Ballston Quarter
A vibrant hub in Arlington, VA, featuring a diverse food market, shops, and entertainment, all in a modern, accessible setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere with restaurants & bars.
Ballston Quarter
Best Time
Lively atmosphere with restaurants & bars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub in Arlington, VA, featuring a diverse food market, shops, and entertainment, all in a modern, accessible setting.
"The food court is definitely the highlight, offering a great variety of dining options. "
🎯 Explore the Food Court
Don't miss the Quarter Market's 18 diverse eateries for a culinary adventure.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Be cautious with parking payment; some visitors report confusing systems and fines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Quarter Market
Food Court
A vibrant hub with 18 eateries offering global flavors, perfect for any craving.
Hal & Al's BBQ
Inside Ballston Quarter
Experience unique Baltimore/Pakistani BBQ with 18-hour smoked briskets and ribs.
Juniors Playland
Indoor Playground
A cute, small indoor playground ideal for keeping little ones entertained and supervised.
Public Art Walking Tour
Ballston/VA Square Neighborhood
Explore diverse public art installations, including 'The Flame' and 'Ballston Quarter Bridge'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Foodie Paradise, Shopping Lite
Navigating Parking Hassles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Food Court
Don't miss the Quarter Market's 18 diverse eateries for a culinary adventure.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Be cautious with parking payment; some visitors report confusing systems and fines.
🛍️ Shopping is Limited
Focus on dining and entertainment; retail options are not extensive.
☕ Try Smoked Chai
Hal & Al's BBQ offers unique smoked chai alongside their delicious BBQ.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Food Court
Don't miss the Quarter Market's 18 diverse eateries for a culinary adventure.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Be cautious with parking payment; some visitors report confusing systems and fines.
🛍️ Shopping is Limited
Focus on dining and entertainment; retail options are not extensive.
☕ Try Smoked Chai
Hal & Al's BBQ offers unique smoked chai alongside their delicious BBQ.
🛏️ Apartment-Style Hotels
Consider Placemakr Marymount Ballston for a modern, apartment-style hotel stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ballston Quarter is praised for its vibrant food scene, particularly the diverse Quarter Market, and its convenient location. Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere on weekends and the modern, clean environment. However, the retail selection is considered underwhelming, and some guests have experienced issues with confusing parking systems and potential fines.
"Cool area, very clean and sleek. You can find lots of cool stores and restaurants.
Half the mall is outdoor, nice views and fresh air
Enjoy!"
Nora M
"This shopping center is located in the heart of the downtown area. It offers a pleasant and well-maintained environment with various dining options and eateries. However, there are many vacant spots in the building. Macy's used to be located here but is no longer present. The building also includes a spacious fitness gym and other retail establishments. On weekends, the area becomes lively due to restaurants and bars."
Patrick Min
"Ballston Quarter is in a fantastic location—convenient, lively, and easy to get to. The food court is definitely the highlight, offering a great variety of dining options from quick bites to sit-down meals. It’s a great spot to grab lunch or meet up with friends for a casual dinner.
That said, the retail and store selection is a bit underwhelming. If you’re looking to do serious shopping, this might not be the place. It feels more like a hangout or food destination than a full-fledged shopping mall. Still, it’s a clean, modern space with a nice vibe—worth visiting for the eats and atmosphere alone."
Sherief Mostafa A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ballston Quarter is conveniently located on the Metro's Orange/Silver Line, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
Yes, parking is available, but be aware that some visitors have found the payment system confusing and have received fines.
Ballston is designed for walkability, especially within the Quarter itself. Public transport via Metro is also a great option.
Yes, there are bike racks available, and the area is generally bike-friendly, with Capital Bikeshare stations nearby.
The Ballston-MU Metro station is directly connected to Ballston Quarter, offering easy access via the Orange and Silver lines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ballston Quarter is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. Individual venues or events may have their own admission fees.
Operating hours can vary by venue, but the Quarter Market generally has extended hours, and shops and restaurants follow their own schedules. It's best to check individual business hours.
Ballston Quarter often hosts community events and promotions. Keep an eye on their official website or social media for announcements.
There is no admission fee for the Quarter Market food court; you pay for the food you order from the various vendors.
Yes, Regal Ballston Quarter offers movie tickets for purchase online or at the theater.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Quarter Market offers a wide array of options, from Hal & Al's BBQ and Dumpling District
Yes, many eateries in the Quarter Market, like True Food Kitchen, cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.
You can find a global selection, including BBQ, dumplings, Turkish coffee, pizza, and American fare.
Absolutely! The Quarter Market is a highlight, featuring 18 different eateries.
Hal & Al's BBQ is open until 5 am on Fridays and Saturdays during Ramadan, offering late-night BBQ.
📸 📸 Photography
The soaring atrium offers great interior shots, while the outdoor sections provide nice views. Don't miss the public art installations.
Consider capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the Quarter Market or the unique public art scattered throughout the neighborhood.
Daytime offers natural light, especially in the outdoor areas. Evenings can be atmospheric with the lights of the restaurants and shops.
While you can see apartment buildings from the outside, interior photos of residential units are generally not permitted without resident consent. +1
The Ballston Quarter Bridge and 'The Flame' are notable public art pieces that make for interesting photo subjects.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
The retail selection is somewhat limited, focusing more on unique boutiques and essential services rather than large department stores.
Yes, Regal Ballston Quarter offers a cinema experience for catching the latest films.
Beyond the cinema, Ballston Quarter offers a lively atmosphere with restaurants and bars, especially on weekends.
Juniors Playland is a new indoor playground perfect for younger children.
Ballston has several pizza spots, including Turo's Pizza, And Pizza, Ballston Local, Wethepizza, and Rusticoballston.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Quarter Market also provides a wide range of food options to satisfy picky eaters, and the general atmosphere is clean and modern. While extensive shopping might not be the focus, the entertainment options and diverse food court make it a viable destination for a family outing.
💸 Budget Travelers
While retail shopping is limited, focusing on the dining and entertainment aspects, like catching a movie at Regal, can be a more budget-friendly way to experience Ballston Quarter.
🍽️ Food Enthusiasts
Don't miss the highly-praised Hal & Al's BBQ for their unique smoked meats and flavors,Explore other gems like Burger Billy's for their signature brisket burger
The variety ensures you can try something new with every visit.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights at The Quarter Market
you're spoiled for choice. Redditors praise it as a great spot for lunch or casual dinners, offering a wide variety of dining options from quick bites to sit-down meals. Beyond the main food court, explore other notable spots like Burger Billy's for their brisket burger
For those seeking specific flavors, Turo's Pizza and other pizza joints offer classic comfort food. Don't forget to try the unique Turkish coffee experience at Ballstonian by Isa. Navigating Ballston's Parking
It's advisable to pay close attention to all posted instructions regarding parking payment, especially when exiting. Some suggest that the system might be designed to catch customers off guard. If you're planning to spend significant time shopping or dining, it's worth researching the most current parking rates and procedures to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Exploring Ballston's Public Art
This artistic exploration adds another layer to the Ballston experience, encouraging visitors to look beyond the shops and restaurants. Other featured works include 'Present Pastimes' by Olalekan Jeyifous and 'Reclining Liberty' by Zaq Landsberg, providing visual interest and cultural enrichment as you move through the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit