Harry’s Tap Room in Arlington is reborn as Market Tavern.
By Nevin Martell
The upstairs half of Market Tavern has been dubbed the Chophouse, since it specializes in steakhouse fare.
One door has to close for another to open. That’s what happened with Harry’s Tap Room in Arlington, which was shuttered for renovations this fall so it could be transformed into the two-floor Market Tavern. The downstairs Tavern features 26 craft beers on tap, more than 50 wines by the glass, and casual pub fare.
The upstairs Chophouse focuses on high-end steakhouse specialties, such steaks of every cut, stick-to-your-stomach short rib with polenta casserole and a hearty lamb shoulder stew with sweet pea rice and yogurt raita sauce.
Executive chef Richard Beckel – an alum of Citronelle and the Caucus Room – oversees both kitchens.
Unwilling to be outdone, the bar has developed a series of signature cocktails that can be ordered on either floor, including a pomegranate habanero margarita, a black cherry Mojito and the 007-inspired Vesper, a shaken-not-stirred martini made with Gordon’s gin, vodka and Kina Lillet aperitif wine. For a spirituous selection, choose from more than a half dozen single malt scotches or 10 different whiskeys.
No matter what you decide to sip on, don’t forget to raise a glass to new beginnings and absent friends.
Market Tavern, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va.; 703-778-7788, www.mtavern.com
