Best place for casual Mexican in DC?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| I need a spot for a group dinner. Any suggestions? I'm not a fan of Alero or Austin Grill. We might have to fall back on Lauriol Plaza, but the food there is only okay IMO. |
Anonymous
| I love Cactus Cantina. Haven't been in a while --hope it is still there! |
Anonymous
| Rosa Mexicano. There's a new one in Friendship Heights, plus the one in the Penn Quarter. Food is a notch above places like Cactus Cantina and Rio Grande. |
Anonymous
| I agree with you on Lauriol Plaza. Two places on the Hill - La Lomita and Tortilla Coast. |
Anonymous
I think this is probabyl true. I also like Guapo's, but I wouldn't say it's significantly better than Cactus Cantina or Rio Grande. |
Anonymous
| I wrote about Cactus cantina and I do like ROsa Mexicano. Not as big a fan of La Lomita. |
Anonymous
| I second Rosa Mexicano. Or if you'd like a non-chain but still delicious food, head out to Roslyn/Courthouse to Guajilo. |
Anonymous
| If by "casual" you actually mean casual and not "Rosa Mexicano," El Tamarindo at U and 18th is good. |
Anonymous
| What is your preferred location and is budget an issue? |
Anonymous
|
Lauriol Plaza and Cactus Cantina are owned by the same people and have very similar menus. They are ok, but I agree with a PP that Rosa Mexicano sounds better for a group dinner.
I think Guajilo is a good suggestion, but I don't remember it big enough for a comfortable group dinner. Of course, I haven't been there in awhile and might be wrong. Skip Guapo's and Alero. |
Anonymous
| I think Rosa Mexicano is too expensive. What about Los Cuotes in Georgetown? It's on Wisconsin |
Anonymous
+1, although I've always thought of them as Salvadoran, not Mexican. Also Mixtec at 18th & Columbia. |
Anonymous
Those are places I haven't been in a while but used to be great. However I remember Mixtec as being pretty small-- do they have room for a group? |
Anonymous
| La Sandia is good, but I am not sure if it is, strictly speaking, Mexican. |
Anonymous
|
Am I the only one who actually really likes Lauriol Plaza? Don't get me wrong- I see it for what it is: okay to pretty good Tex-Mex (there are a few dishes that are pretty good), delcious swirl margaritas, cheap, and lively atmosphere (too lively at times- you have to be in the mood). I really enjoy it and think it's such a fun place with a group on a beautiful night!
Rosa Mexicano is a little more upscale and definitely more expensive. Overall, good food and great atmpsphere for a group din. Love their enchiladas suizas and ppmegranite margs. El Tamarindo is a nice neighborhood spot, but I wouldn't say their food is great -- and atmosphere is a bit "whole in the wall". Very casual. As a PP said, Cactus Cantina and Lauriol are owned by the same guy and have very similar menus. |