The Commentary

Name: The Commentary
Address: 801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA, United States, 22203
Telephone: (571) 505-5957
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

69 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top tags:

Located in the bustling neighborhood of Ballston, The Commentary sets the tone to come together and connect over shared experiences and conversation. A new All American Eatery and Social House, The Commentary infuses East Coast ingredients with a West Coast flair. From business breakfasts to power lunches and happy hours, the dynamic space accommodates groups large and small for a variety of purposes. In our bar and lounge, enjoy shareable appetizers, shareable cocktails, local draft beers and a well rounded wine selection sure to please all palates.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–1:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(571) 505-5957
Website
https://thecommentaryarl.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Bobbie Miller
Private party facilities
Whether you are looking for a private room for a business meeting, company or family celebration, The Commentary offers a refreshing ambiance for every occasion.
Private party contact
TJ Daniels: (703) 473-3390

Location
801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203
Neighbourhood
Arlington
Parking Details
Complimentary Valet Parking (ask your server for validation)
Public Transit
Two Blocks from the Ballston/MU metro stop.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Fresh Breafkast BowlUS$13.00
dairy free oatmeal, fresh fruit, coconut flakes
Veggie Grain BowlUS$15.00
basmati rice, 2 eggs, tofu, carrots, spinach, roasted cremini mushrooms, brussel's sprouts, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce
Crab Avocado ToastUS$18.00
lump crab, avocado, lemon aioli, seasoned tomatoes, pickled radish, caramelized onion naan bread
Berry Danish PancakesUS$14.00
buttermilk pancakes, blueberry coulis, almond streusel, lemony cream cheese
Mascarpone French ToastUS$15.00
brioche bread, mascarpone vanilla drizzle, fresh berries, toasted coconut
Chicken & WafflesUS$19.00
fried chicken thighs, buttermilk waffles, sweet & spicy sauce, cinnamon butter
Chorizo BenedictUS$16.00
poached eggs, chorizo, avocado, pico de gallo, house made tomatillo sauce, cotija cheese, sour cream, crispy tortilla
Breakfast WrapUS$14.00
hash browns, scrambled eggs, avocado, pepper jack cheese, salsa, chipotle crema, choice of bacon, sausage or chorizo, choice of side
Steak & EggsUS$23.00
2 eggs, 8oz. new york strip, chimichurri sauce, choice of side
The Commentary BurgerUS$16.00
brisket-short rib blend, white cheddar, roasted garlic aioli, candied & peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, The Commentary sauce, toasted brioche bun, choice of side

Drinks

Mimosa FlightUS$10.00
blueberry, mango, pomegranate & prickly pear
MimosaUS$6.00
Bloody MaryUS$7.00
Coffee & TeaUS$3.00
JuiceUS$3.00

What 69 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Good for business meals
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for brunch
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Good for business meals
Virginia - DC Suburbs
Great for outdoor dining

69 Reviews

M
Megan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server Jose was amazing. He made my birthday so special!!!
Is this helpful?
JB
JohnB
Atlanta Metro
12 reviews
1.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
A private party was underway when we arrived. So no service or food was available.
Is this helpful?
V
Vincent
Washington DC
26 reviews
vip
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Jose took great care if us. Food was delicious and the prices were very reasonable, which was great for us!
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
Washington DC
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Crab avocado toast with poached eggs was amazing and loved the mimosa flight!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience, the chef is amazing on the food selection. Thank you we will be back very soon :)
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thank you Commentary team! We keep coming back no place better!
Is this helpful?
TB
TheBigG
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had dinner and brunch at Commentary. Had trumpet mushroom entree for dinner. Umami bomb. Creative, unusual and delicious dish for vegans and vegetarians. Combination of leeks, mushrooms, and potatoes had deep flavor- like French onion soup. Creation of Chef India, who is a gem. had pancakes from buffet at brunch. Expertly prepared- fluffy, light, yummy.
Is this helpful?
SV
SheelaV
Baltimore
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have dined here twice already and had excellent service both times. Once was for a girls night out and next was for a milestone birthday. The staff, particularly Jose and Yovinka were the best, so helpful and made our visits so wonderful. Because of them, I will definitely be back and look forward to hosting more events here. The manager on duty was also so accommodating and made our whole experience a great one. A big thank you to Jose & Yovinka!!!
Is this helpful?
h
heatherm
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great hidden spot for brunch with friends. Cute garden patio and modern yet comfy interior. We had bloody marys, mimosas, crab avocado toast, breakfast burrito, fries and the boost juice - all were fantastic!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thank you Frank, AJ & Mr.Ben for your hospitality, and excellent. I’ll be back soon!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superstar staff!!! Great food, beautiful patio set up, Best bartenders, excellent management , we’ll be back for sure
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is a hidden gem..a chillax ambience, with delicious food! The bartender made the best cocktails. Our servers were very attentive from the moment we walked in. Thank you
Is this helpful?
DK
DavidKevin
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Commentary is a fantastic combination of bar, gathering spot, work space and restaurant. The menu / food quality is excellent as is the customer service. The entire staff earns kudos with special mention for Jose and Martin.
Is this helpful?
DM
DougM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cute and chilled vibe restaurant. Love the library section of the restaurant where we finished our drinks in the couch. We have the market fish of the day and the white fish was delicious. The spicy garlic was tasty too. The staff and bartender were friendly and quick to help us.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 13, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience3
I was changed for refills. I even had to ask for a refill then I was charge for it. No staff came back to see if I needed anything. They were more interested in folding silverware. The place was not busy. There was 1 bartender and 3 staff there. 6 people at the bar and 1 other table eating. So there is no excuse but that I was not important or drinking booze. Not again. I’m here for two weeks and I will eat dinner and breakfast else where.
Is this helpful?
F
2Foodie
Washington DC
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
The chicken with the chicken and waffles was bad, it was frozen out the bag chicken and not good at all. For a restaurant, you should be able to make fried chicken in house and not need to use frozen chicken tenders out of the bag. Burger was good. Mimosas didn’t seem to have much champagne, was mostly sugary juice
Is this helpful?
BB
BreckB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Server was amazing and made everything very fun. Burger was good and fries where some of the best fries I’ve ever had.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles
Exclusive
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at this restaurant and being inside the Westin hotel, I was not expecting much. Well, I was wrong! Service was great and food was perfect. The regular Cocktails were great, however, the Rose Wine & Rose Prosecco that were on Happy hour menu where not the best. I guess for $7, it was not too bad.
Is this helpful?
DK
DavidKevin
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visit Commentary every couple of months and love it. We have tried a number of items from their dinner menu and have been impressed every single time. The appetizers are excellent as is every one of the items under the Sandwiches menu. The portions are generous and the food is delicious. The service is excellent, too.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service is top notch.....will be back again
Is this helpful?
w
worldtraveller
Atlanta Metro
195 reviews
vip
1.0
195 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience3
Where to begin? It’s in the Westin hotel so I guess they rely on a captured market. The scrambled eggs are an egg product that comes in a giant plastic bag. It tastes like plastic. I wouldn’t serve this to a dog. The coffee is really weak and service during the day is abysmal. In the evening the happy hour is excellent and the bartender (young) is knowledgeable and excellent. So come for happy week during the week 5-7pm But avoid at other times.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great under the radar restaurant! Wonderful location for cocktails with friends, dinner and weekend brunch. Food and drinks are excellent. It is always nice to find a new favorite restaurant.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love it here. Always a great time! Service is also always fantastic, and management is extremely attentive.
Is this helpful?
A
Anon
Western NC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Host helped us find an out-of-the-way spot for Sunday brunch during our stay at the Westin. Comfortable seating, nice atmosphere. Food: great presentation, good options for our multi-age group. Everyone was pleased with the experience, privacy and service. Will return.
Is this helpful?
AI
AngelI
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Staff great very friendly and accommodating. Food and drinks very good.
Is this helpful?
A
Anonymous
Des Moines
22 reviews
vip
1.0
22 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
Wouldn’t recommend.
Is this helpful?
MD
MelissaD
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for the 3 course Valentine's dinner and it was nothing short of amazing. I started with the perfectly cooked scallops with a delectable bacon cream sauce. Melt in your mouth good. I then had the short rib which was also done to perfection. The service was very friendly and attentive. The beer, wine, and cocktail list was extensive. Apparently they do a pairing dinner every third Thursday of the month. I'm putting it on my calendar!
Is this helpful?
S
Steve
Washington DC
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The experience was nominal. Nothing stood out or was great or exceptional. I wouldn’t call it a Brunch because from my experiences it lacked additional side orders or vegetables and more meat products. It really was just an extension of breakfast food with a beef tenderloin and deserts. I probably would not revisit because of the lacking in options.
Is this helpful?
SB
SarahB
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wasn't expecting the New Years Brunch but it was perfect!
Is this helpful?
TC
TyCooper
Washington DC
37 reviews
vip
4.0
37 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
We were married in the Presidential Suite at the Westin, so we return every year to celebrate our anniversary. The Commentary is a great place for a quiet dinner for two. The maître de/waiter was cordial, but not friendly. The food was great. At the waiter’s recommendation, I ordered The Commentary Burger. Made with a brisket-short rib blend and candied and peppered bacon, it’s the best burger I’ve ever tasted.
Is this helpful?
D
Dindin
Washington DC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Met family members for Sat brunch. Liked the menu and enjoyed the service and atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
T
T4two
Washington DC
127 reviews
vip
3.0
127 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2022
overall3food5service4ambience2
The food was very good. The service was excellent once we were seated. However, via Open Table it was not clear that the restaurant was.open for hotel buffet breakfast prior to Brunch. The restaurant was full of very noisy families when we arrived for our 10:30 reservation our table was not ready, and it was almost 30 minutes before we were seated. So much for a quiet start for a day with friends we had not seen for over twenty years . . .
Is this helpful?
RK
ReneeK
Denver
25 reviews
vip
2.0
25 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience3
Unfortunately the very nice waiter couldn’t answer any questions about the menu. It was frustrating for us as consumers who like to know what’s in our food
Is this helpful?
m
mlarkin
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Located inside the Westin, it’s a great bar and restaurant! We sat at the bar hi-top tables and ordered several different apps and drinks. Service was great! The server was also the bartender and was very on top of all of our needs and orders!
The CommentaryResponded on May 24, 2022
Thank you so much for providing feedback regarding your visit! We are glad that you enjoyed your time at The Commentary, and look forward to having you again soon! Cheers!
Is this helpful?
CD
ChDiner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Everything was fine, nothing special here. Worked for a last minute brunch.
Is this helpful?
TC
TylerC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice restaurant with a great atmosphere for a nice sit down meal.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Rome
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Hours if operation not updated, made a reservation for no reason
Is this helpful?
LG
LG20
Washington DC
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, cocktails and atmosphere. Ben our server was vey attendant and helpful. I really liked how calm and relaxing the atmosphere is at The Commentary. I hope to return next time I am in Arlington!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience2
This place was good. The decor was nice and the food was also enjoyable. Steak was a bit overcooked and one of the cocktails was not impressive. We had an 8pm reservation and there was no one there so there was not much of an ambiance. Loved the service though.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience2
To be fair, we didn’t actually eat here. We showed up for a reservation at 7 pm. We were right on time. We walked in to find no one on staff there. No hostess. No wait staff. No bartender. We waited for about five minutes and then we decided to call the restaurant to ask if someone might be available to seat us. No one answered. At this point, we walked out and went somewhere else. I know that staffing shortage is real - we completely get that. But…
2 people found this helpful

FAQs

The Commentary offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (571) 505-5957.

The Commentary is rated 4.7 stars by 69 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sept 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

Order delivery or takeout

801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Arlington
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–11:00 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–1:30 pm Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Complimentary Valet Parking (ask your server for validation)
Public Transit
Two Blocks from the Ballston/MU metro stop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Bobbie Miller
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access

Website
https://thecommentaryarl.com/
Phone number
(571) 505-5957
Private party facilities
Whether you are looking for a private room for a business meeting, company or family celebration, The Commentary offers a refreshing ambiance for every occasion.
Private party contact
TJ Daniels: (703) 473-3390

The Commentary

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

Brunch

Fresh Breafkast BowlUS$13.00

Veggie Grain BowlUS$15.00

Crab Avocado ToastUS$18.00

Berry Danish PancakesUS$14.00

Mascarpone French ToastUS$15.00

Chicken & WafflesUS$19.00

Chorizo BenedictUS$16.00

Breakfast WrapUS$14.00

Steak & EggsUS$23.00

The Commentary BurgerUS$16.00

Drinks

Mimosa FlightUS$10.00

MimosaUS$6.00

Bloody MaryUS$7.00

Coffee & TeaUS$3.00

JuiceUS$3.00

What 69 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does The Commentary offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Commentary restaurant rated?

Is The Commentary currently accepting bookings?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information