Bites Nearby: Lauriol Plaza
You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Riverdale Park-University Park Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out.
The D.C. Metro region is such a melting pot, it's easy to find authentic food from any culture.
Although Riverdale Park has several great Mexican places in town, if you're looking to head into D.C. for a night out with friends, there's only one option - Lauriol Plaza.
This Dupont Circle-eatery is only a quick drive or metro ride away and it's worth the sometimes two hour-long wait (especially on the weekend).
Get there early and put your party's name in and then grab a pitcher of margarita or sangria and complimentary chips and salsa and hang out on the porch.
If you're going with a bigger group, like 5 or 6 people, the best item to order is the El Gordo Grande Platter (Yes, that means the "fat man.") For $49, it's a plate of beef and chicken fajatas, costillas (ribs), and camarones diablo (spicy shrimp) with all the fixings. Although it says it serves up to four people, six people may actually finish the plate.
Their tacos al pastor, chili rellenos and tamales are things to try as well.
Where: 1835 18th Street NW
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with brunch until 3 p.m.
Prices: Entrees run from $10 to about $26
Kerry K
2:12 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
In the same vein, I'd strongly recommend Fajita Coast at Four Corners in Silver Spring. It's definitely not the same "scene" as Lariol Plaza, but the food is very similar (I think the chef may have formerly cooked at Lauriol), there's never a wait and they can accommodate both large groups and families well.
Sonia Dasgupta
4:57 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Thanks Kerry! I'll have to try it!