Once upon a time the Chef/Owner -Ralph had a small local in Westover named The Black Forest Inn. Solid German based American comfort food on the menu, Potato Pancakes(Latkes) were a staple and the bread basket was mostly Rye and Pumpernickel success was his, but no way to get more folks in the door. Hence he moved south (Woodbridge) and sold the business. The new owners saw an established crowed and steady flow of revenue have kept the aging spirit and spirits flowing. Through the move to the current Back Side of Shopping area and all things political and covid the Forest Inn maintains a quiet dignity and a service to the working class and Grad Student base along with now retiring Locals. Solid food but more a sense of Community Anchor - Good Solid Kitchen and a great Breakfast. Thank You All! See you at the Inn.
Anna D.
Typical dive bar. I've been here many times. It's very small but you get to know people better that way. Love the karaoke every Friday night 9pm until 1am ! It's nice that it makes the staff smile more, too. The food is actually pretty good. Great prices! The wings are extra crispy. Chicken tenders are my regular go-to appetizer. Portions are good. They have a full bar. They are open all day from breakfast 9am until 2am. There is parking in the front and behind the building with entrances in the front and back as well.
frank dalton
Best place ever
Mark Burgess
More of a local bar, but heavy handed drinks and low-key atmosphere.
James Livingston
Decent bar
deadly 3y3
Bad attitudes here it’s a big city go somewhere else
Danielle Johnson
The owner will go out of his way to accommodate you!
Penny Royal
Great homemade breakfast, eggs perfectly cooked over-easy. Good coffee too.
Marcus Hill
The Forest Inn is my favorite bar in Arlington. It is a one of a kind, and a true hidden gem.
Crissy C.
I love Forest Inn!!! It's a local spot that is welcoming!! The food is freshly made and Breakfast all day!!! The staff there are so polite and right on top of things when you need them. Great place to relax and eat or drink
Wow! I was playing a slot machine in here with my mom, when we were pressured to order a drink. Five minutes later we were told to leave for not ordering. Chrissy, the bartender told my mom to "get the F*** out!" when she said she wasn't ready to order a drink yet. Really nasty yelling. Surprised it hasn't closed down yet, but I suspect it will in coming years. It's the last of the low-life bars left in Arlington.
Zach
If you’re looking for cheap food and drinks with a laid back atmosphere, this is the place. Great bar to be a regular, enjoy great conversation, and a “no-frills” place.
York Onnen
Westovers only bar as far as I'm concerned. All my old friends drink here and it's definitely a dive bar kind of place. Prices are good and the owner is usually cooking and will do his best to make you what you want. Been coming here for years since high school days and it's always the place to meet up with the other local folks who don't want the hype of a hipster place. Westover has grown and changed bit it's nice to sit here and relax and enjoy some friendly company. Even if you have never been there someone is gonna talk to you. My kind of place.
John Y.
Just left The Forest Inn where I enjoyed the best hamburger I have had in a while! It's a great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat. Just ask how much the draft beers are before you order. I was shocked at $8 for a Yuengling draft. A Yuengling? I know the Nats were playing, but I didn't realize I'd be paying ballpark prices for a draft. I quickly switched to PBR for $4. If you enjoy a dive bar with a reasonably priced menu, good food, and great service, then this is a must visit. I will return!
N Johnson
Just talking Friday night bar experience it was just what I wanted, a blue collar bar with karaoke. Older ladies ran the till and not many songs sang newer than 1990. Only complaint was Bud was $5 each which seemed a little high for this type of place but I guess in DC area that's as good as it gets. If you want a unpretentious place this is it.
Once upon a time the Chef/Owner -Ralph had a small local in Westover named The Black Forest Inn. Solid German based American comfort food on the menu, Potato Pancakes(Latkes) were a staple and the bread basket was mostly Rye and Pumpernickel success was his, but no way to get more folks in the door. Hence he moved south (Woodbridge) and sold the business. The new owners saw an established crowed and steady flow of revenue have kept the aging spirit and spirits flowing. Through the move to the current Back Side of Shopping area and all things political and covid the Forest Inn maintains a quiet dignity and a service to the working class and Grad Student base along with now retiring Locals. Solid food but more a sense of Community Anchor - Good Solid Kitchen and a great Breakfast. Thank You All! See you at the Inn.
Typical dive bar. I've been here many times. It's very small but you get to know people better that way. Love the karaoke every Friday night 9pm until 1am ! It's nice that it makes the staff smile more, too. The food is actually pretty good. Great prices! The wings are extra crispy. Chicken tenders are my regular go-to appetizer. Portions are good. They have a full bar. They are open all day from breakfast 9am until 2am. There is parking in the front and behind the building with entrances in the front and back as well.
Best place ever
More of a local bar, but heavy handed drinks and low-key atmosphere.
Decent bar
Bad attitudes here it’s a big city go somewhere else
The owner will go out of his way to accommodate you!
Great homemade breakfast, eggs perfectly cooked over-easy. Good coffee too.
The Forest Inn is my favorite bar in Arlington. It is a one of a kind, and a true hidden gem.
I love Forest Inn!!! It's a local spot that is welcoming!! The food is freshly made and Breakfast all day!!! The staff there are so polite and right on top of things when you need them. Great place to relax and eat or drink
Restaurantji Recommends
Wow! I was playing a slot machine in here with my mom, when we were pressured to order a drink. Five minutes later we were told to leave for not ordering. Chrissy, the bartender told my mom to "get the F*** out!" when she said she wasn't ready to order a drink yet. Really nasty yelling. Surprised it hasn't closed down yet, but I suspect it will in coming years. It's the last of the low-life bars left in Arlington.
If you’re looking for cheap food and drinks with a laid back atmosphere, this is the place. Great bar to be a regular, enjoy great conversation, and a “no-frills” place.
Westovers only bar as far as I'm concerned. All my old friends drink here and it's definitely a dive bar kind of place. Prices are good and the owner is usually cooking and will do his best to make you what you want. Been coming here for years since high school days and it's always the place to meet up with the other local folks who don't want the hype of a hipster place. Westover has grown and changed bit it's nice to sit here and relax and enjoy some friendly company. Even if you have never been there someone is gonna talk to you. My kind of place.
Just left The Forest Inn where I enjoyed the best hamburger I have had in a while! It's a great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat. Just ask how much the draft beers are before you order. I was shocked at $8 for a Yuengling draft. A Yuengling? I know the Nats were playing, but I didn't realize I'd be paying ballpark prices for a draft. I quickly switched to PBR for $4. If you enjoy a dive bar with a reasonably priced menu, good food, and great service, then this is a must visit. I will return!
Just talking Friday night bar experience it was just what I wanted, a blue collar bar with karaoke. Older ladies ran the till and not many songs sang newer than 1990. Only complaint was Bud was $5 each which seemed a little high for this type of place but I guess in DC area that's as good as it gets. If you want a unpretentious place this is it.