hawaiian, Fly Kool Aid, HWY 30 West and Paradise City. Stop in on Friday nights for karaoke.
Flying Daiquiris has just two reviews on Yelp, which give it a five-star rating thus far.
Naki P., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on June 3, said, "The food will make your entire day! The flavors are spot on; you get three sides with the one meat plate. ... The daiquiris are excellent and definitely have enough liquor to satisfy you."
Yelper Joah M. added, "The customer service was spot on, the soul food is amazing, plus the drinks were delicious and strong enough for my liking! It was an amazing experience and I ended up staying for hours!"
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. Flying Daiquiris is open from 11 a.m.–midnight on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–2 a.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge
506 E. Division St., Suite 160, Downtown
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge is a classic tiki bar that almost exclusively serves up cocktails.
Cocktails include Blackbeard's Ghost (Demerara rum, orange juice, lemon juice, special spices and apricot brandy), Brain Child (Cruzan rum, melon liqueur, pineapple, lime and a Rockstar), Lady Angelica (rum, sherry and passion fruit) and the Headhunter (dark rum, cinnamon and banana liqueurs blended until frozen). (See the full drink menu here.)
If you're there for beers, you've only got two options: Shiner Bock and Michelob Ultra.
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge is off to a strong start with a 4.5-star rating out of six reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Ryan W., who reviewed it on June 20, wrote, "4 Kahunas has well-crafted cocktails made with quality spirits, freshly squeezed juices and house syrups. With quality must come patience. These drinks are made with care and the taste is proof."
Angelica N. added, "4 Kahunas is such a welcome breath of fresh air. Cute, super cozy bar with nautical-themed decor, and lots of Texas tiki artists represented on their walls! The cocktail selection is huge! ... I love that they all feature fresh juices and homemade syrups. No artificial junk in these drinks!"
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge is open from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. on Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon–midnight on Sunday.
MJ Seafood & Pho Restaurant
1630 E. Lamar Blvd., Suite 116, North Arlington
MJ Seafood & Pho Restaurant is a Vietnamese and Asian fusion spot, offering seafood and more.
The menu features dishes such as filet mignon phở, oxtail phở, grilled pork with vermicelli, chicken lo mein, orange chicken, boiled crawfish and lobster fried rice.
With a four-star rating out of five reviews on Yelp so far, MJ Seafood & Pho Restaurant has already made a good impression.
A M., who reviewed it on June 17, wrote, "Phở that is made with oxtail stock is absolutely the real deal. Fantastic. Spring rolls were fresh, crispy and tasty. Pork egg roll was very enjoyable."
Yelper Holly L. added, “I would say their phở is the best on the menu. I get filet mignon phở every time. The beef was hand cut and the broth was different than other places. It's very flavorful and not too heavy."
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. MJ Seafood & Pho Restaurant is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Urban Bricks
1707 N. Collins St., Champions Park
Urban Bricks is a pizza chain with locations across the country. Besides pizza, it also serves beers in special bottom-fill glasses, wine, gelato and more.
Its signature pizzas include pies like the Three Little Pigs (with bacon, pepperoni and Italian sausage), the Bad Hunter (mozzarella, Gorgonzola, red onion, mushroom, green peppers and pesto drizzle) and the Mediterranean (mozzarella, feta, banana peppers, olives, oregano and olive oil drizzle).
Paninis, salads and wings are also on offer. Finish off your meal with something sweet like cinnamon pies, Nutella banana pies and gelato cones. (See the full menu here.)
With a 3.5-star rating out of 57 reviews on Yelp, Urban Bricks is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Kelsey B., who reviewed it on June 15, wrote, "Lots of seating inside and some great patio seating outside. Great for watching a game and enjoying pizza and beer. They have other bar beverages too. Weekends they serve mimosas, I believe."
Gregory D. added, "The amount of options were amazing, and everything was delicious. I didn't plan on eating the whole pizza, but I couldn't help myself, and finished it. The beer selection was also great! Plus they have the system that fills the beer from the bottom of the glass."
Urban Bricks is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
