Los Tios Grill is a chain. I've tried their Del Rey, Virginia location during the take-out only time, and loved their fajitas and to-go margaritas. But, I was curious to try their regular service menu one day. Well, I was walking on a Sunday morning, looking for a church that might be holding services along 23rd Street in Arlington, Virginia, when the smell of the restaurant caught my attention as I walked down the street and remembered my desire to try again. The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere, displaying colorful art pieces and promoting a comfortable, but higher than "casual" dining atmosphere. The place speaks of cultural pride and fully engages that aspect of the culinary experience. The staff was amazingly friendly. If you're familiar with Latin American hospitality, this place exudes it. I ordered the Salvadoran version of the carne asada, which is slightly different than the Mexican version, but only in the amount of spices used to season the meat. It was absolutely fantastic! They used flank steak, which is typical. It was perfectly seasoned and left me wanting more! The beans were simple basic Mexican food variety beans and I absolutely love that they were not fussy or seasoned excessively. They were a perfect complement to the meal. The salad had both tomato and avocado in it, and was light and refreshing. The corn tortillas were small thick tortillas, which are more commonly used as edible utensils than for assembling a taco. Oh! Ask for the habanero sauce... It is a perfect complement to the steak. I grew up along the southern border and spent most of my adult life eating spicy foods. The habanero sauce had some kick to it, but I did not find it to be oppressive. The margarita was fantastic! I ordered the "big" one--lime with salt and on the rocks. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor and the simplicity of the margarita! Now, one thing about me, I don't give a flying rip about presentation. I come to a restaurant to eat, not to be impressed with colors and layout of food items. That being said, Los Tios Grill put together a very appealing plate. I judge Mexican/Latino restaurants by basic standards. First, the beans have to be amazing. I don't want fussy beans with chunks of stuff in them to make them look Charro or fancy. I just want ordinary beans to taste great. Los Tios nailed it! The next category I use for judging a Mexican/Latino restaurant is their margaritas. I only ever order lime margaritas on the rocks. If they can't handle a basic margarita, then they're probably not going to be able to handle their food. Again, Los Tios presented an amazing margarita. Couldn't be happier! Another critical category for me is the salsa provided before the meal. I despise cilantro! There is no way for me to enjoy cilantro. It is of the devil; it must be thrown into the lake of fire! Sadly, this restaurant put fresh cilantro into their salsa. However! It was in large enough pieces that I could remove it from the salsa and enjoy. The salsa was not amazing, but it was sufficient for my enjoyment of the meal. They also offer a nice wine and beer selection. read more

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We ordered pupusas (pork & cheese) and chilaquiles and they were both good. Their salsa taste homemade which is an added bonus. Price is decent as well considering location. read more

I've been having a craving Mexican food for ages! I came here alone on a Friday night and was seated right away. I ordered chicken chimichanga, white sangria margarita and tres leches. The chicken chimichanga came up in lightening speed! I was a bit skeptical, but it was piping hot and delicious. It wasn't as crunchy as I would like, but it was good nonetheless. The sangria margarita was pretty weak and the cake wasn't good at all. However, I so appreciated the service and good meal I won't hold it against them. I'll Come back! read more

Good food and good service I personally loved the decor due to their paintings. I didn't get a chance to get a picture of my chimichanga because I was starving but it was delicious. The salsa was good. The only thing i found odd was that there was no option for guacamole as a appetizer, but I did not ask either to see if it would be possible. Guac was part of my main dish. read more

Los Tios Grill - Chips and salsa - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Food was great! First time coming. We will definitely come back. I suggest you to Order chicharrón con yucca and fajitas! read more

Los Tios Grill - Fajitas Absolutely delicious ! This was my first time. Everything was delicious. - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This cute little restaurant in the Crystal City area packed some fresh, delicious flavors! For starters, the frozen margaritas are amazing, so definitely get one to sip. I would also recommend the guacamole. It was creamy and flavorful. The ingredients were fresh, and the guacamole had a consistent flavor all the way through. I also ordered the Pollo Mexicano and it was so so good! The grilled chicken breast was juicy and had that grilled taste all the way through. It was topped with two large shrimp and covered in a superb cilantro picó sauce. The side of rice was cooked perfectly, and tied the protein and vegetables all together. I'm not a big fan of black beans, so that side could be left out in my opinion. The patio was nice and the service was prompt. read more

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Second trip and definitely stepped up their game. Staff was so very efficient and friendly. Food was excellent. I had a bean burrito and it was awesome. They had live music tonight and was very good. Not sure about parking as we walked but it's worth eating here. Starting to look like my go to Hispanic restaurant when staying here. Oh and prices are very good. Try it. You'll like it. read more

Los Tios Grill - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Service was great. Atmosphere was fun. Food looked amazing, but fell short. Just wasn't quite what I was expecting.

The food here is not that great. It tasted like can beans, and box rice.. Nothing tasted fresh here. My bartender was not interested in serving me, and although the bartender had a polite attitude, it just was not a great experience. The salsa is watery no flavor, but the chips were decent. They have a lot of seating, outdoor and indoor. And the ambience seemed like it could be a fun place to hang out it just wasn't a good experience for me. read more

A delightful afternoon with several tequilas and the salsa verde. And the most incredible guitar player. A very happy hour indeed. read more

To be honest, I'd give this a 2.5 if I could. I've been twice, first time I got the beef chimichanga which was fine but nothing impressed me. The portion was fine and I didn't have a problem with anything but it just wasn't something that I felt was restaurant quality (meaning I could make it at home). One friend got the fajitas and they were good, decent portion and looked appetizing and the other friend got the Salvadorian tamales which seemed to be the middle quality between my dish and the fajitas. They each had the margaritas which they said were good (the happy hour deal is actually pretty good on them). The second time I went it was just for drinks but I also ordered the tres leche which wasn't very good. It was served too cold, like it had been frozen and then partly defrosted, really took away from the flavor and the typical texture. On a different note, I also take issue with their (complimentary) chips and salsa. The chips are not salted at all which leaves them quite bland and the salsa seems to be a very watery pico which just didn't really do it for me. Overall wasn't really impressed, honestly think the other Mexican place that it replaced was better. Go for happy hour margs but otherwise, I wouldn't really recommend. read more

Came here for an early dinner and there was a ton of open seating. We got seated outside right away and the waiter was pretty attentive. Everything was a-ok Beef enchilada - beef was more of a stew meat than carne asada. It wasn't super flavorful but I loved all the fresh toppings and guacamole. Rice was also not really flavorful and beans were okay Bean burrito - wet burrito with lots of cheese and beans. Solid. They also gave us some additional chips and salsa for free, but the last time my fiancé came they charged him for additional tortillas Portions were big and prices were good. We had leftovers and I think everything tasted a little better reheated. Solid place if you are looking for Mexican in the area read more

This place was awesome! The fajitas were hot and fresh the waiter was great! The cheese wasn't my favorite but I'm also use to white queso! But I still ate it! Everything else was amazing! read more

I had the Parrallida, which is a giant fajita platter and it was really good! The bbq ribs were good, the sauce was sweet, the steak and chicken were very good especially when they were extra hot, I also enjoyed the chorizo thoroughly (which also had that sweet bbq sauce.) The guac was pretty good and fresh but was pricey for a small side, but I didn't need to order it since the Parrallida had guac included. The free salsa was nice and fresh and tasted great with the fresh tortilla chips. The food was good and hot, the service was quick, the only fault was the price. I found it to be a bit pricey for what we got. read more

Los Tios Grill - Parradillo - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

My wife and I live across the street and have seen signs indicating "Coming Soon!" Today was the first time we visited this location and it was GREAT. We ordered a skinny margarita, guacamole, chicken fajitas, and the El Ranchero burrito bowl. We recommend all. With a drink, appetizer, and two entrees, our total tab was around $55, which is an amazing value. The portions were sizeable and we had to take home 1/3 of the meal. Our server was incredibly attentive and kind. This place was well worth the wait-- we will be returning soon and absolutely recommend others to have as great of a time as we did this afternoon! Thanks foe brining the goodness to Crystal City! read more

Los Tios Grill - Guacamole - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I live in the neighborhood and was excited to see the "Coming Soon" sign. Came in for lunch and ordered the Beef Enchilada lunch special. I was not disappointed. It was mild in spiciness, but they had a hot sauce on the side that provided some extra kick to it. My server, Lidia, was courteous and excellent. Looking forward to coming back for dinner in the near future. Welcome to the neighborhood Los Tios Grill. read more

Los Tios Grill - Beef Enchilada Lunch Special - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We came here on a random search for a place for a casual dinner Spot close to the Hampton inn in crystal city. This place was just about a block away (walking distance) and it had ac (definite required it was hot). The insides is decorated tastefully with mexican decor and had comfortable wooden chairs and tables. (Defitely a comfortable place to linger when in groups). (Pic) The staff was really on point....I mean they was really on it.....a very well spirited and disciplined bunch either that or they witnessing me taking pics of everything and figured out I was a yelper or maybe food critic lol The food was fairly priced and had decent portions. The menu was a mix between Mexican and El Salvadorian food. The drinks was affordable (margaritas was too expensive to try) I did not like how they did not have prices listed on any of their drink selections (make sure to ask prices before ordering) My wife went with some kind of stew (its on the menu) ...she said it was very soft and was similar to beef stew....she liked it.....I went with their New york steak . . the steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned unlike anything I have ever tasted (yum).. Pupusas (google it) was so good .....my wife liked their plantanes.... Fair prices efficient staff tasty good food..if you are staying at the Hampton in Crystal City nothing wrong with Los tio..... read more

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Awesome Flavors, Excellent food! I had the Salvadoran Mojarra Frittata, my wife had the Los Tios tacos and Salvadoran Chicken Tamal, with Plantanos Fritos and Yuca Frita. I have not had ethnic food this great in a long while! Love it, give it a try. You will not be disappointed. read more

Los Tios Grill - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Friendly staff, great guacamole, strong drinks. Enough said. Spent the afternoon hanging out and drinking margaritas and having chips, queso, and guacamole. Could do that almost everyday at Los Tios if I could afford it. read more

Los Tios Grill - Margaritas, spicy Guacamole and Queso. - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Really like this place! Vibe is great, chill place to have a nice meal outside and people watch. Been here about 3 times and every time tried new food and it's been consistently good. The guac is very limey and fresh. The chicken in the enchiladas is tender and flavorful! Must try: Chimichanga Guac Taquitos Enjoy :) read more

Los Tios Grill - Chicken and cheese enchilada - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I love it, the food was simple and very good nice staff and service. Good drinks menu we were a party of 3 and we all liked our food, the beers were very reasonably priced and i got the sangria that very yummy and strong. And the manager was very nice because I asked for a coke snd he didn't even charge me for it. read more

Food is always good and the staff is pretty friendly and responsive but let's talk about their frozen margaritas!!! Nothing beats one or two or three of their giant frozen margaritas during the hot days of summer. Highly recommend!!! read more

Los Tios Grill - Frozen strawberry margarita - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

the food was good and tasted authentic. i really enjoyed the chips and the yucca fries. i got the tortilla soup as my main dish because i wasn't feeling well and it was also tasty. i didn't hear any complaints from my family about the meal (they had chicken burritos) and i would try it again in the future. read more

Los Tios Grill - sopa de tortilla - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This Mexican food was severely disappointing especially since I've had such good Mexican food in the arlington area. I did carryout from los tios and opted for the chicken tacos. The meal came with refried beans, rice and veggies, and a dollop of guacamole with pico de gallo and sour cream. The chicken in the tacos were oversized and it was slightly burnt. The seasoning was overdone and it was very americanized. Not necessarily what I was expecting from a Mexican restaurant. The refried beans redeemed the meal and they were delicious! The tacos also came with chips which were crispy and great to eat with the guacamole and salsa that were provided. Overall disappointing meal from this restaurant. read more

Great food and exceptional service! I only post if the both the food and service are worthy of my time to do so. The salsa for the chips was full of really really fresh ingredients. The mojito was one of the best I've ever had, and I have had them all over the world. Perfect mix between sweet and smooth alcohol flavor with just the right amount of fresh mint leaves and lime. The filet mignon Salvatore (special of the day) was another amazing menu item. The mix of tender beef, cooked tomatoes, crispy red bell peppers, onions, and french fries (yes, french fries) was absolutely perfect. I can't say enough about the food and the service. It is easy to get to with parking around the corner and within walking distance of the metro. In a town full of great places to eat and pseudo-professional foodie critics...this place will endure as it has for years. read more

Los Tios Grill - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Ordered steak fajitas and the steak was seasoned to perfection. The chips were light and crispy and the table side guacamole was a huge portion. Can't wait to go back. read more

Worst meal I have had in a mexican restaurant. Chilaquiles had sauce soaked chips, dry grilled chicken, dry white rice. Overall a dried out inedible dish. Husbands tacos were marginal with baked beans and yellow rice. Yuck. Can't give zero stars. read more

The food is okay. Rice and beans are great. None of the protein or tortilla fillings or sauces were memorable. I have had taquitos in the past and they are awesome. Also, be sure to ask for their hot sauce or spicier salsa it's delish. The margaritas were delish and pretty fast service for a busy cinco de Mayo. read more

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After having an excellent takeout experience at the Del Ray location, I ordered delivery from this location, as I did not see it offered from Del Ray. I ordered the same thing I'd ordered previously, a chicken chimichanga. I was impressed that it only took 30 minutes from order to delivery, which I figured was a good sign. But I was wrong. The chimichanga was not at all crispy. The beautiful beans had no seasoning and were undercooked. And I asked for no crema, but they clearly forgot, because I could see it scraped off the guacamole. I'm disappointed at the extreme differences and will not be ordering from this location again. read more

This place has a nice outdoor seating area with social distancing. But more importantly this place has the best margaritas!! We usually come here for the fajitas and margaritas! Don't forget the queso.. read more

Came here to have a Margarita with my husband and ordered a Large Sangria Margarita and he got just the classic and this was pretty much like drinking a sour lime juice and a slushy! We also ordered their cheese dip and it was like throwing yellow American cheese in milk (could have done at home better). Overpriced and bad drinks/food. read more

Don't come for the margaritas. I came here with a buzz hoping to enjoy a night out with my wife and have some good margaritas. Ordered the large margarita which had no tequila at all and lost and lost my buzz. Should have just got water. ): read more

Food was not appetizing, but I was very hungry after not eating all day. The beans were bad, not to mention no options were given (black beans not offered). There were unusual veggies (celery? Included) in my fajitas. Tortillas came out crispy, cracked when I tried to make something. Salsa resembled canned tomato soup. Go to your local taco truck before trying this place.. half the price and better food read more

Awesome food. House salad was awesome, w/tons of fresh avocado! Their Queso is great, fajitas are awesome! It's great they have a Mexican place in Crystal city row now. I'm a fan, don't hesitate to come in here and enjoy! Awesome margaritas too! read more

Started off on a sour note when we showed up for our reservation we had made a full 24 hours in advance, and they told us they don't take reservations (even though we had made one the day before and are positive it was the right location). But they did make room for us so we were seated fairly quickly. Everything after that was great. Everyone had (very) large margaritas which we were all happy with - Matrimonia, Baja, spicy, mango. All were delicious and huge. They gave us two rounds of chips and salsa and brought the refills before we were even done with the first. Three of us got fajitas of different kinds of meat and all were delicious and so fresh. The Salvadoran skirt steak was amazing - cooked exactly as ordered and tender and juicy. The plantain quesadilla was very unique and had great flavor. If we went back I would get the skirt steak and plantain quesadilla again. read more

Staying at a hotel just down the street we were looking for a quick place for dinner. Quickly seated and promptly greeted. Comp chips are super thin and crispy! We shared the fajitas, loved that it came with yummy guac. Too full to try dessert. Would definitely go again. read more

Very disappointing and to expensive for the quality and amount of food. . Ordered a beef taco salad and what I got was a bunch of lettuce, 1 slice of tomato, no cheese, beef chunks on the only good thing the shell.. let's not forget the dollop of sour cream. The beef has no flavor and the chunks needed to be cut to bite size to eat. They offer no shredded beef or ground beef. The chips were good and the salsa had good flavor but is so runny that you have to be quick about it.. all for the expensive price of 18.95 for one taco salad at lunch time.. read more

A good choice for belly warming casual food on a street full of choices. Very professional wait staff, flavorful drinks, and excellent Latin food choices. Everything we tried was good! Service was so friendly and quick but we were not rushed. read more

The steak fajitas are amazing! The chicken tacos are good. The chips and salsa has great flavor. Worth the price! read more

Los Tios Grill - Fries - Salvadoran Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Love this place . When we arrived , the hostess apologize because they were short staff but the service was excellent. Everyone was hustling. Waitress, busboy were great . Drink ( Sangra and margaritas were made just right ) The food was absolutely delicious. Fied fish was crispy on the outside and it's so moist and tender. I would recommend this place .. family owned. We will be back read more