September 15th - October 15th calls for the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. From the AFI Latin Film Festival to the ongoing bachata and salsa events, there is still time to dine. Instead of creating any kind of Latin American focused list, we have compiled a list of Latin- diverse restaurants - Mexican, Salvadoran, Peruvian, Brazilian and Cuban - that are in reasonable proximity for AU students.
Lauriol Plaza - Mexican - 15 minutes
Perhaps on a Friday, set aside 15 minutes to visit Lauriol Plaza and treat yourself to one of their “all-time favorites' ' - Gambas Al Ajillo, pan-fried shrimp mixed with olive oil and topped with white grape centered, sherry wine sauce. Lauriol Plaza is an LGBTQ+-friendly restaurant that serves both Mexican and Salvadoran cuisine. You can enjoy their signature Mexican dishes: Tijuana (jumbo shrimps paired with beef, drenched in garlic sauce) or Parrillada (protein overload of beef, chicken, shrimp, pork and ribs), from 11:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
Address: 835 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Open: Monday -Thursday from 11:30 AM -11 PM
Friday from 11:30 AM -12 AM
Saturday from 11AM -12 AM
Sunday from 11 AM - 11 PM
Happy Hours: Monday - Friday from 3 PM -10 PM
El Rinconcito Café - Salvadoran - 19 minutes
It was quite the challenge to nail down a pupuseria that ticks all the marks: Salvadoran cheese, grinded meat, texturally present rice dough, the smell and sound of ooze, precision of burnt crisps along the edges, with seasoned driven salsa de tomate (tomato salsa) and curated curtido (salvadoran cabbage), but El Rinconcito Café meets the criteria. Just a few blocks from Logan Circle, this Mexican/Salvadoran eatery offers a variety of pupusas, burritos, tamales. If you really want a taste of El Salvador, order El Desayuno Tipico Salvadoreño (the typical Salvadoran breakfast).
Address: 1129 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Open: Monday - Sunday from 10 AM - 11 PM
Bossa - Brazilian - 12 minutes
Unlike the restaurants previously mentioned, Bossa is a Brazilian lounge and bistro where customers can enjoy live music, and indulge in a north Brazilian menu like Branco e Preto (rice, beans, and a fried egg) or Aipim Frito (fried chicken with cheese). Bossa also hosts spoken word poems in a fun and lively ambience with events like ¡Latin Night with Tumbao! - set to perform Saturday, October 16th at 9:00pm.
Address: 2463 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Open: Monday is Closed
Tuesday - Thursday from 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Friday -Saturday from 5:30 PM - 3 AM
Sunday from 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Chicken + Whiskey - Peruvian - 14 minutes
When it comes to Peruvian food, you may consider El Pollo Rico in Arlington or District Rico on H Street. But rest assured that Chicken + Whiskey will provide you with affordable, quick, and flavorful cuisines, all a college student needs. Considering the growing amount of times eating rotisserie style chicken, I think it's safe to say, an entire white or dark chicken served with 4 sides ranging from plantains, cassava, rice, fries, cole slaw (etc.)for $24 is an arguable steal.
Address: 1738 14th St NW, Washington, DC 200
Open: Monday - Tuesday from 11 AM - 10 PM
Wednesday - Thursday from 11 AM - 12 AM
Friday - Saturday from 11 AM- 2 AM
Sunday from 11 AM - 10 PM
AMi Cuba Cafe - Cuban - 17 minutes
Recently ranked at number 13 for the 25 of the best Cuban Restaurants in the country it may be worth the trip to travel to Mi Cuba café. It's rustic interior architecture pays homage to Cuban culture with art pieces hanging on its walls. The café serves a vast menu of traditional Cuban cuisine - Cuban sandwiches, Pan con Lechón (roast pork sandwich), Picadillo a la Habanera (ground beef), Croquetas (croquettes) just to name a few. https://micubacafe.com/ .
Address: 1424 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
Open: Monday from 12 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday is Closed
Wednesday - Thursday from 12 PM - 9 PM
Friday - Saturday from 12 PM - 10 PM
Sunday from 12 PM - 8 PM
