things to do in shirlington

Things to Do In Shirlington

September 2, 2021 | Lifestyle & Community | By: The Goodhart Group

Things to Do In Shirlington

Just outside of Washington D.C. in South Arlington is the adorable and happening neighborhood of Shirlington. Although this area is relatively small, there are plenty of things to do in Shirlington!

Restaurants

Copperwood Tavern

4021 Campbell Avenue

The comfy and cozy feel at Copperwood Tavern is what you will experience the moment you enter. Copperwood offers farm-to-table cuisine with the best of Virginia and Pennsylvania farms. Enjoy soups, salads, and sandwiches at lunch. At dinner, choose an a la carte protein, such as rockfish, braised rabbit, venison or a dry aged ribeye, and then shared sides for the table. Be sure to save room for dessert and a “campfire coffee.” Copperwood offers a fabulous happy hour as well. From 4-7pm every Monday through Friday for Oyster Hour – with $1 oysters, $1 off beer, and $1 off all glasses of wine – you can’t beat a deal like that!

Dudley’s Sport and Ale

2766 S Arlington Mill Dr

Dudley’s has become the go-to sports bar in Shirlington that the area has definitely lacked. From cheap wings and pizza deals as well as inviting happy hour, Dudley’s is a great place to catch a game. They also have a spacious rooftop perfect for warmer weather. They also have a stadium-style seating section perfect for groups.

Guapo’s

4028 Campbell Avenue

Looking to have a fun time at a lively restaurant? Then Guapo’s is the restaurant in Shirlington for you! Its salsa was voted the best in the DC area (Fox 5 news, 2015). Perfect for gatherings both large and small, the staff is of this family-owned restaurant is always willing to make accommodations to fit your whole party. Make sure to get their chile con queso dip or nacho platter for starters. This restaurant has recently launched a food truck which can be reserved for parties.

Carlyle

4000 Campbell Avenue

One of the Great American Restaurants is Carlyle, right at the start of the Shirlington strip. Known for its laid-back environment and American bistro food, Carlyle is the perfect date night stop! It offers plentiful outside seating and has a generously sized bar area. Meals include sandwiches, salads, and entrees “from the pan” or “from the grill.” If you’re still hungry after your meal, you have to try their Warm Flourless Chocolate Macadamia Nut Waffle dessert. Carlyle also offers a kids menu and fabulous weekend brunch.

Busboys & Poets

4251 Campbell Avenue

Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, there is truly something for everyone at Busboys & Poets. Made to be a gathering place for people in the community, this part bar, part coffeehouse restaurant offers a “deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul.” It is known for its many green initiatives and “conscious cuisine.” Fun fact: its name was chosen in honor of Langston Hughes, who worked as a hotel busboy before achieving fame a as a poet.

Cheesetique

4056 Campbell Avenue

Part wine bar, part cheese shop, Cheesetique is the perfect stop for a glass of wine and a cheeseboard. Full brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are also available. Try one of Cheestique’s specialty mac and cheese or grilled cheese plates. Join daily happy hour each weekday from 4-7 pm or stop by for Thirsty Tuesday (20% off bottles). The cheese shop offers 300+ kinds of cheese from all over the world. All of these cheeses are cut to order, so they’re super-fresh and perfectly sized.

Ichiban Sushi

4251 Campbell Avenue

Talk about deals! Ichiban Sushi offers specials five days a week, as well as a lunchtime special Monday through Friday from 11-3 pm. It also offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6:30pm with $4 bites and drink specials. Ichiban’s amazing menu offers soups, salad, plentiful sushi, ramen, and kid’s meals.

There are more things to do in Shirlington than eat! Read on!

Shops

One Two Kangaroo Toys

4022 Campbell Avenue

If you are looking for things to do in Shirlington, stop by the One Two Kangaroo Toys Store. This adorable shop is heaven for children! With a quick and attentive staff, parents will love it too. There are so many quality toys in One Two Kangaroo, that you are bound to find the perfect toy for any child in your life.

Dogma Bakery & Boutique

2772 S Arlington Mill Drive

Doubling as both a groomer and store, Dogma Bakery & Boutique is a dog’s and dog lover’s paradise. This store sells everything from homemade, healthy dog treats to toys to even a cat section (cats need some love too). Stop by to get a free treat for your pup and grab a little present for them too! Dogma aims to serve the community as an advocate for responsible breeding and animal adoption.The shop supports many local rescues and shelters by holding regular animal adoptions and fundraisers.

Le Village Marche

2800 South Randolph Street #110A

After walking into Le Village Marche, you’ll feel like you just stepped into a Parisian market. Selling everything from French glassware and soaps from Marseilles to gold-leaf frames and vintage-inspired furniture, Le Village Marche offers all things French. Celebrating 10 years in Shirlington, this store is a must-see when on Campbell Avenue.

Entertainment

AMC Shirlington

2772 S. Randolph Street

Although it is on the smaller side, AMC in Shirlington has all the big box names in theatres. With at least one movie showing in the normal genres of family, action, adventure, and drama, this cozy theatre makes it the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon. Enjoy this theater’s recliner seats and MacGuffins Bar for “adult” beverages during your move.

Signature Theatre

4200 Campbell Avenue

This non-profit, Tony Award-winning professional theater company puts on many different musicals and plays throughout the year. The Signature Theatre also offers different community outreach and enrichment opportunities. Check out its complete list of performances and events here

Shirlington Branch Library

4200 Campbell Avenue

Be sure to check out a book or two from the Shirlington Branch of the Arlington County public library system while on Campbell Avenue. This library also hosts art exhibits, storytimes for children, poetry workshops, and a book club.

Wellness & Pampering

Diana Nails

4150 Campbell Avenue #102

Looking to pamper yourself? Look to Diana Nails for manicures, pedicures, and waxing services. The excellent service, convenient location, and great prices will make Diana Nails your “go-to” nail salon!

Nirvana Reflexology Spa

4017 Campbell Avenue #A

Nirvana truly is the perfect place to go relax and treat yourself! Its skilled and certified reflexologists use the body’s stress points to relieve ailments such as anxiety and fatigue. The Nirvana Signature Session includes an Herbal Tea Foot-Bath, Hand Reflexology, Foot Reflexology, Full-Body Acupressure, and Full-Body Traditional Chinese Deep Tissue Treatments. Try the hour-long, full body signature session for just $49 – what a bargain!

Edge Health & Fitness

2700 S. Quincy Street #100A

No competition with other gym members for equipment and no monthly membership or initiation fees? Yes, please! Edge Health & Fitness is a private training facility open only to their trainers and respective clients. This makes your fitness experience a lot more personable and easier to track your growth!

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Shirlington. Its many restaurants, bars, services, and shops offer something for everyone.

Did we miss your favorite stop in Shirlington? Let us know!

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