La Union is a great little spot if you don't want to go to a chain-restaurant for Mexican/Salvadoran. The restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. The chips and salsa they bring when you are first seated are great. I don't really bother to get anything other than one dish there: El Tipico. I also highly recommend there margaritas which are quite tasty. It's a nice place to go with your family or for a quiet dinner. read more

I was expecting something much different but it was absolutely great. I ordered La Tipica (??) and mooched off of a papusa my friend ordered and I certainly was not disappointed. It's sandwiched off in an older Arlington neighborhood, very clean and the waitstaff are friendly. The dishes didn't have that oily-looking queso floating in the re-fried beans that many places do either. There's nothing really to say other than that it's a great spot for decent Salvadoran food. read more

This was my first visit to La Union, and it certainly won't be my last. Friends strongly recommended it, and I took them up on it. The first thing I noticed was the strong positive energy I was feeling. Happy families. Seniors. Couples. Friends. The restaurant was comfortably full, but we did not have to wait to be seated. I sensed a lot of regular and return customers. There are "special platters" on the menu -- reasonably price -- but we went with familiar favorites, enchiladas and burritos. Hot chips with salsa and our beverages arrived promptly. We were hungry, and a second basket of chips and salsa arrived as soon as the first was empty. The food (and the plates) arrived hot. Wonderful aromas. (A serving of fajitas arrived at the next table, and I'm confident they were splendid.) From our greeting through paying our check, the staff was friendly and attentive. Refills of beverages arrived without needing to ask. An important Washington Nationals game was on the television, but it didn't seem to overly distract the patrons. A little cheer when the Nationals scored a run, but we didn't feel as if we had ended up in a sports bar. The parking lot is tiny, but we were lucky and had a spot. I suppose on-street parking is available when the lot is full. The next time we're in the mood for Tex-Mex, we will definitely go back. read more

SUCH good food from a really unassuming little dive about a mile past Ballston. Perhaps a little bit overpriced (Steak entrees are about $16), but, it's worth it. I got the the Ranchos something and I'd highly recommend it. read more

Stop number 16 on the South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza (SotBQ[oG]CCDTaGE) was La Union, an adorable little joint somewhere in Arlington (although I would have thought more Falls Churchy, but that's beside the point). I was joined on this trip by (of course) Mary Kay S. as well as trusted Yelper Jason C. It had been a while since our last stop and the wagon was a little rusty, but like riding a bike, you don't forget how to eat Mexican food. I give this place a solid 3.5 stars. If you're driving too fast down Wilson, you might whiz right by La Union (as a matter of fact, I did whiz by the first time). It's at the end of a nondescript little strip of businesses. The fun lights were the advertisement that jumped out at me. This place reminds me of a VFW in some ways - big square inside, average tables and chairs, a cute little bar (like one you might have had in your wood paneled basement in 1979). But for me, a VFW is cozy and I liked it. Our server was the bomb! Nelson was absolutely adorable and I think he was flirting with Mary Kay. He checked on us numerous times and made sure we had everything we needed at all times. Nelson gets 5 stars! Now, the food, that's where I had a bit of a problem. We started with the queso. I guess we should have thought twice at the description, "cheddar cheese sauce." Well, it was sauce of some kind, but it had zero flavor. I was a bit concerned about what else we'd be eating that evening. I know Mary Kay wasn't fond of the chips, but I rather liked them. A little thicker and crunchy. They were a great delivery method for the BEST SALSA EVER! The salsa was really good. For my entree, I had the usual, shrimp fajitas. Honestly, they were tasty, but I really like fajitas to be sizzling on the platter when they come out. It's probably just a weird hang up I have, but everything was kind of limp on the platter. As I mentioned, the flavor was good, and they provided plenty of green peppers (which I like). It was just a little more mushy than I like. The guacamole that came with the fajitas was awesome - hell we should have ordered some of that instead of the queso to start. The refried beans were very fattening and delicious. I knew they were fattening because they were delicious. Overall, an acceptable meal. The prices were very reasonable so I didn't feel like I was taken before a Mexican/El Salvadorean firing squad. That's always a plus when eating out these days. I think I would go back. I did enjoy it. They just have a few little things to improve and this place could be 4 or 5 stars. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd probably hit this place quite a bit. read more

Tired of same no flavor food??? Well, this is is the place to try something different, top notch, one of a kind, "where locals eat" restaurant-type​! We just wanted something different, with true Latin (Mexican / Salvadorean food)... and we got it right! Fried Red Snapper​ and beef soup were our choices! Cooked to perfection, Latin style! A Great advice​ by the crew! Fried plantains, salad, dressing, and many more options left on the menu to try again Service was great! Food took a little bit longer but great food ​is not fast food! It takes time to prepare it, and our dishes were very well prepared! Why not 5 Starts... because great food deserves good wine, sadly they don't have great wine to complement such magnificent dishes... Next time I hope! read more

Had dinner here with a friend. I live right down the street and thought a quick place was something we both needed. The food was just ok. I truly expected better based on reviews. I had the chicken and beef fajitas. The beef was way too chewy. The chicken was nice though. The reformed beans were also good. My friend had the chicken piccata which was most but had way too much sauce, it was swimming in it. It tasted ok though but very heavy. The chips were pretty good. But given the choices of some great Latino restaurants in the area I don't think I'll be back. read more

I ordered takeout by text message on the Yelp mobile app, picked up my order about 45 minutes later. The response i received was exceptional and im going to order takeout from La Union more often. My food was Chicken Brochette and Shrimp Ajillo, with chips and salsa appetizer, house salad and rice. I loved it all, very deliciously prepared. Oh yes, i also asked for 2 bottles of cola. I have been coming to dine at La Union for about 15 years. This review is my first one. I must say it is long overdue! The prices are higher yes, but to me, the food and service are well deserving. read more

My first time here. A friendly and pleasant staff with good food. My Tipico plate was perfectly cooked and very satisfying.

I just recently joined Yelp, but wanted to mention that La Union has become one of our regular stops for Mexican food and the occasional margarita for over 10 years. The food and service has been consistently great, the prices are reasonable, and it"s kid friendly. I usually get the fajitas (I have no idea how they get the meat so tender), but everything I've tried over the years has been really good. We just happened to wander in one day, but it's definitely worth the trip even if your not in the neighborhood. read more

I love to come here. The food is extremely good and the service is very griendly. The pupusas are excellent, as are the Salvadoran main dishes. The Mexican fishes don't taste entirely authentic, but they're still good. The decor isn't great, but I'm willing to overlook that. My one gripe is the prices. They used to be extraordinarily reasonable. Now they're in line with most other Arlington restaurants. It's definitely having an effect on patronage. We used to come almost weekly, but can't justify spending $20 each (without drinks or dessert) so frequently. When we do go, the crowds are much smaller than they once were. I hope they can survive. read more

Food here was delicious. I started with a cheese pupusa - cheesy and very yum. My main entree was "el típico" which was marinated steak filet with rice/beans and fried plantain. Rice and refried beans were standard but the steak really exceeded expectations. They cooked it medium rare as I requested and the portion was generous. La Union is my new go-to Mexican / Central American restaurant. The prices are very reasonable and service was friendly. read more

The bad - the guacamole...oh...it's bad. It looked like it was squeezed out of a bag not made fresh. The good - very reasonably priced, great service, & the brochette de carne. Damn the brocette de carne was delicious. read more

La Union es muy bueno! Food is excellent, service is top notch, prices are very reasonable! 3 great things as far as I'm concerned when trying to find my "go to" Mexican Restaurant! read more

Being stuck at the Virginia Hospital Center for 3 weeks as a patient hospital food turns gross very quickly! So craving mexican food I searched around for places I could have people bring me food from. After reading the yelp reviews, I was very excited to try this place out! It was nothing short of the reviews! The chicken taquitos were something I was just planning on being just eh, but they were actually delicious! I've been craving them ever since!! I honestly wasn't a huge fan of the enchiladas, but I really want to try the papusas! I love love love them so I've been craving them. Unfortunately I cant say much for dining in which im sure makes the experience all the better because it comes out fresh and hot! But overall I would say great food and I wish I lived in arlington to eat here more! read more

We went for lunch on a Friday. I had the range of reviews and was curious to experience their food myself. I took my 6 year old son who adores burritos and tacos. We ordered the bean and cheese burrito thinking we couldn't go wrong. My son was not a fan. Burrito came smothered in cheese (it wasn't an enchilada) with refried beans and cheese inside. Passable but not delicious. I ordered the bean tamale and it came naked (no corn husk wrapping) with black beans. Again, I was expecting better. I also ordered the pupusas because they highlight them. They were the best part of the meal. Served with a small cabbage salad which was decent. I also had the fruit salad agua fresca....which as cloyingly sweet but could be improved if they decreased the sugar. My son had the housemade horchata (which he typically loves) but it too was just too sweet, covered up the better flavors. Sorry to say it but the other positive reviewers may not have been to the west coast to experience their mexican food. We'll not be turning it into a second visit. There are Mexican and El Salvadorean around here but they're just not up to par. read more

Had dinner last night. My boyfriend had the enchilada plate. He liked the chicken the best out of the three (beef, chicken, cheese). I had the Don Pepe plate and asked that they substitute the burrito for a taco, so it was a chile releno, taco and chicken enchilada. Both entrees came with re fried beans and rice. Chips and salsa were complimentary and we ordered the guacamole which was excellent. Along with two house margaritas the bill totaled $42! Wow...we'll definitely be back soon. read more

La Union is a great place to take the family! I asked my father in law for my wife's hand in marriage at la union! The pupusas are delicious and the customer service is great too! My wife and I always have a great time here! read more

I was really satisfied with the food I ate at La Union. I would definitely go back. Preempt your entree with their chips and salsa. Don't worry, they've got it covered. I don't know if you can go wrong with any of their menu items, but I'll have a lot of fun finding out. The only trouble was the service. Our waitress came by once to bring our water, once to take our order, and a final time to bring our order out. That was it. No refills, no check, we had to do everything ourselves. That was really annoying, but I was feeling so good from the food that I don't feel like complaining too much. Parking was interesting. If it gets too busy, I'm sure you have options around the block. The staff is very friendly, once you make your way up to the register to pay. The atmosphere is cute and warm. read more

The chicken quesadilla barely had any chicken. I made a tennis ball wad of the cheese and found 2-3 chicken pieces in each triangle of my quesadilla. Very disappointing. read more

Go to El Paso on Pershing instead. Queso was cheese wiz; overall food lacked flavor; Caesar salad was bland; ordered a steak rare, came well done. Service was great, well packaged delivery, quick, but food was not worth it. read more

My neighborhood spot. I used to live across the street, we went once or twice a week, awesome place - good food and super friendly. Just was thinking about it today, we're going to start going again weekly no matter what it takes!!! ha. read more

What a wonderfully delightful Salvadoran place in Arlington. My buddies and I stopped by here for lunch and left happy and full of delicious food. Coming at 2:30 on a Saturday, we were one of only two parties in the entire restaurant. However, we had wonderful service from our waiter, who pleasantly joked with us and talked us through some of the menu items. Two thumbs up for him. We all got the horchata to drink, which was refreshing on a hot August afternoon. I'm no horchata connoisseur but it was good! It had a nice slight nutty flavor to it. But the food, omg the food. So much and so good! I got the El Tipico, which is basically a giant plate of all the good stuff - steak, rice, beans, avocado, plantains, and cheese. The steak was thin but large and cooked to perfection, well seasoned with lots of flavor. I love plantains, so I'm very glad they were a part of the dish. I had to take some rice and steak home because of the large portion size. La Union doesn't look like much on the outside, but inside they serve huge portions of delicious food with great service; I can't wait to come back! read more

Pupusas were incredible! Chips and guac weren't worth it, too acidic for my taste, but I wasn't even hungry after the amazing pupusas.

I've passed by this restaurant for years and finally gave it a try - wish I had stopped in sooner! Place was packed, and had to wait a few minutes to get seated. Looking around, I noticed that the plates getting carried away were completely clean.. a very good sign. We were originally going to order chimichangas, but our waiter recommended the signature dishes as first timers. Our server was very helpful in explaining the most popular dishes and recommended one of the five marinated steak filets. We decided on the El Tipico - it did not disappoint! Steak was cooked perfectly (medium-rare), and the sides (rice, refried beans, plantains) were delicious. Everything was so tasty - it was hard to stop eating. Prices are reasonable and the staff was very friendly. They came by regularly to check on us. Will definitely be coming back more often. read more

Thank you so much my fellow Yelpers for helping me find this place! Awesome hole in the wall place! It is restaurants like this that I love and search for. Everything is made in house and cooked in house. Their version of ropa vieja is great! I had the shrimp dish with cream (can't remember the name right now of course) but yes it was good! I also like that they give you good portions of vegetables, rice and meat, so they do not overload you with rice and skimp on the meat and veggies like other Latin restaurants tend to. Guacamole was salty, but it was fresh! I will definitely be back. read more

Ate their the other night, and I wasn't disappointed despite expectations off of here. The service is as others say it is, they make you feel like you're old friends. We stuck with the Mexican food, but we saw some other dishes that looked pretty good after we ordered. The steak fajitas were well-seasoned, although I prefer a little more medium rare (more personal preference). My wife had the tacos. Both were above average. I do prefer El Paso's food a little more, but the service is far superior here and it does have cheaper prices. read more

Delicious, cheap, family friendly. Everything I could have hoped for in a local small El Salvadoran restaurant. The horchata was super good. The chalupas were great, fried, but not greasy. The service was great and super welcoming. We will be back for sure. read more

One of our favorite local restaurants! Great food, we've tried most of the menu and enjoyed everything but most frequently get the Bistec Ranchero, pupusas, tamales, Plato Tipico. read more

This is an excellent restaurant. We walked in, before noon, in a group of eight people with no reservation, and this place had no problem handling it. The service was good and they got all of the food out at the same time. The Carne Deshilada was delicious and I would order it again. Shredded steak with eggs and tomato. (somewhat like an omelet, but more steak than egg). read more

The parking is kind of tough if it's busy. But don't let that stop you. The food is really good. I ordered a plate that I'm very familiar with and I was impressed. I also appreciated the service. Everyone was very polite and attentive. At one point I believe the owner was found around and sparking up conversations. They also have traditional salvadorean beers like Pilsner. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for good food and service. read more

We love La Union and they're doing a great job with COVID protections. I either pay in advance and have them bring the food to the car or run in and pick up our order. The pupusas, enchiladas, and burritos are great! read more

La Union is one of the best neighborhood spots in all of Arlington. Their food is absolutely amazing. When I walk in the door, it feels like I'm eating at a friend's house. This is definitely the place to go for great Salvadoran food and friendly faces. I've been going here for years, and to this day I have yet to turn down an offer to go. Keep up the great work y'all! PS: El Tipico is my go-to order read more

Went with 2 friends... we were all happy with our food. I got the El Mexicano which is basically stuff pepper (Chile Rellenos) and chicken enchiladas with refried beans and rice - it's not bad but not super impressive. My friends had the El Tipico (steak fillet and an assortment of food like rice and avocado) and the shrimp fajitas. I would recommend the latter because he couldn't stop talking about how tasty it was (and it certainly looked so!). I'd also recommend the Enchilada Salvadorena (in the appetizer section). Avacado, cheese, and cripsy tostada. That was a home run for me :) read more

I came here because the reviews on yelp were good. Friendly and professional customer service. I got the chicken fajitas and beef fajitas for my bf after his cricket game. The food was sooo good. I got a tamale elote and really loved it. The flan wasn't the best I have ever had. But I came for the main course not dessert. If I didnt live in annapolis I would make this a regular spot, but whenever I am on that side of town I will always try to stop through. read more

La Union Restaurant - Chicken and shrimp fajitas salsa chips and tamale elote is off the hook. The ensalada fruita is yummy! - Mexican Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I love this place. My usual order: Sopa de res, Platanos fritos con crema Hole in the wall place, great food, quick & friendly service. read more

La Union repeatedly earns my business. This is hands down the best Mexican food in the area.

Don't get me wrong place is nice they were friendly when I called and picked my order up. First time going to this restaurant. My review is based on the lack of understanding my order was not right. Yes I order supreme nacho that mean it come with two meats, he said it came with ground beef and chicken and I told him I wanted that with steak and grill chicken. The gentleman that answered the phone would rather keep going back and fourth about I Didn't hear you say steak. Okay it was the lack of communication between us I wanted my order right I was willing to come back and get it fix or a refund, I was told I couldn't bring it back due to COVID and if I want to get what I wanted correctly I need to repurchase it. Not fair because for $10.50 plus tax I get these Nachos all soggy with ground beef shredded chicken made with bell peppers and onions I don't eat onions or tomatoes cooked. I thought nachos come with the meat refried beans and the melted cheese. The Middle of the nachos is a few nacho chip that was very soggy with chicken broth. I was looking at the menu when I was ordering over the phone didn't state it was going to bring all that. Now I have to go through my credit card company to get this resolved. read more

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This is my favorite Latin food in Arlington. My family has been coming here for years and I always enjoy going back. I always get the three enchiladas. They are amazing and so are the beans and rice that come with them. Pupusas are also a great appetizer to get here. I really like their chips and salsa here as well that come with the meal, though on occasion, the chips weren't as fresh as other times. This place usually isn't very crowded and has a quite atmosphere. The service is always quick and the staff is very friendly. The menu is also cheap. I know a lot of newer Mexican places like serving food in fancy taco holders and have enormous jumbo margaritas, so if you are looking for that you should look elsewhere. The aesthetics from the outside and inside won't wow you but the food will. This is classic Latin food and you won't be disappointed. read more

I've only eaten here once so far, but this is a fantastic spot in the wasteland of the Arlington Mexican options. The guacamole is the best I've ever had, anywhere. It's very tart and fresh without tasting overwhelmingly of lime and the portion is large for $4. We also ordered the queso dip, which was a delicious bowl of melted cheese sauce. It wasn't as memorable as the guac, but still very good. My entree was a burrito with grilled steak. The steak was stunningly good for being such an obviously cheap cut of meat. It had clearly been marinated for a long time and grilled to order. It was juicy, tender, and flavorful - way better than I was expecting. The refried beans, too, were delicious. Overall, I was taken aback and how loaded with flavor everything was considering that it just LOOKED like totally average cheapo Mexican food. My girlfriend ordered chicken enchiladas. The chicken was very juicy and flavorful too; much better than the standard shredded chicken you usually see. The service was also fantastic. Our waiter was quick, attentive, and friendly. The prices were right too, with most entrees running around $10. The portions were generous, although not massive. I'll be back. This is my new go-to Mexican restaurant in the area. read more