Lower Arlington's L.A. Bar & Grill (no, it doesn't stand for Los Angeles) doesn't have a dress code; it has a personality code: "A message to all pretentious yuppies—stay away."

Lower Arlington's L.A. Bar & Grill (no, it doesn't stand for Los Angeles) doesn't have a dress code; it has a personality code. It says so directly on the back of the new menu: "A message to all pretentious yuppies—stay away." That's right. "You're not in Clarendon anymore," said manager Sean, who notes his restaurant is intent on remaining "simply a neighborhood bar and hangout." Of course, with the addition of the aforementioned revamped menu, the L.A. Bar & Grill is also becoming a laid-back neighborhood dinner destination. See that hamburger up there? Well, it's a half-pound of freshly hand-packed made-to-order awesomeness. "We don't mess with frozen patties," said Sean. Served up nine different way, or however you like it, one of the best is the Southwestern, which packs a kick by being topped with roasted red pepper sauce, pepper jack cheese and loads of bacon. Another must-try for meat eaters is the BBQ. The pulled pork, pulled chicken and baby back ribs are all lathered in a spice rub before simmering slow and low in a steam bath of beer. Hmm...sounds like a proper mid-Atlantic summer to me. Protip: for louder crowds, come on Mondays for pub trivia or Saturdays for karaoke.

---

Menu Highlights:
Southwestern Burger, $9.50
Gary's Pulled BBQ, $10
South Arlington Style Baby Back Ribs, $18 (full rack), $10 (half rack)
Rockfish & Chips, $11.50
Fried Pickles, $7.50

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday, noon to 2 a.m.