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Student's Guide to Downtown Arlington

To all the returning college students and Arlington newcomers, hello and welcome to Downtown Arlington! Whether you plan on staying here long-term or just for a little while, we’re more than happy to give you the tools you need to get the most out of your life in #DowntownArlington. Fun fact: Many of Arlington’s food, fun, and shopping are located within walking distance from campus; in the same amount of time it takes you to get from East to West campus, you can go grab some tacos or a drink down the street. And if you didn’t know that? Here’s your guide to the DTA! Feel free to bookmark this page, you’re going to need it!

But First, We Feast

As a college student or young professional or just any human being on this planet, there is nothing more sacred than the art of food. With just one bite, food connects us to our past, to each other, and to our cities. When the flavor of a fresh-off-the-grill burger hits your tongue, you’re instantly flooded with memories of coming home to your mom’s cooking or the evenings when you and your teammates would go eat after your baseball game. Food has a special place in all our hearts. It’s also just really good. So, first things first, here are our recommendations for restaurants to try in Downtown!

Los Molcas Tacos Bar & Grill

  • 15-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Mexican

Kintaro Ramen

  • 10-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Japanese

Hurtado BBQ

  • 15-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Barbecue

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

  • 14-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Irish Pub

Cane Rosso Arlington

  • 18-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Wood-Fired Pizza

Amore Mio Trattoria

  • 11-minute walk from University Center
  • Category: Italian

And plenty, plenty more! Between Cartel Taco Bar, Inspirations Fork & Table, and Restaurant506, we could be here all day! Visit the Eat & Drink tab on our website to check out all the options this city has to offer.

Sweets and Treats that Can’t Be Beat

Don’t forget to save some room for dessert! They say the path to a healthy life is a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and low sodium or sugar. However, here in Downtown Arlington, we believe the path to a happy life is a balanced diet of flavorful food and delectable dessert. Whether it’s a “cheat day” or an everyday thing, it is never a bad time to treat yourself to something sweet. Round out the perfect meal with the perfect tasty companion at any of the following restaurants:

Sugar Bees Sweets Bakery

  • 18-minute walk from University Center

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

  • 10-minute walk from University Center

NOW OPEN: Insomnia Cookies

The Chalice of Champions

For those 21 and over, grab a drink at any of Downtown’s pubs, bars, and breweries. Nothing beats going out with a group of friends, ordering a nice cold beer, and watching a game or throwing darts. Whether it’s their own unique draft or your personal go-to drink during a night out, these bars are guaranteed not to disappoint. (Bonus points if you visit on a trivia night!)

Binions Ice House

  • 12-minute walk from University Center

Division Brewing

  • 17-minute walk from University Center

J.R. Bentley’s Pub

  • 8-minute walk from University Center

Hayter’s Bar and Lounge

  • 16-minute walk from University Center

Hooligan’s Pub

  • 13-minute walk from University Center

Kool Keg

  • 13-minute walk from University Center

On Tap

  • 15-minute walk from University Center

It’s All Fun & Games

Now that you’ve eaten your fill of all sorts of meals and drinks, it’s time to go out and have some fun! Downtown has a wide variety of activities and venues to keep you busy all throughout the semester. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge of the creative arts, try your hand at old school gaming, or experience your favorite artists live, we have a plethora of options for you to choose from.

Free Play Arcade

  • 13-minute walk from University Center

Arlington Museum of Art

  • 10-minute walk from University Center

Arlington Music Hall

  • 14-minute walk from University Center

Board & Brush

  • 18-minute walk from University Center

Create Arlington

  • 9-minute walk from University Center

Lone Star Axe Throwing

  • 19-minute walk from University Center

Theatre Arlington

  • 10-minute walk from University Center

Levitt Pavilion

  • 9-minute walk from University Center

Now Back to Business

Alright, now that’s you’ve had your fun and you’ve (hopefully) cured your hangover, it’s time to get back to work. We’re proud to say that the University of Texas at Arlington cultivates a culture of success and perseverance, and this year should be no different. That means taking the time to sit down with a nice cup of coffee, tea, or boba and studying your notebook cover to cover. (And depending on the results of your assignments, you may need to jump back a couple sections in this article and check out the drink options.) Whether you need a quiet location to work or need a pick-me-up in the morning, here’s a list of Downtown’s delicious coffee destinations.

Inclusion Coffee

  • 10-minute walk from University Center

Kung Fu Tea

  • 11-minute walk from University Center

White Rhino Coffee Arlington

  • 13-minute walk from University Center

Salter Bros. Coffee Roasters

  • 19-minute walk from University Center

Getting Around

We know walking may not always be an option for everyone, especially in Texas where the weather is incredibly unpredictable. Furthermore, if it’s the end of a night out in the city, walking almost 20 minutes home in the dark is probably not a good idea. This is why Downtown Arlington offers several options for getting to and from any Downtown destination. The Arlington VIA Rideshare program is an inexpensive, public transit service that takes users anywhere in the entire city of Arlington. Alternatively, RAPID is a self-driving vehicle service that specifically operates in Downtown Arlington and UTA. Hours of operation vary so be sure to check the City of Arlington website for more details.

Here in Downtown Arlington we pride ourselves on housing a wide array of activities, eateries, and breweries. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we have your back. Whether you call us home or you’re just visiting, you are a part of the community. We’re constantly growing and evolving with new developments so keep your eye out for more new places for you to try! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on new restaurants, businesses, and events. Welcome to Downtown Arlington, we hope you enjoy your stay.