we just went tn on a very busy friday the food was sensual in ways that the human mind cannot grasp everyone has to get the tres leches i wish the music was a little louder our waiter was very fast and kind read more

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We have been here so many times, but this time will be our last. I always love the chicken Tinga tacos, but I found so many bones in my chicken that I couldn't even eat the final taco. The bones were very big, and one was very sharp. We also sat outside and had a gentleman sit next to us that just spoke on his phone on speaker so loud and played music super loud to the point we couldn't even have a conversation. A couple of times we've been recently we've had issues here and there with certain things, but I think today is the tipping point. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - It looked so good, as usual, when it arrived, but I couldn't even finish it after finding the second very sharp bone - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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On Fri the March 13th, stopped in for lunch and we were very disappointed with the food. Chicken Enchillada came out cold and chicken inside was tough to cut or chew, and fish tacos were not so tasty n soggy. Not sure what happened here; maybe the chef called in sick as the food seemed to have been prepared by one of the wait staff, so disappointing. This experience would cause for no return to this place. read more

We came here once before and the food was really good, which is why we decided to come back. This time we tried something different. One of us ordered the steak burrito and the other got the birria burrito. The steak burrito was okay, but the birria burrito was honestly disappointing. The flavor just wasn't there, and there wasn't much meat in the burrito either. It felt a bit lacking overall. That said, we could've caught them on an off day, especially since I really enjoyed the ribeye and birria tacos during our first visit. I'd be open to giving it another shot based on that first experience, but this visit unfortunately didn't live up to it. read more

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The food is still good but I deducted two stars because the prices are significantly higher than they use to be, for less food. While prices have increased everywhere, there was a huge jump here. We cannot afford to return. read more

I'm a bit disappointed with this spot. There's plenty parking there which is a positive. The space looks as expected for a Mexican restaurant and the staff is super nice. The orchata water was pretty good as well. The problem lies on the food here. Although the queso with sausage was amazing, the main meal was poor. I felt that the mole was not rich in flavor, they did no have sour cream on the enchilada so I asked for some on the side. The biggest turn off for me was the beans. They do not have fried beans here, which is surprising for a Mexican spot, not in a good way. But the biggest thing for me was that th black beans( only choice for beans) was super spicy!!! I don't do spicy so to be betrayed like that was heart breaking. I was unable to eat the beans and left the restaurant pretty angry as I thought it was a waste of money coming here. I will not be back. read more

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Mid tier at best and over priced by a long shot. Came by to try somewhere new for dinner and figured it would be a safe enough bet for a "sit down" style Mexican spot for this area. It was alright, but not $73 for two people alright and that was underwhelming. The guac was good. And the agua de jamaica+ jamaica based marg were also tasty. Our service was decent i guess. But the tacos overall were meh. Carne asada tacos+ Al pastor id rate maybe a 5/10, not enough seasoning and were kinda dry. Oddly enough the tables don't have basic hot sauce like cholula? Just salt&pepper. No salsitas offered with them on the side either. We both added on platanos and black beans as sides as well (not included w tacos) Soo if you want to go spend your moneys worth for tacos or Mexican food in general maybe hit a food truck nearby read more

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I've lived around this area for years, and this spot is truly a hidden gem for delicious Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere: There's both indoor and outdoor seating available. The dining area is on the smaller side, but it offers a mix of booths, high-tops, regular tables, and bar seating. The décor is cute, though not entirely cohesive. The food: The chips and salsa were a great start, especially the salsa, which had a nice roasted flavor. My partner and I shared the queso; while it was good, I would have preferred it served a bit hotter. The steak and chicken fajitas were some of the best I've had. The steak was cooked perfectly to medium, tender, and packed with flavor. My partner tried the branzino, which was a standout dish. It was something different and paired wonderfully with the house-made creamy sauce. Service: Everyone was attentive and friendly. read more

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We went for cinco de mayo. The music was toooo loud. It was a lot of people but not too packed. There were parking spots and tables available. The waiter took our drink orders and they came back promptly and delicious. The spicy margarita was so spicy and good. The chips were stale and the salsa was gross. The waiter ignored us for the rest of the evening. While the waiter was cleaning an empty table my friend got his attention and asked to place an order. The waiter told us to wait. 5 minutes later, he's cleaning another empty table. After waiting 20 more minutes I took out cash so I could pay for the drinks and leave. Will not be returning. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Spicy Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Overall, we love Helena's. But, compared to my first review, I've reduced two stars because it seems everything we order is much, much saltier. I stopped ordering the corn (esquites) because on two occasions it was so salty I couldn't eat it. And now the mushroom taco (my favorite) has become too salty. I'm not sure what's happening in the kitchen, but I hope, hope, hope that they lay off the salt so that we can keep our favorite local Mexican restaurant! read more

Wow I'm so pleasantly surprised! We came here on a whim after going to the movies nearby and decided we were hungry. It looked pretty busy but we were able to get seated right away. We started with guac and chips and their house salsa. I thought the salsa was a little too smoky and thin for my preference. The chips and guac were amazing tho. The guac was super limey which is just how I like it. I got the chicken fajitas with Mexican rice, charro beans, and flour tortillas. I love how you can tell the tortillas are homemade. It really makes all the difference! And the chicken in the fajitas was amazingly flavorful and juicy. Highly recommend! We finished with the churros which came out piping hot and tasty read more

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This is some of the best Mexican food I've gotten in the DMV area! We got my go-to, the chicken quesadilla, which had fresh guac, sour cream, and pico de gallo. It was so good that we got a second one to go. Service was slow and we had to flag them down a few times, but friendly. The food was fantastic! Everything was cooked to perfection. Price was good for the size. The ambiance is casual, great for families. There's parking right in front. I would love to come here again! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Chicken quesadilla, fantastic - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

I went to Helena's Mexican for the first time last week. I really had been missing out! This family-owned spot offered excellent, friendly service, nice atmosphere and of course delicious and authentic Mexican food. The fish tacos were delicious and so fresh. Just get there! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Fish taco platter - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Absolutely fabulous!! From the moment we walked in until we walked out, service was an A+ We started with the guacamole which was seasoned perfectly and the chips were amazing as well. My friend had the beef fajitas and said that it wasn't seasoned very well but it was good. She also had the churros which she loved. I ordered the shrimp and the barrio tacos with rice and beans. They were all freaking delicious! The portions are large so I took most of it back to my hotel room. I ordered the tres leche to go and it was an amazing treat. We finished the meal with a pitcher of the blood orange margaritas and omg.... We were feeling really good after that! They're perfectly sweet and potent. I highly recommend this place. read more

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Let me say that if you're going there for the birria tacos, you're doing life right. Those tacos are huge. You don't need sides; even if you get the sides, you will be stuffed when you walk out of there. Juicy, flavorful, perfectly crispy on the outside and dripping with that rich, slow-cooked birria magic on the inside. Dip them in that consomé? Game over. And before the tacos even land on your table, they hit you with fresh chips and salsa that are somehow just enough but not so much that you ruin your appetite. Or you can always overindulge. There are plenty of options on the menu, but I've stuck with the birria every time! The service is great, and it's chill. The kind of place you can bring friends, a date, or just your hungry self after a long day. Check them out and maybe don't wear white--things get saucy in the best way. read more

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Service great! Every staff member was helpful, polite and cheerful. House margarita. Fabulous! All like juice no sour mix. Yay! It's a drink that requires two hands and a nap afterwards! We sat at the bar which was spacious and comfortable. There's a decent number of tables here and it was busy on a Sunday afternoon. The queso was a solid appetizer. Gooey melted cheese. How can you go wrong? The chips were not as crispy as I would like however they worked for carrying the cheese. Their enchiladas were ok. The birria tacos were big, full and all right! Their black beans were tasty however I'd say the portion was small for a side. A nice local spot to grab a bite. The environment isn't too loud and can easily eat and gab with your companions. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Chips and Queso with a large house margarita in the background. - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Love Helena's! It's super chill, no frills, with quick attentive service. The portions are generous, the queso and margaritas hit the spot every time. The chicken fajitas I got were fresh and perfectly cooked. It does tend to get packed during happy hour on a weeknight, and seating can be a little limited but overall great experience and will definitely be going back! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Chicken Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Jairo was a fantastic waiter - best service. Very warm and welcoming. He serves tables and makes drinks. The restaurant is an absolute hidden gem with parking available out front. There is plenty of seating and it's not overly packed so there's enough room to have space. There's some bar seating and outdoor seating. The restaurant is a little over a year old. The prices were good for the quality and quantity of food. My friend and I had barrio tacos and they're so good. We had the duo dip special on Thursday for $12. The fish tacos were good. I usually don't like margaritas but the passion one was absolutely delicious. read more

Came here with my family & this quaint restaurant was packed & bustling. There was Spanish music playing and eye catching artwork on the walls. We ordered the nachos which were incredible. My nephew loved the guac & literally licked the bowl. For my meal, I enjoyed the ceviche! It was delicious with so much lime - which is exactly how I like it! I just wish it maybe came with some chips to accompany it. They do have plantain chips which in hindsight would've been an amazing combo! My husband got the Birria enchiladas. I HADDD go have a taste and it was as good as it sounds! I also have never seen that on a menu before! Definitely recommend but make a reservation as the place is very popular, but small! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I took my Mom to Helena's for a Taco Tuesday platter for lunch on a beautiful sunny day. It was our first meal there. The shrimp and chicken tacos with a special sauce and fresh, lightly steamed asparagus were absolutely deliciousThe manager and staff were A+ customer service. Plan on returning for another meal! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Tuesday Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We really enjoyed going to this place, but they have now raised their prices (again), restricted the chips and salsa, and removed the choice of sides for entrees. As much as we like coming here, these changes are not worth coming back anytime soon. Prices matter just as much as the quality of the food served, and the management's choice in this area brings an otherwise four star review down to two. read more

Went Saturday night. I had high hopes based on the Yelp reviews. I was beyond disappointed. I got a pork belly taco to start with, the meat was next level dry and flavorless. I ordered combo shrimp and chicken fajitas for my entree. Literally the worst fajitas I've ever had. The portions were for a toddler, the shrimp were tiny, it came on a bed of overcooked onions. My friend sent her food back because her steak would not cut, with a steak knife. The place itself was nice, staff attentive (manager included) but take it from me, save your money! read more

I dined here yesterday. The drinks were really good however our waitress spilled both me and boyfriend's drink. She didn't apologize nor did she bring napkins to the table. We ordered the food to go. We ordered the fajita platter and shrimp tacos. The fajita tasted okay but lacked seasoning. The flavors were didn't take authentic at all. The portions were small for the price. Overall the customer service was disappointing, the food was okay and the drinks good. read more

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Service was amazing even on a busy Friday night! Food was exactly what I wanted-traditional Mexican that was all homemade. Chips and guacamole were so yummy, the shrimp fajitas were delicious and ended with some churros which were so crispy and hit the spot. They even gave a homemade jam! read more

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Just found my new favorite Mexican restaurant in DC/NOVA! I'd heard great things about this spot but hadn't made it in until now--Taco Tuesday seemed like the perfect excuse to give it a try. Despite being incredibly busy, I was able to walk in and grab a seat at the bar. Service was prompt and friendly--I was quickly asked what I'd like to drink, followed shortly by an offer for chips and salsa. The chips and salsa were fantastic; I actually had to stop myself from finishing them so I wouldn't spoil my appetite! For Taco Tuesday, I went with the three-taco combo and two sides. I chose the Chorizo taco, the Chicharrón taco, and the Birria Quesataco. My sides were frijoles negros and plátanos fritos. The tacos were excellent, but the standout was definitely the Birria Quesataco--I could've eaten an entire plate of them. Just a heads-up: they're rich and very filling! The plátanos fritos were another highlight--perfectly cooked with amazing flavor. To top it off, I had a pineapple margarita, which struck the ideal balance of sweet and tart, served with a salted rim. I honestly can't believe I waited so long to try this place. They've definitely earned a new regular--can't wait to come back again and again! read more

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We pressed the breaks when we saw the smoke coming from the kitchen grill on Saturday morning!! I had a good feeling this neighbor restaurant was cooking up food differently so we looked up the reviews. Uhhhh weeeee! The reviews were right on the nose. From the moment we walked in, we could tell this was a special, family-run spot. Everyone we met was warm, genuine, and clearly proud of what they've built together. We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Alex, a 21-year-old culinary talent whose creativity and skill shine through in every bite. His Aunt Diana, who served us, made us feel right at home with her kindness and caring smile, and William, another server (and son of the sous chef!), was equally funny and attentive. Now, the food -- absolutely phenomenal! The corn ribs were so good we took a small bucket of the crema home. The branzino is truly to die for..perfectly cooked, flavorful, and an absolute must for any foodie. We also loved the spicy margarita and the mushroom enchiladas, both good and beautifully presented. It's rare to find a restaurant where the food, service, and atmosphere all come together so seamlessly, but this family pulls it off with humility and heart. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. read more

Great food served quickly. We went for a late lunch and were pleased with both the food and the quick service. We definitely plan on returning to this hidden gem! read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Chicken tinga enchiladas with verde salsa, Mexican rice and black beans - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Everything at Helena's was great! It was busy when we got there, but our server was awesome & attentive. The food was delicious, and there's a lot more on the menu that we want to try. We'll definitely be back soon! read more

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Great service! Super friendly and very quick service. It was absolutely packed when we arrived and they still had us seated within 10 mins. We got the queso dip with Chorizo- there was a lot of unmelted cheese on top at first but then as we stirred it, it made commercial-worthy cheese pulls! The enchiladas and tacos were fast and flavorful. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Chicken enchiladas with Mole - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

We came here tonight with another couple and it was AMAZING! Our server was David awesome and knowledgeable. On a brisk night it was nice and toasty inside! I ordered the Ceviche de Camarones and it was perfect with a hint of spice! Everyone else thoroughly enjoyed what they ordered and we will definitely be back! read more

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Great local Mexican restaurant. We were in the mood for something new and Helena's didn't disappoint. The service was just as great as the food. This is truly a hidden gem. The decor was cute and clean. The chips and guac was on point. The entree's were fresh and hot. I'm really not into Mexican food because I've been disappointed so many times. This place changed that for me. Will be doing a tik tok review soon. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Hidden gem! Very casual restaurant but so tasty! The house dip is AMAZING! I had a traditional margarita, it was good. The chicken and steak fajitas were delicious, but I think I like the steak better than the chicken! The server was very pleasant. My only complaint was the restaurant was very chilly! I'm not sure if the heat was on. This spot is a must try but wear a coat! lol read more

The food and service were both incredible. I'm so glad I stopped into this cute little spot after driving past it for years! Try the birria tacos and the guac. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant is hands-down our favorite local spot for Mexican food! Even though they only opened recently, it already feels like home. We come in often on Sundays after church, and the staff always recognizes us and brings our regular drinks without us even having to ask--such a sweet personal touch that makes us feel so welcome. The menu is full of unique, flavorful dishes that set Helena's apart. Our kids love everything they've tried (which says a lot!), and my 8-year-old is completely hooked on their perfectly caramelized plantains. I personally judge a Mexican restaurant by its chips and salsa--and Helena's tops the list for me! The salsa is fresh and zippy, the chips are always warm and crispy. Yes, there's a $2 charge for refills, but they're so good we don't even hesitate to order more. We're so glad to have Helena's in the neighborhood--it's become a delicious and comforting part of our weekly routine! read more

I have been here two weekends in a row now after discovering the place when looking for a Mexican spot after the first place we went in Old Town was closed for a private party. Helena's quickly became our new favorite Mexican restaurant in the area! Their roasted salsa is delicious paired with their fresh tortilla chips. They also have three different house made hot sauces - each one unique and flavorful (and not super hot, so try them!). The birria tacos are stuffed with amazing birria and cheese -- and accompanied by a great consume (when you order at least 3 birria tacos). One of the two best birria tacos I've had in the area (shout out to Taco Lucas on Rt. 1 for the only others comparable). Verde sauce chicken enchiladas are my other go to Mexican food order and their version are an elevated version of the classic dish. Try them with each of the hot sauces! And don't pass on the sides - the fried plantains are perfection. Finally, props to the amazing staff. Jairo has been the bartender the two times we have been - so welcoming and kind. And makes a killer margarita! read more

Helena's is a neighborhood favorite for locals for sure. I was thrilled to see how busy it was when we went last night which was a Sunday so I expected it to be empty. The service is great even when busy, cocktails are fantastic and food is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend their bowls, tacos, including their flavorful mushroom tacos, and churros. I love their smoky salsa that they give out with chips when you first arrive. read more

Decent food... Camarones ala Diablo was spot on for spice... had almost a Thai coconut flavor cream which was new and I liked it!... not a fan of the salsa here and the queso came tan and not great fajitas were good. read more

The food was okay. The service while some of it was attentive, it was inefficient and poor. We had hoped to sit outside, but it was so hot and they have no umbrellas, we decided we needed to walk to a nearby park. We were told the food would be there in about 15 minutes - more like a half hour. In fact we saw food being delivered to other tables (we were sitting at a table while waiting) who came long after us. They could not get water to us - we got some excuse they were having trouble getting clean cups ready for us. When the food came we gave a tip far too generous for take out food and left. We walked over to the park and found zero napkins and plastic ware to eat. Well I had to walk back - quite a ways to get cutlery and then back. Food was cold. Who does this? Only a place that is not paying attention. I asked to speak to the manager and then learned the manager was the person who failed to give us the utensils, did not deliver the food in the time she offered and never came back to offer water until she delivered the food and brought the bill. Will we be back - there are lots of Mexican restaurants. Not for some time. The food - cold and uninspiring. read more

I am not one to write reviews, but the service was so friendly and outstanding that I had to post. Food is good with some unexpected, sophisticated flavors for a Mexican restaurant. The locals consider it a good eat. Recommended! read more

Definitely a cut above the rest in the area. Food and service generally great. However, however you ask for your fajitas to be cooked, they will be well done. See photo. But if you are deciding between 2 Jefes or El Paso... no contest. This place is great. read more

Helena's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia