Looking for the best bars in Arlington, VA? Whether you’re here for trivia nights, craft cocktails, or late‑night beer halls, Arlington’s nightlife has something for everyone. But what if we added a magical twist?
We imagined where Hogwarts professors (and some of our favorite magical adults) would spend their off‑hours if they lived in Arlington. From cozy neighborhood pubs to sleek cocktail lounges, these are the spots that perfectly match their personalities — and just might become your new favorites.
Here’s where we’d find them in Arlington:
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McGonagall – The Celtic House (Arlington Heights)
Sturdy pint. Cozy corner. Side‑eyeing anyone too loud at trivia. McGonagall came for the shepherd’s pie but stayed to keep the rest of us in line. -
Snape – Salt (Rosslyn)
Low‑lit, moody, and just pretentious enough. Snape’s in the back booth with a smoky cocktail, silently judging your order — and yes, he heard you mispronounce Negroni. -
Lockhart – Ms. Peacock’s Champagne Lounge (Clarendon)
Velvet chairs, neon lights, and plenty of mirrors. Lockhart’s “accidentally” emceeing drag bingo and reminding everyone how good he looks under pink LED lighting. -
Hagrid – Bronson Bierhall (Ballston)
A beer stein bigger than your head. A pretzel that could feed a Quidditch team. Hagrid’s holding court at the long table, telling wildly true (probably) dragon stories. -
Arthur Weasley – Ireland’s Four Courts (Courthouse)
Arthur hasn’t left the bar TV menu in an hour. He’s still trying to figure out how fantasy football works but somehow made five new friends in the process. -
Trelawney – Palette 22 (Shirlington)
Murals, tapas, and a “Cosmic Spritz.” Trelawney’s pulling tarot cards between courses and warning you about your aura while convincing you to order dessert. -
Lucius Malfoy – WHINO (Ballston)
Moody, polished, and full of conversation pieces. Lucius is swirling a glass of wine he insists be as pure as his bloodline while quietly scheming how to keep the Muggles out. He’s perched like he owns the place — and honestly, he might. -
Sirius Black – Lost Dog Café (Columbia Pike)
Craft beers, piled‑high sandwiches, and plenty of dogs to pet. Sirius is here during the day, swapping stories with strangers, and loving that this place welcomes canines as much as people. He’s out before the moon comes up… for obvious reasons. -
Dumbledore – Lyon Hall (Clarendon)
Oysters, French 75s, and charming the entire brunch crowd. Dumbledore’s telling life lessons over champagne and befriending the bartender before you’ve finished your coffee.
Arlington is packed with great bars and restaurants — whether you’re looking for a lively happy hour or a laid‑back weekend hangout, there’s a spot for everyone.
Key Takeaways:
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These are some of the best bars in Arlington VA — each matched to a Hogwarts personality for fun.
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WHINO in Ballston is part of our Arlington Perks Club — members get 10% off their bill.
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Arlington’s nightlife blends cozy pubs, craft beer halls, and upscale cocktail lounges, offering something for every taste.
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