South Block — Restaurant in Arlington

Edit: You can see my original review below. I've updated my review from 3 stars to 5 stars. Since my first visit, I've patronized this location 2 additional times. Both subsequent visits were a lot better than my first. I decided to try something different, which was the pumpkin pie shake, and it's now my new favorite even though it's seasonal.

The staff has been nice every time I've gone but my interactions with them have been increasingly more pleasant. On my most recent trip, I was attended to immediately. The service was great and order fulfillment was super fast.

Unless I have a completely terrible experience at an establishment when I visit, I realize that sometimes you have to visit more than once to get a good perspective of how a business is run.

I'm definitely glad I went back.

**My original 3 star review:

First off, I'll say that my first visit here was ok. I'll definitely try this place again.

When I walked in I was greeted by staff. I always appreciate that.

I walked directly to the counter to order, but I was never asked if I needed help until about 3 minutes later, even though no one was in front of me. I realized later that I could've submitted my own order at the counter. Initially, none of that was clear to me.

I love avocado toast, and I don't mind paying $10 for it, especially if I'm not making it; however, this particular avocado toast blew my palate out and had my lips burning from all the seasoning that was put on top. Your experience may be different based on who's making it, but I don't think I'll ever order that again. The fact that the toast and avocado had to be dressed with so much salt, some sort of flakes, which I will assume were red pepper flakes, and other spices, was not worth it to me. I'd rather eat plain avocado and toast than what I experienced. Visually it was nice to look at. It looked like avocado and toast with confetti on top, but unfortunately it tasted like I was eating a jar of mixed spice.

The pumpkin pie bowl was visually appetizing. The portion size was spot on. It definitely felt like a full meal. I enjoyed the bowl but I think I'd rather have it as a smoothie in a...

To all my fellow bus riders: Have you ever been on a bus, gazing out the window, when you see a shop that catches your attention, and you immediately want to jump off the bus even though you don't know where you are/how far away your actual destination is?

That's how I felt about South Block. I didn't actually jump off the bus, as my destination was Virginia Square, and I figured I could work my way back here easily enough. It did end up taking longer than expected to work my way back to South Block though. I had to circle between Virginia Square and Clarendon a few times before I was finally reunited with South Block (I have the worst memory and couldn't remember if I started my trip in Virginia Square or Clarendon).

The employee working at that time was very helpful. I asked for recommendations, and I was in turn asked what I liked. I said chicken, and the employee told me everything has chicken: SCORE. That still didn't narrow down my choices though. I then added I love avocado, and I was told to try the Clarendon Classic, which has guacamole.

I went through the same process for the smoothies. mentioning I love Mango, but wanted to try something a little "different" (i.e. not Mango Mania). It was then suggested I try Guava Breeze.

I was the only person in the store at the time, so I didn't have to wait too long for my order to arrive. I liked that they had magazines for me to read to kill time while I waited for my food.

The food itself was definitely scrumdiddlyumptious. The burritos are Chipotle sized, but I could tell South Block is a much healthier option based solely off the tortilla wrapping the burrito. The burrito did immediately fall apart (which never happens with my Chipotle burrito, because that is a mighty tortilla they use) but I don't mind the mess. I just picked up a fork and started eating my burrito from the foiled wrapper.

My guava breeze smoothie was also super refreshing, though the bottom of the smoothie wasn't quite so smooth, as I think a chunk of each type of fruit remained at the bottom of my cup (before I ate each...

Wowww, talk about freshness in a bowl! This was my first time visiting and I was so excited to try it I literally had a dream about it the night before. No joke, ask my sister.

There are so many options, it may be a tad overwhelming, but take a deep breath and choose your freshness. I decided on the California bowl and my sister got the CaveMan bowl

California: organic acai, bananas, blueberries, and almond milk topped with handmade granola, blueberries, bananas, and hemp hearts CaveMan: organic acai, caveman milk (house-made cashew milk) and bananas topped with handmade granola, dates, bananas, and shredded coconut

This bowl is so filling and I'm sorry but the only word I can think of to describe it is fresh! It came out nice and cold, the blended part is incredibly smooth and surprisingly liquid-y, but in a great way. Beforehand I could never really picture eating a smoothie with a spoon, but now I get it.

The toppings really make it -- obviously. The granola and chia seeds were my favorite part. By the way, on the counter right by the napkins, spoons, and agave nectar they have a squeeze bottle full of chia seeds. Yes, you can add as many chia seeds as your little heart desires.

Small word of warning: my California bowl stained my lips blue soooo don't get one if you have a morning meeting lol

I happened to notice that the menu also included a breakfast sandwich/wrap section, most of which were only $5. I'd be interested to try their food as well and see if it lives up to their smoothie bowl quality.

The staff was friendly/neutral. No complaints! It's a small space so I wouldn't expect to get a seat during the morning rush. However, we got there at 9am and it was actually empty. Could've been the rainy whether though.

If it wasn't so expensive I could seriously eat this every morning. That's why I'm giving them a 4/5 stars...why must it be so expensive :( I would drop all the chai tea and coffee purchases I make if this was a $5 bowl I could...