Stephanie Spear 
Few pairings are as iconic as a fresh bagel + schmear or an ice cream cone on a sunny summer afternoon. Arlington is getting a little extra delicious this season. Five new spots focused on bagels or ice cream are opening around town this summer, plus a sixth concept bringing a little bit of everything to the table. From local favorites expanding their footprint to national chains making their Northern Virginia debuts, here’s what to know about the new bagel and ice cream businesses coming to Arlington, Virginia.
Ballston Bagel Bonanza
Breakfast in Ballston might just be the move. Three new bagel spots have plans to open in the neighborhood. Two are locally grown brands, Bagel Uprising and Call Your Mother, and the other is a Northeastern import. Read on for more about the incoming Ballston bagel bonanza.
Bagel Uprising | 901 N. Glebe Road
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This Del Ray-based spot will open its second location in Ballston. Owners Justin and Chad tell TFG that the space will be bigger, which means more options for baked goods and other new menu items. There will also be a bigger sitting area, which means more lazy mornings over a breakfast sandwich and a book.
Call Your Mother | 4000 Wilson Boulevard
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You can’t miss this DC-born bagel spot’s iconic pink branding, to say nothing of the bagels and other baked goods. The sandwiches from CYM have reached cult status, and for good reason: they’re piled high with whatever you want – from classic cream cheeses (made in-house) to meats, vegetables, cheeses, and more. This spot is also a great choice for vegans, as there are several vegan bagels, cream cheese, and sandwich fillings available. TFG is partial to the New York-style black and white cookie.
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PopUp Bagels | 4300 Wilson Boulevard
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This Connecticut-based brand has built a following for fresh bagels meant to be pulled apart and dunked into schmears rather than turned into traditional sandwiches. The menu is solid and simple: bagels + cream cheeses only. The flavors of the cream cheeses rotate weekly. A Georgetown location opened in Spring 2026 and another location will open soon in Bethesda.
Sweet Scoops
Scoop N Scootery | 1138 N. Irving Street
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The shop is known for over-the-top sundaes loaded with sweets like candy, cake, and buttercream frosting. The Arlington location is expected to have more than 70 varieties of sundaes, shakes, cookies, and floats, plus late-night delivery until 2AM. The grand opening is scheduled for June 6th, 2026.
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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream | 4075 Wilson Boulevard
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The Ballston location of this NYC-based chain will open on June 11th and will carry 30 signature flavors, including vegan options, plus sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and more. Hours will be 11AM to 11PM Sunday through Thursday and 11AM to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Little Bit of Both
Buffalo + Bergen | 1028 N. Garfield Street
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Buffalo + Bergen serves old-school food with a modern attitude, like classic deli items such as sandwiches, knishes, and egg creams. This spot has something for everyone, and it serves everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner, plus those random moments when you just need a snack or a cocktail. Weekend brunch is always a special occasion here, with a Bloody Mary that is Instagram-ready and house-made bagels piled high with whatever you can imagine.
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