Jonathan R.'s Profile

After having been disappointed by drinks and dinner here several times, I've decided that Lyon Hall works best for brunch. Whether French toast, hash and eggs, or an omelet, the food is expertly prepared, and the bread and sea-salt butter are, as the Clarendon Culture blog put it, "absolutely delicious."

Inside, the weekend bartender is friendly, and the restaurant still has that new, clean look without feeling sterile. Outside, the corner patio is spacious, and provides a wide view of the neighborhood.

This isn't your typical greasy Chinese takeout place. In fact, if you order takeout, make sure the soup isn't at the bottom of the bag; otherwise, it'll leak, which has happened more than once.

No, China Garden is a classy restaurant that also hosts weddings. Best known for its weekend dim sum, its menu is vast and its food excellent. The servers are efficient--indeed, they're obsessed with topping-off your water the moment you take a sip--and if you eat in, tea, rice refills, and parking (via validation, underneath the building) are free.

On the downside, the menu doesn't include descriptions of the dishes, just their names; the rice and soup portions are small; and the fare is expensive for Chinese food.

In sum: If you don't mind paying a few extra dollars for good service and good food, then China Garden could be your new favorite Chinese establishment.

In less than five years, Goody's has solidified itself as a Clarendon institution, renowned as both a family-friendly landmark and the only places for miles that serves jumbo slices until 3 am. Owner Vanessa is the friendly and most personable restauranter in Arlington, and she doesn't charge extra for pepperoni.

Best lunch deal in Clarendon: Two slices (plain), a salad (including Caesar), and a drink (Coke) for $6.50.