On a recent visit to DC with our kids, we came here for dinner and it was so delicious we ended up…read morecoming back three nights in a row! Everything is amazing from the guacamole, tamarind margarita, every single taco we tried, and the flan--it blew my mind. Get yourself to Habanero, it's the best!

The service was super quick! There may have been a 10 minute wait between ordering our food and…read morebeing served which was perfect. We got the guacamole to start which was some of the best, and most flavorful, guacamole that I've had in DC. Being from Texas, I'm very particular about my street tacos. These were the closest I've gotten to Texas street tacos since I've been in DC, and I've been here for 2 years! The place is small and intimate but full of energy - great place for a happy hour with friends or a more casual date!

Came back for lunch. Had the fish tacos…read more Mercado Margarita. Good service- although I had to ask for a menu when I came in and sat at the bar. I was the only one but I was sitting there for a couple mins and no one noticed, so I had to say something at some point. Great ambience.

This rating is for the brunch and the brunch only... I have to be completely honest about this for…read moreanyone planning on going for brunch. The service was ok, we had to tell our server we weren't seeing him enough, there's a 2 hour limit and we weren't getting a chance to order more drinks. After that he kept the drinks coming. WARNING! You DO NOT get to choose what items you want from the ayce brunch menu, they bring every single dish out and they do it at a pace that you barely get a chance to enjoy anything. Every dish is loaded with fillers and barely any meat. Every dish has a similar flavor of chilli, lime and cilantro. I say this with the upmost respect to this restaurant, the only good thing about the brunch were the churros and they don't give you that until you're ready to leave. The chicken and waffles were almost good but the sauce on the chicken with the waffle just ruins it. The steak and eggs were ok and you only get a 1oz piece of steak. Birria tacos were just ok and the fish taco was ok. Everything else was not worth it. A lot of items went to waste. If we could've chose exactly what we wanted, it might have been better. This would also add to why the service did not start off well because our server gave us our first drink and left. After that, every item from the brunch menu were just getting dropped off by food runners. It became overwhelming. We didn't even have room on the table for all of that. Then we also had to ask for new plates because we did not want to mix the flavors of every dish. The drinks were also not good, I had margaritas for my drink of choice and they are so sour and filled with cheap tequila... respectfully for 70$ a person you're better off ordering à la carte. The restaurant is beautiful though, great for pictures and the food is colorful as well but the flavors are just not that good and you're ultimately paying for a bunch of food that you don't really even want nor enjoy. I really hope they adjust this because I heard it was 10x better in the past.

This restaurant from Jose Andres was one of the better elevated Mexican restaurants at which I've…read moreeaten. I wasn't super starving so I had a fish taco and the enchiladas. The taco was amazing and was some kind of fried catfish! YUM! And the enchiladas were delicious as well. The green sauce cut through the overabundance of cheesy goodness quite well. I like that you can mix and match tacos so you're not stuck with all of the same one. The menu didn't have a ton of choices, which made deciding a bit easier. They had an amazing bar staff too that was absolutely killing it mixing cocktails. The margaritas were on point and the one had a flair of "salt air" foam instead of a messy, sticky rim. Who wants a messy sticky rim, right?

Boss pulled up and said "we're going to Oyamel" and that was the right call. Weekday lunch, Penn…read moreQuarter, reservation secured because this place does not slow down for anybody. Pitcher of margaritas for the table: smooth, rich, not too strong. Exactly what a group lunch needs without turning into a whole situation. The guacamole is terrific and they'll adjust the spice level to your liking, which is a small thing that goes a long way when you're feeding a whole office with different tolerances. The tacos are built on house-made masa tortillas and you can taste that they care. I did the Pollo à la Parrilla and the Chilito de Res. Both landed. The beef especially, slow-braised and seasoned like they meant it. This is a José Andrés restaurant, so you already know the room has energy. If you're in the District and haven't made this a regular stop, fix that.

Mi Vida is located along the Wharf, with tons of outdoor and indoor spaces…read more I went with a hungry group of 8 and started with their guac and small plates/apps. We ordered their "most popular apps" for 5 which came with tamales, croquettes, empanadas, deviled eggs, oranges, and fried pork rinds (chips?). The serving size was definitely enough for our group, so I'd only order this for an actual group of 5 if you weren't eating anything else. I had their pork tacos as an entree and tried their carne asada. Both were satisfying but neither stood out. Overall, I'd say this place is a safe place to dine - you know the service will be good and the food will be solid. I wouldn't say that their dishes stand out, but I also mainly tried their basic items.

I really wanted to love Mi Vida because the atmosphere is beautiful and the decor is stunning. At…read morenight, it has such a lively vibe and the service has always been wonderful! I'm giving it 3 stars because the food just hasn't hit for me as much as I hoped. The first time we went, I tried the birria and tacos de pescado. I wasn't a fan of the sauce on the fish tacos, it kind of took away my appetite after a few bites. I had my boyfriend try them (he thought I was being dramatic), and he immediately agreed something was off, though his tacos were great. We went again another time and ordered 3 or 4 things, but the chicken tasted a bit old, which was disappointing. I'd still be open to trying it again in the future, but right now it sits at just okay for me. A cute place for drinks though!

Had a great time and dinner! Chicatana is unassuming and unpretentious, staffed with attentive…read moreservers who do an amazing job (water was always filled and empty plates removed quite efficiently). The decor is simple, no table clothes or frills but it does live up to 'fine cuisine' with excellent food and presentation (another subtle touch is if you leave the table, you return to a nicely folded napkin). We got nearly everything on the menu including all the desserts and Mexican hot chocolate (yum, lightly spicy and piping hot!) . As others have said their guacamole is excellent...do check the charges though bc they added salsa and chips to the tab which we did not order (they removed). Also, the first order of guac came with big bowl of chips, but none with the second order of guac- not a problem though because you do not go hungry. Portions are quite generous. We even tried the ants which was a fun novelty

This was the valentine's day 2026 stop. I had no idea it was in the area it was, but alas, we made…read morethe trek from lowly ballston anyway. After parking in the Giant parking garage (decent price), we walked the few blocks to the restaurant. We spotted it with the poster sign hanging up on the outer walls. Inside you head up the stairs and you're greeted by the host stand. We checked in and got our table, right at the window (hellya). There was a rose and a candle on the table (vday vibes) and we also received a vday specials menu. We landed on queso fundido to start and a cocktail each: prickly pear marg for her, a viva mexico for me. After fundido'ing it up, we ordered our entrees. We're simple folks it was a 2 carne asada tacos, 1 al pastor taco, 1 pescado taco, and 1 chicken quesadilla. Unfortunately we weren't bold enough to try the insectos. Food was great, drinks were great, service was great. You can pay your tab via Toast for no additional fee which was convenient. There are two, single use bathrooms in there too. Overall, solid spot.

This place hit the spot, even toddler approved! We ordered take out and it was prepared pretty…read morequickly. The menu is quite extensive, it took us longer to decide on what we wanted. I got the nachos, my husband got tacos, and we got a chicken quesadilla for our toddler. The nachos were PILED with toppings and so colorful - even in a take out container is looked beautiful. They were SO tasty, very full of flavor and spice. My husband said the tacos were delicious and our toddler actually ate a lot of the quesadilla. Win all around. Highly recommend!

In town for the week, tried to get into Unconventional Diner for brunch...a backup was needed. We…read moreventured down a few blocks looking for anything and found El Sol. Fair sized joint with a smallish patio out front. Having perused the menu on the way, I was looking to try something just beyond "staple of cheap Mexican." Sadly, we were presented with brunch menus, so it was a breakfast burrito for me and the breakfast tacos for her. I was remarkably hungry, so the burrito was eaten (and quickly). But truth be told, it's standard Mexican fare made with breakfast ingredients. No more description necessary - you've had this before and you'll have it again. The service was marginally lackluster- if you're not in a big party, you might get shuffled down in prioritization (or at least I thought we were...once ready to leave I did the 'fidget with credit card' trick to get the staff to close us out. It took frustratingly long. All in all, if I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my cheap Mexican place and more out of convenience than culinary merit.

My second time dining and sipping at El Presidente in DC's Union Market District and the second…read morevisit was even better than the first. El Presidente does an excellent job of delivering a modern take on Mexican cuisine. The caramelized pineapple is what makes the Frozen Pineapple Margarita tasty, with just the right kick. And as a nacho lover, their Nacho Macho is perfection. Served on a pizza tray, the presentation almost makes you think pizza is arriving at the table. But I actually love how everything is spread out so you can get a little bit of every flavor in one bite. The Blue Crab Tostado and Tuna Ceviche were both fresh, flavorful standouts. And the churros provided the perfect sweet ending to the meal. Last time I visited I also had the Tortilla Soup which was tasty and comforting. Beyond the food, the overall experience was wonderful. We sat at the bar, where I believe it was James who took great care of us. The decor is bright, lively, and festive, and on this visit we got to enjoy the open-air feel from the bar area. Definitely looking forward to returning for Happy Hour. Featured Dishes & Cocktails We Delighted In: Nacho Macho melted queso mixto, black beans, ranchera salsa, sour cream, pickled red onions, jalapeño Blue Crab Tostada jalapeño yuzu aioli, house chili blend, avocado, cilantro, watermelon radish Tuna Ceviche yellowfin tuna, coconut sauce, habanero, cucumber Tortilla Soup chicken, avocado, queso mixto, crema, crispy tortilla Churros chocolate, and raspberry sauces Frozen Pineapple Margarita tequila reposado, ancho reyes, chipotle, caramelized pineapple, lime Como La Flor old overholt rye, pajarote jengibre, st. elizabeth allspice dram, hibiscus, lime Mezcal Espresso Martini Thank you, El Presidente! I'll definitely be back. But don't just take my word for it. Check them out and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Mmmm... #BonAppetit! Cheers! Enjoy!

El Presidente is described as a neo-retro Mexican restaurant, and they have an extensive menu…read moreoffering brunch, lunch, HH, as well as an all-day menu. We came here for Brunch, but also ordered some items off the all-day menu: +the Churro Waffle - with chocolate sauce +the Presidente Burger - a double patty topped with American, chipotle remoulade, pickled jalapenos, and onions +the Baja Duck Confit - 'peking-style' crispy skinned duck confit with hoisin and flour tortillas +the Nacho Macho - with queso, black beans, ranchera salsa, sour cream, pickled red onions, and jalapenos +a side of Papas Bravas - with morita aioli +and, a side of Fried Plantains - with crema The space is colorful and vibrant, and they have a nice open patio during the warmer weathers. The bar is a fun spot to grab a drink and some bites, too! Staff were friendly and attentive, and there were large groups dining in, so you can tell this place is pretty popular with the locals. +neo-retro Mexican eats +good for large groups

We came here for dinner and made a reservation ahead of time to make sure we had a table, though it…read morelooked like they also offer walk-in bar seating. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the staff was friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The food was delicious, especially the dessert! We were visiting a friend who recommended this spot, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere was lively and energetic, but even with a full house, it was still easy to have a conversation at the table. Overall, a great dining experience and a place we'd happily return to.

This place is a solid 3.5 stars but doesn't hit a 4 because the main dishes were underwhelming…read more We came here on a Monday night and it was pretty busy. They have good drink options which was nice for a group which all had different tastes. We started with appetizers, including the chicken empanadas, the tuna tacos, and ceviche sampler. The chicken empanadas were good, if not particularly memorable. But had a nice crunch on the shell and the inside had a nice savory flavor and not dry. The tuna tacos, which didn't have the most appetizing color, was also tasty. The tuna was tender and balanced well with the crispy shell. The ceviche sampler was also delicious, each one having a different flavor profile. I liked the tigre de leche the best in terms of the acidity and brightness. I just wish the ceviche had some kind of vessel to eat it with. One of the ceviche had plantain chips which was nice but I wanted more. Without it, the texture is just one note. For the main dishes, we got the lomo saltado and the aji de gallina which are two, iconic Peruvian dishes. Both were just meh. The aji was the better of the two. The sauce was flavored well with the creaminess of the sauce not overwhelming the garlic and tumeric flavors. But the rice was SUPER dry, almost crunchy. The lomo saltado was even worse. The beef was overly cooked, some pieces were very sinewy and chewy. It was also overly salty and the veggie to meat ratio heavily favored the veggies and made the dish feel cheap. Overall, it was fine but given the options for Peruvian in DC, not sure this deserves 4 stars+.

If you're looking for the heartbeat of Dupont Circle, this is it. Mission is a D.C. institution for…read morea reason--it's massive, loud, and consistently delivers exactly what you want when you're craving a margarita and a high-energy vibe. Housed in a stunning four-story converted townhouse, the space itself is impressive. Between the rustic wood beams, the huge glass atrium, and the multiple bars, it feels like a high-end saloon that never stops moving. It's the ultimate spot for a birthday, a massive group happy hour, or a rowdy weekend brunch. The Food & Drinks: The Margaritas: You can't come here and not get a marg. Whether you go classic or frozen, they are strong and well-balanced. Their Happy Hour (4-6 PM) is arguably one of the best deals in the neighborhood. Taco Trio: I usually go for the Baja Fish and Carnitas. The fish is crispy, and the tortillas actually hold up to the toppings. Chipotle Chicken Rollups: These are basically a Mission rite of passage. They're the perfect salty, savory bar snack to share with the table while you're a few rounds in. Guacamole & Queso: Solid, reliable, and comes out fast. The chorizo queso is a game-changer if you're looking to go all out. The Experience: The service is impressively fast considering how packed this place gets. Chef Erwin Rodas and the Mission Group team (who also run Mission Navy Yard and The Admiral) have this down to a science. Even when there's a line out the door, the kitchen stays consistent. Pro Tip: If you're planning on Bottomless Brunch, book your table way in advance. It gets wild in the best way possible. If you want a slightly "quieter" experience, try to snag a seat on the outdoor patio for some prime Dupont people-watching.

Unfortunately, not sure where to start, other than truly disappointed…read more We ordered dinner from here tonight, but can't say we'll ever do that again. My husband and I each got the steak fajitas for $24.00 per plate. First off, this is my fajita plate, I haven't even eaten yet, but as you can see, little to no meat can be seen. To make matters worse, the box in which it was sent was leaking from all 4 corners. As if that wasn't bad enough, we were sent taco sized tortillas, not fajita sized, and we were only sent 4. So between two people, there were 4 tiny tortillas to share. For $24.00, I expect to at least have an ounce or two of meat, but our boxes were filled with soggy vegetables, soggy rice, and poorly flavored minuscule bits of meat. I actually had to dig to find the meat. I understand inflation, but there's a difference between inflation and being ripped off or being dishonest about what you sell. I am embarrassed to even be writing such a negative review, but I believe restaurants need to be made aware of incidents like this so they can be addressed. It's possible this isn't their typical practice (and I would hope not); however, it is unacceptable to charge $24.00 for a steak fajita plate that looks like this. Is it because we ordered take out? Was it bad night? Was there a shortage of ingredients? I would have preferred to have been notified that my order couldn't have been fulfilled than to have been charged what we were for dinner tonight. Wish I could tell you we enjoyed our meal, but we didn't. Wish I could tell you that I look forward to visiting it in person, but we won't ever dine from there again. Only positive thing worth writing was that the guacamole was decent. Not exceptional. Not worth ordering again either. Just decent.

Came in recently on a Saturday with a friend. Had read the reviews before and was a little wary,…read morebut I was pleasantly surprised. We actually came in at a great time without realizing it, it was a happy hour, even on the weekend, that started at 9pm I think. Drinks were half off so that was amazing. We each got two margaritas which were great sizes. My only complaint here is that I wish they had more flavors for the on the rocks margaritas. They only have flavors for the frozen margaritas. I ordered the tacos Al carbon which comes with two tacos, but they are big tacos and are white hearty. I got the beef and it was very flavorful. The salsa was mild and didn't seem so authentic, but it was still good. We sat outside and typically I'm nervous about service quality outside, but here, the servers went above and beyond. It was a little chilly the night we went and even then, the staff was super attentive. I think this is a good fun place to go to locally and would be open to trying other menu items on my next visit!

When I first arrived to this restaurant I was surprised that they have on-site parking. It is $5…read moreper car but it does help with not having to fight for parking in Washington DC. When I entered the restaurant I was greeted immediately and sat fairly quick. My waiter was very attentive and did a great job with offering some recommendations. For starters they give you salsa and chips. He recommended trying the cheese which was very tasty. For my entree I had salmon stuffed with crab meat which was amazing. The sauce that they put over it was the star in my opinion. The salmon was cooked very well and was a good portion. I also tried their Margarita/ sangrita which I can tell is a popular drink. If you are into a fruity flavorful drink then this is the one for you. You can order it by the cup or by the pitcher. For dessert I had tres leches cake And it was to die for I'm glad to finally find a tres leches worth $10 a slice. Overall my experience was great. I really recommend coming if ever in Washington DC Salmon 8.5/10 Cheese 9/10 Cake 9/10 Margarita 10/10