I was recommended the brunch, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it to anyone else. Sure, the bottomless option seems to be the most reliable option when everything on the menu is $10 minimum, but then you see the incredibly small sizes of the portions. That would be fine for me normally, you know just order a bunch at a time! However, the service was so slow it wasn't even worth it. Our entrees came out sporadically, if at all, and we're all cold. It really seems like they try and make you wait out the 2 hour brunch period by holding your food back from you. Our waitress was super sweet and kept filling our drinks, and apologized profusely for the delay, but her counterparts from the kitchen who served us didn't seem to care. I wouldn't come back for brunch, just stick to their happy hour. read more

Being from Cali a friend invited us out to dinner here. I must say this place was delicious. Got the crispy shrimp tacos with a mango margarita during happy hour. Soooo goog. The bartender upstairs at the second bar was friendly,great customer service! Will be recommending our Cali friends here! read more

El Centro - Shrimp tacos - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Been here a few times to get wild, but never for an actual sit-down meal. When we arrived, everything was smooth. Chips came out nice and warm. After that, everything was kind of... Bad. My friend ordered steak tacos and I went with the shrimp and steak fajitas (I paid extra, which is fine). The steak was overcooked and lacked flavor. The rice, guac and tomatoes were bad. And WORST of all, the tortillas. The tortillas were cold and nasty. Tastes like card board. I just can't understand how a restaurant manager could sit there and say, "ok guys, we are going with these tortillas for tacos and fajitas." I just don't get it. I go to Uncle Julios a lot, and this place does not even deserve to be in the same sentence. El Centro is great for partying, however, if you're looking for good Mexican food, uncle Julios is better in every food category. read more

Great venue at night - I would give that a 5. Brunch - I have to give it a 1. The tapas were not very good or filling, unfortunately. Averages out to a 3. Probably will be sticking to it just for the night scenes. read more

*** BRUNCH REVIEW *** Food: Honestly, it was OK. The platanos seemed to be a hit at my table. Soft and crispy, JUST PERFECT. However, I'm Hispanic and I can get this on the regular. There weren't any dishes that were bad but there wasn't anything that was wow. Service: It was pretty good, considering I never saw the bottom of my glass. Friendly waiter (forget his name). Drinks: Can you go wrong with bottomless? Only if you over drink, we all know what happens then. I rate them a B- simply because the food wasn't all that grand, but remember not bad either. Service & Drinks on point. read more

We frequent El Centro quote a bit (was actually where our first date was!) and we love their brunch. When we first started coming here, I would've given them 5 stars! Bottomless mimosas, lovely tapas... they have started to take the good things off the menu, though. I"m sure for financial reason. (Shrimp Ceviche... the old one... divine, the skirt steak, etc.) Food has slipped some. The service is always good and the ambiance is fun. This place holds a spot near and dear to our heart, so we'll probably always come back... just wish they hadn't changed the menu! read more

Horrible management. Took my sons with me as they like their food. Place was busy. The hostess AND the manager said it would "be an hour at possibly earlier". Took my phone number to text. After an hour, asked hostess "how much more time before we can be seated". She said it would "be an hour". I told already on the list for an hour. She said it be at "least another hour". Asked for manager. He came over and said "it's an hour". I explained he said it's "another hour or more". If we were told the truth the first time we wouldn't have spent an hour hanging out on the sidewalk. Good stuff eatery was a better choice any way. read more

My first time at El Centro is also my last time. I met up with a friend at 10:30 AM (We had reservations). We originally decided to do the bottomless but then decided we really weren't going to eat a lot and chose not to do bottomless. The Agua Fresca's we ordered were delicious and our food was OK. But my problem occurred after our meal when we asked for coffee and churros. Our waitress brought out our coffee and told us it was the last of it and she would bring out more when more was brewed. Our coffee was luke warm even before we put our creamer in it. At this point, why even serve the bottom of what's left in the canister? We also asked our waitress for sweetener but after waiting for it and realizing our waitress was serving drinks behind the bar, I went up and asked if she could bring our some sweetener. She then asked another waitress if she knew where it was and she said she didn't know. She went to look for some, returned with it and at this point our coffee was cold. Another waitress walked by and we asked for a new cup of coffee. She delivered! When a server came with our churros, the platter was spilling with caramel so I had to quick grab it before it got all over my clothes. That wasn't avoided because when left and I waited outside for my Uber I noticed it was all down the side of my coat! I understand a restaurant gets busy during brunch, but more tables shouldn't be opened up if servers are under staffed or can't deliver excellent service. read more

El Centro - Caramel sauced spilled on my coat - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went for happy hour, which was a bit of pain. Happy starts at 4pm, but is limited to bar seating, which is pretty limited down stairs, and the upstairs wasn't open at the time. So we had to wait a while to get seats. The margarita and house mixed drink we had were great, but the happy hour food we had (nachos, vegan tacos, and chicken quesadilla) weren't very exciting, and not as flavorful as expected. We live in an area with a lot of authentic Hispanic restaurants, and are always impressed how so much can be done with so little, and were left wanting more from El Centro. The service was pretty lackluster as well. Not a hard pass, but definitely won't be returning, not for happy hour at least. read more

The food and drinks were really good, especially the margaritas and quesadillas. The service was really nice, our server, Daniel was a sweetheart and really helpful. Will be back soon! read more

Horrible experience, stay away! We went with a group of six 25+ year olds. The bartender was disrespectful, and broke my girlfriend's ID becayse he folded it too hard and multiple times while checking it, despite us asking him to stop. Afterwards, he refused to give several IDs back until we asked to speak to management. We found found the two managers completely uncorteous and incompetent to deal with their lousy bartender. Ultimately, we left with a broken ID and without a single apology. It's the only restaurant I've been to in DC that appears totally disinterested in serving its customers. Spend your money somewhere else. read more

Stopped here to grab a quick bite with my girlfriend. Ended up leaving not too happy. Food was bad, tacos were dripping oil. Not truly authentic Mexican food. Margarita was deadly, was made with cheap tequila. Best part of my experience was the guacamole, it was really good. read more

Kenny and George are amazing bartenders who provide great customer service and are full of kind, fun energy! Additionally, our waiter was amazing and the food was fantastic for bottomless brunch. Now my new favorite spot! read more

Had a tough experience with drinks to start, but staff here is very engaged and more than made up for it. Highly recommend the Barbacoa tacos. read more

The food is super good! Service is pretty meh, which is why they're getting 3 stars. I went once and sat inside and the server was excellent! We picked most of our brunch items, and he recommended great ones! They allow 3 hour brunch, but not after 3pm. So if your brunch starts at 1:30pm, you're still over at 2pm. This was not clear when booking, which also lowers the score. When I say outside, the server said not to order from her. The bartender said he was off, but he was still behind the bar. I'm in the service industry, and that is simply an out - "I am leaving so I don't want to serve you so I can go home." Sick. We asked about 5 different servers and bartenders, who all told us to ask someone else to order food and drinks. We finally had someone come over and take our order 20 minutes later or so. I would recommend this place, mostly because food is good and atmosphere is nice. However, the service is very mediocre so expect what you will! read more

Went to brunch with a bunch of girlfriends yesterday and Oscar was the best server. He made our day! Definitely will go back!!

Kenny is THE BEST server I've ever had! This is our first time coming here and he made our experience so fun:)

I would've given zero stars if I could. We called ahead at 9pm for their "club" dresscode and the lady on the phone said their was no dress code. Asked 3 times to clarify and she said no dresscode tonight. Brought a group of 30+ people for my niece's 21st birthday. They let other people in with vans and other sneakers but jordans weren't okay. Pulled the whole party out because they wouldn't let two people in the group in with sneakers. This place missed out on easily a few thousands of dollars. Talked to the manager about how the person on the phone misinformed us and they said it was their "policy." How about you tell the rest of your staff that before wasting all our time? They would've dressed appropriately had they been correctly informed when they called ahead of time. Security and managers were extremely rude. Awful place. read more

The manager messaged us through Yelp and offered a courtesy meal and a margarita carafe to make up for the meal we never had. Upon entering the restaurant we were immediately taken to our upstairs seating. Our waiter at first was rather quiet, but he grew better throughout the meal. I enjoyed my Tacos, and while I do not eat guacamole, the other people at our table enjoyed it. The queso was not the creamy type but the thick type. I prefer the creamy type but that is a preference thing. Our margaritas were very good, and we enjoyed them, spot on. The entrees were good, but my steak was a little tough at the edges (but it is a strip steak). The seafood I heard was phenomenal, and my girlfriend's salad was good. Overall them making up for their mistake, and the good customer service gives them a 4-star review from me. I felt the presentation was good, and I would now be more interested in trying their other restaurants (specifically Toro Toro restaurant especially since it is close to my work). Nice save. Bathrooms are weird btw especially staring while I washed my hands while staring at my friend who happens to be of the opposite sex. read more

Went in for the bottomless brunch and drinks ($35). It was delicious! My friend and I felt as though we were the only ones ordering food! I didn't care, the empanadas are to die for, I'm Latina and I must have plantains where ever I go, usually they're not that great at other places I've been to, these plantains were melt in your mouth good, cooked to perfection, the cream could use a little help but no complaints. The ceviche was very refreshing. Our server Charles was great! Very friendly as he did mention we didn't look like DC natives ;) but instead girls from NY. The pineapple agua fresca was my fave, I did have the margarita (frozen & regular) and of course a mimosa, what's brunch without a mimosa?! Had a great time, but one tip! PLEASE play some Latin music instead of the song that plays in Shrek. read more

El Centro - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Throw on some stretchy pants because you'll be rolling out as stuffed as a smothered burrito. I've been to the 14th st location for late night drinks, but this was my first time having dinner at the Georgetown location. First impression was that it was clean and had good decor. It was a Tuesday and not too busy. We were promptly given chips and Salsa and the salsa was very good - a dark Smokey chipotle version, which is my preferred kind. The chips were hot which was a plus. Then we had chunky guacamole which was brought out and mixed together at our table and very delicious! I had shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa served with refried black beans and rice (SO GOOD) and my fiancé had the shrimp and crab enchiladas which were also tasty. Of course, we had to top off the night with churros which were fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth, served with caramel, chocolate and a mango jelly. The chocolate was too thick to get on the churro before it fell apart completely but the caramel was excellent. We also had several margaritas which were pretty average, but certain ones have special salts which is nice. Overall, a pleasant experience. read more

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El centro is awful. Would give 0 stars if I could. Have been here a few times and always considered it below average but after tonight I will never come here again and consider it far below average. All the drinks are not only bad but extremely over priced. Our waiter is very rude and will not listen to us at all. The owner is more rude than the waiter and refuses to help our party at all other than to adjust his man bun. I will never come here again and encourage all readers to do the same! They promised us a nice brunch yet will not serve us and still charge $35/head, which is not worth it for one drink and chips. Do not come here, avoid at all costs! read more

Great brunch, $39.99 for bottomless. Variety of drinks including margaritas, mimosas, and other cocktails. Tacos, empanadas, and guacamole were amazing. The other food came out cold and the service was a little slow though. read more

The food was great and our waiter was very polite. We were able to really enjoy our meal and felt comfortable taking our time. Margaritas tasted good but we're a little weak. Relaxing atmosphere with good music! read more

Do not go here for brunch. You'll end up paying $50 for a singular quesadilla. Wait staff has only one person who actually knows what's going on. Highly recommend avoiding, the bottomless is absolutely not worth it. read more

We visited this location for my friends birthday brunch and $50/person later and we ended up with a few bad mimosas, a couple triangles of quesadillas, and absolutely horrible service. All 8 of us left pissed off and sober. Do NOT do brunch here unless you want to be severely disappointed and spend a small fortune for cheese. El Centro Georgetown, please DO BETTER. read more

We went there for a birthday dinner on Friday night and had a wonderful time! This is a fantastic new restaurant and we will definitely be going back! 4 of us went out to celebrate a friend, all came away satisfied and happy. The wait staff was friendly, attentive (we always had filled chips and salsa on the table) and very knowledgeable on the products and made good recommendations. Since it was a birthday he brought us out a great dessert of chocolate cigars and ice cream! The whole experience was complimented by the reasonable prices and the great amount of food. The boys even got tequila flights of infused tequila which were so good! The meals we ordered were: Queso Fundido and guacamole for appetizer, Kalbi tacos, Pollo abodado, port carnitas and a short rip cazuela. I would recommend all of these dishes! read more

If you've ever been to this location back when it was Third Edition, you will know what I mean when I say this place is a VAST improvement. Richard Sandoval really classed the place up. I've been to this location once for dinner and it was fantastic. We had a very friendly server who recommended the Greek tacos made with pita bread instead of your traditional taco shell. Definitely recommended! I'm a huge fan of margaritas and while their traditional margs are nothing special, they certainly aren't bad. My second trip here was for the bottomless brunch which I enjoyed even more than the dinner. For $35 (everyone in your party must participate) you get bottomless drinks and food. The watermelon and pineapple aqua frescas were delicious and definitely bottomless. We got a bit too caught up socializing and probably did not take full advantage of the endless food. I would recommend this place with a big group. It's the ideal place to just order everything and sample it all amongst a large group. read more

This place definitely gets down at nittt! The food unfortunately isn't going to help you on your date. I went with my buddy and my girlfriend to grab some tacos. Usually I will eat off my girlfriends plate just to steal some food. How fortunate for her I didn't have to take anything off her plate. I ordered the steak tacos and it was over cooked, I like my meat medium rare or at least to show signs of pink in it. It wasn't flavorful or seasoned at all. The tortillas was the worst part about it all. After every bite I grew more upset. I picked up the tab, just because I would feel bad for anyone else having to pay for it. read more

We came here for Sunday brunch and was impressed. It is a $25 all you can order or $35 all you can order including unlimited alcoholic beverages. The menu had a lot to chose from. We enjoyed trying a variety of different things on the menu. It for sure worth a try on a Sunday! Guacamole and salsa were fresh with great crunchy chips! read more

I have been to El Centro many times and have had a great time every time. Great ambiance,excellent happy hour and delicious food. The chicken zarape never fails me.You must try the agua fresca's, it's fruit infused water spiked with tequila, so refreshing! I went in last night just for some drinks and had a great time interacting with everyone else at the bar, and our bartender herby was AWESOME. I'll be back! read more

The girls and I came here for brunch one Sunday and we had a great time. We were seated upstairs and were a little surprised at how large the place was. Lots of space. They had heated lamps in the section we were seated and it was nice and warm. Our waitress came over and greeted us right away and got our drinks started. The menu has a lot of great options for the bottomless brunch and they were small enough that you could try many different ones. The churros are amazing!!!! Definitely a must when eating here. We tried the mimosa and the spiked watermelon agua fresca and they were both great. I would definitely go again. Oh I forgot to mention how fresh and delicious the guacamole was. Yummy! read more

I stopped by here for a margarita and some chorizo sliders. Once I got home I realized I left my credit card there. I called to see if they had it before I drove back. They did. They said it would be here waiting for me. When I arrived they had lost it. It was an hour later and they couldn't find it after they just told me they had it. No sorry no nothing. They wouldn't even admit they lost it. read more

Our server was great, but the food and the drinks take way too long. Literally waited an hour for any kind of order and all the food tastes bland and boring. All in all don't come here, it literally takes ages. read more

Great drinks, food and service. George our server was great for our large group - friendly and kind.

Had brunch here right before moving out of DC a few weeks ago. It was a mixed bag for sure. The atmosphere is decent and the outdoor seating is pretty good, plus they have an outdoor bar to serve patrons choosing to challenge the summer heat. The food was really good (unlimited brunch menu items and drinks for $35 ain't too shabby) and the drinks were decent, too, when you could come by one. Which brings me to the lone, glaring negative. The service was so, so bad. There were three groups of people sitting outside, including my group of six, and they had dedicated staff for the outdoor-seated guests, yet getting a refill was like pulling teeth. You'd think the servers were volunteers who'd lost their desire to help. It was that bad. Would check it out again. Guessing the service lapse was a one-time thing, but you never know. read more

Stopped in with a few coworkers looking for a good dinner. The staff is so so. It took a while for someone to come to our table after we were seated. The water glasses did not look clean at all. We were going to get food but was turned off by our first impressions so we just order Traditional Guacamole. It was not very good; there was no flavor! Probably won't be back here. read more

Bland "Mexican Food" how did they make this possible? flat micheladas. This place is overpriced don't be fooled by the yummy pictures cause you will be wishing you went to Johnny rockets!!! read more

I've been here twice now, and one of those times was for National Margarita Day. For somewhat obvious reasons, the place was packed on National Margarita Day, so we decided to head to the bar area upstairs thinking it might be less crowded. As we were walking to the back bar upstairs, a rude waiter with a lot of attitude pushed us in the other direction after grudgingly telling us they were full, so we opted to stand near the other bar near the stairs and ordered the standard house margaritas. Maybe it's because I'm from Texas, but I was fairly disappointed. The drinks tasted like margarita mix with nothing but ice and water. We ordered a second round hoping that it would be different, but got watered down margarita mix again. They were incredibly busy that night, so I didn't want to judge them based on that experience alone, but the icing on the cake was when the security decided he should clean up the bar area and knocked over a glass which broke and landed on my foot. I'm not dramatic and I didn't get cut, but he could've had the decency to at least apologize, but instead he chose to shrug it off and not acknowledge it. My second time here was slightly better, but despite the bar being fairly empty, it took nearly 15 minutes for anyone to even acknowledge us and hand us a menu. We started with a round of the tinta roja sangrias, which were very sweet and tasted a lot like fruit juice. I then decided to try something that wouldn't be pre-made and I finally got a drink I liked. The pepino was amazing! It had a nice kick from the serrano infused blanco, but it refreshing from the cucumber and wasn't super spicy. At that point, I was just over the long wait times to even get a glass of water to appreciate how great the pepino was. The chips and salsa are solid. read more

Kenny was amazing! Very attentive & I will be coming back to this place! Food was so good! Kenny made me feel very welcomed!