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George L.
Hometown:
Washington, DC, 20036First Reviews: 2
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Hogs On The Hill Iii
This hole in the wall (literally -- it's takeout only) has the best straight-up, standard BBQ I've had in the metro DC area (I've never been to their other branches, of which there are two, I believe; and it shouldn't come as a surprise, since most of the best BBQ places nationwide are holes in the wall). The small menu gets everything right, so it's best to get the "Wild" platter that comes with chicken, ribs, pulled pork, pulled beef, standard Southern sides, and cornbread, all of which are either very good or among the best I've ever had anywhere (and in huge portions). The pulled pork in particular is awesome -- shredded till it's nearly a puree and lathered in their freaking delicious, somewhat spicy sauce. The BBQ style is in the "red" (ketchup/vinegar) family, and again, it's among the best representatives of the style I've ever had (and I loooove BBQ, so I wouldn't lead you astray here:-). It can be a little hard to spot, so here are some landmarks for you: it's right near the huge intersection of Bladensburg Rd and New York Ave (right before NY Ave becomes Rt 50), behind the Checker's drive-through. Definitely check it out if you like awesome BBQ (at cheap prices to boot)! Oh, and I specified "standard" BBQ at the beginning of the review for one reason: a restaurant in Woodbridge called "Dixie Bones" makes one of my favorite BBQ dishes of all time, a baked potato slathered in pork and other fixings. But in terms of being able to just go to a joint and order the finest standard BBQ pork/beef by itself (by the pound or as a meal), Hogs on the Hill is the place.
Tijuana Mexican Cafe
Looking for good sit-down Mexican food can be a real crap shoot in the DC area -- many of the places are either low-quality (in terms of ingredients and/or taste) or prepare the dishes in a way that just isn't standard, good old fashioned Mexican-American food. But this place gets it all right. First, though, a couple clarifications: the name of the place is Tijuana's (I believe it's a local chain, but I've never been to the other branches; I'm not sure how to get Insider Pages to correct the spelling). Also, there are several little Mexican/Guatemalan places on this city block, so be sure to go to the one with the big green awning out front. Not to knock the other places, but Tijuana's is the one I'm recommending here. Also, I have to confess: my wife and I get the same dish pretty much every time (chimichanga), so I can't really say much about the rest of the menu:-). But that dish (and the standard complimentary nachos) say a lot about the restaurant: the ingredients and condiments are high-quality (e.g., good white meat chicken, freshly made chips) and unique, but still true to what you'll find in any good Mexican place -- it's the best chimichanga I've ever had, actually, extremely flavorful. The ambiance isn't for everyone -- there's nothing wrong with it (I like it), but they do have a bar and occasional karaoke/jukebox music, so if that kind of stuff turns you off, just order the food to go). The staff are very very friendly, and the prices are on the cheap end. If you like Mexican food at all and live anywhere near Silver Spring, this is the place to go -- I was so happy and relieved once I finally found it, after trying several bad or so-so places).
Cuba De Ayer
Take it from a Miami-born Cuban: this place is as close as you're going to get to Miami Cuban food (one of the best cuisines on earth) without buying plane fare to South Florida. And it's surprisingly close -- most of the dishes are not too far behind the best versions in Miami, and at least one (the ropa vieja) is the best I've ever had anywhere. So for anyone who's not used to Miami standards, you're in for a real treat if you go here. And if you are a Miami exile, you'll be very happy as well that DC finally has a great representative of the cuisine (the handful of other Cuban joints in the metro area are either so-so in quality or closed down). In fact, if this place was closer to where I lived and a tad cheaper, I'd probably eat there every other day:-). Not that price is a big con here -- given the quality of the food, the prices are fine; it's just that Miami folk are used to getting the very best Cuban food at fast-food prices, lucky jerks:-). The decor is perfect, nice but still very casual (though it's a small place, so it fills up very quickly at peak times). Everything I've had on the menu (and I've had a lot of it) is either good or great, and most of the classic dishes, sandwiches, and appetizers are represented. Speaking of the sandwiches: they're definitely good, but if the menu has a weaker point, they're it (largely due to the bread and the method of preparation). But again, that's a comparison to the very best stuff in Miami, not a knock on Cuba de Ayer. Long story short: you will be delighted if you try this place, no matter what your background with Cuban food is!