Ballston Local — Restaurant in Arlington

Ballston Local is not just a restaurant; it's a beacon of culinary delight, casting a warm and welcoming glow over the neighborhood. With its super friendly service and an atmosphere as inviting as a family gathering, this spot is a testament to the joy of shared plates and hearty conversations.

Our culinary journey at Ballston Local was nothing short of a gastronomic festival, celebrating the finest in casual dining with a twist of sophistication. The Mama's Meatballs, nestled in herbed ricotta and accompanied by perfectly grilled garlic bread, were so tender and flavorful as if every bite whispers a secret recipe passed down through generations, served with a dollop of love.

The Caprese Crostini was a symphony of flavors, harmonizing the saltiness of prosciutto with the freshness of tomato and arugula, all elevated by a drizzle of balsamic reduction that danced on the palate. It wasn't just an appetizer; it was an aria, sung by the ingredients in perfect pitch.

Pizza lovers, rejoice, for the Sausage & Roni Pizza is a masterpiece of dough, cheese, and cured meats. The blend of pepperoni, Italian sausage, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil was a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Each slice was a ticket to an Italian countryside.

The Italian Pork Store Special sandwich was a hearty homage to the classic Italian deli experience, with layers of prosciutto, sopressatta, ham, and fresh mozzarella, accented by roasted peppers and arugula, then kissed with vinaigrette. It was a hearty handheld feast that transported us straight to the streets of Rome, one savory bite at a time.

And then, there was the Blumont Burger, a burger behemoth that stood tall and proud. The caramelized onions, gorgonzola, arugula, and bacon came together in a beautiful, messy, glorious union, all slathered in burger sauce that could only be described as "nectar of the gods." It was the kind of burger that demands your attention, commanding the stage with the poise of a seasoned actor. I'm not usually a fan of blue cheeses, but I would come back for this.

The beverage menu at Ballston Local was a parade of liquid joy. From a beer and wine list that is both satisfying and inviting to a fun and tasty cocktail menu that sparked conversation and laughter like the "Spa Day" made with gin, lavender simple syrup, and lime juice sparkling with gold flakes, every sip was a celebration of good taste and great company.

Overall, Ballston Local, in essence, is more than a restaurant--It's a place where every dish is a discovery, every drink a delight, and every visit a return to a place where you're...

Let’s set the scene: I ordered a Caesar salad via Postmates. You’d think, “Hey, this should be simple — lettuce, croutons, chicken, dressing, some Parmesan, maybe a spritz of lemon if we're feeling fancy.” What I got was... romaine, chicken, and croutons tossed in the dry hopes of better days. No Parmesan. No lemon. And absolutely zero Caesar dressing — which, fun fact, is the only thing that makes a Caesar salad a Caesar salad and not just a sad pre-chicken-chicken-salad.

Naturally, I turned to the Postmates app, which advised me to call the store. I did, full of hope, like a kid believing in Santa Claus. A very unbothered young woman answered, and I explained the situation. Her solution? “You can come in and get it.” Ma’am… if I wanted to come in, I wouldn’t have Postmated a $14 salad that’s just dry leaves and poultry.

I said I couldn't come in — hence the delivery — and she hit me with a flat “How do you want to resolve this?” in the same tone you use when your roommate asks where all the toilet paper went. Eventually she muttered a half-hearted “sorry,” and that was it. No dressing. No refund. No offer to make it right. Not even a coupon for a future disappointment.

Also, they spelled my name wrong — which is honestly just the cherry tomato on top of this dressing-less disaster.

In conclusion: if you enjoy mystery salads, passive-aggressive customer service, and paying extra for vibes, this is the spot for you. Otherwise, run. Run far. Caesar didn’t get stabbed 23...

If you're anywhere near Ballston, Ballston Local is a must-visit spot for a casual hangout with seriously good food. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked in, but man, they totally exceeded my expectations. The Short Rib Poutine is ridiculously delicious – tender beef, rich gravy, and melty cheese curds all over crispy fries. It’s comfort food at its finest and perfect for sharing (or not, I get it).

Now, let me tell you about the Bang Bang Shrimp – crispy perfection. The shrimp are battered in ale, giving them a light, airy crunch, and then they’re tossed in this amazing creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right amount of heat. It's so addictive; I could eat a whole plate of just these! Also, if you’re a burger person, do yourself a favor and get the Bluemont. It’s got caramelized onions, gorgonzola, arugula, bacon, and their classic burger sauce. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory – it's hands down one of the best burgers I’ve had in Arlington.

For something a little more classic, their Chicken Parm is no joke either. The chicken cutlet is perfectly crispy, covered with melted mozzarella and parm, and finished with fresh basil. It’s simple, but done so well that it hits all the right notes. Overall, Ballston Local is killing it with their menu, and I’ll definitely be coming back...