Representing 2022 in alphabet series, L is for La Mexicana. I went here a few times for a couple of events, comedy show, & birthday party. They have a nice private back room for private events or their comedy shows. The main restaurant has a nice bar area and TV's for football or whatever sport. I always got the same thing, the enchiladas. Food is solid. Prices are reasonable here, which was a nice change in the 2020's. What I realized in 2024 was the enchiladas and plates are kind of on the smaller side. When I think of sit-down Mexican restaurants, I think of hearty meals, but this wasn't so hearty. I was hungry several hours later that night in 2024. In January 2025, I was here for a friend's birthday party and remembered that the portions are smaller than typical Mexican restaurants, so I added a bean pupusa to my enchilada plate, which was excellent, even better than the enchiladas, which are solid. It was a little chaotic with the number of people there, and the awkward table setup. It would've been better having that backroom, but there was a comedy show or something happening that night in there, so we made do with the long high tables put together in the middle of the restaurant. Service has always been good here overall in terms of friendliness, but a couple of times when things ran a bit slow. Also, beer pitchers were cheap too. I remember the couple of events where people split including at the January 2025, my friend's brother & his wife split beer with me. Overall, it's a good local business in the area. In spite of a few flaws, mostly good & would return again in the future. read more

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Came and visited again during the give a hoot comedy show. The food was good again. I like the sizzling fajita with chicken and steak but need an extra order of corn tortillas each time. The 1800 margarita. Ive gotta explain how to make a margarita. It's shaken, not stirred and salt the rim. I learned from last time. As soon as I day down I was ready to order. But no chips and salsa. Had to ask 3 times. No water. Had to ask twice. And honestly would've ordered dessert but the server never came around again. They still get 20% auto gratuity which is crazy. No way would I be tipping 20% for this service. read more

The service was atrocious. The food was pretty good. Ambiance was pretty fun with good music but there were people also smoking cigarettes inside. I didn't realize that was allowed where food was served. No one came over for the first 10 min. After we finally flagged someone down in the mostly empty bar we ordered two drinks. After repeating myself 3 times my frozen strawberry marg came out on the rocks. She brought over a new one. That's fine. No one ever came over to take a food order. That took 10 min to get anyone's attention. Our drinks were empty by the time food came out. We tried waving with both hands in the air to get anyone's attention.... Nothing. No one ever came back over the whole rest of our time there. We waited 20 min after we finished eating and still ignored. We almost walked out of the bill because we couldn't get anyone to take our card. We then found out that a 20% gratuity is added on to the check. We asked if we were suppose to be going up to the bar to order. She said no... I'm not too sure why it was impossible to get any service. The only time someone came over to our table was a total of 3 times after extensive measures of trying to be seen. I've never had worse service in my life at a place. We were there for 2 hours and each got a drink and entree. read more

Great Atmosphere, Great Staff. Next time I'll try the comedy show Live Good bar nice pours read more

I'm taking off one star because I don't agree with the new automatic 20% gratuity for just two people. Also, the complimentary chips and salsa now come with a charge after the first serving. These changes make me less likely to return. read more

Courteous and welcoming staff, prompt drink orders, excellent food AND standup comedy.

My parents and I dined at La Mexicana while enjoying a comedy show. They run several comedy events every month and donate 50% of all proceeds to organizations determined by the guest comedian. I had a great time indulging in steak tacos and frozen pina colodas, while also being entertained. The restaurant is in a more hidden shopping center, but it shouldn't be dismissed. I highly recommend going and signing up for one of their comedy events! read more

Yum!! The doors are dark, and I was a little unsure if I was using the right doors to get in. But once I was inside, I really enjoyed it! I sat at the bar since I was there by myself. Attentive service from both bartenders. I'm doing a high protein, low carb diet so I went with the chicken sampler. Delicious! The taco chicken and the chicken and rice were my favorites. So juicy and flavorful! Fresh guacamole was also great! read more

La Mexicana - Chicken Sampler - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

We did not eat in the restaurant but rather had our food at give at the adjacent give a hoot comedy club prior to the show. The service was very good, the food was delicious, and the comedy show was fantastic! We will definitely be back, thank you! read more

La Mexicana - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

There are a lot of Tex-Mex places in the area - a lot. And, to be honest, we've only been here as part of our coming to a Give-a-Hoot comedy night. But I will say that our meals here have been good, the margarita very tasty and good strength and complementary chips/salsa with two salsas. One is a chunky version (mild) and the other spicy with a nice kick. Everything we've had here has been well prepared and tasty. Big portions, too. Last night, I had a grilled chicken bowl, which had a good amount of moist, well prepared grilled chicken strips, and enough cooked onions (I love cooked onions) to enjoy some onion in most bites. I think this place is worth a trip to come just for the meal. Price point is decent, too. Service has been consistently good, but recall that we always arrive around 7 pm and are served right away and are eating well before the show starts at 8. They brought out a bottle of water for the two of us when we asked for water and replaced it during our meal. read more

Our family of four each got something different and we were all very satisfied. We ate on a Wednesday night at dinner time (6 pm). Food was good with full size portions, and pricing was very reasonable. Entry doors are dark, but once inside it is light and clean. Service was a bit inattentive given that the place was not crowded. When we left there was still available seating. Overall we would definitely come back. read more

Friday night with Phil playing how do you go wrong food great music great prices great

Honestly disappointing to say the least . Stopped by to grab a bite with some friends and was offered the "late night menu" chips and guac for $15 , half cooked tamales for $10 each . You'd think we were dining in manhattan . The pricing did not match the quality , or the area we were in (rural Gaithersburg) anyone wanting a late night bite I'd suggest go elsewhere. read more

Wonderful food, fabulous restaurant! La Mexicana is a great Mexican restaurant that also is home to the Give a Hoot Comedy Club! This club has great comics-some are new and some are seasoned. Such a fun evening. Wonderful authentic food and all for a very reasonable price! My favorite part is that half of the comedy club income is given to local charities. You simply can't beat that! For a fun evening, head to the Give a hoot Comedy club at La Mexicana! read more

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Stopped in for lunch. Food was ok, but the 20 percent tip added to the bill had me incensed. Not going back

I heard the rave about HH at this restaurant. A friend and I dined in for HH. She ordered the Fish tacos, steak tacos, a pina colada drink and queso dip. I ordered street chicken tacos, regular chicken tacos, steak tacos, sangria-rita and especial margarita. The chicken tacos have very hard pieces of chicken in it. The steak tacos were tuff to chew. The fish tacos were tender and seasoned well. The drinks were tasty. read more

La Mexicana - Sangria-rita - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Was there for dinner and the comedy show. The good - Portion size as always, huge and wonderful. I had the pork chops, they were saltier than usual, but still good. Next time I would definitely ask for no salt. Wife had a combo; it was really good. The bad - the waitress was pretty bad. Asked for a pitcher of soda so we didn't have to keep getting refills during the show. She brought out the sodas - no pitcher. Asked like 3 times before she finally brought it. Went through the same thing asking for a piece of lemon. Finally had to chase down the guy who was running around - he might have been a manager, not sure. Whenvthe pitcher of soda was empty, waitress disappeared for a very long time. Then when she did come back in the room seemed to be ignoring customers. Again, I chased the manager guy as he was going to the bar with my empty pitcher and asked him for a refill. Next were the chips, asked for a refill. If you have been there, you know how good those chips are and doesn't take long to make them gone! again, she disappeared for a long time, then came back without chips. Asked again and she brought them - no salsa. Didn't even bother with her again I went after the manager dude who brought it right away. I was going to tip her accordingly. When the check came, it already had a 20% tip included. I was ready to go and didn't feel like arguing so she got a 20% tip she didnt deserve. Waitressing isnt the right line of work for her - I hope she finds the right job soon! read more

Casual atmosphere, greeted by nice patron sitting outside. They do have outside seating but Sat at the bar and was greeted by Mo, a very nice bartender. Ordered a margarita on the rocks and carnita tacos. Chips & mild salsa were yummy! Carnita tacos were fresh and I enjoyed them down to the last bite. Great service, great value, delicious food and of course MO, a very kind, personable bartender. read more

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Nastiest food and service ever. My server had his finger in my beans upon delivery I almost threw up. Do not eat there

I came in last Saturday night to pick up a to-go order, and let's just say the service was already off before I even got my food. I was greeted by a guy at the door who, from the second I walked in, made it clear that I had to pay a $25 cover for their gogo night. Keep in mind, it was 9:15 PM, and there were literally THREE people at the bar. I politely explained that I was just there to grab my food, and he passively agreed--but only if I promised to leave once my order was ready. I took a seat at the bar, ordered a beer while I waited, and then the same guy came back to me, yelling that I was supposed to leave as soon as I got my food, almost accusing me of trying to dodge the cover charge. I wasn't even finished with my drink! I asked to speak with him outside to understand why I was being treated like this as a paying customer, but instead, he got even more dismissive and aggressive. In the end, he kicked me out--while my purse and food were still inside. Thankfully, another employee had the decency to bring me my things, but at that point, the damage was done. This experience completely ruined my night, and I'll be taking my business elsewhere from here on out. The owner was even there and did nothing to help even though he was fully aware of what was going on. Disappointing to say the least! read more

We love coming here! The owner is very personable and the food is always delicious! The portions are pretty hearty as well.

The Service was excellent, the food was good and good portions and reasonable prices, great happy hour

Ordered 3 taco bowls/ tostadas yesterday 6/26/25 .. 1 chicken and 2 beef the beef was disgustingly gros!! It literally tasted like sloppy joe meat in barbecue sauce .. the best things about it was the gauc I paid extra for and the tostada itself#NEVERAGAIN read more

I ordered the taco plate - service was prompt and friendly. The beans and rice were average, chips and salsa average, and tacos below average. I won't be rushing back here anytime soon. read more

La Mexicana - Taco plate - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

My wife's chicken sampler was too salty to eat, I ate my chicken enchiladas despite the saltiness I was too hungry it went well with Dogfish head 60 minute IPA. I came because I wanted to hear the band three song Sadie. This place is out-of-the-way for me the salty chicken ruined the night I had to leave after we ate I'm not stay with other friends who were there. I should've made it one star but the food looked fine everything Else was perfect. read more

La Mexicana - YELP deleted my data, I don't want to type it again. WHY? - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

We just happened to find this restaurant trying to find some good mexican food. The happy hour drinks and food were great! The staff is attentive and nice. We went on a Monday and there was an open mic which was even better. (They even have a comedy club in a section next to the restaurant/bar on weekends!) Best kept secret in Gaithersburg. read more

The food was good and reasonably priced. They start you off with chips for which there wasn't an extra charge. Ramekins of mild and hot salsa which my wife said was fresh were provided with the chips. My wife and I both enjoyed the spices used on her fish tacos and my chicken flautas. She recommends the margarita, but can't recommend the guacamole. She never got the second margarita she asked for and I was never offered a refill on my $2.50 small solo cup of Sprite, but we were there for Give A Hoot comedy night and it was jammed. The comedy was great, we will definitely go back for both. read more

This location was ok. My co-workers took me out to lunch for my birthday and said this place had good food. I went in during lunch hours and it was quiet to be expected since it was 1:00pm. The server wasn't bad but not the friendliest. The food? honestly was ok, I rather eat at Quedoba for the taco bowl I got. The guacamole had no flavor at all. Like it tasted like they just scooped it out of avocado and mashed it together and served it. Like I had to hook it up with salt to make it taste better. My friend ordered a quesadilla and she really enjoyed that. Their alcoholic beverages looked GREAT! My co-worker had one that looked like a smoothie. They have machines that hold the mix for the drinks which I though was pretty cool! I honestly don't think I would come here, unless its during the night for "turn up time". read more

First thanks for hosting Give A Hoot Comedy Club in the private dining area. La Mexicaña is a hidden gem. Friday night the locals were out enjoying the end of the work week. Saturday night was a bit quieter. I found the staff super responsive and friendly. We really liked the food - tried nachos, yucca, pork and chicken tamales, pork chops, quesadillas and the chicken sampler platter. Delicious! read more

Our favorite place to go! Food is great, staff are very pleasant and helpful. The prices are very fair and we love the atmosphere!

This was one of my favorite places, and the gentleman who I believe is the owner is very nice. But my experience today was very unfortunate. I brought some family visiting from Texas and wanted to show them how Maryland does Mexican. Unfortunately, all 7 of us couldn't sit together since the big room had a musical event, so we broke off into 2 tables. We understand, but for some reason, we were still charged an automatic gratuity. Additionally, it was our guest's birthday, and we were also charged for the dessert they gave us. I have never seen a restaurant charge for a birthday treat. It's a shame because, as mentioned, the food is wonderful, and the manager seems solid. read more

I usually never leave a review but this was too much. I ordered nachos and an Horchata through grubhub and it was not pleasant. The nachos were stale, chicken was dry, and they served the horchata in an 8 Oz cup that was mostly ice and had the audacity to charge 3 dollars for. On top if that I found a hair in my nachos. I tried calling them after I received my food and noone answered. How do you screw up nachos? Not very good read more

La Mexicana - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Walked in to have lunch. Bar stools were full. After waiting 5 minutes to be seated, I went to seat myself at a table but, the open ones were all dirty. Stood waiting to see if someone could seat me. Left after 10 more minutes. read more

Owner told me to remove my service dog because I did not have a vest or certification papers. I explained that the ADA does not require a vest or papers. He told me that i was wrong! I explained the ADA rules. The owner said he had a trainer - that was at the bar- that knows the law. The trainer said a document is required for a service dog. He said that he needs to fill out a 20-page document proving a dog is trained to be certified as a service dog. When I asked the trainer why the ADA.gov says that a dog does not need to be certified - he said I was wrong. He said that Montgomery County, Maryland laws are different. When I showed him on Ada.gov that the ADA supersedes state and local laws, he said I was wrong. I am now left confused and upset. I feel that i have been discriminated against. I will not return to this place. I will contact a lawyer to confirm that I am within my rights as a disabled citizen and will followup with this establishment to be sure that they are in compliance with the law. read more

La Mex is our favorite place. I have had many family celebrations there as well as drinks at the bar. The food is delicious, authentic and affordable. The happy hour prices are fantastic and Jimmy makes the best margaritas in town. read more

Nice environment with a private party room, friendly, good stuff, and very reasonable prices, especially given the economy these days. Plus plenty of parking. read more

it's a good place for happy hour, and they stay open late. bartenders are always nice and give good service. it's your standard bar but more relaxed than most. read more

The food was delicious. The only thing was the service. We had a heavy-set mid 20 year old female with black curly hair.. half up half down. She was very nice... just very complacent on our order (my mom and I). She came by multiple times asking about our order and we kept having to ask her about certain things she said she'd bring and never did. Instead, she stopped at the tables behind us and in front of us... who were there after we sat down and had our order taken. Plus the manager came by before we even ordered so we couldn't tell him exactly everything anyway. read more

So I was in this area which is rare...for a family event. We decided to dine here as a lot of the other restaurants were closing at 9pm on a Friday. Which was odd to me. So when I yelped, this location stayed open until 1am I knew okay...don't expect to much. However, when looking at pics of the food I was like okayyy, you may be able to get something decent. Their was a new hostess working...she told us that today was her first day. So basically my rating is really really real. She was nice but the service structure from her wasn't good. They had a St. Patrick's Day specials and the normal chicken fajitas were $9.95 however, on that day they were $7.95 which was a steal based on the food amount that they give you. I will say that tortillas they give you are small and they only give you three. So I did end up having to ask for more because I'm a foodie. Overall, the food was decent. They had a live DJ he played old school jams...not bad. Nothing really stood out to me though. read more

La Mexicana - Chicken fajitas with refried beans - Bars Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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My husband and I went to see the comedy show and have dinner. The show was great, the food is always good BUT the service is terrible. There seemed to be several staff but very ineffective as far as service goes. The owner was helping out but it didn't make a difference. We waited over 20 minutes just for someone to acknowledge us much less take an order. We were passed by several times by the staff. I would go for the comedy and forget the dinner. read more