Clarendon Ballroom

3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

Address:	3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Phone:	+1 703-469-2244
Site:	clarendonballroom.com
Rating:	3.3
Working:	Closed Closed Closed Closed 5PM–2AM 8PM–2AM Closed

Location

Photos 65

Reviews 11

Michael McAvoy

TLDR ~ A non-violent, sober, well dressed, paying customer was denied readmission to the Ballroom after smoking outside and was never given a reason as to why his reentry was denied. I went out to the Clarendon Ballroom with a group of friends. As I was coming straight from work I was easily well dressed enough for the Ballroom’s rather lax dress code. We entered, paid the cover, got our reentry stamps and went to the bar. After about two beers I excused myself and went to the restroom downstairs and then stepped outside for a smoke. It was still relatively early, about 10:30 as the DJ had only been playing for about a half hour. I stood outside in the rain, had my smoke and then went to go back inside. This is where the fun began. When I tried to get back inside the bouncer informed me that there was no reentry that evening. This seemed strange to me as the Ballroom has always let people out to smoke and come back in, but as I was the only one outside at that time it made sense. At this point, of course my phone had died so I took a cab back to my car, which was parked in Shirlington. I plugged it in and waited for it to charge. As it charged I drove back to Ballston as at this point my friends inside had no idea where I was. As I drove past the Ballroom I saw them outside smoking and thought “Aha! They will not be able to reenter either and we can then go somewhere else.” After I parked I walked up to the Ballroom and my friends were not out front, and had sent numerous texts asking where I was. At this point in the evening there was a good crowd of smokers outside and they were filtering in back and forth. I walked up to the bouncer to show him my ID again as there was only two people in line waiting to pay the cover. He immediately became irate and said something to the effect of “I already kicked you out once this evening.” This revelation was news to me. I immediately asked to speak to a manager. The bouncer got on the radio and called him over. The manager, named AJ, came over and stepped outside to talk to me. I asked his name shook his hand and he asked how he could help me. I explained the situation and asked why I was “kicked out” from the ballroom. At this point he had been talking to me for a few minutes and could see that I was calm and obviously not drunk. He stated that staff had kicked me out and that I could “try us again another evening.” I asked which staff had kicked me out and he responded with a terse “Staff.” He then simply walked away. Needless to say at this point I was perplexed. I kept my cool and waited for my friends to come out to have another smoke. When they did I explained the situation and they asked the bouncer why I was not allowed back in and he stated that he did not know and that he was simply following orders. I am very confused as to exactly what happened last evening. Was there anything I could have done to make this situation better? I realize that once they make the decision to kick you out you are not getting back in, but there was no apology or explanation. The whole thing seemed arbitrary and random.

Tim Deering

The people working there are ridiculous. They must stay at the hotel del garbagio because thats the kind of service I recieved. Really pissed that they rang up my bar tab because I wasnt pleased with the bartenders service. After expressing my disappointment, the bartender ended up buying drinks on my tab for his friends. Its a great place to meet people but dont expect anything from the venue itself. Hope the management reads this because they need to fix A LOT OF THINGS! Save yourself from this nightmare and go somewhere else after dinner!

Terita Pitt

The Clarendon Ballroom is the most exciting place to have a party. I had my bachelorette party here on July 10, 2015 I was so impressed with the customer service I received. This was the most fun Ive had in a long time. The DJ was outstanding and will keep you on the floor. I will be planning more parties in the future at the Clarendon Ballroom. Thank you to all the staff at the Clarendon Ballroom for making my bachelorette party the best ever.

Spencer Neukam

My least favorite bar of all time. Drinks that are weak, extremely overpriced, and most of the bar is a sweaty moshy dance floor. My friends have dragged me here more times than I care to admit, and I hate it more and more each time I go. I feel like scenes of jersey shore could have been filmed here. If I die and dont get in to heaven, I suspect Hades will have a Clarendon Ballroom waiting to torture me for the rest of eternity.

Sam Bartley

Went here for the Arlington Public Librarys event, the Muggle Ball! I love the Art Deco style and the bar. Felt like you were stepping on to a 1920s period movie set--at least, when you went past the curtains. The lobby/entrance area isnt impressive and is generally pretty bare. However, the actual dance floor and bar would be an excellent place to hold a speakeasy or Great Gatsby party. Could use a better coat check.

Lou Hrivnack

Whats there to say, the place is a good time. Everyone always brings up the crowd that goes there. Yes, they are slightly younger than other crowds. But (unlike some of the other clubs) at least the line is quick to get in. The place is a lot of fun. All kinds of great music when youre there. Nice and roomy place. I bet in some years, theyll actually have to turn people away.

Paige Mason

Came here for an event called CityWide, hosted by McLean Bible Church. Clarendon Ballroom provided food and drinks (mostly sodas). I cant really speak to the nightclub scene, but for this event, it seemed to be well managed by the staff working the event. The food was changed out for freshness pretty regularly, and the guac and queso were pretty good.

Public Enemy

Discrimination Policy. Please work on it. Cancelling events because of people urging you to is like not allowing a certain type of person at your venue because of people urging you to. Highly Disgusted, been here once its nice and all, just not for humans.

Jamie Keen

My fiance and I love coming here! We love the huge dance floor! Makes cutting a rug a lot easier lol the rooftop bar is a great place to mingle and drunkenly chit chat! Overall, a fun and exciting place! You never know who youre going to meet!

charlie fowler

My friends had a beautiful wedding reception on the rooftop and in the main ballroom. I never thought about this location as a wedding reception but it was classy and fun! The bartenders were quick and the food was great too.

Sharde Cornileus

They need to play better music on the first floor. The rooftop area closes way too early. They were kicking people out at 1:10!!! A nice place for happy hours and pregaming but I would prefer D.C. if you really want to party....