Dirt

Headed down to Ballston again because of rumors of some new openings.  Ballston Quarter is still a hot mess but across the street at "Ballston Exchange" (north of Wilson) there is a new healthier food option called Dirt (the "I" is italicized and carved into the tables.  Not sure why.)  In any case, these Impossible Meat burgers are all the rage and Dirt has one so it was worth the try.  The good news:  The burger was delightful.  Chockful of a great variety of foodstuffs, including tomato, sauteed onions, pickles (yes ...), vegan cheddar and a nicely zippy vegan cashew chipotle sauce, it was a yummy and filling dish (no sides).  The restaurant purports to be about "healthy-ish, clean eating" and caters not only to vegans, but also to paleos, meat lovers and plant-based eaters.  The lengthy menu has enough items to make many visits but there are also a few issues, mostly a result, I think, of opening weeks craziness.  It took two tries to find the line to stand in to order.  Note to staff: simple "order here" and "pickup here" signs would be appreciated.  Use of the small space isn't ideal and those waiting for pickups had nowhere to actually be, crowding around diners wedged into the tiny tables.  (Note:  They plan to set up an online ordering service but don't have it ready yet).  With only one outdoor table guests eating in are left to find a space in the very loud, crowded indoors (thumping music cranked too high with a bare concrete floor and shouted conversations).   Those sitting on the barstools face ... a wall.  Many eating there did this weird twisting thing, facing out but turning around to pick up food.  While I waited for my burger I wolfed down a savory scone from one of their partners, Pluma by Bluebird Bakery, which was quite good.  Dirt is making a point to partner with area businesses by providing menu items from Call Your Mother bagels and 3 Stars Brewing Company coffee, amongst others.  Price points are pretty high for a counter-service restaurant.  Their press calls the restaurant "Counter Casual" to try to convey that this is an upscale counter service restaurant, but still ...  In any case, in addition to a plethora of vegan options Pluma provides a robust selection of vegan treats each day for their pastry section.  Was it worth it?  Yes, although a $15 burger might mean I'm not stopping by each day.  Worth more visits however, as the food was good and there are other menu items I would like to try.  Just maybe not at lunchtime.

Counter Service Healthy Eating
4121 Wilson Blvd, Suite 102B, Arlington (closer to Scott St. than Wilson)
https://dirteatclean.com/