Interested in trying some new Latin American spots in Washington? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Latin American cuisine.
Maizal
429 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 450
Maizal is a South American street food stall at the L’Enfant Plaza food court.
The menu features customizable rice bowls and arepas — stuffed corn-flour flatbreads popular across South America — encompassing flavors from Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina and Peru.
First-time restaurateur and Colombia-native Dario Arana-Rojas tells Eater that he and his business partner have "an aggressive plan for growth," with a second location in the works for the forthcoming Ballston Quarter Market food hall.
Maizal currently holds 4.5 stars out of eight reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Brent F., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on April 25, said, "Great new addition to the L'Enfant Plaza food court! If you are like me, and you have never heard of an arepa before, just order two of the signature arepas. Food is good in taste, portion and cost, and it is made quickly."
Yelper Gellie E. added, “Extensive menu and a welcome addition to L'Enfant Plaza. Its point of view is different enough — rice bowls (similar to Roti) and arepas — to add into the lunch rotation."
Intrigued? Stop in to try it for yourself. Maizal is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. (It's closed on weekends.)
Mister Rotisserie
3501 Georgia Ave. NW, Park View
Mister Rotisserie is a dining and takeout spot that recently debuted in Park View.
According to its website, Mister Rotisserie takes a modern approach to classic Latin dishes. The kitchen specializes in charcoal-roasted rotisserie chicken, burgers, sandwiches and more, along with Latin American sides like rice, beans, fried yuka and tortillas. (Check out the full menu here.)
So far, Mister Rotisserie has one three-star review on Yelp, but it's still early days.
Yelper Wilson B., who reviewed Mister Rotisserie on May 4, wrote: "Location, location, location. This two or three block of Georgia Avenue is really coming up in the world with the handful of new food and drink options and more to come. I'm a fan because they are all small business, not selling the same old, same old, and that is refreshing to see."
Mister Rotisserie is open from 10–1 a.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 10–3 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon-3 a.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Bandit Taco
1946 New Hampshire Ave. NW, U Street Corridor
Bandit Taco is a new Mexican spot serving standards, like carnitas, shrimp and al pastor tacos, as well as novel offerings like Korean beef tacos and wild mushroom quesadillas.
Located at 1946 New Hampshire Ave. NW in the U Street Corridor, it recently ranked highly on Washington City Paper's list of the best new taco places.
On Taco Tuesday, select tacos go for $2 each, according to the shop's Facebook page.
Yelp users are excited about Bandit Taco, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 63 reviews on the site.
Yelper Camsie M., who reviewed Bandit Taco on April 2, wrote, "The tiny street-style corn tortillas were soft and flavorful, and the taco was almost generous enough to make two servings."
"Really good yucca fries," added Yelper Melissa C. "Veggie quesadilla seemed really large. Fish taco was pretty good, but had a little too much sauce and cabbage. I think two tacos and yucca fries would be a good meal here."
Bandit Taco is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30–1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Mayahuel
2609 24th St. NW, Woodley Park
Mayahuel is a Day of the Dead-themed restaurant and bar opened by co-owners Jawad Saadaoui and Miguel Pizarroso. Located at 2609 24th St. NW in Woodley Park, it features tacos and ceviche, as well as cocktails by Fabian Malone, formerly of Lucky Buns, Eater reports.
Diners should expect to find appetizers like braised lamb nachos, fried plantains and grilled corn, along with entrees like tacos de lengua with habanero-mango salsa. There's also buckets of beer and frozen margaritas. (You can check out the full menu here.)
Yelp users are generally positive about Mayahuel, which currently holds four stars out of 35 reviews on the site.
Yelper Madhu R., who reviewed Mayahuel on March 26, wrote: "Awesome food and great vibe. Finally a nice, classy restaurant in Woodley Park."
And Alex S. noted: "[The tacos] were all delicious and vibrant tasting, but my favorites were the brisket and the beef tongue. Both are moist and juicy, and one of them has this super unique mango salsa that is just dynamite."
According to its website, Mayahuel is open from 5–10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5-9 p.m. Sunday.
