Since we’ve moved to a new neighborhood, we’ve been doing some exploring for new restaurants, coffee shops and stores. As many cities around the world, I love that DC has a variety of pockets, providing us with different communities, restaurants and vibes wherever you explore.
A little less than 2 weeks ago, it was a beautiful (and warm) DC Sunday. Sam and I love restaurants that have outdoor seating. You have a different perspective, and there is the bonus of people watching. As we were walking towards the Columbia Heights area, we noticed the El Chucho had some open outdoor seating and our tummies were grumbling, so we decided to check it out.
This has been on my list to try since the New Columbia Heights Blog mentioned their new covered roof deck and the amazing Monday Happy Hour. I hope these photos might entice others stop over.
El Chucho
3313 11th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
A lot of the dishes on the menu sounded really good. I will note, we did not order one of more popular items (a good reason to come back). One of the top dishes is the corn- Elote Callejero. It’s a “street-style” corn on the cob, covered with chili, cilantro and cotija cheese. Sounds and looks delicious!
We started off with some chips and salsa. Now there is a serious lacking of good salsa in DC (or if you have found it, please let me know the secret!). But I was pretty satisfied with this one, it’s got notes of cilantro, a tad bit of spiciness and the chips were fresh.
Of course, beers were mandatory. It was a sunny and beautiful day, there is no reason not to enjoy a good beverage. Sam tried a new beer- Chatoe Rogue, from an Oregon brewery. There are a couple of local beers on tap, some microbrew bottles, and plenty of margarita flavors for everyone to enjoy.
What did we order?
I got the Torta Ahogada, with a side of gloves! What’s inside? It’s got marinated ground pork shoulder in adobo sauce, black beans, Chihuahua cheese, onions and avocado. The sauce covering this sandwich is a smokey arbol salsa and cilantro.
I won’t lie, that’s probably one of the messiest sandwiches I have ever ordered. I ended up using a knife and fork. But it was delicious- and very filling (there were plenty of leftovers).
Sam ordered this behemoth of a sandwich, Cemita Classica. It. was. so. big! And delicious, I liked his choice a tad bit more (just a smidge). Cemitas, sandwiches originating from Pueblo Mexico, were noted to be one of the new trends 0f 2013- I’m glad to finally have a chance to taste one.
Between the freshly baked bread, was a piece of chicken milanesa, black beans, onions and adobo sauce, to make a very filling sandwich (even Sam had leftovers!).
I’m sure we’ll be back to El Chucho, since I do want to try the corn, as well as the margaritas. If anyone stops in and finds a perfect dish, definitely let us know!
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