One of my besties took me here to celebrate my birthday and we had such an amazing time. The service was excellent, even with them being busy. This is a walk-in only spot. I recommend the Clarendon on sunset and frozen marg along with the shrimp tempura, pork dumplings, and steak frites! They have a retractable roof, so you can go while it's raining. We were there while it was raining. When we first got there, it wasn't raining but we were at the high top tables. We asked to move to a corner table on the edge that was a low top and the hostess let us. But after a while, it began to rain. Even though the top is covered, the side is not, so we were getting sprinkled. Our waiter asked if we wanted to move, so he took us to a 4 person high top table. After some time again, a manger asked if we would be okay going back to a low top table (happened to be the same one we were at) (after the rain was done) because it was for two and they needed one for four, and he sent us two drinks which was really nice. We didn't mind moving back and it was nice he sent us drinks. And this lead to one of the best convos ever with a couple next to us! After the rain was done, they opened the roof and it was even nicer! The staff was amazing here! Loved the vibe here. read more

***Disclaimer: This is the experience me and my group had and the only reason this spot is receiving a 1 star was because of the manager's unprofessionalism during my time there. So I was with a group approx 15-17 people in total coming in at different times throughout the evening. It's a Thursday and we've called previously and were told they don't take reservations Thurs-Sat. It's a smaller rooftop but nice tropical-themed decor a small bar with some side seating and standing tables, and a cool open patio area having additional tables. Around 6pm, 5 of us are there ordering drinks and we ask about additional seating or space since we see it's picked up with customers and we have more people coming. To be clear our server was excellent, super accommodating and just trying to work with us for an extra table or to allow us to use the side standing area which had a few seats. We're also sitting next to another couple that has two free seats so we ask and they allow us to use those as well. We're ordering food and drinks, the happy hour has various wines for $8, and $2 off specials for beer as well as their sushi and nigiri. I had a really good pinot from the menu as well as some sushi so if nothing else definitely give them a shot for the light bites and drinks). Now our issue comes when our people started getting stopped at the door and suddenly there was a capacity on the location. Then the manger comes over no proper greeting and asks if we have a reservation, we explain the information we received over the phone and he's simply stating our group can't have anymore people come in. We try explaining to him why we didn't make one (because we couldn't based on the info given) and there are people outside or already parking who've come along way to attend this group meetup. Opposed to helping us find a solution at the time he's being argumentative and although the misinformation isn't our fault he continues being rude and dismissive about the situation and proceeds to hassle the table every 5 mins after. First we're violating fire code because we had someone sitting at the end of the table, so ok we make sure that person moves to resolve the issue. A little while later, it's we can't use the seats at the table next to us although we've explained to him that we had already asked the very nice couple next to us if we could and had their permission. Then it was he couldn't have us standing around our table meanwhile there's 5 or 6 other tables near us with people sitting and standing around their individual tables. So now some of us go to the bar to alleviate that, he comes back later and threatens to cancel orders if people continue to come. Again these individuals are already outside of the establishment or nearby so some of us (including myself) leave to keep the peace so that others can come take our seats and still comply with the managers new capacity demands which we were told was due to understaffing. Again feels like we're being targeted and penalized for things that were not our fault. I was told by friends that some drinks and food had been comped after we left so I'm glad they at least received something for all the trouble. I would strongly advise keeping your group small or somehow getting them to make you a reservation before arriving to avoid the chaos if you try this spot out, and I can only hope this may encourage some coaching or re-training for management on choosing a more respectful tone and demeanor when communicating with customers who are simply trying to support the establishment and making sure all employees are on the same page with policies/procedures to avoid the spread of misinformation. read more

Solset is one of Clarendon's newer rooftop spots. The rooftop offers a solid vantage point especially around sunset, making it an attractive place to grab a drink after work or start an evening out. I visited on a Friday around 6 PM and the venue had a solid crowd. The space itself is well-designed, with a mix of high-top tables, traditional seating, bar seating, and standing-room areas that give it flexibility for different groups and occasions. That said, the experience felt like a venue that is still working through some growing pains. Service was friendly, but clearly stretched thin. Wait times to order and the intervals between check-ins were longer than expected. One of the first issues was learning that two of the six signature cocktails--the Watermelon Paloma and Match Coco--were unavailable because they were out of ingredients. On a Friday evening during prime hours, that was surprising, especially given the relatively small cocktail menu. I ended up trying the Clarendon at Sunset and the Margarita Sandía, both of which had good flavor profiles. However, the Margarita Sandía tasted noticeably light on tequila. To compare, I ordered a shot of tequila separately and was disappointed to find it tasted unusually diluted. Considering cocktails start around $15, stronger consistency and quality control would go a long way. I also found myself unsure of the venue's identity. The music was great, but during my visit, some guests were smoking hookah in the seating area, while the two TVs across from the bar were showing random programming until I requested the NBA Finals. The food was actually one of the highlights of the night. Everything we ordered was flavorful and well-executed, but the portions felt very small relative to the price point. Overall, Solset has potential. The rooftop views are the best at sunset, the food is good, and Clarendon can always use more rooftop options. However, consistency in drinks, improved service execution, and a clearer identity would make the experience much more compelling. I'd be willing to give it another try in a few months, but right now it feels like a promising concept that's still finding its footing. read more

Solset Bar - Bars Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Solset recently opened--moving into the former Wilson Hardware location (Solset (rooftop bar) and Boulevard (restaurant space)). The two spaces look great. Upon arrival, you can tell the goal is for a good vibe. The rooftop will be amazing on the warmer days. However, for a newly opened location, the service and food value were lackluster. We sat with empty glasses for 10+ minutes and eventually had to call out to the bartender ourselves. The wine pours felt pretty minimal, especially compared to similar spots in the area. The food portions also felt underwhelming for the price -- the $15 zucchini croquettes were essentially two small zucchini-and-cheese bites, and the $19 shrimp appetizer came with just five shrimp. Unsure if I would order food again based on this experience, but I would like to give Solset another try in case it was new opening growing pains. read more

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Dear reader, Solset Bar is still quite new and plainly working out a few early kinks, but we had a thoroughly good time and came away feeling very optimistic about it. There is already a lot to like here, which feels especially promising for a place still finding its rhythm. The rooftop area is very nice and makes for a lovely place to sit, have a drink, and pretend for a moment that one's only responsibility is selecting the next cocktail. The Margarita Sandia on happy hour was delicious and exactly the sort of drink one wants on a hot day. It was refreshing, nicely balanced, and had that watermelon brightness that makes you feel briefly more glamorous than you probably are. The zucchini croquettes were incredible and easily one of the highlights of the meal. We loved them, and the sauce absolutely deserved its own round of applause. The fried chicken bao buns were also such a fun surprise and very good all around, with the sort of flavour combination that makes you immediately glad you ordered them. Service was definitely slow, but everyone we interacted with was very nice and friendly, which went a long way. Nothing felt rude or careless, just a bit behind the pace. Overall, Solset already has the bones of a very good rooftop spot, and I suspect it will come together quite nicely over the next few weeks. read more

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Food is tasty and fresh. The ambiance is a vibe! It doesn't feel like you and Arlington rather on vacation The service is friendly, but being new I'm sure they will work out the kinks read more

Solset Bar - Bars Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Great food and drinks. A vibe. Our server was very attentive. Drinks are moderate in price, around $14. The matcha coco is delicious and so is the Clarendon on Sunet. Garlic shrimp are a must try. read more

Solset Bar - Bars Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Really cute location (but the entrance is on N Garfield not Wilson as stated). They were out of the ingredients for the only mocktail they offered but made something work. Wings were yummy. The service was kind of a mess (waiter not splitting the check, forgetting what we ordered, bringing us food we didn't order, etc). We had a waitress in training but the man training her wasn't experienced enough to be training her. Everyone was nice but agree with the other reviewers that they need to iron out the kinks. read more