March 8, 2012
Pretty solid place. I love the ability of sampling. They get some really great beers not seen anywhere else in the area. Service can be spotty at times. Food is pretty decent. Can be a little dark inside though. A great place in Arlington

January 22, 2012
This Rustico location is in the middle of the action in Arlington. The bar is more open than the Alexandria location and the beer selection is similar but can be different at times. The food is the same and very good; the prices are typical for the area but not overly outrageous. Parking is street parking and hard to find, though there are decks nearby. There are metro stops all around here, so just take public transit.

January 2, 2012
Rustico - Ballston, like its older sister in Alexandria, is a fantastic place. It’s just across the street from Ballston Mall, but not off the beaten path - the place has been very busy all the times I’ve gone, but have still been able to get a seat or booth in under 10 minutes. It has a great rotating beer selection and something like 25 taps.

August 11, 2011
This is the second Rustico location – its older sibling being just north of Old Town Alexandria (See My Review); it is housed on the first floor of a generic office building, which is a ten-minute stroll from either the Ballston or Virginia Square Metro Station (Orange Line). Much like the other Rustico, this venue offers a sleek and modern décor that makes do with shiny metal and sharp angles. Upon entry, to the right, is a well laid out dining area; keep going and you come to the large C-shaped bar, an ebony-topped beauty that comes accompanied with a matching fleet of plush stools, surrounded by a smattering of high tops and tables amid a scheme of minimal lighting. All in all, the room provides the aura of a Las Vegas hipster lounge. In addition, there are strewn several plasma TVs, which should help distract you from the person you’re with – or who is most likely blathering away on a cellphone as you peruse the sweet beer menu. The beer selection, while not as extensive (or overwhelming) as Greg Engert’s other venue, the beloved Churchkey, is a well thought itinerary of the major styles and several small, but up-and coming, breweries – such as Blue Mountain and Clown Shoes, to name but a few. I counted 34 taps, which includes two casks. Some of the victims for this visit included: Schlafly Kolsch, Blue Mountain Lager, Papa Scottish Ale (from Weyerbacher) and (Sigh!) Founder’s Porter. The service was attentive, although not particularly knowledgeable in the ways of the craft beer. (In any case, I consider myself “knowledgeable” enough in these matters.) As for the grub; there is an obvious commitment to expanding one’s cuisine universe with enough eclecticism to make the search for food a worthy one. My meal was a very filling, and extremely tasty, pizza. Basta! As does the aforementioned CK (also owned by the Restaurant Group), the thirsty patron is provided with individual tasters priced more reasonably than the regular beers. There are some rarities that will cost about $9.00 as well. Rustico also has a Happy Hour – on weekdays only, I believe.