Steak house history should be preserved

Arlington’s oldest running restaurant is getting a new name — and losing the gravy.

Jambo’s Barbeque Shack, a Rendon establishment, bought Arlington Steak House and will turn it into Jambo’s third location, the second in Arlington.

Arlington Steak House, opened in 1931 as Triangle Inn, is one of the most prominent remnants of the city’s storied past. It received a historic landmark medallion from the Arlington Landmark Preservation Commission in 2014.

The steak house sits off the old Bankhead Highway, now West Division Street, and its history includes a succession of gamblers and Depression-era hijinks. The restaurant was popular with travelers and clientele from the nearby Top O’ Hill Terrace, an infamous gambling house.

Jambo’s wants to spruce up the 84-year old place, although the owners haven’t provided details. A troubling start to the process appeared on Jambo’s Facebook page when someone commented about rioting if the beloved gravy was to be changed.

Jambo’s replied, “Sorry brotha no more gravy the only thing we're keeping is the rolls but I could get the recipe for you!!!”

Change the menu, but be careful with the history.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:52 PM with the headline "Steak house history should be preserved."