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Gallery Pl-Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow)
Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange)
Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fri. 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sat. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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I found this restaurant very upscale and exquisite in food preparation and taste. The staff were very informative, friendly and warm. The decorations in the restaurant were classy and elegant with an energetic feel. The guacamole was outstanding and was served in their typical molcajete, of which I have one at home. The food was also beautifully presented and was enough for two people!
I also like the fact when they said spicy, the sauce was actually spicy. The flan was creamy, though the pineapple salsa made it a little too sweet for my taste. I would have liked something a little less sweet to compliment the flan.
WHERE IS MY DUCK? I ordered the Duck Enchilada here and I couldn't find it. The plate was just smothered in some green sauce I really could have done without.
I also remember the guacamole being very salty. Do not want!
The drinks are pretty good though. I think I had something infused with Jalapeno and it did have the flavor and a slight kick!
Also, this place is definitely vegetarian-unfriendly. I think there's only one entree for vegetarians, and then some appetizers.
The staff is friendly, and I'd come back to have an expensive drink and chat with them, but that's about it.
As a big fan of the Rosa near Union Square in NYC, I decided to check this place out my second weekend living in DC. I was a little concerned because of some of these reviews, but my experience was nothing but positive and tasty.
Shortly after being seated I noticed my water class was a bit dirty near the rim. The waitress apologized and quickly replaced it. Our guac was terrific, as was the rest of the food. My only complaint was that there was way too much of it. The service was quick but not rushed and competent without being cold.
Is it the most authentic, creative Mexican place? No. But I've never had a bad meal, a bad time, or a less-than delicious margarita here.
Great guacamole. friendly service and nice margaritas! place is a bit loud but tolerable. Decor and people watching better than the food.
Had dinner there with friends 10/29
Oh Rosa, Rosa, Rosa...how you truly are a thorn in my side.
I came to see you for dinner last night - my seared Mahi Mahi was chewy, my flan stringy, and I didn't see the waitor for about 40 minutes (he went AWOL between the time he dropped off our entrees and when he presumptuously brought us our checks).
I will concede that it is Restaurant Week, but does that give you an excuse to be on-point or suck? One can never tell during this busy week of consumption.
I know I will be back to run up an obnoxious tab of pomegranate margaritas and guacamole; but I honestly do not understand how you stay in business when Jaleo is right around the corner.
People thought this was:
I am SO torn over writing this review. Overall, I'm not pleased with this place. There is one big BUT to discuss though - so lets get right into it.
My husband, my 2 year old, and myself, were shopping in DC and got hungry around 2pm. We stopped into Rosa's and were seated immediately. They were curiously empty for a Sunday afternoon.
This was our first time dining there (although I have been once for margaritas - yummy but overpriced). The atmosphere is nice. There are rolling carts all over the place with all the fixins for the tableside guac. Ingredients look fresh. I'm not a guac person - and besides, $12 for an order that says its "for two" is OUTRAGEOUS.
Now, I don't know if maybe you have to ask for chips and salsa, or if they cost extra. We did not receive chips and salsa as you would at any other mexican restaurant. Nor did we see any on anyone elses table, UNLESS they had ordered the overpriced guac. That was extremely dissapointing.
The "little amigos" menu has an ok selection, but its $7.50. There was no way I was going to pay $7.50 for my son to eat a few bites of his meal. Luckily we ordered things that we could share with him.
One of my HUGE problems is that this place is so incredibly UNfriendly to vegetarians. They had a spinach and mushroom enchilada - which people have yelped about and it doesnt sound good! Luckily we were there during brunch hours, so I got breakfast tacos (scrambled eggs, peppers and onions, cheese). However it came in a skillet, with one huge tortilla. I'm not familiar, but hubby said you have to tear the tortilla into smaller pieces. I did, and it was yummy. But weird. It also came with a teeny dish of refried black beans that were VERY good, but I have a suspicion that they have pork in them. I could taste it. Yuck... but I was afraid to ask.
Here is the big BUT in my review. My husband ordered the Pelona. Its a HUGE sandwich with pulled beef short rib, lots of toppings, and comes with sweet potato fries. His exact words: "I think this is the best sandwich I've EVER had. You have to Yelp about it!" And the sweet potato fries were great. So if you go - get the Pelona!
Overall, food was good, atmosphere is nice, service is slow (and I think the waiters seem a little annoyed with the kiddos... seriously. It took 3 people to figure out that we needed a high chair and where to find one) Don't go if you're a vegetarian, and don't go if you want chips and salsa. And if you're trying to eat cheap - run away. We paid about $40 for lunch (with tip) and our items were: Pelona sandwich, breakfast tacos, diet coke, Negro Modelo.
People thought this was:
He said," Got heartburn from this place..that was a first, and did someone spill green mystery sauce on their enchiladas? Seriously I'm still wondering what I ate. The food was was just not what we expected...especially at 76 bucks for dinner. Service was really nice and if its not bitter cold outside...sit outside. So yea heartburn, mystery green sauce...oh and did I mention the hard rice...yea I'd rather eat an M.R.E. (Military Ready to Eat Ration) I'll be passing on this place next time."
She said, "barf....this place was not what i expected at all! It looks all pretty and trendy inside and they have cute outside seating too, which throws everything off. The food is just not good and its way too expensive. The guacmole is good because they make it right infront of you but everything else was just weird. Purple beans? indian style hard rice? green mashed baby food over enchiladas? yeah...not what i was expecting..and they dont have mild salsa either, its all hot hot hot. If you want good mexican food and dont wanna pay 76 dollars, just go to chipolte."
People thought this was:
The guacamole (prepared tableside) rocked!
Everything else was overpriced and trying too hard to be something it's not. I'd go back for a margarita and some guacamole at happy hour, but not for a full meal.
I WANT TO LIKE YOU!!
Rosa is a beautiful and well designed restaurant. The atmosphere is the only thing going for it. The menu is NOT vegetarian friendly. You have ONLY two options. I guess you could substitute, but its not that kind of place. I find it outrageous to pay $15 for spinach and mushroom Rancheras which are bland and resemble a a frozen food entree.
I've been to the New York and Brickell locations with groups and have left every meal discussing what an overpriced let down Rosa Mexicano is.
Spare your self the money and mediocracy. I agree with other Yelpers, try Oyamel down the street if you really want Mexican food.
People thought this was:
This was my first visit to Rosa. I showed up at the end of lunch and was quickly seated. My server Lester came over and greeted and told me about the house specialties. I had looked over the menu and decided on the chicken tacos. They were OK, chicken was a little over cooked, the side of taco sauce and red beans had been sitting under a heat lamp and was dried out on top. The corn was decent but not very hot. What I thought was excellent was the rice and black beans served on the side. The food was good, nothing to write home about and the portions were generous. Lester was very friendly and attentive with out being over bearing.
My yardstick for measuring the quality of a mexican restaurant is the chile relleno. Usually, it's just part of my meal because Mexican, as a genre, is relatively inexpensive.
Much to my dismay, however, the exorbitant prices at Rosa Mexicano limited me to only the chile relleno. I sucked it up and paid around $17 for two stuffed peppers on a plate. I try not to dwell on presentation at a Mexican restaurant (because sometimes the grossest looking meals are the best) - but what the server placed in front of me resembled two large turds.
Ultimately, however, it's all about flavor and frankly, a turd would have been tastier. It's extremely rare for me to not finish a meal, especially when the portions are as meager as Rosa's were, but in this case I could only choke down one stuffed pepper. By the middle of my meal, despite the fact that I was out with a group of friends, I felt so violated by this abysmal experience that I was unable to speak.
Do yourself a favor and save yourself from the culinary raping that Rosa's inflicts on its customers (and ingredients) night after night.
People thought this was:
So after sitting outside of the Sidney Harmon Hall for 4 hours, waiting for free tickets to Taming of the Shrew, my butt was cold and sore. And I was desperately parched for liquid refreshment. Fortunately, during my 4 hours sitting outside with 600 other hopefuls, I was wise enough to plot out a strategy. As tickets wouldn't be handed out until 6, and free-ticket holders had to be in their seats by 7:45, that didn't leave much time for prowling and exploring the city for dining options. I spied Rosa Mexicano, literally right next door to the Sidney Harmon Hall, and made reservations for 6:15. I probably should have used my time even more wisely and read a few more Yelp reviews on my phone before I made those reservations, but hey, my butt was going numb so I had other things on my mind.
Rosa Mexicano was great and a little disappointing all in one. Let me explain.
I arrive at Rosa Mexicano at 6:05, and was a little taken aback by how nice it was. I admit that I was expecting a little run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex joint, but instead, the interior is decorated in sleekly yet warmly. I look down at my t-shirt and jeans and felt just a *touch* underdressed. As my husband had not yet arrived, the hostesses asked if I would like to wait, but as I was in *dire* need of refreshments, I asked for the table.
The waitress arrives and I order a glass of the Rosa Mexicano sangria. The server recommended that I get it with the sparkling white wine, and I happily concur. A short while later, she comes back with a mini-carafe of the sangria and a glass. Although the sangria was a little weak and watery to me (perhaps too much ice?), it was still delicious and exactly what I needed after my 4 hour wait. The server stops by a short while later to make sure that the sangria was to my liking. Marvelous.
But then, everything started to go slightly and mildly awry.
My husband texts that he's a minute away, so I wave down the server and order a Rob Roy. She had no idea what it is, but she gamely promises to find out from the bartender if they could make it - which they could, although it took nearly 10 minutes. However, upon reflection, I suppose the bartender had to look it up in the book, so I suppose I won't quibble too much.
A little worried about time, plus neither of us being terribly hungry, we decided to order two appetizers to share. We order the freshly-made-at-the-table guacamole (spicy), and the Zarape de Pato (layered Duck tortilla Pie). The guac wasn't made at the table, which was rather disappointing, as I love watching guac being made (it gives me the illusion that I too can do this at home. HA!). Two tables behind us had also ordered guac, and so the server made two servings at their table and brought one over to us. Disappointing. Also, although we asked for the guac spicy, it was terribly mild. Eh. Fortunately, a smoky chipotle sauce and a verde salsa was served on the side with it, which we had to use to spice up the guac to the right temperature. The Zarape de Pato, however, was fantastic! The duck was shredded and tender and moist. The yellow habenero creme sauce was marvelously rich and flavorful. The tortillas were a little soggy, but it did pick up the flavors wonderfully.
My husband needed another drink, and we couldn't get our server's attention. After we did, we debated about dessert, but as it was increasingly hard to get our server's attention, and nothing on the menu screamed at us, we just asked for the check. Twice.
All in all, it was nice. I loved that it was so close to the theater and the metro, and that the food was pretty good. The service seems to be a little off, but perhaps it was because we only ordered appetizers instead of entrees - although, we did order alcohol, so our final tab still came out to nearly $100. My husband really enjoyed the duck and is willing to overlook a multitude of sins for that one dish. I will definitely come back again and give it another try. But for now, it's getting a solid 3 stars. Hopefully, I will be able to upgrade to something better on my next visit.
People thought this was:
Very overpriced, but still so good!
I usually get the same thing -- tacos al carbon -- when I come for dinner or lunch. These are basically fajitas, except you only get one grilled vegetable instead of a mixture, which I think fajitas should always have.
Brunch is also good, with a big variety on the menu.
No matter what time of day it is, I always get the fresh guacamole. Always. Rosa Mexicano's guac has ruined all other guacs for me. Perfectly seasoned, nice and chunky, and oh so good.
Guacamole = 5+ stars
Food = 4 stars
Portion size & price = 3 stars
A fan of Rosa's, but honestly, not necessarily of this particularly location. In true 2 star Yelp definition...Meh, I've experienced better.
The guac was ok, good, but not my definition of Rosa Mexicano quality. It could have had more salt, then again I guess the chips compensated for that.
Between the two of us, the entrees included the Filet Con Hongos (or at least that is what I believe the name to be) and the Chicken Suizas. I honestly think that the chicken suizas tend to be my default dish, and they were pretty good..as always. This was the first time I've ever tried the filet mignon...and really...the mushroom tequila sauce.....excellent.
I forget the name of our appetizer, but it was like a taquito....with 2 of their different hot sauces and cheese. It was pretty good as well, but really spicy. Note: I am not a fan of really spicy food.
The dessert portion of the meal was...well for me...quite disappointing. I am a definite fan of Tres Leches cake, and what Rosa's had to offer....I should have passed. It wasn't as fluffy as I remember Tres Leches cake to be...plus it had a somewhat strange aftertaste. Honestly, the dessert was part f the reason for the 2 star rating.
The other reason...I've definitely experienced better service from the Rosa Mexican's in the NYC.
Sure we came in on a Friday night and the restaurant was busy...but really, they weren't that busy. It's NOT like all the tables were being used. But not only that....the hostess was pretty rude about even just asking if we had a reservation.
I mean seriously, if you ask me a question, and I can't understand you because I couldn't hear you, please don't act like you are doing me the favor of repeating yourself. And PLEASE don't act all stank in feeling that you are granting me some kind of permission by allowing me to come in for dinner without a reservation when you clearly have the room to accomodate us.
Honestly, I probably wouldn't ever go back...or at least I wouldn't want too. Since I can always go to the Rosa's here in NYC.
People thought this was:
(after having 3 of their Mexican martinis....wooooo hoooo) I have bits and pieces of that night....the GUACAMOLE....man it was awesome! made tableside...it was delicious...1 more Martini please! then my Carne Asada the steak ordered it rare, and rare it came!..it was so tender with a grilled flavor..all my friends enjoyed their food and drinks. We even got a 25% off coupon for our next visit....woooo hoooo
People thought this was:
I walked into the restaurant with high hopes of good food. The decor was fancier than any other Mexican restaurant I had been to, but the food was lacking. First, the guacamole made at tableside was expensive for how little we received and for how tasteless it was. Then I ordered the beef de Xico with the mole sauce and it was drowning in sauce. There was so much sauce that after two bites I could not eat any more of it and had to return it. The manager was nice about it and offered me different options, but did not directly apologize, and at that point I no longer had an appetite. On our way out the door, the manager suggested next time that I get the sauce on the side, but I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon with all the other great Mexican restaurants in the area.
The food was good. I love the guacamole a ton, but like the other time I was there, it was made somewhere out of sight, not tableside as promised. My dining mates observed that when the server told us about the guacamole (it's pushed at the beginning), it almost sounded like it's complimentary, like bread at other places. They should work on a spiel that doesn't give that impression. It's not nice to think something's free and then see it on the check. So in the vein...
The service SUCKED. We were welcomed by a server and put our drink orders in with him and then another server asked us for our drink orders without even asking if someone had already been with us. It just caused confusion. We couldn't tell if the first one was more of an assistant person or what.
Someone came over with food for other tables at least once. One time we were told it was something we'd ordered, but it turned out not to be and the plate was snatched away with no grace.
Usually saying you're not interested in dessert can be a cue to the waiter that you won't be hanging around so much longer. But really, it took us foooooreeeever to get our check.
Stars are for food and amazing outside seating. Both empty stars are for service.
People thought this was:
2 words: tableside guacamole.
Really, that's all I have to say. Go. have it made. Eat it. Eat it enthusiastically.
Went with a few friends for a late lunch, the food was good, the service was reliable and we had no complaints. but...tableside guac...I demand you try it.
Ok it's not the BEST guac in the world but it is really, really so very yummy.
People thought this was:
I would have given this place 4 stars, but it's just totally overpriced! Just go here and order the guacamole. The drinks are wayyyyyyyyy overpriced and being a bartender these drinks are marked up about 3xs the avg cost... but they are delish and they have every kind of margarita you can think of. My bf ordered some pork dish which he loved, and I ordered the quesadillas con hongos I think it is and that was ok too. It's always loud in here, every Washingtonian has to go for happy hour for some reason. And now the area is always full of tourist ever since President Obama was elected, which is good for the capitol but it sucks for the those of us who actually live or work in the area and just wanna go out for a nice dinner. Just go early and maybe you'll get decent service. The decor is very nice as well.
People thought this was:
My experience here last night was actually not bad, but ones in the past have been lack-luster at best.
My friend and I were meeting a friend who was in town---and when we got there at 6 the bar was expectedly busy. So we thought we would get a table--the host asked us if we were doing just drinks--and we said drinks and an ap. So he took us over to a second bar area in the back right corner was was completely empty, and we got great service there.
The smallish pom margs are a little steep at almost 9 dollars, but tasty. We also go the oh so famous gauc, which I didn't eat--but the salsas served with them were nice and smokey/spice.
If you want a marg in Penn Quarter go here, but be prepared for price and pretention.
People thought this was:
I never had a sit down dinner here, but I've payed the bar a visit a few times and Pomegranate Margeritas are superb. The Guacamole is also fantastic, but points diducted for nearly stale chips.
I am consistently underwhelmed by both locations of Rosa Mexicano, downtown and in National Harbor. Honestly, I sigh every time my co-workers drag me there. The only redeeming feature of the entire establishment is the margaritas--those are delicious. The rest of the menu is consistently mediocre, underseasoned, and fails to impress. I can honestly say I've tried it all. Quesadillas, tacos, stews up and down the menu, including specials. I fail to see why there are so many of these restaurants around the country--MUST be the margaritas I swear! My standard order is the Mexican Club Torta now. Why you ask? Alas, I will be honest, the sweet potato fries!
People thought this was:
Gone is the David Rockwell designed blue-tiled waterfall. Yes, hard to believe Rosa Mexicano's been around that long (close to six years now) and can be considered one of the older establishments around Gallery Place/Penn Quarter (although Grande Dame status goes to Jaleo). It was sort of cutting edge in it's day, and it's still not bad, but Oyamel, just around the corner and down the street, is better for up-scale Mexican IMHO.
That being said, the food here is not bad, but is better suited for the less adventurous. The guacamole prepared tableside is good, although not sufficiently spicy when ordered medium. On the other hand, the chipotle salsa was dark, smokey, almost chocolate-like, and certainly packed a punch. The tuna and shrimp ceviche (essentially tuna tartar with a few pieces of shrimp thrown in) was certainly citrusy and not overly acidic, but would have benefited from a bit of heat. The zarape de pato - layered duck tortilla pie was tasty, but despite the three chilis next to it on the menu, the yellow pepper-habanero cream sauce laced much of a bite. I'm by no means a chili head, but it appears that most of the dishes here have been toned down, possibly to accommodate the tourists and visitors to the Verizon Center with more delicate palates. The empanadas de jaiba (crab turnovers) sound good on paper but in execution were rather dry and listless. If you order a main dish here, you will get sides of rice and refried black beans, both of which are quite tasty.
The best thing about Rosa Mexicano: the drinks. Pomegranate margaritas are the signature drink, and go down quite easily. Additionally, with 80 different types, they have quite possibly the largest selection of tequillas in DC. Granted, some of these are the same brands found in the different styles of silver, reposado and anejo, but it's still pretty impressive.
This place is seriously over rated. First off, you have to pay for chips and salsa?!?! What kinda Mexican place does that? The menu is not very big at all. Maybe a little over a dozen or so options. The food wasn't actually that bad tho. I had the enchilidas suizas and they were very good...but our whole table had to split a bowl of rice and beans. I never been to a place that does that. The bowls weren't even that big. And like every one else says on here, the food was very over priced. I say avoid this place if you can, its a tourist trap and you can get much better and more bang for your buck at any other place.
People thought this was:
I cannot believe I'm giving 4 stars to a mexican restaurant that's outside of Southern California. But goodness gracious RM deserves it. We went here for a father's day brunch with my cousin and his family.
Heuvos Rancheros with the habanero sauce - amazing. I got them with scrambled egg whites sans bacon. Seriously though, everything tasted clean and fresh and so pleasantly tasteful. The flavors were balanced impecabbly - I could seriously drink the habanero sauce.
Drink the habanero sauce.
Went here for dinner after the ladyfriend said she had a great meal with her work establishment. My dinner was bad. Not just disappointing but bad. I had some spinach thing that was all dry and flavorless. Paid a lot of money for fancy drinks and guacamole as well; I am willing to try it again given the hype, but it was not worth it the high price for bad food.
People thought this was:
Lot's of reviews so here goes:
Get the guacamole--period, end of story, no need to keep reading.
Everything else is hit or miss. drinks are great , but pricey. This place is louder then the Verizon Center across the street.
Oh the decor is sharp and impressive, very artsy.
People thought this was:
I loved this place last night. The food was great, the atmosphere was nice, and it was just put together well. The guac? On point. The Servers? Efficient and on top of everything. Pretty Hostess? Check. The pollo flautas? Pretty damn tasty. The only drawback? The next morning when liquid hot magma issued forth from my...well, it's probably best I not go into too much detail. I'll just say that it was just shameful...I wept it was so bad. Will I go back? Sure...I'd probably risk it again.
People thought this was:
Good drinks, great atmosphere and the best guacamole in the city. Actually I never liked guacamole before trying theirs and now I get it every time that I go. You can't go wrong with the filete con hongos either.
They make your guacamole in front of you so you can get it to taste just the way you want. That's pretty neat. Other than that, the food is ok. If you're looking to go more upscale than Guapo's, try this.
I've been told the margaritas are tasty, but I haven't tried them yet.
People thought this was:
My friends and I came here on Saturday afternoon. The place is very roomy and nicely decorated. We were able to get seated right away and start ourselves off with a large earthen bowl of guacamole dip and magaritas. They have a green spicy sauce that's has a good amount of heat.
I ordered a crab empanadas that was had a nice creamy filling and a wonderful mango salsa to dip in. My friend had a fish taco that was really very light and fresh.
The service was expedient and attentive. Sitting near the window let us enjoy a wonderful meal while people watching on a great warm day in the middle of winter. It was an overall excellent experience.
People thought this was:
Based on previous reviews, I got the vibe that this place wouldn't be one I'd normally go out of my way to visit. A coworker's family loves the guacamole here and another coworker wanted go, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
So the guacamole was pretty good, but it seemed kind of gimmicky to serve it in the molcajete. I can't say I'm from Mexico or Texas or say I have street cred in the art of guacamole preparation, but I can read a recipe, and believe I can make a tasty guacamole for much less than $12 for two people. Avocados are expensive and all, but $12?
The tortilla chips were pretty good and I liked the two different types of salsa that came with it, but a lot of the chips had way too much salt on them. Maybe we let the fresh flour tortillas sit too long since they were kind of gummy.
For lunch, I tried the mole de xico. There was a whole lot of mole sauce on the plate - maybe a little too much. It had a pretty nice sweet/bitter complex flavor that matched well with the shredded beef. I had a bite of my coworker's chicken quesadilla and the meat was nice and smokey. They were a bit much for quesadillas, but she was happy enough with them. We got a bowl of refried beans and yellow rice on the side to share. Pretty good.
It was quite a bit of food, but I felt like it was a bit overpriced - I guess you pay for the nice atmosphere. Maybe I'm too used to cheaper, divey places.
People thought this was:
This will never be the best mexican food you'll ever have, but you know what?? it's really not that bad and can fill your cravings. Don't get any tortas (sandwiches), they all suck, though the sweet potato fries are awesome.
The fresh made guacamole is decent, I like the chunkiness. It always lacks lime though. No worries, just ask for some on the side and doctor it up a bit. I always stick to the tacos al asador here. I like their fish tacos because they're grilled. Again, I have to doctor it up by adding their tomatillo salsa (which I think is awesome), limes and some salt n pepper. I view it as an interactive meal. I usually end up being satisfied. Again, I appreciate that they accommodate my requests for extra limes, salsa, jalapenos and serrano chilis, tortillas, pico de gallo at no extra cost and with a smile. Some may argue I shouldn't have to do this, but I really don't mind and actually take pleasure in it. Their queso fundido is awesome, though the portion is small. Last but not least, their margarita La Unica will kick your ass! try it.
People thought this was:
The guy who just said get the guacamole was absolutely right - keep it simple when you go to Rosa Mexicana. The speed of service is pretty slow so going for light fare will hopefully keep you from spending longer than you might want to, as I have on more than one occasion.
As weird as it sounds, if I were in the right mood I would get the guacamole, a light salad or side, and maybe an order of flan (hmm haven't been here since being diagnosed with Celiac's, so I don't know if this is actually an option for me, but the flan is good for the record) - just forget the entree entirely. That way you get the fun ambiance of the restaurant without lingering too long and keeping it recessionista -friendly :)
People thought this was:
***2.5 stars***
Since this place is located across from the Verizon Center where the Georgetown Hoyas play basketball, I'd like to borrow one of their often used chants on this review of Rosa Mexicano:
"Overrated" - clap, clap, clap, clap - "Overrated"
At the suggestion of one of my co-workers, about 10 of us headed down here since they supposedly have "the best guacamole in the area". Well, having lived in Texas for a few years, I not only learned how to make my own pretty damn good guac, but I've also had it made table-side for me (I don't see what the appeal of this is) in some of the best Tex-Mex joints which Tejas is famous for.
So we get there and a few of our party hasn't arrived so they can't seat us. No problems, so we head over the bar to wait for the rest of the crew. I am immediately dismayed to learn that there are no Happy Hour specials, but in the ultra-trendy Penn Quarter this is not surprising. The crowd here is well-heeled, good looking, with a few tourists scattered in to even out the scene. I ask the bartender directly, "Sir, do you know how to make a Mexican Martini?" "Yeah, I've made one of those before." Now, for the uninitiated a Mexican Martini is a TX specialty of which Trudy's in Austin (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) serves the world's best version. The drink itself is SIMPLE:
* 2 fluid ounces tequila
* 1 fluid ounce Cointreau liqueur
* 1-2 fluid ounce Sprite
* 1 fluid ounce orange juice
* 1/2 lime, juice of
Shake all ingredients and strain into glass rimmed with salt; add stuffed olives. So this guy proceeds to make the drink with Grey Goose Vodka, a little bit of Sprite, and a splash a tequila. FAIL! I will no longer try and order this drink, since the only other time I tried at the insipid Austin Grill, the bartender also committed an epic fail when trying to recreate this drink. Well, at least I got some extra olives with my $12 drink. My advice to all bartenders in DC, if you don't know how to make a drink, don't fake it since it only serves to irritate your clientele.
So when we were finally seated, I tried some of the "amazing" guac and yeah it was good and freshly made, but $12 for one order ($24 for the double!)? Okay, so the presentation was nice in a stone pestle and we did get some hot corn tortillas in little pink baskets, but I definitely didn't think the guac was worth the price.
The best thing I liked about this place was their bathroom. I, like some other Yelpers, have a weird obsession with clean and well designed restrooms. Having worked in the restaurant business, my personal belief is that a dirty restroom is reflective of the management's view towards overall quality and cleanliness. This place has frosted glass doors and marble tiled walls, and the always fashionable square vessel sink; and of course the facilities were immaculate.
I've eaten better Mexican food in the suburbs of Va/MD, and dare I say, even at some of the chains like Chevy's and On the Border. This place will no doubt continue to do a brisk business because of it's location, but it will not be getting any of my dining dollars in the future.
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My wife and my friends all planned a surprise party for me here for my birthday last night. Overall, I was not super impressed with the place. I thought the food was very good, but the service definitely lacked for the price point.
It seemed like the server was either new or just didn't know what was going on. He hardly checked on us, and we actually had to drag drinks out of him.
My last thing is really more of a pet peeve than anything, but they auto-gratted our table. I realize it is a policy, but if they would have been paying attention, they would have noticed that they had a 12 top of service industry people and would have made out well ahead of the 18% they settled for, even with the poor service. Oh well.
So, I would say if you are looking for drinks and apps, go to the bar and you will be fine. But if you are looking for a special occasion, or even a nice evening out there are better places to go.
I've gone to this place a few times (it's close to work) and every time the food has been excellent. The guacamole is very good, you choose your spice level, and they prepare it for you on a mobile cart right by your table. That aside, Rosa Mexicana only earns three stars because the service is not up to par with the food or the prices (I've only been at lunch so I can't imagine how slow and disorganized the dinner rush is). The service was pretty slow, entrees for a large group came out at 5 minute intervals rather than together, and the servers "auction" off food by asking you what entree you ordered or just setting it down in front of you and then letting you switch plates with the other diners.
I would still try this place out because their food is very good, but manage your expectations to avoid disappointment with the service.
The guacamole is fantastic (luv the bowl it comes in too), and everyone liked their magaritas(nice selection too) --i really liked my mango one.
That helped up the rating....
But the service is extremely slow...became unbearable by the end. Not really a waiter to even flag down. We must have waited at least 20 min to get our check..and never got or intial guac order for at least 15-20 min.
Rest of the meal was ok enuf, but nothing spectacular for the price point. Was disappointed the chicken enchilada had a spicy green sauce when there was no menu indication it would be (other items were marked spicy)
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You have to go in to Rosa Mexicano understanding that this is an upscale tex-mex chain. With that in mind you aren't going to get anything that is really on point or innovative. That being said though, you will get some great food. Everyone enjoyed their meal here. We, like many, started out with the guacomole and while it was good it wasn't extraordinary. I mean it was very good, but it didn't blow me away. On the whole though, the food was great.
The service here was a bit lacking. The waiter was a bit difficult to find at times and this was quite annoying.
Also, this restaurant is loud, very loud. I don't particularly mind this and it wasn't really a problem during our meal, but when I placed our reservation the host could barely here what I was saying, and it took some time for him to get the reservation down. That should have been a hint, as they got my reservation wrong. However, they promptly found a table for my party of five and it wasn't an issue, I liked that.
I would recommend this to anyone, and I would definitely go back again.
People thought this was:
After getting out of the concert at Verizon Center I wanted to grab some drinks with the girl I was with so we decided to head over to Rosa. It was literally 20ft from the exit we went out. Upon entering we headed to the bar to order drinks, all the tables and seating at the bar was full. The tables closest to the bar however were empty and clean. We asked the hostess if we could sit at one of the tables while having drinks. She curtly told us no that we would have to stand because"the tables are closed". I found this extremely rude considering they were sitting empty anyways.
We ordered 2 regular RAIL Margaritas and 2 frozen pomagrate Margaritas which were clearly made with a cheap tequila and the bill was $40!!!! Now I was not expecting to get $5 drinks, but I don't think I have ever been charged more that $7-8 for a rail Margarita before. This was really disappointing especially after being denied the ability to sit down.
I don't think I would go back to Rosa if I could help it. The food might be great, but reading other reviews it doesn't seem so, clearly they are overpriced and the service is lacking.
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Fort Washington, MD
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
Category: Mexican
Washington, DC
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
Category: Pizza
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Category: American (New)
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