Yummy tapas place. We stopped here after going to the movies across the street. We got a bunch of things but a favorite was the anchovies. The only thing we didn't care for was the calamari, a bit too tough and little flavor in the breading. Drinks were good. Would go here again to try more things. read more

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All these years and I still haven't been on an occasion outside of their brunch LOL! It may not have been 4 years, but it has been quite a while since I last returned. I think they adjusted their lighting a little bit -- it was quite dim, and from the outside it looked pitch black. My friend made a reservation for 10 (only 6 showed), but it was fine and I feel like I always sit at the exact same table haha. The staff were very kind and asked if the first to arrive wanted to wait for others, and yes... yes we did. Once everyone arrived we dove right in and everyone enjoyed everything. We had every type of sangria and some of the highlighted foods were the mejillones, platanos, empanadas, pancakes -- on wait, let me speak on the pancakes for a second. A few times when I previously came they weren't sweet potato. I forget what the reason was, but while they and the syrup were still fantastic, I really missed the sweet potato element. But that's back now, and all is right with the world YAY! The eggs benedicts, patatas bravas, datiles, French toast, and huevos rancheros were highlights too. I think it's new, but they have a note that indicates there will be a charge for excess leftover food. I wonder when they added that?? We did an excellent job of eating literally everything, and everyone was satisfied at the end. The staff did an excellent job of checking in on us, gave us plenty of time for last call, and were so diligent. Mind you it wasn't crowded... but listen, it needs to be. I believe even the owner came by asking how everything was, and wished us well on our way out. It's been around a long time... if you haven't been to La Malinche yet, do yourself a favor and go. They have happy hour on weekdays, but the bottomless brunch... it's $41/pp now. Higher than ever, but still the best deal around. read more

My friends and I came here after an activity for some tapas and loved it! We wanted some small snacks but ended up sharing a whole dinner. We got the tortilla espanola, meatballs, two orders of yuca fritas, calamari and the cauliflower. Obviously the yuca fritas was our favorite but I loved the meatballs also. The service was quick. Our waitress was readily available when requested. For the ambiance, it was wonderful. Note the while my friends and I didn't have reservations, we came for an early dinner/snack. In the middle of getting our food, we did notice the place became full. read more

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The food was truly amazing and the staff wonderful, I have no idea why there was not a line out the door.

Judging a dish by its takeout version is not fair but the patata bravas for $10 was not worth the price. It was just warm potato cubes with a small plastic container of bland sauce. I just threw it out. read more

My friend and I came for a brunch and I was a little underwhelmed. It was super empty when we came and that usually doesn't deter me, but it was also dark in there so it wasn't the best feeling inside. The food was decent. The normal things like avocado toast and omelette tasted exactly how you expect them to. They had some bacon wrapped dates that were decent, but again nothing I haven't tried before. Our servers were super helpful and made sure our food came out quickly. We were able to order 4 plates at a time and honestly at the speed we were eating it was perfectly fine. read more

Fantastic. Shareable food that has incredible flavors! This will be a must in the future

Best brunch in town! Great service, authentic cuisine al at a fabulous price! A definite hidden gem. 5/5 no question

Dropped in with no reservation on a Saturday for brunch. It was almost empty so I got a table immediately. The service was so friendly and fast. It's not much of a vibe and sadly the food is just okay. Mg biggest issue is how much you could taste that the empanadas were fried in old oil. I'm a little annoyed that they explicitly added an alcohol charge and tax to my bottomless meal when I didn't order a drink but I expect this place is struggling financially. Can't say I recommend and I probably won't be back. read more

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This one kind of pains me to have it be 3 stars. Here's the thing. We've just had better tapas other places. Also, we went for dinner, not Brunch, which people have said is amazing. Let's break this down: The good: All the food was nice. The Scallops main was good and the corn salsa was amazing. The Sangrias we ordered, the Tita and the Blanca were very good, the latter especially. We got a special soup and the seafood was nice and the soup had good flavor. Across the board the flavors were really good. The service was super friendly and absolutely lovely. The Meh: Honestly, the soup. But I think that's preference. We both just prefer heartier seafood soups. The Empanadas were fine, but my partner (for some reason she cant quite describe) did not like them. The chips with the guacamole felt store bought in bulk and not fresh. Food wise is was all just okay despite really good flavors. The funny: We were mistakenly given an order of the bacon wrapped dates that were clearly meant for another table. But we realized too late and couldn't find a server to flag them down. Honestly, I think they just misheard us. We didnt check if we were charged. Probably the most whelming dinner we've had since moving to Silver Spring. IT could've been what we ordered, but who knows. read more

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The staff at La Malinche is super friendly, which is always a plus. For my visit, I had an easy, breezy margarita and happy hour nachos. The restaurant has a pretty generous happy hour special with food and beverages ranging from $5 to $15. I really enjoyed the nachos because they were made with queso blanco (I think). While my visit was very short, I'm looking forward to visiting again and trying out more dishes....and margaritas. read more

La Malinche - Happy hour Margarita - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

The food was excellent. The service was great! The owner was lovely! A pleasant dining atmosphere where the music is not too loud to allow for conversation. Good prices too! Will definitely come back!! read more

I ate dinner at La Malinche on Saturday night. The food (Pulpo, Tacos de Camarones) was very tasty and the service was very friendly. It's a great place to get a bite to eat before going to see a movie at the AFI or the Majestic. read more

My friends and I went here yesterday for brunch and it was my first time at this restaurant. I tried 5 items off the menu. I loved the empanadas and pancakes the most. Sadly the chorizo omelette was too salty. It could have been the sausage but I couldn't finish it and felt a bit I'll afterwards. The staff were very attentive and we sat conveniently near the bar so they were always ready to refill our glasses. The decorations at this establishment are breathtaking. I absolutely love the artwork. The price point came out to about $52/pp for the three of us and that includes gratuity. That's a pretty great deal I'm my book. I want to try it this place again for dinner. read more

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We had the chorizo and skewered chicken and frankly it was a rip off. $10 for two pieces of sausage. It wasn't even that great. The chicken was OK. But two skewers of chicken for that much?! This is not a real tapas restaurant. It's an insult. There are several main dishes that would've been great meals probably, but the tapas were mediocre, low effort small plates of over priced food. Insulting. With the flan, this meal should not have cost $40 edit: Came back to edit my review. The "suggested" tipping amounts on the receipt do not match the total on the bill. Either they cannot do math or it's a scam... Either way, RED FLAG. read more

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This is our 5th time at this restaurant. We live in Nebraska and visit a few times a year. Folks this is fine dining at a reasonable price. The food is consistently REALLY GOOD! The drinks are on point as well. Don't sleep on this place. Keep small businesses in mind when dining out. read more

Still just a good! Good portion sizes. Excellent flavors. The tinta is heavenly but if you like sweeter drinks go with the Cava. You won't be disappointed! Food is almost as authentic as it gets. The only tapa I didn't like was the croquetas de pollo. Taste more like a fish stick. Loved both empanadas but the chicken was the winner. Waitress was excellent! read more

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I had the spinach salad, Pan a la Catalana y Platanos Fritos. Disappointed in the bread. I expected it too be crispy. The Fritos were fine but nothing spectacular. The spinach salad was spinach with a trail mix on top. Couldn't finish. Atmosphere was pretty odd. It was mostly empty. Artwork was interesting. I can't say that I would return although the servers seemed kind but very new at their job. I go the sense it was a family running the business that had no actual experience in running a restaurant. Disappointing. read more

La Malinche - Pan a la Catalana y Platanos Fritos - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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I came here after seeing the reviews and checking out their menu online. We went around 6pm on a Friday. To our surprise, the menu was cut in half and there was no happy hour. Now the review on the food, I would have to say everything was mid. My calamari weren't crispy, instead very rubbery. The spicy sausage I ordered was literally over cooked sausage with some siracha on top it seemed. The only thing I liked and thought was actually on the Spanish theme were the dates wrapped in bacon. The service is good, it's just the food that isn't worth it. Plus there is parking pretty much all within 5 minute walking distance. read more

For years, literally, we've tied to come here for dinner before a show at the Fillmore. Every other time we've ended up at the Panera. This time we finally made it. Wow!! It was quiet and we were promptly seated. Started with a Negro Modelo and their Smokey Paloma. It was delicious. We are the following: House guacamole and chips Beef and chicken empanadas The scallops with corn salsa Chicken tacos Patatas bravas Churros Look this was delicious. Every dish was perfectly seasoned. Clearly fresh. Our server gave all the recommendations and she was on the money. Here's the proof in the pudding. We got the churros. They were amazing. My not super dessert loving and definitely not churro loving husband said he would get them again. read more

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Had a work function here. It was OK, some dishes were better than others but definitely nothing to write home about. Didn't seem like many healthful options either. read more

Nice happy hour, the xl pitchers are the same price as the smaller size and their sangria was good. It's a cute vibe in downtown silver spring read more

Went for the first time after finding out La Malinche is a bottomless food and drinks place! Our group got a mix of everything on the brunch menu (ate some of the items before I could even take a photo!) Apart from just a couple of things like half the Mejillones being empty and the empanadas not having a lot of filling, the food was good. The drinks were also decent, but definitely not strong. We had to keep asking to have our drinks refilled so the service was a bit slow, but I guess that's inevitable during a busy brunch day. The waiters also aren't afraid of saying no to you for food if they see you have unfinished items on your table, which can come off a bit rude at times. read more

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Run to this place. Everything is fresh and wonderful. We had the pana, guacamole, lamb chops, asparagus, gumba shrimp, and tiramisu. The food was phenomenal!! Will definitely be back! read more

I went here with a Meetup group and found the food just Ok. I ordered a couple of small plates, and while the portions were decent, the food was not particularly exceptional. read more

Cute spot i went with my family & had a good time only downside was food kinda lukewarm but no large issue.

We tried their Bottomless Brunch for Mother's Day and they fix not disappoint. All of the good was amazing, great portions for tapas, and attentive service. We will definitely be back! read more

La Malinche - Mussels from their Bottomless Brunch - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Great food good service, great spot for brunch, happy hour our dinner. I frequent this place, close to home and have taken friends and they really enjoyed it. read more

Very good experience here. Enjoyed the potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms. Also had the spicy sausages and (separately) shrimp. Gin and tonic could have been chilled better, but the service was excellent. Hidden gem. read more

Just Okay... The food was fresh, but not as delicious as I expected and I do not believe this establishment is equipped for large groups. They were kind enough to seat us and serve drinks while we waited for the remainder of our party which was about 14 people. The food and drinks were slow, we had to ask for menu items repeatedly before they were received. I feel like they kept trying to fill us up on non meat items (omelette, potatoes, plantains). Additionally, we tried Bisteck, Pancakes, & Churros. The drinks were strong, we all left the restaurant with a buzz. If I try them again I will do so with a small party, no more than 2 people. read more

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We chose La Malinche for our weekly Friday date night dinner, and overall we're rounding everything out to a 4 star. We had several dishes and several drinks and there was a high amount of variability between them, but enough good to come back another time. 5* aspects Datiles - amazeballs. Literally, they're little balls and they are amazing, sweet and salty and savory at the same time. One order is two skewers of three bacon wrapped dates each. Gambas a la Cazuela - Trust me, you're going to need to order a side of toasted bread with this. The two pieces it comes with aren't nearly enough to lop up all the delectable sauce (garlic + wine) and you're gonna want to do that. We didn't let them take the dish after we ate the perfectly cooked shrimp, because it had so much sauce left but ordered some bread and that was the perfect amount to polish off the sauce. Side of toasted bread - See above. Empanadas de Carne - Yum! Comes with two smallish empanadas, they were delish. The cheese and steak inside worked really well. Mojito - this was the only cocktail I liked of the three drinks we had between us, and I loved it. If only it had been the one I'd ordered...but alas it was not. 4* Cauliflower con Ajo - If you're vegetarian, get this instead of the Gambas a la Cazuela - it's very similar. I probably would have appreciated it more if we hadn't already eaten the shrimp. The service was very good. 3* Tacos de Carne - If they'd had any appreciable marinade on the steak it would have been a 4, because the toppings were lovely. But, single thin corn tortilla falls apart (tradition is to use two so it holds together), and the steak itself was tasteless and overdone. Outdoor tables - While I appreciate the option for outdoor dining, and sometimes it's a necessity, it's not really the greatest date-night ambience because Colesville Rd is extremely loud right here. Price - Our meal came out to about $100 before tip. I'd say we got about $75 enjoyment out of it. If the other drinks had been better, I'd have been much happier with the price point. (See below) 2* Rosada sangria - hubby thought it was better than I did, definitely not a traditional sangria and it tasted just like a bad wine to me. Pass. 1* Mango Margarita - Talk about a disappointment! Second crappy margarita I'd had in less than a week. I don't know why MD seems to think a margarita should be 90% tequila and 10% something else, but clearly they've never had a good margarita. Margaritas should be sweet and sour and the alcohol should be detectable, but not overpowering. This monstrosity was tequila with some mango puree and no detectable sour mix / lime flavor at all. It was way too strong, after one drink I had 4-5 shots worth of drunk in me so I didn't order the mojito which would have been so much better, I still needed to be able to walk back to the bus stop afterwards.... So if you don't really want a margarita but want almost a full glass of tequila with a little teeny splash of fruitiness, have at it. I wish I'd ordered the Mojito. HARD pass. (Pun shamelessly intended.) read more

Decent Mexican/Spanish restaurant in the heart of Silver Spring. It's somewhat more upscale than other Mexican places in particular but not overpriced in any way. Even though it leans more towards tapas it's not the typical tapas place that is tiny bits of food for outrageous prices. I usually avoid tapas restaurants for this reason but this one was a welcome exception. I ordered the chicken tacos which were quite good. Not too salty or greasy and plenty of flavor. There was outdoor seating too which was good for being Covid-conscious and the service was friendly and quick. It wasn't mind-blowingly great but still solid. Would definitely come back here. read more

La Malinche - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I met some friend for brunch. They have a bottomless tapas menu that also includes drinks. Everything was delicious. My favorites were the beef empanadas, bacon wrapped dates, and the French toast. read more

I came here last Friday with my parents who were visiting and we had a wonderful evening. One of the owners sat us and was super pleasant. I believe his name was Lucas, and he and my parents hit it off and chatted up most of the night! When we sat, my mother and i split a pitcher of sangria and my dad ordered a beer (both good). To start, we got plantains, calamari, and empanadas (all good). Then we ordered the pork chop with mashed potatoes and spinach, salmon, and the carne azada with chimichurri and mashed potatoes and spinach. All were so good! Especially the carne azada! The meat was tender and melted in your mouth! Then for dessert my father ordered a cappuccino and we got the sampler which came with churros, flan, tres leches, and sopaipillas. It was delicious! Especially the sopaipillas! It was my first time having them, and was pleasantly surprised! Def a must have! Overall, we had a great experience. My parents were visiting me so it was nice to show them a good time. Special thank you to the owner Lucas who ensured we had a good evening and made my parents visit enjoyable! read more

La Malinche - The dessert sampler - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This is one of the best unlimited (or, "all you can eat) brunches that I have been to in the area, or maybe anywhere. The food is great quality which isn't always the case for unlimited brunches. Also, the drinks are pretty good and there are choices - not just traditional mimosas. Lastly, the service is pretty legit. I recommend arriving around 11 or 12 before the big rush around 1. I just wish my belly could fit more food so that I can enjoy many more options. However, my strategy is to start out with veggies and proteins, and work myself to the carbs, particularly the sweet potato pancakes and plantain. I definitely recommend this place if you are in the downtown Silver Spring area, and after you can take a walk around Silver Spring to burn off the unlimited drinks :) I will definitely be back. read more

La Malinche - Sangria rosada #bottomless - Tapas Bars Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Food was excellent. I had steak,shrimp, chicken fajitas black beans rice and spinach salad. Great portions and fantastic spice combinations. Service- superb. Friendly timely and courteous. Plus the menu had Spanish names with English explanations. Ambiance-cozy. Finally price-reasonable. read more

Wowowo! Secret hidden gem of a place! This restaurant definitely deserves all the high ratings on here. Do not be deceived by the outside appearance or decor. The food here is SO high quality and possibly one of the best tapas restaurant I've been for a good price. For 3 people, we ordered the octopus, calamari, salmon, strip steak, bacon wrapped shrimp, croquettes, and shrimp quesadillas. Everything was absolutely outstanding and honestly perfect. The octopus came with buttery mashed potatoes that just melted in your mouth; the steak was tender and flavorful, the bacon wrapped shrimp was the perfect combination of crispy and savory. I really can't say enough good things! We also had a pitcher of peach sangria, and the hint of cinnamon made it the perfect drink for the fall season. For desert, we got flan (on the house for a birthday), and tres leches. Highly recommend both. Honestly I'd recommend any item on the menu here. Was so highly impressed by this restaurant! read more

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Súper súper food and service definitely I will be there again very clean and delicious healthy food my sons was so excited and planing to go soon read more

Delicious tapas-style brunch in the heart of downtown Silver Spring. This place is amazing for brunch. I came with a group and we all left very pleased. They do a good job their bottomless mimosas and food, we ate and drank plenty. My favorite dishes were the bacon wrapped dates, Spanish omelets, and patatas bravas. I highly recommend this spot! read more

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HAPPY HOUR. After several years of neglect, I came back... for Happy Hour (I was craving the croquettes de pollo). It's only served at the bar (which was dead at 5-6pm on a weekday). I was reminded of the quality and, actually, the reasonable prices here. Happy Hour deals aren't any cheaper than the menu prices. For example, I ordered bacon-wrapped dates ($7) on the Happy Hour menu and croquettes de pollo ($8) on the regular menu. The hibiscus margarita is SO GOOD ($9). I will definitely put it back on my go-to list. read more

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