One of the things that made me fall in love with Downtown Arlington was its “explorability” of the neighborhood. I know, that’s probably not a real word, but to me it captures the adventure of a trip Downtown. It’s everything from admiring the architecture of an old house that has been converted to an office, to a new business that just so happens to be hosting a trivia night when you decide to visit. It’s a walk that turns into a story. It’s the beauty in the little things.
This month I’ve decided to compile some of my recent favorite excuses to explore downtown, especially as the summer winds down (but the heat is still on). Whether you’re a longtime resident, new to Arlington, or just looking for something different, these local spots and experiences are worth adding to your calendar.
Weeknight Favorites
This first one is a pastime that has blown me away by how popular it is. Downtown Arlington is home to two weekly trivia nights that are absolutely packed with teams competing to win, whispering together about answers, and cheering for the results.
Every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Murf’s Trivia at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill brings together friends, families, and trivia buffs for an evening of friendly competition. Then on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., PubGuys Trivia takes over Division Brewing, where you can enjoy locally crafted beer while testing your knowledge.
While you’re at Division Brewing, stop next door at Growl Records. The independent record shop regularly hosts open mic nights and local artists. I have many formative memories there, discovering new music and getting to know the great people who make up Arlington’s music scene.
Find Your Next Hobby
While my wife and I are hard-pressed to sit through the explanation of rules for a new board game, I do love the vibe that this new class of retail has brought Downtown. Coliseum Comics & Games offers comics, board games, and trading card games, while Final Trade is a destination for trading card collectors looking to expand their collections. At Warhammer Arlington, visitors can learn miniature painting and tabletop gaming alongside other enthusiasts.
Beyond the games and collections, these shops are places where people can share their interests, learn a new skill, and find others who enjoy the same things. Here’s a scoop for my readers: right next door to Mama Cuca’s is a new tabletop gaming bar called Game Theory. It’s incredibly popular in Fort Worth, and we’re getting our very own soon on Front Street.
Back-to-School Shopping
Downtown Arlington is finally establishing itself as a retail destination. There’s no better excuse to shop for a new look as we head into a new school year. It’s also a great way to beat the heat.
Donna’s Gift Closet recently expanded, making it an even better stop for families getting ready for the school year. From clothing and accessories to toys, games, and gifts, the shop has options for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a back-to-school outfit, a birthday gift, or something fun to keep the kids busy, there’s plenty to browse.
For a more one-of-a-kind style, check out Downtown Arlington’s vintage and streetwear shops. Find curated 2000s and vintage pieces at Deep Dive Vintage, browse clothing and hidden finds at Mi Tesoro Thrift, shop vintage and new streetwear at Stash VHS, or check out Commodities for sneakers, streetwear, and collectibles. Each shop has its own personality, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing and discovering new styles.
Make It a Night Out
It’s time for a date night – I don’t care if it’s with your friends, your partner, or for you to solo-adventure; you deserve to get out on the town and explore what Downtown has to offer.
Start with dinner at Old School Pizza Tavern or Mama Cuca’s Mexican Cuisine, then find your favorite game at Tokyo Station or Cidercade. If you’re looking for a more relaxed environment, grab a drink at the new Element Cocktail Lounge or enjoy coffee at Arwa Yemeni Coffee, a recently added late-night spot to catch up with friends.
There’s no shortage of excuses to get out of your comfort zone and explore Downtown Arlington. While these are some of my recent obsessions, you can check out a full registry of options at downtownarlington.org/visit for the full neighborhood.
