It's all about the sauce. (and the margaritas!) We started with happy hour house margaritas (5$), and they were excellent. I dread ordering a margarita and having it come out neon green and overly sweet, but these were perfectly tangy and very fresh and strong. We liked the patatas bravas, yucca, and the fried squid. For all of them though, while the thing itself was fried well -- crispy without being greasy -- the star was the sauce. These three are all on the 3$ happy hour menu. Next we decided to order the fish tacos, the beef tacos, and the gambas a la cazuela (shrimp) -- all of which were ok but not great. The fish tacos didn't have any variation in texture and no bite, while the beef tacos were so chewy they were really difficult to eat. The shrimp sauce, again, was good, but the shrimp themselves were rather forgettable. We ended with sopapillas and flan for dessert, both of which were really good. The flan had plenty of that semi-bitter caramel, and the sopapillas came out piping hot with plenty of cinnamon. Overall a very nice meal, we left very full, and with the happy hour deals it was reasonable. read more

I loved La Malinche...until they gave me a plate with mouse poop on it. When I showed it to the bartender and said I didn't want the food, he didn't understand. Still charged us for our food that we didn't eat because it was unsanitary. read more

I was in town for a concert and decided to check out-wow!!!!! It was delicious! The sangrias were amazing, the tapas were delicious (I will crave the bacon wrapped dates until I have them again) and service was quick and so friendly! We had such a great experience, I'm sad it's an hour away from home! read more

I have been here 3 times for brunch and twice for happy hour. The food is amazing and the service is great. Always a happy camper when I'm here! read more

My mom and sister spoke with Jaime several months ago and arranged to have the back of the restaurant for my sister's rehearsal dinner in November. They arranged for 40 guests, sangria pitchers on the tables, and chose 7 tapas for the party. Jaime assured them that everything would be perfect and that the food would be refilled until everyone was full. On the day of the party, my mother arrived at La Malinche at 530pm, and nothing was ready. She spoke to a couple of staff members about this and sat down and waited for her guests. When the guests arrived at 6pm, the sangria was not on the tables as had been agreed, and very little food came out of the kitchen. Patatas Bravas came out and bread with tomato came out. The potatoes were great, but the bread was untoasted and damp. Also, only 4 pieces of bread were provided for 9 people at a table. Unfortunately, this was the case for the rest of the evening. It was very clear that the staff was totally unprepared for our group. The buffet that was agreed upon had empenadas, shrimp wrapped in bacon (except no bacon), and calimari. The buffet was finally ready and stocked at 710pm. Once our group had gone through the line, the staff IMMEDIATELY broke down the serving stations and put everything away. This was definitely not what was supposed to happen. My sister spoke with the manager about the food being taken away and he looked confused and then offered to serve individual plates of empenadas to those who were still hungry -- most of the guests. Overall, what food there was, was good. The service was terrible, and the restaurant did not come close to fulfilling what they had agreed to do. My mother was embarrassed and upset that her guests were not treated as they were supposed to be and that nothing was ready at the appropriate time. In the end, only 31 guests came, almost everyone left hungry, and my mother was charged $1400 to be embarrassed and unhappy. read more

I didn't really know what to expect from tapas, wasn't really familiar with it, but my visit to La Malinche was spot on. We enjoyed the Sangrias, the bartender, the conversation, and most of all, each of the tapas we ordered, which I think was all of them. They are all worth trying, and a few are worth ordering again, but rather than skim Yelp for recommendations, just go try them! It's cheap, and fun, and a great, social way to try food! read more

Came here with my dad, stepmom, and stepsis for brunch awhile back, and we went to town! Let's see, here's the list I tried: Sweet potato pancakes, datiles, croquetas de pollo, albondigas, tortilla de chorizo, bistec mexicano, chuletitas de cordero, and sangria tinta, sangria blanca, and the seasonal sangria. The pancakes were, well, good. The datiles were bacon wrapped monterrey jack stuffed dates, so yeah - amazeballs!. the chicken croquets had a good amount of chicken and enough potato tol hold them together, and the garlic aioli dip was freaking delicious (I kept what was left for other things). The meatballs were good, moist, flavorful. The chorizo omelet was pretty good, though I think it could've used a bit more chorizo. The steak was very good, very well seasoned and nice and juicy. And the lamb chops were excellent, again good flavor and good temperature. The sangrias were a bit disappointing. They seemed to all just fall flat - not much flavor. And of course, I cannot foget the churros! They were stuffed with chocolate sauce to give them that extra oomph of yumminess! read more

Had a date night here with my girlfriend last night. It's a cool place with a fun atmosphere. 1 minor downside is that our 2-top table was a little small for sharing tapas. The sangria was good and the service was very good. I did have to ask for a water refill once, but it was promptly delivered so no problems there. The food was great. Whatever you do, don't miss the patatas bravas. The only negative with the food is that the vegetables in the mini fajitas and the crab cakes were a bit greasy. Overall, nice place, good food, not too expensive (5 or 6 tapas and a half pitcher of sangria for $75), we'll go again. read more

Their happy hour, with $3 tapas, is fantastic. Of the four tapas (yea, they are small) I tried, all were exquisite. The standout for me was the bacon wrapped dates, but everything I ate here was just excellent. I highly recommend giving this restaurant a shot. read more

Came here after reading reviews for the fish tacos; however, decided to order the Arroz Caldoso de Verdura, a paella prepared with fresh seasonal vegetables for $34. The paella was served in the traditional large pan with assorted vegetables consisting of mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, onions, brussel sprouts. The vegetables were cooked perfectly and not overdone, but the rice was undercooked and the paella itself lacked flavor. I think the flavor was due to the inadequate amount of saffron and salt. Although I was under-impressed with their paella, I did order the manchego ($5) and the calamares a la andaluza -fried calamari rings with spicy tomatillo sauce ($7.5) tapas, which were both enjoyable. I would recommend sticking to their tapas. read more

Well, Nothing much in here for vegetarians.. So I had to order brussel sprouts and Potatoes.. And out of the two, Sprouts had no flavor.. like literally no flavor.. lol read more

My new go-to spot for happy hour! I've gone twice, and both times left full after spending less than $20 for 2 people (rare for this area). Whether the restaurant is empty or busy, service is good and food comes out hot/fast. So far I've only made it through half of the tapas list - will be back to finish the rest! read more

Unlimited tapas and drinks for an adorable price. Delicious food, friendly service, accessible location. I have only good things to say about my brunch experience and I'll definitely return. read more

My second dinner here in the past month. The food here rivals much better-known tapas places such as Jaleo's. Maybe the atmosphere isn't as fancy, but the food is fantastic and it's a lot easier to have a conversation! I highly recommend the plantains, chicken fritters, spinach salad, and of course the stuffed dates. read more

Great food. I highly recommend the scallops. You can't beat $15 for a pitcher of sangria during happy hour either!

We sat at the bar of course. The bartender was pretty attentive. They have a brunch special on Sat and Sun - all you can eat tapas and bottomless mimosas for $30.. We opted for a la cart.. I ordered the chicken croquettes - they were cooked nicely but needed something crunchy like peppers or something. They potato bravas, asparagus, and grilled shrimp (with toasted grilled bread) was delicious.. We did ask for salt and pepper because the dishes lacked flavor. All and all it wasn't too bad but I won't be back any time soon! read more

I really enjoy La Malinche. There's nothing special about the inside, but the food is delicious! Get the bacon-wrapped dates. Seriously. The staff is reserved but always willing to offer a recommendation. The only thing that keeps me from giving this place 5 stars is their happy hour. It's awesome - $3 tapas and beers - but you can only get the happy hour prices at the bar and there's never any seating available. Last time we went we tried to get the HH specials at a small table right next to the bar, but the waiter wouldn't go for it. Maybe shorten the HH period and just make it for the whole restaurant? read more

One of the best meals we've had in a long time. Very lovingly prepared, delicious and straight-forward food. Service was excellent and very considerate. One can feel the pride and love the owners have for their restaurant and kitchen. We look forward to returning to La Malinche. read more

Came here for brunch. $30 for all you can eat including bottomless mimosas and sangria. Most of the food was fresh and delicious. Did not like the pancakes (but I should not be surprised. It is a tapas bar after all). Inside the restaurant it is pretty dark, but the decor is nice. Service was ok. But we were able to sit, chat and have a good time. They did not rush us out which was a nice change from a lot of other restaurants. We will be back. read more

Went back a year later and the service has improved big time. Very quick and attentive and they seem to get a good bit of traffic. Good date spot, but I wish they would have more to choose from in each category. We had about 6 different plates and they were all good, particularly the empanadas. So flavorful. read more

This place solves my desire for a great Sunday brunch location in Silver Spring! For 39 per person, you get unlimited tapas as well as sangria, which equals a great time! It is wonderful to be able to try all the different types of tapas, and not worry if you don't like one or two dishes. Lunch and dinner both have expanded tapas selections, but you pay per plate as usual, still quite delicious but I am a huge fan of the bunch deal. Delicious! read more

First time having tapas, great experience. The food was good!

La Malinche, as some of the other reviewers have said, is a gem hiding in plain sight. Last night we had the pleasure of enjoying some Spanish and Mexican-style tapas at La Malinche, and every one of them, from the chicken skewers, bathed in a spicy chili sauce, to the paratas bravas (paired with a wonderful aioli), was very, very good. I had wine, while my girlfriend had a peach sangria. Both very good with the tapas. We finished off the meal with their bread pudding, which came with a scoop of coconut ice cream. Tasty! La Malinche's food hit on all cylinders. And while its exterior and decor could be a little better, I come to a restaurant for the food. A hidden gem in Silver Spring. read more

Good food, god price, good waiters service but please go to the place for a brunch or happy hour because if you go in regular hours, you will spend on top of the $75 for two people and you will still hungry and angry after that, brunch for $30 all you can eat and all you can drink is the best choice of this place!!! read more

Recently came here for Happy Hour and I'll definitely be back. We tried all of the different varieties of sangria and they were all outstanding (especially the cava sangria). The food was also very good, came out quickly, and the service was friendly. I'm thinking about becoming a regular at this place... read more

I've been here twice around lunchtime. It was never too crowded, so it's a great spot to actually have a conversation, even in a group of people. We tried a little bit of everything (that's what you're supposed to do with tapas, right?) and one of my favorite dishes was the datiles, dates wrapped in bacon. Need I say more? Also tried the smoked salmon with cream cheese, the bread and tomato, beef tacos, among other things. I didn't get to try the sangria, but heard it was good. Also, prices weren't too bad for the amount of food you get. read more

This food is pretty damn good. The prices (most of all the all you can eat lunch special tapas until you drop). The service was good the variety was good. I will return. Nice job to the owners, cooks and staff. read more

I literally cannot say enough about how amazing the brunch I just had here was. The sangrias and mimosas were delicious and bottomless, Service was attentive and efficient, and our party of six tried each of about 25 different tapas available on the brunch menu. I'd definitely rate it as the best brunch I'd ever had. Worth every penny and more of the $30 we spent per person. Don't leave without trying the bacon wrapped figs and flan. The Place was not very busy, to be honest and I'm amazed. It's right across from the AFI theater, so I think We'll try it for a date night too. read more

This restaurant is a very affordable place to get good tapas. My companion and I shared the Dátiles and Montaditos de Jamón y Queso for starters. Both very delicious. Then she had the Chuletitas de Cordero and I had the Carne de Becerro for our main dish. We both couldn't stop commenting on how delicious and tender our meat was. Seriously, every time we took a bite we exclaimed. The portions were not big, but for us they were just right, as we didn't want to stuff ourselves. For dessert, we had the Churros, which were fine, nothing to write home about. I also had a Sangria and a Cortado coffee. Our total bill was around $50. read more

Went here for the 1st time for Silver Spring Restaurant Week and really enjoyed it. Favorite dishes were the bacon wrapped dates, black bean dip, and steak fajitas. Will definitely be going back! read more

I don't usually like tapas but I like this place. The service is always fast and good and I especially love the brunch. I've been here more than a handful of times and it's never let me down. Highly recommend! read more

I went for the first time with my daughter and son-in-law. We had no idea what to expect, but we were happily surprised. The food was delicious. We loved the croquettas, empanadas, bacon wrapped dates and many others. The deserts were also good. We had the churros, and the rice pudding. The only downside was the noise. It was hard to have a conversation without shouting. Even with the noise, we will definitely go back. read more

Amazingly good ceviche, the shrimp was wonderful! The other tapas are just ok. Watch out for mosquitoes outside, they are ravenous!!

The tapas are quite good. They have pan con tomate but do not advertise it as such. The sangria is a bit different than other places around but is still great. The restaurant is loud when even half full, so it's tough to have a good conversation. read more

I love yelp. The reviews brought me to this restaurant when it was almost empty, bypassing several others that were much more crowded. But was it worth it! The lamb chops are simply phenomenal. We live in Southern California where we have superb Mexican food, but the guacamole here was equal to or better than anything we've had at home. This place is an absolute steal. read more

I've been to La Malinche a few times. It's awesome! The food is delicious and the service is great. I love all of their different sangrias! Their weekend brunch is AWESOME! I love their mimosas! Strongly recommend it! read more

What an awesome place! My wife and I truly enjoyed our night out and the food at this place is truly phenomenal! We had the lamb chops, cerviche, bacon-wrapped shrimp and the smoked salmon. All of it was truly delectable. Oh, and to top it off, the drinks weren't bad at all either. We will definitely come back to this place. read more

La Malinche was quiet and charming on a Saturday night. My boyfriend and I were looking for a quiet place to relax and have some drinks and La Malinche was exactly what we wanted. We had the pico de gallo, which was perfect; the calamari, which was good, especially with the tart sauce that came with it; and the datiles. All I can say about the datiles is that they are astounding. Bacon wrapped dates filled with cheesy goodness? Perfect combination of sweet and savory. I also had one of their top-shelf margaritas, which may have been the best margarita I've ever had. The service is fast and our waiter was lovely. 10/10 will be revisiting, loved it. read more

Had a gift card here and went with two other people. Every single thing we got was great. Sangria, civeche, prosciutto type pork, veggies, shrimp, beef, fish tacos, churros and flan. I've rarely been to tapas where all the items are good (you always have one or two that don't make the cut). I would 100% come again and prices were great. read more

This was a nice spot for a Friday night. We had tapas and the jalepeno marigatas! The staff was pretty nice, not overly attentive. I didn't sit at the bar, but it appears to be a rather small bar area given the size of the restaurant. The menu had a nice variety of tapas. read more