Anita's

10880 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22031 703-385-2965

Description: FAIRFAX. Cuisine at this low-key restaurant is not Mexican but New Mexican ­ it takes cues from traditional Mexican cuisine but tones down the heat and adds a homestyle, back-to-basics touch. Making the trek for homemade chips and salsa and huge enchiladas and tacos has become a tradition with some Virginia families, who have frequented Anita's for decades. You can't go wrong with the creative daily specials either. Fun and laid-back with great value and friendly service. Casual attire.
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Baja Fresh

12150 Fairfax Towne Ctr, Fairfax, VA 22033 703-352-1792

Description: FAIRFAX. California-style Mexican fare takes the forefront at this casual eatery. The simple interior offers little of the expected Mexican fanfare, but the condiment area proves otherwise. It features salsas with roasted tomato and tomatillo, not to mention cilantro-infused pico de gallo. They add a spicy kick to blistered Monterey Jack quesadillas and fish tacos. Tacos, in fact, are a specialty, stuffed with high-quality Baja-style steak or zesty marinated chicken. Huge servings, great food, and rock-bottom prices keep customers coming back.
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Banana Café & Piano Bar

500 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-543-5906

Description: CAPITOL HILL. This sunny café surrounds diners with vibrant art, lively music, and loads of fun. Inspired by the cuisines of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, the menu offers tropical dishes that bring customers back for more. The signature, ropa vieja, combines torn beef with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and plantains; its zesty flavor is quintessentially Cuban. You'll also find sizzling fajitas, a chunky seafood stew, and carnitas, a spicy dish made with pork and oranges. During happy hour, you can listen to the piano bar's live music while munching chips and salsa. The plentiful Sunday brunch buffet is very popular, too.
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Café Atlántico

405 8th St NW, between D and E Sts, Washington, DC 20004-2102 202-393-0812

Description: DOWNTOWN. This visually stunning café features fiery red walls, black and white tiling, and a winding black staircase, creating the ideal backdrop for dramatic works by Latin American artists. Highly recommended dishes include Ecuadorian seared scallops over crispy rice cooked in coconut oil, quail prepared two ways, and flavorful salmon with papaya. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with choices from Chile and Argentina and the bar does lively business on weekends. METRO: Archives
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Cafe Salsa

808 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-4100

Description: ALEXANDRIA. This two-story establishment boasts a lively atmosphere, authentic Latin American cuisine, and a wide selection of drinks. While you're there, choose a favorite drink, and accompany it with scallops and squid mixed with red onions and lime juice, a steaming bowl of fish soup, or even a grilled steak. After 10pm on the weekend, salsa dancers take over the restaurant's main floor, pushing back tables and dancing. The upscale decor features wooden floors, large mirrors, and yellow walls. METRO: King Street
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California Tortilla ­ Bethesda

4862 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-654-8226

Description: BETHESDA. Looking for a place that suits both wallet and taste buds? This Californian / Mexican cafe offers wraps aplenty, made with fresh, low-fat ingredients. Lean meats and spices are standard, and you'll find more than 40 different hot sauces to dip your hand-held lunch into. Besides wraps, they also feature several signature items, including Thai Chicken. The protocol is to order at the counter and seat yourself. Casual dress.
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Ceiba

701 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-393-3983

Description: DOWNTOWN. The sizzling cuisines of South and Central America have invaded the nation's capital, and, thankfully, the DC dining scene will never be the same. A decor of Yucatan stone, mosaics and furniture fashioned of Brazilian wood takes traditional elements and gives them a modern slant. Ceviches, of course, lead the menu, and it's wise to go ahead and sample the yellowfin tuna or Yucatan shrimp. From there, look to such flavorful courses as Brazilian-braised pork shank with black beans and rice, Bahian-style boullabaisse, or jerk barbequed young chicken with rice, peas and sautéed callaloo. METRO: Metro Center
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Costa Verde

946 N Jackson St, Arlington, VA 22201 703-522-6976

Description: ARLINGTON. At this casual Latin establishment, Peruvian cuisine takes the forefront, and folks who have never experienced the flavorful fare find this eatery a perfect introduction. Every evening is like Carnivale in the colorful dining room, where live music plays quietly during dinner hours and then heats to a frenzy, inviting patrons to dance. All dishes ­ from fresh rolls with pepper paste to grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and combination platters ­ are prepared according to longstanding, traditional techniques. Great drinks and desserts make the eatery a fun stop for a date or with a group.
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Crisp & Juicy

4540 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207 703-243-4222

Description: ARLINGTON. This Arlington restaurant serves tasty Peruvian eats in a stripped-down atmosphere. However, the food gets unfailing attention, and after one bite, you'll know that taste and quality are top priorities. Spit-roasted chicken is a prominent favorite, accompanied by any number of goodies, including yucca fries, fried plantains, and black beans and rice. Other menu items include a selection of Argentinean steaks, salads, and sandwiches. Casual dress.
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El Pollo Rico

932 N. Kenmore St., Arlington, VA 22201 703-522-3220

Description: ARLINGTON. Although this Latin establishment is always packed, efficient service guarantees that waits are never too long. Let your mouth water at the sight of rotisserie chicken, flavored with a complex marinade fashioned from top-secret ingredients. Add in a side of fried plantains and some hot tortillas, and you have an inexpensive, hearty meal. If you're feeling adventurous, try some Inca Kola or purple corn cider as an accompaniment. Great for casual meals in the simple dining room or for takeout.
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Grill from Ipanema

1858 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008 202-986-0757

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. As animated and fun as you'd expect, this Brazilian eatery is a favorite of native South Americans and courts a local crowd as well. Part bar and part restaurant, it satisfies a host of needs. At brunch, you won't run across the usual eggs and bacon. Instead, they offer Brazilian classics: hearty dishes of grilled beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. You'll also find the feijoada, a famous Brazilian entree made with pork, beef, sausage, and beans. The $16 price includes a salad, entree, dessert, and a glass of champagne. Offered only on weekends, brunch runs from noon until 4pm.
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Lauriol Plaza

1835 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-387-0035

Description: DUPONT CIRCLE. Lauriol Plaza sits right at the juncture of the Adams-Morgan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. A rather nondescript facade belies the restaurant's lively, welcoming interior, which features a window wall and brightly colored murals. Guests relax at linen-covered tables and enjoy tangy Mexican-Spanish-Cuban fare, including fajitas, tamales, and seafood. The rooftop deck is great for people-watching during warm weather. Smart casual or dressy attire. METRO: Dupont Circle
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Mexicali Blues

2933 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 703-812-9352

Description: ARLINGTON. Mexican food, plus unique Salvadoran dishes, renders this place a local favorite. Vivid colors, Mexican art, and a casual vibe earn Mexicali a reputation as an after-work hotspot and dinner destination. The restaurant offers basics like tacos and burritos along with lesser-known specialties like pupusas (pork-stuffed soft tortillas) and fried yucca (like heartier, more flavorful French fries). Combo platters let you choose from both the Mexican and Salvadoran menus, and a long list of rare beers is available. Casual attire.
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Minibar

405 8th St NW, Café Atlántico, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 202-393-0812

Description: DOWNTOWN. Call at least a month a head to hold a space at this six-person bar, where guests savor the tasting menu's fabulous Latin-inspired eats with intriguing flights of wine. Prix fixe $120/person. METRO: Archives/Naval Memorial
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Rosa Mexicano

575 7th St, Washington, DC 20004 202-783-5522

Description: DOWNTOWN. From the striped carpet to the red woven seats to the mosaic tiles, a rich color scheme and strong geometric patterns dominate the amazing three-level interior of this Mexican restaurant. Its best-known drink, the pomegranate margarita, is the perfect accompaniment to guacamole, which is prepared at your table. For the main course, try the enchiladas with crab meat, pumpkin seeds and tomatillo sauce; roasted chiles topped with goat cheese and stuffed with raisins, spinach, and pine nuts; or avocado leaf-crusted tuna on a black bean tostado. The bar offers cocktails, beer, wine and numerous brands of tequila. METRO: Chinatown/Gallery Place
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South Austin Grill

801 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-8969

Description: A favorite place for dinner fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas, South Austin Grill is also popular at breakfast. Traditional morning meals include Belgian waffles, pancakes with sausage or bacon, and delicious potato dishes. Sunday brunch also brings on Macho Tacos, Western omelets, steak ranchero, and luscious cornmeal pancakes. The dining room boasts colorful Southwestern touches and upbeat music. In warm weather, the attractive patio is a terrific option.
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Taqueria Poblano ­ Alexandria

2400-B Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22310 703-548-8226

Description: Taqueria Poblano takes you south of the border with its brightly colored walls, tiled bar, photographs of Mexico, and lively mariachi music. The menu, a mix of Southern Californian and Mexican cuisine, is just as festive. Fresh ingredients and friendly service make the place a sure-fire winner. To start, try zesty taquitos or quesadillas. Then, sample a Baja fish taco, chicken burrito, or plate of chilis rellenos. Margaritas, Mexican beers, sangria, and Chilean wines serve as thirst-quenchers. Outdoor patio dining available. Smart casual dress.
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Taqueria Poblano ­ Arlington

2503 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22301 703-237-8250

Description: ARLINGTON. Taqueria Poblano takes you south of the border with its brightly colored walls, tiled bar, photographs of Mexico, and lively mariachi music. The menu, a mix of Southern Californian and Mexican cuisine, is just as festive. Fresh ingredients and friendly service make the place a sure-fire winner. To start, try zesty taquitos or quesadillas. Then, sample a Baja fish taco, chicken burrito, or plate of chilis rellenos. Margaritas, Mexican beers, sangria, and Chilean wines serve as thirst-quenchers. Smart casual dress.
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Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe

4870 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-656-2981

Description: BETHESDA. An industrial setting with exposed ducts and wooden floors does nothing to hide the appeal of this exciting restaurant. Frequented by couples and families alike, it offers great Tex-Mex food and terrific service. Enchiladas, nachos, and tacos boast homemade flour tortillas, fresh guacamole, and spicy fillings and sauces. Grilled vegetables, seafood, and meats are flavorful too, with just a hint of smokiness. For an unexpected treat, try the more unusual dishes: frog's legs, quail, and barbecued goat.
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Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Cafe ­ Arlington

4301 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203 703-528-3131

Description: ARLINGTON. Whether you choose a colorful booth indoors or an umbrella-topped table outside, you'll enjoy the Tex-Mex delights served at this casually elegant eatery. Rough-hewn floors, vividly painted walls, and a tantalizing tortilla machine are the first things you notice, but when food arrives, everything else pales in comparison. At brunch, lunch classics like fajitas, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos are available, along with juices, huevos rancheros, eggs, baked items, and more. Perfect for families or groups.
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