My reviews pertains to Roja Lounge. I've been to Dlena many many times and to Roja Lounge a few less. The service at roja lounge is astonishingly bad. There is one bartender that is the absolute rudest every time we go. Different people in our friend group have said the same thing, aside from my personal experience. His demeanor and the way he speaks to customers is plainly unacceptable. If this review gets to the management team, you guys need to fix this. read more

I've visited dLeña a few times, including a couple trips to the Roja Room. Drinks are stellar and this pork belly appetizer was so yummy. We also tried the guacamole and habanero-pepita salsa, which were both great. Try the Paloma Prima, they add a Taijin rim which gives it a truly uniquely tasty finish. And definitely check out the speakeasy downstairs (Toja Room) which features a huge selection of tequilas & mezcals. Definitely a go-to spot. read more

dLeña - Pork Belly & Paloma Prima - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Everything was amazing! We started off with the empanadas and the ceviche, and if you don't? I'm gonna call that a mistake. The empanadas were so crispy and filled with such a flavorful corn filling. The ceviche was exactly as you wanted to be. Lightly spicy very tanging. Delicious mango and seafood. Amazing. We then went to the tomahawk for two, perfectly cooked at medium rare. Flame bad at the table, it was outstanding and our sides of broccolini and carrots were just delicious. Crispy vegetables with just the right amount of bite. Really, an outstanding birthday dinner. If you have the option, Elena would be an outstanding waitress for you to work with. She recommended a perfect wine to go with our tomahawk. She's really a lovely woman! read more

dLeña - My husband with the front door directly to his back. - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Celebrated my birthday at dLena. I saw the restaurant on Tiktok and decided to give it try based on the reviews. I'm so glad that we chose to go here. The ambiance is beautiful, and Troy was the best waiter ever. He was very attentive and gave honest recommendations. Everything that we ordered was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend trying dLena it is worth every penny. Appetizers: Pork Belly-Delicious Ostiones a la Leña (smoked oysters)- Delicious Crab Cake Tostada-Very Good Dinner: Short Rib al Carbon-Delicious 14oz 30 Day Dry Aged Boneless Ribeye-Delicious Sides: Broccolini- Delicious Baked potato- Delicious read more

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Food was so good and ambiance was amazing. Will definitely be back here. The service was also great, our waitress was attentive and helpful. read more

dLeña - Queso Fundido - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Mexican food in DC can either be a hit or miss. D'Leña is one that is a clear hit and may be by far one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. With its name having "leña" or firewood in it, the restaurant uses a unique approach by preparing the food and drinks using accents of rich smoky flavors. The food itself was served in a presentable manner and on a wooden board to fit the name of the restaurant. D'Leña is great with its nice chill ambiance, making it perfect for a date night. The tables are a little too close together in certain sections, which can be off-putting to some who prefer a more intimate setting. The food that was ordered was phenomenal and had the restaurant living up to its Michelin star standard. However, many of the dishes we originally wanted to order were unavailable due to selling out earlier in the day. This is the only problem we really had with the restaurant, as it was prime dinner time and not too late in the night. However, the food we did get served made up for it. Everything not only looked amazing, but tasted fresh. Of what we ordered, the wagyu beef tiradito was the best with its flavors melting in your mouth and the meat having the perfect consistency. The drinks were delicious and did not have a strong alcohol taste, which paired well with the meal. The appetizers were good, but due to our options being limited from what was available, we were not able to try our preferred choices. The ceviche amarillo, though being delicious, was just like the majority of ceviche at higher-end restaurants. I preferred the corn empanada, which has a slightly sweet taste in it. However, if you don't have a big sweet tooth I would steer clear from the dish. Towards the end of the night, we ordered the carajillo crème brulee and the mil hojas de panqueque. I can't even decide which of the two was better, as they both were delicious and had the right sweet level. The crème brulee was burnt just perfectly and had a creamy delicious custard inside. It was served with a little flame to get a nice crisp caramelized layer on the top. The mil hojas de panqueque was a crepe cake that was adorned with warm caramel, whipped cream, strawberries, and salted caramel ice cream. Overall, we give the restaurant a score of 9. So far, d'Leña has been one of my favorite restaurants in DC and I plan on returning frequently in the future. What was ordered: Tamarindo margarita (drink) Ceviche amarillo (appetizer) Corn empanadas (appetizer) Wagyu beef tiradito (entrée) Carajillo crème brulee (dessert) Mil hojas de panqueque (dessert) Appetizers: 8.5/10 Food: 9.5/10 Drinks: 9/10 Dessert: 9.5/10 Ambiance/Restaurant environment: 9/10 Customer Service: 8.5/10 Overall Score: 9/10 read more

dLeña - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food and the bar tender was very nice and knowledgeable. If you are by yourself they make you sit at the bar but I had no issue trying to find a seat. read more

The service was poor. The waiter was friendly when he initially greeted us but he never came back to see how we were doing. I had to grab the waiter's attention to ask for more water. The food was ok but it was not worth the money. The ambiance was nice. I would never patronize the business again. read more

I highly recommend this place! Great experience . Service was amazing , food was absolutely deliciously. Great date night spot and a birthday occasion celebration . Chef is extremely passionate about his food , he comes out and walks around to make sure people are having a good time and eating well. I'm looking forward to returning for some amazing authentic Mexican cuisine . Btw their Tomahawk steak ! Wow ! Worth every cent ! Everyone from the moment you enter , greets you . You feel welcomed , noticed , and cared for. Love this place. read more

The best steak and churros in town ! Great Mexican wine varieties as well. I would highly recommend.

Visited on a Tuesday at 6 pm. The aesthetic and service was great! The drinks are bomb . The Wagyu was delicious ! Loved the lounge/bar down stairs, Dennis and the lead bartender were great! 10/10 would definitely visit again. read more

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Beautiful restaurant! Very romantic and clean. Service was good but a bit slow. Regardless the food was amazing. The ceviche was refreshing. The chicken was flavorful and the short rib melted in your mouth. Absolutely decadent--100% recommend! read more

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This review is based on my reservation for brunch. Wow! I knew that this place was going to be good considering the reviews and how in advance you have to make the reservation but man it was GOOD. The reviews says to ask for Troy for brunch and they are not kidding! He was so attentive, considerate and have great energy. The food came out quick and in good portions for tapas. Some of my favorites that stood out were the Birria Taco, Street Corn, Tuna Ceviche and Cazuela. Oh and the drinks were following too! Worth the price. I can't wait to try this place out for dinner! read more

Great food and drinks with an excellent and knowledgeable staff! Will definitely be returning.

Food and drinks amazing - but what really made the experience was Troy! He is the example of top of the line customer service. Troy made sure my table was taken care of from beginning to end - he even predicted our order down to the tea!! Will definitely be returning AND asking to sit in Troy's section read more

Went there for Easter brunch and loved everything about it. The food and service were top notch.

Great food and cool staff I will be back the tacos are amazing I had the gasoline alcohol drink

Loved it. Vibes and food was amazing. 10/10. Just come here, you won't regret it. Make reservations, sometimes calling in the evening and you may get a spot. read more

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Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Great food! Great Service! Great Vibes! Will return for sure!

This review is LOOOOOOONG overdue. Forgive me dLeña, it's been a busy month. Lol Anywho, I went back for round two with my family for the night of my birthday. The service and hospitality were beyond measure. We went on a Tuesday night in September and sat inside this time where the best table in the house was reserved for us! We got to try way more of the items on the menu like the empanadas, double the guac, the queso fundido, ceviche, and finally tried the wagyu! So tender and delicious! The oysters are always a crowd pleaser, and probably is one of my favorites. We tried a little of everything, and they even dressed up the crème brûlée that I ordered as my birthday treat with a little candle. (It was also my first time having crème brûlée, so now I'm spoiled if I go anywhere else because it was soooo good.) I highly recommend the Tamarindo margarita, probably more than the Mercado. So delicious and they do not hold back on the tequila! We got a visit from both managers to ensure we were having a pleasurable evening and they made sure to recommend a few dishes to us as well! We also had a wonderful waiter, and they all made us feel like the most important people in the room and it was pretty crowded that night. Happy to say that this place is worth it for the food, the service, and the atmosphere. They know quality customer service, and my family and I can't wait to come back :) read more

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Came to try their 9 course brunch, definitely a good value for what you get. The fruit cup with the mango mouse was my top 3, I've never had fruit this way and I'll never forget it haha it was so good read more

Overall good experience. I'll tell you upfront what was off. The bad: 1. It was hot in the restaurant. I thought it was funny when I read about the same issue in an older review. With the amount of people in the restaurant during dinner service, it was uncomfortably hot. I don't think there is air conditioning running at all. 2. I asked for my tomahawk "medium rare" however what I received was pretty close to well done. There may have been a few center slices that had a little pink. This is unacceptable for an $140 steak. I really should have told our server Montana, however i didn't want to taint my wife's birthday dinner by complaining. I'd also say that it maybe just enough for 2 people to share as long as both individuals have eaten other items. Otherwise this was small enough for me to finish myself. The good: Pork Belly= excellent Camarón tacos= excellent Ostiones a la Leña (oysters)= delicious Pastel de Elote (dessert)= delicious Corn Empanadas= would have been bland without the sauce. I'd probably pass on this next time. Drinks were great- Mexican old fashioned, Negroni, Casa. Service= Montana was great. Very friendly and attentive. read more

I absolutely love this place! I have come here so many times and always suggest my friends who are out of town to check it out - or better yet "I'll take you!" The decor, atmosphere 'VIBES BABY', the food and the drinks! I love coming here for Happy Hour, if you can snag a seat at the bar, as its first come, the margs and tacos *mouth watering*, the bartenders are always busy but very nice. After HH, I go downstairs and check out the live music Thurs-Sat, Brazilian Jazz, oh so beautiful and loud haha! I bar and seating downstairs is so picturesque and so beautifully done! I just love coming here! Did I tell you the staff is so great! Richard Sandoval you are King of food and service! I want to check out all of your restaurants! Thank you for dlena *heart* Until next time xoxo read more

Our server Troy was AMAZING!! He made our experience so incredible I didn't want to leave! The food here was amazing we came to brunch and had one of everything and WOW!! I cant even put into words how good the food was. Also the ambiance was very classy and cool everyone was having a good time and enjoying their amazing food. What made my experience the best was definitely our waiter Troy if you go in PLEASE request him you will NOT be disappointed! read more

This restaurant is literally one of the top 3 restaurants in DC. This amazing establishment. This ambiance makes you feel like you're on a beachfront restaurant. The also have a speakeasy on the bottom floor that I have not yet tried. I've tried the tomahawk steak with a friend, along with the Camarón Tacos and it was all perfection. Please make your reservations and try them out! read more

The food at this place was amazing!! Not to mention our waiter Troy, made the entire experience. He was so much fun, and ensured that everyone in our group was taken care of. He never made a single mistake and never forgot a single piece of our groups orders. The food had amazing flavor, and the drinks were phenomenal. Highly recommend! read more

We couldn't get a reservation so were "forced" to find an open table in the basement which turned out to be amazing. Food was fantastic (smoking crab soup) and a great place to sit and have a drink with a work colleague. read more

Phenomenal. Get the corn empanadas, pork belly app, queso fundido, and the branzino. The menu is innovative and the space is gorgeous for a date. Go early if you want to sit at the bar. And don't sleep on the speakeasy/mezcal bar downstairs. read more

Fabulous food from the appetizer queso fundidto to our main meals and side dishes-roasted broccolini and baked potato Topped by a spoon licking shareable dessert Mil Hojas de Panqueque* This restaurant has everything you are looking for in a meal Attentive service and well trained staff. Wonderful experience and highly recommended read more

dLeña - Enchiladas , - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The food at dLena was excellent! We did a la carte brunch (would almost recommend doing bottomless food because it ends up being the same price). As a vegetarian, I ordered habanero pepita salsa, regular guacamole, the two vegetarian meals, the street corn and churros. The street corn was delicious - had chipotle sauce and caramelized onions. The chocolate sauce for the churros is definitely dark so beware! Ask for a side of their hot sauce. Would recommend! read more

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I am usually not a fan of fusion restaurants. First thing I usually think of is Taco Bell. I went into dlena expecting pretty food with no taste. I ordered the queso fundido, pork belly, ribeye steak, pork shank and for desert a corn pie with ice cream. Everything was amazing. read more

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This review is for the downstairs bar at D'Lena. We only went for drinks early before dinner and found lots of space to sit in the downstairs area but it quickly filled up. Sitting at the bar allowed for more privacy. Recommend the Bajio Brut from Mexico if you are looking to celebrate with bubbly. The margaritas are also very good. Compliments to Luis for his excellent service. read more

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Came here to celebrate my friend's birthday. So this is where my birthday girlfriend picked and it was a pretty swanky establishment however this is a place that's all about decor and less about giving you food. I wasn't a big fan of it but whatever I ended up doing the mezcal flight which was probably the best thing about the whole meal cuz I got to sample a few different mezcals which is one of my favorite hard liquors. Thereafter we she did get a lamb appetizer and this was just okay for me. For my main meal I got something with shrimp but this was a very very small dish. I ended up leaving the restaurant feeling hungry which I always hate. The last kicker was that the price was insanely exorbitant and I didn't think it justified the quantity and quality of food. Overall the service was nice the guy who was our waiter was very cool. I don't think I would come here again just by the sheer cost and quality of food that was provided by the establishment. Another thing that would be a deterrent is the parking here is a complete nightmare and so I had to park my car in a lot across the way which is also not my favorite thing to do but it's also better than getting a ticket. I think the overall experience is more just for the ambience. After the dinner we did go downstairs to their lounge which was completely packed and there was nowhere to sit at all This was supposedly to enjoy the live music but it was really a pain in the butt so we ended up leaving to go to a party but that would be another thing that could be a potential draw to coming to the area and the restaurant read more

Maybe we are spoiled being from NYC, but we were looking forward to this dinner. After reading all the great reviews, wow were we disappointed. This place was a hyped up Moe's Southwest. Starting from the server that looked miserably unfriendly serving us a sweet hibiscus on the house. New alert, you're in the service business, smile. We ordered the tuna guacamole, which was OK nothing exciting. We ordered the bone marrow, which was best thing we tasted. The overly fried tuna accompanying it, was unnecessary. My husband ordered the 30 day dry aged steak, medium rare. Well, it came out well done and basically boiled without any char. It was sent back and we were given a correctly cooked steak, although no part of the steak was aged.. it had no flavor. They actually didn't charge us for the $65 steak. Which was the right thing to do. All and all this place was below mediocre. And the servers need to be more welcoming and smile. I felt like I was at a diner, and I was bothering them. Some restaurants do not understand it starts with the service. Train your staff! read more

We had a wonderful time at DLena. Apart from the food being a five star experience (Wagyu steak was amazing) the service was excellent. We did the bottomless brunch and every item was flavorful, with beautiful colors and presentation. read more

dLeña - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I actually love this place and the food is truly phenomenal but wow the service in the basement was so rude.

We went to dLeña to celebrate my husband's birthday, the minute we walked in we were all absolutely in love with this place. Everything we ordered was so delicious, the staffs was very friendly and accommodating, the ambiance was perfect. This was by far one of best restaurants in DC. read more

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Over the weekend I checked out the basement at DLeñas (La Roja Lounge). First, I must say it is a very sexy ambiance. Great for a little date night! Drinks are on the expensive side in my opinion but I'll definitely be back. I'd like to try the food next time, it looked very good. Can't quite give it 5 stars because the service was subpar. read more

Came here to do bottomless brunch for my birthday and it was delightful. Food, service, everything was lovely, they had to roll me out of there and I'm not even sorry. Merlyn was an absolutely amazing server and made the entire experience that much lovelier - cannot wait to come back again. read more

Had my birthday brunch here at dlena! My friends and I had a wonderful time because of our amazing Waiter (Jeff), the food we sampled and shared, and the bottomless drinks. This place was a vibe and we felt well taken care of. A few items that knocked our socks off were the fruit cocktail had Boba, the steak and eggs (wish there was a scramble option),Taco Campechanos, street corn, and the salmon. read more