Can anyone recommend a good Mexican restaurant?

We love On The Border in Reston. Is there something similar out this way?

 

The Tortilla Factory in Herndon

clwjl5

 

They are OK. We were hoping for something close. We like to do take out now and then and prefer local.

 

I grew up in Phoenix, and I can't find anything decent here locally. I live for visits back there, just so I can go to Macayo's. We've tried several in Leesburg and Sterling, and have found them mediocre. The best we have found locally is Tia's in Fair Lakes - near CompUSA. But the best we have found is down in Warrenton - El Agave. It takes us an hour to get there, but its worth it.

 

We go to La Chosita in Leesburg. Their nachos are the best I've ever had.

 

Rio Grande in Reston

 

Taco Bell

 

Los Toltecos in Sterling. At least, I think that's what it's called...

 

Tigger - Oh wow! - my husband and I have been to Arizona several times and always eat at Macayo's. We totally got spoiled and now nothing around here even comes close! I can't stand Don Pablos....very bland and ho hum. I'll have to try the place you recommend in Warrenton. We love Mexican food - but there is no place in this area that I will even go to anymore. I can make it better at home.

 

There is a Chevy's Fresh Mex coming to Dulles Town Center. Never been to one but I am willing to give it a shot. They are a chain. Has anyone been to one?

 

Down here lots of people love Picante--just west of the intersection of 28 and 50, on the south side of 50. It is in the little mall with Sully's, the music store, 7-11 etc across from Avion. Friends from Arizona swear by it, as does a friend from Texas.

Barbara Munsey, from South Riding.

 

El Agave is just inside Warrenton. Take 29-S through Gainesville and take 29 into town. It will be on the right side 1-2 miles. It's in a shopping center with a Staples, just past the Panera. Found a website: http://www.zylonis.com/index.html
251 W. Lee Hwy Ste. 640
Warrenton VA 20186
I've been thinking about Macayo's tamales all afternoon, since I posted that. Unfortunately, we won't be able to go back until next Spring.

I'll have to try the Picante down near South Riding. Thanks for the tip.

 

I've been to Chevy's out in IL and one in MD, but it's been years. I do remember that their salsa was awesome!

 

There is a wonderful El Salvadoran resturant in Leesburg, off of 7 in downtown. Right behind the gas station. Looks terrible, but the best El Salvadoran, Mexican and Cuban food.
Also, very reasonable. For a family of 5, I spent $34, including, taxs, tip and appitizers.

 

Del Rio as you enter Leesburg on the left. Only a short drive away!!!

 

I forgot to mention on what Chsalas just said, he is right on target the place is not out to win awards on decoration and ambiance...But the food is of great quality and their rotissery chicken is the best!!! If any of you have ever had chicken from a MD chain called "Crisp & Juicy" you'll be pleased. ( be sure not to pass up the yuca fries they are addictive ) Ok, while I am at it their black beans are tasteee!

 

Been to Chevy's in Orlando and in San Francisco and both were excellent. Great atmosphere, food and prices. We have a few in the DC area closer in and are excited to try the new one at the Mall.

 

Teocalli Tamale in Herndon (Elden Street)is the best I've had in Northern VA. It might remind you of Chipotle when you go in there, but the food is much better.

 

Is this the same Chevy's that is in Fairfax (near the original Sweetwater Tavern) and one at Pentagon City (if its still there)? Been there a few times and it seemed to me to be nothing great, just decent "chain" style Mexican food.

 

As I grew up in Colorado, this is a thread that hits close to home for me, too. I'll have to try out some of the recommendations, especially on my next drive out west past Warrenton. I am not an expert by any stretch, and my husband thinks my obsession with Mexican food is crazy, but here is my $.02:

I haven't eaten at a Chevy's in a while, for a good reason. I thought it was pretty bad. (This was the Pentagon City location.)

Teocalli Tamale in Herndon has the best guacamole! (And of course it is Colorado inspired, so it can't be bad -- its original sister location is in Telluride, CO.)

Rio Grande has great fajitas (although I've only been to the locations in Arlington and Bethesda).

I actually like Don Pablo's (www.donpablos.com - by the Cascades Target). Not bad for a "big box" restaurant.

Now I'm hungry!


Pam D.