Arlingtonians Brace for a Post-Carpool Existence, Plus More Intel

The Shutter

One-time Ballston hot spot Carpool will, after 20-some years, serve its last drink to thirsty Arlingtonians this April. WTOP reports that the bar’s regulars — some of whom have become so tight with Carpool staff that they attend concerts together and buy each other gifts — are crushed about losing their home away from home. “It’s just one of the most comfortable bars I’ve ever been to in my life,” a devotee bemoaned. Carpool is expected to relocate to neighboring Fairfax County this summer; a Herndon location remains open.[WTOP]

Switcheroos

Falls Church lost its Famous Dave’s earlier this week, but it may not be smoked meat-less for long. According to the Falls Church News-Press the Liberty Tavern group of restaurants has a new barbecue concept in mind for the same location. [FCNP]

The Future is Chow

A new sushi buffet in Sterling, Va., is embracing automation, planting iPads at every table so guests can zap over individual orders rather than pick over random product. Washingtonian says the owner of Doimoshi Hibachi and Sushi is considering adopting the same protocol at his other sushi restaurants. [Washingtonian]

Food TV

ARLnow suspects there’s trouble in Oz — the Clarendon restaurant, not the continent — after examining a teaser for the second season of “Real Housewives of Potomac.” Drama? In the restaurant business? [ARLnow]