Cafe Sazon
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I really liked the the ambiance and the concept of all kinds of Central and South American food. Being Bolivian and Salvadorian, it is so cool I can have both in one sitting. They were out of Saltenas but pupusas were so good. Tried the Colombian empanadas, loved them as well. Had a Mocochinchi though and my daughter accidentally spilled it. They quickly cleaned it up and moved us but sadly they made us pay for it. Silpancho was great could've had a bigger plate though. I absolutely get it and understand it was our fault but not going the extra mile and taking it off the check was such a horrible way to show that you care about a guests experience. The manager said most places won't take it off the check and that's wrong most places do. It makes it awkward and ruins a dinning experience to not take off something such low cost to the restaurant to make sure your guest has had a great experience. You try to do whatever you can to make sure a guests comes back. I'm absolutely pulling for this place and it hurts that it seems like they don't care. I as a Restaurant Manager myself have comped even alcohol drinks that have spilled various times, to ruin an experience you could've gave for 4$. It's sad to see a place not care about ultimate service. I will be back at least one more time to show my Bolivian mother but I would've wrote a great review and told everyone about this place if it weren't for the service and the lack of care for a guest experience by being stingy, at the end you lose more money and sadly I don't think this establishment knows that. 4 star food with one star service won't work when the competition is fierce. Maybe that's why they were slow on a Friday night with the carnival in town.
I think a 3/5 is a bit generous based on the quality of the food. However, the service was quick and we had a large group of 10-12 on a Sunday afternoon so will bump up the rating a bit. BEEF & VEGGIES SOUP (32 OZ.) - 12.99 They only have the 32 oz. size for this soup (seems like they have one or two "daily" soups that change everyday), unfortunately. It came in a big bowl with lots of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and a couple chunks of beef. Overall, the broth was OK. I would describe it to be savory with a hint of sour or acidic flavor. I wish it had more beef in it as it had an overwhelming amount of other toppings. It was too big for me to finish, but not tasty enough for me to want to bring it home. The soup was pricy, and my total was about $17 after tax and tip. I tried some of my friends' entrees (LOMO SALTADO and another steak based entree) and the quality and flavor of the meat wasn't very memorable and at best average. I wouldn't come back given there are so many options in the area with better tasting food.
Uno de mis lugares favoritos, tienen mi café favorito y las pupusas son las mas deliciosas, la atención excelente siempre me an hecho sentir especial y muy bien bienvenida y servida muy atentos y el ambiente maravilloso.
Good place! Breakfast options were basic but good. Desayuno Tipico: I liked the scrambled egg mixture, and the plantains were good too. El Mañanero Skillet: Steak slices were savory and had a texture just like I like it. Next time I'll have to try their lunch/dinner options.
Introduction: For my Scrapbook series, I didn't have anything still in business or that I hadn't already reviewed for 2013. I lived in a basement room in Del Ray Alexandria Apr. 2013-Apr. 2014. I'll have 2 representing 2014 during that time period and the next room in house I lived at later in 2014. Experience at Cafe Sazon: I had been to Cafe Sazon twice, 2014 & 2021. Friday, January 24, 2014 was a 1st date. She was from Columbia (no not the country, but the one in Maryland), and we had a pretty nice time. Food was solid here. Various South American foods. I got empanada and some rice platter with a meat. Overall, I was pretty impressed with the food. The staff was cordial enough but not great. The seating is various cafe style seating. Sad side note, the very next day there was a shooting at Columbia Mall; my date was from Columbia. This was ominous considering I just had date with her. Incidentally, a 2nd date never happened. My 2nd experience here by amazing coincidence was on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. My friend was taking me to DCA airport for a vacation to Chicago & Wisconsin. I treated her to Cafe Sazon for taking me to the airport as it was good option more or less on the way to the airport. I got some carne asada, potato, egg, & plantains. All were very good. My friend was impressed. They were a little slow as I remember we had some time but still I did need to catch my flight. If I was back over here, I'd consider enjoying their great food again. read more
5 months ago
2 years ago
Amazing food, amazing people, and all at an affordable price!! Plenty of space for sitting or super easy to take to go! read more
3 months ago
I love this place! The food, the people who work there, and the ambiance is just what I need to relax. My husband and I go there often. read more
2 months ago
4 months ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
I really liked the the ambiance and the concept of all kinds of Central and South American food. Being Bolivian and Salvadorian, it is so cool I can have both in one sitting. They were out of Saltenas but pupusas were so good. Tried the Colombian empanadas, loved them as well. Had a Mocochinchi though and my daughter accidentally spilled it. They quickly cleaned it up and moved us but sadly they made us pay for it. Silpancho was great could've had a bigger plate though. I absolutely get it and understand it was our fault but not going the extra mile and taking it off the check was such a horrible way to show that you care about a guests experience. The manager said most places won't take it off the check and that's wrong most places do. It makes it awkward and ruins a dinning experience to not take off something such low cost to the restaurant to make sure your guest has had a great experience. You try to do whatever you can to make sure a guests comes back. I'm absolutely pulling for this place and it hurts that it seems like they don't care. I as a Restaurant Manager myself have comped even alcohol drinks that have spilled various times, to ruin an experience you could've gave for 4$. It's sad to see a place not care about ultimate service. I will be back at least one more time to show my Bolivian mother but I would've wrote a great review and told everyone about this place if it weren't for the service and the lack of care for a guest experience by being stingy, at the end you lose more money and sadly I don't think this establishment knows that. 4 star food with one star service won't work when the competition is fierce. Maybe that's why they were slow on a Friday night with the carnival in town. read more
9 months ago
I think a 3/5 is a bit generous based on the quality of the food. However, the service was quick and we had a large group of 10-12 on a Sunday afternoon so will bump up the rating a bit. BEEF & VEGGIES SOUP (32 OZ.) - 12.99 They only have the 32 oz. size for this soup (seems like they have one or two "daily" soups that change everyday), unfortunately. It came in a big bowl with lots of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and a couple chunks of beef. Overall, the broth was OK. I would describe it to be savory with a hint of sour or acidic flavor. I wish it had more beef in it as it had an overwhelming amount of other toppings. It was too big for me to finish, but not tasty enough for me to want to bring it home. The soup was pricy, and my total was about $17 after tax and tip. I tried some of my friends' entrees (LOMO SALTADO and another steak based entree) and the quality and flavor of the meat wasn't very memorable and at best average. I wouldn't come back given there are so many options in the area with better tasting food. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
I love this place. It feels like home. I especially enjoy the huevos con chorizo and the fruit smoothies. read more
1 year ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Uno de mis lugares favoritos, tienen mi café favorito y las pupusas son las mas deliciosas, la atención excelente siempre me an hecho sentir especial y muy bien bienvenida y servida muy atentos y el ambiente maravilloso. read more
3 years ago
Good place! Breakfast options were basic but good. Desayuno Tipico: I liked the scrambled egg mixture, and the plantains were good too. El Mañanero Skillet: Steak slices were savory and had a texture just like I like it. Next time I'll have to try their lunch/dinner options. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Ambiance: 4-star Service: 5-star Food: 5-star Average: 4.6 stars (rounding to 5) I frequent this cafe pretty relatively and always order the same thing... if it ain't broke... The restaurant is family friendly. No frills but still nice with welcoming staff. During the winter holidays, be sure to stop by to see their Christmas decorations. Not pictured: the pupusas are great! I prefer pork and cheese but you can't go wrong with any combination. Also, their cappuccinos are yummy! If you're looking for an unconventional place to have coffee and a dessert or a snack, consider Cafe Sazon. Pictured: my usual - The Sazon Skillet. If you're a fan of breakfast skillets, give this one a try. The skillet comes with potatoes, cheese, sausage, peppers, two eggs and avocado. The combination is delicious. I wouldn't steer you wrong! read more
6 years ago
Waiting on my wife to finish her tattoo session around the corner, this was an excellent spot to get away at for an hour or two. Full bar and was able to dine in (safely and comfortably). Just what I was looking for in these times of covidity while I was stuck waiting. Ordered the carne asada...which is usually pretty hard to eff up. My picture says it all about the meal; they really didn't eff it up a bit. Will probably return here when my wife needs to come back for her second session of tatting read more
I'm headed to Colombia soon and wanted to get inspired on planning my DIY trip and get started on research. So I came here to try their food and it was perfect. The tipico breakfast I had was very tasteful, I added the meat. Everything tasted amazing, very flavorful. I loved that each item on my plate had a different unique taste & well seasoned. I haven't had that tasteful refried beans since some of my travels to south America. I learnt the cream (not mayo) is a good mix with the plantains. It was tasty. Seemed like alot of locals & natives stopped here while I was having brunch. The cappuccino warmed me up on this cold morning and it was tasty. There's bakery items including monkey bread, I'll have to try next time. Service was good, staff was kind, reminded me of back home. Parking was a plenty in front of the restaurant. About 11-12 tables, spacious, clean and I highly recommend you stop here. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
I had a great time at Cafe Sazón in Arlington. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was cozy. The service was friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be back! read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
Café Sazón is an institution, a staple, a second home! The owner is just as incredible as the baked goods, coffee, and empanadas. Located off of Columbia Pike, this cafe offers a wide selection of bakery sweets and breads, sandwiches, delicious main course items like carne asada, pupusas, Bolivian cuisine favorites, and delicious smoothies and shakes. Ample seating inside, ample parking out front, and friendly service make this cafe the regular meeting spot for our Arlington Dem Latino Caucus meetings. It is the one place we can always agree on! read more
Was a beautiful day out so I decided to go for a walk. Randomly popped into this little establishment. This place exemplifies service with a smile. As soon as I walked in, was greeted by 2 very friendly women, one of whom continued to serve me for the rest of my stay. I was told to sit wherever I wanted. The ambience was very chill and casual. There's a good amount of space in the establishment (also even though the bathrooms aren't labeled as gender neutral, they are single occupancy). Quite a few families came in while I was there, a very family friendly place. There was a television in the corner with football (ahem, soccer in America) on. But more interestingly there was a DJ in the corner (at 4pm on a Sunday? With a little tip jar in front) with a curious music selection. While I was there he played Eye of the Tiger, lots of Rod Stewart, the Beegees (fun fact: How Deep is Your Love is my favorite song), etc. I had brought some work notes with me to look over since I sort of expected a Panera but Latin American vibe...well, that plan went out the window since the DJ's music was so loud, like dancing music loud. (I didn't mind, after all it was a Sunday...I'll leave the work for Monday). I ordered a glass of Horchata to cool off after my walk and it was quite refreshing and perfectly spiced. (I will regret the sugar and dairy later but for now...YOLO). I also got the Fajitas de pollo ($12.50). The food took a little longer than I expected to come out considering the place wasn't full but I eventually got it and I must say it was very filling. Unfortunately the fajitas were underwhelming, the chicken, onions and peppers just didn't have that rich seasoning I'm used to...was a little bland. I did enjoy the white rice though. Even though I was absolutely bursting from the meal, I still ended with a slice of of red velvet cake which I definitely enjoyed more than the food. The icing was perfection. I may come back to try some other menu items that her reviewers rave about, and also because the service was so pleasant and food reasonably priced. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
The quality of the food and service was excellent. I had coffee which was well balanced and the Guatemalan Churrasco- probably enough food for 2 people. Definitely recommend this gem. read more
Pleasant place. They have an array of desserts, empanadas, sandwiches, limited coffee options, beer and alcohol, lunch and dinner specials. Free wi-fi. I stopped by for a coffee. I've been curious of this place. Honestly, the huge winter wonderland scene in the display window is what got me in there!! I wanted to look at it up close and decided to order coffee, an empanada, my mom got the bread pudding which was awesome!!! Pleasant, will return if I have some down time and in the area. read more
8 years ago
I've visited a total of five times here, the first four times were for a latte (café con leche) and a pastry, and each of those times I've been impressed with their attentive service and deliciousness. The atmosphere is kind of interesting because it looks gloomy yet with very fun Spanish music. I'm a Latina and I feel like they always have the right music! The hot café con leche is served in ginormous mugs, with foamy steamed milk, and just the right amount of coffee flavor. They have about five rows of pastry options, I'd say a total of 15 options perhaps and we've tried everything from the pineapple patties to the long rice cookies, and they're all a win! On our last time there (our fifth visit), we decided to have dinner. It was a Tuesday night and almost every table there was taken, however the service was a little slower because there was only one waitress, yet she was a superwoman because she worked pretty fast considering the high clientele! My hubby and I both ordered the same plate: two pieces of grilled chicken over two thin tortillas accompanied by basmati rice, salad and Pico de Gallo. However, I was able to replace the salad with black beans (black beans are whole, red beans are refried). Believe me when I tell you that we pretty much licked our plates clean because it was just THAT good! The seasoning was all 100% delicious. As a dessert, we ordered one mug of hot chocolate (the mugs are good for two) and a pastry. The chocolate drink was very rich and thick - it was tasty but I would've preferred it had milk or marshmallows to decrease the richness. This is definitely a five-star restaurant in my book; especially after paying about $25 for all of the above. Can't beat that! Man, I'm so glad this Latina has finally found some inexpensive, nearby, delicious Hispanic food! read more
I have eaten here a handful of times and the food is always very good, great service too. It is a full Latin American restaurant as well as a bakery and cafe. The food is always packed with flavor no matter what you get. The soups, baked goods, and almost everything is made from scratch daily. They also serve tasty drinks, smoothies, and coffees as well. Definitely recommend for some great food no matter the mood you are in. read more
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4704 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA 22204
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(703) 566-1686
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http://www.cafesazon.com
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