This is a hidden gem! I used to live across the street from their location and I can't say anything…read morebad about this place and the family running it. Service is great very personal! They seem to treat folks like family. Food is authentic and so yummy! If they don't have what I'm craving they typically whip up something a la cart. I wish this place had move locations. I definitely recommend them. I think they're closed on Mondays and Sundays. Just call first to confirm and you'll be good.

Food was good...great customer service... a little bit of a wait and a little pricey if you're…read moretrying to feed a whole family...but I would go back. Perfect little spot for date night.

Delicious lunch! Buffet style with an assortment of Dominican entrées. I had the rice and peas with…read morethe stewed beef, which was extra tender and deliciously seasoned. Also got a side of the roasted pulled pork, which was also great. One of those places where you want to try everything on the menu at least once to see how good it can be.

Saw this on a YouTube vlog. Plentiful food & good prices. Not the most dazzling place inside, but…read moreit gets the job done. Was disappointed that they didn't have oxtails when we went. But overall it was a good experience.

Let's just start at the front door ... The owners/chef and staff were so friendly and genuinely…read morecare about their customers. It was our first time here and we couldn't decide what we wanted. After drooling over the plates that went by, we asked the owner to help us narrow down our options. We landed on the Chicharron Sampler for an appetizer. For our main courses, we had the Bandeja Paisa and the Paella Caribena. We were also eyeing the Dominican-style beef stew and the Sancocho Soup. We asked for a sample of the Sancocho soup and that's when we found out they make everything to order - including the soup! His wife went into the kitchen and whipped up a sample of the soup ... we didn't mind the wait for the sample as we knew she was working her magic! It did not disappoint. We ordered a large soup to go! It'll be cold later this week and this will be perfect in the rainy weather. This place reminds me of home - the way my mother cooks ... the flavors are developed and everything was cooked to perfection. I did a little dance in my chair with each bite! The portions were large - we'll have left overs for the next several days! And I CANNOT wait! We're looking forward to coming back and trying something new! PHOTO DISCLOSURE: We dove into the Chicharron Sampler before we took the photo. What you see is just a small portion of the actual serving size. Also, the photo of the soup was the made from scratch made to order sample of the Sancocho soup.

I was driving home on Rt. 1 (Richmond Hwy) and notice a restaurant just past Corporate Drive that I…read morehaven't seen before. So I pulled in, parked, walked in and the restaurant was cleaned with a beautiful bar. I ordered 3 items: 1) Beef empanadas 2) Cuban sandwich 3) Buffalo wings. As the appetizers arrive to the table, though I only chose one empanada out of the three flavors they offer: cheese, beef or chicken. I chose beef which was served with a special sauce (mayo and ketchup), because it was well seasoned and the filling was packed, the sauce wasn't needed. The crust was thin, flaky and delicious on its own. The buffalo wings served their homemade ranch, with 8 pieces were juicy, tender and delicious. Unfortunately the Cuban sandwich fell flat for me. The ingredients were ham, cheese, roasted pork, pickles, mayonnaise and mustard. The sandwich was flattened like a panini and I was excited for the first bite but the protein was too dry. As I lift the bread, there was only a teaspoon mayo and mustard spread. It was served with matchstick fries and a ramekin of ketchup. I wanted to ordered desserts but unfortunately they do not make all of their homemade desserts (flan, tres leches, rice pudding) every day. You will have to called in to see what they have before dining in. The only dessert available that day was their flan. My server Karla was friendly and attentive. I would make another visit to try other items on their menu.

I've been here on two occasions for Cuban dance nights that they have here from time to time. The…read moreclass typically begins at 8pm for one hour. Then social dancing begins at 9pm. That's when I try out the food which is absolutely amazing. 1st time here I had the yellow rice and beans, stewed pork and sweet plantains. 2nd time I had white rice with black beans, stewed beef, and mangu (mashed green plantain, Dominican style). The portions are a great value and the food has amazing flavor, and very well seasoned. Casual and relaxed atmosphere. Nice, chill restaurant and mini-bar. I wish this restaurant had a location in Fairfax, VA! Highly recommend.

Mechos just continues to deliver that authentic Dominican cuisine. Every bite reminds me of the…read morelocal dishes I've ate when visiting the Dominican Republic. I do appreciate I can build my plate to my preference. Pictured was the combination pork (braised & pulled) over rice and beans topped with gravy. Be mindful if you do not eat or desire a lot of rice to let the staff know; otherwise, you'll get a healthy serving of rice with your meal. To date I've eaten nearly every option they serve which are simply delicious. This restaurant is good to visit for all hours throughout the day and evening. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor patio spacing to accommodate groups and their customers. The music varies but I've heard my share of bachata played over the speakers. The owners and staff are committed to serving their customers. I do believe this is a family owned and operated establishment. For the first timers visiting you may order similar from behind the counter similar to chipotle or order made to order menu options such as the coconut cream fried red snapper over rice. They also have tasty empanadas. Overall 4.4 out of 5

Had take out from here and was blown away! We got the roasted pork and chicken as well as…read moreempanadas, plantains, beans, yuca root fritters (the latter was similar to mozzarella sticks) with rice. Everything was delicious, especially with the orange mayo-based sauce they provide. A tad on the saltier side, but such a great hearty meal. Hope to try some of their soups in the future!

El merengue has to be my favorite Dominican place in the Baltimore area, or even just period…read more We live in Alexandria VA and driving to Baltimore just to eat at El Merengue is worth it. The service is impeccable. The entire staff was attentive and super friendly. And we came in right as they were getting ready to close and they still let us order off menu. The owner, chef, and waiter held plenty of conversation with my husband and I. He ordered off the hot bar and I ordered off the menu. We had quipes, bistec encebollada, moro de guandles, pescado frito, tostones, and jugo de chinola. I had 0 complaints. Everything was delicious. I have been here before a few years back and learned today they have new ownership. I always loved the place before, but now everything is just better! We will for sure be back!

Amazing food, everything was fresh, the service was amazing, Juices, food and everything was good,…read morewhat I most love that the food was fresh, they have fresh empanadas and quipe, and that surprises me, and Justin, give a amazing service, always making sure that we was okey, and is the food was good, also the homemade Hot sauce is amazing. Definitely coming back.

The food here is way too salty.. I got their food two times just to make sure it wasn't an accident…read moreor there was a different cook. It was still too salty.

We'd been looking for Puerto Rican food and the DMV and chose this place for dinner based on the…read morephotos on their socials. 5/5 did not disappoint. The food came out just like the photos online, was super tasty & authentic. The portions were larger than we we're expecting, which is always a nice surprise.

Food awful Pinchos bad…read more Never go again you have to learn to cook Puerto Rican food

Came here after church one Sunday afternoon. We opt to sit outside as it was nice day. Patio…read moreseating could use renovation and furniture is chipping away. The food came out promptly, I ordered the salmon. I wasn't a huge fan- not sure if it was a bit more fishy than I'm use to or maybe too much sazón seasoning... however the red beans were decent. I would be interested in trying something else. The staff were very sweet and felt like they appreciated the visit, so can definitely see us trying it out again.

The food was incredible authentic and full of flavor, like I had been transported to the Dominican…read moreRepublic. The service was quick and super attentive. It's a family-owned spot, and the daughter was serving us while her mom cooked, which added a really warm and personal touch. The space itself isn't fancy or modern, but it definitely feels homey in that Dominican, comforting way. It was a bit hot inside and had a slight smell, but honestly, the food and the experience made up for it. Would absolutely come back!