The ultimate guide to Downtown living for new Mavericks

Welcome to Downtown Arlington UTA students! Our district is filled with award-winning restaurants, great bars, vibrant atmospheres, unique retail, public art and so much more. It can be overwhelming to begin your journey of discovering our incredible downtown upon moving in, but we’re here to help! 

The cliché college meal is grabbing a box of pizza. That can be done at both ends of the budget spectrum in downtown.  

If you are looking for a quick, affordable late-night bite, Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta is open until 3 a.m. daily on Abram Street. The menu ranges from $9 pizzas and wings to $10 sandwiches. Enjoy any of their various appetizers or grab a cheesecake for dessert. 

Cane Rosso is located on East Front Street and offers higher end Italian cuisine. The wood-fired pizzas range from $15 to $20. Enjoy a cocktail or the incredible Ladybird dessert pizza to end your meal. 

Whether you’ve already made new friends or are looking to meet people, downtown has unlimited options for a fun night out. With multiple bars, arcades, breweries and hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover. Cidercade, located on East Front Street, has amazing brews and is home to over 300 arcade games. Unlimited play is $12 per person, and the Arlington location is 18 years or older starting at 9 p.m.  

An upscale speakeasy experience can be found beyond the door inside the new Nepalese restaurant, Taipo, on Abram Street. Enjoy a bite at the restaurant then head Behind the Door for a hidden gem. This secret experience offers exquisite cocktails and gourmet perfection, transcending sophistication and luxury. 

Shopping with friends and enjoying a little retail therapy is always fun. If you’re looking for new items to try, that perfect piece of decor to finish your room, or a collector’s item, downtown Arlington has incredible retail locations. Ann’s Natural Grocery offers a variety of food items, body care, supplements and more. 

The newest retail spot in downtown, The Mosaic Market, is a community hub for creativity and connection. The store offers unique pieces from local artisans and small businesses. Wild West Comics is another fun retail location that offers a wide array of books, comics and games. 

The not-so-fun side of college is the studying and homework. However, downtown is home to many quiet and public spaces for working. Kung Fu Tea has incredible boba and an awesome upstairs area with games and places to work. 

White Rhino is the perfect place to grab a delicious coffee and a treat before you sit down to do homework. The Arlington Public Library is also open to anyone looking for a more peaceful study spot. 

And how are you going to get around to these places? UTA’s Safe Ride Home Program offers various ways of getting around downtown and getting back home safely. The late-night escort service currently operates from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., making three stops in Downtown Arlington: Abram Alley, Vandergriff Town Center, and Urban Union. Download the app and learn more at their website! 

The UTA Mav Mover vehicles are constantly moving and shuttling students to and from businesses and connecting them to Downtown Arlington. In 2023, the Mav Mover program kept Mavs moving all year long with over 7,900 students being picked up and dropped off around Downtown Arlington! 

Download the UTA Mav Mover app to take advantage of this helpful safety service today. The Safe Ride Home program is funded in part by Downtown Arlington to benefit both our businesses and our partners at UTA. 

Follow @dtarlington on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date on Downtown Arlington events, places to visit and local development.