We came here after seeing the glowing reviews and recommendations from neighbors but honestly weren't super impressed. The food itself was pretty good; fajitas and beans were probably the highlight; meat was really tender and flavorful, the beans were also very tasty. The enchiladas were good and kind of unique but far from "amazing"; portion (2 enchiladas with beans and rice) was also a little small for the price; I think most Tex Mex places I know do 3 enchiladas as a standard order. My wife's margarita was also very strong if that's your thing (it's not really ours). Nothing else really left me wanting come back. First, it was really stuffy and humid, don't know if they don't have AC, if wasn't working or just not on but it was giving me a headache. Service was ok... they seemed really really eager to upsell which is a personal pet peeve. When we said it was our first time and asked what was good, the waiter spouted out the rehearsed [two most expensive dinners on the menu]. Later another server who I think was the manager tried somewhat aggressively to upsell my wife to getting fajitas with a freaking lobster tail. Then to get me to order an alcoholic drink or fruit salad drink (I just wanted water). Finally when we paid there was an extra margarita that we hadn't ordered added to the bill. I get a that times are tough but it just felt like there were a few too many underhanded moves to make money; aggressive upselling, possibly not running the AC and worst of all possibly sneaking an extra alcoholic beverage onto the bill. Those last two are big assumptions... it true I'd give them one star, if not I might give a begrudging 3; as it stands I'll say 2. read more

Was so excited to try this place because they had the first vegan pupusas I've ever seen!!! (Usually I just ask for cheese pupusas and accept the lactose intolerance consequences, but these were delicious and much more convenient!! ). The pupusas were perfectly fried, my only regret was not getting more! (Next time...) In fact El Golfo had much more vegetarian options than many Latin restaurants I've been to, so my family had a ball: vegan chimichanga (my personal fav!! great texture and filling to tortilla ratio), sweet corn tamale (awesome, would be cool to see a more savory vegetarian option too!), and patacones (yum although didn't travel as well, but nothing 5 min in the oven couldn't fix). We added a bit of hot sauce for some spice, probably just a personal preference. (We got jalapeños in the enchilada though which was great-- 10/10 recommend for any dish if you like spice.) My sister got the Yuca con Chicharrón and had a hugeee smile on her face after the first bite of the pork! She said the texture and seasoning were perfect. The yuca was pretty classic. All dishes came with yellow rice (yum!) black beans (standard), guac (which had garlic!! ) and the serving size was awesome for the price! (~60 for 5 adults). The green tomatillo (came with the enchilada) and pico de Gallo were great, and we got a side of sour cream for the patacones. Also came with free chips woohoo (pretty standard chips). The inside of the restaurant was beautiful, and the staff was very sweet when we came for pick up. Can't wait to come eat in the restaurant post COVID. :) read more

Wonderful neighborhood Mexican restaurant Owners are very neighborhood oriented and feature discounted meals with the difference going to the neighborhood organizations or fund raisers So happy to have them and their marvelous meals in the neighborhood read more

It's been a while since I've had dinner here, but this past Sunday my neighbor and I came here for brunch. Along with Latin dishes they do offer traditional breakfast items too. I ordered the French toast. I was surprised when it arrived and there were three huge pieces for only $4.00! It was perfectly browned and drizzled with honey. It was delicious! I will definitely be back for more, but their pancakes looked good too! We also each ordered a Mexican hot chocolate. My friend couldn't stop raving about it to our server. The cinnamon and rich creamy chocolate were a perfect combination. I need to come back for dinner (their Acapulco Trout dish is delish). However, $7.00 for a filling breakfast is the key that will bring me back! read more

3.5 stars - Brunch review- It's rare to find a place you can get a decent french toast for $4. Even McDonald's and Burger King breakfast items are closed to $4 but you don't get a real honey or plantain with it. Pancake was good but French toast seems to be a better value. If you want simple yet tasty breakfast items on lazy weekend in Tacoma park area, try El Golfo. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - $5 pancake w/ plantain - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Fresh and tasty food. I had the seafood chimichanga. It was delicious. I wish they gave more guac but it was a nice sized portion. I ate from it twice. read more

This place has a pretty good happy hour and good margaritas. Its a good place to just sit down and enjoy some fairly priced drinks and food. They have mussels, which are really good and the mussels come with bread so you can dip the bread into the soup. They added quesadillas to the menu and they are good. Also, yuca fries are new too and it came with a yummy mayo dip. The fries were super crispy, but they didn't give a lot of it. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - Yuca fries and chicken quesadillas- yum - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

I now dream of the Pescado Criollo. The tomato, onion, peppers, and olives sauté that comes with the fish is heavenly. Plus their margaritas to-go are generously portioned for two. I hope take-out food and drink is here to stay. read more

A friend wanted to try this place with a restaurant.com coupon - spend $50 get $25 off. Decent environment for a family. Went on a Thursday night and there was karaoke/charity event going on. We weren't too bothered but I can see it bothering people who want to enjoy a nice quiet meal. Seating and service was fine. I got the Lomo saltado which was $18. Nothing to rave about. A Peruvian place in White Plains, NY set the bar pretty high as the best Lomo Saltado I've had. Beef wasn't as tender or as flavorful here at Golfo. Would have been a lot more disappointed if we paid full price without the discount. Would only come here again if someone was treating and chose this place. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - Lomo Saltado - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This is our favorite restaurant in the area. We had the pleasure of dining in a few times before lockdown, and hope we're able to again, but we have gotten takeout since then. So much of the menu is delicious that we have multiple different orders. They have a number of great vegan options; I'm especially partial to the vegan pupusas and tostones. We've enjoyed the quesadillas and taquitos many times, and love the masitas de puerco, mojarra a la union, and sopa de Lima Yucateca. When the weather is nice, they have tables set up outside. read more

El Golfo's is a large spacious and casual dine in restaurant. There was only one waitress and that's all they needed. Her English wasn't bad, which was a plus. It was around 8 pm on a Monday night when my dude and I walked in on a D-E-A-D, DEAD El Golfo! We stepped in the restaurant and second guessed our decision to eat here, but we had a restaurant.com coupon and empty bellies, so after being greeted and seated we were quick to order hoping to bring it some life. After we had been in the restaurant for fifteen minutes another table opened up and by the time we were done with dinner there were two other tables of patrons. I got the sense that as soon as we sat down and placed our order management sent out the signal to a door to door rose peddler. Man was selling beautiful roses, but for the neighborhood and dine it was pricey. We skipped the roses and anxiously awaited our food. I ordered a Carne Asada A La Mexicana and my dude got a Lomo Saltado. They were both so so. The beef for both dishes were thin, not tender, but on the tougher side. Sadly, even the rice and beans seemed sub par. Service was friendly and quick for the most part. The man who seated us was a middle aged dude with a mustache who disappeared after our waitress showed up (I wonder if he worked in the kitchen too). The waitress wasn't seen when we entered the restaurant, but appeared from a back hallway after we were seated. She looked like she could be one of my friend's moms. She was a middle aged and warm lady. We enjoyed their Sopapilles, which were recommended by the waitress. They weren't on the menu if that's considered a good sign, but with the powdered sugar, honey, maraschino cherry, and ice cream these were great finishers. I wasn't very uncomfortable in the neighborhood, but for the sake of other yelpers I'll mention that people might find the area a bit sketch. Now, is this restaurant worth visiting again? Maybe on another night, but I'm won't be. read more

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Had lunch here today, been two years. Nothing had changed, nice premises and a very nice waitress. I had the quesadilla lunch special. It was really tasty and filled me up. I wouldn't hesitate going again. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - Lunch special chicken enchilada and tamale - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

This is the best restaurant I have been too. I came here all the time when I was in middle school. They are very active in their community and their food is so delicious. My favorite was the nacho platter. I have since moved and can no longer eat there, but if I'm ever in the area again I will make it a point to stop by. read more

We tried El Golfo for our girls night out, and the food was really tasty. I had the chile relleno, and chicken enchilada. Everything was good. I ordered a margarita that was a little sweet, but other than that, I have no complaints. I will update my review once I try more on the menu. 4 Stars! read more

Food is always great, drinks are strong but still taste good, service is exceptional and all for a great value. Love this place!

Excellent and tasty food. Abundant portions also. The carne asada is reaaaaaallly good.

This is a bustling neighborhood joint where everybody congregates. On any given day, you might a kid's birthday party (plus magician) for lunch and a blues band celebrating the bassist's 70th birthday in the evening. Other days they host a local city council candidate and a comedy night. The food is just fine - regular tex-mex fare. It won't make any hipster's best of list, but they do have a whole vegan menu and gluten-free options. The prices are good, service is efficient, food is a-ok - but it's the wacky community atmosphere that makes El Golfo fun. read more

So much for customer service... we sat there near the entrance by the sign that said "please wait to be seated" we sat for nearly 15 mins nobody was at the front to seat us, very weird experience, got up and left. Bad enough the parking lot is bizarre in that area, after the experience? No need for me to come back read more

The food is absolutely disgusting. The rice has this weird soapy taste, and I was not the only one who felt that way. My husband got the vegan tacos. The tacos were decent but everything else tasted horrible. Don't even get the chicken burrito. It was a mistake and I regretted it. This restaurant does not do justice to a Latin cuisine. read more

The past few times I have been here I was seated outdoors and the service was not great. I waited for over 15 minutes to get a menu and it ended up taking almost 2 hours to get food. Our water was not refilled over the time we were there. The food is decent, but the service is hard to get past read more

First time being here and most definitely will not be my last! The service was fast and our waiter was very nice & attentive. The happy hour specials were reasonable in price and the food was AMAZING! I highly recommend this spot! read more

I found El Golfo for a restaurant gift certificate and didn't have high expectations going. The nacho chips were incredibly crispy and the salsa was really tasty for a typical Mexican restaurant. After that good start we ordered a queso dip without really looking at the menu. What we got was something entirely different, queso relleno with chorizo that is served with tortillas. It was our mistake so we didn't really complain and gave it a try. It was quite greasy, but it is very likely that that is what queso relleno is so I can't comment on how well they are doing it. For the entrees we went for beef enchiladas and fajitas. The enchilada sauce was very tasty and the Spanish rice wasn't dry. The braised beef was well seasoned. The beef fajitas were very tasty, but wasn't a fan of their guac on the side. Overall, this place is a bit on the pricey side but has decent options for a Mexican dinner. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - Beef Enchiladas - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Everything I had had been very good. Better pupusas then the house of pupusas down the street. Enchiladas very good. Steak delicious. I would ding them half a star because the salsa and chips could be better. read more

I love it here especially on Wednesday, I love the white sangria and the mussels are so good with rice. I love the different type of entertainment they have during the spring and summer seasons. read more

Went here with the wife and kiddo for a lazy lunch. Food was TASTY, especially the chips and salsa. I got some chicken situation, which had a good level of heat and was a nice portion. This place is a pleasant surprise for the area. Check it out! read more

Been going for years and years. Food has been up-and-down, but it's on the upswing now. Very happy with my fish, and I tried my wife's pork which was excellent too. Glad they are keeping the outdoor space going. With music, it's a nice way to spend part of your evening. read more

Mediocre food that is overpriced. Kids quesadilla ( which is 8 inch tortilla with cheese melted and splat of sour cream) should not cost $8. Or chimichanga platter that has more rice and beans than plate can hold and chimichanga filled with mostly cheese and hot air and tiny amount of chicken should not cost $16. Either lower your prices or make better plates. Do not recommend it I'm not mean - just a chef by trade. read more

Very very disappointed!!! 20% of "gratuity" without even ask or any type of notice in advance for a party of 2?!!!! $1 for a frozen tortilla... and plus they service was not the best!!! read more

This place is perfect not just for a dinner (very family friendly) but also just held my sons first birthday here with a bunch of friends and family and the manager and staff were extremely helpful and friendly, and had lots of delicious gluten free and vegetarian food. The setup in the room was a great space and everyone loved the food - a taco bar with delicious sides including rice, veggies, plantains, beans, etc. I highly recommend this place for meals and events!! I appreciated the quick and friendly responses with the manager for a memorable event! read more

El Golfo Restaurant - Taco bar - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Great fajitas, and wonderful pitcher of margaritas. Family friendly atmosphere for causal dining. Definitely give it a try. read more

Even though is a smaller place the food is great!! Different than the other restaurants! Fresh, delicious, customer service is great too! read more

Why haven't I been here sooner?? Probably because of ascetics. The place doesn't look like much and neither does the area for that matter but looks are deceiving. There are great finds over in the Flower Ave area. I've ordered the carne asada there several times and each time...it was the BOMB! I love that it comes with guacamole. I like their salsa and chips as well. I am typically a Guapos fan but this place is closer to my neighborhood. Friendly staff, good food, close proximity with easy parking--all makes for a location I'll be a regular at! read more

Ok, I especially LOVE their breakfast ! A lot of times even at lunch time they'll have a couple of breakfast items - TRY IT!! One comes with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, queso fresco, tortilla, and refried beans. a note on the beans - i usually HATE refried beans - I LOVE EL GOLFO'S REFRIED BEANS!!!! Otherwise lunchtime I usually get a steak quesadilla or a veg burrito - always happy. read more

Oddly placed right next to El Gavilan, a very similar restaurant, El Golfo is my pick of the two. Spacious, friendly, with standard Tex-Mex options for the unadventurous and interesting Salvadorean choices for everyone else. Not that the Tex-Mex is bad; the vegetable fajitas are surprisingly tasty and, for me, enough for two meals (if you have extra tortillas). But the Salvadorean entrees are more the focus, I think. Not too heavy, and good combinations of flavors. I like everything I've had involving seafood. Good margaritas, good coffee, and excellent dessert, especially the tres leches cake. (It's not just cool whip on top! Yay!) Service is good; the waiters will start to remember you after a few visits, and you'll start to remember them. read more

We really enjoy coming to eat here. As vegetarians/vegans, they actually have some terrific options. The margaritas are always excellent. The food is pretty good and certainly reliable across all of our visits. The only things that hold us back from 5 stars are the service and the sometimes distracting events going on. We have, on occasion come across parties, karaoke, etc. during the later-side of dinner hours that drown out any hopes of conversation. Also, once the restaurant gets busy, it can be difficult to track down a waiter/waitress. That being said, once there, the food comes fast and is really delicious. Solid restaurant! read more

Magarietta fee, Jazz band free good company and excellent meal, for a fair price. Neighborhood Mexican and El Savadorian cuisines great value. read more

El Golfo Restaurant - U street Jazz Band, Sunny Rollins birthday - Latin American Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Live nearby but haven't been in years. We frequent the outstanding Ocean City Seafood market next door and I've noticed outside patio additions. Instead of making fish, I got delicious Fish Tacos, which were chocked full of vegetables/salad with a whole wheat tortilla, mango salsa and excellent black beans with wild rice and cranberries! Hubby got a chicken chimichanga with refried beans and yellow rice. He said it was good, not great. Plus, we ordered a side of guac that was delightful and fresh. We picked up but did not notice a delivery option. Very reasonable for portion size. Two fish tacos were enough for two meals! We'll be back read more

I was very dissapointed with the food and the service. Why did we end up there??? Because it was Cinco de Mayo,we were in the mood for mexican food, our usual favorite place-Samantha's, was packed and there was nowhere to park and because, from reading the Yelp reviews, everyone was raving about how great El Golfo was!! Total letdown! There were kids running around (seemed to belong to owner or maybe to his friend?). Either way, it was dirty & ghetto looking (peeling paint, cracked walls, wires hanging from ceiling). When we arrived, we were seated right next to the loud and noisy kids (we don't mind kids, we have some of our own, but if they're being loud, running around in the restaurant pushing a broom, then don't seat us next to them. Most especially when we're trying to have a quiet dinner), so we asked to be moved to a quieter corner and the guy (owner maybe?) scoffed and said "i'm not gonna give you that table for 6". The place was almost empty!!! I was ready to leave right then and there and maybe he noticed that because he came up about 1 min later and said that we could get a table in the far corner. Being honest, and being hispanic, I know how mexican/hispanic food should taste. This food was horrible. And overpriced. I got the taquitos, pupusas, lomo saltado and sangria. The taquitos were sooooo greasy, I couldn't choke them down. They also had a weird greasy after taste. The sangria was basically watered down grape juice with fruit in it. I took one bite of the lomo saltado and gave up. However, the black beans that we got as a side were good!! I could go on, but i'll just stop. Save your money and your appetite for better food. Go to Samanthas (right down the street) or anywhere else but not here. I'm just pissed off at myself for wasting my precious time, money and taste buds on this place! read more

Pleasantly surprised at our meal here for lunch last Sunday. The menu is fairly extensive, and the food was pretty good, and not overly expensive. The decor inside the restaurant needs a bit updating, but otherwise a good value for a good meal. read more

Simply put, easy, cheap, and good value. Visited for a simple dinner in the temporary neighborhood. Spacious area with VERY attentive service. Drinks are kind of basic, Sangria though is FULL of fruit, margaritas though are not made with real lime juice. Still many good things hit the mark. The soups here are great. Seafood soup and the El Salvadorian style are just robust and full. Authentic, rich, and feels like a home-made lunch. Polbano peppers, rich and cheesy with packing flavor. Skirt steaks cooked perfectly, Cuban beef nicely stewed and seasoned, falls apart like a perfect season roast. Cheap meal too. Very kid friendly lots of family, the staff seems to relish it. Will be back again heard the Carne Asada is VERY good. read more