Cheap Eats 2007: El Pike (Pike Pizza)

Reviewed by Cynthia Hacinli , Michele Kayal , Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Don Rockwell

El Pike (Pike Pizza)

4111 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA
Phone: 703.521.3010

Cuisines:
Steaks, South American

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Weekend Brunch, Kid Friendly

Best Dishes
Chicken or beef saltenas (weekends only); huminitas; sopa de mani; lomo; mochanchinchi; Inca Cola.

Price Details:
Appetizers $1.35 to $6.95; entrées $5.15 to $11.50


Videos of gyrating women in sequined G-strings fill the overhead TV, but don’t let that fool you: This is a family joint, Bolivian-style, with old men at the counter reading Spanish-language newspapers and little kids playing between tables.

The sign outside reads pike pizza, but the only pies here are salteñas, sweet-spicy meat pastries eaten for breakfast or lunch. Grainy humitas (corn pudding steamed in the husk) are a terrific alternative at night. Spice-rubbed beef called laping chews like jerky and will appeal to diners who like a little gaminess. Cumin-fried pork chops are perfectly matched with a crisp Bolivian Pacena beer.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.