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Alero Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
3500 Connecticut Ave NW(between N Ordway St & N Porter St)
Washington, DC 20008
Neighborhood: Cleveland Park
(202) 966-2530
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cleveland Park Metro Station (Red)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
99 reviews for Alero Restaurant
Review Highlights
"...never been a fan of the tex-mex in the city since i have..."
(in 9 reviews)
"Free and endless homemade chips and really fresh salsa."
(in 47 reviews)
"The margaritas are fresh + subtly strong."
(in 39 reviews)
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99 reviews in English
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Review from Jen F.
11/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Alero has very averagte Mexican food. There is nothing great about it. It's one of those places where you could eat the entire plate, but you wouldn't (but this could also be because you are so full of chips and salsa at this point). Their margaritas on the other hand- you will finish the entire thing and feel a satisfying buzz.
My two recommendations here are the pollo saltado and the chicken fajitas. The pollo saltado was not what I expected but delicious nonetheless. It was a mixture of grilled chicken strips, FRENCH FRIES (who knew this could work), peppers, onions, etc. tossed in a reddish tasty sauce. It's big enough for two meals. The chicken fajitas were good as well. -
Review from Scott B.
Washington, DC
1/8/2012
Decent food, yet more memorable was the despicable service. As a frequent diner around DC, I am used to the ups and downs of service - and as such, maintain quite a low bar. This experience last night has me so disappointed that I am motivated to avoid the place and ensure any good-paying diner does as well.
A group of 10 of us headed to Alero last night after an afternoon at the Zoo. As anyone knows, Cleveland Park is notoriously hard to park in ... so I sent in the family (with all of the kids) to get a table while I circled the block. When I arrived 20 minutes later, I was greeted by a waiter and asked for my order. His ask - "Here is your menu. Please choose." Obviously flustered at the prod, given my parking nightmare, I asked for a few minutes to consider the menu. His response - "Please know that I will not put in any of the other orders until you choose. They will wait on you. I can't have orders not coming out at the same time." This guy honestly wanted to have 4 kids *wait* for their food so that he could be more efficient. I swallowed it, attempted to talk to him away from the table, and received more of this poor attitude in private.
To make matters worse, when the check came at the end of the meal, one of my friends asked to split the bill amongst the 3 families. The waiter had the nerve to debate with my friend about the inconvenience this would cause and how he could not understand why anyone would want to have a split check. 10 people, 3 families, however, we needed to convince him. Graciously, another friend decided to end the debate and picked up the entire meal. The waiter appeared vindicated; I was instead appalled.
In summary, the food was fair, and with the competition in CP (Ripple, Tackle Box, Alero, Indique), this horrendous service assured me that I will never go back. I hope that this guy simply had a bad day - but for this frequent diner, they can cross me off their list. -
Review from Wendy L.
11/6/2011
I like Alero. Their margaritas are decently strong but not foul tasting. Their homemade salsa is fresh and they keep it coming. Their portions are generously sized and pretty standard in terms of quality.
On my first visit to Alero, the Carne Asada Alero style is definitely one of their better dishes. The carne asada was well seasoned but not overdone and grilled to the fine line between juicy, tender, and cooked. The black beans and white rice were a good way to balance the spiced carne asada. Also, service was quite prompt and since it was a summer evening, the patio turned out to be perfect seating.
However, on my second visit, I opted for some pretty average chicken fajitas and was disappointed by the service, which was slower than a snail race and the somewhat claustrophobic size of their indoor seating, which is about the same size, if not even a bit smaller than their outdoor patio.
Service here can be a bit inconsistent but the food has been steady in quality. Also, while Alero doesn't have its own parking lot (good luck hunting for that elusive street spot!), it is conveniently located across the street from the Cleveland Park metro.
I wouldn't say that Alero is particularly fancy or mind-blowing but it's got all the pleasantries of a basic sit-down restaurant and relatively satisfying food to boot -- good place to come for an easy meal. -
Review from Manchester U.
Washington, DC
1/29/2012
Three words - STORE BOUGHT GUACAMOLE. I'm not a food snob or anything but the guac tasted like the cheap store bought type that has the runny consistency. How can you be a respectable tex-mex place and charge DC prices when you can't even make your own guacamole.
The hostess was really nice and so was the water/chip guys. But our waiter was impatient and uninterested even though the place was empty on a saturday night. He seemed angry that he had to be there.
The margaritas were awesome though and the fajtas weren't bad. If it weren't for that, I would have to give it one star.... -
Review from Paul M.
9/25/2011
Fairly standard production line by the book meat and potatoes middle of the road comme ci comme ca mexican.
We only came here for lunch becuase the Medium Rare place downstairs was not open for lunch. Service was a bit slow, but good enough and they cleared up the outsdie after the rain so we could eat there. -
Review from Semra E.
6/25/2011
The location is cool, the service is good, the food...not to much. The staff was quick & accommodating which was very helpful for my friends and I. The food didn't seem to be cooked all the way through. Just saying...I like my food cooked.
Friday nights anywhere in DC are hectic, especially when it's nice outside and everyone wants to be out there. But still, the food needs some improvements. -
Review from Andrew L.
Bethesda, MD
11/7/2011
I ate here for lunch with my friend. I had a margarita and fajitras. Were really good. not too crowded for lunch too. Also right off the Cleveland Park.
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Review from Steph W.
Arlington, VA
6/16/2011
I am giving Alero a 5 story review because not only do they have delicious mexican food at reasonable prices, but their margaritas are some of the best I have ever had! Not to mention, the servers couldnt be nicer and more accomodating. It is not prententious and annoying like half of the DC restuarants are. Just good food...period.
PS- I highly recommend the steak fajitas and beef enchiladas. -
Review from Todd A.
Washington, DC
3/27/2011
Dear jibs,
Enough of the haterorade, this place is the truth. From food to service, Alero exceeded expectations. -
Review from Aaron J.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Pretty decent mexican place. Obviously, DC is not the place to have life-changing mexican food, that's why California was invented. Split a pitcher of margaritas and the food will be quite enjoyable. Not a bad choice when weighing Cleveland Park's options for broad 'Mexican' menus.
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Review from Sarah T.
Washington, DC
11/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Simply because I miss San Diego so much and their steak burrito has been the closest thing to a taco shop Carne Asada burrito I've tasted since coming to DC... This was pretty freakin amazing.
Now atleast I know where to go when I'm craving a little taste of home. :") -
Review from Jee D.
Updated - 9/6/2010
I will still give an extra star for the outdoor patio, so you'll know that, sadly, my last time here was really off. The salsa tasted like it was made with dirty water - blegh. The chicken nachos were blanketed with so much cheese that it was like an archaeological dig trying to find the chips, beans and chicken. The chicken was also the most hard to find. Not to mention the lipstick stain on my water glass and the hair in my napkin - eww.
Luckily, they have created a M-Th happy hour menu which is also offered outside. Every day is slightly different, but I noticed that on Tuesdays and Thursdays they offer $4 margaritas which have always been solid. I won't even try to eat here now - maybe just grab drinks during their happy hours on nice days.Listed in: Living in the 2-triple 0-8, Hora Feliz
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2010
(2 stars for food, extra star for their outdoor deck) The only time I come here is for drinks… Read more »
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Review from Phil B.
Arlington, VA
9/3/2011
We stopped in here for drinks before dinner. They had no issue giving us a table by the bar even though we weren't going to be ordering food. The server was really attentive and kept the chips and salsa full. When we asked for the check they brought us all complimentary tequila shots! Great experience.
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Review from Megan B.
Washington, DC
3/9/2011
Happy hour - hooray! The front bar area was bright and empty, which was a nice change of pace. Also, free chips and salsa - a ballsy move for happy hour if you ask me.
The server was potentially dismayed by my excessive enthusiasm for happy hour, but bonus points to him for lighting quick service with a smile anyway.
Sangria/Margaritas - $4, both tasty and not watered down.
Calamari - $4ish - not the best per se, but definitely passable. We ate it all. But that's not really saying much. I'd probably eat fried glass if you put it on a plate with some lemon.
Guacamole - $4ish - disturbingly creamy, but again, we ate it all.
Worth the risk to try out a real meal soon. -
Review from Caitlin S.
Washington, DC
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want to like Alero because I love Mexican food and it's right down the street from my house but as life teaches us, some things are not meant to be.
I've eaten here twice and both times have been disappointed with the food. In particular, the tamales were dreadful. Soggy and sad--not at all how a tamale should be!
On the bright side, the margaritas are pretty good. -
Review from Kevin C.
Washington, DC
8/11/2011
I live down the street from Alero and it has become my go-to cheap-eat place for good Mexican food. The margaritas are strong and the food tastes really good. I like the decor inside and the wait staff is really nice and responsive. Oh, the prices are really fair too. I will definitely keep going back to this place.
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Review from Tara L.
3/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Come here for the margaritas. They are stiffies. And we all love a good stiffy right?
The food, not so much. My steak quesadilla was not very memorable but decent. I couldn't finish it all, but thanks to the strong margaritas, it's hard to remember if it was due to portion size or lack of desire. I'm pretty sure it was a combination of both.
The outdoor patio is great for a lazy summer evening. It's tucked away just off Connecticut Avenue for just enough refuge.
Best bet is to stick with drinks or at most, give a few appetizers a go. Otherwise, I would not suggest an investment on an entree. -
Review from Allison D.
Frederick, MD
10/30/2010 1 photo
I met a friend here for lunch on a work day. It's just a few steps from the Cleveland Park metro and service is quick so it's easy to meet up and get back to work without being missed. The interior is cute with fun/festive decorations. They have a good sized patio overlooking a busy (people watching) area and it seems like it would be a fun place to hang out and have drinks after work. Since I had to go back to work though, I only had an iced tea, but I'm sure the meal would have benefitted greatly by being accompanied by a margarita or sangria.
I got the chicken tamale platter. The tamales were OK, but a little mushy and kind of skimpy on the chicken. The guacamole was browning and had a slightly rotten flavor. The tomatoes in the pico de gallo had that weird coppery flavor from being refrigerated. The refried beans and rice were pretty decent and the chips and salsa were good, but it's kind of hard to screw up chips and salsa.
I give it a solid 2.5. The décor, service, price and location make up for the blah food. -
Review from Anna S.
6/12/2011
No matter how attentive the service or abundant the salsa, a Mexican place just can't compete if the guacamole sucks. And boy, does it suck here. It's weirdly greasy--is that olive oil?--and there's the distinctive aftertaste of old crushed garlic from the jar. Add in the grocery-store tortillas and bland soups, and not even the fresh, thick salsa and smiling waiters fully redeem the place. If you're in Cleveland Park and have a Mexican craving, I'd recommend walking the extra mile to Casa Oaxaca in Adams Morgan...or just staving it off at CalTor across the street.
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Review from Katy D.
Washington, DC
7/13/2011
I like this place. For the price and size of the meals, it can't be beat. And I heart Cleveland Park. I had a the Alero salad (I think that's what it's called)...fresh avocado and chicken...really quite good. My friend had enchiladas, also quite good. And again, the price is great. The drinks are really, really great. Definitely into my rotation...and I live two blocks away. Score.
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Review from Daniel A.
5/25/2011
I've been to this Alero a couple of times because it has a great location. But so far, I have been pretty disappointed in the quality of their food. Their burrito is rather bland and their chicken tamale was soggy. The outdoor seating is very appealing, but when it is crowded, it is CLOSE QUARTERS with other customers; a bit too close for my taste while I'm eating. I had the terrible feeling that I would hear a sneeze and feel that dreaded mist on the back of my neck. The service was good, but I think I could find a better Mexican food hang out than this particular Alero.
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Review from Miriam W.
4/23/2008
I should've know better as soon as I opened the menu and discovered that they call their queso "cheese dip". Maverick that I am, I still ordered "queso" and the server quickly corrected me.
"Cheese dip?" -
Review from Rohan P.
Washington, DC
12/23/2009
Even with a foot and a half of snow on the ground, it's always Cinco de Mayo at Alero.
I've lived in easy walking distance of the Zoo for five years (otherwise know as Aleroville) and never managed to eat here, or even be tempted to do so. Maybe it was the corny neon signs that kept me away. Regardless, I recently tried Alero when my girlfriend and I were looking to eat in Cleveland Park and she eliminated Asian and American. Plus we wanted to sit down (no Vace), and wanted a relatively cheap meal. Our decision was practically made for us.
The food at Alero is so unremarkable, it's actually quite remarkable. It must take a lot of hard work to make their dishes so blasé. The chips and salsa was the saving grace, I munched those down like there was a Golden Ticket at the bottom of the bowl.
But despite the lackluster food, Alero knows how to show you a good time. The decor is chintzy, and the atmosphere is convivial. They have a patio that overlooks Connecticut that begs for lazy days with pitchers of Margaritas. Don't come to Alero expecting a fine meal. But it is the type of place that will put a sombrero on your friend's head, sing them a song, and put their picture on the wall for their birthday. And that can be fun...every once in a while.Listed in: South of the Border
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Review from Monty C.
Arlington, VA
12/31/2009
Alero is just like any other suburban Mexican place.
Move along people! Show's over! Ain't nothin' worth seein' here. -
Review from Kori K.
Washington, DC
6/13/2008
Yes, I'll admit it, it was almost 10 on a Thursday night, and, no, I did not have Friday off, but damn it, I wanted a margarita.
I haven't eaten at any of the Alero restaurants, but they make it damn tempting to want to give them a chance. This particular location's outdoor seating and sparkling lights made me decide to pass up my second favorite Thai place (Siam) and get some Tex-Mex.
There was some goods and bads. The goods, the chips were light, warm and not greasy and the salsa was fresh. The waiter was friendly and even offered us another drink even though they were beginning to clean up at the end of the night, but he did not rush. The margs were strong and not THAT pricey. (We got the regular, but I think watermelon sounds pretty good.)
The bads, the chicken tamales were basically all corn and no chicken. No spice to them whatsoever.
Next time, however, I think I'll go with Siam. -
Review from Rebecca C.
Arlington, VA
8/20/2009
The food is that particular brand of bad where you know it's bad but you eat a lot of it anyway, because it's not horrible. The guacamole seriously tastes frozen or squeezed out of a bag. The cheese dip tastes like melted American with a spoonful of salsa. They do have those homemade seeming tortilla chips made out of the the thick tortillas, and those are pretty good. I know I tasted other appetizers there during a work happy hour once, but they were not memorable, good or bad.
Alero gets two stars in my book because they combine this meh food with pretty unreliable service. Waiters disappear for long amounts of time and it takes a long time to get what you order from the bar. As for beverages, the beers have always been very cold, but the margaritas are average. This place is definitely not Cleveland Park's finest. -
Review from Denise D.
Baltimore, MD
4/28/2008
This Alero is like the mom-n-pop cousin to the slicker versions on U Street and in Cleveland Park. But if you're thinking the food will be head and shoulders above the other two locations? Eh. Not so much.
Starting off with the chips & salsa: I loved the salsa, thought the chips were okay. He thought the salsa was meh and liked the chips. So apparently the truth is in between there somewhere. Their chips are very thin, but though they aren't actually greasy, most of 'em have that translucent look that wax paper has, which tells me they're loaded with the oil they were fried in. The salsa though? Fresh tasting, even though it's a tomato sauce base (as opposed to a pico de gallo). The salsa isn't too spicy, but it's tasty.
Their Sopa de Mariscos soup is absolutely delicious. It's creamy, bright with saffron, and heavy on the black pepper. There's enough seafood to make me happy, but not too much to get in the way of the tasty soup. I had one overly chewy clam, but the shrimp and scallops were excellent. And the fresh cilantro balanced the creaminess nicely.
The fajitas are tasty, not overly marinated (read: you taste actual beef, not marinade), and cut thick, so they're chewier than your typical skirt-steak-slice-wafer-thin beef fajitas. I didn't mind when I snuck a taste, but there was some grumbling about chewiness after his second tortilla full. The rice & beans it comes with are good, but nothing you couldn't whip up out of a box at home (though sometimes that's not bad either.)
The fajitas come with three tortillas, and only three. Want more? That'll cost you extra. Now, I usually don't have a problem with being charged more when I ask for extras of anything, but seriously? On the plus side, they give you a generous portion of fajitas and toppings. Oh, not Sunday-picnic-down-in-Georgia huge, lest I mislead you. But, it's more than just three tortillas can wrap up. No matter how much you cram into those little things. Other restaurants in the area let you grab enough for your helpin' of grilled yummy as a matter of course, so it was a bit of a surprise to see that this Alero tacked it on to your bill. Even more of a surprise, because they didn't let us know in advance. Ah well.
I give it three stars because they use fruit pulp to flavor their "non-traditional" margaritas (black raspberry, watermelon, green apple, mango...). Also, because we got to sit at the table by the front window, which was great from a people-watching standpoint. Plus, I know I'll be headed back there to try the Green Apple margarita...because it's there (just like Mt. Everest.) And I really, truly enjoyed that soup. -
Review from Michelle P.
Fairfax, VA
9/21/2007
As a person that rarely leaves the suburbs and ventures into the "big bad city", it was a treat to explore the cleveland park area. It was a really great place!
After walking around we chose Alero pretty much because it was not very crowded and most of the other places were. I have to admit that i was a little skeptical as the place was incredibly stuffy and hot (i thought i was going to melt!)
But the experience ended up being highly enjoyable. The mango margarita was exceptional. It actually tasted like it had real juice in it and probably some grand mariner. I am still disappointed that i didn't get a larger one (you can get full and mini pitchers). The taco salad esq thing that i had was tasty. A little wetter than i thought it would be, but it was still good
the service was sub par and it had very little ventilation, but i would not be opposed to going back. Plus i have to say that Cleveland Park was a very neat area! -
Review from Brett J.
Sacramento, CA
6/18/2010
I am stunned to see that the average review is 3 stars. I expected nothing higher than 2, considering its terrible reputation in & around the neighborhood. Two out of our three friends who have eaten here had someone in their party get sick afterwards.
When we went, we should've known something was wrong - it was a beautiful day (first in a while) but the patio was barely half full. If you must go, go for margaritas at happy hour (ends at 6:30PM). But be warned . . .
The service is AWFUL, but the food is actually WORSE. We were given RANCID guacamole. My wife's "chiles rellenos," which they weren't, looked & tasted as if they had been prepared weeks ago and been sitting in a walk-in. My chicken tamales had maybe an ounce of chicken and were obviously nothing close to fresh. To top it off, I literally had to grab a waiter to get our water refilled.
If there are any health inspectors reading this, PLEASE take a closer look at the walk-in at this Alero location (maybe all of them). -
Review from M - G.
Boston, MA
10/30/2008
Alero was my first Mexican brunch experience. Bloody Marys are my weakness, and after reading the incorrect spelling on the menu--"bloddy mary"--I couldn't resist getting one. For about $3, my tasty drink was also a steal! I noticed that mimosas were also the same price.
It took about a half hour to get our food, which was fine because it gave me plenty of time to catch up with an old friend. However, I could see how that would be really annoying under any other circumstances. The restaurant only had a few inside tables filled, so I could only imagine the wait time if the restaurant was crowded.
I got the huevos rancheros, which would probably rank on my top ten breakfasts of all time (if I ever create such a list). The tortillas were crispy, which gave a nice contrast to the over-easy eggs and delectable salsa. The giant portion was also covered in melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream. I pretty much licked the plate clean.
My friend continually mentions how she always has problems when going to this restaurant, but after my experience, I will give it another shot. Maybe the next time an old friend comes to town... -
Review from Mary Kay S.
Washington, DC
4/25/2007
Came here for brunch last weekend. I was very excited because I love Mexican brunch. My friend and I both thought the Chorizo and Eggs sounded perfect, so after a bit of a wait we finally ordered. Not too much later the waiter came back and sadly informed us that all of the chorizo was still frozen, so could we pick something else?
This set the tone for the rest of brunch. I mean, how can you serve Mexican brunch and not expect anyone to order chorizo? Doh.
Instead, I got the Huevos Rancheros, and these were quite yummy, cooked just right. It's hard to screw up Huevos Rancheros (although I have had screwed up HR in the past -- don't ask). A big plate of that, with plenty of salsa and coffee, and I was one happy camper.
The service was .... not so good. A bit loosey goosey, slow, inattentive. But this is the second time I've had to say that about service at a Mexican brunch in DC. Maybe it's an attempt to convey an authentic Mexican "manana" attitude.
I refrained from getting a margarita because of the early hour (it was hard to resist). I'll have to go back to try one, because the margarita is an essential component to any Mexican restaurant.Listed in: Mexican Restaurants I Have…, Brrrrrunch
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Review from Karen L.
Washington, DC
5/18/2010
I'm used to getting more food when I go Mexican. Where's the abundance of beans and rice? Bottomless bowls of chips and salsa? It's not like this stuff will break a bottom line.
The chips are great but the salsa is that blended mess that looks like it comes from a plastic jug. The grilled steak is good but the chicken is bland, and I'm of the notion that if anything bland comes off a grill, you're not doing it right.
Strawberry maggies were tasty. -
Review from Jason C.
Arlington, VA
10/29/2007
A friend and I went here after catching a movie at the AMC Uptown in Cleveland Park. We made our dining selection based on careful, strategic planning:
We were hungry
It was the first restaurant we came across
It got us out of the rain
Scientific, huh? Fortunately I'd eaten at the U Street location a while back, so I was comfortable in our choice.
Unless they've got a room or five tucked away that I didn't see, this place is smaaaaall. Expect for seating arrangements to be somewhat... cozy. Think someone's attic, actually. It gets fairly loud too, due to the proximity of seats and the overall acoustics. It also gets rather, ahem, warm in there, which I can't say I'm too crazy about. Fortunately, the food was the saving grace.
For some reason, I decided not to get a main course and instead get a couple of appetizers, specifically chorizo and melted cheddar with tortillas and calamari with a spicy breading. Both were pretty damn good, and enough to fill me up. Now, the chorizo tasted more like Polish sausage (texturewise, it didn't feel like real chorizo, which is usually drier and more "crumbly"), and the calamari was super-salty. But for appetizers, they went nicely with a beer or three (this was serious football-watching food!). And while I didn't sample my friend's beef chimichanga, he put enough of it away for me to believe that it was quite tasty :)
They have your typical selection of beers that you'd expect at a Mexican restaurant, and honestly, the imports were only a hair more expensive than domestics. As my friend said, "why the hell would anyone order a domestic when imports are only fifty cents more? Splurge!" So yeah, step away from the Bud and step into a Negra Modelo.
Service was on the ball and unrushed, though there were a few times that the wait staff were serving other tables and actually hovered the tray over my head. While everything came out fine, the thought of me getting accidentally smothered in cheese and refried beans was on my mind once or twice while I was there.
The verdict: Now having lived in Texas and Arizona, and knowing a lot of you reading this come from California, I'll say that you and I have had better Mexican food. Oh, this wasn't bad by any means, but I think they stick to "crowd-pleasing favorites" instead of other Mexican goodies like goat, pork, and seafood dishes. I liked the environment at the U Street location better, but the Cleveland Park location has much better food. I don't know if I'd come all the way here from Arlington, but as an after-work location, it does just nicely. -
Review from Julie H.
Washington, DC
6/16/2008
It's strange, I'm aware that Alero isn't what you would call standout food, and could even be considered average, but I still really like it and keep coming back for more. Here's why:
-Friendly, attentive service
-Fun atmosphere
-Little to no wait every time I've gone (which is probably 15+, don't judge)
-Great outdoor seating in an area that does not have that much
-Reasonable prices (though I do not think the apps are a particularly good deal, especially the guac)
-Reliably tasty chips and salsa
-Margaritas!
The dishes taste exactly the same every time you go (which is understandably why some do not enjoy it, it is very "prepackaged"). But I happen to love, love, love both the cheese and spinach enchiladas so I don't have a problem with that. I think the key is finding a dish that you like- I was less than impressed with the burrito, but I have dreams about the enchiladas (mmm...cheesy). I would say that for most, it's not worth a long trip, but as long as I live in the area I will continue to frequent Alero, er, frequently! -
Review from Rebecca B.
Washington, DC
1/30/2008
I have to give Alero 4 stars because it is a local staple for Cleveland Park. As a local, especially in the summmertime, this place is a regular one of mine, and all my CP buds.
I always stick to basics and the food satisfies...I never have eye rolling back into the head experiences, but alas, I leave happy and full.
Fast service, plenty of seating (outdoors is a hot commodity in the hood), friendly waitors. I've had some funny stories come out of this place and feel like the servers here are part of what makes Cleveland Park so neighborhoody...since they've GOT to know my face by now.
Quesadillas, Taco platters and the basic salad with Avocado and tomatoes do just fine. Always order with a pitcher of margaritas and you'll leave feeling happy. Hit them up then shoot some stick at Atomic and it's a perfect night for this girl. -
Review from Meghan G.
Washington, DC
9/8/2007 1 photo
Blah! I love, love, love me some good Mexican food, but time and time again Alero falls short of my not very high expectations. In truth, I would give them two and a half stars if I could, but alas I am bound to the whole-star structure. I crave good Mexican food constantly, and its rare to find a place that just can't deliver.
Their tasty and free chips and salsa always getting my engines going. But whenever the entrees arrive they are a let down. Most recently I went on a week night and ordered the Mexican Bruchetta, which was basically a SUPREMELY overcooked skewer of beef, shrimp, chicken and veggies. Their margaritas are good, the 32 oz. margaritas are GREAT in the quantity=greatness way. Their sangria is nasty, practically boxed wine with some fruit tossed in. I have had an OK experience with the nacho platters here, but aside from that everything is mediocre at best. However outside patio seating and skillful margaritas can really make up for alot of shortcomings. :) -
Review from talia r.
Washington, DC
10/19/2009
After work HH on Friday, walking around wandering and decided to pop into Alero for some margaritas, because seriously who doesn't love a good margarita.
While Alero's margaritas were more ok (passion fruit margarita to be specific) than good all in all it was a nice time had by all.
Starting off with the complimentary chips y salsa. Salsa not so much my taste with the chunks of basil, the chips were hot with just a touch oily and disappeared faster than you could say, "taco, burrito what's hanging out of your speedo" (sorry, the SNL cheerleaders always pop into my head when I am anywhere near Mexican of fauxican)
So I am a picky person. I usually steer clear of Mexican restaurants because I don't like a lot of cheese, hate flour tortillas (unless super crispy on all sides) and despise beans. Luckily, I found something that not only could I eat but I want to eat! A friend and I split the chicken quesadilla and Lomo Saltado. The quesadilla was cold and not so crispy, so I put all my attention towards the Lomo Saltado.
Attention paying well spent. -
Review from Jessie K.
Washington, DC
10/13/2008
Growing up in Arizona and Califonia, eating Mexican food at least 3 times a week, makes me feel that I am fairly well informed about what constitutes authentic, or at the very least, really good Mexican Food; Alero does not make such food. None of the food is very spicy, probably to appeal to a wide audience, and a cheap chedder and jack mix is used in everything with cheese. The rice that comes with pretty much everything is really bland and always disappointing. I think the beans are pretty boring as well.
Nonetheless, I enjoy Alero. I think the salsa is really good and tastes pretty fresh, even if it isn't spicy enough for my taste. The blue margarita is really good, and has enough tequila in it that I feel pretty tipsy after just one. I like ordering the fajitas because they are always fresh and the toppings are pretty good. I used to get the vegetable enchiladas when I went to Alero, but think they would be a lot better with some sort of sauce. I am really a sucker for zucchini though.
The service has always been really prompt here. My chip basket is always kept full, and most of the time, the chips are warm. The one time a mistake was made on my order, the kitchen took care of it really quickly. Its fun to sit outside in good weather with a pitcher of margaritas.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jon M.
Burlington, VT
11/24/2008
When you hold your mouse over the various rating levels, the 3 star that pops up, courtesy of yelp, is "A-OK." Thats a pretty spot-on assessment of Alero.
Nothing that you will eat here will blow you away. This is rather middle of the road mexican fare. But its cheap, large portions, fun atmosphere, good tequila and drink menu and (BONUS) open later than many of the restaurants in Cleveland Park.
Alero is an easy, dependable neighborhood mexican joint. Never amazing, but rarely crappy. You know what you are going to get here, which is a quality that shouldn't be overlooked on the DC restaurant scene. -
Review from M M.
Washington, DC
6/19/2011
i'm going to give it to them, this place is cool. i've only had, and will only have, the fajitas and a bohemia. nice combination, i have to say.
but the service is hit or miss. last time i went, a year or two ago, i promised never to step foot in the place again. but i really wanted fajitas recently and i was around u st so, what the hell, i thought i'd give alero another shot. no complaints this time.
