Tortilla's Cafe

So most recently, while in Washington DC, I decided to forgo the typical foodie adventure to such locals as We, The Pizza (made famous by Chef Spike of Top Chef) or Georgetown Cupcakes and go for some real authentic Mexican/ Salvadorian cuisine thanks to one of my favorite guides, Guy Fieri. So my friends and I decided to adventure out to Tortilla Cafe.This place has been seen on Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and the interior decor wont let you forget it!  With that being said, this establishment has some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten, period (and my foodie friends agree).

I have to diverge from my food indulgence for just a moment here, to tell you that this place really is a hole in the wall, and quite tricky to find, especially when using Google Maps. My friends and I had quite the adventure trying to locate it, and its unassuming exterior really did not help our cause. We first ended up at a very cheesey Mexican restaurant, also by the same name, so Watch Out! Don't fall into that trap. 

Anyway, this place is amazing, not only for the quality of food, but the value. You get a real bang for your buck here, which just adds to the long lists of reasons of why you need to eat here. Our total per person was less than $10.00 and we ordered, a cheese quesadilla with guacamole and sour cream on the side, 2 different papusa's filled with cheese and chicken, fries (cause why not?) and a Margarita chicken sandwich. Each order came with choices of two different sides from a long list of options: plantains, chips, beans, rice, fries etc.

The papusa's were actually the main item that was shown on Triple D, and in reality not the groups favorite. The chicken quesadilla won for best lunch choice overall. However, with nothing to compare them to, I can say that the papusa's were unique in flavor and texture, and over all just scrumptious. The most off putting thing about them was that they were just a tad on the room temp side, instead of being steaming hot. They were also really reminiscent of pancakes. These make a great side dish to any main order, but I would not recommend only getting these Salvadorian specials for the whole meal. The margarita chicken sandwich was good. It was hot off the grill and has some really good flavors to it, so if you're in the mood for a good sandwhich, this is definitely an option to consider. BUt overall that quesadilla just had something perfect about it. The right cheese mixture, the appropriate amount of time on the flat top, so many reasons for a perfect bite. As for the sides, the plantain chips were soggy, the rice was excellent as were the beans.

Overall you will not be dissappointed with anything that you order in DC's best kept secret, if anything you will come out of there saying this is a top 5, if not number 1 Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant ever. 

So figuring that this is a hole in the wall, secret restaurant of amazing proportions, this has to be in the middle of no where right? wrong. This is actually located right across the street from DC's historic Eastern Market. This market had to be one of my favorite spots in all of DC (yup it beats out some of the most recognized monuments of America). It is really a unique place, and changes depending on when you visit. During the winter months, there is a Christmas market (outdoors!) with so many great gift ideas from various artisit, including unique jelewry, photos, paintings etc. There is also an indoor food market. This is where you are able to get some really unique food items, or even those things you are craving from the various parts of this world. Inside there is literally everything you can think of, from traditional italian meats and cheeses to the freshest seafood that DC can offer. It truely is a unique experience and one where you will not leave hungry!

So when in DC, grab lunch at Tortilla Cafe, and leave some room for samples as you walk through the historic Eastern Market on your way to see all the many historic sites this great city has to offer.

Adventure on!
-Amanda