W.O.W.! Whitlow’s on Wilson Anchors Thriving Arlington Nightlife Scene

There are few Arlingtonians - whether 20-something rock-and-rollers, families with small children, or 60-something old-timers - who don’t know about Whitlow’s on Wilson.  One would have to be blind to miss the half-block long restaurant and bar with new rooftop patio scene, an integral part of the nightlife renaissance that’s taken place here over the past sixteen years.

You can’t help but spot the brightly colored patio umbrellas and neon signage at the corner of 2854 Wilson Boulevard, with floor-to-ceiling windows displaying hand paintings of everything from a CAPS American eagle crest to a Boston Bruins Indian logo. Both the American and Irish flags wave in the breeze. Whitlow’s is not your typical Irish bar, but the Whitlow’s name has been made famous in these parts by owners Susie (O’Leary) Cahill, whose family of nine children hails from West Cork, Ireland, and her husband Greg Cahill, who can trace his Irish lineage to Roscommon on the Emerald Isle.  The two met years ago – or should we say three children and five grandchildren ago - at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Alexandria.

“Susie and I were in Ireland at the same time but didn’t know each other then,” said Greg. “I guess you could say everything has come full circle now.” 

Whitlow’s has an impressive bottled beer selection with over 35 varieties broken down style-wise into seasonals, pale ales and IPA’s, fruit beers, lagers and ales, Belgian styles, stouts and porters. The variety of offerings include favorites like the seasonal Anchor Steam Summer; Blue Mountain Full Nelson Pale Ale; and for hopheads, Stone IPA (a formidable 6.9% alcohol-by-volume) and Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA (an even bigger 7.25% alcohol-by-volume). For lovers of fruity dessert beers there is Unibroue Ephemere, made with sweet apples. Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Ale (7.5% abv), Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard (7.2% abv) and dark beers Evolution Porter and Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout round out the bottled offerings.

Among the thirteen taps you’ll find standards like Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Magic Hat #9, Stella, Yuengling, Sam Adams Lager and Seasonal, and Guinness, as well as a few surprises like Bell’s Oberon and the “draft of the month.”  Bar manager Nadim Kouttab told me, “In Arabic my first name means ‘good friend and drinking partner’ and I think my father had foresight in selecting my name as he wanted a buddy for later down the road. My mother is Irish and she went along with the choice.”

Whitlow's magic lies in the diversity of its comfortable, almost diner-like partitions. One has a rather large stage area for bands. There is a poolroom and video game hangout that transforms into the center of one of the most popular and delicious Saturday and Sunday brunch buffets in all of Arlington. An ultra-hip sand bar with outdoor patio seating is enclosed by tall fences, making you feel like you’re eating on an oceanside dock with its kitschy authentic seafaring décor.

The newest addition is the rooftop tiki patio complete with thatched cabaña bar, leather bar stools, and walls lined in bamboo with yet more of the infamous tiki carvings. It’s one of the most sought-after rooftops in the area, with a vibrant after-hours scene that builds throughout the summer. Bands play on Thursday through Saturday nights (don’t miss 50 MAN MACHINE, a Reggie/Celtic band, on June 30). Every other Tuesday is Live Band Karaoke, where you can make your singing debut to over 100 songs.

Whitlow’s has drink specials Tuesday through Friday nights. Monday night features half-price burgers all day; Tuesday brings all-you-can eat Alaskan crab legs for $19.95 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (this favorite also is included in the weekend brunch); and Taco Sundays! last from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with $4.00 tacos and a Pub Quiz (with prize for first place) that starts at 8 p.m.

The sixteen-year-old restaurant is anchored by an impressive staff that’s personable, casual, informed, and very much a part of the harmonious Cahill-Williams family. Many of them, including executive chief Diane Pierrelus, have been with Whitlows from the very beginning. (Her son, Lanoix, serves as night chef, and her nephew Larry also works in the kitchen.)

Truly, Whitlow’s and its companion restaurant 3 Bar and Grill add a familial warmth to the Clarendon urban chic.