Northern Virginia, and in particular, Arlington, has practically every style of pizza emerging from an oven at a given moment. But Nighthawk Pizza may be the first serving what co-owner Scott Parker calls “Midwest tavern pies.” Parker goes on to explain that the pizzas have thin, “super crispy” crusts and are topped with a variety of ingredients. “There’s an anchovy pie,” he says. “[The team’s] personal favorite is the littleneck clam pie.”
The menu springs from the mind of Johnny Spero, known both as chef at Reverie in DC (and the upcoming Bar Spero) and as a TV star, from his time competing on Netflix show The Final Table. And offerings don’t end with 16-inch pizzas. Parker says that diners can also expect Spero’s award-winning take on the Oklahoma City onion burger, complete with smoked mayonnaise. Shareables include fried cheese curds and smoked wings. Parker adds that Spero is bringing in hints of his Maryland upbringing with dishes like a pit beef sandwich.
Andrew Kelley and Kai Leszkowicz of Aslin Beer Company are also co-owners. Parker says that they bring with them not only “a really strong fan base,” but also a collection of brews sure to attract new fans as well.
Nighthawk Pizza will open at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. The restaurant will serve dinner exclusively for the first few weeks while the team finds its footing. They’ll add lunch as soon as possible. Inside Westpost, the shopping center formerly known as Pentagon Row, the pizza-and-brews destination is almost assured success from National Landing’s growing population. Additional upcoming openings include Baltimore-spawned taco restaurant Banditos Bar & Kitchen and Kusshi, a sushi specialist, according to arlnow.com.
1201 S. Joyce St., Ste. C10, Arlington
Feature image courtesy Nighthawk Pizza
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