Beloved Arlington Eatery Rhodeside Grill Closing After 30 Years

The community institution will serve its final meals and drinks on Feb. 21 as the building is set for redevelopment.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Rhodeside Grill, a beloved restaurant and community gathering spot in Arlington, Virginia, will be closing its doors on February 21 after 30 years of operation. The owners announced the closure, citing the building's redevelopment and the lack of a long-term lease as the reasons behind the decision. The news has prompted an outpouring of support and nostalgia from the restaurant's loyal patrons, who have flocked to Rhodeside in its final week to enjoy favorite dishes, drinks, and one last chance to be part of the establishment's history.

Why it matters

Rhodeside Grill has been a fixture in the Arlington community for three decades, serving as a gathering place for locals to enjoy food, drinks, live music, and camaraderie. Its closure represents the end of an era and the loss of a beloved community institution, as Arlington continues to evolve and redevelop. The news has resonated deeply with residents who have made Rhodeside a part of their weekly routines and special occasions over the years.

The details

Rhodeside Grill, located on the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Rhodes Street, will serve its final meals and drinks on Saturday, February 21. The building is set for redevelopment, and with no long-term lease in place, the owners were forced to close the restaurant. In the final week leading up to the closure, the community has flocked to Rhodeside to enjoy favorite menu items, such as the Diablo mac and cheese, chicken wraps, and tots, as well as to participate in weekly traditions like Tuesday trivia nights, live music, and karaoke.

  • Rhodeside Grill opened in 1996.
  • The restaurant will serve its final meals and drinks on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Rhodeside Grill

A beloved restaurant and community gathering spot in Arlington, Virginia, that has been in operation for 30 years.

Alice and Wilson Whitney

The original owners of Rhodeside Grill, who envisioned the restaurant as a cozy neighborhood hangout that grew into a much larger community institution.

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What they’re saying

“What started back in 1996 as Alice and Wilson Whitney's vision for a cozy neighborhood hangout turned into something so much bigger than we ever imagined. The conversations, the laughter, the music — all of it happened because of you.”

— Rhodeside Grill Family (dailyvoice.com)

“Every time I visit, my priority is grabbing a Diablo wrap from my favorite spot. I wish more than anything that I could come by for one last drink. But I am so grateful for the memories I got to make here.”

— Rhodeside Grill Patron (dailyvoice.com)

“While we knew there were plans for redevelopment, this is a loss for Arlington. Rhodeside is an amazing community gathering spot. This part of our community will never be the same.”

— Rhodeside Grill Patron (dailyvoice.com)

What’s next

Rhodeside Grill has encouraged the community to visit its sister Vintage restaurants, including Ragtime, William Jeffrey's Tavern, Dogwood Tavern, and Bear Branch Tavern, in the wake of the closure.

The takeaway

The closure of Rhodeside Grill after 30 years of serving the Arlington community represents the end of an era and the loss of a beloved institution that was deeply woven into the fabric of the local community. The outpouring of support and nostalgia from patrons highlights the important role that Rhodeside played as a gathering place and reflects the broader changes and redevelopment happening in the area.