Pumpkin spice season is in full swing, but bananas may be giving that beloved flavor profile some stiff competition this year. America’s most-eaten fresh fruit has been showing up in unlikely places. (Think Banana Nut Bread M&Ms and Banana Pudding Oreos.) Even Starbucks, the coffee chain that started the PSL craze in 2003, announced a new slate of banana-packed menu items for this fall, including an Iced Banana Bread Latte and Iced Banana Bread Chai. Ready to jump on the banana bandwagon? These Northern Virginia bars and eateries are incorporating the fruit into food and drinks, too.
B Side
The cocktail menu at this Mosaic District vinyl bar is going bananas. For brunch in a glass, order the Banana Pancakes, made with bourbon, Giffard Banane du Bresil, maple syrup and black walnut. If you’re partial to tiki-style sippers, the Smooth Operator features Bumbu Caribbean rum, banana rum, coconut, pineapple, lime and coco bitters). 8298 Glass Alley, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Colada Shop
The new fall menu with a Cuban flair includes a Plantain Spiced Latte or Iced Plantain Matcha Latte. The former is available hot or iced and is made with espresso, steamed milk, plantain, cinnamon, a Cuban spice blend and condensed milk. The latter is a blend of plantain, cinnamon, matcha and a choice of milk. Want caffeine with a little extra kick? Ask for the Banana Espresso Martini. It’s got vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, banana and a plantain chip. All three are seasonal, but you can munch on Platanachos all year long. That’s a plate of plantain chips with black bean hummus, cotija cheese, sofrito relish and salsa verde. 2811 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon); 244 19th Court, Arlington (National Landing); 2920 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Constellation
National Landing’s newest coffee cafe is serving a Banana Brown Butter Latte with house-made banana syrup as part of its seasonal coffee lineup. 2011 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Get a slice of chocolate chip banana bread or brioche or sourdough toast with peanut butter or Nutella and banana slices at this bakery/restaurant. 1796 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Palette 22
Ever wondered if bananas and miso pair well? Order the Banana Miso Power Bowl and find out. It’s got layers of banana caramel sauce, chia pudding, berry compote, granola, roasted coconut flakes and fresh berries. A drizzle of banana caramel sauce tops it off. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Oasis: The Listening Bar
Listen to DJ-spun vinyl tunes, order a few sushi rolls and sip on a Tokyo Banana, a cocktail made with clarified vodka, Banana du Brésil, honey and lemon. 2940 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Northside Social
Bridie McCulla, a three-time Rammy Awards finalist for Best Pastry Chef, has added a new treat to the NoSo menu at both the Arlington and Falls Church locations. The Sticky Toffee Toast is a sweet stunner topped with Medjool dates, ricotta, walnuts, banana and toffee sauce. 3211 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon), and 205 Park Ave., Falls Church
Immigrant Food
The gastroadvocacy restaurant and Best of Arlington 2026 winner recently began offering take-home bottles of the Filipino-inspired banana ketchup it serves with its fan-favorite Filipino fried chicken. Pick up a stash at the restaurant or order online. Immigrant Food is one of several area restaurants that gives back to the community and will donate 25% of the proceeds from ketchup sales to support immigrant causes. 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Caboose Commons
Pull up to this Mosaic-adjacent coffee bar and brewpub for a Banana Bread Latte. Available through the fall season, it’s served hot and prepared with house-made banana bread syrup, espresso and your choice of milk. 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax
Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
September’s flavor of the month at this Shirlington eatery is the Banana Pudding Doughnut. Filled with vanilla banana pudding, it’s got a banana glaze and Nilla Wafer crumble on the outside. 4001 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
