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EXPLORE D.C. | | | | | | | 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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| 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. A mariachi band serenades patrons during Sunday brunch.
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| 405 8th St NW
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 two bars do a lively business on weekends. METRO: Archives
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| 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, 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 801 King St
Alexandria,
VA
22314
703-684-8969 | | | | | Description: OLD TOWN. 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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