Arlington is getting a new French brasserie just in time for Bastille Day. Bar Colline is the latest concept from hospitality veterans Ian and Eric Hilton and H2 Collective, whose dozen or so DMV establishments also include Cafe Colline in the Lee Heights Shops, Chez Billy Sud in Georgetown, Solace Outpost in Falls Church and El Rey taqueria in Ballston and on U St. NW.
Occupying a corner spot on the ground floor of JBG Smith’s Grace and Reva apartments, the restaurant and bar designed by California architecture firm SAINT is set for an official opening on July 11.
At 5,500 square feet, it’s notably larger than its North Arlington sibling of the same name, with 200 seats inside, a 50-foot wrap-around bar and Parisian-inspired sidewalk seating for 40.
It’s the latest addition to a booming dining and entertainment district that in recent months has also welcomed newcomers NiHao by Peter Chang, Flight Wine Shop, and a second location of D.C.’s popular Bar Chinois.
“Now you have just as much opportunity in National Landing as any neighborhood in the city,” says co-owner Ian Hilton, who lives in Arlington. “It’s not a less sophisticated customer. It’s people who want to stay local and get something good without going downtown to do it.”
Whereas its petite sibling, Cafe Colline, is an intimate place for a tete-a-tete, Bar Colline aims to be more of a party spot serving shareable small plates and bar snacks, creative cocktails and, of course, wine. A daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. (including weekends) will feature wines by the glass for as little as $6.
Chef Brendan L’Etoile’s Gallic menu carries over fan favorites like steak frites, croque madame and duck confit, while also serving up new choices such as chickpea-risotto fritters, chilled corn soup and shareable small plates. A private dining room with a separate audio system can accommodate up to 16 guests.
“We want Bar Colline to be the kind of place where you come for a quick glass of wine and suddenly find yourself staying for dinner,” Hilton says. “A neighborhood bistro where you can enjoy a lovely bite at the bar, kick off the evening with friends, or slip away for a low-key date night.”
Bar Colline, located at 269 19th Court S., Arlington, is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.