Free Tequila? Yes, Please! At La Plaza, A Capitol Hill Mexican Favorite

As a born and raised Texan I take my Mexican food pretty seriously. And I can tell you from experience, most of the time, the best Mexican or Tex-Mex food is out of a totally low key, unassuming restaurant with some kind-of weird decor.  So when I walked into La Plaza for the first time and saw the cartoon characters painted on the wall for the kids section, I knew I had come to the right place!

The first time my husband and I ate at La Plaza was actually on Christmas night.  We stayed in DC for the holidays, and without any family to cook for, we decided to venture out.  We had passed signs all week on Penn for this place called La Plaza that would continue their tradition of being open on the holiday.  Enchiladas and tequila on Christmas? Hell, with a meal like that we would practically be back in Texas.

One of the best appetizers is the Chroizo con Queso. My personal favorite main dish is the No. 5 - a super flavorful chile relleno with a cheese enchilada. You know how french chef's are tested by making a soup? Well, I think Mexican restaurants should be tested by making a cheese enchilada.  It's totally basic but can either be delicious or unexciting, La Plaza's is perfect.

And did I mention they serve refried beans? So many Mexican restaurants in DC serve black beans, which is incredibly odd and incredibly un-Texas like. Side note: I once asked the crew at Tortilla Coast why (as fellow Texans) they chose to serve black beans over refried. They said everyone kept asking for black beans so they kicked the refried off the menu.  Black beans as a side at a Mexican restaurant is just unnatural. Judge them by the refried beans, it's a sign they know what they are doing.

Now, let me warn you, not everything at La Plaza is incredible. The chicken burrito, chicken enchilada, anything with chicken, I have found to be vastly under-seasoned. I would recommend sticking to a veggie or seafood option, you will not be disappointed.

Now on to the beverages...the margaritas are stout.  Tasty, and stout.  And if you order a drink they will (surprise!) bring you a free tequila shot at the end of the meal. If they didn't have me coming back just for the food, it would definitely be for the liquor, of both the paid for and free variety.

La Plaza is located at 629 Pennsylvania Ave SE between 6th and 7th.

Happy Hilling!
S.