If you're looking for good food, good drinks, and a reminder that joy is an act of resistance, make your way to Colada Shop. In a time when some folks are busy declaring "Nuclear Family Month" and trying to decide whose rights count, Colada Shop is over here doing what really matters: serving delicious Cuban food, amazing cocktails, and creating a welcoming space for everyone. The croquetas were incredible, the drinks were refreshing, and the vibe was immaculate. The Pride decorations made me smile because despite all the noise, people are still showing up for community, inclusion, and joy. Turns out diversity isn't scary--unless you're a croqueta at my table. Those things disappeared fast. In a city that can feel especially heavy these days, this place felt like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes resistance looks like marching. Sometimes it looks like supporting businesses that make everyone feel welcome. Happy Pride Month to everyone celebrating. The haters may be loud, but the mojitos are louder. read more

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Great stop before flying back home. This is a small location & searing can get tight especially when having to trail in carrying-on luggage but well worth a last yummy taste of Cuban goodness. This location has the same quality of food as their Wharf location. I was so happy to be able to get a couple of empanadas, a Cuban sandwich, sweet plantains and a couple of drinks before jetting off. The staff is super friendly but getting our drinks was a little slow. Having said that, it was during busy times so we totally get it. Didn't take pictures of the empanadas before they got in my belly. We got a chicken & beef-so good just a little on the small side so if you're sharing, keep that in mind. Cheers!! read more

Colada Shop - Cuban sandwich- shared - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I've never had an authentic café con leche in Cuba or Puerto Rico, since I haven't visited these countries before. And the last time I had a café con leche was at a Dunkin' Donuts near Palm Beach around a decade ago. I'm not kidding. I was so amused that they offered these at a drive-thru window and my commercialized DD version wasn't bad. But, as I've traveled, my best option for a getting something close to a café con leche is just to request one, know that it won't be exact but/and keep your fingers crossed. Or - at least - order a café au lait. I'm no coffee snob so feel free to comment here. Wiki taught me that café con leches are made with scalded milk vs. steamed. And sugar cane is used in the grounds or the brew. This actual café con leche - at Crystal City's Colada Shop - is somehow the most authentic café con leche which I could reference drinking, in awhile now. I mean, I have had a few around Florida cafes, awhile back. At the Colada Shop register, you can order a regular café con leche or a 'sweeter' version. Hmmm ... how blessedly simple vs. and the mounds of adjectives I myself use when at a Starby's. I was assured that the sweeter version she offered was more gentle than it sounded, and she was correct. My steaming Cuban coffee was strong and not overpoweringly sweet. Like, I was relieved that I had ordered it sweet because otherwise I might have not been woman enough to drink it. The flavors of this beverage were complex. Rich and deeply smoky. This coffee was not like a Vietnamese coffee with a strong French roast and sweet cream. These flavors were more like - I don't have the culinary knowledge to say - like a deep, strong Cuban brew. I know that probably doesn't help. I enjoyed the beautiful, bright colors, the music and sips of my lovely and seriously respectable coffee, to go, here. The service was excellent. Each of the three team members I spoke with were all friendly and helpful. I liked my coffee and especially appreciated being able to find an establishment which markets and serves café con leches, Cuban-style. When I asked the Colada Shop employee what the most popular hot drinks were here, she said - obviously - its namesake Café con Leche, and secondly, the Carrot Cake con Leche coffee drink. Yes, please. She said the Dulce de Leche coffee is the third most popular drink here and her description of it as fabulous with the caramel and steamed milk. Well, there are at least two reasons to go back to the Colada Shop at Crystal City! read more

I will never pass a Colada Shop and not go in and get an empanada! NEVER! I love the summer time because that means I can get the summer corn seasonal flavor. I'm also on a quest to try all of their spritzes. So far, I've had the passionfruit orange and pina colada. Both are very refreshing! read more

Colada Shop - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I stopped in for a drink before a nail appointment and decided to go with the iced guava strawberry matcha. While the service, space, and overall vibes were great, this was (unfortunately) a bad matcha. There was too much of the guava strawberry syrup, making it overwhelmingly sweet to the point where it didn't taste like matcha at all. Maybe it's just this one drink, though, so I'd be happy to try something else off their menu. read more

Colada Shop - ICED STRAWBERRY GUAVA MATCHA LATTE - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Stopped in for some drinks. There are two outdoor bars, one downstairs and one upstairs. Fun atmosphere and friendly service. Decent prices, also. Spicy Cubanella Margarita - sweet and spicy. Cutting down just a bit on the sugar wouldn't be bad but tasty overall Guava oatmeal cookie - sweet and filling. read more

Colada Shop - Spicy Cubanella Margarita - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I go to this colada when I'm in Crystal city! Their drinks are really good and love the shaken mango passion fruit tea drink the most and it's affordable! I tried the sampler today, the pastelito was decent but the croquettes were delicious with the guava sauce! Tostones were standard and chicken tender was pretty tasty but still standard. The decor in the place is cute too and you feel like you're in Miami haha. The staff is always friendly and attentive if you ask about allergens! read more

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A small but quaint location with a good few options for breakfast items and coffee beverages. Opted for the breakfast plate and my buddy for a sandwich. Definitely has their business touch being familiar with Cuban breakfast plates, but it satisfied the pallet. Unfortunately, my buddies order had a small error to it which did get corrected the staff in employees were definitely friendly and very welcoming when you entered in during interaction. Would recommend if you're in school for some coffee options and if you want breakfast touch for your morning. read more

First time ever stopping by Colada Shop, and I have to say--it was a pleasant surprise. I hadn't traveled in a bit, so walking through the airport and suddenly seeing a Colada Shop felt like spotting a little slice of Miami tucked inside the DC area. For anyone who grew up around Cuban cafeterias, that's a comforting sight. I decided to go straight for the classics. The picadillo pastelito was on point. Flaky pastry, lightly glazed with that signature sugar on top, and filled with seasoned picadillo (ground beef) that tasted very close to what you'd expect from a traditional Miami Cuban cafeteria. Honestly, if someone handed it to me without context, I'd assume it came from a ventanita somewhere on Calle Ocho. The café con leche also delivered. They even ask if you want it Miami style with sugar, or you can dial back the sweetness to your liking--which I appreciated. Not every place understands the sacred balance of café con leche and sugar. Now for the jamón croqueta. The flavor was good, but the texture suggested the oil might have been a bit too hot--or maybe ready for a refresh. It had a slightly over-crisp / burnt exterior. Also, traditionally croquetas have the ham blended smoothly throughout, but mine had a couple small jamón bits that didn't seem fully processed. Not a dealbreaker, just something that stood out. Overall though, I'm genuinely excited to see a spot like this here. It's nice finding a place that brings a bit of Cuban coffee culture and pastry tradition into the airport scene. Next time I'm passing through, I'm hoping to explore more of the actual food menu and not just the snack lineup. But for now--pastelitos + café con leche = a solid airport win. read more

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Great atmosphere and really good food. Ordered using QR code on the table. Easy, no fuss. Each item was delivered individually as it was ready. Coffee was good, pastry excellent. Wrap / sandwich was lovely. Good stop outside DC. No crowd on a rainy Tuesday, but the space is on the small side and I can see it getting crowded. read more

Colada Shop - GUAVA & CHEESE PASTELITO - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The guava and cream cheese pastry is so delicious! Their empanadas are the best around in my opinion and friendly service.

Wow. This place is packed for Sunday Brunch, and they still create a killer cortadito at a reasonable amount of time. Loud, too. This place with a crowded bar. Next time I will try their other drinks and adult beverages. They seem very popular with the college and young professional groups. I tried their guava danish/pastry. Very nice flavor, and just warm enough for the palate. Despite the limited space, it's a great place to meet up with a group of friends and/or family. There are a couple large tables in the back. I look forward to visiting during the week. read more

Colada Shop - Semi sweet cortadito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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My family of 5 stopped in for breakfast on our way to the Army Ten Miler Expo for packet pick up. The walk from the Crystal Gate Marriott was quick and easy. The seating was a little sparse, not really meant for large parties or families, but we pulled together a few small tables in the window for the whole family to sit together and made it work. Wasn't an issue at the time, but probably would be if it was a little busier. We go meatless most of the time, so the big draw to the menu was the non- meat options. We started with a blue matcha (the kids and I loved it) and espresso for Lorenzo. I indulged with an espresso martini as well. Different- made with rum and banana liquor- but tasty. The kids shared a sweet cream pastry and a plantain muffin. They were gone in about 10 seconds. The kids also all had the churro waffles- Suri and Lolo demolished them, but Sadie ended up being a bigger fan of my food. Lorenzo got the plantain and cauliflower soup, and I had the crispy congri rice salad. My salad was sooo good, but I think Sadie ended up eating more than I did. We also had the plantain stew empanadas, I'm not sure what was even in them, but they were really good. We tried about half the menu, and loved every bite. Definitely worth the visit. read more

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Absolutely delicious empanadas and also enjoyed my mango iced tea. I can't wait to return and try more items. Quick and friendly service. This cafe also has plenty of seating if you'd like to stay and get some work done. Paid hourly parking on nearby side streets. read more

Colada Shop - EMPANADAS DUO SHAKEN MANGO PASSION FRUIT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

No, Colada Shop, just no. Our experience with one of your staff members really left a bad taste. We usually love coming here for breakfast and coffee, as we prefer your morning options. We stopped by to try your HH options on an early afternoon, and a newer male staff member seemed to purposely 'choose' and 'target' specific individuals to service - IYKYK He clearly was going out of his way to ignore our table, not wanting or caring to get our drink or food orders. The outdoor patio space isn't that big, and, honestly, you really have to make an effort to avoid the already seated patrons (which many tables were not filled yet when we came). Not really sure what his issue was, but we confronted him and inquired why he continued to skip over us - his response was that he 'thought we were still deciding' - we then pointed out that he was willing to take orders from multiple individuals and/or groups that had literally just arrived and seated, who were not even ready. Sus. It was crystal clear that he had some weird hateful bias or some problem - we have decided to not give our patronage to your business again. Shame on you. +nope read more

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Ok so first of all, I have been here before but seemingly never got around to writing a review from the last time I was in the area, my sincere apologies. The first time we got coffee and food and it was legit. Five star rating. That was back in early fall so I'd be remiss to try and remember everything. So I'm just going to review today's visit. We stopped in after a day in Alexandria, and the metro was down in crystal city so we had to walk, bus, metro, shuttle hop and repeat. So a busy day. We just wanted a good solid coffee. And a good solid coffee is what we got. The place was low key, despite it being happy hour time (4-8 every day), and Valentine's Day. Which totally fine by me, I don't love crowds encroaching in my personal space. We got a cute little table by the door and helped ourselves to the coffee station area that had some water while waiting to order at the kiosk (you can order at the counter or the kiosk). He got a cafe con leché (hot) (espresso steamed milk and sweet cuban crema) and I got a cortadito (espresso steamed evaporated milk and sweet Cuban crema). Both were phenomenal and hit the spot after a long day. Would highly recommend. I'm eyeballing getting a couple bags of their fresh roasted coffee beans to go home when I leave. read more

If you're looking for a place that has plants and cute gifts, look no further! My mom has the biggest green thumb I know and when we passed by this place, she couldn't pass it up. Inside the place is super cozy and cute. They had floral claw clips, a decorated Christmas tree with the cutest ornaments, and an abundance of plants and pots. There's an area too to sit down and relax. read more

Colada Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We really enjoyed our meal at Colada Shop. The colada shop Cuban was great, and we'd definitely order it again. The empanadas were amazing too. I loved the toasted coconut on top of my virgin piña colada, and the mojito was really refreshing. We'll definitely go back to try more of the menu! read more

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What a perfect place to meet up with friends during good weather. Near National Airport, we met a few friends flying into town for dinner. Here's our experience. 1) Food: The menu is Cuban and serves a variety of pastries, salads, sandwiches, and more. Every dish we got was full of flavor and well made. The chicken empanadas weren't dry and the sauce they come with is delicious. The BBQ guava sandwich was excellent. The guava pastry our eight-year-old daughter enjoyed. They also have a kids menu and our daughter loved the quesadilla. 2) Drinks: Water is self-service inside, but don't sleep on the $8.50 frozen daiquiri. It comes with lime, carrot juice, and clementine and is so refreshing. 3) Service: Staff were very attentive and friendly. Order from the QR code at your table or order inside, whichever is easiest. When the food is ready, they will bring it out. 4) Space: There's indoor seating and an outdoor patio. The design is inviting and there are murals inside. They also have two clean restrooms inside. 5) Neighborhood: In the heart of Crystal City, you can usually find parking down near Long Bridge Park. The area has lots of other restaurants and green spaces. The Crystal City Metro is a block away. read more

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I had the Santiago bowl with chicken, half and half rice in greens. It's a well-rounded dish, but the chicken lacked sufficient spice To my taste. The staff are very kind. The chicken portion size is small, beware. The sweet plantains are nice dessert treat. This airport restaurant in C terminal has music and open seating. read more

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This new location is really nice and very conveniently located in Crystal City, VA. The menu has great items to choose from. I ordered their seasonal horchata and matcha flavored drink , which was okay, but the plantain nachos were really good -- i'd suggest order them with meat if you are hungry. Otherwise, a great shareable snack! I ordered the chicken empanadas but they were sold out (after I had placed my order) so I got a spinach replacement instead. read more

Colada Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

They have a kiosk where you can sign up with your phone number to get a discount! Each table also has a QR code, which makes it super easy to order and pay individually -- great for groups. It's a pretty small space but offers a decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating. Ice Carrot Cake Café con Leche I wasn't sure what to expect since I rarely see carrot cake as a drink flavor -- and I don't even like carrot cake that much. Risky move, but glad I tried it. You do get that carrot flavor, but it's sweet and light without being overpowering. A fun surprise. 3.75/5 Empanadas - Picadillo (Beef) Flaky, moist, and flavorful. The beef filling was well seasoned and juicy, not too heavy, and held together really well. 3.75/5 Empanadas - Chicken Also seasoned well. It's more of a shredded chicken style, so not as moist as the beef, but still solid. I liked the beef one more overall. 3/5 read more

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After sampling Colada Shop's plantain chips at an event, this place has been on my list to try. We stopped by for a weekend dinner and it did not disappoint! We'll be back :) The turquoise patio seating is fun and inviting. We walked inside and there are several ordering options to choose from: you can order at the kiosk DIY, at the counter, seat yourself and scan the QR code at the table to order, or even stick to the old-fashioned way of having a staff member stop by and take your order. I appreciate the plethora of options, but it kind of seems like Colada Shop can't make up its mind on how to operate - limiting to two or three options (at most) would be more streamlined. There is a self-serve water station which is also where you can grab extra napkins and bus your own dishes. Since it was our first time visiting Colada Shop, a staff member greeted us and provided us with service. In addition to the regular menu (you can grab these at the door), our server showed us their happy menu offerings (Happy Hour is 4-8pm daily). We ordered the Platanachos ($9 during HH) - plantain chips with black bean dip, veggies, and queso - which was delicious! We had the option to add chicken and/or avocado to the nachos, but since we were ordering other dishes, we opted to keep it "light"... but you better believe we'll be ordering the nachos again with all the add-ons and eating it as an entree! I also ordered the happy hour yucca fries ($6) which came with five meaty, crispy pieces and a dipping sauce. For my entree, I ordered the empanadas (two for $8 - a great deal!). I got the picadillo (beef) and spinach & cheese. The empanadas were warm and crunchy, stuffed with filling. I found the beef empanada to be a bit greasy, and the filling wasn't as incorporated as I would've liked - after a few bites, I wasn't sure if there were was anything else in the filling besides ground beef, but I later found a veggie piece here and there (the extras weren't mixed in well). I did enjoy the spinach and cheese empanada - it had good flavor and texture - and was one of the better spinach and cheese empanadas that I have had. Both the yucca fries and empanadas came with a side of dipping sauce - supposedly salsa verde, but it tasted almost like a mustardy ranch to me (not quite salsa or verde enough for me). My friend ordered the Santiago Protein Salad and enjoyed it overall, but found it to be light on the dressing. The salad had great presentation, generous serving of avocado, and the crispy chickpeas added wonderful texture. I like that it also came with quinoa. I will commend the staff on service. Even with the option for all the DIY service, table service never declined. Our server took our food orders, brought out the food, cleared plates, offered us the dessert menu, brought me a carryout container, and brought us the check - he checked all the boxes for service. At one point during the meal, the restaurant started to get chilly from the crazy winds blowing outside. He checked with the guests to make sure everyone was okay with the restaurant temperature and closing the front door (very courteous). I'm so glad I finally got try Colada Shop - tasty food, reasonable prices, and great service! I'm looking forward to trying more menu items. read more

First time at this location and it was open and airy. Today was a very windy day, so we were happy that they closed the "garage door" windows. You ordered via an app and it was efficient and easy. However they added so many fees on top. Overall the food was very good and the drinks as well. Because the shop wasn't very crowded, we were able to hang out a bit longer after we ate. Overall nice place to catch up with friends and enjoy a yummy meal. read more

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I'm late to the Colada Shop hype but I am so glad I finally tried it. Their Cuban inspired menu was hard to choose from. I got the crispy congri rice salad and guava matcha glow smoothie. Both were great and the staff were friendly and checked in on us even though we ordered through the kiosk. The outdoor space was busy with happy hour coladas, so refreshing for summer. I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu. read more

Colada Shop - CRISPY CONGRI RICE SALAD and GUAVA MATCHA GLOW - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We came to Reagan national Airport and an ungodly early hour and the colada shop was open! We enjoyed a delicious bacon and egg empanada and perfect espresso. Highly recommend them. read more

It took us 25 minutes to get our food, but we were pretty pleased with what we got. The sofritos chicken wrap was actually my least favorite thing of the food I tried. I liked the bread of other people's sandos more. I did like the crunchy chickpeas and it was still quite good. The son loved his cubano and it was my favorite too. The pickle inside the sandwich made it for me. The daughter got the ropa vieja sliders. There was a plantain served on top but it was better eaten separately. We had a good app of fried tostones, but wished there were more. The tres leches cake came to over $9 and was overpriced for the serving size. It was good but not $9 good. read more

Cute, casual eatery in National Landing. The vibe is relaxed, fun and comfy. We tried empanadas, croquettes and shrimp ceviche. All were ok, but nothing wowed us either. We found the food fairly bland and in need of some spicing. To their credit, nothing was at all greasy (which can often be the case with empanadas and/or croquettes). I would be willing to to come back again to try the Cuban sandwich or possibly breakfast. read more

This place is so adorably cute and great to grab a bite. We sat at a table and used the QR system to order versus the kiosk line. This is a great way to immediately grab a table if you plan to eat-in. We got the guava pastry, Cuban sandwich, chicken and waffles, and the guava and passion fruit mimosas. Everything g was so great and full of flavor. The mimosas are also a generous pour. Highly recommend if in the area. We will definitely be back to try out more items on the menu. read more

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Welcome to the neighborhood! This cuban shop is a great addition to the Crystal Drive strip as I was getting tired of eating the same food around my office. Well technically I don't work here anymore, but ended up back here for a work trip so here I am, but I digress. I ordered their Colada Shop Cuban Sandwich ($14.25), which is their signature food item. This was made with ham, slow-roasted pork, Swiss Cheese, mustard, house pickles, and salsa verde all on Cuban Bread. This was made deliciously well. Service is really nice here as well and if you decide to dine in, they will bring the food out to you. read more

Colada Shop - Colada Shop Cuban Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Enjoyed the delicious food at Colada Shop a Cuban restaurant in Arlington, VA. The food was delicious and the service was great. I tried the Colada Shop Cuban sandwich with avocado and was very good just wished it had more meat like a traditional Cuban sandwich. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Give this place a try when in the area. Happy Yelping! read more

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I'm a Colada Shop stan and I'm thrilled to have another location nearby in Crystal City. I mostly visit for breakfast, but at other times as well. This location is small but cute, with the vibrant colors and music one expects from Colada Shop. My standard order is a few empanadas and an iced cafe con leche, 1/2 sweet. I've been pleased with my orders here. Per usual, staff is extremely friendly, and I would expect nothing less from one of my favorite cafes. read more

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Excellent "hora feliz", with delicious Cocktails and a solid nachos option based on fried plantains. Service is hit or miss, especially when it comes to getting your water refilled. Is I'd eat here again but I cannot call it amazing. read more

Love this spot. Some of the best empanadas I've had in the area and their drink selection is also excellent. There's great coffees, smoothies and alcoholic drinks. The chicken empanada is a favorite but the other flavors are also great. The service is always fast, servers are really nice and welcoming. There's seating outside which is great when there's nice weather read more

Colada Shop - MEDIA NOCHE SLIDERS - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Fun Cuban restaurant in Crystal City Washington DC. Friendly staff. I only got drinks so can't rate the food but the iced coffee and mojito were great read more

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Had a tasty Espresso Martini here after a work conference! Very bold and flavorful with hints of banana. The ambiance was beautifully decorated with Cuban influences all over the storefront. I loved the bright colors and lively music :) The service was fantastic with each member of the team being so kind and welcoming. Great Colada location! read more

Colada Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

For my cortado here and it was sooo good! Theres many options and a good variety. The staff was great and the place is very clean!

Service at this location is top notch! Much faster than the Dupont Circle one. I thought the food was ok. The empanada was slightly greasy and the sandwich a bit too sweet but I like the menu so will definitely try other things in the future. read more

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Fantastic food!! We had the Guava BBQ Pollo and Goat Cheese Croqueta Salad. The portions are perfect. The bread for the sandwich was soft and tasty. The salad was out of this world!! That combo works so well! Excellent service. Very helpful and friendly! read more

Colada Shop - GOAT CHEESE CROQUETA SALAD. without the sunflower seeds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I recently visited Colada Shop in Clarendon and had an outstanding meal--one that easily earns it a 5-star review. Here's a detailed breakdown of my experience: Atmosphere & Service From the moment I walked in, the vibe struck me as lively yet comfortable: Cuban-influenced décor, plenty of seating, and a relaxed energy that draws you in. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the pace was just right--not rushed, but focused. The restaurant is described as a "fine-casual spot serving coffee, food, cocktails & conversation." Service matched the promise, with quick attention and helpful suggestions. All of this set the stage perfectly for a great meal. The Food I sampled three main items: the Cuban sandwich, the yucca fries, and the key lime pie. Each offered its own highlight, and together they made for a very satisfying visit. Cuban Sandwich This sandwich was the centerpiece of the meal--and it delivered. Layered ham, slow-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, house-made pickles, and a cilantro aioli on Cuban bread. * The bread was crisp on the outside yet soft inside; a great vehicle for the fillings. * The pork had a rich, slow-roasted flavor that stood out from the usual deli fare. * The combination of mustard + house pickles + aioli gave a tangy, slightly creamy punch that balanced the richness of the meats. A reviewer on Yelp described the sandwich as "gigantic... both were very delicious." I agree--this was a sandwich I would order again without hesitation. Yucca Fries As a side, the yucca fries were a standout. These aren't your standard potato fries--they bring a different texture and flavor profile. The exterior was crisp, the interior pleasantly dense and slightly chewy in the best way. The cilantro aioli that accompanied them added a fresh herbal lift, making the fries feel elevated rather than generic. According to the menu, they are listed as "fraired yucca with cilantro aioli." My take: a smart and tasty side that complements heavier plates. Key Lime Pie To close out the meal, I enjoyed the key lime pie. The dessert arrived with a tart-sweet filling on a Maria cookie crust. On the menu it's described as "tart & sweet filling with Maria cookie crust." * The tartness was pronounced--just enough to wake up the palate after the richness of the main dish, but balanced so it wasn't puckering. * The crust offered a subtle crunch and a sweet, buttery base that contrasted nicely with the tang of the lime. * It felt like a well-thought-out dessert: satisfying without being over the top. In short: a lovely finish to the meal. Highlights & Unique Touches * The Cuban sandwich here feels crafted rather than mass-produced--attention to ingredient quality and flavor balance. * Yucca fries aren't so common on casual menus; the fact they offered them (and did them well) is a big plus. * The dessert selection, including the key lime pie, signals that the kitchen cares about the full meal experience, not just the main course. * The Clarendon location is noted specifically on their site among the Arlington-area addresses. * Reviewers consistently mention the flavor and structure of sandwiches here as "another level." Minor Considerations * The sandwich is generous--if you're light-eating, consider sharing or taking half home. * It's busy during peak meal hours, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for off-peak times. * While the key lime pie was excellent, if you're after something ultra-decadent (rich fudgy cake, etc.), their dessert menu has other options (e.g., dulce de leche cheesecake) you might also enjoy. Final Verdict Colada Shop in Clarendon gets a full 5 stars from me. It hits the mark in atmosphere, service, food quality, and thoughtful menu choices. Whether you're going for a standout sandwich, an interesting side like yucca fries, or a satisfying dessert like key lime pie, this place delivers. I would absolutely return and recommend it highly to anyone seeking flavorful Cuban-influenced fare in the Arlington area. read more