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    Elena James

    3.9 (40 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Vy H.

    Came here for dinner recently on a Wednesday night--the restaurant is fairly new so it wasn't crowded, but we had reservations. Cute decor inside! Service was GREAT--food came out fairly quick and our server was friendly and attentive. For starters, the Fried Honey Old Bay Duck Wings was delicious. Loved the Chicken Caesar Lettuce Bouquets, which was uniquely presented. For pasta, the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe was AMAZING--well flavored and probably the best cacio e pepe pasta dish I've ever had (and I've been to Italy!!!) The Pork Schnitzel was good--it was well-fried and tender inside, but was not a huge fan of the sauce, had a bitter aftertaste. The Forest Mushroom & Truffle Pizza was huge portion with lots of topping, but the overall taste lacked flavor. For desserts, we enjoyed the Black & White Brownie (with ice cream) and Lemon Meringue Pie. Cocktails were super tasty--I enjoyed the Fairwind (gin based) and Cucumber Martini. Overall, food and service was good (with some minor improvements)--I will be back to try other dishes!

    Aztec Margarita - I loved the subtle smokiness of the drink and and chili salt!
    Alisha J.

    Decided to try out Elena James for the first time last night, as it was one of the restaurants that I had been looking forward to ever since I saw the sign posted! I loved that my friend and I were seated quickly, even though we did not have a reservation. We came in a little after 8 pm. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant, and think it would be perfect for a date night or friends night out. I loved the margarita, but wish I would have gotten another entree other than the chicken. I think that the restaurant has a lot of potential.

    Short rib lasagna and Aztec margarita

    They lost my business after I visited the now closed separate "All Day" cafe. I tried them again for Tuesday Pasta & Pour. I invited a friend for my next meal while seated after tasting my food. Delicious. And the marg . I'll be back for this promotion. Portions, prices, and quality . If you want a cocktail the cucumber fizz. Soooo yum.

    Sausage egg and cheese Sammy
    Marisa H.

    Lovely place to stop in the morning or for lunch. I visited the cafe early on a Friday morning and read at a table for about an hour while my car was serviced across the street. I liked that my coffee for here was served in a glass instead of plastic. They also have their own hot sauce which was delicious on the egg sandwich. Service was quick and efficient. They kept the cafe area spotless. I look forward to trying their lunch items!

    Lemon ricotta pancakes
    Kathryn M.

    I'm so glad we finally have a high-quality dining option in this area! I had brunch with friends and everything was perfect. We ordered several different dishes and each one was terrific - very well-executed, to the standards of fine dining, but with all the comfort of a casual neighborhood spot. The service was excellent, too. We sat on the patio and the staff was very accommodating as we enjoyed great spring weather - it was really nice to have this option as not every place provides an outdoor option, either. I raved about the place to other people later in the day, and will definitely be back. Honestly, there are very few places anywhere near here that are worth going out to eat at - it's a bit of a restaurant desert, and this place is a welcome new oasis.

    Butternut Squash & Ricotta Agnolotti
    Sarah H.

    Dining doesn't get any better than this... Service was impeccable. Waitstaff is helpful and kind and our drinks were never empty. My daughter dropped her napkin multiple times and they brought a new one each time. The food came out beautifully and timely. The ambiance was ideal, with the lively noise level low enough for intimate conversations. Every single bite was delightful. Skip the vino verde rose and indulge in the spicy Copycat cocktail. We can't wait to head back right away!

    Bread pudding

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    1 year ago

    Music is just at the perfect volume and selection was low fi-ish. Sandwiches were so good. The steak egg n red chimichurri.

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    Great food, amazing service and the ambiance is nice and relaxing.... I highly recommend this place!!

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    Pisco y Nazca

    Pisco y Nazca

    4.3
    (137 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Came here for brunch and tried the prix fixe menu - fire. Came back for dinner on another occasion…read more The Causas were really good - fun to eat and tasty The chaufas (fried rices) are easy to eat a lot - salty and delicious. The empanadas were also tasty, but maybe not the most interesting of the foods we tried. The sauce was also the same as for the causas. The tuna tartare wonton tacos were also very good Overall lot of really tasty foods and visually appealing The kitchen is also so fast. Probably waited 5 minutes for everything to come out. Will definitely come back

    This month's cuisine adventure (prior to Chante Moore's show at Bethesda Theatre) was Peruvian at…read morePisco y Nazca in Bethesda, MD. And whew, DELISH! Every.single.bite. My top two? Definitely the grilled octopus and the Pink Coconut Breeze cocktail. The octopus -- along with its flavorful supporting cast was one of the best I've had. Perfectly grilled, tender, smoky, and beautifully paired with the sauces and sides. And that Pink Coconut Breeze? Flavorful with just the right kick. Bonus points for the strawberries marinating in the cocktail because yes, I absolutely used my fork to scoop them out of the glass. No shame. The ceviche sampler was fresh, bright, and flavorful. The Nikkei Sticky Ribs were deliciously sticky and savory. The scallop dish gave me chargrilled oyster vibes. And the pork belly bao buns? That crispy-yet-chewy pork belly skin was a whole moment. And beyond the food, the experience itself was wonderful. The service was attentive and seamless, and the decor was bright, lively, and festive. Oh and did I mention they offer Happy Hour on Sundays throughout the entire restaurant? Yeahhhh... that's a win. Thank you, Pisco y Nazca! I'll definitely be back, especially for the grilled octopus dish. But don't just take my word for it. Check them out and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Featured Dishes & Cocktails We Delighted In: CEVICHE SAMPLER tradicional, cremoso, callejero NIKKEI STICKY RIBS caramelized slow-braised pork ribs, Nikkei BBQ sauce, sesame seeds, scallions PLANCHA PULPO grilled octopus, choclo, causa, chimichurri, anticuchera sauce, ají amarillo sauce CONCHITAS A LA PARMESANA seared scallops, parmesan gratin, lime, garlic chips, grilled ciabatta PORK BELLY BAO BUNS crispy pork belly, red onion, cilantro, leche de tigre, chipotle mayo PINK COCONUT BREEZE 16 tequila, triple sec, lime juice, fresh strawberries Mmmm... #BonAppetit! Cheers! Enjoy!

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    Pisco y Nazca
    Pisco y Nazca
    Pisco y Nazca

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    The Salt Line - Bethesda

    The Salt Line - Bethesda

    3.8
    (211 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    Last night tabletop dinner:…read more Great space and excellent seafood tower. Everything was expensive, but in-line or decently priced for fresh shellfish. Cannot overstate how nice the bar and restaurant ambience is which is fine-dining level but with a everyday casual service and menu. The aptly named "Kraken" is fantastic. 10/10, no notes. Actually a value at 200 bucks if it's your dinner. The lobster roll was 45 bucks and that is exorbitant, but given everything under Trump :)...not surprising.. Very good Marg - not too sweet and cold beers. Had the Narragansett draft which is a perfect, dry lager for seafood. They were out of the Kolsch I wanted, but no complaints. Service was economical if not not spectacular. Coming back to sit at the bar and suck on oysters and beers soon!

    I had an absolutely amazing experience at The Salt Line. The service and food completely exceeded…read moremy expectations. The portions aren't huge, but they're perfectly sized--just enough to enjoy everything and still have room for dessert. The crab roll was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the salad with its tangy dressing paired perfectly with it. The deviled eggs were honestly the best I've ever had--no exaggeration. The richness of the filling was outstanding. The cocktails were light and refreshing, and happy hour made everything feel even more worth it. I ended with the key lime pie, which was fluffy, bright, and layered in deliciousness. The atmosphere is open, friendly, and has a really well-done nautical vibe that fits the whole experience. And our waitress was fantastic, attentive without being intrusive, and we never had to flag her down for anything. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu.

    Photos
    The inside of the restaurant. Lovely.
    The inside of the restaurant. Lovely.
    S'mores Pot De Cream
    S'mores Pot De Cream
    Bethesda Blossom.

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    Bethesda Blossom.
    Tacombi

    Tacombi

    3.9
    (193 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    I came here for a quick dinner today and wow, what a find! The restaurant immediately reminded me…read moreof a taco place in Miami I loved, which already set the right tone. The hostess was very sweet and I got to take advantage of the nice weather and sit outside. It's taco Tuesday, so the hostess and the server both reminded me it was "buy one get one free" - a great deal! I decided to go big and try four tacos, and all of them were very good! I'm from Southern California, so usually am picky about tacos, and some of these really exceeded my expectation. Al pastor: very tender and flavorful. A teeny bit dry, but perfect with the red salsa they brought for the table. Beef birria: nice and crispy tortilla, the consommé was very fragrant and not too salty, and they were generous with the beef. As normal with birria, it's a bit heavier/oilier, so one was enough, but it's very good! Baja fish: probably one of the favs! I made the mistake of leaving it to last, so the outside of the fish was a little less crispy, but if you eat it sooner, that shouldn't be an issue. The piece of fish was very large and cooked perfectly (very flaky). The flavor was great, especially with that red salsa. Avocado tostada: generous toppings, great flavor balance, fun crunch with very soft toppings. If you've ever eaten a tostada, you know you have to approach it like I imagine people approach skittish horses: with total confidence, even if you know it'll end up as a mess on the place. Otherwise, service was very quick and friendly and they didn't come and bother me during the meal, which I love. It really filled up while I was eating, such a testament to how good this place is. I definitely can't wait to come back!

    Never leave with a to go order without opening up the stapled bag and checking the bag first…read more I blame myself but 25% off the order was not in the bag when I got back. That's what I get for assuming basic competence. So if you must order here to go...PLEASE CHECK THAT THE STAFF DIDN'T MAKE A BASIC MISTAKE OF FOOD SERVICE.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Pat la frieda beef taco
    Pat la frieda beef taco
    Spicy margarita and fish tacos

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    Spicy margarita and fish tacos
    Beth's

    Beth's

    3.9
    (45 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    I've had this review in DRAFT for a while, to allow time for rumination as to the final rating…read more.. On the one hand, there are some very positive aspects to Beth's, situated in downtown about a 10 min walk from the Bethesda Metro Station. Turn off Old Georgetown Road onto Fairmont Ave, and the first thing you encounter is a beautiful outdoor patio for al fresco dining and a large bar. The colors are vibrant with a focus on Southwestern earth tones; very reminiscent of a cafe you'd find in Sedona. It was still on the chilly side when my dinner group gathered, so we opted to sit indoors. There is a small waiting area in the foyer, and then a moderately sized bar, which leads into the main dining room. TBH, the design asthetic of the space is a bit of a "mishmash." Is it supposed to be European inspired? A continuation of the Southwestern motif? It's all a bit odd... We had about eight in the party, so staff pushed together two tables for us. We were greeted promptly and were told that the restaurant could accomodate individual checks, as ordering is done with handheld devices. My other observation about Beth's is, I'm not quite sure what "story," the place is trying to tell. The menu focuses on "Bites," which could be interpreted as "appetizers" and only has four "plates," aka "entrees." Our server mentioned while awaiting our orders that Beth's wants diners to share the "Bites" with a spotlight on their cocktail selections. So is Beth's trying to be a tapas bar then? I opted for the recommended Purple Rain which consists of Gin, lavender, lime; mostly because I LOVE a nice herbal Gin. The distinctive flavor of juniper berries from the gin was present, while the floral notes from the lavendar and citrus of the lime balanced out the drink. I was pleasantly surprised. Food started arriving after about 20 min, and visually the barley risotto was quite appealing. Instead of short or medium grain rice, Beth's uses the ancient cereal grain barley. It is slow cooked in stock to produce that slightly chewy, yet not undercooked mouth feel. USDA choice braised beef short ribs was stewed until fork tender, and the dish was finished off with Parmigiano Reggiano, and butter. For $24, the plate was a good portion size and very tasty. I dunno. I sampled some of the small plates such as the Brussel Sprouts, crunchy ravioli, crispy spring roll...and everything was fine. Not outstanding...not terrible...but just fine. The kitchen seems to be competent, so it would be interesting to see a menu where more main dishes were offered for diners who want a more substantial meal. The other thing I'll note is, due to the extremely high ceilings, the main dining space is a deafening echo chamber. I was hoarse by evening's end, since I was literally yelling over not just the background music, but the other nearby diners. Just keep this in mind that if you're seeking a quiet and cozy spot, either dine outdoors or come early. After some reflection, I settle on 4 stars. Service was good with water glasses constantly refilled, dirty dishes removed, to-go boxes offered, and the ability for separate billing. Price wise, for one alcoholic beverage, and one entree my tab with tax and tip came to a bit over $50. Automatic gratuity was added for the table since we had over 5 people. I appreciate the server informing us so we didn't "double tip."

    I finally made it to Beth's and honestly had mixed feelings about the experience. The food was…read moregood enough that I really wanted to love the restaurant overall. The egg rolls were perfectly fried and delicious with the homemade sauce, and the fries were crispy on the outside while still moist inside. Trey was also a great server and definitely one of the highlights of the visit. The restaurant itself is beautiful, especially the outdoor seating area. The patio is bright, inviting, and honestly a much better atmosphere than the inside dining space. Unfortunately, the music inside completely took away from the experience for me. The restaurant has a dark/lounge-style vibe indoors, so the music really matters. Something more universal and upbeat like Motown, 80's pop, or feel-good music would match the space so much better. Instead, the playlist was loud, distracting, and honestly made me ready to eat and leave. I was also surprised that there was no happy hour offered, especially with such a great outdoor setup that seems perfect for after-work drinks and appetizers. Overall, the food and service (thank you Trey) were solid, but the atmosphere inside and lack of happy hour would probably keep me from returning regularly.

    Photos
    Cute and cozy corner!
    Cute and cozy corner!
    Steak and eggs
    Steak and eggs
    Starter pastries for the table to share

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    Starter pastries for the table to share

    Elena James - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

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