If you’ve ever roamed the charming streets of North Arlington, you probably know that Lee Heights is a community with big flavor packed into its tranquil, leafy blocks. Centered around the intersection of Old Dominion Drive, Lee Highway (now Langston Blvd), and North Harrison Street, Lee Heights offers an impressive and surprisingly diverse food scene. Whether you're a longtime resident or just discovering this Arlington enclave, prepare for an enthusiastic tour of the neighborhood’s culinary best!
The Lee Heights Shops: The Heart of Local Dining
Nestled along Lee Highway and North Harrison Street is the Lee Heights Shops complex—a community hub and home to some of the area’s standout eateries.
- The Italian Store
*Cuisine*: Italian-American Deli and Market
*Price Range*: $$
*Why Go*: Since the early 1980s, this family-owned deli has been an Arlington icon. The Lee Heights location is especially beloved for its NY-style pizza (try the Capri slice!), generously stuffed hoagies, and house-baked cannoli. The attached market is perfect for picking up imported pastas, sauces, and sweets, too.
- Starbucks Reserve & Fresh Baguette
*Cuisine*: Coffeehouse & French Bakery
*Price Range*: $
*Why Go*: Coffee snobs and croissant-lovers unite. The Starbucks Reserve here has exclusive small-batch blends, but the real gem is next door: Fresh Baguette, a true French bakery with impossibly flaky pain au chocolat, fresh baguettes, and irresistibly rich tarts. Locals say it’s the closest you’ll get to a Parisian breakfast without a plane ticket.
- Arrowine & Cheese
*Cuisine*: Specialty Wine & Cheese Shop
*Price Range*: $$
*Why Go*: Browsing this cozy institution is a local ritual. The cheese counter is legendary, with expert pairings and staff always happy to offer a taste or share their latest wine discovery. Perfect for assembling a picnic or finding the right bottle for a special dinner.
Delicious Diversity: Tastes from Around the World
Beyond its European staples, Lee Heights boasts some shockingly global (and authentic) dining experiences, all within a stroll’s distance.
- Cassatt’s Kiwi Café & Gallery
*Cuisine*: New Zealand-Inspired Café
*Price Range*: $$
*Why Go*: Open for breakfast, lunch, and cozy dinners, Cassatt’s is famous for its savory pies (lamb and veggie, always), eggs benedict, and daily scones. The walls double as an art gallery, showcasing local artists—making every meal here a visual and culinary treat. Don’t skip the flat white, a nod to the café’s Kiwi roots.
- Lebanese Taverna Market
*Cuisine*: Lebanese/Mediterranean
*Price Range*: $$
*Why Go*: A counter-service offshoot of the acclaimed Lebanese Taverna, this spot serves up fresh shawarma, creamy hummus, vibrant salads, and flaky baklava. Buy a mezze sampler to share, or grab pita wraps to-go for a next-level picnic in nearby Woodstock Park.
Casual Cravings: Quick Bites and Neighborhood Eats
Lee Heights isn’t just a spot for sit-down dining. Sometimes you want a quick bite or comforting classic—luckily, the neighborhood delivers.
- Lee Heights Burger Shack (Food Truck)
*Cuisine*: American Burgers & Fries
*Price Range*: $
*Why Go*: This unassuming food truck parks regularly at North Harrison Street, dishing up juicy burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and thick shakes. It’s an after-school favorite for local teens and a nostalgic treat for adults craving a no-fuss burger.
- Pasha Café
*Cuisine*: Middle Eastern
*Price Range*: $-$$
*Why Go*: A hidden gem tucked a block off Lee Highway, Pasha Café serves up mouth-watering kabobs, house-made hummus, and piping-hot falafel in a friendly, low-key setting. Locals whisper about the lentil soup—surprisingly addictive.
- District Taco
*Cuisine*: Yucatan-Style Mexican
*Price Range*: $-$$
*Why Go*: What started as a food truck is now one of Arlington’s top choices for casual, fresh Mexican eats. Located just a short hop on Lee Highway, District Taco gets packed during lunch—order ahead to skip the line and get your fix of chorizo tacos or burrito bowls.
Sweet Treats and Local Traditions
Every neighborhood needs its sugar fix, and Lee Heights offers plenty.
- Livin’ the Pie Life
*Cuisine*: Pie & Bakery
*Price Range*: $$
*Why Go*: Hands down, some of the best pie in the DMV. The Salted Caramel Apple and Chocolate Chess are perennial bestsellers, but their rotating seasonal options (sweet and savory!) are the real draw. Pro tip: Order ahead around the holidays—pies sell out early.
- Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe
*Cuisine*: German Bakery
*Price Range*: $
*Why Go*: An Arlington legend since 1975, this charming bakery is a must for strudel, German pretzels, whimsical cakes, and buttery cookies. Grab a coffee and a cheese danish for a perfect Sunday stroll.
Where to Eat: Clusters and Intersections
Dining in Lee Heights is easy, thanks to its walkable clusters:
- Lee Heights Shops (Old Dominion Dr & N Harrison St): This is the neighborhood’s epicenter, home to The Italian Store, Cassatt’s, Lebanese Taverna Market, Arrowine & Cheese, Fresh Baguette, and Starbucks.
- Langston Blvd (Lee Hwy) between N Harrison and N Woodstock St: District Taco, Pasha Café, and Lee Heights Burger Shack can all be found in this pocket, making it ideal for a progressive lunch or impromptu food crawl.
Insider Tips and Food Traditions
- *Annual Pie Day at Livin’ the Pie Life* is a local secret—show up early for exclusive flavors!
- *Café-hopping* between Fresh Baguette and Cassatt’s is an unofficial weekend challenge for locals—order something sweet at both and compare.
- *Cheese & Wine Tastings* at Arrowine & Cheese are often free and always feature local makers or international themes—stay tuned to their event calendar.
- *Pasha Café’s lentil soup* is considered by many the ultimate local comfort food, especially in colder months.
Conclusion: Lee Heights—An Arlington Dining Destination
Whether you’re after an artisanal cheese plate, fresh-out-of-the-oven pie, hand-pulled espresso, or an under-the-radar food truck burger, Lee Heights truly satisfies. With beloved staples and vibrant newcomers all clustered in a walkable pocket, this neighborhood proves you don’t need to hit the city for a memorable meal. Make Lee Heights your next dining adventure—you’ll find more to savor than you ever expected.