Waiting tables at Clyde’s at age 18, Robert Thompson, now more than 20 years later, is bringing his diner-bar-entertainment center back to where he started in the hospitality industry. Punch Bowl Social—with more than two dozen around the country—serves what Thompson calls “diner-oriented comfort cuisine.” Think chicken and waffles with a jalapeno-pecan syrup, fried bologna sandwiches and coconut cake.
Opened in December in Ballston Quarter, three floors offer dining, relaxing, bocce, bowling, arcades and karaoke. There’s also drinking, naturally, while settling into the Holiday Lounge with Queen Anne-inspired furniture in matte black, huddled around a fire place (there’s two total) and bookshelf-print wallpaper that Thompson brags about, using words like “rich,” “dimensionality,” “gold gilding” and “depth.”
The generous cocktail program features a drink for everyone. In the morning, take solace in black coffee with a shooter of Fernet Branca. For a sweet nightcap, find banana-infused E. & J. Gallo brandy in a milkshake with salted caramel, vanilla soft serve and whipped cream. And in-between: punches, classics and a slate of non-alcoholic sips: sodas, fizzes, juices and zero-proof cocktails.
Thompson’s pick this season for sipping ‘round the fire: Crampa Jack, Jack Daniels infused with dried cranberries and brightened with orange liqueur. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington; punchbowlsocial.com
Keep Sipping
• Far more interesting than a packet of powder, try the gourmet hot cocoa, with options of dark, milk and white—and frozen—at The Conche. // 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite J108, Leesburg; the-conche.com
• Germans know cold weather, so it’s only fitting to sip Deutschland varietals like Blaufränkisch at the intimate Otium Cellars, replete with a fireplace. // 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville; otiumcellars.com
• Get lost in 28 taps of craft beer, too many grilled cheeses and the dark comfort of a dive
at Galaxy Hut. // 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; galaxyhut.com
• With all the nooks and crannies of a house built in the 1700s (which it was), Agora Downtown Coffee Shop makes it easy to feel settled and at ease; plus, find coffee with locally roasted beans from Ricks Roasters. // 520 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; agoradowntown.com
See the full Comfort Food feature from the January issue here.
