Update: Be sure and check out the Part Two addition to this article, Another 23 Must Try Arlington Menu Items.
Unless it’s your first time to visit Arlington or you just moved in yesterday, you know that Arlington offers plenty of opportunities to feed your face. In fact, there’s so much delicious-ness to be had in Arlington restaurants and attractions, knowing where to start can be a bit overwhelming.
We decided to make a list of every single genius menu item in Arlington, but then we concluded that would be overwhelming too. So, in the interest of time, we’ve randomly selected a “must-try-at-least-once” list that will help introduce you to some of Arlington’s local faves.
So here it is, foodies, in no particular order - your Arlington menu item bucket list. Happy eating! And remember to wait at least 30 minutes before you try to ride the Shockwave:
Escargot
Cacharel Restaurant and Grand Ballroom
Arlington Entertainment District
Herb-butter sautéed escargot, grapes and pecans nestled in a pastry pillow. It’s as mouth-watering as Cacharel’s equally-famous chocolate soufflé…which is an absolute must-order. UPDATE: After decades of delighting fine diners from around the world, our beloved Cacharel has closed. We'll miss you, Cacharel, but our memories of your escargot and souffle will live on forever.
Etoufee
Mac’s Bar & Grill
Southwest Arlington
This spicy delight comes with either shrimp or crawfish and pairs perfectly with Mac’s famous salad and Mac’s Martini. In the mood for steak? Try the half-order as an appetizer and dig in to Mac’s prime rib and shrimp specialty as your main course.
The Texas Rangers Boomstick
Globe Life Park
Arlington Entertainment District
This massive two-foot-long beef hot dog is topped with chili, Rico’s nacho cheese, grilled onions and jalapeño peppers, and served on a hoagie roll. Take on alone, if you dare. Or share the goodness with some buddies!
The Threesome
Grease Monkey Burger & Social Club
Downtown Arlington
Bring a friend to share this sinfully-huge serving of fries, chipotle-seasoned tater tots, and onion rings, which are the perfect accessories to compliment an awesome Grease Monkey burger.
Lobster Ravioli
Restaurant 506 at the Sanford House
Downtown Arlington
Lobster-stuffed ravioli with julienned spring vegetables in a pancetta cream sauce. What more can we say? How about…be sure and order the melty Chocolate Destruction for dessert.
Pink Thing
Six Flags Over Texas
Arlington Entertainment District
An Arlington tradition. If your summers don’t include a frozen Pink Thing or at least a Funnel Cake from Six Flags, well, then you just aren’t living right.
Everything Burrito
Candlelite Inn
Arlington Entertainment District
If this oversized bean and beef burrito doesn’t float your boat, try the Candlelite chicken fried steak, smothered steak, or family-styled spaghetti and meatballs, followed by a Neiman Marcus pie.
Cherry Glazed Doughnut. (Or pretty much anything at Shipley’s.)
Shipley Do-Nuts
Downtown Arlington
Bear claws, apple fritters, jalapeno sausage kolaches, and a delicious rainbow of doughnuts described by one Yelp reviewer as “rings from Heaven.” Cooked fresh every morning at this downtown tradition.
The Dino
Dino’s Subs
East Arlington
Peppered beef, ham, salami, provolone, spices, and Dino’s signature dressing are the starring players in this legendary sandwich. It’s worth the wait in line. Or do what the locals do and call your order ahead for pick up.
Smothered Pork Chops
Damian’s Cajun Soul Café
Arlington Entertainment District
If these out-of-this-world pork chops don’t happen to be on Damian’s rotating menu, try the fried fish with hushpuppies, or the jambalaya, or the peach cobbler. But get there early, because when this place sells out (and it will!), your Cajun fix will have to wait until tomorrow.
Chicken Shawarma
Prince Lebanese Grill
North Arlington
Served stir-fried with onions and tomatoes on a bed of rice, the Shawarma’s just one of the savory adventures waiting to be tried at this Food Network-featured Arlington favorite.
Saudero Street Tacos
Tacos La Banqueta
Central/East Arlington
Fans have no problem driving for miles to get their hands on the brisket tacos, gorditas, or tortas at La Banqueta, which is also a good place to grab an ice cold Mexican Coke.
The Jambo Texan
Jambo’s Barbeque Shack
Southwest Arlington
When we say let’s go for a smoke, we mean Jambo’s! This spin-off restaurant to the one founded by BBQ Pitmasters (tv show) winner Jamie Geer dishes up brisket, bologna, sausage, and ribs, but we recommend The Sadie, a giant brisket-and-sausage stuffed potato, loaded with fixins’. And of course, don’t forget the buttery Texas Toast.
Burger Of The Week
Fork In The Road
Central Arlington (Near UTA)
The juiciest, most creative burger concoctions that you’ll find between two buns. Other must-try menu items: “Crack-A-Roni” macaroni, funky craft sodas, and Red Velvet Pie.
The Original Irish Nachos
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
Downtown Arlington
Arlington’s favorite addiction was also invented here. Cottage fries with skins, topped with melted cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, chives, onions and jalapenos. One bite and you’ll get it.
Beef Stroganoff
Taste of Europe
Central/West Arlington
A classic European dish featuring tender pieces of beef cooked with mushrooms, onions and a delicious gravy, served up at one of Arlington’s most unique dining destinations.
VIP Platter
Mariano’s Hacienda
Arlington Entertainment District
Quesadillas, nachos, fajita steak, and cheese-stuffed battered jalapenos. You should also try some of Mariano’s Cowboy Queso, tapas tacos, and a couple of Mariano’s world-famous margaritas, too…
Costa Rican Tilapia Lafayette
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
Arlington Entertainment District
Grilled tilapia topped with crabmeat, shrimp, and a whole bunch of other goodness. Enjoy with a N’Awlins Punch and your day just became pretty perfect.
Fried Chicken Tenders
Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
Downtown Arlington
Imagine a magical fried chicken land where cream gravy, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and buttermilk biscuits flow like water. Arrive hungry for family style goodness, including homemade pie.
Gnocchi al Pomodoro
Piccolo Mondo
Arlington Entertainment District
Tender potato dumplings in fresh tomato sauce. Start it off with stuffed mushrooms and finish with a Cappuccino Pie, and you’ll be a fan for life. Take your sweetie for dinner, and you may even catch the charming pianist.
Loaded Shrimp Cocktail
RBar & Grill (Arlington Hilton)
Arlington Entertainment District
The best you’ll ever have! Served with creole vegetable sauce, vodka Bloody Mary cocktail sauce and cheddar jalapeno toast with an avocado spread.
Chocolate Fondue
The Melting Pot
South Arlington (Arlington Highlands)
Prepare to melt your diet with one of six chocolate fondue variations with strawberries, blondies, bananas, pineapple, marshmallow, pound cake, and brownie dippers.
The Chamas Salad Bar
Chamas Do Brazil
South Arlington (Near the Parks at Arlington)
No less than 50 hot and cold items are available at this Brazilian steakhouse’s epic salad bar, along with a parade of flaming meat masterpieces and an enormous selection of wines.
Another 23 Must Try Arlington Menu Items
Find more delicious dining in Arlington, TX
