Came here because of guy fieri. I have never had Salvadoran food before but it was delicious and there was plenty of seating. Pork papusa - I have never had a papusa before but will definitely be coming back for this. It was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside (both from the mass and the cheese). Comes with a slaw for some acid Tamale - masa was super moist but the chicken was a little dry. Flavors were okay but I probably wouldn't get this again. Guac- wayyyyyy too much lime in this. It really denatured the avocado and it kind of turned into a slime. Do not get this! Four stars given the value and the tastiness of the papusa and slaw. I was full with just the papusa and tamale read more

This was an unscheduled third stop of the day before it was even lunch time, but I'm glad we came here to try a little something. Judging from the autographs and posters of Guy Fieri all over the restaurant, it looks like this place was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Since we were literally about to have lunch, I cooled it and we just shared what looked to be their specialty here, a Pork and Cheese Pupusa. A pupusa by nature is a really satisfying food to me, and this one was no exception: a nice and hot tortilla, freshly made, with plenty of delicious pork and melted cheese throughout. This thing was pretty sizable and was only $1.75. It's a decently sized place too, and is by no means a dive. Nor is it really a diner nor a drive-in, so it seems like Guy Fieri blew it again. This is a great place to come for what I'm sure are immensely satisfying meals at great prices, or even a delicious little quick snack as well. read more

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We stopped here because Guy Fieri has reviewed it. Pupusas were GREAT! Had both the pork & cheese and chicken & cheese. Flavorful and hot. Also the best cabbage salsa stuff I've had with a pupusa - not too vinegary and nicely spiced. Plantains and home fries really good, too. I'd pass on the yuca- so dry I almost choked on it. But my son said his was good. Husband LOVED the beef soup. Decor is nothing to write home about - it's more of a fast food joint. Service was friendly and fast! read more

Tortilla Cafe - Pupusas! - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is my go-to place at Eastern Market when I just want something filling and delicious. They have the best french fries (they're potato wedges) and amazing sandwiches. My favorites are the Margharita and El Salvadorian chicken sandwiches. Their papusa platter and burritos are amazing too. Also, take home some of their green jalapeño sauce; it's a must-have. Can't recommend this place more read more

There isn't anything special or good about this spot, unfortunately. The interior is not exciting or inviting. The menu display is a bit confusing because it is on 3 different TVs with them changing screens. The service is very slow. It took a long while to get my food, and they weren't busy at all. I ordered 3 beef tacos, and they were bland. The tortillas didn't seem fresh. I would not recommend this place. read more

Meh. I eat a lot of Mexican and Salvadoran food, and this restaurant didn't stand out to me. My husband got the Mexican breakfast which is a breakfast burrito (which is funny, because breakfast burritos aren't Mexican, but New Mexican/American), which was very dry and he didn't enjoy. I got the Salvador breakfast, which was okay: very dry, overcooked scrambled eggs, store-bought flour tortillas, three pieces of fried plantains, and some refried beans with crema. The refried beans were good, but other than that, this meal was forgettable. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Salvadoran breakfast - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing little hole in the wall! Gotta stop in and give it a try. The owner was really nice and talked to me and my friends for a bit. Family owned business read more

GEM in the middle of Eastern Market. The first time I visited Tortilla Cafe, I got the: - Pupusa: similar to a quesadilla but with thicker bread - Empanada: I wouldn't really call this an empanada, it was more of a stuffed flaky croissant, still tasty!! - Sweet corn Tamale: yes. That's all I gotta say. The REAL star came into my life during my second visit. The most bomb breakfast burrito EVER. it's cheesy, and stuffed with eggs and potatoes. AND IT IS ONLY $4!!! If that isn't a steal, idk what is. I need to come back here to try their nachos for sure! read more

Tortilla Cafe - Corn Sweet Tamale and Cheese Pupusa - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I came here once before but I couldn't remember what I previously had so I opted for the cheese papusa platter today. The platter comes with two sides, and side options range from plantains, to rice, beans, chips, etc. I ordered black beans and rice to go with my papusa's. The dish is a great size and you definitely get your money's worth (size wise). The black beans were good & well seasoned, but the papusa's were very lack luster. I just wasn't wowed or satisfied, and left a bit disappointed today. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Cheese papusa platter with black beans & rice - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Came in on a Saturday around lunchtime, absolutely starving, and picked this very popular eastern market spot to fill me up. The place was crowded but we ordered quickly and found a table outside...Good thing because the inside is a little tight. Ordered the salmon tacos, and my bf ordered the chicken burrito platter with sides of plantains and salad. We also had to try a Papusa, and the lady taking our order said the pork and cheese was a customer fave. We also tried one of their homemade bottled juices. They brought the food to our table in under 10 minutes. The salmon tacos were huge--none of that DC street taco business--and were so fresh and non-fishy tasting. The plantains were sweet and delicious... As a side with the platter it's a small portion, so I may try them as an app next time. My bf was really happy with his burrito. The Papusa was yummy but I don't remember tasting pork so they may have given us the wrong one. I'll definitely be back though. read more

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I went to Torilla Cafe and ordered a taco salad (as I've done for several years). When I arrived home in abt 20mins I opened the bag and something smelled like it was burned After mixing the salad I noticed that the green peppers and onions were burned black. I had to toss the salad in the trash The smell was awful. Why would they allow a item from there establishment me served to a customer burned up? I called over 25 times and I can't get anyone on the line I paid a bit less than 15.00 for this salad. When I looked at the cost of the salad on their on line menu it cost 7.95. I said to the cashier wow this salad had gone up. His reply was everything has. Again if the price has increased the on line menu should reflect the increase. I wasted my time and money going all the way across town to recieve a burned up 15.00 salad from a carryout. I WANT My MONEY BACK! Shame on u Torilla Cafe! read more

Don't sleep on this spot tucked away in the corner. The food is consistent. Breakfast and lunch. Staff is mad nice.

Amazing! Little hole in the wall but please try here! The papusa meat or just cheese were amazing. Also had horchata that was delicious. Sweet corn tamales was heavenly. Very affordable as well. Literally have zero complaints! read more

Stumbled upon this small El Salvadorian kitchen right across from Eastern Market. It has limited seating so definitely don't recommend going there with a group bigger than 4 people if you can help it. They have a pretty extensive menu with all the treats you can thing of: pupusas, plantains, fried yucca, guacamole and chips, cheese dip, horchata. I went with the bean and cheese pupusas. They are so huge and filling so I would recommend one if you aren't starving. I also definitely recommend the horchata! It's so tasty and filled with cinnamon tastiness. The plantains are also a must try they are sweet and fried perfectly. The guacamole is not what you would traditionally think of guacamole being and it's more a salsa than a thick avocado paste. The chips they come with a crispy and great to eat with your meal. I was very satisfied with this restaurant. If you ever go to Eastern Market make sure to check it out. You won't be sorry! read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Had the Pupusa (pork) platter with yuca and plantains, and Beef Salvadoran Soup. Soup was the best part of the meal, they give you a huge portion and it was pretty delicious. The pupusa was decent, a bit greasy and not that much filling but overall pretty good. Sides were standard, nothing to complain about. Overall solid, would probably stop by here again to try the other dishes if I head to the Eastern Market again, given the fairly inexpensive prices. read more

I would've never stopped here if it weren't for the prior reviews on yelp. Such good things were said that it was obvious to stop here. As an out of town - er, it was hard to park and walk. Service was very fast, it wasn't crowded and the female behind the register thought of everything and checked on us. The prices are very reasonable. One less star basically because I was hoping for more sour cream. read more

Stopped here after a long, COLD, walk on a Sunday on New Years Eve. I wasn't that cold though- to be honest it was refreshing. The spot is tucked in a small space that has its own charm, kind of like a takeout spot with decent seating. The atmosphere is also accommodating with the greeting you receive upon entry. Later finding out that it's the owner, we were greeted, thanked and checked on. Food: We ordered the chicken fajitas and the chicken quesadilla. The chicken fajita wasn't the typical version, almost like the veg and chicken was stewed rather than flash sautéed. It was very very good- more hearty, almost like eating marinated stew than anything. The quesadilla was stuffed full of ingredients - they don't slouch on the portion of meat and cheese. The only drawback was the amount of sour cream and guacamole, maybe because of waste? But they were in very small individual cups. I also learned that Food Network was there and featured the spot. Now we know why. Very good. Will be back! read more

Excellent. Exceeds all expectations. Don't let the modest space fool you. The food is authentic and delicious. I had the chicken tamales.

Tortilla Cafe is what I have been looking for in my life. Cheap Mexican and El Salvadorian food that is also filling and delicious. You can order your Pupusas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, and more ala carte or as a platter. How many other places in the city can you fill up and get a drink for $10? I brought my friend here with me when I came in my first time. It was a Saturday at 1 or 2 and there was still a big line and not enough places to sit. We did snag a table at the right time. I ordered a pork and cheese Pupusas ($2) and a beef burrito ($4.99). She ordered the chicken fajitas. All of these items were delicious and amazing. The Pupusas was a little greasy but delicious, although I would love a chicken and cheese version as well. The beef burrito was not ground beef, which was a surprise, but it was also delicious. I cannot wait to try the whole menu. All in all, cheap, filling, and delicious. What more could you want? read more

What was good about this place? Hmmmm... (thinking REALLY HARD) Oh! When I walked up the lady said, "hi." And, oh yeah... The location was good. Downhill from there... My order was inaccurate. I ordered a beef and a chicken taco. I didn't get chicken. I ordered euchre with the fixings... No fixings. Nothing was actually good. However, it was actually hot (another plus for getting something right?) The fish tacos were poorly seasoned, although well cooked. And, oh yeah... The outdoor seating area has been suspended for some reason. I'm not going back. Let me know if you do. And definitely let me know if you have a good experience! read more

Found a piece of plastic in my tacos ...almost swallowed it. This was my taco spot but will have to keep looking. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Piece of plastic in my tacos - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We went for brunch a couple of weekends ago; this was near our AirBNB and we were happy to find Mexican food for breakfast. The food tastes a lot better than it looks (I posted a couple of pictures). Three stars instead of four for a few reasons: - I asked for sour cream and guac on the side, and they gave minuscule portions of both. Like thimble-sized ramekins. - Also, we dined in, and they served on plastic plates. I realize this doesn't reflect fully on the restaurant, but as someone who's trying to go zero waste, this hurt my heart. - Finally, the refried beans were barely warm. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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GET THE PAPUSAS! By far the best thing here. The cheese is perfectly melted within the crispy exterior. It's fantastic. Especially when paired with an horchata drink. The tamales, empanadas, and burritos are pretty decent choices too, although I found some of the meat to be dry. For sides, get the plantains; skip the yuca fries. Order a bunch and you won't be disappointed. We order a burrito combo, papusa combo, 2 empanadas, 2 tamales, and an horchata - the total was $30. I was all smiles throughout this meal. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Outstanding and inexpensive authentic Salvadoran Central American food with other American and Mexican options as well.

Nice little restaurant in a great location right by Eastern Market with plenty of outside seating. Great staff too - they messed up my original order but brought out my new order within minutes and let me keep the first order (a free meal, won't complain haha). Pork and Cheese Pupusa Combo meal (8/10): The pupusa itself was good but I could only really taste the cheese. Love the slaw topping and salsa. Still recommended though, especially given the combo meal is only ~$10. Fries and plantains were solid. The salad is pretty basic though, basically just lettuce and tomato. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Cheese and pork pupusa with side of fries and plantains - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came by for a half chicken with two sides. The upsides: The prices are economical for Eastern Market and Barracks Row. The green sauce was my favorite green sauce. I wasn't feeling the crema that came on the side. The portion sides weren't as big as other places but for the price that was what I expected. My platános didn't taste frozen nor the yuca. The downside: The chicken didn't wow me. More upsides than downsides so 3/5 Stars. Loved the green sauce. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Horchata hecho en casa. - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I have been coming to this establishment for well over a year now. Today I received more than I bargained for in the form of a HAIR in my rotisserie chicken. When I called them I was told that I can get it exchanged.... I don't want any more food from this place. But here's the kicker. Apparently in order for me to get a refund I need to keep this HAIRY FOOD IN MY REFRIGERATOR UNTIL SUNDAY FOR THE "HEAD COOK" TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS PREVIOUSLY IN THERE BEFORE I TOOK IT. How dare you insinuate that I would put a HAIR in my own food. I work in a kitchen myself so this so called protocol is ridiculous. I will never set food in this disgusting "restaurant" again and I warn anyone else that may wander in here. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

How was this one of our favorite meals yet, the most inexpensive, that also had the best atmosphere? The inside of the restaurant is small, no frills. Have a friend snag you some seats on the small patio, go in, order up front, and then sit and people and puppy watch during market hours. Really a fun, relaxing experience. But who cares. The FOOD! This is authentic. This is simple. This is good. The papusas, hand made corn tortillas stuffed with pork and cheese, are filling and comforting with their just slight amount of greasy goodness. The breading on the plantains was light enough not to overpower the yummy fruit. The salsa was so tangy and light and fresh, I ate it on everything. And you're basically paying happy hour prices for ample portions! The only downside is that the menu above the counter is teeny tiny and hard to read while you're trying to rush to get through the line of people and not hold everyone up. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Pork and cheese papusa platter with black beans and fried plantains. - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place was recommended on Pinterest. Glad I found it because it was a hidden gem. Service was quick and friendly. Don't expect fancy, paper plates and plastic forks. But if Guy Feriri likes it so should you. We had the tilapia fish tacos, chicken burrito, pork tacos, pork and yucca fries, and had to try their famous pupusas. Wow everything was fresh and delicious. It's worth it to go out of the way and hang with the locals. read more

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Two pupusas here are more than enough to fill you up for a meal. I ordered one bean/cheese and one pork/cheese pupusa with a horchata drink. The bean and cheese was really good, nice and hot, and just tasted really fresh in general. The pork and cheese was disappointing because it just wasn't hot like the bean and cheese was. It tasted reheated to me, but I can't be sure. The slaw and sauce wasn't too vinegary like other pupusa places I've been too and went really well with the pupusas. The horchata drink actually tasted different from other ones I've had..it tasted more watery and not as creamy? I'll probably be back again just for the bean/cheese pupusas because how can you beat a solid meal ~$5 in the city! read more

Hands down, this is one of my favorite places to eat in all of DC. I love the food here because you can taste the love and effort the staff puts into each and every single item they make. Sad to say, I passed by this place a million times without realizing it was there, and only learned of it after seeing it on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Regardless of what led me here, Tortilla Cafe does not disappoint on any level. The food is really authentic, and despite offering what most El Salvadoran/Mexican restaurants also offer (burritos, fajitas, pupusas, etc.), they manage to stand out above the crowd. I wasn't a fan of pupusas, until I had one at Tortilla Cafe. The bean and cheese, and chicken and cheese pupupas are delectable and a total steal for under $2 each. Tortilla Cafe is one of my default comfort food spots, and because everything is so cheap, it really encourages me to let out my inner glutton. The pupupas, empanadas, quesadillas, and carne asada are some of my favorite items on the menu (and I usually end up buying all of them at once)...but I'm sure you can pick out anything at random off the menu and thoroughly enjoy it. Excellent food and excellent service, I would give this place a 4.75, with a .25 deduction only for not being open past 7:00 PM. You seriously can't go wrong with Tortilla Cafe, get on over to Capitol Hill and experience it for yourself! read more

To the guy who yelled "I'm going to Quiznos" last Sunday while I was feasting on some fried plantains, I think you should be disowned from life. You are at Eastern Market on a SUNDAY, there are 5 million better options than Quiznos. Tortilla cafe has some of the best pupusas in the DMV area, so you better respect it. Also, didn't your mother ever teach you that it's rude to yell into a restaurant that you're going to another establishment? With their super friendly service (how are they perky but not annoying, I have yet to figure out), quality food, and cheap prices, I thought it couldn't get better...but I do appreciate some small adjustments they've made, and that bumps them up to a five. FOOD You must get a pupusa and plantains, the ceviche is pretty good, and any of the psuedo mexican dishes are good too. Sandwiches are tasty, hearty and well constructed. The line moves fast, so don't be intimidated! And don't forget to grab sauces (their jalapeno sauce is amazing). They sell some of these sauces in larger quantities too - grab some chips and you have your party appetizer. DRINKS They've also upgraded their exotic juice containers with screw tops, so now it's easier to take them to-go. Try the passionfruit juice (maracuya), horchata (a milk, cinnamon drink), or any of the other juice blends. They also have normal sodas and drinks too if you're not feeling adventurous. NEW DECOR Okay, nothing's changed decor wise from the mini-deli/cafeteria style of this place except for one thing: the Guy Fieri poster with spray paint signature on the side. These guys got featured in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives recently! Yay! Much love to this local business that knows how to do it right. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My new favorite place to eat in DC It's amazing when you go to a really cheap place and receive really expensive costumer service What I mean by that is Catalina, who I guess runs the place, is nice and friendly, answers all question with a smile and is genuinely happy that you came in to have a meal at Tortilla Cafe So sure,the price is right and the costumer service is great but how's the food? I got the chicken fajitas and had to use six tortillas to finish all my chicken, peppers and onions All platters come with two sides such as yuca, platano, salad etc. Everything was really tasty and I was crazy full The table next to us ordered the taco salad and it looked phenomenal... maybe next time read more

(2.5 stars) My second time here was not nearly as fun or enjoyable as the first. The food was still cheap and the pupusas were good but the rest not so much. This time I went with the margarita chicken sandwich. The sandwich itself was awful. Avoid it. The chicken was tough and hard to chew while at the same time bland and seeming undercooked. There was almost no guacamole, the bread was super oily, and there wasn't a single hint of tequila or lime in the chicken or the sandwich overall. The rice was fine but the plantains slightly tougher than I remember. Sadly this was a more disappointing experience. Perhaps just avoid the margarita chicken sandwich. Previous Review: Came here for lunch after some shopping in Eastern Market and not only really enjoyed it, but was absolutely shocked by how cheap it was. I ordered a 1/2 roasted chicken platter with rice and beans for only $6! And with $2 pupusas, it was hard to resist not ordering second and third meals. The rice and beans were pretty standard, nothing too special, but the chicken was actually quite good. It wasn't dry or bland at all, although it could have used a nice sauce. (I didn't care for the green sauce that came with it... a little too creamy and not enough spice). My brother ordered the carne asada which came with three sides and that was an even better choice. It was a large piece of steak that was tender and had tremendous flavor. Next time, I would probably order that instead. Plus, the plantains were delicious so definitely order some. A nice recommendation from DDD that I plan on visiting again for sure. read more

My cousin and I were on the hunt for breakfast while walking through eastern market. She pointed this place out and initially it didn't look appealing to me, until I realized it was one of the restaurants I had seen on Diners, Drive ins, & Dives. I ordered the Salvadorian breakfast...no words. Except the fact that they give you flour tortillas instead of the traditional Salvadorian tortillas, the only disappointment. I honestly loved my breakfast and it reminded me of my childhood when my grandparents would make me the exact same breakfast. I topped off my meal with my favorite drink ever, maracuya. (Which I was surprised they had in a Salvadorian/Mexican restaurant) read more

Tortilla Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The food is wonderful. We got the breakfast burrito which is the best in DC at a great price. Would recommend for anyone looking for great food! read more

I struggle, as someone who comes to DC from time to time, to find cheap and good food. If you like Salvadoran food, this place is perfect. AMBIANCE I love the area. I walked to the Capitol Building with ease. Plus the surrounding neighborhood has a comfortable feel. Many have referenced the market across the street, but I did not go for that reason. Plus inside, it's a nice small restaurant with some hints of El Salvador. SERVICE The folks who work there were nice and efficient. There was a long line which they quickly serviced. As a general rule, I recommend avoiding any ethnic food place that has few of that ethnicity as patrons. However, they do an excellent job of balancing the office lunch crowd with a Spanish speaking clientele. (There's some overlap as well.) FOOD I really liked the sweet corn tamales. Just as I remembered as a kid in Central America. The cheese pupusas were good but not great. LA offers better. However, I really liked the corn tamales wrapped in traditional banana leaves. The filing had some odd choices like olives and chick peas. But done well. Not too moist or dry. I must disclose my other lunch companions were not as impressed. They thought it was pedestrian, but not blown away with the chicken tacos. The horchata was very good. VALUE Very good for the money and an overall good experience. read more

Tortilla Cafe - Inside of restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I was crazy about this place before I realized that Guy Fieri endorsed it and taped a segment inside the restaurant. This place rocks! There is outside patio seating (warning stalking birds wanting your food) or inside seating . I would suggest coming at offpeak times. It gets packed during lunch. The employees will deliver your items to you at the table. I loved the bean burrito. I am bringing hubby back to try the Cuban sandwich. Any restaurant that has a cow painting on the wall is okay by me! read more

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Bottom line: QUICK, friendly, cheap AND delish! Don't you love it when you wander into a new restaurant, skeptical if the food and service is going to be good just because you've never been there or heard about it before, and then it turns out to be great?! That's this place. Walking around Eastern Market starving for lunch, we decided to eat at the first place we walked into. This place had a decent amount of people sitting inside and out, so that was the 1st good sign that this place has some potential. We were greeted by some super friendly staff who took our orders and even made recommendations since it was my first time. I think the lady who took my order is the same one mentioned in Travis B's review - she was so sweet and I definitely felt like I had been hugged and wanted to give one as well! I ordered: Sweet Corn Tamale (YUM!), Spinach & Feta Empanada (YUM!), and a Pork & Cheese papusa - nothing wrong with them at all, I've had home made papusas before and I think I just want something more out of them. If you need more spice to your food you have to try their jalapeno sauce, it's perfect! My papusa was served with pickled cabbage on the side which was also pretty great. My friends ordered papusas and tamales and loved them. I will definitely be coming back here soon. read more

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There's something narcissistic about the TV screen in the dining area playing the "Diner Drive-Ins & Dives" episode featuring Tortilla Cafe on repeat. Apparently, all of DC has seen this episode too because I've never come here without the line being absolutely tremendous. But there's a reason why Guy Fieri came here; fat white guys with ugly hair tend to know their food. The pupusas were so fresh and hot, biting into them was like biting into delicious molten lava. The tamale was flavorful and actually stuffed with a generous portion of meat, peanuts, and olives. Even the sides were notable: the beans and rice have a great smokey quality to them and the fried plantains were just the right amount of sweet. One wonders though, in a city full of pupuserias and salvadorian food, why did Guy pick this one? It was hard for me to differentiate actual, genuine tastiness from hype. Perhaps a few more meals here will tell; I'm certainly willing to visit again. read more