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    El Rinconcito II

    3.9 (258 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Rinconcito II Photos

    EL RINCONCITO II ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Good coffee!

    So okay. I was not ready for this little spot. Not being from DC, I was not ready for the biggest cup of coffee I could get for like $4. But also, the food was very flavorful and the drinks were strong! Must visit when I come back again!

    Pupusa
    Joyce W.

    El Rinconcito is a cute neighborhood Salvadoran and Tex-Mex cafe in Columbia Heights. Came here on an early Sunday morning for brunch and it was pretty crowded. - The desayuno tipico with chorizo ($16) which came with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, plantains (crispy!), two corn tortillas, refried beans, block of Salvadoran cheese (tasted like heavy feta), and sour cream. - El Rinconcito is probably know for their pupusas and they did not disappoint! There are lots of fillings you can choose from and the one with meat, beans, and cheese was super flavorful and came with a side of slaw - The Mariscada Salvadorena ($19) (seafood soup) came with two tortillas too. It tasted fresh and came with lots of shrimp, squid, mussels, and even crab! You can choose to get the cream on the side (I like the soup better with cream and soak the tortilla in it)

    Drink Menu
    Noah B.

    As a Californian, I've struggled to find a great burrito in DC. This was great for the area!

    1 Pupusa 1 Tamel de Pollo o Elote Combo Horchata
    Caitlin D.

    Popped in unexpectedly while on a walk and so glad I did! Really enjoyed a bean and cheese pupusa, corn tamale (fried) with crema and horchata.

    Wilson B.

    Last year I made a pact to be a better D.M.V. resident meaning, more Salvadoran food. Respect to the Salvadoran diaspora. I know there's a lot more to offer than pupusas. I mean, I love quesadilla for breakfast but I do believe I found my spot. Once upon a time I'd eaten here an ordered Milanesa de Pollo which is a dish that isn't exclusively Salvadoran but one that's near and dear to my heart. But my most recent visits, both of which were in the same week, have been all about pupusas. Now I enjoy the curtido here but pupusas themselves are what do it for me. My favorite is the Loroco, Queso y Frijol pupusa which I haven't seen at other pupuserías. Usually it's just loroco and cheese but beans too--next nivel. I usually get mine with a side a plantains but the next time I think I going with my dream order, Milanesa de Pollo and a Loroco, Queso y Frijol pupusa.

    Ropa Vieja
    Lex S.

    Best margs in dc. The Smokey spicy one is so good. All the food is always amazing. Outdoor seating with the new cover and lights makes it a fun environment.

    yum!
    Jenny T.

    This walk-down-the-stairs very home-y small business is super authentic! They have Spanish music in the background, and the staff can barely speak English... but they are nice (that wasnt to say that it affected the service in any way, just to note that it's pretty legit Salvadorian)! I've had better (more moist) pupusas. Tamale and beans were good. Nothing supperrr amazing, though. The rice was AWESOME.

    Chicken enchilada

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    7 years ago

    Still just as delicious over a year later!! Reposting with additional photos of the pupusas de revueltas.

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    Benitos Place - Pastelitos

    Benitos Place

    4.7(174 reviews)
    1.5 miShaw, Downtown
    $$

    I've only ordered this to go using the Uber Eats app, which I wish allowed the option or better…read moredescription of the items, including the various sauces packed with the order, because although generous, the 2 types of sauces provided are too spicy for me! Of the dishes I've had: champurrado (yum, except not securely packaged for delivery); chips & salsa (the salsa did not agree with my tummy); sopes carnitas (pork chunks were more fat than meat); tacos fritos de pollo (super dry despite the salad that's lauered on top -- needs sauce!), and the baleadas, my favourite is the baleadas sencillas (good portion, nice flavour, perfect texture).

    Freezing, I walked along 11th street on a Tuesday evening searching for Benito's Place. An old…read morefriend had suggested it but..I couldn't find it. I walked a little back and forth, but.. no. Across the street, I saw another Mexican restaurant on the corner, but it looked closed, or even shut down. Maps told me it should be there. Looking across the street my eyes were drawn to the second floor, and a series of neon lights for a tarot card reader and psychic. Taking this as a sign, I crossed. That's when I found Benito's and realized that it's neon sign was out. Walk too fast and you might miss it. A narrow door aside a bay window lit from inside. It's a small place with a warm, cozy feeling. Benito's is very much a neighborhood Central American restaurant, but FYI: no alcohol. Started with guac and chips, usual fare, delicious but nothing that singled it out. I ordered the Pollo a la Plancha and it was rather good. The chicken was grilled through but not tough, it still had moisture and you could cut it. Rice, greens, etc. and the small 2oz solo of black beans, all standard fare. The corn tortillas were interesting, not your usual thin tortillas, so it took my mind a moment to consider what I was holding. It had the thickness of a pancake, maybe a sope base, and reminded me of thick, handmade tortillas when you don't have the press. Curiously, the tortillas were not the same that my friend got with his Mole Poblano, which were thin. Granted, it was a cold Tuesday evening, but in two hours only two other individuals came in to eat. Seems like they do brisk take away business. I expect on a warmer night with higher foot traffic this place fills up quickly. The service was great, did not want for anything. We were served with two containers of sauce, green and orange. Ostensibly green chili, and habanero, I did not learn specifically however. When I dine in DC I can't help but confront the blunt question: Was it worth it? Yeah, it's good food, good people, and a good place. You'll feel comfortable there and leave full. But the price of dining out is too damn high, and this meal is on the higher side of what, ten years ago, would have been $15. I fear that prices will continue to be pushed higher and places like Benito's might disappear, so get over there because the food excellent, the people are nice, and it's just a warm space to hang out for an hour or so talking to an old friend.

    Photos
    Benitos Place - Inside

    Inside

    Benitos Place - Ribs, Pupusas

    Ribs, Pupusas

    Benitos Place - Entrance

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    Entrance

    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

    4.7(95 reviews)
    0.2 miColumbia Heights

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

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

    Photos
    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine - The bar

    The bar

    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine - Bunuelos

    Bunuelos

    Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine - Illegal old fashioned

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    Illegal old fashioned

    La Estancia Churrasqueria - Parrillada mix to

    La Estancia Churrasqueria

    4.0(176 reviews)
    10.5 mi
    $$

    I came to La Estancia for a family birthday celebration, and must say, they did an excellent job…read moreaccommodating a party of 17, including six children. The service was excellent and accommodating. I was impressed because I know large groups can be difficult to wait on, so was very pleased with the service and how quick they were to get our orders in and us served. We ordered a variety of appetizers, such as the the empanadas, calamari, and garlic shrimp. My favorite items were the empanadas and calamari, which were extra tasty with the accompanying sauces. We also ordered a variety of grilled meats, including the two large Parrillada meat platters and picanha . The accompanying sides we tried were the fries, cheese rice, fried yucca, and plantains. I really liked the plantains, but the cheese rice was not was I expected. It was more like grits than cheesy rice. The meats were cooked to how we requested it, and of course tastes especially good with the sauces. My favorite cuts were the strip steak, beef rib, and picanha. I didn't really care for the sweet breads, but that is a personal preference. Value wise, the Parrillada platters could easily feed 4 - 5 people, so we had plenty of leftovers. I would definitely recommend checking out La Estancia if you enjoy grilled meats!

    Looking for a good steak in an unknown area, we were lucky to have found La Estancia; the pictures…read morewere enough to convince us. The service was 10/10. They were not very busy when we arrived but remained attentive during our entire visit. The food was fresh, well-seasoned, and delicious. We got a parrillada mixta, which means mixed grilled meats. It was superb! My husband had a cup of coffee, which was also good. Usually, restaurants go for generic coffee, and it's always overcooked. This was fresh and delicious. The restaurant is nicely decorated, music is playing, and there is a bar. It would be a great hang-out spot.

    Photos
    La Estancia Churrasqueria
    La Estancia Churrasqueria - Menu, as of January 2023

    Menu, as of January 2023

    La Estancia Churrasqueria

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    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

    4.6(2.9k reviews)
    2.0 miDowntown
    $$

    I had gone here for a family dinner on Sunday,March 22nd. This is my second time dining at this…read morelocation and the food always has a great flavor, the drinks as well. I had made a reservation for 7 but one of my family members had to cancel last minute. When we were walked to our table, we walked past a table for 6 and then we continued walking past it. We ended up being sat at a table for 4 with two chairs on the end of it. We had asked to be moved over but they had said they were going to split the table into two seperate tables. Now, I question where they were going to seat us if we were 7! Personally, I don't like to be bumping knees at the table, especially if we are paying a few hundred for our dinner. I understand that the restaurant wants to make as much money as possible however I believe they can do so without making an uncomfortable experience for their patrons.

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

    Photos
    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
    Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar

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    Seven Reasons - Half Dozen Oyster

    Seven Reasons

    4.1(584 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$$

    I am a huge DC restaurant week fan as it truly provides an opportunity to experience different…read morecuisines in the area. I haven't heard of Seven Reasons before but now was as good a time as any to check them out. To start, our hostess Ayana - fantastic and she took great care of us the whole evening! A few standouts: Hamachi tiradito - bananas!!! So good we ordered it twice Bread - could miss it but the Brazilian bread was interesting Snapper ceviche - 8/10 Cauliflower peru peri - 9/10 -I didnt know where this dish was going and as a cauliflower lover, I had to try it. Perfectly fried and sauces were so good. Yellow curry rockfish - 9.5/10. I love that they arent afraid to actually use curry! The tenderloin was so tender too!! And the taro cake very interesting, in a good way. A true stand out was the guava cheesecake - absolutely incredible and nothing like you'd think it would be. I love it when restaurants are super creative with food and the play on flavors were top tier during this meail. We also ordered a bottle of the Chilean sauvignon blanc, which paired perfectly with the food and stood on its own with the tenderloin. Our meal was a pleasure and I look forward to returning to this restaurant.

    We entered and waited a bit at the stand for some help. We did have reservations and were sat. The…read moreservice was good, our waiter did come around and check in on us. They also refilled our waters constantly! In terms of food: - we did partake in drinks: I had the passion over perfection and my gf had the pina colada. I will say her pina colada tasted more like pineapple juice than anything else. I enjoyed my drink though. - we were recommended by our waiter to get around 4-6 dishes depending on how hungry we were. We opted for 7R ceviche, cheese arepitas, Latin falafel, and seafood jalea. I will say everything tasted so freaking good (with the exception of the falafel because they were on the drier side) but those portion sizes i would expect a little more for pricing - I will also add a side note they were providing sampling of a pumpkin soup. Did j like it? No. Did i appreciate it the ability to say i tasted it and didn't have to pay for it? Yes - we also were greedy and went in for desserts: banana bomb and chocolate and Ron. The banana bomb SOOOOO good! The chocolate and ron was more on the forgettable side. Despite the portions, the food was so good I'd come back in a heartbeat. I would love to see the seasonal things they come up with!

    Photos
    Seven Reasons - Main dining room

    Main dining room

    Seven Reasons - Whole Fried Fish

    Whole Fried Fish

    Seven Reasons - Great drinks

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    Great drinks

    The Royal - I got karats

    The Royal

    4.2(438 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    The Royal is one of my local go-tos! I've been able to walk in successfully on weeknights but…read morerecommend reservations for weekends. Most recently went as a party of 4 and got the crab beignets, beef arepa, masa gnocci, and parillada for two. Crab beignets were our favorite - perfectly crispy and great flavor. Masa gnocci was a little overcooked this time but still yummy. Beef arepa is a classic dish to get at the royal; two people can easily share one arepa. Parillada was a hearty entree and probably best for 2-3 people. This amount of food altogether was just nice. We probably could have ordered one more thing to be extra full. I don't typically get Latin American food but love all the flavors at this restaurant. Next time will try their breakfast menu!

    Yummy. This is my favorite burger in dc. It is toooooooo good. & the fries are fire too. Seasoned…read moreso nicely. The burger was cooked to a perfect medium rare. It had a beautiful chew with the classic burger toppings with an amazing pairing of their slaw with a garlicy aioli. The bun was very pillowy and soft with a nice crust. They also never lack on their specialty lattes. I got their carrot cake latte and it was just so fabulous. Extremely smooth espresso and perfectly steamed milk. Syrups made in house of course and you can tell. Just a perfect latte. I usually am an iced latte person but I recommend getting their lattes hot. Hits different.

    Photos
    The Royal - Beautiful bar area

    Beautiful bar area

    The Royal - Masa Gnoochi

    Masa Gnoochi

    The Royal

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    El Rinconcito II - latin - Updated May 2026

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