I was in town and decided to check out First Impression. Right away, I could tell it was a family-oriented spot. They had some good soulful music playing in the background, and it gave off a real welcoming, at-home type of vibe. I believe the owner took my order, and broke everything down for me, which I appreciated. I ordered the fish and shrimp. The fish was very good and well-seasoned. The shrimp were jumbo, fried golden, and had a lot of flavor. Portions were solid -- I didn't even finish everything in one sitting and had some left for the next day. They also had a frozen fruit punched lol. That was a nice touch and fit the whole vibe of the place. Not a sitting area but this is a place you call your order in before you get there and take it back to the house. Overall, I was very pleased with my experience. If I'm back in the area, I would definitely come back and grab another plate. If you're looking for some good seafood (and more), this is a spot worth checking out. read more

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My friend had First Impression saved on her list, and we made plans to check it out a couple Fridays go for lunch. It's carry-out only and located on the top of mini hill with some auto repair shops surrounding it. Parking was a bit stressful, but the promise of good food made it worth it. The menu was pretty straightforward, and we got our food after a short wait. DINNER: WHITING - 20 + two sides: mac & cheese, coleslaw The fried whiting fish was thin, but perfectly crispy (even after a 20 minute car ride) and well-seasoned. Each bite was flavorful. The mac & cheese actually tasted 3D, unlike the bland, powdered cheese that is used at most places. It was on the thicker and chunkier side, the more I ate, the more addictive it got. The coleslaw was very refreshing and not too creamy. The portions were large, and my friend and I were full after sharing the platter. BREAD PUDDING - 4 This was fine, but not out of the ordinary. Probably wouldn't get it again. Overall, this is a hidden gem that is worth going to. I was worried the fried foods and heavier sides would irritate my stomach's sensitivity, but none of that happened here! Will definitely be back for other entrees and sides! read more

First Impression - Whiting + Mac & cheese + Coleslaw - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Maybe it's just me, but I've had a hard time finding good Soul Food in Northern Virginia. So I was glad to find First Impression. It's a carry-out restaurant located on a strip of auto repair shops. The service was really friendly and prompt. They have a steady menu and alternating daily specialties. I ordered the jumbo fried shrimp dinner with collard greens and onion rings as well as the fried chicken wing dinner with Mac and cheese and collard greens along with a slice of red velvety cake. Everything was seasoned perfectly and delicious. It's a no frills kind of place but the food is spectacular. The pricing is reasonable and the portions are generous. There's plenty of parking available as well. I think I've found my new go to spot. read more

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Good food, vibes and price! If your in a rush this is not the place for you. They but such care and time into every meal. Great owner! read more

First Impression - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Oh my God. I can't believe I'm just now finding out about this spot. Soul food done right in Arlington! If you're in Northern Virginia and don't want drive too far for quality soul food, this should be your spot! I stumbled upon it on Apple Maps and am so happy I did. I ordered the fried chicken dinner with collard greens and Mac and cheese and everything was delicious. They also give you mumbo sauce with the wings which was a welcome surprise because it's not easy to find good mumbo in NoVa either. I called my order in and it was ready in 15 minutes. It's take out only so don't expect to sit and eat there, but this should be your spot if you want soul food to go. 10/10 read more

First Impression - Fried Chicken Wing Dinner Greens Mac and Cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

1st time trying; now loyal customer. The whiting dinner was excellent . Food was fresh, prepared quickly, hot and delicious. Definitely adding to my list of favorites. Staff was very friendly and appreciative. Bye Weenie Beenie read more

First Impression - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

First Impressions #WIN This is the type of fish I grew up eating. Simple, seasoned and fresh. We had the shrimp; they were big and good. The catfish was fresh and tasty as well. We didn't try any sides. I invite all of my yelp Elite, friends, and followers alike to try this place. Tips 1) the location is on a hill, looks a little hood, but the people are really nice and and put pride into what they do - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS 2) parking on the hill can be a little scary; if you park in the front, back in if you can. There is also parking on the left (if you're facing the building - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS 3) the prices are great for what you get, especially considering how high of quality the food was. - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS read more

First Impression - Shrimp (no sides) with an extra shrimp or two. - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

My impression of this place is not good. First Impression restaurant is a takeout in a small dilapidated dwelling. This alone does not bother me for a takeout. However, The collard greens were salty; the whitings were too thin, curly, and salty; the shrimp was salty and rubbery; and the onion rings were too greasy. Nonetheless, the Mac & cheese was very good. I selected this place based on the rating which is baffling. read more

First Impression - Fish, collard greens, Mac & cheese. - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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First Impression left a spectacular one on me. While it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing on the outside, the inside is full of love and soul. I was warmly greeted by Aaron, who went over the menu and some of the favorites with me. My sweet tooth noticed funnel cake on the menu, but I was told that would be available when it gets warmer outside (I'll be back). I ordered the whiting dinner with mac and cheese and collard greens. While waiting for my food, I browsed the oil collection they had. As someone who likes to layer oil with cologne, I appreciated their offerings. When I got home, I saw 4 generous pieces of fish, well seasoned and crispy. Some of the best whiting I've ever had. The collard greens were enjoyable, but the mac was out of this world. I was very happy I ordered an extra side of it. You can tell and taste the passion for cooking they have. They have a fan in me. read more

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A hidden spot right on Shirlington rd! I was greeted by the owner and he was super personable. He gave us some recommendations and even threw in extra food for us! It's take out only and made to order. My friend and I ordered their Crab cake sandwich, smothers chicken, and mac and cheese. For dessert, I got the Bread Pudding and their iced lemon cake slice. The crab cake sandwich was decent, but not as good as I hoped. The smothered chicken on the other hand was amazing! So much flavor and the meat fell off the bone! The mac and cheese had good flavor but the macaroni was a bit over cooked. The bread pudding was super moist but not my fav since I don't personally like raisins. The cake was nice and soft! Had a good lemon flavor. read more

Randomly found this place on yelp as I was looking for a side of baked Mac and cheese and randomly stumbled upon First Impression. Definitely tucked away and a lowkey spot but that mac and cheese was so delicious! If you're looking for authentic southern Mac and cheese this is the place! Definitely will be back to try some different items here 10/10 customer service as well! read more

First Impression - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Don't let the building fool you, it's the food, owner and staff -- all quality! The First Impression is the best impression. The vibe was chill, music was dope. Everything was straight fire! That fried pork chop was cooked perfectly--crispy, flavorful, and tender all the way through. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and full of real homemade flavor. And the collard greens were seasoned to perfection, soft, savory, and absolutely on point. The gravy was delicious too. This whole plate was comfort food done right. My guy Aaron a real one, I think he's the owner, he's cool as fvck and helpful as this was my first time here. This is the soul food spot to hit up if you're in Arlington/Shirlington. I'll be coming back for the catfish and wings real soon. read more

First Impression - Fried porkchop with Mac n cheese, collard greens and gravy on the side. Straight fire! - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

If you want soul food so good, make it out to Shirlington, where Chef Aaron Green is cranking out heavenly creations in a hole in the wall takeout joint just oozing character and flavors. I was on vacation with family from Hawaii, where we don't get this genuine soul food. Virginia locals suggested this place, so we gave it a shot. Chef Green and his worker (didn't get his name) are friendly and efficient, telling us how their dishes were prepared and seasoned, making our choices easier. I opted for the smothered pork chops and chose collard greens and mashed potatoes as my sides. Having just came from Baltimore the previous day, I decided to also try a crab cake to compare. Pork chops and crab cakes anywhere else do not compare to what you can get at First Impression, and I'm a big supporter of the Manago Pork Chops at the Manago Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. Make your way out here--totally worth the drive or flight, and definitely worth your money. read more

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I walked in and was greeted and pleasantly surprised by the aroma. It smelled like grandma's kitchen. I had the fried pork chop collard greens, and mac & cheese, and old boy was I in for surprise it was worth the drive in rush-hour traffic from where I live to get those pork chops, mac & cheese, and greens and it taste like my grandma's cooking. My grandmother is from Mississippi and I swear that food was so good. Oh my goodness I couldn't wait to get home to get it read more

First Impression - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Only takeout is available, but the food was great and reminded me of home. Fried whiting, mac and cheese, and greens were amazing with good portions. read more

First Impression - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Really solid food. The fish was well seasoned but the shrimp was just okay. If you do go, order ahead so you're not waiting for the food. We went without ordering ahead and ended up waiting around 40mins for the food to come out as they were pretty busy. read more

Ok foodies. Last weekend was my first time at First Impression. I went for my second delicious meal a week later. Delicious, plenty for a meal, friendly service, price was right, and good old school music fitting the place. Still two more entrees I can't wait to try. read more

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Let's let out this secret! I found this little hidden gem on...TikTok! This hole in the wall, carryout spot is the truth and I'm throwing five stars their way, I hope they can catch. There is not a lot to find on TikTok or the internet about this spot, but I'm ready to show them some love. Are you ready too? Last night (Saturday, 2/17/2024), the hubby and I were scratching our heads trying to figure out what to eat for dinner. Is it just us or is determining what to cook and or eat every single day a gigantic feat?! Anyway, I asked the hubster if he wanted to check this spot out and he was game. I was able to find a picture of their menu online, I called once because on TikTok I saw they had catfish, but the menu did not state that - I asked the friendly person who answered the phone if they had catfish and he confirmed they did, score! We called back after figuring out our orders and the hubby and I got the following: crabcake entree with collard greens and mac and cheese ($20, the entrees come with two sides), the crabcake also came on a bun; we also got fried catfish entree ($20) with more collard greens and French fries and then we got a fried whiting sandwich ($10) which came with two pieces of white bread, white bread is the only way to go! ALL of the food was bomb! It was true soul food with hearty portions, they give you plenty of fish and everything was well seasoned. He told us our food would take about 15 minutes before it was ready, it was ready when my hubby arrived, it was piping hot, smelled so good, was perfectly crunchy and truly was reminiscent of true southern comfort food. There seemed to be one person working in this small carryout spot and he was doing the damn thing both in the kitchen and with his friendly customer service. So excited to frequent this local spot, when you go, don't say I didn't tell you that the food is BOMB! read more

Grateful to First Impression for preparing delicious sides for our group's community outreach activity. Hoping your business continues to thrive! read more

Another hole in the wall gem! Great food and great service. Def will return as I often travel to this area. Thanks again!

Ordered for the first time yesterday and the food was delicious! Everything as seasoned well, tasty, d and delivered in a timely manner. I definitely plan on ordering from them again. read more

happened to be in the area and out of all the restaurants around this one seemed like it would be the most appetizing. so it is not a DINE IN which i didn't knw until i went to get my food but it didn't matter bc i was on a schedule and didnt have time to dine in anyway..just a fyi.. customer service was good ..friendly... i ordered the crabcake meal and croaker fish meal i got collards for my sides and mac n cheese and mashed potatoes! everything was good HOWEVER i do think too much salt was used in specifically my collards im not sure if the crabcake always look the same as it was my 1st time here but it was ugly lol HOWEVER it was good! read more

A hidden Gem in Arlington! The food is amazing and all ws consistant. The owner and other workers are so polite and greet everyone that comes in. read more

If you want to talk about a small business hole in the wall, First Impressions would be the dictionary definition . Located in a very obscure area but parking was easy. As you walk in you are immediately at the register and can see right into the kitchen where Chef and owner Aaron green does it all. Very friendly but very hard working. You can tell the passion he has for what he does. I went on a Saturday right at opening 1pm. We ordered a few things off the menu and even took Aaron's recommendations. As we waited there was a steady flow of customers coming in. Nonetheless the food came out within 10 minutes like Aaron had told us. For me the star of the show were the wings and Mac and cheese. The wings were breaded perfectly. Nice crisp crunch when you bite into them, and juicy interior. My only feedback would be to add a little more spices to the wings for that extra kick. The Mac and cheese was nice and thick with great flavor. The collard greens were not too salty and tasted fresh. The whiting fish came with 4 pieces so more than enough and great for the price point. They were good but needed just a little bit more flavor. Overall this is a very solid spot. I will definitely be going back. I hope more customers come and show support to Aaron and his fantastic small business. read more

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I ordered the fried fish plate. This food was amazing. The fish was fried nicely, and the seasoning was on point. Another plus, was the price point. Also just note that this is not a sit down place. But overall the service was good, it was easy to order over the phone and the food was ready when I arrived. read more

Maybe i caught you on the wrong day... my collards were undercooked, mashed potatoes had a weird taste like some off the wall herb was added. Catfish was cooked perfectly but under seasoned and filets were small. Cake was not fresh. read more

First Impression - Stale red velvet cake - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The fried catfish platter was wonderful! The fish was freahly breaded and fried to order and cooked to perfection. The service was superb and the food preparation areas very clean. Best Soul Food take out in the area! read more

First Impression - Fried Catfish Dinner. Mac n cheese with collard greens. Yummy! - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

First impression is a hidden gem. Great customer service Fast Food has its own original flavor, a taste I've never experienced before! Unique takes on classic soul food dishes. Definitely will be going back. read more

First Impression - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I found First Impression by accident. And I could not be more pleased. This is a hidden gem in the Green Valley/Shirlington area. Soul Food done just absolutely perfect. Aaron is the owner and he will greet you with a larger than life smile. You'll meet some of his family while there too and they'll share stories of the community. The food: AMAZING! My husband ordered the pan-fried pork chop and it was to die for. Seasoned just right, not too salty. And it was so tender. I ordered the fried catfish and it was a nice large filet. But you can get a second one for a discount so of course we got it. It was fried perfectly and was not greasy. Saving the second filet for lunch tomorrow. For our sides, we ordered: collard greens, potato salad, cole slaw and home made macaroni and cheese. I have never had better mac-n-cheese! The collard greens were equally as good. I'm raving about those two because that's what I had on my mind to eat today. The potato salad and cole slaw were great... BUT THE MACARONI & CHEESE! And last but not least... the bread pudding with cream sauce. (Aaron was right... get the sauce.) I will be back weekly! Simply put... Home Cookin' done right! And it's obviously seasoned with love. Call in your pickup order or drop in and they'll cook while you wait. read more

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Spot is a must try! The whiting was freshly prepared and Mac and cheese and greens were on point! This is what I'm talking about supporting small business and local cuisine. Service was top notch and spot is organized and clean! I'll stop in again if in town! read more

This was my second visit to First Impression. On my first visit, we tried the whiting and the sides we chose were Mac and cheese and collards. We also ordered the shrimp appetizer which comes with hush puppies. Everything but the shrimp were just ok, the whiting had a strong taste to it, the noodles in the Mac and cheese were mushy, and the hush puppies were a little overdone, dried, and greasy. We decided to give First Impression another try, this time ordering the catfish, with collards and mashed potatoes with gravy. We also ordered the shrimp appetizer again. The catfish was cooked and seasoned well, and the collards were solid. The mashed potatoes were a little dry, but the gravy was tasty. The shrimp are large with a crispy fried coating, and were cooked well and tasty, they are definitely salty though. The hush puppies were really good this time, cooked perfectly with whole corn kernels inside. read more

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Found this place through a FB local foodie group re good soul food. Holy moly. So fresh and delicious. Not salty, not bland, incredible. $22 with tax. Closed Sunday and Monday and easy to miss (drove past a few times), but well beyond worth the effort and money. And the kind gentleman who took the order even brought it out to my car. I've lived nearby for 16 years, best meal I've had. So grateful to have learned about this local gem. I wish this business uber success. read more

First Impression - Whiting, mac and cheese, greens, bread. - Soul Food Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Can't get enough of that fried fish and Mac n cheese with greens. It's very consistent and prices are reasonable. Service is always with a smile read more

Whiting Fish Platter hit the spot. A lot of fish for the price. Will definitely be back. I wish they had homemade tartar sauce.

Great Fish dinners, if you are from the South and miss the fish dinners you are used to this is the place. I got the Whiting Dinner, it was delicious - I've already told friends about this place. A hidden gem in Arlington! read more

srtaight soul food good to your soul food. definitely a winner. you would never know it from the area and the looks. worth every penny

It was one of those lazy days where I just wasn't in the mood to cook so I figured I would try First Impression since I like to support mom and pop independent businesses. Reviews seemed positive so I stopped by on my way home and I'm very happy that I did. No frills atmosphere, was greeted warmly by the people working there. It was a pretty good crowd of people but my food was prepared quickly and efficiently. I had the fried whiting platter with fries. The fish was cooked correctly, just enough crunch without being dry and not overly salty. Same for the fries. I was really happy that they weren't greasy (nor was the fish). Everything was seasoned just right...not overdone with too much seasoning which allowed the flavors to come through. The food travelled well for my 10 minute drive and was still fresh when I arrived home. I'll definitely return and am going to try the wings and greens. read more

Huge portions and super delicious soul food. White fish was perfectly fried and these are the very best collard greens. Very friendly and welcoming place. read more

Visiting with family wanting to taking in all the good food in the area, we decided to focus on what we can't find easily in Seattle, All American Southern soulful home cooking. OMG, First Impression did not disappoint! We all got something different to share. I got the smothered pork chop. It was so good I honestly wanted to keep it all to myself. The Mac & cheese and collards were the most flavorful I've had. Highly recommend this place to anyone, especially if you are not sure what soul food is. This is the real deal. read more

I was excited to try this place but ended up disappointed. Food mostly had a good flavor, but was gritty/dirty. I got sick from it. Service was good. Your mileage may vary. I won't be back. Is there no high quality soul food in the area that's not some kind of Northerner-owned fusion? read more