Dirt Cheap Eats 2008: La Caraquena

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Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Kate Nerenberg , Rina Rapuano

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La Caraqueña

300 W. Broad St.
Falls Church, VA
Phone: 703-533-0076

Cuisines:
South American

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
East Falls Church

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Intimate

Reservations:
Not needed

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Best Dishes
Fried arepas with egg, carne mechada, or served plain; salteñas; corn salad; black-bean soup; sopa de mani (peanut soup); black beans and rice; diputado, (steak sandwich); cuatro leches cake.

Price Details:
Starters $2.49 to $8.99, entrées $10.99 to $16.99.

Reader's Rating:

5 out of 5

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$5.99 arepas at La Caraqueña (300 W. Broad St., Falls Church; 703-533-0076).This restaurant has staked its reputation on the sometimes fried, sometimes griddled corn cakes known in Venezuela as arepas, a grab-and-go snack that is to that country what burgers are to Americans. The menu lists nearly a dozen satisfying varieties, including ham and cheese, shredded beef known as carne mechada ($6.49), and scrambled eggs and onions. They make for deeply satisfying overstuffed sandwiches. But a plain arepa ($1.99) called viuda, or “widow,” is no less wonderful. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner.

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Reader ReviewsWrite your own review

Fine cooking

Lynn830 — July 18, 2010 6:31 PM

The saltenas and arepas are excellent! So is the beef criollo. The place is a bit pricey -- lunch for two easily runs $25. And if you are used to ethnic places running $12-16 for two people, it is expensive. The cooking, however, is suburb. The More ...

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Neighborhood Gem

Patricia — October 28, 2009 11:43 AM

La Caraquena exceeded my expectations. The food is amazing. Saltenas and arepas are delicious. The soup was very tasty and the salad full of fresh and good quality ingredients. Definitely a neighborhood Gem we'll be visiting again and again.

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