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Rustico - Ballston, Arlington, VA
Rustico - Ballston, Arlington, VA
Rustico - Ballston, Arlington, VA
Rustico - Ballston, Arlington, VA
Rustico - Ballston, Arlington, VA

Rustico - Ballston

4.0
4
1199 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Top Tags:
Rustico is the quintessential neighborhood pub in the heart of Ballston in Arlington, Virginia. The menu features seasonal, hearty American fare from a wood-fired oven and grill, including pizzas and rotisserie meats, along with other rustic cuisine using the freshest local ingredients available. There"s also no mistaking Rustico's love for barley & hops! The bar's focal point is a custom galvanized bar with 40 brilliant taps book-ended by two massive coolers holding more than 400 different types of ales, lagers, ciders and stouts.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (571) 384-1820
  • Website
    http://www.rusticorestaurant.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Angel Gonzales
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event at Rustico Ballston! located within walking distance of the Ballston metro, Rustico Ballston’s private dining room and bar are waiting for you!
  • Private party contact
    Rebecca Chuvalas: (571) 384-1820
  • Location
    4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
  • Neighborhood
    Arlington
  • Cross street
    Randolph
  • Parking details
    On Street - Metered, Pay Garage located under building. Entrance off Randolph Street.
  • Public transit
    Ballston-MU Metrorail station;# ART routes serving Ballston- * ART 41 * ART 42 * ART 51 * ART 52 * ART 53 * ART 62 Metrobus routes serving Ballston, * 1BCDEFZ * 2ABCG * 10B * 22A * 23AC * 25A,C,D * 25B * 38B
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,199 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.0
4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Lively

1,199 Reviews

  1. CraigM

    Cleveland

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A++ food dining experience. Would visit again and again.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Lizzy

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We really loved it! I don’t cook with salt and found the pasta a little salty. But the food and drinks are generally great!

    Rustico - BallstonResponded on November 19, 2023

    Thank you for dining with us and taking the time to leave us a note! Feedback is always appreciated and an absolute necessity to make improvements. We hope you dine with us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. JohnJ

    Atlanta Metro

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Stopped here for a late lunch. We missed the lunch crowd on purpose. Really enjoyed the food and the quiet atmosphere. We’re definitely coming back. It’s a great venue with heaters for outdoor seating. We both had the burger. Cooked perfectly and not messy at all. Great place for a casual break from the office.

    Rustico - BallstonResponded on November 19, 2023

    Thank you, John! Glad you enjoyed! Hope to see you again soon to enjoy this great patio weather we continue to have!

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  4. scotslass

    New Orleans

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Ok. Had a large any noisy party in area that was close to where we were seated. So that destroyed the ambience. Food good, but overpriced for basic items.

    Is this helpful?

  5. John

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    The service is very slow. I think they are under staffed, and we were there before prime dinner reservation time. The food was ok, but nothing that you couldn’t get at a dozen other places. Beer list is good, but seems unbalanced in terms of beer types and breweries.

    Rustico - BallstonResponded on November 6, 2023

    John, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. I apologize for the slow pace of service during your visit and your concerns are being actively addressed! I'd like to invite you back to give us the opportunity to really show you the quality of food and service we aim to deliver! Please ask for me, Brad, when making your next reservation!

    Is this helpful?

  6. SalD

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    Usually a great place and the server was very nice but she brought me the wrong drink, then they didn't bring one of the meals for our table. I had to ask the manager to get it made. The others had already finished their meals. Then they didn't bring a desert. We had boxed up food and ready to leave and I had to ask a manager to get the desert. Seemed a bit overwhelmed. It was very loud in the back of the table area.

    Is this helpful?

  7. FoggyBottomMom

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    The food was ok, so if I was just rating the food I might return. Our sever was oblivious and uncaring. We were just a transaction to him. Maybe because we were taking advantage of Arlington restaurant week? He took our order, and he did get it right, but never came back to check on us. Our dessert course was delivered to our table two minutes after our entrées had arrived. They just left it on the table and didn’t even bother to pick up the dirty dishes from the appetizer course. The ice cream was melting by the time we hit our dessert. Donuts were supposed to be served with three sauces and we only got one. No servers around to complain to and at that point we didn’t think it was worth it. Long after we finished our meal the server reappeared to give us our check. We gave him a low tip,indicating we wanted a printed receipt, yet oblivious as over, the server didn’t even register! The Alexandria location had better service last time we went. Never coming back to the Ballston location.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    7 reviews

    1.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience3
    The food was great! We had the steak, burger and bruschetta. The wine and beer were delicious, the glassware was really cute too. We were sadly very disappointed by the customer service. Our first waitress completely forgot about us after delivering our drinks. We waited 25+ minutes before finally asking what looked like the manager on shift to order food. He took our order, brought our food in a timely manner but then ultimately forgot about us after that too. Another almost 25 minutes went by and we finally asked for the bill. He comped one of our drinks and thanked us for our patience which was a nice touch but overall we were disappointed and will likely not dine in again.

    Is this helpful?

  9. ArlingtonFoodie

    Washington DC

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed the setting and the food - we had the carrot dip, Hawaiian pizza and salads - all yummy!

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  10. Asdfghjkl

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3
    The food was great. The service was mediocre. We sat against a far wall that curiously had the lights removed but the wire conduits were still there. That made it very dark and hard to see the food. Would I go back? Yes, for the food. And weather permitting, I would sit outside and try my luck for better service.

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  11. Anonymous

    Washington DC

    188 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    188 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food wasn’t bad, we had the calamari appetizer and the gnocchi and the steak frites. Service wasn’t bad. We sat at a high top table in the bar. The weather was cooler so a lot of people ate outside on the patio. In the bar, there seemed to be a few people watching the games on the TV. Not too loud. The only complaint was that even though we were inside, it seemed a bit warm. Not much air flow. It may have been cooler to eat outside.

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  12. Jassie

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is a great date night location. Ambiance is romantic and they also have outdoor seating.

    Is this helpful?

  13. SelectiveSuburbanite

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience1
    Overall bad experience. The food and drinks were fine, but service was rude and bad. We would not return.

    2 people found this helpful

  14. MBtzx

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    The kitchen was broken so the restaurant was extremely hot. The wait staff was super slow to the point where we had to wait almost an entire hour without getting water refills. The food was alright. The ambiance was very dark to the point where I could not see what was on my food.

    1 person found this helpful

  15. powder

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Landon was a fantastic waiter, and the food was all great!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. Food was wonderful. Happy hour specials were good.

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  17. GJHGJH

    Washington DC

    53 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The kitchen fee on the final bill was an unwelcome surprise. I’m okay with their being one but it should be noted on the menu.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at Rustico and really enjoyed the food and service. Will definitely be back.

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  19. Christine

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Above average dining experience. Had spinach artichoke dip, side Caesar salad, and one of their specialty pizzas. 3 out of 5 stars

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  20. CSachi

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We actually had a big group with over 30 people. They were able to accommodate us. Everyone got exactly what they asked for. Perfect space for a large group. We will be back.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food was amazing as always and service was fast and very attentive. She came to our table regularly to check on us and was very friendly. The only thing was that I felt a little bit rushed. First I was on the phone with my babysitter and the waiter passed by the table took some plates and my Manhattan drink, which I hand not finished. Then she passed by again, and while I was still eating the last slice of pizza, she took the plate on front of me and left me with the sliced of pizza in my hand. I don't think she did any of it on purpose but It kind of ruined my date as we felt as we had to leave.

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  22. AngelaS

    Houston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat outside at the picnic tables. Really lovely setup and delicious food and drinks.

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  23. DARRYLC

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Hostess had to also fill in as our waitress? Seemed not to be properly staffed for Mother's day customers Limited non-alcoholic drink options. Order was slightly screwed up coming out to the table. Food was pretty good despite the other issues

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    The food was ok but did not equal the price paid. The place was not busy but sever was slow to take our order. He also had a hard time hearing us and brought the wrong drinks.

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  25. Sejal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food is really yummy and also the drinks are amazing. For me the best part was the food

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  26. CeciliaU

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Went here for a birthday dinner and it was awesome! We even got a free dessert! Will be back!

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  27. Jeff

    Philadelphia

    35 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    While the menu had a limited number of traditional Italian entrees, the ones my wife and I had (meatballs and spaghetti and rigatoni bolognese) were excellent. The waitress was also the hostess so she was busy but managed to give us adequate service. We are inside because there was a chill in the air and we did not bring sweaters , but there were many tables outside in an attractive dining area on the side of the restaurant. I would go back for the food.

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  28. BritM

    E. Tennessee

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great beer list, good food, and nice ambiance. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meal.

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  29. VisitingDC

    Cleveland

    20 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    My family ate here a few years back and the food and service was very good. Unfortunately, this past experience was horrible. Our server was friendly but the food was a disaster. Appetizers were greasy and cold and our entrees were even worse...it was like eating over priced cafeteria food. We ended up barely eating our food and left to find something better to eat. Hopefully this establishment will improve their food standards and cooking methods.

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  30. IRAF

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    The place is very nice and the service very good. Everybody was nice and attentive. The food was nothing to write home about, unfortunately, but we didn't have pizza, so maybe that would be better.

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  31. JackB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Nice place - weird layout, but good prices for happy hour in Ballston. The food was good. Service was adequate, but nothing to write home about.

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  32. brittanyh

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The food was decent. Risotto bites were good as an appetizer. Feta dip was delicious as a shareable snack as well. The pasta dishes (penne alla vodka and rigatoni), both came out freshly hot, but both lacking a bit of flavor. Beer selection was pretty good. Overall, good ambiance and good view of the games playing on the TVs at the bar. Friendly service.

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  33. SandG

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Salmon and chicken salad were very good and mashed potatoes some of the best we have had in a restaurant. Pizza was disappointing, short rib good but dry. Service from host stand to servers/bussing was uninspiring but not unfriendly. The staff seemed like this was their first restaurant experience - not energized, well-trained, and missing some of the basics of service. While we are glad we have it a try, we are unlikely to return for dinner.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience5
    Great food but don’t waste your money on the cocktails.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic! Delicious food and great service! Had several appetizers and split a couple pizzas - yum, yum! I would definitely go back when I am in the area!

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  36. NathanZ

    Washington DC

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was excellent. Food was delicious. Atmosphere was just what we were looking for on Valentine's Day. We love Rustico and will definitely be back. Thank you!

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  37. Brett

    Vancouver

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    It was a birthday dinner—information I shared when we made our reservations, but that was totally ignored. Service was pretty bad all around. Food was okay, would have been better if server had come by to see how things were, or what we needed.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was super fast, drinks were delicious and a good size, and the food was quick and amazing!! I would highly recommend!

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  39. Jason

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    The server brought out the appetizer, salads and entrees simultaneously. I got a shrug of the shoulders when I pointed out how ridiculous the situation was. The food was ok, but nowhere close to great. They do have a great selection of local beers. No hurry to return there. Too many better options in the area with staff that know how to do their job.

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  40. brigid

    Naples

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    incredible food! went for restaurant week and they had an amazing deal! appetizer, pizza, and a dessert for $40 that was more than enough for 2!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rustico - Ballston using the Order Online button. Rustico - Ballston also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Rustico - Ballston also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (571) 384-1820.

Rustico - Ballston is rated 4 stars by 1199 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rustico - Ballston

4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Randolph
  • Neighborhood
    Arlington
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Wed 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Thu–Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    On Street - Metered, Pay Garage located under building. Entrance off Randolph Street.
  • Public transit
    Ballston-MU Metrorail station;# ART routes serving Ballston- * ART 41 * ART 42 * ART 51 * ART 52 * ART 53 * ART 62 Metrobus routes serving Ballston, * 1BCDEFZ * 2ABCG * 10B * 22A * 23AC * 25A,C,D * 25B * 38B
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Angel Gonzales
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.rusticorestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (571) 384-1820
  • Private party facilities
    Host your next event at Rustico Ballston! located within walking distance of the Ballston metro, Rustico Ballston’s private dining room and bar are waiting for you!
  • Private party contact
    Rebecca Chuvalas: (571) 384-1820
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