Restaurantji's New Carrollton picks for the finest Mexican cuisine.
“Well I can’t speak for anyone else but I ordered a bowl and had to call to ask for multiple things on the side and they did just that plus LOADED that bowl Chile when I say they LOADED.. I didn’t know whether to be happy or offended lol it was a great experience and I will only be ordering from here. I read reviews for chipotle for miles around my area and this one was worth the final decision. Whoever the young lady that added the dressing and sour cream on the side thank you so much, it’s a small gesture but a lot of chipotles don’t care enough to do that. Just thought I’d commend her.“
“I recently dined at D'lena and had an amazing experience! The food was absolutely delicious. The flavors were exceptional and left me wanting more. I ended up doing a walk in & ended up at the bar, my server at the bar was Paul! He truly made my visit outstanding! He was attentive, friendly, and made great recommendations. His knowledge of the menu and willingness to ensure my dining experience was perfect truly stood out. I highly recommend Dlena to anyone looking for a wonderful dining experience with fantastic food and top-notch service!I had the squash soup & wagyu fajitas on a hot plate. The steak was also very good especially combined with the broccolini.“
“Had incredible time here for happy hour. I recommend the pomegranate margarita, and the mojito. The quesadilla was amazing and so were the pork and beef tacos. Beautiful atmosphere and the staff was excellent. FYI happy hour is for the bar only so don’t worry about booking a reservation if you’re looking to do happy hour.“
“Very good food, if a bit on the pricey side. Nice hints of source and pepper throughout, which didn't kill my side-averse dining partner. Cocktails are creative and tasty.We had the tuna tartar, the carnitas roll, and a selection of tacos.“
“Best Mexican food in the area!! Gourmet tastes/vibes for completely reasonable prices. The atmosphere is also awesome, with beautiful lighting, tons of space, and good acoustics for talking.Parking: The parking lot can only hold 6 or so cars, but the large parking lot nearby can hold much more“
“My first time trying this place, I was on my way to work running late...stop to grab tacos to go...but I sat down to eat just ONE taco and told myself I'll save the rest for work....a long story short, i ended up late for work because i couldnt stop eating the rest of my food...the food was so good i couldnt get UP, i had to finish the rest, it was so DELICIOUS...!!!! BEST TACOS IN LAUREL!! ?“
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Los Caballeros for their weekend brunch and I must say, it was a truly delightful experience.As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles from the staff and the owner himself. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and had a laid-back vibe, perfect for a lazy weekend brunch.Now let's talk about the food. Los Caballeros proved to be a pleasant surprise. They were able to accommodate options for vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians. But what truly stole the show for me were the drinks. I highly recommend trying their pitcher of tamarindo margarita. It was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, and definitely hit the spot. They also had other options like mimosas and bloody marys for those who prefer a classic brunch drink.The owner, who was also our server, was incredibly friendly and attentive. He made sure we were enjoying our meal and even gave us some recommendations for their signature dishes. It was evident that he takes great pride in his restaurant and wants his customers to have a memorable experience.To end our brunch on a sweet note, we decided to try their dessert. And let me tell you, it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.Overall, my experience at Los Caballeros was exceptional. From the food to the drinks to the service, everything was top-notch. I highly recommend checking them out for their weekend brunch or even for a regular meal. The owner and his team have truly created a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience for their customers. So next time you're in the mood for some delicious food, head over to Los Caballeros and treat yourself to a delightful brunch. You won't regret it.Parking: This area of parking gets very busy due to being right beside the area of the Capitol.“
“Vera has completely won me over with their exceptional cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Let's talk about the branzino - it's an absolute game changer. Tender, flavorful, and simply to die for. If you visit Vera, make sure to try it - you won't regret it. And speaking of must-tries, their Dios Del Andes y Cedro cocktail is a personal favorite of mine. It's a delightful blend of flavors that truly impresses. And let's not forget about the guacamole - it's fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a fantastic dining experience, Vera is a must-visit destination. And the service is always amazing.“
“Being from Texas, I had to keep in mind that this was not Tex-Mex. The food was awesome! We had cucaraches, which was fried shrimp with a hot sauce, and nacho mama for appetizers. They were both amazing! The sauce is really not too spicy, just a little tangy . Birria tacos were good and cheesy. Everything was good! Service was prompt even though we had reservations. Nice and cozy, with low lighting. I tried a drink- A Piná which wasn't frozen but served over slushy ice. This place is definitely one to put in your rotation.“
“These are some of the best tacos I’ve ever had in my life. Only reason I’m giving 4 stars is because they are STINGY with the sauces and with the family tacos deals they force you to choose 3 meats which limits people like me who don’t eat pork or beef.“
“We love this neighborhood gem. Excellent food (best nachos in DC, yummy tacos, and delicious plantains), great drinks, wonderful staff. I'm only removing one star because they often run out of michelada mix, which is my favorite. But otherwise highly recommend.“
“I dropped in on an early Monday evening for take-out and had a drink while I waited. They have some pretty awesome menu items and it was quite difficult for me to chose. I opted for the veggie chimichanga. I ordered a margarita, snacked on some chips and delicious salsa and enjoyed the wait. After I dug in at home, I was pleasantly pleased with the presentation of my food along with the tastiness. It was amazing! I couldn't believe I've lived in the area my whole young adult years and never been there! Definitely a place to keep in your pocket!“
“This past weekend I hosted a birthday party at Mission Navy Yard. The staff was fantastic, providing my group with a private room, bartender, bathroom, and outside patio area. Mission Navy Yard responded to all emails and questions promptly and we experienced no issues throughout our experience. Would definitely recommend!“
“Food is absolutely AMAZING. The only 2 things: Resturant is extremely small and tight. Everyone that came in was getting TO GO orders, and they only had 1 or 2 waiters for the whole restaurant. I get that it's small, and the 2 waiters they have are good, but they are the only 2, and they can't do everything for everyone so waiting to order or get drinks, silverware is a little challenging especially if the restaurant is busy!“
“This use to be the old Applebees I think but it's handling it's business very well! It's Sunday and not a table around! The bar was stocked with patrons but our wait was t long at all. Once seated a very nice waitress approached and gave us menus. We asked for recommendations and I really like that she took the time to ask us what was our preferred choice of spirits so she could offer us something based on our preferences-BIG KUDOS! My selection of the Cancun Margarita didn't disappoint! It comes in an actual pineapple with plenty of liquor but not overpowering! The guacamole was supposed to be made table side but it was so crowded she couldn't get down the aisle with her cart! Although I like that experience as you're able to ask them to add a little more lemon or such/such but it was GREAT! We chose the queso with ground beef but that isn't anything special with that. I did see a Snapper on another table that I want to try with my next visit! Parking is great(in the shopping center lot) prices are reasonable and the staff all seem to care. Everyone chipped in on duties the manager even came around to tables thanking patrons for being there. Bathrooms were clean and easily accessible even under the influence of 2 of those drinks(had a little stumble ) and oh yes they sneak up on you so don't be like me and choose more than you should. Overall, I can see myself driving back here for happy hours or even a late night meal! Another table had some Mexican Candy shits( these weren't regular shots though) those WILL definitely be the first drink on the next visit!“
“Came to this place twice and it has one of the best Mexican restaurants in DC!Ambience: Nice (be sure to visit during happy hour for discounted items)What I’ve tried:Asada Tacos (4/5)Mushroom Quesadilla (2/5)Chicken tacos (4/5)Smoked Beans & Rice (5/5)Margarita (5/5)Make sure you RSVP ahead of time or you will be waiting (depending on the day).“
“Stopped in on a Tuesday night and the place was packed. We ordered chicken flautas and a quesabirria. The food was incredibly delicious and now I have three flautas left for lunch tomorrow. Looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu!“
“Absolutely amazing dinner at El Techno for my birthday. Vibes were immaculate, birria ramen bomb was in the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Staff were friendly and helpful, but didn't hover, absolutely perfect. Margaritas were delicious. The owner, Louie, came by and introduced himself and made sure everything was great. Honestly couldn't ask for a better dinner for the price.“
“This place is neither an Indian nor a Mexican restaurant. The people who work here are mostly Mexican/Latin Americans (I didn't see any Indian Americans working here) but the food has Indian influence(the keyword is "influence"). So take it for what it is, It's good for a cheap quick bite but that's about it. Don't expect anything more than that. If I had half a star I would give this a 4.5 but I believe 4 stars is not too harsh either.“
“My coworker suggested we go there for lunch. It was amazing every detail they thought of. It was a beautiful day, so able to sit outside and take advantage of the outside seating I was able to get tacos in different varieties. The food was wonderful. The staff was very nice, the outside tables were very clean.“
“Nicest staff here and the food was incredible!!!I’m from California where the MEXICAN FOOD IS FOR REAL. And this is THE ONLY PLACE AS GOOD AS CALI MEX!!!! I’ve been to like 20 Mexican spots and been disappointed every time mumbling after “Not as good as Cali but still love Mexican so it’s ok.”Not here!THIS PLACE ROCKS!!! Best Mexican in the area hands downnnnnnnnnnn~~~~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~~“
“Solid food really good quesadillas. The wait was not too bad after ordering, only about 15 minutes. Very friendly and kind. The truck is located by a gas station with plenty of parking which is nice. The truck has cool lights and the menu is on the truck and on little paper sheets by the window.“
“Had met with friends for their brunch here and we were running behind. Were helpful in getting us seated and since we were with a dog, they made sure to get the heaters set up and got us a table with the fire pit. Nice views of the water and bridge.“
“Great place to stop for some delicious Mexican-style food while out and about touring Capitol Hill! Portions are large, staff is friendly, and lots of menu options are available. There are only about ten stools for inside dining but is convenient enough to grab as take out and picnic someplace along the hill. Taco salads, quesadillas, and pork tacos are amazing!“
“This place is a little hard to find but definitely worth the effort. Great Mexican food and fantastic service. The servings are huge, I think the queso dip could serve 8 people. Margaritas were okay but beers from the giant cooler of beer were cold and refreshing.“
“In the hallowed halls of gastronomy,Where tweed-clad scholars gather,Amidst oak-paneled walls and leather-bound books,Lies a secret whispered among the cognoscenti.Behold, the burrito—an enigma wrapped in parchment,A culinary symphony of maize and meat,Its savory notes resonate through ivy-covered quads,As if Hemingway himself had penned its recipe.The tortilla, a golden diploma unfurled,Cradles the treasures within—a calculus of flavors,Black beans, like ancient runes, inscribed with spice,Avocado, the verdant promise of summer's yield.And there, nestled in the folds, the pièce de résistance:Carnitas, slow-cooked to perfection,Their tender confessions echoing across generations,A clandestine rendezvous of taste and tradition.As the clock chimes midnight in the dining hall,We raise our silver forks to this scholarly feast,For the burrito, my dear companions,Is the thesis of sustenance—a dissertation of delight.“
“Food and service were amazing! it is very loud, so don't expect to have a quiet, romantic dinner. The only other negative is the bathroom situation- it's so dark and creepy. You can't see in the hallway, I'm surprised more people don't fall. Put some brighter lights on people!“
“I am sure Korean food is the best when tasted in Korea. That's why I'm not a big fan of Korean restaurants abroad. However this one, Rice Bar in DC satisfied me for real. 다만 제 느낌에 1회용 숫가락이 좀더 크면 좋겠고 젓가락에 일본어 적힌 점이 아쉽.. 그래도 또 들리고 싶네요.“
“This place made my little Texan heart so happy! Our family came on Valentine’s Day & enjoyed complimentary chips & salsa, tasty TexMex (My cheese enchiladas were perfect!), and I got to introduce my MIL to sopapillas (these were much smaller than what you find in Texas but still delicious).I often long for TexMex but between the expense of restaurants and the high chance of being disappointed, I rarely venture out. We’ll be back!Kid-friendliness: Easy- going atmosphere with kid chairs & menu (kid meals <$10)“
“This place is good simple Mexican restaurant. It's not expensive but a very good experienceVegetarian options: Beans Burittos rice soup quesadillaDietary restrictions: Accommodation for gluten intoleranceParking: There is ample parking right next to the restaurant“
“I truly enjoy this place. I come here often to get the same dish. I grab their 3 carne asada tacos. It’s one of my favorite spots to pick up tacos. Very authentic. I have had their paposas (not sure if I spelled it correctly) and they are great also.The service is kind and friendly. It seems like a family own business.“
“My husband treated us to lunch from Krazi Kebob, and his recommendation of the Chicken Kati Rolls turned out to be an absolute game-changer for my taste buds. As someone unfamiliar with this type of food, I had no idea what to expect, but let me tell you, the experience was nothing short of fantastic. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Chicken Kati Rolls. The chicken was bursting with flavor. The recommended side of spicy sauce added an extra kick that elevated the overall experience. To complement the rolls, we also ordered fries. They were perfectly cooked and paired exceptionally well with a mayo dip. Adding to the positive experience was the seamless pick-up process. Ordering was a breeze, and when we arrived to collect our meal, everything was ready and waiting. Definitely coming back!“
“We picked this place because we were really hungry and it was close to the route we'd chosen to take north from DC (a less hectic and more scenic alternative to Interstate 95).For once Google reviews didn't fail us -- the raves are spot on. The food is made in house (even salsas, which are good enough to be bottled and sold in upscale stores.) Watching meals being prepared is inspiring; the care taken to assemble each order is impressive. (The guacamole is made fresh for each one.)But it's worth the short wait -- the food is delicious. Our burritos were massive and stuffed not with filler but things you really want to eat. We lived in California for years; it could be the best we've ever eaten.It may be in a gas station but there's a table right there if you want to eat in (as we did) and a clean rest room close by. Who cares about atmo when you're on a long drive?Next time we'll pick the route so we can eat there again!“
“I really enjoyed eating at Samantha’s! I was so surprised to walk in and see a lot of families eating in there, which told me this was a popular spot with potentially a lot of returning customers. We ordered the argentine steak that was supposed to come with a chimichurri sauce but didn’t appear present on the steak, more so “flavored” chimichurri I guess.. and I ordered beef and ribs fajitas. The rice and beans were really good and tasty. I enjoyed my beef fajitas, but the ribs were a little too saucy and more American bbq tasting than Latino style. I see that they have a pork ribs entree on the menu which I may try next time to see if they’re any but different than the fajitas.I really liked that they had a large menu with many options so we can try different stuff each time we come back. Will be returning soon with local family!“
“I don't know if I was just really hungry or if this was some of the best Mexican food in DC! The carnitas in my nachos was so flavorful and tender! The carne asada burrito was amazing. They have margaritas on tap and I thought that was pretty cool. This restaurant is located inside the Bryant Street Market. This was my first time there and the layout is pretty cool, tons of seating and some other good looking by eateries. We finished the meal off with some caramel covered churros that were pretty decent. The caramel definitely took them to the next level. The customer service was ok, but we didn't really need anything from them after we got our food and found somewhere to sit.“
“It was a lovely surprise to find this hidden gem! I would recommend the appetizer ceviche but wish they could’ve added more tostada. The main entree (mezcalero skillet) was great too. They did not underserve and the food was served quickly within 20 mins of sitting down. Efficient and attentive!!Parking: The first three hours is free and located in the backside of the restaurant. The great part is the elevator takes you directly to the cosecha level where the restaurant is located within.“
“This place quickly became one of our family's go to eateries when they first opened. I've had a different meal each time we've gone here and every dish was delicious. We have gone probably ten times so far. Atmosphere is great and even better now after the remodel. The service is sometimes slow, but the staff are always friendly and helpful. The drinks are a little pricey too. I just paid ten bucks for a shot of Jack Daniel's on Friday. Most other places that would be between 6-8 bucks. Highly recommended Acapulco though.“
“Moved to FL recently and Mexican food does not exist there. Ordered a carne asada burrito with plantain it and hands down one of the best burritos I’ve have eaten. It was actually refreshing with every bite. Please open one up in Vero Beach FL! Fantastic experience and was even approached while leaving and asked how my meal was! Awesome customer service!“
“The salmon birria tacos are a must try. The accompanying consomé is rich and flavorful. It tastes like homemade seafood stock with a little cream. They could sell that alone with a little shellfish and be straight. I found the tacos to be small, and the salmon was overcooked which was a bummer. But, I like that you can order everything as singles, and I love that they offer consomé without having to order three daggone tacos! I thought the other offerings were just aight, but will return for these. Very warm, kind staff. When you encounter helpful, smiling faces, you feel welcome and appreciated. Thanks ladies.“
“I got a bowl and it was delicious. The food was fresh, especially the lettuce. The salsa de habanero was hot and added to the meal. It wasn't so hot it caused discomfort. Can't wait to order again. I had delivery so I can't speak on the atmosphere.“
“My experience at Taqueria Habanero Food Truck was a very pleasant surprise. I was invited by a friend who knew the College Park area well, where the restaurant is located. He was participating in an entrepreneurship program at the University of Maryland in the same place where I was carrying out similar activities and took me to try the authentic Mexican food there.Upon arrival, we were greeted with delicious and flavorful tacos that truly captured the essence of Mexican cuisine. As a Brazilian, it was interesting to observe the differences in the way of serving and flavors, and I particularly appreciated the traditional spicy touch of Mexican food. The experience was so good that I would certainly have come back more often if I hadn't been so busy with other activities during my stay in the region.“
“Are you in Landover, the desert of Latino food, and craving street tacos? Well, this is the only place. While a bit greasy, they hit the spot. They are generously portioned and just looked at the radish and peppers and lime they come with! Glad these guys exist here!“
“We love visiting Las Placitas, it always has a busy vibe, customer service is good. The employees are always happy and seem to enjoy being there. The food is delicious and drinks are fantastic. This place gets packed in the evenings so be prepared to wait for a seat if you come later. But it will definitely be worth the wait.“
“I love this place. Used to go to Tippy's Tacos in College Park....for many years, and only realized the connection about 10 years ago. I don't go anywhere else for tacos or any Mexican food. Their guacamole is top notch. Even the sodas are good! I like the low key atmosphere and the staff are quite nice. Toucan Taco is the best place to go if you want good food, low key atmosphere and good people.“
“This place is great, it has many options and the food is very delicious. I tried the quesabirra this time and I think I prefer they regular tacos instead. Specially their Al pastor and carnita tacos which are very flavorful! But overall their quesabirra was still delicious. The staff is friendly and the environment is very welcoming. I recommend trying this place out and coming back to try multiple things on their menu, because they have a lot of delicious options. Overall I highly recommend.“
“This neighborhood gem is still running strong! The service is great! The food exceeds expectations! They really did make us feel like family. Who knew this was still possible in 2024! PS, Best spot for people watching on the patio btw. Highly recommended!“
“Amazing service. The best chips and salsa. The BEST michaladas, great margs and if you are nice, they might surprise you with a little shot of tequila! Highly recommend if you want a warm atmosphere, great drinks, good casual food and consistent customer friendly service.“
“This place is Charming. On a random Wednesday we were seated immediately. They have an interesting tap list and fun cocktails, everyone's happy. Smoked queso dip is great, comes topped with pico for extra crunch, served with sturdy tortilla chips. And it's a good thing they are sturdy, the elote dip demands it. Eating the elote as served, with the tortilla chips instead of shoveling it into your mouth via fork, you find yourself enjoying corn four ways. Tacos were excellent, orange soda braised carnitas perfectly over filled. I do wish you could mix and match. The husbands brisket was great too -- thick sliced and moist. He thought it was too salty but I disagree. The sauces were perfect. My only complaint, the plantains came out without the pickled onions and creama, no bother -- will try again next time. And there will be a next time. Just what I need, another reason to be jealous of the people who live in this adorable neighborhood.“
“We visited DC for four nights. We ate here twice because it was so good. The happy hour specials were delicious and good deals. The salsa is transcendent. Loved the mojito and the sangria. The carnitas, the tinga de pollo and the esquites were AMAZING! The whole staff is awesome and the atmosphere is so cool.“
“My first time here and it won't be my last. Really great authentic food.It's was a little confusing when we first walked in because we weren't sure if it was counter or table service. You order at the counter, seat yourself and they'll bring it out to you.I had 1 carnitas and 1 chorizo taco w/a Mexican Coke. Both tacos were fantastic. My wife was in LOVE with the chicken mole. I'm also very rarely a fan of rice but theirs was spot on and I enjoyed it a lot.This place is a gem. Really great food, very reasonable prices, good portions, friendly folks behind the counter and magic in the kitchen.“