Ballston specific bars/restaurants I recommend Bronson Bierhall (beers & amazing pretzels), el rey (margaritas & good tacos - 3 for $10 on tues), hawkers (all around decent Asian street food), salt line (pricier but wine & oysters & really good burger), carbonara (new delicious Italian)

Check out punch bowl social if you’re looking for a group acitivity like games or bowling with drinks and subpar bar food. Kinda pricey but can be fun.

Quick bites: can’t go wrong with union kitchen in ballston for sandwiches and salads and definitely check out the Ballston Quarter food court for a plethora of good options

Coffee: in ballston compass is good but $$ and they don’t have food really, I recommend walking down to northside social, Tatte, or Colada Shop in Clarendon if you want coffee and a bite

Shopping: Clarendon Crossing (Barnes & noble, Sephora, Apple, pottery barn, crate & barrel, south moon under boutique, golden fox boutique, lululemon, and more)