We met some friends here. They recommended it. Now I'm recommending it. Thus far, the best Puerto Rican food I've had outside of Puerto Rico. The mofongo is top. The pastelón was also very good. Both dishes were very filling. They have some good happy hour specials. Their ordering system is online. Scan th QR code to view the menu and order. A server will bring the food as it comes out. You can keep a tab open and pay at the end. This was a first for me. read more

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Takeout Review! This is a good location if you're in the eastern part of navy yard (near the base)! The staff was kind and responsive and it's an "aesthetic" restaurant (swings for chairs for example). I'm giving it 3 stars because the food really just didn't do much for me. The flavors were 3 stars. The chicken in the chicken mofongo was chewy and tough. The beef to plantain ratio was like .0001 to 5. I'm disappointed by the meal given the service I had but I can't say I'll be back read more

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I am a huge fan of the El Pollito Sandwich from La Famosa - really good crispy/toast bread with tender flavorful chicken, quality avocado, and delicious sauce. I'm also an absolute Sucker for their French fries and sauces. They are incredible. Perfectly crispy fries, that are always warm and soft on the inside. The Aji Amarillo Sauce and Crema Verde sauce with the fries is an ELITE combo. The restaurant is also very clean, and decorated well. Not overdone with Neon Signs or anything like that, but a nice, understated theme. The staff is fantastic and eager to help, and it feels at times like a neighborhood spot for the area. Couldn't recommend more! NOTE: the table seen in my photos is in the Yards Park, not La Famosa. Their tables are clean! read more

La Famosa - French Fries, Crema Verde NOTE: the table seen in my photos is in the Yards Park, not La Famosa. Their tables are clean! Crema Verde - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Where to begin. . . Soley reviewing the food. I ordered for delivery and just want to rank the items . . . Bacalaito - 2 - bland, very little cod flavor or fish, tasted more like fried batter. Tostones -7 - good flavor, didn't arrive crisp but that's expected with delivery. Pastelillos - 7- good flavor and arrived as crisp as they could. Arroz con Gandules- 3 - terrible lacking flavor, didn't look appealing, very disappointed. Pernil -3 - Very lackluster flavor, no cuerito, very disappointing. Carne Frita -4- Had good flavor, the cook was rushed the pork wasn't fried crispy the skin was sponge and not crunchy, very disappointed again. I haven't gone to this place in a while. I had very fond memories last time. I have no idea what happened here. Hugely disappointed and will look for other options in the future. . . read more

Been here a couple of times now and the food has been spot on each time. It's one of those places where you order off a QR code on the table, so, not quite a full service restaurant, but everyone is friendly and the food is fresh and filling. read more

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I did not expect to enjoy this restaurant as much as I did. I've been living in Puerto Rico for the past eight years and I have to say the mofongo here was one of the best I've had. read more

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The happy hour prices are fantastic, with drinks ranging from $1 to $8 and bites from $8 to $9. While the music was great, the food was meh. Perhaps it was just what I ordered. I had the El Trio, which features individual tostones cups, each filled with one of three proteins: fried chicken, grilled shrimp, and grilled steak. The cups were topped with cabbage, red onions, and some very creamy sauces. As I peeled back the layers, I could taste the proteins in isolation. The chicken was pretty good, but the steak was well done and the shrimp smelled and tasted off. I also almost choked on the dry tostones. The Bella Jardin sparkling rosé was nothing to write home about. Service was minimal since you can order and pay via QR code. read more

La Famosa - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Many visits later they are still a solid spot to grab a bite full of flavor and comfort ! We've ordered so many things on the menu and nothing has ever felt disappointing. They really try to be warm welcoming and accommodating - and there's a more casual vibe where you are ordering online and grabbing your own water. I can understand the issue with the price points being elevated, but I also can imagine that their operational costs for being a small business in a crazy expensive area is tricky... hope they continue to be around ! read more

La Famosa was everything i needed it to be. after being away for about a week, i was missing the flavors of home and they delivered big! the decor is simple yet vibrant. i absolutely loved their seating. they were playing some amazing salsa which took the experience to another level. this is a more informal dining experience as you scan the QR code and they bring you your food. you do serve yourself your own water but honestly i didn't mind it at all. the food was just as good as it looks. everything was packed with puerto rican flavor and cooked perfectly. if you're in the mood for some great puerto rican food, look no further than la famosa! read more

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First time dining here and it was decent. You can seat yourself if it isn't a large number of diners. Each table has a QR code to allow you to review the menu, place your order, and even pay. Although limited people were working during my visit, the customer interaction seemed as needed. You can self-serve water and any drinks you want are brought to the table by staff. Add specifics to the notes area when ordering. Although you may not see it, the bartender may be able to accommodate your request. Capable of solo dining, and groups and has some outdoor seating. It doesn't appear that they have high chairs for the little ones. The decor was nice and vibrant. Parking here is dynamic and you're better off walking from a metro stop. Family-friendly and in a good location for after-work drinks if you like your co-workers enough to do so. Nice ambiance and the food was good. I think it was an appropriate amount of food for the price but I longed for a little more spice/seasoning in my choices. The beef pastelillos were tasty and had sauces that paired well. The temperature of my food could have been better. It seemed just warm upon arriving and I'm hoping it wasn't a microwave kind of situation. When warming up pernil, it's a matter of not drying it out and ruining the taste and texture. Thanks for having us La Famosa! read more

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I really like the self service concept everything was super quick and efficient. I loved the calamari sandwich on the happy hour menu as well as the sangria. The chicken bites and the fried plantin definitely needed the sauce but overall I would definitely come back! The restaurant was very cute and lively! read more

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Came here during a recent weekend in the city and were very pleased with our experience and meal. The folks running this place are super-friendly and helpful when it comes to choosing dishes that meet your tastes. We sat in an unusual booth that had swings for seats...a bit awkward but once you get the hang if it, it made for a fun time! You order off a digital menu and app, then a server brings to food out to you. After a few questions were answered, we settled on an appetizer and two main dishes to share: bolitas de queso, a tripleta sandwich, and a shrimp mofongo. The bolitas de queso were brought out first as an appetizer course. The fried cheese balls came topped with a sweet guava based sauce and each gooey bite was delicious with a crunchy exterior and smooth interior. The tripleta sandwich was massive and easily shareable stacking a slab of roasted pork along with sliced beef and ham atop a pressed Cuban bread roll and then topped with Swiss cheese, grilled onions, potato sticks and a ketchup-mayo style sauce. So, so good! Finally, the shrimp mofongo. Their version of fried, smashed plantains came topped with plump, grilled shrimp and a savory sauce that complimented the dish so well. Additionally, it came with a small portion of chicken stock which you could add to the mofongo to make it as "wet" as you wanted...it was a game changer! These three food items was more than enough for a very satisfying meal in a lively atmosphere. We'll be back, should we get the chance. read more

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Lowered from an initially planned 4 stars because of some issues with the charge on my card. I've been to La Famosa numerous times over the years. It is the place I go to whenever I'm in Navy Yard. I have had various appetizers, entrees and drinks. My absolute must is their mofongo - yum! I also love getting their tostones. Overall, cannot complain about the food. And for the most part, staff has been friendly and welcoming. Here's the issue: at La Famosa, one orders and pays through a QR code. On my last visit, I ordered my food and did not leave a tip. However, my card was charged for an additional 18% as a "tip". While La Famosa did refund the overcharge as soon as I reached out, the management did not even seem apologetic. Random overcharges should not be happening. That just left a bad taste in my mouth. Enjoy the food but do double check your card charges. read more

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Mi lugar favorito en DC!! Best place in all of DC! I am in town for one week and I've already ordered DoorDash from here three times. This Puerto Rican spot is the most authentic and the food is SO good. The tostones are delicious and come with the perfect amount of mayoketch. Delicious! I ordered the ensalada verde and it was just ok. It was very light on the heart of palms but the dressing was tasty and the ingredients were fresh. But for me, it will always be the pulpo! If I close my eyes I am in Puerto Rico. It's so delicious!!! And don't get me started on the quesitos! They're absolutely fabulous! Great place to eat a great authentic boricuan meal! read more

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Excellent food, taste of Puerto Rico the food stateside. I especially love the shrimp Mofongo and the coquito. Coquito is the Rican coconut flavored island holiday alcohol cocktail made with rum. The drink was both smooth and strong, worth the price. My son had the steak and onions and the other son had the 3 meat sandwich, Tripleta. Both dishes looked delicious and incredibly tasty. Service was good, the staff were warm friendly. They offered our party an extra beverage at no cost. It's a fast casual restaurant, you can either order with the staff or scan the code with your phone, whichever you prefer. The online menu is pretty extensive, and you can order and pay the bill, all on your smart phone. I loved arriving early and being the first party seated for brunch. Plus, they had the Rican version of tamales, pasteles. Plus, you can purchase a bottle of coquito (both only during Christmas). It was a great experience. read more

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Wow! Everything was just amazing! The vibe in the restaurant was inviting & fun. Once we sat down, we ordered via a QR code at the table. Everything came out fast & fresh. It tasted amazing! So authentic & delicious. The garlic sauce they had on the tostones & with the mofongo was incredible. The flan was light & creamy, the quesito had the perfect amount of filling. We're so glad we came here for lunch & will definitely be back again soon! read more

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Finally, a less oppressive summer day in DC, so I decided to check out La Famosa after hearing great things about their happy hour and it did not disappoint. This is a real Happy Hour with real Happy Hour prices, food and drinks under $10! By 5 PM, the place was already buzzing, every table full, but I snagged a seat outside on the patio. I went for the Dorado (fried mahi with sweet pepper aioli, creamy avocado, and a spicy vinegar slaw on a soft brioche bun (not on the HH menu, but still under $20)). The fries were perfectly crispy, just the way I like them. I also tried the Pollito Frito(tender chunks of chicken breast coated in adobo-seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in mojo de ajo and served with tostones and mayo ketchup) for only $8! Ordering was a breeze with their QR code system, and service was quick despite the crowd. The vibe inside was lively, the music a little loud but perfect for the energy of the place. Bottom line: tasty food, great prices, fun atmosphere. I'll definitely be back. read more

The meal was just okay. The pulpo salad had good flavor but was tough, and the pernil lacked its usual garlicky punch. The bistec was pink in the center, which is unusual for this dish that's typically well-done. All the rice was dry which is understandable if reheated, but it needs more moisture. Portions were small. On the upside, the staff was very friendly. read more

I used to love this place. It offered a unqiue menu and and an overall great dining experience despite being slightly on the expensive side. That said, the past two times I have been here, the staff reeked of cigarettes and it made it difficulty to enjoy my meals. I will not be returning as a result. read more

I ordered an over $30 bistec encebollado that was cold to the touch and bland. It came with a side of white rice and beans that were swimming in tomato sauce. Also ordered a few "sandwiches" that were slop and difficulty to eat. Nothing authentic Puerto Rican about those. The tostones were overly greasy and doused garlic. Their service model with the QR code is very impersonal and under-deserving of the prices they are charging--not to mention the quality of the food. The music volume was loud and obnoxious. I'm a person that loves loud and obnoxious music--especially Reggaeton and Salsa--just not while I'm eating. read more

Food was good and service was quick. Interior was really pretty and there were plenty of seats available Saturday morning . read more

La Famosa - Tostadas Francesas - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We came by for happy hour and honestly we were full by trying the 3 happy hour dishes - the pork and potato taco, the beef sliders, and the fried chicken. I really loved the tacos - the other two were good. We also got the red sangria for happy hour which was tasty. Service is by QR code and quick. Voted best casual restaurant by the RAMMYs this year! read more

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Happy hour is extremely cheap and very excellent, I had the Cuba Libra ($2) to drink and the bocadillo ($8) to eat. The drink was strong and the calamari sandwich was a pleasant bite. read more

La Famosa - Cuba libre - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went up to DC to watch a football game and found this little gem. I will start with the staff because they were simply amazing. From the moment you walk in, they are greeting you and making you feel welcomed. The menu is not what I would call extensive but it offers enough that everyone should be able to find something that will satisfy their pallets. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they offered several vegetarian options. My two daughters and I each ordered something different from the vegetarian menu and everything was great. Price wise I found everything to be reasonable with the exception of one plate but we got it anyway and thank goodness it was delicious. We also ordered one of each dessert they offer. My favorite was the mantecaditos. I liked them so much we got two additional orders to go and had them with coffee for breakfast the next morning. It's a nice size restaurant and it was streaming some great music that actually made you feel like you were on the island. I will definitely be back when I visit DC again. read more

Loved the music, food, atmosphere, and service. I will be happy to go back. I absolutely loved the swings at the table. It was something I would consider post worthy and take a pic, but I just got caught up in the moment. read more

The manager Violetta was excellent! From when I was greeted at the door to when I sat down ! She answered all the questions that I had about certain menu items! She is the best ! And oh my gosh the food was MAGNIFICENT !!! I will definitely be back ! And the way she makes pina coladassssss are amazing the perfect creaminesss read more

If you have a shellfish allergy I would avoid the place, 90% of the menu would be eliminated as they fry everything in one deep fryer and is cross contaminated-this included plantains, chicken, etc. Really disappointed and concerned what the kitchen setup is read more

The food was delicious. I ordered to go but when In picked up the food the place was nice inside. I had the chicken mofongo and my wife had the shrimp mofongo. The food was so good I didn't even have any leftovers. read more

La Famosa had been on my list for years and while doing a staycation down in Navy Yard decided to finally check it out. We got takeout and it was ready quickly within 15 minutes. We started off with the bolitas da queso which were good but didn't wow me. The guava sauce on the side was good but for $10 there should have been more. I got the jibarito with chicken which i was super excited for since they use plantains instead of bread, but the sandwich had almost no flavor. Really disappointing considering all of the components. The tripleta was also good but just tasted like a regular steak and cheese. I wouldn't go back considering this was about $50 for a mediocre meal. read more

La Famosa - Jibarito - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The flan is fantastic but the food is mostly over fried ( could not even find my fish) and they gave no red beans and rice?

Adorable little spot a block away from the water. Happy hour deals were $1 $2 and $3 drinks! The food was great and the drinks were strong. I will be coming back to this hidden gem. QR codes scan at the table make splitting the check easy. read more

La Famosa - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Upon entering, we were greeted and told to choose any table. We sat at a table and scanned the QR code to order from the menu. The restaurant was very clean and had ice cold water to drink. We ordered from the menu, which was limited, and were happy to see fast service. I ordered the cod in a plantain with white rice. The food arrived nice and hot. The rice flavor was just a little too bland for my liking. The cod was cooked in a tomato type of sauce, which I did not really like. The actual plantain, was cooked nicely and had a good sweet flavor. The tostones had a really nice garlic flavor. Bottom line: Overall the food was good, not great. read more

La Famosa - Cod Canoa de Platano - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

best happy hr in the city! look up the prices so yk bc this place is elite. super nice bartenders make sure to tip well! bc this is such a cute vibe im sure you'll come back read more

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Stumbled by this spot while in the area, the server recommended the tripleta so that's what I ordered. While I've only had this particular sandwich a handful of time at other establishments (all on the West Coast if that matters), this one definitely knocked it outta the park. Would definitely come by again to try more of their offerings! read more

As a Native Washingtonian there are spots in this city I didn't know existed!! Nestled in the Navy Yard area, near where Capers projects use to be, is a whole new community complex with restaurants!! I'm hittin the Puerto Rican one!! . Where I am: @eatlafamosa . Location Reviewed: 1300 4th St., S.E. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: *See Website* www.eatlafamosa.com . Items Reviewed: Their Bolitas De Queso (Fried cheese balls with a guava sauce $10). STAMP!! Cheesy, but it was the sweetest of the guava sauce that HIT!! Their Pastelillos (fried pastries filled with beef, with hot, & mild sauces $9.50). STAMP!! Crispy with well seasoned beef, STAMP that creamy spicy green sauce!! The Yellow creamy sauce was LIKE THAT!! Tasty, but a seasoning away from mayo!! Their Puerto Rican Tiki Mocktail (with mango, guava, & lime juice $9.50). STAMP!! I had 2...nuff said!! Their Ensalada Tamarindo (4 tamarind-glazed shrimp with mixed greens in a tamarind vinaigrette with tropical salsa, and crispy onion $24). STAMP!! Just a salad, but it had that salty/sweet thing going!! I wished for more of that scrumptious shrimp!! Their Bori BBQ Sandwich (with shredded pork shoulder braised in Malta India, with a tamarind BBQ sauce, & spicy slaw, on a toasted brioche bun $14). DELICIOUS. Good, thick, everything was there...good. Their Fried Chicken Mofongo (mashed fried plantains, a chicken broth, with fried chicken, & a spicy aioli $19). STAMP!! Their Rice & Pigeon Peas ($5). DELICIOUS. It was ok. I needed salt. Their Mousse De Parcha (Passionfruit Mousse, with whipped cream on top $8.50). STAMP!! Tangy, sweet, & creamy!! . Customer Service: On Point!! . Online Navigation: Easy . Parking: Garage Decent/Street Rough!! . Music: YouTube-Rare Essence 8/18/24 . Recommendations: Get that Mofongo!! 5 Stars=STAMP 4 1/2 Stars=LIKE THAT 4 Stars=DELICIOUS 3 Stars=DECENT 2 Stars=PASS 1 Star=NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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I absolutely love La Famosa! I've been at least three times, and each time I have had a really good experience. You can grab coffee and pastries, a drink at the bar, or sit down for an authentic Puerto Rican meal. The service is top notch. The employees always give off great vibes and are very enthusiastic. It's a super cute spot that makes you feel like you're in PR. Everything that I've ordered has always been delish. My favorite is the shrimp mofongo. If you've never tried mofongo this is a great place to start. Small tip...they have these sauces that don't always come with each dish. They are all yummy!! Ask one of the servers, and they'll bring them out to you. Side note...this is one of those restaurants where you scan the QR code and order, so no official waiter. read more

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Absolutely delicious food! A little on the pricier side and smaller portions for the price. That's why 4 stars instead of 5. But otherwise very good and will come back when I can especially since I live in DC proper now and was missing good Puerto Rican food to remind me of back home (I'm originally from PR) wepa!! read more

La Famosa - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I had Mofongo for brunch here on a Saturday. The ambiance and vibe was very cute at the restaurant. Would definitely return and try different menu items! read more

La Famosa - Chicken Mofongo - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went here for breakfast and really enjoyed the food. I ordered one of the breakfast sandwiches, El Classico l, which is bacon, egg, cheese, and a tasty sauce on a sweet Mallorca bun. It was very good, although tragically the yolk exploded when I took the first bite - but it was good even without egg! The bun is just right - not too sweet, but a good contrast with the savory sandwich. It did fall apart while I was eating it (the spiral unwound), so it got a bit messy, but it was worth it. The quesito is a little flaky pastry with a sweet cream cheese filling. It was lovely, and I'm not even a big fan of puff pastry. I would definitely recommend this place for breakfast, and I'll be back for dinner to try more of their sandwiches for sure. The restaurant is set up so that you order at your table with a QR code (or for takeout on their website), not at the counter. It's self-service and they have water, silverware, plates, etc. out for you to take. I'm not a big fan of QR code ordering, but it went fairly smoothly, and I like that they let you keep a 'tab' open for your table so that you can keep ordering until you're ready to leave. It feels a bit impersonal, and I'm not sure what would happen if you didn't have a smart phone on you, but the service was fast and the food was good! The patio and indoor area have tons of seating - it seemed like a great place to meet up with a larger group. read more

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Never tried this place until my friend's birthday! It was definitely a place worth visiting again. I ordered the shrimp mofongo with the pineapple and guava milkshake. I've never had mofongo, but wow! It was so flavorful and the shrimp was cooked perfectly. The milkshake was not like the typical milkshake you'd typically receive at a restaurant. It was far less sweet and really focused on those fruit and milky flavors. It was delicious and refreshing! The service was good, and the food came out quickly! Everyone was friendly and willing to answer any questions. It's a cute little space filled with colors. I loved the colorful plates and how you're able to grab water whenever you'd like. Overall, I can't wait to try more! read more

La Famosa - Shrimp mofongo with a pineapple and guava milkshake - Puerto Rican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia