Sections
  • News & Politics
  • Food
  • Things to Do
  • Washingtonian Events
  • Home & Style
  • Editors’ Picks
  • Events Calendar
  • Health
  • Longreads
  • Parenting
  • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Travel
  • Weddings
Reader Favorites
  • 100 Very Best Restaurants
  • DC-Area Events Calendar
  • Brunch
  • Neighborhoods
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Washingtonian Events
Washington’s Best
  • Apartment Rentals
  • DC Travel Guide
  • Dentists
  • Doctors
  • Financial Advisers
  • Health Experts
  • Home Improvement Experts
  • Industry Leaders
  • Lawyers
  • Mortgage Professionals
  • Pet Care
  • Private Schools
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Restaurants
  • Retirement Communities
  • Wedding Vendors
© 2023 Washingtonian Media Inc.
Privacy Policy
All Rights Reserved
 Rss
Skip to content
Washingtonian.com
  • Search
  • Subscribe
  • Menu
Washingtonian.com
  • Subscribe
Reader Favorites
  • 100 Very Best Restaurants
  • DC-Area Events Calendar
  • Brunch
  • Neighborhoods
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Washingtonian Events
More
  • Subscribe
  • Manage My Subscription
  • Digital Edition
  • Shop
  • Contests
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
Sections
  • News & Politics
  • Food
  • Things to Do
  • Washingtonian Events
  • Home & Style
  • Editors’ Picks
  • Events Calendar
  • Health
  • Longreads
  • Parenting
  • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Travel
  • Weddings
  • News & Politics
  • Things to Do
  • Food
  • Health
  • Shopping
  • Home & Style
  • Real Estate
  • Weddings
  • Travel

  • 100 Very Best Restaurants
  • DC-Area Events Calendar
  • Brunch
  • Neighborhoods
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Washingtonian Events
  • Trending Now in Food
  • Le Diplomate
  • Sparkling Wine
  • ghost kitchen
  • skewers
  • Washingtonian
Food

A Massive “Millennial Oriented” Playground, Diner, and Bar Is Opening in Ballston

Punch Bowl Social debuts in December with three floors of food, drinks, and games.

Written by Daniella Byck
| Published on November 12, 2018
Tweet Share
Punch Bowl Social DC
Bocce ball at Punch Bowl Social San Diego. Photograph courtesy of Punch Bowl Social.

Punch Bowl Social, opening December 8th in Ballston Quarter, ticks off plenty of spaces on the millennial bingo board. The three-story venue is filled with things the kids love these days: tacos, share plates, fried chicken, karaoke, bocce, corn hole, skee-ball, holiday-inspired decor, communal seating, adult milkshakes, house punches, “experiences,” and so, so much more. 

The massive place is purposely “millennial oriented,” according to CEO and founder Robert Thompson, with every detail constructed around the generation’s tastes. 

“Experiential food and beverage was really brought to the fore by the millennial demographic, and their need to curate interesting experiences around their lives,” says Thompson. 

The philosophy shapes the menu offerings, with plenty of Insta-ready plates such as Mexico City-style street tacos with green chorizo or a towering platter of chicken and waffles. There’s also a retro diner (millennials love retro diners) that dishes up homey eats like fried bologna sandwiches layered with potato chips. Snacks and drinks are available on all three floors, whether you’re seated at a table or snacking as you play.

Punch Bowl Social DC
Bowling lanes at Punch Bowl Social San Diego. Photograph courtesy of Punch Bowl Social.

Thompson is an Arlington native, so he knows what appeals to the local crowd–and that DC, with its adult kickball games, bocce leagues, and trivia teams is ready to play along. He’s opened 14 locations of Punch Bowl Social around the country, with another eight coming soon (including a branch slated for the District in late 2019).

When it comes to the games there’s a plethora of diversions, from vintage arcades to bocce ball, corn hole, and bowling. Take a break from gaming and head to the Holiday Lodge for cozy seating by the fireplace, designed to feel like taking a vacation at a mountain resort. 

Punch Bowl Social DC
Diner at Punch Bowl Social Chicago. Photograph courtesy of Punch Bowl Social.

If you think there’s a lot going on: there is, and that’s the point. Thompson says the experience is meant to be somewhat like a mosaic, with a plethora of smaller pieces making up the whole.

“When you’re looking at a mosaic, you’re not dialing in on one particular tile or color element,” says Thompson. “You’re just sort of letting the whole wash over you.”

The metaphor extends to the decor, with clashing design elements like Victorian, mountain lodge, industrial, and big top circus. In each location there are winks at local stories. Part of Arlington’s decor will pay homage to Alexandria’s Luna Park and the “great elephant escape” of 1906, when four elephants broke free from the amusement park. Thompson and his team are installing funhouse mirrors and circus animal details.

“Going to an old-fashioned circus is something that resonated with us,” says Thompson.

Punch Bowl Social. 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Open (December 8th): Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 2 AM; Saturday 9 AM to 2 AM; and Sunday 9 AM to 12 AM.

Punch Bowl Social DC
Arcade game room at Punch Bowl Social Rancho Cucamonga, California. Photograph Courtesy of Punch Bowl Social.

More: ArlingtonBallston QuarterDate IdeasDate NightDrinksMillennialPunch Bowl Social
Join the conversation!
Share Tweet
Daniella Byck
Daniella Byck
Lifestyle Editor

Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in NoMa.

Most Popular in Food

1

The 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington

2
Le Diplomate security

The Most Frequented Spots on Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants List

3

Valentine’s Day Plans at Washingtonian’s Top 25 Restaurants

4

7 Fun Food Events Around DC This Weekend

5

Makan Chef Opens a Southeast Asian-Style Chicken Takeout in Columbia Heights

Washingtonian Magazine

February 2023: 100 Very Best Restaurants

February 2023: 100 Very Best Restaurants

View Issue
Subscribe

Follow Us on Social

We'll help you live your best #DCLIFE every day

Follow Us on Social

We'll help you live your best #DCLIFE every day

Related

100 Very Best Restaurants: – Cafe Colline

100 Very Best Restaurants: – Ruthie’s All Day

Arlington Missing Middle

Arlington May Legalize “Missing Middle” Housing in 2023. Here’s What You Should Know.

Best Things to Do in the DC Area 11/7-11/13: National Gallery Nights, Sherry Week, and DMV Black Restaurant Week

More from Food

There’s an Answer to the Egg Crisis: Your Local Farmers Market

Where to Watch the Super Bowl Around DC

Washingtonian’s Staff Is Ravenous for the Upcoming Chinatown Taco Bell

7 Fun Food Events Around DC This Weekend

Where to Get Super Bowl Takeout Around DC

Makan Chef Opens a Southeast Asian-Style Chicken Takeout in Columbia Heights

PHOTOS: Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen Opening Celebration

Valentine’s Day Plans at Washingtonian’s Top 25 Restaurants

© 2023 Washingtonian Media Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Washingtonian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Privacy Policy and Opt-Out
 Rss
Get the best news, delivered weekly.
By signing up, you agree to our terms.
  • Subscribe
  • Manage My Subscription
  • Digital Edition
  • Shop
  • Contests
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs