El Centro

Amazing service and incredible drinks! Graham is the best bartender in the city…read more Also the creativity is unmatched! Order what you want from the menu but they are also willing to make you specialized drinks to your liking.

studying art history, took a trip to d.c. to go sight seeing of some of my studies. decided that we…read morewanted to go out one of our nights here, this is where we landed. cider on tap, means we're going to have a good night. walked past a group of (maybe) 26 year olds, they took one look at my friend group (realistically we are more alternative looking for what district of columbia is used to, anywhere else in the midwest we're average), guy looks over, "whispers" to the rest of his group, "DO YOU THINK THESE GIRLS GO TO ART SCHOOL?". he was absolutely right. we do go to art school.

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Oh my god it's full of stars!

The Lucy Mercer Bar

4.2(28 reviews)

3.5 mi

This used to be a great spot to relax and enjoy cocktails. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since…read morethe owner, Keith McNally was actively involved, onsite and DJing regularly. Lately, the bar frequently runs out of ingredients needed for its signature cocktails, certain food items, service has become noticeably slower, and staff turnover appears to be high. When the owner was more present, the experience felt polished, the menu was consistently available, and customer service was top-notch. Today, it feels like the attention to detail is gone. What was once an elegant cocktail destination now feels more like an overpriced dive bar.

This place was cozy and very vibey inside. I was seated on the couch with my friend, which was a…read morebit low but comfy. We ordered our drinks and madeleines. Our drinks were tasty, although the drink size itself was smaller than I'd like for the price, especially with the ice. The madeleines never showed up until we asked another waitress about it, so we got them for free because of the delay. They were tasty on their own without the given chocolate sauce, honestly. Price for them is not worth it though. Cute spot for a girls' night, but may be a one and done kind of spot for me.

Front

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Fireplace

Bar Betsie

4.4(74 reviews)

3.4 mi

Stopped into Bar Betsie for drinks and snacks and really liked the place. The whole bar has a cool…read moreretro vibe with neon, a disco ball, dark booths, and a long bar that was packed by the time we were there. We grabbed a couple drinks and ordered some snacks while we hung out. The soft pretzel with mustard was good, but the buffalo chicken dip with Cheetos was the winner. It was exactly the kind of over-the-top bar food that works after a couple drinks. The atmosphere is really what makes the place. It was busy and energetic without feeling like a club, and we could still sit, have a drink, and actually talk. Cool spot for cocktails, snacks, and hanging out for a while. Definitely somewhere we'd come back to.

I love the ambiance and service here. I've been a couple times and it's been very consistent. The…read moreinside is dark and moody with a fantastic playlist. I always leave with new songs on my playlist. It is on the smaller side so I wouldn't suggest for a huge group. But if you're looking to grab a cocktail with a few friends or by yourself I definitely recommend. I ordered the Gold Rush! The drink was perfectly sweet and a good intro to bourbon, which I typically don't drink. I can't remember the second drink I got but it was equally delicious. I will note my friend was not a fan of her dirty martini. Overall great experiences.

Quick view of options

Frozen hibiscus pina colada

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A well balanced Old Fashioned

The Mirror

4.1(260 reviews)

1.6 mi•Downtown

They only have drinks which is ok for a speakeasy! I came here on a double date really nice cozy…read morevibe & ofc the mirror!

This is a cool spot. Entry is really cool and looks like prohibition speakeasy's of times gone…read morepast. Two HUGE bouncers inside who were policing everything to maintain the vibe. Husband couldn't read the menu, can't use your phone for that, he was leaning up against a wall, can't do that, finally snagged seats on a couch, feet off table. We had two drinks and enjoyed about 20 minutes in here and went off to find something to eat. Definitely work a stop if you are nearby or in the area. It's a cool experience. One thing og note: They do not really deviate from their limited menu of drinks. These bartenders are not like those of speakeasy's from other, larger cities I've been to. I don't drink alcohol at all, so, I tend to ask them to make me a mocktail. They didn't seem very inventive and only offered basically ginger beer in a cup for $14.

Inside

Charro's kick

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Outside

The Alchemist DC

4.2(123 reviews)

1.9 mi•U Street Corridor

Very cool speakeasy type bar with skilled bartenders. They do fun themes such as house of the…read moredragon with smoke bubbles on the drinks. Good place for a one and done drink because they are very expensive... but it is DC so it's expected.

We visited The Alchemist in DC and ordered the Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned and a Fireplace…read morethemed cocktail with chocolate and cherry notes. Both were disappointing. The drinks tasted watered down and unbalanced. The banana flavor in mine was dull and overripe rather than fresh and vibrant. The smoke and fire presentation was nice, but the actual cocktails did not justify the $25 price point. The restroom was unacceptable. There was urine on the floor, a strong foul odor, and the surface was slippery. For a speakeasy positioning itself as upscale, this was a major miss. The space is very small and service was just okay. Overall, the concept has potential, but the execution did not meet expectations. I will not be returning.

Bubble machine!

Something experimental (no name, yet!)

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House made!

Press Club Bar Of Record

4.8(56 reviews)

1.1 mi•Dupont Circle

Had a great time here - it's small so definitely make a reservation…read more We got the 4 course to share - it's large portions so not a full meal for two people but if you're just looking for some snacks, highly recommend, we enjoyed every bite. We also ordered 3 rounds of drinks so 6 total and we each loved everything so I think you can't go wrong. I will say the Take Me Out was pretty sweet but I was in the mood for it at the time.

Luckily, I got seated immediately at the bar without a reservation. Very chilled vibe…read more I can usually tell when service feels genuine, and somehow the bartenders here made everyone feel genuinely engaged while naturally knowing when to give you space. The cocktails are interesting and thoughtfully created. Unlike a typical mezcal-based cocktail, Promiscuous wasn't tropical or fruity at all, but more spirit-forward with a little spice. Highly recommend. It made me curious about what else they could offer. I noticed almost everyone was doing the $48 four-course tasting experience, so I decided to give it a try. Although I'm not a big fan of deep-fried food, I actually really liked the coconut shrimp tempura. Among the four courses, the yellowtail "roll" was the most special. It's not really a roll in the traditional sense -- crispy on the outside, with the yellowtail wrapped around it in a very creative presentation. The portion of the four- courses was surprisingly generous; I ended up taking most of it home. Since I Left You is an Old Fashioned variation with miso, blackberry, cardamom and cacao. If, like me, you dig creative takes on an Old Fashioned, don't miss this one. I came in just looking for a chilled place to have a drink, and ended up staying for the whole experience. That probably says enough.

Inside

Bar area

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Paris,Tokyo

Off The Record

4.1(457 reviews)

1.5 mi•Downtown

Attentive service, superlative cocktails, with pub grub to match. We were there for lunch and two…read moreappetizers were plenty. Note this venue is in the basement of the Hays-Adams hotel. Due to its proximity to the White House and VIP guests it is often under guard, and the external staircase directly down to the bar is closed. Simply enter the main entrance to the hotel and ask the doorman to direct you to the interior stairwell down.

This is a really fun, iconic basement speakeasy spot located right underneath a hotel, just steps…read moreaway from the White House. The food and drink here are both excellent and absolutely worth coming for. They serve up great, high-quality cocktails, and I also ordered the cheeseburger, which was really juicy and beautifully cooked. The space itself is famous for having political caricature artwork all over the restaurant, and they even give you fun caricature coasters that you can take home with you as a souvenir. Because it's a popular underground spot, it can definitely get incredibly busy and cramped in there. I've been multiple times, and almost every single time it is tough to find a spot to sit. However, I did come once during an off-peak time, right in the middle of the week around 1:00 PM for lunch--and it wasn't to busy, so we were easily able to just sit right at the bar. I would definitely recommend checking this place out! While the tight crowds can make it a bit tough on a busy week day or weekend night, it is completely worth experiencing at least once for the great drinks, good food, and unique atmosphere.

Making of Smoking Mirrors cocktail

Onion rings. Huge and delicious

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Air Force Two

Old Ebbitt Grill

4.2(11.8k reviews)

1.7 mi

A lovely ambiance, the food selection was excellent, and the staff were very attentive to all our…read moreneeds.

Everything to be honest . Service, food was great and loved the ambiance. Great lunch crowd as…read morewell

Inside part of restaurant

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

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Fried Oyster Deviled Eggs

Flight Club D.C

I booked reservations on line for two people Saturday 1:30 which was $15pp. the time slots after…read morethat were $17pp. We took a little longer then expected to find a parking spot so we arrived 10 mins late to our booking time. The staff was so nice they slid our time slot by 15 mins so we could keep to the 90min total duration. We were quickly taken to our bay and was provided instructions on logging in to the system and selecting the games etc. the games were sooo fun! It really showed our competitive spirit! There were lines on the ground denoting your level of expertise so it's customizable to your skill level. We order a few drinks which were delivered quickly and tasted fantastic! The decor and vibe was so awesome!! There was so much to see and surprises at every turn. No spoilers but check it out! Of course we will be back!!

We only popped in for a quick drink. I had the snapdragon and it was very good, a little on the…read moresweet side (I think due to the lychee) if you prefer sweeter tasting drinks. Really cute ambiance as well. Everyone was so nice and accommodating whilst in the middle of prepping for a private event.

Flight Club is a high-energy, upscale spot where tech-powered, fast-paced darts meet elevated small plates, craft beer, and a...

Flight Club Social Darts is a chic hangout offering immersive, technology-driven dart games alongside upgraded pub bites and ...

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Flight Club Social Darts is a nightlife destination.

Astoria DC

4.3(644 reviews)

1.4 mi•Dupont Circle

Astoria DC is one of those spots I genuinely look forward to going back to. The restaurant itself…read moreis pretty small and intimate, but the vibes are always so good. Just keep in mind that it gets VERY busy, especially on weekends, so I definitely recommend making a reservation instead of trying to walk in. Now the garlic beef noodles... literally one of the best noodle dishes ever. I get them almost every single time I'm in the area because they're THAT good. The noodles are coated in this super flavorful, garlicky sauce with the perfect amount of spice. Every bite is savory, rich, a little spicy, and packed with garlic without being overwhelming. The beef is sooo tender too. It practically melts in your mouth and there's actually enough beef throughout the dish, so you're not just eating a bowl of noodles. It's also incredibly filling, so you definitely leave satisfied. The walnut shrimp was another standout. SOOO good. The shrimp were perfectly cooked with that crispy outside while still being juicy and tender inside, and the sauce was creamy, sweet, savory, and just rich enough without completely overpowering the shrimp. The walnuts add that little crunch that brings everything together. Truly one of those dishes where you keep reaching for another piece even though you're already full. Overall, Astoria is such a good spot if you love bold, spicy, flavorful food. The garlic beef noodles alone keep me coming back, but the walnut shrimp might be competing for my new favorite. Definitely make a reservation because the space fills up FAST!

First time visiting this place after saving it on my list for a while now. Well, let's just say…read morethat it's worth the hype! Advice: sitting outside might be better in the cooler weather because we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes and fighting off flies. I really hope that they consider some type of nature oils near the tables to help guests feel more comfortable outdoors. Also, it would help to get more than one fan. Hospitality: aside from the bugs encounter, I would say that we did not have reservations (they were packed inside) so the hostess was nice enough to accommodate us outdoor. Our waiter, Anthony was a ball of energy and he really understands the dishes and was able to give great recommendations, some of which we plan to try on our next visit. Portions: the dishes are shareable so we only ordered the beef noodles and walnut shrimp and both were more than enough for a party of 2. DRINKS: I ordered the dark and stormy which can best be described as not too sweet and perfect for anyone desiring a well balanced drink. The bourbon smash was also really good. Well balanced with a smoky flavor which I loved. FOOD: Beef noodles- gosh this was so divine! Be warned however, there is a bit of spice to it but nothing that you won't be able to handle. I think the spices paired with the preparation of the noodles and the beef all made this dish memorable. Walnut shrimp- another memorable dish which came with a side of white rice. The shrimps were HUGE! But the flavors on each shrimp paired with that crunchy texture and creamy sauce, spectacular! Safe to say that we enjoyed both dishes and cannot wait to return and reserve indoor tables lol

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Interior dining space. Narrow but really nice on the inside.

Fried rice

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Lost lake and rum runner

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101 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Masha M.

124

11 years ago

We came in around midnight on Friday with a group of friends, and had to leave almost immediately because were insulted, humiliated, and simply appalled by the barbarian behavior of El Centro's staff, to say the least. AN EMPLOYEE SPIT ON US AS WE WERE LEAVING. In what culture is it acceptable to spit on another person?! Read below to get the full story. Someone grabbed my friend's ass, which in itself is extremely disappointing. However, what made me raise my eyebrows was the security guard, who wouldn't not kick out the asshole who harassed my friend. The guard did not think it was a reason legitimate enough to kick out a 'paying guest.' Instead, he suggested my friend was overreacting. The female hostess/manager who had seen what happened told my friend (in Spanish) something along the lines of "What other thing did you expect in a dress that short?" Basically, the employee of El Centro implied that she was in a position to judge whether my friend was dressed appropriately.. Need I remind you that we were at club/bar around midnight? Next, my other friend told that girl that she was not the one to tell us things like that, which angered the male manager, who later on spit on us as we were leaving, as a "sign of protection" for his female colleague. Other members of the staff would not tell us his name and one of the bouncers lied to me in my face with some made up Serbian name. I was lucky enough to snap a picture of this 'gentleman.' I am telling all my friends and coworkers to stay away from a place with so little culture and class, not to mention the barbarians that work there. What kind of establishment tolerates and promotes such behavior? I would like an explanation and an apology.. read more

Robert D.

10 years ago

I love hole in the wall Mexican, and I am saying this as a California native, but the upper-scale Mexican cantina that is El Centro D.F. is incredible. I am personally all about happy hour, brunch, and in general dining at the Georgetown location, and clubbing at the U Street El Centro. They offer the same menu and both turn into a night club on the late night, but I think the Georgetown one has a better day time/happy hour atmosphere. Margaritas served in pint glasses, incredible nachos with this wonderful cheese sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, table side guac, quesadillas, the happy hour is great. Brunch will knock you out but is so worth it. Its around 35 bucks, but its all you can eat and all you can drink including margs, mojitos, and mimosas. Other drinks too. They have a wide selection of Mexican beers and play great music at night. I love every bar tender there. Shout out to Ali, Diego, and Herbie. I think the only downside to El Centro is the price of drinks at night as compared to Happy Hour, and the crowd they tend to attract. A lot of wealthy, snobby, rude people that get way to drunk and are really disrespectful. I understand that is out of El Centro's control, but it is important to note. If you are drinking there at night, keep an eye on how much the drinks you are ordering cost. You can spend $100 in no time. But again, happy hour and brunch are a steal and the servers are great. Also, #churros. read more

Lee O.

340

8 years ago

Very slow service and mediocre food. The server was not respectful or attentive. We had a reservation for 1pm and did not get seated until 1:25. Our group got the $40 for bottomless and we got about 2 refills. I got a Bloody Mary, asked for a mimosa after, waited 30 minutes, and ended up telling the server to forget about the mimosa and subsequently asked for my check so that I could relieve myself from this horrid service. I also asked for a water refill...took about 30 minutes after repeated reminders (are you seeing a pattern?). The food was average at best. The ceviche took an hour to arrive. I've seen Costco samples have bigger portions than that ceviche (which was also bland). The breakfast enchilada was soggy and the Bloody Mary tasted like it was made with bottom shelf vodka that comes in a plastic container. With a city such as DC having a plethora of brunch options, this establishment needs to make some major improvements if it wishes to remain competitive. Note to management, it's inappropriate to call the girls in our group "baby." Don't come to this restaurant if one to pay for "bottomless" but get one drink. read more

German V.

8 years ago

Sitting at brunch right now having the worst brunch experience of my life. I'm an avid brunch attendee, and I've never experienced this level of unprofessionalism from servers and staff. I've been to many brunches in DC and it's never been this bad. Management should really look more into who they hire to provide good service to customers. Our server in particular has been standing around and conversing with his coworkers longer than it took us to consume what food and drink we did get. We had to wait more than 20 minutes to get ONE drink....Maybe you should have more than 1 bartender. My friend also doesn't drink and they never refilled his water glass. We asked for more guacamole 4 times and it never arrived. It took 30 minutes for an order of churros. Etc. While the food and drinks were good, the service was very disappointing. We wanted bottomless brunch, not bottom tier service. This is "el centro" of a disappointing dining experience. With so many excellent brunching spots in DC, you all should work a little harder on your customer experience. Needless to say, never coming back. read more

Sara H.

10 years ago

El Centro is an excellent place to go to if you're looking for a fun night out. The restaurant itself has a very charming design, we spent most of the time out on the rooftop patio and it was gorgeous. They have a tree growing through the floor next to the bar. Our Bartender, Tony, was hilarious and very knowledgable about the drinks. He made us some excellent margaritas and kept them coming. They have a great variety of flavored tequilas to keep us coming back for more. We ate some appetizers, unfortunately they were very bland. We had a queso dip and some nachos, both were just ok, which was disappointing compared to the quality of their drinks. The best part of the evening was right at the end, we were about to leave when a DJ started teaching free Salsa dancing lessons. My girlfriend loves to dance so this was a bonus. The instructor was friendly and helped out even those with two left feet. This is definitely someplace we want to come back to. read more

Tina L.

Elite 26

122

258

140

1 year ago

This space is truly delightful! From the inviting curb appeal to the charming dining room, El Centro exudes a wonderful vibe. I dined there for brunch yesterday, opting for the bottomless brunch plates at $37 and bottomless drinks for $12, with a two-hour limit. We sampled all varieties of tacos, and the steak was our favorite--perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spice! The crispy chicken and waffles were also delicious, while the chicken flautas were cooked to perfection. The corn cheesecake stood out as a must-try dish! The small plates allowed us to explore nearly everything on the menu, which was a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors. We enjoyed bottomless mimosas and the El Centro margarita, both of which were refreshing. Our server was attentive, ensuring our glasses were always filled. Overall, this was a fantastic spur-of-the-moment brunch spot that I can see becoming a regular favorite! read more

Joseph Y.

10 years ago

Odd experience all around. Hostess had dead eyes and looked at us like we were insane to want a table other than the high-top in the middle of the empty upstairs on a beautiful fall day. Everyone else was sitting outside, so I don't understand what was going on (or not) in her mind. Then, the service was bizarrely brusque, but at least efficient, until the first drink was empty. Then, after the runner forgot the guacamole, the server effectively rectified the situation, but didn't refresh the tortilla chips. So halfway into the guac, I was wondering if I needed to eat it with my fork as we seemed forgotten about after that. Anyway, were I to come back, I'd just have a drink and the free chips and salsa and call it a night. Three stars because the food was actually pretty solid. read more

Wilmer G.

9 years ago

Was there yesterday for some of their delicious street tacos. I've been here several times and the tacos are great. It's unfortunate that their service completely ruins the entire experience. We ordered two orders of street tacos and a corona. The food arrived with no beer in sight. Waited five minutes and decided to go to the bar and open a tab to get my beer. The first beer I ordered arrived AFTER we finished our tacos and the beer I got at the bar. I don't know how a volume based restaurant can't maintain a quick turn. Even the table next to us had to wait ten minutes after their food was delivered to get silverware and napkins. I'd give two stars because at least the kitchen is doing something right, but service is too influential. read more

Susan D.

3 years ago

I visited this restaurant during happy hour and I must say, they serve the best margaritas in town! I tried the strawberry basil margarita, and it was absolutely delightful. In fact, everyone in our group ended up ordering seconds because they were that good. The outside decor was charming, and we took some adorable pictures while waiting for the rest of our party. The service was top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who made our brunch experience truly enjoyable. This place offers excellent value for money with their endless brunch options and bottomless cocktails. If you're looking for a vibrant and energetic ambiance, coupled with delicious food and great service, this is the place to go. read more

Phil K.

7 years ago

Excuse my condescending words but I know bartenders can't be this dumb. I sat at the bar for 20 min overlooked by this bartender couldn't even make eye contact with me. A couple came up right behind me and he asks them what do they want. Another group comes in and he does the same. I thought the purpose of bartending was to tend to everyone at the bar to make the most money possible. I came here to have a bunch of drinks with my friends and have a fun Saturday but I guess I'll just start going elsewhere. This was my favorite place in Georgetown. Glad to see customer service is a thing here. read more

Markiea K.

Elite 24

2 years ago

I was eager to visit this place for two reasons: my love for Mexican cuisine and my desire to explore dining options in Georgetown. Regrettably, the food did not meet my expectations. I found it lacking in flavor and overall enjoyment. Despite finding this listed amongst some of the top Mexican establishments in DC, I must respectfully disagree. On a positive note, the service was excellent, and the atmosphere lived up to its expectations. However, I would suggest focusing more on enhancing the flavors of the dishes to match the quality of service and ambiance provided. read more

Maria R.

9 years ago

OMG! I can't believe what we saw the other day; at brunch. The server was great but the management was horrible. We watched a manager, a server and the bartender taking shots while we waited for our food. Our waitress was great, but she did feel ashamed that we had to see that. I don't feel that it is professional for a manager to walk around with a glass of wine during business hours. I hope the manager straightens up his actions and thinks about the big picture that customers see. I would love to see something different next time I come over because the food was great. read more

Chuck S.

9 years ago

I don't know why this place doesn't get five stars. I go here probably once per week for the boozy brunch. For about $35, you get all of the margaritas you want along with unlimited tacos, quesadillas, etc and they bring out the food pretty quickly despite this place being packed. Pro tip: definitely call ahead and get yourself a reservation because it can get packed in here. I've never actually been here outside of their brunch so I can't comment on the normal dining experience here, but their brunch is my favorite in Georgetown (especially for the price). read more

Emily D.

7 years ago

I came to the upstairs bar after work tonight after a crap day, and my experience at el centro with Anastasia made my night better. She was friendly, honest and informative when I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat...she started me off the chips and salsa while I decided. I ended up going with the taquitos and sticking with what I drink best which is Jameson...the food was great and more filling than I thought. I was very pleasantly surprised with my experience at el centro tonight over all and will definitely be back. read more

Sophia N.

226

7 years ago

One of the best bottomless brunches in DC! Bottomless includes all food and alcoholic drinks. We were seated quickly at the bar on Saturday with a reservation and Oscar the bartender was immediately at our service. He was friendly, efficient, and made awesome suggestions- the best! Highly recommend the breakfast torta and the margaritas. Lovely atmosphere and a great location in Georgetown. Service was excellent. Will always bring friends from out of town to experience el Centro. read more

Wendy B.

7 years ago

I went to El Centro for a Sunday brunch with my family. Instantly as I walked to my table, my server, George, had such an amazing and uplifting energy that made my family and I feel welcomed and happy. He was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. Also, he checked in on us just enough and was very informed upon the restaurant's menu. I am certain that I'll be back for George, wouldn't want another server! read more

Silas J.

7 years ago

I haven't been to El Centro in years due to terrible service and cold food that should be warm. But I decided to give it another chance and my experience was amazing. Lily and Anastasia were the bartenders and the service was remarkable. It was quite busy and they both were able to multitask by helping everyone without leaving anyone in attended. I will definitely be coming back and bringing my coworkers with me. read more

Alexis B.

13 years ago

Ashlie and I came to El Centro df Georgetown after she talked me into it and we sat on the 2nd floor. Dion recommended a spicy margarita, it was delicious! He also recommended guacamole and fajitas which we couldn't finish but the food was great! He welcome us to come back for brunch this weekend and we definitely will come. The place looks really good and colorful. Music not to loud. Overall good experience. read more

Landon S.

109

10 years ago

Seriously, screw this place. We were having a reunion with a bunch of friends and didn't let my friend in that I hadn't seen in 7 years in because of his shoes... REALLY!? You aren't a high class bar/club, why the f**k does it matter what people wear? Just let us in to spend our money on YOUR alcohol and have fun and dance. Garbage man, garbage. Screw this place, never coming here again I can promise that. read more

Jessica S.

9 years ago

RATS!! It was hard to enjoy our time when there were Rats running around. We couldn't even finish our food since we were all grossed out by them. The margaritas were not that great to deal with that. The bartender didn't even seem to care and the manager was not helpful about the situation. We just wanted to leave after that experience.def. do not recommend eating or drinking there. gross!!!! read more

El Centro - bars - Updated October 2026

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Diablo's Cantina

3.0

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One word: SNOOZEFEST. Thank goodness my friends and I know…read morehow to make our own fun because this place was not giving what it was supposed to give. The restaurant has a huge bar right in the middle, loud music playing, and even an outdoor patio and bar area. However, neither space seemed to have much energy or many people. The vibe just felt...flat. I will say the music did improve as the night went on. Initially, the playlist wasn't really my cup of tea, but once they started mixing in some 90s and 2000s R&B and Hip-Hop, things got a lot better. That's when my friends and I started dancing in our seats, singing along, and creating our own entertainment while other patrons stared at us like we had landed from another planet. Sorry y'all, some of us came to have a good time. Now, I will give credit where credit is due. The service was really good. The staff was attentive, friendly, and kept checking on us throughout the evening. The decor wasn't bad either. It leaned heavily into the Mexican Day of the Dead theme, which I actually liked. The restaurant had personality and the design was much more interesting than the atmosphere. Even the restrooms were nice, although they felt like they were located in another zip code. Be prepared for a little walk. Now let's discuss the food...or maybe let's not. We ordered chips, salsa, guacamole, and chicken nachos. The guacamole was the clear winner and the only thing I genuinely enjoyed. The salsa tasted off and wasn't for me at all. As for the nachos? Absolutely not. Nasty. I don't know what happened there, but they were a complete miss for me. The funny part is that Diablo's wasn't even our first choice. We had just come from a 90s party and were a little underdressed for where we originally wanted to go. That spot had a stricter dress code, so we settled for Diablo's instead. Would I return? Probably not. Even if I'm already at MGM, there are several other spots I'd choose first for better food, better energy, and a better overall experience. The service and decor were solid, but they couldn't save the food or the vibe. Ratings: Vibe: 2/5 Decor: 4/5 Service: 5/5 Music: 3/5 Food: 1/5 Total Score: 3.0/5

My husband & I were at National Harbor for Valentines Weekend to attend the KEM concert in The…read moreTheater there. We ate dinner before the show at Diablo Cantina. To say this was some of the best Mexican cuisine we had experienced would be an understatement. Everything from the decor to the ambience to the service to the food. Every aspect of our dining experience was exquisitely represented & executed. One of my favorite parts of our dining experience was the music playing. The majority was Spanish language.& when it was not Spanish language, the artists were of Latino/a heritage I love dining at culturally specific restaurants & having them embrace they embrace the entirety of the culture. Needless, Diablo Cantina has now been added to my Top Favorites list. So if you happen to be in the area, I definitely recommend giving them a try.

Urbano

3.7

(743 reviews)

I came here with a group of girlfriends for a pleasant Sunday evening. We sat outdoors because the…read moremusic indoors was too loud to hear each other talk - but the patio was lovely. We started with the standard chips and salsa, and the two salsas were unique and delicious. Added queso and gobbled up almost 3 baskets of chips between us - delicious. The mojitos were strong and the margs were pretty good. My vegetarian dinner companion found plenty of options and enjoyed her black bean burrito (get the white rice instead of Spanish rice). I had the seafood burrito, which was good but very rich and I could barely finish it (though that could have been the 3 baskets of chips). Our server let us stay out chatting well into the evening. I'd come back here with the girls any day!

This a causal Tex-mex restaurant located on King Street. They have indoor and outdoor seating…read more Every day is a different happy hour with a really good menu. Happy hour every Monday through Friday from 3-7pm and all day Thursday. Margarita Monday: Half-priced Classic Margaritas Taco Tuesday: All You Can Eat, $15/guest Woodfire Wednesday: Fajitas Combo $18, plus two Kids Meals with any Adult Entrée Thirsty Thursday: All Day Happy Hour Saturday & Sunday: Brunch 11am-3pm The drinks in the list are: Margarita classic Sangria (red or white) Tecate Wine Well Cocktails

Mason Social

3.6

(551 reviews)

I visited Mason Social for brunch back in April on a beautiful spring day, and it was such a cute,…read morequaint spot. The atmosphere was pleasant, relaxed, and inviting, with house music, jazz, and R&B playing throughout brunch, which really added to the overall vibe. The décor and ambiance felt both functional and elegant without trying too hard, and it perfectly complemented the laid-back energy of the space. The food was very good overall. My only suggestion would be adding a steak sauce option and perhaps mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes to better complement the steak and eggs entrée. Our server was helpful but they may need more staff for brunch as he was quite busy but he was great! The bottomless mimosas were delicious, bubbly, and definitely worth it. I'd absolutely return again, especially to experience the dinner atmosphere.

It's pretty basic food. Came on a Saturday around 3 pm with my son. There were about 4 different…read moretables. Food took a while to come out. The steak egg rolls were soggy & soaked in oil. My son did like his Mason burger. My guy server was awesome. He did keep checking on us and make sure our food came out in a timely manner. There was a party that was extra loud THEN started smoking! All while they had a baby running through the empty tables. Another waitress did ask them to put it out but they should have kicked them out! Cussing all loud while I'm trying to eat with my son. Another party moved to the other room. It made the experience horrible & should have not been handled with such grace as they clearly kept ignoring the rules. This is a place to stop through not anything extravagant.

Taqueria Picoso

4.1

(266 reviews)

This place is the real deal! Chefs from a fine dining background in Mexico City, using Mexican…read moretechniques with the best DMV ingredients. They get the corn from Mexico and put it through the nitamalization process (look it up ) when they make their own tortillas for tacos and tostadas. I know all this because Tom and Lynn the proud owners told me, and I also had the privilege of learning about the methods from Chef Elio. The results say it all - I had three different tacos - barbacoa, fish, and al pastor. I also brought home the amazing red pozole and one of the best salads I ever had. All the food was fresh and delicious. The salsas are also scratch- made. The place is cute with a lovely patio. I need to come back for the margs!

I didn't get a picture of it but their margaritas are really good. Highly recommend! I ordered…read moreshrimp tostadas and elote. I wasn't really a fan of the corn tortilla base used for the tostada so I ended up putting the regular topping on the chips we ordered for the chips and salsa. Customer service was great. The person at the bar did a great job helping us. The place was clean and inviting.

RT's Restaurant

4.1

(670 reviews)

TL;DR: Delicious food!…read more Parking is free - its across the street between the Dollar Tree and Sherwin Williams (no parking slip needed) I made a reservation for 2 on a Saturday at 6pm, it was pretty empty but quickly filled up as the night went on. I have dreamed of eating good crawfish Étouffée again since first having it in Galveston, TX and this did not disappoint. Lots of crawfish, rich in flavor, well spiced. I got the she crab soup, there wasn't any visible roe (which made me sad) but it was still yummy. Sometimes with soup like this, its too salty but this wasn't! The key lime pie was huge! Very easy to eat (not cloyingly, not too tart). If it wasn't such a drive from me, I'd definitely go more often! Yay for this Nova Foodies recommendation.

The alligator soup lacked flavor to me. The shrimp and crawfish etouffee tasted the same as the…read morealligator soup, however, once the weather brought over the Tabasco it was a smash hit! I also ordered the brussel sprouts which were fried perfectly however, I didn't get to taste the sauce until I decided to bring the dish home then, I could taste the sauce from what I poured into the container onto the brussel sprouts and then they were delicious! Maybe they can find a way to have the sauce throughout the dish The bread pudding was just okay also. The staff was delightful. They paid attention to detail and made sure to check on the table regularly. The restroom was really small. I would go back and try another dish.

Skydome Restaurant

3.2

(491 reviews)

We came for the views and the food, but the food was just okay. The Caesar salad with salmon and…read morethe lobster dip were really good! The seafood pasta, though, was way too greasy, and the protein looked old and overcooked. The chef was nice enough to take it back and replace it with wings, which were actually really good! The fries came out cold, and the interior wasn't anything special either. We definitely expected a little more, but I'd probably come back for that lobster dip lol.

Food: 2/5. Took a LOOOoong time for food to come out. Almost left. 35-45 min…read moreCost: 1/5 -Crab dip was $25 dollars and mediocre at best. Fed approx 2 people. Vibe: Old and dated: carpet from 80's. Views: 4/5 - great views as it rotates. Problem is, once you rotate to the bar area, people keep bumping your chair to get by. It's annoying to sit through till you get back to a viewing angle. Service: 2/5. As stated, food took forever. Waiter didn't say anything about it. When it came, my wife and I were sharing a plate. He set it down, didn't offer another knife, or plate ... just walked off. Had to ask for the extra plate. Parking lot under building was the WORST. One way in or out, totally. Cramped. Had to do 3 point turns to get to the exit . Says 6'3 yet a sign bumped my truck! See picture for exit . Over all... 2/5 Don't do it!

Chop Shop Taco

4.2

(282 reviews)

Absolutely fabulous. Wonderful food. Fantastic staff could not recommend more.. yes yes yesread more

I just dropped 100 bucks on take out food and the orders are wrong and food is missing - having to…read moredrive back to the restaurant on a rainy night sucks, but what's worse is the lack of any management on the premises. I had to wait for new food to be made while the food at home got cold. This calls for a credit or wave of part of the bill, but nothing. This is the second or third time my order was wrong. They have lost my business.

2 Jefes Tex- Mex

4.2

(115 reviews)

This is officially my spot for Taco Tuesday. I've pretty much tried everything on the menu, sans…read morethe shellfish. Enchiladas, taco bowls, even tamales - well, honestly, I didn't quite enjoy the tamales. With the Modelo on tap and frozen margaritas, you will have the time of your life. There are happy hour specials and you can request to watch anything on one of the many TVs. The bartenders are great and the food comes out hot and fast.

Sometimes you find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that's incredible...this wasn't it unfortunately…read more The food was mehh, service was fine. Don't need to go back when there are so many other good Mexican options in the area.

Banditos Bar & Kitchen Pentagon City

3.1

(187 reviews)

Nah I'm Mexican…read more From Los Angeles. I've been in VA for a few months. We (SoCal) have the best Mexican food. I've been to a few spots here. Trying to find a "taco Tuesday " place. Banditos failed. The servers are awesome. Cool vibe in the restaurant. Music is kind of annoying after a while. Loud reggaeton bad bunny type of stuff. But you might like it. So the food. I got 3 tacos. Birria, fish and fried chicken. My fish taco was the best. Decent portion. Birria was too salty. And the fired chicken just didn't hit. The beans and rice came with it. Otherwise I would've have ordered it. Black beans were good. The rice was giving Rachel Ray. Hard pass. Prices are a bit high. Given the quality. I'm too Mexican for this place. So far, Taco Bamba is winning. Not trashing this place. But that's my honest review. Give them a try. You might like them.

It was a nice day, so of course patio/outdoor seating was a bust. However, we made the best of…read morethings and dined indoors. Couldn't wait to check out the booze, tacos, and such. What we had: Booze! STRAWBERRY RITA Tacos! CHICKEN TINGA CAULIFLOWER (cooked to perfection, yet extremely bland) POLLO ASADO AL PASTOR NASHVILLE HOT Stuff! CHIPS & SALSA QUESO DIP The service was polite, but kinda slow, but I chalk that up to the large party that was seated after we arrived. Not a big deal, just something to note. Would definitely return for more yummy tacos. I had high hopes for the cauliflower one, but was disappointed. We moved now the to-go containers had slots that perfectly got our tacos. Brilliant! __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish

1799 Prime Steak & Seafood

4.0

(568 reviews)