Opening in early May, The Boulevard is taking over the former Wilson Hardware space with an ambitious new concept. Get ready for modern American cuisine, global influences, and a nightlife-driven atmosphere.
The project comes from hospitality veteran Antonis Karagounis, whose resume includes some of DC’s busiest nightlife venues, turning his attention toward Arlington.
“It’s a brand-new restaurant at the old Wilson Hardware location,” Karagounis says. “We took over in October, and we gave it a nice refacing, freshening up.”
A Familiar Space, Reimagined
The 8,000-square-foot venue includes a main dining room, mezzanine-level private dining, dedicated event space, patio, and rooftop deck. Together, those elements allow the restaurant to function as multiple experiences under one roof.
“The concept is a little bit on the multifaceted, complicated side,” Karagounis says. “But basically, The Boulevard is a two-part restaurant.”
Downstairs focuses on dining, while upstairs introduces a distinct rooftop concept called Solset.
Global Flavors with Modern American Dining
At its core, The Boulevard is a modern American restaurant, but one that draws from global cuisines.
“We’re opening a modern American restaurant with a few global twists,” Karagounis says. “A little bit of Mediterranean, a little bit of Italian, a little bit of French.”
The menu, led by chefs Homero González and Bayron Navarro with consulting from Chef Juan “Nacho” Olivera, reflects that range. Dishes include lamb slider bao buns, king salmon tiradito with yuzu leche de tigre, cavatelli with king mushrooms, and steak frites, alongside sushi, crudos, and ceviches.
Karagounis, born in Athens and now living in McLean, notes that some dishes reflect his background. Others are more outside the box, like a beetroot risotto with coconut milk and leeks. The menu’s goal is balance; elevated but still approachable, with options for adventurous diners and those seeking familiar favorites.
A Built-In Night Out
What sets The Boulevard apart is its built-in transition from dinner to nightlife.
“One of the things that I think is missing locally is the idea of an upscale, casual place with a little bit of music on the weekend,” Karagounis says, describing a “supper club vibe” aimed at a 25-to-45 crowd.
That energy builds throughout the evening, with DJs spinning house and down-tempo music as the night progresses. Upstairs, Solset offers a different atmosphere entirely. Inspired by Mediterranean beach destinations, the rooftop emphasizes lighter fare and bright, citrus-driven cocktails.
“We’re trying to recreate that vibe; the comfortable vibe that you’re coming in, have your amazing cocktails,” Karagounis says. “You feel like it’s an out-of-body experience.”
The cocktail program, created by Glendon Hartley, ranges from refined classics to more playful, nostalgic drinks.
Designing a Destination
Karagounis has lived in Northern Virginia for decades, but this marks his first major project on this side of the river. With The Boulevard, he sees an opportunity to draw diners from across the region, not just the immediate neighborhood.
“I would like to actually be a destination spot,” he says. “Something that people are looking forward to visiting.”
Ultimately, Karagounis isn’t focused on any single dish or feature. Instead, he’s aiming for something more holistic. “I want people to leave and say, ‘OK, this was an experience worth having and talking about,’” he says.
2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Feature image rendering courtesy The Boulevard
