Rosslyn's Orleans House
Characterized by iron railings and wooden trim on the exterior and a large two-story dining room on the interior, the restaurant was famous among Arlingtonians for its New Orleans-themed decor, giving patrons the impression of dining in the heart of its namesake on Bourbon Street.
Opened in 1964, Tom Sarris’ Orleans House was a Rosslyn landmark for over 40 years. Located on the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Lynn Street, the restaurant drew customers and tourists from all over the region to experience the famous prime rib and salad bar.
Characterized by iron railings and wooden trim on the exterior and a large two-story dining room on the interior, the restaurant was famous among Arlingtonians for its New Orleans-themed decor, giving patrons the impression of dining in the heart of its namesake on Bourbon Street.
Orleans House is remembered fondly by Arlingtonians for hosting countless prom night dinners, office lunches, and dinners with friends and family. A favorite among frequent visitors was the prime rib special, remembered by many for its flavor and low price. The restaurant was frequently crowded and typically had long wait times despite its large capacity, a key indicator of its popularity and longstanding reputation.
Orleans House was also endowed with a convenient location between blocks of Rosslyn corporate skyscrapers and within walking distance of the Rosslyn metro station. This all changed with the selling of the restaurant’s land to JBG Co. in 2007. Despite Sarris’ opposition to the land sale by the county, the Maryland-based real estate developer aligned with the county’s plan to develop the valuable parcel that Orleans House occupied. JBG’s winning bid ultimately transformed the block into a mixed-use development, adding to the quickly evolving Rosslyn skyline.
Tom Sarris, the revered culinary mastermind behind Orleans House and renowned Arlington business owner, passed away in 2014. Arlingtonians fondly remember him for The Covered Wagon, the Tom Sarris Steak House, and the Orleans House, all of which helped grow the Rosslyn area dining scene and support economic development in Arlington.
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