I ordered a carne asada and it was very nicely cooked. Customer servise was very good

Mediocre restaurant overall. I ordered the cheese enchiladas which was overwhelming with cheese that the tortilla wasn't visible. There was also less enchilada sauce and I like my enchiladas covered in sauce Rice and beans accompanied with it was good. Their complimentary chips and salsa were the best part. Salsa is different from your usual Mexican restaurant. It comes out warm, soupy, and a light red color. I enjoyed it. If you prefer your salsa more like pico de Galla and chunky then you might not like this. I got the tres leches for my dessert, it wasn't overly sweet which was good but it wasn't drenched in milk as I would have liked. It was kind of hard. The tres leches I've had in the past has always been soft. read more

Delicious!! Beef taco salad, nachos and hard shell tacos!! We stopped to wash clothes on a trip as we were driving thru town. Samantha's was next door and within walking distance. Best decision for on the go dining! read more

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Excellent food, more costly than other Salvadoran and similar restaurants but worth it. Great fish. Only problem is a terrible parking lot that's often full and always makes you think someone Will bump your car getting out of the blind, dark spaces. read more

The food and service was 10/10! I hade the Guadalajara Platter and quesadillas as an appetizer. So amazing and and prices are great too read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Chicken Quesadillas - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Amazing service, amazing food. Only thing I'm upset about is that I want more!! Haha. Great time at Samantha's as always, very clean and well kept restaurant. Can be a causal dine in or you can feast with your loved ones and they'll treat you like royalty. Great time. Thanks much Samantha's! read more

Looks like a hole in the wall from the outside. Not anything fancy about the inside, but nice. The food is great along with the Margherita's My Favorite the guacamole taco. If you love Mexican food you will not be disappointed read more

Don't be deterred by its modest exterior. It's what's on the inside that counts, right? It is very quaint inside, with white tablecloths to boot. Service is amicable and you don't have to wait a heartbeat for chips and salsa to be placed before you. As others have stated, their chips are thin, salty and crispy - perfection. The salsa is different - thick, orangish and spicy; a welcome change from your average salsa. I started with a frozen margarita which was good. I also ordered an appetizer called hongos rellenos from their Specials menu. It was basically two mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat and topped with a creamy sauce. It was OK, but for $8.95, I think I would go with a second margarita next time. I think I would have like it more if the mushrooms were sauteed or baked instead of raw. For my meal I ordered the side seafood enchilada ($5.50) which is great if you're not into rice and beans of the platter offerings. It was filled with large shrimp and scallop pieces and very cheesy, just like me. I also had to try one of their queso pupusa that I read so many raves about on this site. It was very good and...cheesy. I am sure I was a mouse in a former life. My fellow diners both had fish. She: grouper. He: salmon. Both thought their dishes were delicious. Prices aren't taqueria cheap. Their entrees were in the $20-something range. However, quality is what you get, so you'll get your money's worth. I'll be back. Maybe for the fish. Or maybe for my old faithful: The cheese quesadilla. read more

Oh Samantha's, why do I always leave you so happy?? Oh, right, the margaritas. For only $16, you can get a half pitcher of margaritas that serves almost 6 glasses. $8 for drunkness if you're a party of two. Not too shabby. It's not a particularly amazing margarita, just a good enough one that's cheap and strong and doesn't give me a hangover. Highly recommend the ceviche as an app, unless you're on a date, cause it's got enough onion to take down a small horse. The regular's better than the mixto in my opinion, and cheaper, though you don't get the variety of seafood. As mentioned, the spinach burrito (even for non-vegetarians) rocks, the mariscada's a winner, and you can't go wrong with the carne asada. Parking sucks and there's often a little wait at prime time, so you may want to send someone in to get in line while the driver waits for a spot to open. This place has blown up in popularity, but there's always been a strong turnout of Spanish-speakers here and that's still the case, so don't be afraid when you walk in and it's not all Hispanic folks. It's not an Austin Grill situation. read more

Samantha's is a little Pan-Latin gem in eastern Silver Spring worth the trek out from the center of DC. For starters, Samantha's does the little things well like Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice (not available in many upscale restaurant) and fresh Chips and Tomato Salsa (~smooth pomodoro), but what sets Samantha's apart from its peers its wonderfully prepared seafood. After the first visit, my dining companion and I loved their Mariscada, a giant bowl of bountiful half lobster, mussels, shrimp, clam, and mahi mahi in a orange-hued broth aromatic with crustacean-goodness. However, on our next visit, our new favorite became Sizzling Shrimp Fajita. These days, molecular gastronomy has made flavored "airs" and fragrant smokes all the rage. However, there is nothing like the real thing: hot skillet filled with caramelizing onion, jalapeno, and very jumbo shrimp steaming hot right in front of you under your nose! My DC puts the rice immediately onto the skillet to soak up the caramelized juices. Needless to say, the shrimp are nearly colossal and very fresh. Other heartier selection include a mostly-boned half duck (it is a lot more meat than it initially looks) as well as combination grill of chicken and skirt steak (also served on the hot skillet). The latter features a super succulent, well-marinated cut of flavorful beef not unlike a great kalbi. While a bit more expensive than some of its peers, the quality is definitely in line with the pricing--particularly with the fresh seafood. Don't let its humble decor and location fool you, Samantha's is a satisfying foodie experience where they make great preparations of the mundane (fajitas) as well as harder to find dishes (Mariscada, duck)! read more

Yummy authentic mexican food near my work! Super excited about this place. I ordered Shredded Steak Enchiladas for pick up. They told me 15 minutes, I got there and it was already ready to go. The food was amazing! However when I asked for pico de gallo they charged me for it (seriously?) but it was a large amount not a small lil salsa cup (which they do not have). Also they accidently made double orders of my enchiladas, I said a 2 enchilada plate, and they took it as 2 plates, I took it home anyways and was happy to have yummy lunch for the next day. They give you large portions as well so definitely multiple meals. Next time I will just make sure to clarify my order. They also have a small bar in the intimate restaurant that I sat at and had a strong drink. It was okay, I think they are better at tequilla than vodka. I will order again in the future. read more

I have no idea what country makes enchiladas like this. It was as if they wrapped a thin tortilla around a giant block of cheese. I could only tell there was sauce used because the tortillas were a slighter shade of red than is usual, but rest assured, the only flavor was cheese-block. Served incorrectly with steamed white rice and black beans, instead of fried and pinto. Maybe it's an El Salvador thing, I don't know, Ive only known correct Mexican style dishes. In conclusion: if you like cheese-blocks, you'll LOVE Samantha's! read more

Samantha's Restaurant - A pile of cheese with sides. - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I'm a transplant to the area but a Texan at heart and this place hit the spot! I'm always searching for authentic Mexican food in the area and this place didn't disappoint! I ordered the chicken enchilada and steak taco combo and my taste buds were outta control! The enchilada was incredibly tasty and I loved the sauce that complimented it so nicely! The steak taco was really flavorful and simple, just like a taco should be! Let's just say I was real upset when the food was gone lol Oh and the margarita was the bomb.com! Can't wait to come back! read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Best of both worlds: a chicken enchilada and a steak taco - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Hands down, one of the best enchiladas I've ever had. I'm not a huge cheese fan, so that's saying a lot. I'll admit I was a little skeptical about trying a Mexican restaurant in DC (since the best ones are usually down in San Diego).... It looks sketch from the outside, but don't be quick to judge! The staff was absolutely wonderful. They brought us their house-special salsas that were freshly grated and even brought out freshly-toasted tortilla chips. No need to wipe off the grease... these babies come out crisp and clean. Skip the burritos and chimichangas, and go straight for their enchiladas. I ordered the spinach while my mom and aunt went for the chicken and carne asada. Both were delicious, but I highly recommend the spinach. Unconventional, I know.... but try something new, yeah? read more

A meal from Samantha's Restaurant is filling, very filling; and tasty, very tasty. You get your money's worth. I usually go for carry-out. Carry-out usually means a chicken burrito, which comes with beans, pico de gallo, and sour cream. The chicken burrito costs $13 including tax, which seems a little steep at first blush but it is filling and delicious enough to justify the price, in my book. There are lots of tasty sounding things on the menu which I have yet to try; most of which don't cost much more than the burritos. They just don't sound right for a carry-out meal. I have done the dine-in experience once. I had the Pollo Rezuela that time. It was very good and not much more expensive than the chicken burrito. The downside of the dine-in experience is that it can be a bit claustrophobic, if the place is full or close to it. This isn't a large restaurant and the tables are numerous, and fairly close together. Also there isn't much in the way of parking. The parking lot is often at or near capacity even if the restaurant isn't. I live nearby and never chance it: I always walk to Samantha's. Location: On the south side of University Blvd just west of the very busy intersection of University and Piney Branch Road. You need to be in the far right lane on University Blvd heading west, towards Langley Park, in order to make the turn into the parking lot. Its easy to miss if you don't know where it is and it will take you some time to circle back around if you miss the turn. It would be better if it was on Piney Branch closer to Flower Ave or maybe a little further down University near Carroll Ave. So, 4 stars primarily for the food and service. The atmosphere and location are less than spectacular. read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Carry-out: partially eaten chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

While many describe Samantha's as Mexican food, it's really more Pan-Latin. You have influences from all over Central and South America. It's one of my favorite restaurants in the area hands down. While on the outside it doesn't look anything special, inside feels both a bit upscale and cozy. I have always received excellent service and have enjoyed everything on the menu. I returned last night with several friends and we ordered pupusas and the ceviche mixto as appetizers. All stellar! I ordered one of my favorites, the spinach burrito. The portions are HUGE and so I will have it for lunch today as well. It never disappoints. Just scrumptious! We also split a pitcher of the red sangria... also always a delight. (The margaritas are also very good!) And our server was was friendly, attentive, and helpful. We wanted for nothing as he checked in regularly and cleared up as we went along. We were too full to order dessert this time but I can vouch for the flan and tres leches from previous visits. If i weren't trying to watch my waistline a bit, I'd have ordered one to go. My other favorite dishes are the Masitas de Puerco and the Trucha Frita. You cannot go wrong with these dishes. But my friends loved theirs too and we've covered a good portion of the menu so follow your taste buds! read more

I'm not (yet) an expert on Mexican/Latin American food but I truly enjoyed my visit here. And I can officially say this is our fave Mexican/Latin American restaurant. Everyone's review about the exterior of the restaurant should be not be ignored. We came on Saturday, after the weekend lunch rush and we still had to wait for a parking space. Once we were inside, there where tables available (nice not to wait), place was clean, table was ready and buzzing with Latin American families (always a good sign). Like i said earlier, we were not expert on this category of food, so it took us a little bit longer to order. Our waitress helped us on making good decisions though. We were pretty happy on our orders, and they are really worth trying. We had the following: - Spinach burrito served with flour tortillas, rice, "Frijoles a la Charra", Pico de Gallo, guacamole and sour cream. - Samantha's Combo #2 / FAJITA TRIO - beef, chicken and shrimp Fajitas. - Parrilladas are served with flour tortillas, "Frijoles a la Charra", Pico de Gallo, sour cream and guacamole. - Chuleta de Puerco - Two marinated fresh pork chops topped with sautéed onions, green peppers and tomatoes, served with salad - Pupusas - I think we had the carne. - Tres Leches - Sopapillas We can't wait to come back and try more of their food. I gave them 4 stars because we really wanted to taste the pork rib and empanadas and they didn't have them. More reasons to come back here. Also, just want to give kudos to the nice gentle man who cleans and prepares the tables - he was so fast and efficient with his work. Super kind and helpful too - kids keep dropping their utensils and Mr. Senor was always so nice in providing a clean replacement and carrying a conversation with the little ones. Muchos gracias Senor hard worker with smiley face. read more

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We brought a party of around 16 people here on less than an hour's notice on a Saturday night. They made it work which is impressive given the relatively limited space. We all enjoyed the experience and loved the service. Nutshell: Great service with pretty good food. Pros ============== - We really were impressed with the staff's attentiveness and responsiveness. Kudos given how busy they were. - Most everyone enjoyed their meal. - Dessert, especially the tres leches as noted already, was a big hit. Cons ============== - Don't assume that the pricier the dish, the better the taste. Many who had a "cheaper/plainer" dish were more satisfied than some of the pricier daily specials. Guess they mastered the normal stuff. - Parking was not trivial, even though they share a private lot. What we found out after the fact was that we could have parked in any of the shared spots, even the ones "reserved" for the laundromat. :/ read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Evening View - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Walked in and sat a table. Before the server even took my order, I was served with tortilla chips and dipping sauce. Perhaps I haven't gone out to many restaurants, but that right there to me is the best service you can get. Food was great too. read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Samantha's didn't disappoint. I'll be back, that's for sure. There are very few authentic, family owned "tex-mex" restaurants in the area and Samantha's is definitely at the top of my list. I went here during my birthday week and my experience was very pleasant. For a Friday night, they weren't as packed as I thought; there were a few tables available and I had no problem finding a parking spot in their lot. My friends were a little late, so I waited at the bar and enjoyed a fresh margarita. The staff was friendly and the restaurant had a friendly, intimate vibe. The service was excellent, the food was delicious (I had the fajitas) and the desserts were lovely. I'm not a huge fan of tres leches but theirs was tasty. The prices are reasonable and it's not a fancy place so you can feel comfortable wearing jeans or dressy up a little. I would really like to make it back soon to try some of their other dishes. It's the perfect place to enjoy dinner with a small group of friends or family. read more

Hmm, this is probably a fun place to get drunk and eat vs. just eat but alas I was not in the mood for a drink at the time. My seafood chimichanga was not a chimichanga. It wasn't fried. It was grille though and quite tasty so I'm not really upset about it. The scallop/shrimp mix inside was creamy and tasted pretty fresh. read more

Had another steak the other day. The Bistec a la Criolla, medium-rare. It was really great! I cannot believe how many outstanding dishes I have ordered here. read more

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A solid Mexican restaurant. It is on the side of the road on a busy street. Don't miss it! read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Taco salad. - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Their salsa is really really good- they serve a hot (as in warm) blended salsa with warm chips that knocks guapos out of the water any day. The beef Fajita is not only larger, but cheaper than guapos as well. The beef pupusa and accompanying pickled cabbage was absolutely fantastic- now that was the star of the show. It's not the best pupusa I've ever had but it stands on its own. Now on the the negatives. The steak fajita is a tad too salty - I would not doubt this steak alone has 4x your recommended serving and I tend to enjoy salty. Truca frita not as amazing as it sounds- it's pretty boring actually and is rather bland despite the assorted veg on top. Now the worstest worst which made me contemplate between a 3 and a 4- their booze is no good! Completely bland and minimal alcohol i instantly regretted ordering a half pitcher of mango margarita after the first sip. The whole reason why I even wanted to go here was for some margarita action towards the direction of ikea. Food and price is good but not good enough to encourage me to make the Trek to Samantha's. read more

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Nice Latin restaurant - ambiance is better than most. Food is good. Be sure to try the gambas al ajillo. Parking can be a chore.

Always good. Pupusas are heaven. I've been coming here for the past 3 years and have always had a satisfying meal. Take out can be a little salty, but consistent portions and flavors. You know what you're getting. read more

The chicken burrito was okay , the sauce seemed sweet. Portion size is huge though!! The highlight for me was the lupus's and chips & salsa, not sure if I will return. read more

Nice Mexican food. Chips and salsa were probably the best. Salsa was prepared fresh and served hot. Chips were thin and didn't feel greasy. We ordered plain tamales with no filling. They were a bit a sweeter than what I had eaten. Loved them! For the main course, we ordered enchiladas and veg fajitas. They were alright, not as spectacular as the salsa and tamales. Service was great. However, the place is very small and congested. Also, parking can be challenging. Food is a bit pricey as well. Enchilada were about $13 and Fajitas were about $18. All in all - it was worth it. read more

I love Samantha's! I think we go there about every two weeks or so. My favorite is the Salvadorean Chicken Soup. It's so tasty, warming and yummy....especially on a cold day. And you can never finish it. It's that big of a helping. Chips and salsa amazing. Service is wonderful. Parking could be better but eh....I'm cool with that. I so recommend them. read more

The Restaurant doesn't look like much on the outside but the food is authentic and delicious. The services was great. This is not the best place to order drinks. We noticed the bartender didn't know what he was doing and measured out everything. They don't have a selection of top shelf liquors. read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Best Pupusas in the DMV!! Curtido is good!! I do like the nachos and horchata too. If you're in that area please pay them a visit.

Can you say YUM?! Their salsa and chips warm your heart. Totally suggest getting their tamales. Warm comforting healthy fresh the list of adjectives goes on and on....Tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, we have tried it all. And yes you should too! Best Mexican food in MoCo!!! read more

Samantha's is consistently great tasting food. We've done take out three times now in Covid and each time it has been really well done. Service is fast and reliable and the dishes are , too. The Ceviche is so good. read more

The bartender was very friendly and makes a good red wine sangria. He promptly acknowledged us with a smile and proceed to assist with our order. While awaiting my order I noticed the other wait staff, and they seem miserable. A little smile would hurt. Otherwise, Samantha is perfect for families. They offer generous portions and not bad for the price. read more

Best pupusas in Maryland! Clean and very friendly staff, I have been coming here for years! Hopefully they can open some more locations soon! read more

Already tried twice! Never disappoint me! I love Mexican food. This place is fantastic,slow phase ,relaxing and no rash speed. Food here is very big and filling.seafood is a little pricy and worth it! Love the nacho .not too greasy but very great read more

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I really hate to take off 2 stars from my previous review because the food, drinks, and service are all awesome. But now, for the second time, I've seen cockroaches, while eating. The first time, there was one crawling on the salt and pepper shakers. I let it slide because I was hoping it was a one time thing. I didn't return for about 8 months. Well, I just saw 2 more. One was crawling and up along one of the pictures frames and one was crawling at the top of the wall. They really need to take care of this ongoing issue, asap. read more

Truly a hidden gem! Don't let the outside or name fool you, delicious food and great lunch deals!!! Service is very friendly and food is fresh and hot. The drinks are okay, but not the best place for happy hour drinks. read more

Dropped in after a long day of driving and craving Mexican. Vey nice ambiance, good service, and complimentary chips and salsa upon seating! Reasonable pricing, almost everything was under $20, I ordered steak enchiladas that came with rice and beans for $13. My steak was very flavorful and tender. Standard margaritas, our table got a pitcher for $30. Highly recommended! read more

Samantha's Restaurant - Enchilada order - Mexican Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Been going here for a long time. Always on point, authentic Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Just delicious!!!