I'm mad. And if I don't write this now, I won't. We've been extremely happy five star customers of El Rinconcito for three years. They were awesome. Even though we only visited once every six or eight weeks, the staff would greet us warmly and REMEMBER our favorite takeout order. Occasionally we'd have a beer or margarita while waiting, but more often than not, we'd just walk in and carry out. The bill was always reasonable. Tonight, after a few drinks on 11th, my husband (who is blind) had a hankering for our "usual"... we walked over to El Rinconcito and he went inside to order while I walked to the nearby ATM to deposit some checks...while I was gone he ordered a margarita for me and a vodka soda for him while we waited for our take-out. I returned to find the new-to-us waitress saying my husband's card wasn't good for $65. I was surprised (shocked) at both the price and the decline of the card, but he quicly transferred funds on the phone and I went inside to ask why the order was so expensive, thinking perhaps that he had erred in the order. We'd never spent more than $45 here, even with drinks. It's usually $25-30. The new waitress, (tall with dark, short hair) at my request, showed me the bill that indicated my husband had ordered a double Grey Goose vodka with soda for $12 and a "steak." It didn't look right, but I paid the bill, plus a $10 tip (light for DC, but considering it was take out). I asked my husband why he'd ordered a double top shelf drink. Turns out, he did not (and did not receive it!!!). He'd ordered a vodka. We were charged for Grey Goose. We also did not receive a steak in the takeout order. We intend to speak to the management; today we are sorely disappointed with a neighborhood restaurant we used to trust and love. read more

So glad to have found this place! Hidden little gem near downtown that serves up fresh and great food. Got Papusas because everyone raved about them and I can see why. They're full of meat and cheese. I recommend trying the laroca, tastes similar to artichoke. Also had the ropa vieja which was a bit on the salty side but I think this was intentional and meant to eat with the rice, beans, plantains and tortillas that came with. This place is now my go-to for Latin American food! read more

This little hole in the wall introduced me to the awesomeness that is Salvadorean food! I ordered take out from this place on a whim, and now I am hooked. The two meals that I consistently order are the pupusa combo and the carne deshilada (with egg). The pupusa combo comes with rice, refried beans, salad, and two good-size portions of pupusas (similar to a freshly baked doughy flat bread with cheese and/or ground meat inside). The side salad has this tangy sauce that's also very delicious. The carne deshilada entree is like the perfect breakfast/brunch for me: white rice, thin and soft strips (think pulled pork) of beef fried with egg, black beans, avocado slices, and their own stick of cheese. Heaven! It also doesn't hurt that this place gets packed with spanish-speaking people after 6 PM so they definitely have street cred. read more

the best soap de res I've ever had the restaurant is very small but it's so freaking gooood! It's very homey and cute i love this place so much. read more

I ordered a shrimp dish. The shrimp was very good and fresh. My meal came with tortillas, I didn't like them. Service was prompt. I am looking forward to visiting again and try another dish. read more

When wave 2 of the snow storm hit, we were in desparate need of food. Fortunately, this little neighborhood gem was open. The food is a mix between Mexican and El Salvadorian and has a plethora of choices. My friends went with the staples: a quesadilla and a chicken burrito. Both got rave reviews. I went tried something new-the pupusas. WOW-so so good. I had never tried them before-I loved the hot bean and cheese in between the two pieces. Plus-it was served with an enchilada and black beans and rice. Mixing all those ingredients together was heavenly. I also treated myself to plantains on the side. They were made really well and not too sweet. It was such a great meal for a crappy winter day. Everything was fresh and the staff was great. I'll definitely be back! read more

My friends have never had Salvadorean food and they loved this place :-) There was a bit of a wait for tables cos the place is small so we sat at the bar. Portions were huge. 2 of us ordered short rib soup, 2 pupusas + chicken tamale plate and chimichanga plate and we were stuffed! I was in the mood for soup so I enjoyed it. It came with 2 corn tortillas and was a little salty and oily but still hit the spot. There were 2 huge ribs and chunks of plantain, yucca, corn.... I can't remember what else :-p Beans and rice that came with the plates were good. Rice was grainy (good) while beans were a little salty but still delicious. Salvadorean tamale was different in that it had potato and chickpea in addition to masa but it was still delicious. My friend had never seen such a huge chimichanga! He enjoyed it and said it was chock-full of steak :-) They were out of flan so I had tres leches. I've had better so I barely ate it (also cos I was too full and it wasn't that nice). Another good meal in DC :-) read more

Great food at a reasonable price. I was super happy to find a place like this in DC. Great on the pocket book and delicious food. read more

El Rinconcito Cafe - Windows are pretty dirty and staff ia sitting around. - Salvadoran Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is super legit Salvadoran food.

OMG. This place is soooo good!!! A must try!! Just keep in mind its a very small place..but the service was great and the food delicious..We were a party of 12 so we pretty much took over the whole place..they have a small bar fits about 7. I totally recomended!! read more

The 1st time I ordered from there I thought it would only be good that one time. I've used Uber Eats to pick up my dinner from there more than 6 times so far & without fail it was GOOD. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE... Keep up the good work read more

generous portions for the price! very nice people too and really delivered authentic food.

What a great find - both for food as and a fun place to watch the World Cup! On my one visit I ordered the menudo ($13) to successfully satisfy a craving, but the menu is extensive and I look forward to sampling more of it the next time I'm in the area. read more

I haven't been here in a while, but the service was pretty bad, which I think other yelpers have mentioned. Too bad that this place has gone down hill in that respect. read more

Really delicious and reasonably priced el salvadorian food in DC. I usually get the chicken fajitas which are a generous serving of chicken and veggies. The pupusas are also a good choice for an appetizer. My fiance and I have a habit of ordering too much food here because the portions are very big so a recommendation would be to order one pupusa for an appetizer and then your main dish. I've also heard that the enchiladas here are delicious. Coming here in the summertime is a must since they have outdoor seating! read more

I should be working on my dissertation, but am so upset with this meal, I am taking a time out to alert the world. I am also writing another review because I'm not sure if I have ever labeled a meal as the "Most Disappointing Meal that I Have EVER Had" but if I haven't previously, then this was definitely it. I had had a hankering for a whole fried fish in the Central American style for the past week and as this was the closest restaurant to my current location, I went with it, completely forgetting my last experience a little over a year ago. I ordered the fried rockfish, plantain and two pupusas. I don't want to extend the sadness I feel at this meal any longer than necessary so, let's just get into it. The fish was dryer than a non-alcoholic wedding, and I choked on each bite until I couldn't take any more. When I tell you that this was dryer than azu(dry fish) used in fufu soups, you won't believe me, but it is true friends. I gave up on the fish and went to the pupusas. I don't think they were done, as the "cheese" was not gooey, but curdled within the pupusa and simultaneously soggy in its mixing with the external dough. I think it is normally cotija inside, but alas this go around, maybe not. The plantain was not only dry but bland in flavor, not a trace of sweetness which means they may not have boiled them first to let the sugars carmelize as it fried. They were.... disappointing. So. Disappointing. I don't waste food, but I actually am unable to finish this meal. I'm so sad. The rice and beans were tasty, so there's that. -_- 3 strikes, I'm out. Never again. read more

Place is very bare bone, but food is good! And cheap. I went for lunch with my sister and we shared a order of the fried yucca and one of the plantain. In addition we each ordered 2 pupusas. I chose the one de revuelta (with pork and cheese) and one with loroco, cheese and beans. My sister chose one of beans and cheese and one with cheese and loroco. First of all that was too much food! We should have stopped at 1 pupusa each. Second, I'm not sure what loroco would translate too, but it is a flower and is delicious so order it. Third, everything was really good, but if I had to skip one thing next time it would be the pupusa de revuelta. And fourth, the whole meal came in under $20. The yucca comes with a slaw, lemon and a bit of pico de gallo. Squeeze the lemon on top of the yucca and get a bite that has a bit of yucca, slaw and tomatoes and you'll have the perfect bite. If you eat the yucca on its own it is a bit dry, but that is how yucca is. The plantain were good and come with a side of sour cream and refried beans. If you like plantains you won't be disappointed, but you won't be blown away either: they are solid, but not different than most plantains I tried. The pupusas were all good, but I think the one with loroco, cheese and beans is by far the best! The beans give it moisture, the cheese gives it some fatty decadence and the loroco punctuates the flavor with some freshness and bitterness. I don't live in DC and I was flying out that day, otherwise I'm sure I'd go back. Sister was planning on having lunch there for the rest of the week. read more

Average mexican food. Ive had better burritos, Ive had worse. Points for being authentic hole in the wall undiscovered by the hipster crowd. read more

Oh man, I'm thrilled to find this place! A co-worker and I, needing to get out of the Chinatown lunch rut, decided to check out El Rinconcito today. It's a small, uncrowded Salvadoran (and Mexican) place at 11th & M with a few tables and stools at a counter looking into the kitchen. We ordered chicken pupusas and beef taquitos, which took about 10 minutes to prepare. The pupusas were very good. I used to get pupusas at a few of the authentic Salvadoran places on "Pupuseria Road" aka University Blvd. in Langley Park, and more recently, I've eaten the bland ones at Arlington's El Charrito Caminante. El Rinconcito restored my faith in pupusas: cheesy, doughy, meaty, and with a lot of flavor! The taquitos were even better. Crispy and delicious, with succulent meat. Def worth going back for. I even enjoyed the sides of yellow rice and bean sauce to this dish. Plus, I had my favorite Jarritos Limon soda to drink too. Lunch came to only ~$8. Thumbs up, El Rinconcito! read more

El Rinconcito Cafe - El Rinconcito (Nov 9, 2009) - iPhone pic - Salvadoran Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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By no means is this place pretty or a place with a great atmosphere. You definitely should not take anyone here for a special occasion and you should not take a cab to eat here. Atmosphere and service are not its strengths. However, El Rinconcito serves good food quickly and at a very good price!! Pupusas are less than $2 each and with two of them and a side dish, you are set to go! I have lived in Nicaragua all of my life and have had excellent Salvadorian food both in El Salvador and at home and this comes very close to it. I only tried the Salvadorian specialties and they were all well-made and very affordable. Speaking some spanish will help you at this understaffed location. I know this sounds odd but if you're a woman and you're there by yourself at night, I probably wouldn't recommend it because this place seems to become more of a bar for the Salvadorian predominantly male crowd. The atmosphere is set by Univision and some random bachata or cumbia in the back. Try the cheese and beans pupusas, the yuca frita (fried cassava), and the horchata! All really, really good. It's definitely a good place for a quick and cheap lunch. It's a hole-in-the-wall with no pretense, and the food is good and authentic! read more

What a pleasant surprise....pretty decent food for this little hole in the wall restaurant. My husband and I stumbled upon this place after an unsuccessful attempt to eat at a different restaurant. When the restaurant we were heading towards was closed (for good it looked like) we ran into someone that recommended El Rinconcito. So glad we listened to him because they have a pretty mean Bistec Empanizado there. That's the Cuban version of their Milanesa de Bistek. Whatever..its the same to me. The restaurant has maybe 6 tables at the most. We sat at the bar and were quite comfy. Apparently this place has a lot of business..both dine in and take out...which proves its a solid restaurant. Definitely a place to go if you want decent food at a good price. read more

A gem of a place. In DC for a conference. Got to my hotel. Too late for scheduled dinner with team. Go to yelp - this place is a short walk away. Reviews are good. Let's give it a try.... On entry - it is a small cafe. Only 5-6 small tables and bar. Ordered a dinner plate of papusas and tamales. Looks decent. First bite - and wow! Simple, but fresh and delicious food. And the whole plate for $9? Service was competent and friendly. It don't get better. read more

I am new to the area and this was authentic food! Super good, affordable, and great service. It was a little packed but we were seated quickly. read more

The food isn't excessively amazing, or anything, but it's close to my house, and as it seems, undiscovered by the masses. The burritos are massive, tacos are fairly regular, taquitos are fried deliciousness, and the papusas are doughy and cheesy, which is really all I ask for. They have two jukeboxes for the tiny establishment, but it seems like they don't work...or the owners / patrons just prefer the tv which always has a soccer game or Spanish soaps on. They have beers like Modelo and Tecate, as well as things like Heineken...and a pretty decent liquor bar. read more

This place is quick, simple, cheap and in a neighborhood that lacks restaurants. For that, I love it, and so do the Salvadorans and locals who frequent it. It's not a great restaurant, but it's a reliable one. Black beans and rice, rough-chopped salsa fresca, refried beans, sides of guacamole and salsa, they serve up classic mexican fare in addition to Salvadoran specialties like pupusas and chicarrones. I wouldn't take a cab ride for this meal, but I'd walk a couple blocks for it. read more

I had carne deshilada con huevo ($11.99), a Salvadorian meat dish that came with rice, beans, tortillas, Salvadorian cheese and avocado. Everything was very good and the service was friendly. Reasonably priced and a laid back atmosphere. I'd go back again! read more

Tiny place but such awesome food! You'll find el salvadorian and Mexican dishes, huge portions, and a friendly staff. Everything I've tried is delicious and authentic! read more

LOVE this spot! It's a very authentic, no frills restaurant. I have to admit I've only had 3 dishes in all of the times I've been there but they're consistently good. Pechuga de pollo a la parilla, carne asada, and the whole fish- fried. I always say I'll try something else whenever I see and and smell different dishes come out but why?! My food is always so good I can't just go and abandon my meal! Both meat dishes are topped with pico de gallo and come with rice, beans that my husband who doesn't eat beans inhales(!), tortillas, and salad. I usually forego the tortillas and get extra salad or double rice- priorities y'all. Both TVs are set to Spanish channels so you can either catch up on the latest episode of your favorite telenovela or catch a soccer match. There's usually Latin music playing in the background, except for when there's not. You'll probably have to wait for a table and sit very close to other natives or diners and you'll probably have to leave shortly after your meal but you'll definitely leave full and happy. And that's what's really important, amiright?? read more

A no frill, hole in the wall joint. 1st time here, my co-workers ordered take out for us all. It was very close to the convention center where we were working. I had the meat + cheese papusa and tamale. I LOVE their tamale. It's South American version wrapped in banana leaf. I was a bit surprised to see a few pieces of chickpeas in it. It was delicious. The papusa was large, and could use a bit more flavor. I was very satisfied with this lunch and wish I had ordered more tamale. 2nd time I came in to lunch and hoping to just order tamale, but when I arrived they told me they were sold out. I was soo bummed. Lesson learn: Call in your order first just so you know they have what you want. read more

These guys don't screw anything up. It's as authentic as you get. It's a small nearly hole in the wall restaurnt with just a few small tables (so get cozy with a neighbor) and a bar. Many great latino's hanging around and watching their native fotbol games on the few TV's. I'd recommend the 2 taco platter. It's 100% times better than Taco Bell and actually cheaper with fresh ingredients. Each taco has a moutain of fresh lettuce and tomato on it. It's like a bonus salad on the taco. The civiche is amazing. My absoute favorite dish here is the sopa de ris. It's beef short rib with yuca and corn and cabbage in a magical broth. If you want sopa de ris... GO EARY... they sell out. Lastly, STRONG mararita's! read more

This place serves phenomenal nachos, pupusas, and shredded beef flautas! They do not skimp on toppings or chips for their nachos!! I highly recommend for dinner or lunch. read more

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Great food! Probably better for take out than eat in but still good either way! The chicken breast quesadilla is my favorite! The prices are reasonable too, not too expensive! The staff is nice and everything is fresh and quick! The inside is a little small, which is why I think it might be better as takeout but if it's not busy than there's usually space to sit. They have a small bar area too but seems like it's catered more towards "regulars" who come there often to chill and watch tv. read more

On my continual quest to find decent "mexican/latin-american" food in DC, I stopped by this place with a few friends for some food. The place seemed promising, as it was a hole in the wall establishment, and it had a full bar and a few tables filling out the place. We sat down (tables don't accommodate more than four, so we had to squeeze), and ordered some food and appetizers. The tamales were soggy, and I prefer mine to be slightly drier and firm so it doesn't fall apart when you try to eat it, but the flavors were there. The pupusa was decent, and the rest of the group enjoyed their food. It was a good meal, but not memorable. The quest continues... read more

So I've never heard of a papusa before. Turned out quite nice. Got a couple pork and cheese papusas along with 3 enchiladas, definitely didn't disappoint. read more

El Rinconcito Cafe - Salvadoran Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a great hole in the wall latin american food. - Amazing chorizo breakfast options/hang over food - Very inexpensive for DC - there's about 20 seats in the restaurant - there's a bar with every known tequila - the service is very quick read more

Got the ropa bieja. The meat was good but I was really looking forward to the plantains. They were tasteless as were the rice and beans. It also marks itself as one dollar sign but I would definitely say this is a $$ establishment read more

I had the sopa de mondgo and pupusas and it was very good. The food was very authentic and service was good.

Horchata tastes good. I had a pupusa too. I think the food quality is a best buy value for the money. If you like Central American food in DC, this is high on the list as a must visit destination. There is a good local presence and loyal base of Spanish speaking regular customers who eat here--hence this restaurant has earned a loyal following that goes beyond any appearance of tourist crowds. Service speed is not the highest but food quality appears to be worth the wait. read more

So... I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in DC. I came with a group of 6 and we waited for the raucous and frenzied crowd of diners to disperse. According to Yelp, this place is worthy of a 4-star review due to a sheer number of people backing the place. And it is. My group sat down and flipped through the menu quickly. Why? They are Taiwanese so the Spanish and English menu befuddled them to no end. Furthermore, requests for clarification directed at the waitress were not much help. ("Excuse me?"... "Que?") As the only member of my group to have eaten Latin American food, I attempted to explain some of the food and what each dish would entail. After the minor communication breakdown, we soon settled down and enjoyed ourselves. I should mention that Taiwanese eateries are not much different from El Rinconcito; they're basically hole-in-the-walls or mom-and-pop shops in a busy alley. Aside from the lack of a busy alley, Rinconcito is cozy and quaint. Also, there are 3 TV screens playing a random assortment of channels. (When I went, one screen played ESPN deportes and two others played Mexican soap.) When the food arrived it was more like a mad scramble than a democratic delegation of food. All of the good food was nearly instantly gobbled down. We originally ordered 4 plates of food, but we decided to try to fit a 5th. The food along with Jarritos (a Mexican soft drink) filled us plenty, leaving us drowsy and bloated on the way to our overnight stay. As we were leaving we all took turns taking a picture of the storefront to help us remember an awesome Salvadoran restaurant in DC. P.S. Parking is not for the weak of heart. We circled the block about 10 times and eventually parked partially in a tow-away zone. read more

I would give this place a solid 3.5, which rounds up to 4 stars. The service was slow, which is why I would take away that 1/2 star. They are probably known for their papusas, but it's sad I didn't get to try one because after waiting 30 mins I gave up. On the other hand the chimichanga was good, just not the best I've had (which was at a place in Cleveland). read more