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El Tio

3.3 (73 reviews)
ModerateTex-Mex

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Recommended Reviews - El Tio

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Pollosaltado
Mary C.

First visit today to El Tio and it won't be my last! It was excellent! The Pollosaltado was recommended among my choices and it did not disappoint. All waitstaff worked well together and were very attentive. The presentation was on point and portion size was more than enough for 2.

El Tio Lunch
Jade W.

The restaurant looked really nice with vibrant painted walls and colorful Spanish paintings. We stopped by on a weekday lunch and there were only a handful of customers there. The staff served attentively with smiles. I had Al Pastor Tacos, it was cooked with pineapples and served with a green salsa, cilantro and chopped onions. I liked the Carnitas more, slowly braised pork tacos, so good!! My partner had the fish taco platter and it was surprisingly good!! I was gonna get that too but I asked the waitress whether it was battered and fried or grilled. They serve them grilled and I haven't had good experience with grilled fish tacos so I didnt get them. They were surprisingly delicious!! It had a good crunch and was well seasoned. The aioli drizzle went really well with it too. And the fixings were on point! I'd order the fish tacos next time I go, I recommend you do too!

this is the Queso Fondido with Chorizo the best I've had, the blends of cheeses are  exceptional
L I S A H.

Outside was super busy, inside just another couple seated at the bar.. We sat there tooo..... .so very quiet! Greeted by Erick the bartender, happy and friendly. Started off making two excellent margaritas. One frozen for my friend, and mine with Patron straight up, no salt, no ice, chilled ......it was perfect! House made chips and salsa were served. Ordered the Queso Fundido with chorizo ( I have picture for you) I enjoyed this, the cheeses all blended and the spices, it could of been a meal for me if I didnt have to share, lol Out came fajitas they were for the couple next to us...I could not resist the aroma was playing with me...so fajitas combo steak and shrimp please ?....nice size portion, needed a to go box .... As we ate, it was just Erick and us. Never being here before I was asking all sorts of questions...learning theres quite a few different locations, and this one was fairly new. Erick was very forthcoming about where he was from and his family. I found our conversation very engaging. Erick was professional and friendly, more bartenders should have his personality. I look forward to returning for more great drinks and food... conversation too, hopefully Erick will be bartending... they do have happy hours 3- 7 everyday with drinks and food too!

Fried ice cream
Tee B.

My girls and I wanted something we could share. So we ordered a sampler and some plátanos. My friend got fried ice cream as well. The food was delicious. I won't be able to have the ice cream again as it's too sweet.

Shredded chicken enchiladas ($16.95)
Kellie R.

$16.95 for shredded chicken enchiladas. I pass this restaurant everyday on my way to work. Always wanted to try it, wasn't disappointed, but it was on the pricier side of Mexican food. It's in great falls/Potomac, MD so of course it'd be expensive. They're doing a good job with social distancing, inside and out. Would recommend overall.

Chicken and shrimp fajitas
James C.

Amazing fajitas at lunch. I had the chips and salsa and ate almost a whole bowl myself as well. I feel like the other reviews on here are by other restaurants that don't like competition. There is room for everyone in this shopping center. Plenty of patrons to go around. Yelp needs to do a better job of flagging these things. Attaching a photo of my experience so you know I actually got chicken and shrimp fajitas. Great portions and delicious.

Had to get a side order of shredded cheese since it doesn't come with fajitas here apparently...

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9 years ago

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

Excellent authentic Tex Mex, great service, great margaritas. Definately worth the visit

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

Was charged over $50 for 3 take-out margaritas. Total rip off. I can get the same quality at Don Julio for $10-20 at the most. Not worth it.

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7 years ago

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5 years ago

Great selection of food! Service was great. I really loved my tostada salad. I sat outside and it had a great atmosphere.

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8 years ago

I'm obsessed with their chicken and cheese enchiladas! Absolutely mouth watering. This place is truly a hidden gem!

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

Great after a walk at Great Falls park. Fresh, and tasty - without too much cheese. Recommended.

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6 years ago

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8 years ago

One of the worst service I've ever had. My server with Eric. I will not be returning back to this restaurant. Food was not good

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Page 2 of 2

Ask the Community - El Tio

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Came to Ometeo before a show. Did make reservations and was glad I did as it was very busy when we…read morecame in- though the restaurant is quite large with a 21+ lounge upstairs, and a large bar area. Bathrooms are upstairs; they were clean and well appointed. Service was great, everything came out paced well to get us to show on time. Food: Delicious! From the complimentary chips and two types of salsa (green and red), to the dessert (chocolate coconut cake), we enjoyed our meal. We had guacamole in addition to the salsa. He had steak tacos, I had fish tacos, and we also had the kids buid your own steak tacos meal. Everything was so delicious and impressive. I thought the cake was moist and great.

Good fajitas, corn tortillas and beans, in a beautiful restaurant, but may not be worth it due to…read morehassle getting there and the parking. Maybe if you're planning to see a show or work at CrapitalOne. Service: 3 Hostess sat us right next to a very loud party (and did this to a few other clients as well) while there were other tables open. We asked to be moved. The others asked to moved as well. Rather silly, but she was young. Waitress thought we ordered a mixed drink when we ordered beer. Misheard I guess. Ambiance: 4 Pretty cool place with nice decor and music, unless you're sat next to an annoying loud party Parking Hassle: 2 Not worth it IMO unless you are going to a show or meeting for a special occasion. Corn Tortillas: 4 Above average Lobster Tostada: 3 Not much wow, but very expensive Pork Belly Tacos: 3 Standard, nothing special Fajitas: 4 Highlight. Nice to have poblano peppers (instead of gringo peppers) and fried cheese. Steak was good quality. Beans: 4 Properly made the traditional way (no gas attack later)

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El Fresco - Sterling - Chimichanga

El Fresco - Sterling

4.7(36 reviews)
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Sorry, but that's the blandest, flattest, tasteless food I've ever eaten, Mexican or otherwise…read more Zero taste. Could have been eating paste. Tacos: flat. No spice, no flavor. Enchiladas: ditto. Paste. Wifey says their breakfast burritos are good. Not sure I'm in any hurry to try.

So I didn't even know this place existed. I was heading to my go to pho spot and I saw this place…read morenext door so I did what we Yelpers do and I went to see if there were any reviews and there were ... and it was an overall 5 star rating with a good 18 reviews ! I HAD TO GO TRY IT! Upon entering I was immediately greeted and given a moment to review the menu on the wall. The cashier was super friendly and helpful and answered all the questions I had. I decided to go with a small order of chips and queso and the shrimp fajita avocado salad. I was given my chips and salsa and given a buzzer which would identify me when my salad was ready. In the meantime I visited the salsa and accompaniment bar where there were tons of fresh salsa and veggie options. The chips and queso were BOMB! My salad was ready in about 10 minutes and the cashier brought it to my table which was super nice. That salad seriously looked and tasted like something that should and would be in a fine dining Mexican restaurant ... the shrimp were plentiful and plump and tasted as though they were truly seared on a fajita flat top along with the peppers and onions. It came along w a side of ranch and for this ranch lover to not have even used the ranch tells you just how flavorful this salad was! Everyone dining in the restaurant was so so so into their meals that I had to giggle because I was too and we all had not one care in the world. Although the restaurant itself is smaller and casual it truly gives off big dog legit Mexican fine dining! I will absolutely be back and / or ordering from Door Dash!

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Carne Asada - BMT

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La Campesina is my go-to restaurant whenever I'm craving authentic, homestyle Mexican food. The…read morevegetarian enchiladas and fried plantains are my favorites. The meat options were also greatly appreciated by my friends who joined me at the restaurant. Ask for the in-house spicy salsa if you like a kick of spice. The prices are very reasonable for the generous portion sizes. The service is friendly, and the food arrived in a decent amount of time even when the restaurant was busy. Definitely recommend visiting this restaurant when you're in the area.

After adventuring out into DC during the weekend, my partner and I wanted to grab some food close…read moreto the metro stops in Falls Church or Fairfax. I wasn't feeling up to the big chains and places I wanted to try seemed to close early. Luckily this place was open and I had been wanting to try it for a while. Definitely it let a hidden gem! There are some parking spots right in front, although not many. There is a decent amount of seating, but it would be tight if you had a large party. My partner did note that the bathrooms weren't that great. You immediately get served complementary chips and salsa. They were pretty basic, but not bad. We ordered the following: + Papusas (Pork and Cheese & Loroco and Cheese) - Decent, although I prefer the Loroco (an edible flower bud). + Pollo à la Primavera (chicken dish) - Yummy, especially the sauce which mixes well with their hot/spicy sauce too! I could do without the salad dressing. + Camarones con Calabeza (shrimp dish) - Same as above! Note they leave the tails on. + Natural Juices (Mango and Maranon) - So refreshing! I loved the Maranon (cashew apple) was a wonderful burst of tropical sweetness with a subtle nutty taste. I appreciate that for the pupusas they had the foresight to provide my partner and I two plates so we could sphere the papusas. The portion sizes of the entrees were great for the price. It did take a while for the staff to swing by so that we could get boxes and the check. Note that credit cards and mobile pay are accepted. I definitely wouldn't mind coming back again to try more items on their menu.

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El Tio - tex-mex - Updated May 2026

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