Ted's Bulletin — Restaurant in Arlington

Ted’s Bulletin: A Delicious Hug for Your Soul (and Stomach) This past weekend, my family and I decided to make Ted’s Bulletin our dinner destination, and wow, it felt like we hit the jackpot. The moment we walked in, it was clear this wasn’t just any neighborhood spot—this was the neighborhood spot. We were greeted with warm smiles and a vibe that felt like a perfect mix of retro charm and modern cool. It's like stepping into your grandma’s kitchen if your grandma also happened to be a hip bartender and a gourmet chef. Let’s start with the star of the show—the food. I went for the Ted’s Tart, a childhood pop tart dream upgraded for adults who’ve seen some things. The s’mores flavor? Let’s just say I had no choice but to lick the plate when no one was looking. My husband opted for the Reuben, which he said was “life-changing”—and for a man who rarely uses hyperbole, that’s saying something. He swapped fries for steamed broccoli, which made him feel virtuous enough to order an Oreo milkshake to balance the universe. Spoiler: he didn’t share the shake. The kids devoured the pancakes, insisting they were “bigger than Dad’s face,” which turned into a measuring contest at the table. Ted’s didn’t just win on size—the fluffy, buttery goodness had the kids declaring it the best pancakes ever (and they’ve tried a lot of pancakes). Our server, a walking ray of sunshine named Sarah, was on point. She checked in just enough to make sure we had everything we needed without hovering. Even the manager stopped by for a friendly chat, making us feel like regulars even though it was our first visit. Ted’s Bulletin has this magical ability to make everyone—from brunch squads to families like ours—feel at home. The open, social dining area buzzes with laughter and the clinking of glasses, making you want to linger just a little longer. After a meal this good, there’s only one way to keep the evening rolling—Pull Up DC. We swung by for some of their premium strains to enjoy later at home. Ted’s fed our souls, and Pull Up DC helped us relax and reflect on a perfect evening. It’s the ultimate one-two punch for a feel-good night out. Ted’s Bulletin isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to comfort food and good vibes. Whether you’re there for an espresso martini, a dinner with the kids, or just some good conversation with friends, you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart. Add in Pull Up DC for the cherry on top of a perfect evening, and you’ve got a winning combo that’ll keep you coming back for more. Five stars, all the pancakes, and zero regrets. Go. Now. You’ll...

On September 16th at 7:00 PM, I placed an order through Postmates from Ted’s Bulletin with the intention of providing dinner for a grieving family in Virginia, as I was in California and unable to be there in person. This was meant to be a small gesture of comfort after the loss of my friend’s father. Unfortunately, the experience I had with the manager on duty was deeply upsetting and unacceptable.

When my assigned Postmates driver arrived to pick up the order, he was told by the restaurant that it had already been picked up. This was impossible, as he was the only driver ever assigned to the order. At my request, the driver kindly handed his phone to the manager so I could speak with him directly. What followed was one of the most unprofessional and disheartening interactions I have ever had with a manager in the hospitality industry.

I explained that I was across the country, trying to ensure this bereaved family received a meal during a very difficult time. Instead of showing any empathy or willingness to resolve the situation, the manager was dismissive and rude. He insisted that the food had been handed to “the correct person,” despite the fact that my driver was standing right in front of him with no order in hand. When I asked if the order could be remade so that the family could still receive their dinner, he flatly refused, offering no accountability, no solutions, and no compassion.

As a manager myself, I was shocked by the lack of professionalism and basic human decency displayed. In moments like these, a small gesture of understanding or effort can make a tremendous difference. Instead, I was met with hostility and indifference. This experience not only ruined what was meant to be a thoughtful act of support, but it also left me with a lasting impression of how poorly this establishment values its customers.

I will never set foot in Ted’s Bulletin again, and I sincerely hope that leadership takes a hard look at the standards of service and compassion being upheld by their management team. No guest should ever be treated this way, especially in such sensitive...

My recent visit to Ted's Bulletin in Ballston, Arlington, quickly turned into a nightmare when I discovered a roach crawling inside the chocolate croissant I purchased for carry-out. What was more appalling, however, was the response I received when I reported the incident to the manager, Cassie Spencer.

Upon informing Ms. Spencer of the unsettling discovery, instead of offering an apology or an explanation, she seemed indifferent and simply asked if I wanted a refund. Shocked and seeking clarification, I inquired about how such a thing could happen. To my disbelief, Ms. Spencer's response was not only dismissive but downright disrespectful. She callously remarked that she "didn't know how it got there" and suggested, in a shockingly unprofessional manner, that it "probably crawled from her armpit".

The audacity of her reply left me speechless. It was abundantly clear that Ms. Spencer lacked the basic courtesy and professionalism expected of a manager in the hospitality industry. When I sought confirmation of her managerial role, she proudly affirmed her position and voluntarily offered her business card as well as that of the general manager.

This encounter left me deeply disappointed and disgusted. Not only was the hygiene of the establishment compromised, but the response from the management was utterly unacceptable. It's disheartening to see such a blatant disregard for customer satisfaction and a shocking lack of accountability.

In light of this experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend Ted's Bulletin in Ballston to anyone. It's not just about the quality of the food; it's about the respect and integrity with which customers are treated. Until there are significant improvements in both cleanliness standards and customer service, I will be taking my...