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.

La Sandia is good, but I am not sure if it is, strictly speaking, Mexican.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If by "casual" you actually mean casual and not "Rosa Mexicano," El Tamarindo at U and 18th is good.

+1, although I've always thought of them as Salvadoran, not Mexican.

Also Mixtec at 18th & Columbia.

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 wrote:If by "casual" you actually mean casual and not "Rosa Mexicano," El Tamarindo at U and 18th is good.

+1, although I've always thought of them as Salvadoran, not Mexican.

Also Mixtec at 18th & Columbia.

I think Rosa Mexicano is too expensive. What about Los Cuotes in Georgetown? It's on Wisconsin

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.

What is your preferred location and is budget an issue?

If by "casual" you actually mean casual and not "Rosa Mexicano," El Tamarindo at U and 18th is good.

I second Rosa Mexicano. Or if you'd like a non-chain but still delicious food, head out to Roslyn/Courthouse to Guajilo.

I wrote about Cactus cantina and I do like ROsa Mexicano. Not as big a fan of La Lomita.

Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

I agree with you on Lauriol Plaza. Two places on the Hill - La Lomita and Tortilla Coast.

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.

I love Cactus Cantina. Haven't been in a while --hope it is still there!

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.