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Welcome to El Centro

El Centro, a vibrant Mexican eatery in Washington, DC, offers a lively atmosphere, attentive service, and a diverse Tex-Mex menu. Known for their traditional tableside guacamole and queso, El Centro also impresses with dishes like Pork Shank Carnitas and flavorful salsa trio. The generous portion sizes and quality of food make it a great value for diners. Whether enjoying the cozy atmosphere indoors or heated outdoor seating, El Centro provides a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on their delicious cocktails, extensive vegan and vegetarian options, and the popular happy hour specials. Join the fun at El Centro for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of the city.

El Centro: Reviews & Ratings

Terry A.
Terry A.

The service was good, ambiance was good, a little loud, but the space is limited. I ordered the taco combination trio. The shrimp and chicken were very good and flavorful. The steak meat seemed to be overcooked and was a little dry, with not a lot of flavor. The queso dip was a little bit too thick, so it was a difficult to serve, as the cheese was too stringy and gooey.

Sehar M.
Sehar M.

I have been to el Centro before and loved it. Most recent, I went there for a skull painting event in celebration of dia de los muertos and loved it. They had these acrylic paints and ceramic skulls to paint that we could take home afterwards. The service was wonderful and they readily offered us basics like chips beyond the buffer they provided to us. With the ticket, they also had free food, which was wonderful and always available. I can't wait to come back to this event hopefully next year!

Tova W.
Tova W.

Went here last night for dinner and drinks. The place was cute, had to walk up stairs for our table (not sure if they have an elevator for people in wheelchairs/other). They did have some seating on ground floor. Place was packed and very popular, the food was delicious - ordered the taco trio mix (ordered hanger steak, chicken, and Baja fish). Ordered a churro for dessert, the churro was really light, the 3 sauces that came with it were ok. Make a reservation in advance through open table or call them.

Angelina R.
Angelina R.

Best guacamole I have had in a long time!! A lot of places do not put enough salt or lime... some not enough of either. This place made it spot on! They make it fresh so I was able to get it without onions and they offer mild medium or spicy. We ordered medium and it came out perfectly. Very fresh!! The chicken enchiladas were really good! I liked the yellow rice and beans. Everything had good flavor and the portions were good. Service was excellent! Place is really nice! Decor felt so nice. It's looking a bit like fall in there, pretty. My friend got the taco mix and he liked them. His favorite was the shrimp taco. They do not have coconut mojitos but worked with me and maybe the traditional mojito with Malibu rum so I had some coconut flavor in there. It was very delicious!! Fair prices and clean bathrooms! Oh and their salsa verde is delicious! U ordered a side for my enchiladas.

Kristen H.
Kristen H.

El Centro is a lively, multi-floor Mexican eatery known for its buzzy ambiance, attentive staff, and fun Tex-Mex menu. Located in a busy part of town, it's no surprise that even by 6:45pm on a Saturday night, the place was starting to fill up quickly. If you're dining solo, you can easily grab a spot at one of their bars or sit outside, though for groups, reserving a table is definitely recommended. I visited El Centro to order takeout using the Nosh'd app, which offers great discounts for college students with an .edu email (I scored $16 off on my $16+ purchase). The process couldn't have been smoother--I ordered my meal through the app, added a tip, and my discounts applied automatically. In under 10 minutes, my food was ready, which was especially impressive given how busy the place was. The menu at El Centro has a little something for everyone: salads, tacos, fajitas, and a variety of appetizers/dips like Pork Belly Guacamole, which I'll definitely try on my next visit. For this meal, I went with the Pork Shank Carnitas ($24), which came with a "salsa trio, refried beans, Mexican rice, and corn tortillas." I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion sizes--especially the chips and salsa they included, enough for 3-4 people! The chips were crispy and light, not too oily, and the smoky salsa was delicious and refreshing. As for the main course, the pork shank was a showstopper. It was rich, fatty, and so tender that parts of it practically fell off the bone. The corn tortillas it came with were a beautiful bluish-purple color with nice char marks, but they were a bit dry and tended to fall apart when I tried to make tacos. The refried beans were well-seasoned and hearty, topped with pickled vegetables that added a great crunch and acidity. The Mexican rice on the side was classic and enjoyable, though I know not everyone will appreciate the vegetable garnish. The salsa trio added a fun element to the meal--each one was unique and flavorful. The salsa verde was bright and refreshing, the orange salsa had a subtle red-pepper kick, and the thick, creamy salsa (with little black dots) was unlike anything I've tried before. Overall, this was a filling, hearty meal that I couldn't even finish, and at $24, it was an excellent value for the portion size and quality. El Centro impressed me with its efficient takeout service and great food, and I'm definitely planning to return for an in-person dining experience to sample their drinks and appetizers. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite at the bar or settling in for a night with friends, this place offers a solid meal and a fun atmosphere--well worth checking out!

Tara B.
Tara B.

I was excited to try this spot because I always passed it walking in georgetown and it had such a cute interior. The inside of the restaurant gives bar vibes, similar to a night club however their food was more elevated than the environment. Service was quick and friendly. The shank was soooo good and probably my favorite. The fried were also one of my fav sides. Crispy fish taco - you need it.

Nessa R.
Nessa R.

Brunch Tapas style! It's a win in my book! Food was so good! Almost forgot to review this place! Ambiance is everything! Small but quaint! Service was excellent! Food is really amazing! Def recommend! Definitely cheaper to pay the one price to eat everything!!!!! So YUMMY

Location

  • El Centro
    1218 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20007 Hotline: (202) 333-4100

El Centro is a vibrant Mexican eatery located at 1218 Wisconsin Ave NW in Washington, DC. This Latinx-owned establishment offers a range of amenities, including take reservations, delivery, and vegan options. The menu features traditional dishes like guacamole & queso, queso fundido, and chicken tortilla soup.

Customer reviews highlight the delicious flavors and generous portion sizes at El Centro. Dishes like the taco combination trio, pork shank carnitas, and chicken enchiladas have received praise for their taste and presentation. The guacamole is especially raved about for its fresh ingredients and perfect balance of flavors.

Visitors appreciate the lively ambiance and attentive service at El Centro, making it a popular spot for brunch, dinner, and dancing. The restaurant offers a diverse range of options, including gluten-free and vegetarian choices, ensuring that all guests can find something to enjoy.

  • Highlights:
  • Traditional Mexican dishes
  • Fresh guacamole & queso
  • Generous portion sizes

Overall, El Centro is a must-visit for lovers of Mexican cuisine looking for a lively atmosphere and delicious food. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a night out with friends, El Centro offers a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving more.