By Philippa Kirby and Philip Conklin

If you have family and friends coming to town, with ages spanning across three generations, and if they have a lot of dietary restrictions—vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten intolerant…how on earth do you feed them all? And be pretty sure they’ll all be happy? Well, there’s a restaurant in the Lyon Park neighborhood that can do a great job of satisfying everyone: Texas Jack’s on Washington Boulevard.

On a recent Sunday evening, a group of 15 diners, which included a few gluten intolerant, a number of carnivores, some pescatarians, and a couple of vegetarians all ate very happily together at Texas Jack’s.  The menu, the food quality, and the service were all excellent.

Menu: For our crowd, there was not just something for everyone, but there was a solid array of choices (most limited for the vegan options).  Obviously, the carnivores were delighted.  But, so too were the vegetarians.  As written, the menu offers a decent selection of veggie options among the appetizers and sides that can be combined to make for a satisfying meal.  When we told our server we had vegetarians in the group, she pointed out additional appetizers (nachos!) and entrees (tacos and burritos!) that could also be served vegetarian style.  This expanded the range of veggie options to above average in restaurants where meat is the star of the show.  Our pescatarians enjoyed grilled salmon on a salad or as an entree with sides, and also enjoyed the full range of the vegetarian options.  And the gluten free diners had extensive choices across the menu (no gluten free desserts, however).  Also, for palates still maturing, there were chicken fingers and fries—truly, there was something for everyone.

Food Quality: It is rare to go out and have everyone in the party find their meal tasty and satisfying, but for our party of 15, this was the case.  The nachos delighted a 13-year and a 62-year-old.  The meat platters all received two thumbs up.  And the salmon and salad crowd noted “it is always good here.”  There were a few quibbles over whether or not pulled pork should be offered in a burrito (our other 13-year-old says “no” unequivocally).  And a twenty something noted the brussels sprouts had great flavor but veered up to and over the line of “over-dressed” with oil and aioli.  

Service: Our server, Reina, was kind, efficient and attentive. Taking and delivering orders for 15 diners is a challenge.  And Reina (and the kitchen and a team of food servers) flawlessly delivered everyone’s hot meal at the same time and with 100% accuracy–no small feat!  This, while the dining room was full and included a tour bus of middle school students who arrived at the same time we did.  Texas Jack’s handled the rush with aplomb.  Such solid service really allowed us to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, festive environment.

The restaurant has two sections: the Whiskey Bar and the main restaurant. The Whiskey Bar offers the full Texas Jack’s menu and TVs for sports and special events.  The main dining room is a spacious, airy room adjoining the open kitchen. There is an outdoor dining patio.  And there is a separate dining room with a bar for private parties.

Texas Jacks (2761 Washington Blvd.): Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday; 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., Tuesday—Thursday; 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Phone number is 703–875–0477. Visit the website: https://www.txjacks.com for their menu as well as their happy hour specials and brunch.

By Cheryl Householder

Do yourself a favor and take a walk over to Chef Chris Godoy’s first brick and mortar restaurant in Lyon Park, Tacos los Primos, and thank me later.

As a Texas transplant, I can say that the struggle to find good Mexican food in the DMV is real. I’ve had an open mind and done more face plants than I can count over the years, but not this time.

Chris Godoy relocated to the states from his native Mexico in 2001. Finding work in the restaurant industry, he worked his way up from dishwasher to chef and has worked in several restaurants in that capacity. Four years ago, he opened the first iteration of Tacos Los Primos as a food truck which still operates on N. Rhodes street just south of Wilson Blvd. Just a few months ago, he opened his first brick and mortar on Washington Blvd next door to Troy’s Italian Kitchen replacing the former taqueria that stood there (no relation).

Everything he serves is homemade including the salsas. All of the meats are marinated for two days. It’s clear that this is truly a labor of love. Portions are generous and ingredients are high quality and fresh. Everything is made to order and anything can be made vegetarian. Menu items include tacos, burritos, sopes, quesadillas, tortas, carne asada, pupusas, and burrito bowls. And if you’re brave, ask for some habanero on the side.

You’re welcome!

Tacos Los Primos (2710 Washington Blvd.): Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. on Sundays. Phone number is 703–967–4454. Visit their website:
https://www.tacoslosprimosarlingtonrestaurantva.com and click Order Online to view their menu. 

By Philip Conklin & Philippa Kirby

Street, Boru Ramen is an inviting pocket-sized ramen bar with a menu that also offers donburi and an extensive selection of sushi. Also of note: Boru has a nice range of options for vegans and vegetarians. 

Boru is bright and welcoming, and, in our experience, has a quiet ambience. Seating is a combination of tables and chairs or banquettes, plus individual stools overlooking the sushi bar. For families with younger kids, the open kitchen offers views of each food prep station (ramen, donburi, and sushi) using an array of pretty interesting equipment that is (most likely) beyond what is typical in home kitchens. 

Service is consistently attentive and efficient. On a recent night, our server was friendly and was happy to answer our questions. Our order came quickly. Our party of four ordered a variety of dishes from across the menu. Though they did not arrive precisely at the same time, they arrived in quick succession. 

The non-alcohol (NA) selections at Boru are comparatively robust. In addition to standard soft drinks, Boru offers Ramune:  a Japanese carbonated soft drink in a codd-neck bottle featuring heavy glass with the mouth sealed by a round marble. This contains the pressure of the carbonated contents (there are many YouTube videos offering instructions of how to properly open a Ramune soda!). Ramune offers a bit of beverage flair in both flavor and presentation for kids and those who do not drink alcohol. Also available are a number of teas (fruited and not) as well as from their boba bar.

The alcohol menu lists a solid variety of sakes, Japanese beers (cans and bottles), and a few wines.

There is no marketing spin on the Boru website. All is straightforward; essentially conveying, “here is the food we prepare for you.” This clean, humble presentation of what is on offer conveys a quiet confidence in what they do that pretty much defines the Boru experience.

Boru Ramen (2915 Columbia Pike): Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. daily. Phone number is 703–521–2811. Visit their website: http://boru-ramen.com and click Order Online to view their entire menu. 

By Elizabeth Sheehy

Lyon Park is known for the diversity of its residences, and is also home to some unique, family-run businesses, especially along Washington Blvd. The shops include a florist, café, barber shop and several eateries.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, let’s introduce you to one special business that you may not have visited—Sacramento Jewelers (2718 Washington Blvd.), owned and operated by Teodoro Naranjo, assisted by his wife Janet and their children. Ted came to this country in 1976 from Ecuador and found work as a polisher at a well-known jewelry store in Falls Church. Its owner sent him to school for his goldsmith certificate, and after a few years, Ted started his own jewelry business in the tiny back room of a clock repair shop on Washington Blvd., in Lyon Park. He returned to Falls Church when he bought the jewelry shop from his mentor, but closed its doors in 2006 as the rent skyrocketed. As fate would have it, that same month, the owner of the clock shop passed away, and Ted happily took over the space, operating Sacramento Jewelers ever since.

Sacramento Jewelers has a beautiful assortment of precious stone rings, bracelets, earrings and other adornments. Ted’s specialty is designing and hand-making pieces, as well as working with silver and repairing heirloom jewelry. He also replaces watch batteries and straps, at a fair price and with a smile, unlike many jewelry stores who sneer at small jobs.

To understand the exceptional service offered here, check out the reviews on YELP. Customers rave about Ted’s skill, honesty and the value of his business’ work. You will need to ring the bell to enter the store—a concession to today’s security realities—but once in you will receive family service. Valentine’s Day is only a month away and nothing builds community like shopping local! 

By Philip Conklin

Located at the convergence of Washington Blvd, N. Tenth Street, and N. Garfield Streets, the Board Room offers Lyon Park residents a walkable destination for relaxation and fun. 

Per the restaurant’s website, “The Board Room Game Bar & Brewery is at the top of its game. Our brews, food, wines and spirits play to win.”

On a lovely fall evening our party of 9 neighbors (ranging in ages from 13 to 70 years) gathered at the Boardroom for supper. We took a table on their large outdoor patio that is actually decently insulated from the street traffic and offered an enjoyable atmosphere for dining and conversation. In cooler seasons, there are gas fire pits for warmth and atmosphere. Inside, the game room/bar/dining room is vast with a variety of seating options including banquets, high top tables, and small living room set ups with comfy seating and low tables to facilitate comfortable game play, dining, and conversation. 

Service is “fast casual” where you pick your table, then place your order with the bartender. The food menu is upscale-ish pub food (appetizers run a wide range from Homemade Corndogs to Whitestone Oysters). Our party order included the Toasted Kale Salad w/ Salmon, the Black Bean Burger, Crab Cake Sandwich, Grilled Salmon, Fish and Chips and Oysters, and there was a generally positive (almost surprised) reception to the food taste and quality (each plate was picked clean). 

The extensive bar options include 15 in-house brewed beers, a broad wine menu including organic options, and house special cocktails and mocktails in addition to standard bar offerings.

You are welcome to bring your own games or choose from a wide range of choices (on weekends, game rental is $2). There are over 15 versions of Monopoly alone (including versions in Arabic, Spanish, German, and Russian) amidst over 150+ total games. 

Other game highlights:

Tuesday night is Trivia Night, offering a vibrant and popular evening of competitive fun featuring prizes for the top three teams.

In two outings to the Board Room, I was struck by the easy comfort of the atmosphere, and the wide range of ages and configurations of groups enjoying themselves. It was an overall very pleasurable place to hang out, grab a drink and nosh (whether you play a game or not). Prior to writing this article, I had never been to the Board Room, but plan to return to enjoy its welcoming, easy going vibe.

Board Room Game Bar & Brewery (925 B Garfield Street): Hours of operation are 4 p.m.–12 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m.– 2 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m.–2 a.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m.–12 a.m. on Sunday. Phone number is 703–248–9439. To assure the most up-to-date information, go to their website: http://www.theboardroomva.com. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Note: *Those under 21 years old are welcomed weekend days only.. 

By Philip Conklin

By now, Kaldi’s Social House, located on Lyon Park’s north edge at the corner of 10th Street and N. Highland Street, is a familiar Lyon Park landmark. And yet there are enough features to the Kaldi’s experience to warrant an introduction.

Kaldi’s describes itself as, “a trendy inner-city style coffee shop…[with] an industrial chic look, great coffee, amazing food, selection of beer, wine and in-house baked goods.”

As regular customers, my family and I have fact-checked Kaldi’s claims hundreds of times over the last four years and can say that they are neither over- nor under-selling themselves in terms of food, drink, and ambience. Certain features stand out:

The baristas use filtered water in every beverage. To really understand how much this enhances the taste of their coffee, espresso, and tea beverages, try a glass of their filtered water always available on the coffee/wine bar.

There is more than coffee to drink. They offer is fresh squeezed orange juice, Harney and Sons teas, wine, beer and spirits and more.

The seating and ordering are relaxed. There is a line to place your order. If you prefer, you can find a seat and relax while you decide on your eat in/take out order. QR codes take you to the varied menu for ordering and payment. Service is prompt and you can relax without pressure either to hurry along or to wait for your check. Online ordering (via Toast) is available for pick up.

The layout is accessible. The entrance, take out line, seating areas and restrooms are all on one level. There is a lot of space between tables, sofas, and in the take out area.

The menu caters to diverse dietary preferences. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and omnivore options are available.

The restaurant accommodates reservations. With a day’s notice, you can reserve a table, sofa, or particular seat in the varied sitting areas. There is a reservation tab on their website, or you can reserve by phone.

The restaurant is well-maintained. Despite being open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, the space at Kaldi’s is clean and inviting.

On a recent Saturday morning, I asked Kaldi’s manager, Jessica, to name the top things she would like new customers to know about Kaldi’s (she didn’t know I was writing this piece). Her response was immediate and earnest. She stated, “everyone is welcome” and “we will do our best for you.”

The speed and sincerity with which Jessica spoke tells me this is top of mind for her as she manages Kaldi’s. And I must say, in my many experiences at Kaldi’s, Jessica’s words resonate. Every staff member I have interacted with and observed is very welcoming and is doing their best for their customers. And the energy of the crowd is always a gentle, warm, welcoming buzz. Clearly there is something to this claim on Kaldi’s website: It is “the favorite spot of the civilized world.”

Kaldi’s Social House: Hours of operation are 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone number: 571-312-1502. To order, and to assure up-to-date information, go to their website: kaldissocialhouse.com. Also, find them on Facebook and Instagram. Credit card, Apple Pay/Google Pay, and
cash accepted.. 

By Philip Conklin

A relatively new restaurant for Lyon Park, Tasty Chicken Box & Lamb at 2716 Washington Boulevard offers Mediterranean/Middle Eastern wraps and meat/rice combination platters. Family-owned and operated, these words from their website make their intent clear: Tasty Chicken Box started with a dream to bring joy to people one bite at a time.

It is primarily a takeout spot while also offering booths and tables inside and cafe tables outside. Chicken Box is a neighbor to local favorites El Charrito el Caminante (Salvadoran/Mexican), Texas Jack’s (bbq), and Troy’s Italian  and fills a “flavor gap” previously filled by Astor Mediterranean. My guess is Chicken “Box” is a play off of current “Bowl” based restaurants. When you order, your meal is layered into a box as you make your choices for mains and toppings.

The core menu is comprised of kabob and shawarma-style meat platters (chicken, lamb, or both) with rice, salad, vegetables, and two sauces (one spicy, one mild, both delicious), and wraps (meat, lettuce, vegetables, and sauces). For vegetarians, there is falafel in platter or wrap form. Plus, there is hummus, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves (dolmas) to enjoy. Much of the menu can be ordered as family-style combination platters for sharing, or for event catering. 

On the night I dined in, I enjoyed grape leaves and a falafel platter. At the next table, a large group of twenty-somethings was finishing their meal while talking animatedly. When I asked them, “How was the food?”, I got a loud “Delicious!”, followed by, “The chicken is sooo good!” and “The lamb is my favorite.”  Clearly, this was not their first visit, and I felt that they captured the essence of Chicken Box’s appeal. This is a clean (but not corporate slick) neighborhood based fresh fast food restaurant offering a variety of tasty and well portioned options at a reasonable price point.

Beverages offered are bottles and cans of soft drinks. Yelp reviews trend quite favorably. Hours of operation are 10a.m. – 10p.m. M-Th, 10a.m.-2a.m. Fr-Sa, 10a.m.-11p.m. Sun. Phone number: (571) 497-2133. Order through their website (Toast) https://tastychickenbox.com, DoorDash or UberEats. Credit card, Apple Pay/ Google Pay and cash accepted. 

How long have you been in business?

My store came into being in 1982. We opened in the Lee Heights Shops in a tiny space of only 650 ft². When we started the business, my husband and I had two little girls, ages 9 and 11. But there was a bit of a complication as I was expecting my third child! I figured if I waited for the perfect time, it would never come, so the store opened in April and a baby boy, Jeffrey, came in June.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a small business in Arlington?

The greatest advantage is our Arlington customers, who want quality toys, books, sporting goods, and clothes for their children and are very appreciative of our store. Because we had great customer support, we grew and are now a big 5,000 ft² store. The only disadvantage is that parking can be a problem sometimes.  

How did COVID change your business?

We took a tip from the neighborhood restaurants and swung into action with curb service. We advertised on Facebook that customers could call in, see pictures, and charge on the phone. It worked!

How do you know what will be big sellers vs. duds?  

We never know for sure, and a few duds do happen. But I’ve learned which catalogs of toys are popular with our customers. I also see a few trusted reps and attend toy fairs. Reading trade magazines and the Wall Street Journal can be helpful. Listening to customers is very important, as is being flexible. Most toys in our store are winners.

What kinds of things still surprise you after so many years in business?

After 40 years, people still tell us they love our store, and it is a favorite. We never ever get tired of hearing this.

What else do you as an owner feel is important?

When you surround yourself with good people, they will make you look good. I am grateful for Everett, Laura, Dylan, and Angela and I appreciate the fine high school students who have worked for us from Lyon Park and Ashton Heights.