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Recommended Reviews - Mola

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Cortado
Suzie Z.

Tried the cortado and empanadas (chicken curry and beef) set of 2 today and they're delicious. Love the cosy space and convenient location in Admo! The staff refilled my water promptly several times and were very attentive.

Short rib "Ropa Nuevo"
Doug K.

I had a work event at Code Red but left super hungry. Pulled out my trusty Yelp app to see what was in the area. I got lucky in that Mola was right next door and featured one of my absolute favorites...empanadas! Chill vibe and everyone is greeted and welcomed in by the team. Table seating is limited and, since I was flying solo, took a seat at the long counter. Food lives up to the ratings. Chicken curry empanada was flavorful, moist, with some of the best dough I've ever had. They were out of the popular oxtail, so I opted for the Ropa Nuevo platter which didn't disappoint. There are many good choices in the Adams Morgan area, even just on 18th Steeet, but Mola deserves a spot at the top of your list!

Shakira W.

I really enjoyed the empanadas! Specifically the vegan chickpea and the curry chicken. For a meal I ordered the oxtail, and while it wasn't bad it's also not even close to the best I've had. All in all I'd come here again for empanadas and cocktails.

Curry Chicken and Pepper Steak empanadas
Mika C.

Late night empanadas in Adams Morgan is the perfect vibe! They were so sweet in there and so warm and welcoming!! I love seeing the process of making the empanadas from scratch and seeing each made fresh with every order.

oxtails with rice and peas
Nneka M.

We ABSOLUTELY loved Mola!! It's a definite must-try when you're in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. The customer service was personable and knowledgeable..and the food was even better! The Empanadas were very tasty with flavorful fillings and a nice crunch to the crust. and they're a great portion size! And the newly-added to the menu oxtails stew was perfection!! I was a bit skeptical as to what to expect because Mola is Panamanian cuisine-but I was immediately left speechless to how flavorful and tender these oxtails were..in addition to the wonderful size of each cut. The oxtails tasted more Caribbean, but with an added kick and the sauce was succulent. Highly recommend this place..the vibe is a cool eatery bar that is neat and inviting..Im honestly surprised it wasn't packed..but I wont be surprised when this place gets too busy. btw: did i mention black owner-woman owned? so happy to support

Menu
Shivasti Realtor S.

I love Mola i had the curry chicken, beef & pepper steak emanadas they refresh, nice and hot and delicious. We had the beef with rice & peas it was so yummy. The the atmosphere is super cute in you must try it.

Lauren M.

The empanadas... especially the vegan (spicy chickpea) empanadas will change your life! You'll hit every tastebud. Order the patacones con ají verde (green sauce). I'm a big fan of Venezuelan and Panamanian empanadas and there's so many to choose from in this city, but these are easily top 5! The service is great, delicious food is ready quickly, and you literally can't beat these hours!! The spot in Adams Morgan is great because it's central to everything you need and the vibes inside are chic, cozy, and vibrant with a beautiful Central American flare.

Aurore A.

Walking in I was instantly transported to NY: the crowd is a bit younger in this neighborhood so it makes for a lively street and good people watching. That combined with the interior and neon lighting from the Mola logo made it feel like a night out in Brooklyn and you just stumbled across a hidden gem. When the menu is small, I typically take that to mean that what's on there will be very good and Mola did not disappoint. We ordered the chicken and beef empanadas and immediately knew we would need to put in another order. I expected to enjoy the beef empanadas more but the chicken curry empanada is divine-- and that coconut rice! I would be remiss if I did not mention the dipping sauces, get all three because you will love all three (if you don't like spice you can skip that one, but it's my favorite!). I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu and, of course, the service was amazing. I also love that it is open late on the weekends.

Curry Chicken + Beef Patty Empanadas with a Pineapple Ginger Juice
Conner Q.

Really tasty place! The service was welcoming and they walked us through the favorites. Will be thinking about the empanada's all week. They were light and full of flavor!

Picadillo and chicken empanada with yuca frita
Anne-Olive N.

I noticed this spot last time I was in Adams Morgan but didn't get a chance to frequent the business. I'm so happy that my friends convinced me to grab some empanadas with them after work! This is a small Black owned business so I was even more excited to support them. The owner and employees are so attentive and make sure you are enjoying your experience. The space is small with primarily bar seating which makes the experience more intimate because they are preparing the empanadas right in front of you. I ordered two empanadas - the beef and chicken as well as the yuca for the side. I LOVED both and i'm usually not a fan of chicken empanadas, but they were both so flavorful. if you get the chicken one, watch out for stained nails because there is curry seasoning. They were out of the skirt steak, but I hope to try that on my next trip in! The dough is nice and flaky and you can tell that these empanadas are fresh and make with love. For drinks, I got the sorrel which was nice and strong and not too sweet how I like it. Support this small business and order the whole menu!

Inside
LeAnn F.

I was having a late night empanada craving. So I like how that they are open late. They do not have parking. They have limited seating more like a bar kind of vibe. I got the curry chicken, beef patty, and pepper steak empanada. They were Panamanian empanada which I've never had. It was really juicy and crispy once you bit in. It wasn't spicy at all but you can add for sauce. They do have 2 have sauces that come with it which is paired well. It's great for a late night spot

Masa pepper steak in the back and chicken curry isn't he front
Jasmine N.

I came this past weekend for a quick bit. The place is very small inside. There is a main counter along the bar and kitchen (they cook in front of you.) and then a tiny counter by the window for two or three people. I did not expect it to be so small inside. Luckily, it wasn't packed and I had a seat at the main counter. I ordered the chicken curry empanada and the pepper steak made with masa flour. The empanadas were DELICIOUS!!! I'm often picky about empanadas and find many are too doughy in the DC area. But these were great. The masa pepper steak was my unexpected favorite! I LOVED it. The chicken curry was flavorful and perfectly cooked. Now although I loved the empanadas, unfortunately, when I tried to order the patacones (fried plantains) I was told they weren't doing them at the moment. They only had one cook and one server and I guess it was too much for the cook to do at that moment. I understand being short staffed, but it seemed a bit like poor planning as Sundays are a busy day and they were still taking online orders on top of in-person orders. It was a bit disappointing, especially since the couple before me ordered and received them but I couldn't. Overall, I think their empanadas are great and would definitely return for them. I hope they figure out staffing better next time.

Saril
John B.

This straight-back bar space holds a delightful concept: empanadas and sides with distinctive beverages and local art on the walls. The menu is quite small, but the vegetarian empanada they offered sounded worthwhile and was, delivering a rich coconut and spiced chickpea filling. It was made fresh for me, which wasn't fast but was worth the wait. My saril, a hibiscus drink, was quite thick in texture and tart in taste. The people working there were involved and wanted to know what the customer thought. Small bites suit the neighborhood well. The price was certainly high, but the quality was as well (and there are some very respectable and cheaper empanadas a couple of doors down, so pick what you want).

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

As the kids say "this place slaps!". Eat here and you will not regret it. I've had Mola only a few times and I need to go more.

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2 years ago

Great food and service. True Panamanian empeñadas. They should expand as in sure they have the right chef.

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2 years ago

I had the curry chicken empanada with ají verde sauce, which was amazing. The people were nice and I really enjoyed the food!

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

Excellent MTO Empanadas- do NOT accept any less quality in your life‼ will be back for sure- Keep up the Good Work ‼

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3 years ago

Food is great. All 3 empanada options are worth eating. Great service and a must stop if you are in the Addams Morgan area.

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3 years ago

The owners are not very nice. Go to Julia's empanadas down the street. Service is very subpar.

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3 years ago

Curry chicken and picadillo beef empanadas are mind blowing! Janae and staff are so welcoming, helpful and friendly. We'll be back!

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3 years ago

Great service and fresh food! Prices are very reasonable as well. Got a few empanadas and iced coffee

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4 years ago

Amazing empanadas and an even better story. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area!

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4 years ago

Amazing empanadas!! A must! The freshest empanadas you can see them making them fresh when you order!

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dLeña - Pork Belly** and Short Rib**

dLeña

4.4(1.3k reviews)
1.9 mi
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We sat at the bar and it was the best decision. We were so well taken care of! Dlena is one of…read morethose places that makes dinner feel special. It's a great place to go with friends, date night or solo. It's very intimate, dark and cozy. We came for the steak which was amazing but the star of the show for me was the branzino. I loved the sauces on the fish -the red side was my favorite. I was also super shocked at how good the carrots were! They were sweet and savory perfection. The crab guacamole was also delicious. Everything was so good! Can't wait for my next visit.

Showed up and the hostess is geeked out on her phone. Which I normally wouldn't care about but it's…read morean important to this one star story. Arrived on Sunday at 1:45 and we sat at the bar based on what the spaced out hostess told us. Sat at the bar for 10 minutes. The bartenders were working hard so no big deal on waiting. When someone was finally able to take our order, we asked for the bottomless brunch. To which we were told, "sorry the cut off for bottomless brunch is 1:50 because it's 2 hour experience and the hostess should have let you know." Hostess didn't mention anything because she was lost in the internet. We tried to explain to the bartender we arrived before 1:50 and have been patiently waiting and that we need to leave at 3 so we won't be staying long. We again tried to explain we were here before time cut off and would not be long. Didn't matter. They wouldn't honor bottomless brunch. We politely said we prefer to eat elsewhere.

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El Secreto De Rosita - Donuts

El Secreto De Rosita

4.2(266 reviews)
0.4 mi•U Street Corridor
•$$$

We came by for a quick drink but eventually realized they actually have music on Saturday nights so…read morewe stayed! They had a DJ tonight. Google hours are incorrect - they do not close at 11pm! Really great pisco drinks - I've tried a few variations which have been great but really need to actually try the original pisco sour. I'll be back for sure to try their food!

I had high hopes for El Secreto De Rosita given the unique concept of blending Palestinian and…read morePeruvian cuisine, but the experience fell well short of expectations. The food was average at best and significantly overpriced for the quality. We paid $30 each for ají de gallina and arroz con pollo--both dishes lacked depth and were nowhere near worth that price point. The ceviche ($27) was bland and underwhelming, missing the brightness and flavor you expect from a staple like this. Even the chicha morada felt like a stretch at an extra $10. The issues weren't limited to Peruvian dishes. The kafta sandwich was dry and completely lacking flavor, and a simple salad my wife ordered came with poorly seasoned dressing. Overall, the kitchen seemed to miss the mark on both sides of the fusion concept. To make matters worse, two classic Peruvian dishes--anticuchos and jalea mixta--were unavailable. The explanation given was that they had run out after Saturday night service, which is hard to justify when we visited at 1:30 PM on a Sunday. The restaurant was nearly empty at that time, which in hindsight should have been a warning sign. All in, we spent $225 for a family of four including tip, which is more than double what the experience was worth. I would rate this place 2 out of 5 stars and would not return.

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Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

Chicatana Fine Mexican Cuisine

4.6(102 reviews)
1.0 mi•Columbia Heights

I like this new location for Chicatana. It's just down the road from my place and I enjoy the…read moreoutdoor patio with the colorful paintings in the background. I had dinner here recently and I enjoyed the casual nature of the spot. I've gone to their previous location, which had a fire, and I like this current location much better even if it doesn't seem as popular as before. The food remains the same. Good, but not the best mexican. Though, I was spoiled living in california previously. The tacos and dips are the winner here. The quesadillas are heavy with the thick corn meal outer coating. It's just not to my taste. Overall, it's a great spot though. If it's nice weather, this is a go-to to sit on the deck. On my visit, they didnt have a liquor license but they now have it!

Spicy passionfriut margs! Delicious…read more Plantain w/ brisket: Excellent starter! The whole thing was amazing and the brisket was phenomenal. Tacos - Overall quite generous portions of filler. Rajas: This was my wife's favorite by far. Al Pastor: Far and away my favorite taco. Carne Asada: Tasted great and was what we wanted. Suadero/Carnitas/Pollo: These were fine. They lacked the intense flavors of the other tacos and while none were bad, I wouldn't get them again. Shrimp: My wife did not really like this one. Passionfruit Flan: Very subtle and not too sweet. The price was great and it was larger then expected. We enjoyed this. We enioyed our dinner on the upper outside patio and the service was great. The guy who delivers the food is so cheerful and our server gave great recommendations.

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Lauriol Plaza - Chicken Fajitas

Lauriol Plaza

3.4(2.4k reviews)
0.4 mi•Dupont Circle
•$$

Lauriol Plaza is just how I remembered it to be...the food was tasty…read more Was definitely excited about the valet parking lot which is literally connected to the restaurant. When it comes to hanging out in DC, the parking situation will make you reconsider your plans hahahaha! For me anyway... One of my girlfriends suggested this place & made reservations but I don't think you really need them here. We arrived on time and was greeted by the hostess and opted to sit outside since the upstairs was closed. The lime and mango combination swirl was delicious...we ordered a pitcher and it was plenty for us 3 gals. The seafood quesadillas was seasoned very well. Full of flavor...I enjoyed these with a garden salad minus the feta cheese and corn. My salad was fresh and the house dressing was perfectly distributed throughout my salad. My girl friends enjoyed their meals as well. One ordered the same as me minus the salad and added rice and beans and the other ordered the salmon with the stuffed crab...can't remember what it was called on the menu but it also was served with broccoli and she added a side of Spanish rice and beans. The maduros were also delicious! Sitting outside was cool but the birds flying all around was kind of annoying lol next time we'll just sit inside lol. I don't think you can go wrong coming here...tasty well seasoned Tex Mex cuisine... Our server needed to be reminded of a few things...maybe it was just an off day for him... Anyhoo- you can't go wrong if you decide to come here. GNO, date night, birthday celebration...I'm sure it'll be a great time. Happy Yelping!

I remember a few months ago, my makeup artist recommended I check out Lauriol Plaza and that they…read morehave really good food. When she first said the name, I actually thought it was a some short of shopping plaza and never would have associated it as a Mexican restaurant. I'm not sure it's history, but seems like a staple in the neighborhood as every time I drive by since that conversation with her, I notice how packed and busy it is. I recommended to my friends who were in town that we check it out and we were able to get seated outside relatively quickly for a Saturday evening. Our table started with their drinks. Half of us got the pina colada and the other half had the margarita swirl. I'd say the pina coloda was pretty good; not too strong and the ones who ordered the margarita seemed to enjoy it. We all had eaten before arriving, so we didn't order too much. They also served complimentary tortilla chips with salsa so that was pretty good and gave us something to nibble on. I ended up getting the shrimp tacos and their tortilla soup. The shrimp tacos were good, but the tortilla soup was the highlight for me. It was very flavorful, and full of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and corn. It also had shredded chicken and cheese in it, and was so delicious. I would definitely order it again. Our server was also very friendly and regularly checked in on us. The reason for one star off is just due to the cleanliness of the cups and plates on our table. I noticed food residue still on it, and although I personally didn't use the cup or plate, I didn't care to see it on the table.

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Lauriol Plaza - View from inside dining area

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Seven Reasons - Half Dozen Oyster

Seven Reasons

4.1(590 reviews)
1.8 mi
•$$$

Awesome food and great service. I had the trout which was cooked to perfection. I had the…read moreold-fashioned drink. It wasn't a typical old-fashioned with bourbon. I think it might have had Scotch and another alcohol in it, but it was delicious. The service was great and it was a very nice ambience.

I'm sure food and ambiance is awesome here. But staff competence is poor based on a simple request…read morethat went badly awry. Again I must preface by saying I didn't dine here or experience the place. I was invited to a dinner here that I couldn't attend, and as a birthday surprise I wanted to send that table a bottle of champagne. I intended to order a Dom Perignon (for which they charge ~$400 per bottle). But the staff was on amateur hour -- instead of taking my order, they altered the reservation, then alerted the birthday person who made the reservation (ruining any potential for a nice surprise gift), and said they would have to cancel the original reservation because the number of people changed. Birthday person had to call them and me to smooth it all over. Then, another person called me to get my email address to send me a PDF to fill out (which I had to then send them on WhatsApp) for my order - a comically silly added bureaucratic/administrative load. Just take the credit card over the phone on the first call/request, like 99% of businesses around the world. This place takes 3-4 steps just to order something... This person had absolutely zero idea that I made the request as a surprise, so it suggests there is pretty poor coordination and communication amongst staff. I'm sure people come here regularly and have great meals and great times. But at their prices, wine/champagne mark-ups, and promise of an 'elevated' experience -- staff need to get their act together.

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Seven Reasons - Main dining room

Main dining room

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El Cielo

El Cielo

4.2(174 reviews)
2.5 mi
•$$$$

El Cielo made quite the impression for DC Restaurant Week. First, they served full portion in both…read morefood and wine pairings; and quality across the board from what one might expect from a Michelin starred place. The service was equally appreciated. Everyone was well versed in the menu, ingredients, and preparation. Lastly, the cool interior was open, inviting, and classy. This is by far the best offering from a restaurant I have had recently in restaurant weeks. I would feel just as welcome any other time and will definitely come back. Great for any occasion, El Cielo was impressive.

I'm glad I tried Elcielo, and overall I enjoyed the food and the creativity of the tasting menu,…read morebut unfortunately the service and atmosphere fell well short of what I expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant at this price point. I came for my birthday with friends. Our reservation was at 8:00. I arrived a few minutes early and was greeted and given water, but after the rest of my party arrived, no server returned to our table for another 20-30 minutes. It was then another significant wait before anyone came to take our drink orders. Throughout the dinner, it was also surprisingly difficult to get a server's attention, and I had to try to flag someone down several times just to have my water refilled. The explanations accompanying the courses were also often difficult to understand, which another person in my party commented on as well. Since the storytelling and explanation of each dish are such a major part of this type of tasting-menu experience, I wish the presentations had been delivered more clearly. I also paid an additional $50 for the Birthday Experience and would not recommend it. It included an edible candle and a birthday cocktail. I had already told the staff that I don't drink alcohol and had ordered a mocktail during dinner, but they still brought me an alcoholic birthday cocktail. After I reminded them, they replaced it with a mocktail, but unfortunately it tasted very medicinal and I didn't enjoy it. For a paid birthday add-on, I expected considerably more attention to that detail. The atmosphere was another disappointment. The dining room was very quiet and fairly empty during our meal, so it didn't have the special-occasion energy I was hoping for on my birthday. The positive is that the food itself was good, creative, and enjoyable, and there were definitely memorable parts of the experience. I'm glad I tried Elcielo once, but considering the price and the level of service I experienced, I wouldn't return.

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Mola - latin - Updated October 2026

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