El Tamarindo
Salvadoran restaurant · Adams Morgan
1785 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
![El Tamarindo by El Tamarindo [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63841359/El_Tamarindo.0.jpg "El Tamarindo by El Tamarindo [official]")
Highlights
Pupusas, tacos, burritos, and cocktails served late
Pupusas, tacos, burritos, and cocktails served late
"A cheeky Adams Morgan pupuseria with lively atmosphere and playful merch; the pupusas showcase fillings that let the meat and cheese both shine, a slightly thick but not doughy masa, and an overall sweet-leaning taste brightened by a vivid orange salsa. The spot also offers a full bar, a pleasant patio and ample seating, and a respectable margarita for washing down a pupusa feast." - Missy Frederick
"Forget Jumbo slice. This is the Adams Morgan drunk food of choice for many people. Open until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, El Tamarindo is known for late-night pupusas with 11 types in all. Established in 1982, it’s one of the longest running Salvadoran-Mexican restaurants in D.C. Options like chicken or chorizo and cheese come a la carte (or get a dozen for $47)." - Tim Ebner
"The popular pupusas spot at the foot of Adams Morgan has rolled out a summer cocktail lineup for Pride with $1 from each cocktail sale benefiting Ayuda in support of immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities in the DMV; it also revamped Taco Tuesday with a 10‑taco and three‑sauce option for $40 and a margarita carafe‑and‑taco trio combo for $35." - Emily Venezky
"Although Cana markets itself as a caipirinha bar (and believe me, they do the signature Brazilian cocktail well), they have one of the city’s best new Old Fashioneds hidden away on their menu too. The bar strips back everything you know about the drink, leaving just the bourbon base (but finished with amburana) and then adding its own Brazilian flavors, including guava, banana, and the signature tamarind. Its namesake ingredient gives it a tangy caramel flavor that feels like it could easily be found on a beach in Rio." - Graham Steinberg
"Salvadoran food is a DC staple, and Adams Morgan is home to DC’s oldest Salvadoran restaurant—which is also one of our favorites. Grab pupusas, tamales, and yuca con chicharron at the barn-house-style restaurant at the foot of 18th Street. It’s a quiet laid-back affair with groups scattered like confetti, keeping mostly to themselves while listening to a blend of American and Latin Top 40 hits. The menu is a Salvadoran-Mexican mix, so along with cheesy pupusas and sweet plantains you’ll find tacos, burritos, and fajitas. Pair them with a mangonada, a mango slushie with spicy chamoy and lime. Or toss back $4 Modelos and citrusy sangria during all-day Happy Hour at the bar." - omnia saed
