(whitlows.com) – Clarendon neighborhood, Arlington, Virginia

How I heard of this place: On our long walk from North George Mason drive to Georgetown about a month ago, we happened by Whitlow’s. Since then, each of my trips to Clarendon have taken me by the establishment, which is always busy, with happy patrons eating, drinking and laughing indoors and on the patio. On this particular morning, after our walk to Clarendon to register for gifts at Crate & Barrel, Chris asked me to choose a brunch spot. Before remembering that Whitlow’s was just around the corner, we walked into the Hard Times Cafe, previewed their menu, noticed they had only lunch and dinner options and, thanking the hostess on our way out and sharing that we were interested in brunch, she pointed us in the direction of Whitlow’s.

Type of cuisine: A bar, after all, Whitlow’s carries an eclectic menu of diner-style breakfast options, Tex-Mex, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and a variety of dinner entrees, including: Paella, Cajun Shrimp, a Roast Turkey Dinner, BBQ Ribs, and Meatloaf. You name it, you got it at this neighborhood bar.

Ambiance: A festive outdoor scene, with umbrellas over tables in the sun host a variety of patrons, including a number which had just participated in the Race for the Cure. A rooftop patio is also available to diners, weather permitting, not to mention what seems like endless space indoors for seating. Whitlow’s looks like the type of restaurant where the owners, fifty years ago, brought in random items to decorate their new establishment from what they could gather at home, and the theme continued to grow throughout the years. I would not be surprised if patrons have brough in random bits of art to help decorate the space over the years. Stained glass windows, to a retro refrigerator, jukebox themed ornamentation and framed artwork from years gone by. The dark interior is lit by the windows surrounding the establishment, while dark wooden furnishings add the feel of a bar set in a rustic, home den. Above the doorway, a line of beer taps give a sense of the random decor at Whitlow’s. A larger interior is kept small by several rooms, wooden booth backs creating a separation of space and a bar that is open, yet kept separate by brass railings. Music plays overhead as the clinking and clanking of forks and knives are at every turn.

What I ordered: In the mood for brunch, Chris and I selected a cranberry juice ($2) and grapefruit juice ($2) respectively, to start. For our main entrees, Chris ordered my top pick for breakfast omelette: the Cheddar Bacon Omelette ($7.95) made with three eggs and stuffed with cheddar cheese and real bacon bits, served alongside home fries, sausage and a fresh, warm biscuit. He also requested a side of bacon ($1.50 for two crisp slices). Taking my second choice, I went with the Spinach & Mushroom Omelette ($7.95) with Swiss cheese, a side of home fries, bacon and my choice of biscuit as well (from options also including toast or English muffin). Each dish came ornamented with a slice of orange and half of a very ripe and sweet strawberry. Even the side of bacon was presented with half a strawberry!

What I loved: I loved the crispy bacon, the fresh, ripe fruit and the small, yet very full omelettes. The home fries had great flavor, but seemed to have been prepared earlier in the day and kept under a heat lamp. My omelette, while hearty and full of sliced mushrooms and tons of spinach had a very sweet flavor that I could not quite place.

Why I loved it: I love a bustling scene and Whitlow’s definitely provides! The friendly staff and the full tables show that this establishment, understandably has been the “Best Neighborhood Bar” since 2004.

Cost: Low to average (from $7.95 breakfast entress to $17.95 for an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet)