Washington, D.C. - January 10, 2007

Raising the Bar

EatBar

You swear to save money, take up yoga, and ditch the ratty tees for grown-up blouses every January.

And, like clockwork, your plans for dramatic change get shelved about two weeks later.

Not the case for the owners of Arlington’s EatBar. By the looks of things, the new gastropub — in the space that was previously the bar at Tallula Restaurant — isn’t going anywhere.

A menu of updated comfort foods includes bacon-wrapped figs stuffed with mascarpone cheese, blue cheese-stuffed tater tots, and a steak “cut of the week.” Exiled smokers will flock to cigar night; the 75 wines by the glass and ample microbrews will keep the drinking crowd buzzing.

The space has a warm, casual vibe, with wooden booths, copper-top tables, and a jukebox. So casual, in fact, that you may still be able to rock that “Everyone loves an Irish girl” tee.

Because if previous New Years have proven anything, it’s that the more things change, the more you stay the same.

EatBar, 2761 Washington Boulevard, Arlington (703-778-9951).