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    First Impression

    4.6 (58 reviews)
    Closed 1:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    First Impression Photos

    Business Info

    FIRST IMPRESSION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - First Impression

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    Reviews With Photos

    Diana G.

    Good food, vibes and price! If your in a rush this is not the place for you. They but such care and time into every meal. Great owner!

    LD G.

    1st time trying; now loyal customer. The whiting dinner was excellent . Food was fresh, prepared quickly, hot and delicious. Definitely adding to my list of favorites. Staff was very friendly and appreciative. Bye Weenie Beenie

    Fried Chicken Wing Dinner Greens Mac and Cheese
    Caleb J.

    Oh my God. I can't believe I'm just now finding out about this spot. Soul food done right in Arlington! If you're in Northern Virginia and don't want drive too far for quality soul food, this should be your spot! I stumbled upon it on Apple Maps and am so happy I did. I ordered the fried chicken dinner with collard greens and Mac and cheese and everything was delicious. They also give you mumbo sauce with the wings which was a welcome surprise because it's not easy to find good mumbo in NoVa either. I called my order in and it was ready in 15 minutes. It's take out only so don't expect to sit and eat there, but this should be your spot if you want soul food to go. 10/10

    Shrimp (no sides) with an extra shrimp or two.
    Quenton B.

    First Impressions #WIN This is the type of fish I grew up eating. Simple, seasoned and fresh. We had the shrimp; they were big and good. The catfish was fresh and tasty as well. We didn't try any sides. I invite all of my yelp Elite, friends, and followers alike to try this place. Tips 1) the location is on a hill, looks a little hood, but the people are really nice and and put pride into what they do - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS 2) parking on the hill can be a little scary; if you park in the front, back in if you can. There is also parking on the left (if you're facing the building - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS 3) the prices are great for what you get, especially considering how high of quality the food was. - SUPPORT THESE FOLKS

    Fish, collard greens, Mac & cheese.
    Francine M.

    My impression of this place is not good. First Impression restaurant is a takeout in a small dilapidated dwelling. This alone does not bother me for a takeout. However, The collard greens were salty; the whitings were too thin, curly, and salty; the shrimp was salty and rubbery; and the onion rings were too greasy. Nonetheless, the Mac & cheese was very good. I selected this place based on the rating which is baffling.

    Robert M.

    First Impression left a spectacular one on me. While it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing on the outside, the inside is full of love and soul. I was warmly greeted by Aaron, who went over the menu and some of the favorites with me. My sweet tooth noticed funnel cake on the menu, but I was told that would be available when it gets warmer outside (I'll be back). I ordered the whiting dinner with mac and cheese and collard greens. While waiting for my food, I browsed the oil collection they had. As someone who likes to layer oil with cologne, I appreciated their offerings. When I got home, I saw 4 generous pieces of fish, well seasoned and crispy. Some of the best whiting I've ever had. The collard greens were enjoyable, but the mac was out of this world. I was very happy I ordered an extra side of it. You can tell and taste the passion for cooking they have. They have a fan in me.

    Fried porkchop with Mac n cheese, collard greens and gravy on the side. Straight fire!
    Harvey D.

    Don't let the building fool you, it's the food, owner and staff -- all quality! The First Impression is the best impression. The vibe was chill, music was dope. Everything was straight fire! That fried pork chop was cooked perfectly--crispy, flavorful, and tender all the way through. The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and full of real homemade flavor. And the collard greens were seasoned to perfection, soft, savory, and absolutely on point. The gravy was delicious too. This whole plate was comfort food done right. My guy Aaron a real one, I think he's the owner, he's cool as fvck and helpful as this was my first time here. This is the soul food spot to hit up if you're in Arlington/Shirlington. I'll be coming back for the catfish and wings real soon.

    Menu
    Usamah N.

    Randomly found this place on yelp as I was looking for a side of baked Mac and cheese and randomly stumbled upon First Impression. Definitely tucked away and a lowkey spot but that mac and cheese was so delicious! If you're looking for authentic southern Mac and cheese this is the place! Definitely will be back to try some different items here 10/10 customer service as well!

    Menu
    Michael M.

    If you want soul food so good, make it out to Shirlington, where Chef Aaron Green is cranking out heavenly creations in a hole in the wall takeout joint just oozing character and flavors. I was on vacation with family from Hawaii, where we don't get this genuine soul food. Virginia locals suggested this place, so we gave it a shot. Chef Green and his worker (didn't get his name) are friendly and efficient, telling us how their dishes were prepared and seasoned, making our choices easier. I opted for the smothered pork chops and chose collard greens and mashed potatoes as my sides. Having just came from Baltimore the previous day, I decided to also try a crab cake to compare. Pork chops and crab cakes anywhere else do not compare to what you can get at First Impression, and I'm a big supporter of the Manago Pork Chops at the Manago Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. Make your way out here--totally worth the drive or flight, and definitely worth your money.

    Dino M.

    I walked in and was greeted and pleasantly surprised by the aroma. It smelled like grandma's kitchen. I had the fried pork chop collard greens, and mac & cheese, and old boy was I in for surprise it was worth the drive in rush-hour traffic from where I live to get those pork chops, mac & cheese, and greens and it taste like my grandma's cooking. My grandmother is from Mississippi and I swear that food was so good. Oh my goodness I couldn't wait to get home to get it

    Stephen S.

    Only takeout is available, but the food was great and reminded me of home. Fried whiting, mac and cheese, and greens were amazing with good portions.

    Enough whiting, onion rings and collards for three delicious servings. I don't eat fried foods often but this definitely hit the spot.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Is was mid. My crab cake sandwich had so many shells I couldn't eat it as a sandwich lol. The Mac and cheese was amazing

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    1 year ago

    Amazing food, generous portions, good price, nice people. My #1 local place to eat, a hidden gem.

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    2 years ago

    So glad i decided to stop by. Great owners and even better food. Pork chop amazing as we're the fish and shrimp. Sides are excellent.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    My go-to for fried seafood. Aaron is super nice and food never takes a long time to prepare.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - First Impression

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    First Impression - soulfood - Updated May 2026

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