Where to eat American food in Arlington: The Best Restaurants and Bars

December 31, 2019 Roger Rusk

Find out what American restaurants to try in Arlington. Arlington is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, six miles (10 km) northwest of Boston. The population was 42,844 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Arlington

10. The Table at Season To Taste

2447 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140-1120 French, American Dinner Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 617-871-9468 http://www.cambridgetable.com/
Food
Service
Value
Overall Ratings

5 based on 70 reviews

The Table at Season To Taste

Chef Carl Dooley's contemporary and funky French cuisine in an intimate twenty seat restaurant with an open kitchen, We offer an ever changing four course prix fixe menu with two options per course. Reservations are highly recommended and can be booked at

Reviewed By gorgbot

All around an amazing experience. It was $98 for 4 courses (per person) and $55 for wine along with it. I am not one who worries about pairing wine/drinks, but I'd say the wine pairing is what puts this over the top. I've only ever been in the summer, but everything was delicious and in season.Our waiter was attentive, personable, and helpful. The pace throughout the night was good - never a long pause between courses, but we never were buried in plates. He also helped us out, writing down the wines we'd had for each course. It has become our go to for special occasions - while it's up there in price I haven't ever left feeling like I didn't get more than what I paid for.

9. Not Your Average Joe's

645 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476-5004 American, Bar Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Parking Available [email protected] +1 781-643-1666 http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 142 reviews

Not Your Average Joe's

What does creative casual cuisine mean? Exactly what it says. We"re creative, because we reject the same-old-same-old in favor of tastes that are interesting and unique. We're casual because while our food may be worth getting dressed up for, we invite yo

Reviewed By SusiHoch

we came for lunch and had a good meal. Cod, carrots and spinach. And my partner meatloaf, mashed potatoes and carrots. Everything was good.We like the warm onion bread they serve first, with the dipping: olive oil, parmesan cheese and a little chili.The ambiance is nice and it is not over air-conditioned. They also have a pleasant bar and the staff is very friendly and helpful.Hi there,Glad you enjoyed everything - sounds like you had delicious meals. We'll be looking forward to seeing you again real soon.

8. Dave's Fresh Pasta

81 Holland St Davis Square, Somerville, MA 02144-2738 American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible +1 617-666-0656 http://www.davesfreshpasta.com/
Food
Service
Value
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 94 reviews

Dave's Fresh Pasta

Reviewed By NeroNewDelhi

The made to order sandwiches at Dave's are both creative and delicious. The prosciutto and fig on a baguette is rich, complex, and very filling. The DFP Steak and Cheese of grilled flank steak, cheddar, caramelized onions and peppers is also just great- wonderful combination of flavors. The roasted lamb with spinach and feta is also a top choice. If you're in or near Davis Square and it's close to just about any meal time, head to Dave's for outstanding sandwiches. While waiting for your sandwich, the store is fun to walk around and browse.

7. Za

138 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474-8610 Pizza, American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +1 781-316-2334 http://zarestaurant.com/arlington/about/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 88 reviews

Za

Reviewed By Vision101

Been here several times looking for pizza. Well we found the pizza but the crust is moderately thick, Greek style and nothing really to recommend except the selection of cold beers. After years of eating pizza, I can say that I am looking for thin crust style pizza which Za doesn't serve. Unfortunately just another middle of the road restaurant that could certainly use upping their game if they want to keep me as a customer.

6. Boston Burger Company

37 Davis Sq, Somerville, MA 02144-2908 American, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +1 617-440-7361 http://bostonburgerco.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 252 reviews

Boston Burger Company

Reviewed By Valverden

You certainly have heard this 100 times, but the Boston Burger Company certainly has one of the best burgers in Mass. Not only the burgers, everything we have tried here is delicious!! This time I had the Killer Bee and the onion rings were delicious. The home made chip are also great.

5. Jimmy's Steer House

1111 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476-4314 American, Steakhouse Lunch, Dinner Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer, Takeout, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Television +1 781-646-4450 http://www.jimmysarlington.com/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 194 reviews

Jimmy's Steer House

Reviewed By 72jackb

My family has been coming to Jimmy’s for decades. It’s casual yet has quick service. I noticed that one website claimed that they take reservations, but that is not true.The parmigiana entrees are all great (eggplant, chicken) but the veal is our top favorite. If you’re not ordering apps & drinks, you can get full on ~$20 per head. The salad that comes with the entree is a good size; plenty of bread etc. If you want to skip the linguine, they offer a vegetable medley which is very good.Very accessible with off street parking. All around I highly recommend this place.

4. Tryst

689 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476-4904 American, Bar Dinner, Lunch, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television, Table Service +1 781-641-2227 http://www.trystrestaurant.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 170 reviews

Tryst

Reviewed By ravenwell

This is food made fun! Can't say enough good things about the lobster melt. It had melt.. in your mouth flavor. The service was excellent. I recommend this place big time if you're in the Arlington area. As I told the server at the end of the meal, "This is my new favorite restaurant in Arlington".

3. Ball Square Cafe

708 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144-2239 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 617-623-2233 http://www.ballsquarecafe.com/
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 171 reviews

Ball Square Cafe

Reviewed By Anshita_S

We decided to have brunch here after hearing so many amazing things about the food and service but unfortunately the experience here was not what we expected. The food was good but the service can definitely be better (specially from the owner/manager).We came here to have brunch with friends who were visiting Boston after almost 2 years. So after we sat down we all discussed the menu and then started chit chatting and catching up with each other and forgot the fact that the owner told us to close our menus when we are ready. I know it is common courtesy all over the world, but sometimes you are in the moment interacting with other people on the table and this is not a white tablecloth 5 star dining experience. This is a casual restaurant where we wanted to have a nice brunch with friends. But the owner came to our table and gave us a lecture about how we need to close the menus and how this is a common practice that is followed all over the world. I mean yeah most of the people on the table have been any where from 15 to 50 countries so we know dining courtesy but what we didn't need is that lecture. It was actually very embarrassing for him to talk to us like we were some illiterate people who have never dined at a restaurant before.Also we went there towards the tail end of the busy hour around 1pm but since we had 1 member missing from our group, he wouldn't let us sit inside(mind you we were a small group of 5). So in addition to standing in line waiting for our turn, we also waited additional 20 minutes outside in the scorching heat when a few tables were empty and he could have easily sat us inside. We would totally understand if it was super busy but I mean this is your restaurant and not a federal building where you can't make exceptions. The worst part is, after we were seated another group came and they were seated right away even though people were missing in their group. The manager who is so loud that anyone can hear him, seated them next to our table and asked them to relax and have drinks while they waited for the other diners. Anyways the food was decent. The omelettes are nice. The home fries are my least favorite, under cooked and under seasoned. My husband's favorite french toast is Coconut Macaroon although avoid the cream cheese and banana french toast, for it is flavorless and dry. They have freshly squeezed orange juice which is delicious. Waffles are excellent, my favorite is the caramelized banana and walnuts. My friend tried Caramelized Banana and Strawberry which she said was overly sweet and doused in sugar syrup. Maybe they should serve sugar syrup on the side so people can add it according to their liking. The banana pancake was nice and fluffy. I have mixed feelings as to whether I want to go back and dine here again. Time will tell!Anshita, we’re so glad that you and your friends could join us for a happy reunion. Because we’re a smaller establishment, we like to welcome and treat our guests with the same charm and good humor like we would welcome good friends. Additionally, we tell each and every party the same thing about our policy -- that when our guests are ready, we ask that they close their menus, just so we can serve them without delay. We sincerely apologize if this was interpreted in any other way than merely informative and with light humor. Furthermore, we're delighted that you enjoyed most of your meal. We're always happy to make recommendations from our menu so you can enjoy meals that are exactly what you're looking for. That said, it's possible to get the syrup on the side on any of our meals, and we would have been more than happy to accommodate this request had we known. Also, we admit there may have been some mistake, however, we follow the industry-standard policy that all members of each party need to be present before the party can be seated. We’d love to welcome you and your friends back again for a better all-around experience.Sincerely,Mike, Owner

2. Menotomy Grill & Tavern

25 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474-8602 American, Bar, Pub, Gastropub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Acc [email protected] +1 781-648-1775 http://www.menotomygrill.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 228 reviews

Menotomy Grill & Tavern

Located in the town now known as Arlington, Menotomy Grill and Tavern gives a respectful nod to the neighborhood's pre-Revolutionary War history, named Menotomy by Native Americans in 1635. This spacious and comfortable gastropub, located on the border be

Reviewed By Pendleton R

I was staying next door at the Homewood Suites, with no car, so I went here 4 nights in a row. Staff is very friendly. I had the Taco of the Day twice. Nice! The chipotle wings were also yummy. And they know how to make a great dirty martini! A nice respite after a day in downtown. Highly recommend.

Top 10 Things to do in Arlington, United States

1. Modelo's Market Cafe & Bakery

501 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145-2656 American, Brazilian, South American, Cafe, International Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Buffet, Seating, Highchairs Available, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover [email protected] +1 617-625-2868 http://www.modelosmarket.com/
Modelo's Market Cafe & Bakery

Modelo's Market Cafe serves both Brazilian and American meals in addition to providing fresh, high-quality meats and groceries to Somerville. serving all day breakfast, gourmet burgers, salads and more.

Reviewed By Eric H

While visiting my daughter and granddaughters in Somerville, we went on a walk and my daughter suggested a stop at this establishment. This is a bakery, butcher shop, grocery store, and café all in one, with Brazilian emphasis. We picked out pastries and sat and ate at one of their tables. The food was excellent, and the employees (family?) very friendly and welcoming. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and have a menu a full page long. We did not have a chance to eat a meal there, but it looked very inviting. My daughter has purchased steaks there, and she says they cut them to your specification, including thickness. I look forward to visiting them again, perhaps for breakfast, next time we visit. For any of you familiar with this establishment, they have just moved across the street from their former location, and are more than twice as big as they were.

Top 10 restaurants in Arlington, United States

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