Interested in getting intel on the newest spots to open in downtown Arlington? From a gastropub to a library, read on to see the newest destinations in the heart of the city.
The Tipsy Oak
301 E. Front St.
The Tipsy Oak is a gastropub that offers a chef-curated food menu and a full bar that serves beer and wine. It also hosts live music events.
On the menu are dishes like the brisket hash with caramelized onions, barbecue sauce and two sunny side up eggs; the poutine burger (open faced on a grilled bun, topped with a smash burger, crispy fries, cheddar cheese curds, cheddar jack cheese, gravy and green onions); and the seared tuna sandwich with sweet pepper Thai sauce, Asian slaw and Sriracha aioli on a ciabatta bun. (See the full menu here.)
With a 4.5-star Yelp rating out of 23 reviews, The Tipsy Oak has been getting positive attention.
Carolyn N., who reviewed it on Aug. 1, wrote, "This is my new favorite place to go! This place has it all! Great vibe, friendly and attentive staff, awesome patio and food that is out of this world!"
Kevin G. added, "I walked in and the place was abuzz, everyone seemed to be having a great time. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about their amazing selection of beers on tap and described what beer went best with which food item."
The Tipsy Oak is open from 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
100 S. Center St.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, named for the Arlington newspaper publisher who lived and worked in the city for more than three decades, is a high-tech, 80,000-square-foot library that 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.
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library currently holds five stars out of two reviews on Yelp.
Anh P., who reviewed the library on June 16, wrote, "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.
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge
506 E. Division St., Suite 160
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 has received a warm welcome with a current rating of five stars out of 23 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Liberty K., who reviewed the bar on July 7, wrote, "I went in needing R&R with a tropical drink, and they deliver you more than that. The whole atmosphere is titillating, with ambiance that makes you feel like you're in a Hawaiian jungle bar."
Yelper Stephanie W. wrote, "Do you like fresh ingredients? House-made syrups? Do you like rum? If you answered yes to those questions, you need to check out 4 Kahunas."
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.
