Revisiting Cafe Asia ... in Arlington

I had neglected to visit Cafe Asia's Arlington location before this past Saturday. Compared to the downtown DC location, this restaurant has a larger but friendlier interior, expansive bar seating, and an even better happy hour.

Having a somewhat early Saturday dinner at 6PM -- well within the 4:30-7:30 happy hour window -- we had dinner for two for $18. ($24 after leaving a nice enough tip.) This included six pieces of nigiri sushi, two appetizers, and four decent beers (Samuel Adams Octoberfest).


Sitting down at the bar and asking about the happy hour specials, the bartender told us he had $1 pieces of nigiri sushi, half price drafts, and half price appetizers. "And half price sake, right?" Yes. Sometimes, it pays to know more about the specials than the staff.

Cafe Asia in Arlington is on Wilson Boulevard, an easy walk from the Court House Metro and a doable jog from the Rosslyn station. This is one of the best $1 sushi happy hours around, so check it out and you'll be amazed how cheap you can eat on a Saturday (and Monday through Friday, too).