The second iteration of fan-favorite Northside Social in Arlington arrived in Falls Church at the beginning of the summer, about a half-year after sister restaurant Liberty Barbecue planted around the corner. Instead of a tiny cafe on the busy streets of Clarendon, this bigger version feels like a modern cabin in upstate New York with lots of light wood, industrial light fixtures and wooden chairs reminiscent of elementary school days. The upper-level patios are slammed, accordingly.
Does the menu feel familiar? It isn’t a copy, but during its first weeks it borrowed some dishes from the restaurant group’s various kitchens. There’s the seeded pretzel that’s more like a braided bread loaf, served with a rosemary-honey butter and spicy mustard, from the Lyon Hall arsenal. If you want a pretzel, you’ll be disappointed, but if you want a bread basket, this will work.
The pizza, topped with white cheddar, prosciutto, apple and sage is lifted from Liberty Tavern, and it’s a fitting pie for this little wine bar. And if you didn’t know, pizza is pretty perfect with a bottle of red. The crust is shatteringly crunchy and the well matched toppings don’t weigh down this personal-sized meal.
Steak frites—slices of ruby-hued hanger, with a salted char, and served with an arugula and pickled onion salad with a side of bearnaise—is the only true entree on this otherwise snack-centric menu, which owner Stephen Fedorchak says will evolve with the seasons and forge its own identity.
The downstairs cafe remains open all day (grab a pastry with sweet, vegan, gluten-free and savory—everything seed poptart!—options), with the wine bar serving some of the same lighter fare, like quiches, grain bowls, soups, salads and sandwiches plus an array of cheese, meats, dips, shareable plates and an octopus tentacle. This is 2018, after all. // 205 Park Ave., Falls Church; facebook.com/northsidefallschurch
