Why go: This small, bright cafe is filled with Latinos who know a good deal. Portions are big, with steaks sometimes covering the plate. But don’t come for pizza—despite the sign out front, the place doesn’t sell any.
What to get: Chicken or beef salteñas, eggy dough encasing semisweet stews; humintas, a sweet version of tamales; lomo, a stick-to-your-ribs dish of steak and eggs plus fries and mashed potatoes; sopa de mani, a restorative soup flavored with beef broth and peanuts.
Best for: Hearty appetites.
Insider tip: The menu says salteñas are available weekends only, but they’re sometimes offered during the week as a special.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
