Asia Bistro Closes After 22 Years in Pentagon City: What’s Next for Loyal Customers?

Asia Bistro Closes After 22 Years in Pentagon City

Asia Bistro in Pentagon City has closed after two decades of service. The restaurant announced its closure on Facebook, reflecting on its 22 years at 1301 S. Joyce Street in the Westpost shopping center. The message highlighted the restaurant’s offerings, including sushi rolls, ramen, spring rolls, and boba tea. They expressed gratitude to customers who have visited over the years.

Despite the closure, the full-time staff will continue to serve some of their popular dishes at nearby locations. Jessica Arbaugh, the owner, encouraged loyal customers to visit their sister restaurants.

Saigon Saigon, located at 1101 S. Joyce Street, will provide Asia Bistro’s happy hour items and bestsellers, such as chicken wings and steamed bao buns. They will also open a sushi bar this weekend featuring Asia Bistro’s sushi chef.

A new Spanish restaurant, El Mercat Bar de Tapas, is set to open in Asia Bistro’s former space in early 2025. Additionally, Bees & Tea, a bubble tea shop that spun off from Asia Bistro, is now operating nearby. It serves bubble tea, appetizers, ice cream, and taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped waffle.

Jessica Arbaugh opened Asia Bistro with her parents in 2002, building on her family’s history in the restaurant business. Her parents fled Vietnam in the 1980s and opened Pho Cali, their first restaurant. Arbaugh initially planned to pursue dentistry, but she changed her path after Pho Cali closed due to redevelopment.

Arbaugh expressed her appreciation for her dedicated staff, referring to them as her “non-DNA family.” She remains hopeful that the community will continue to support her businesses as they operate in Arlington.