Qui Qui DC

Lovely, cozy little spot for outstanding Puerto Rican food! This cute, hole-in-the-wall spot is located on the second floor of a long row of townhomes-turned-businesses in Shaw. My friend and I snagged a spot in the window bay, and it was so nice to be able to look out over the street as we ate and chatted. For our appetizer, we split the grilled shrimp with smashed plantains, which was outstanding. The shrimp were tender and juicy, and the garlic sauce was super flavorful. You can never go wrong with a good smashed plantain, and Qui Qui's were no different -- they were slightly chewy and very lightly sweet, with a lovely crunch on the outside. My main was quite similar; I ordered the shrimp mofongo, which was just another amazing iteration of shrimp with plantains. The shrimp were once again perfectly tender, with a slight snap as you bit into them. The shrimp, as well as the mashed plantains, did a great job soaking up all the flavor from the broth. They topped it off with a few pickled onions and herb oil, which was a great hit of freshness to brighten up the otherwise heavy dish.

We have been here several times because we love it! The food is amazing and very authentic (delish Puerto Rican food), the service is outstanding, and the atmosphere is very nice and cozy. The cocktails are great as well. Keep in mind that you need to make a reservation online but the last time we went wasn't planned, and because it was kind of early, they were very accommodating and got us a table promptly without having reserved one (take note that this is not the norm, we were just lucky because they are usually pretty packed!). We are from Puerto Rico, and we can definitely say that their culinary offerings are the best Puerto Rican ones of the area.

Had a lovely Sunday lunch here a few weeks ago. Food is decent, staff is kind although maybe running behind that day. Still would highly recommend.

This is one of the best Puerto Rican restaurants in the DC Metro area, and it's definitely the best if you are after a Can-Can porkchop! They also have a great selection of rums. 😉

I ordered the pastelon and carne frita with tostones for my wife from qui qui via uber eats. The portions for these meals was wayyy too small, and it was way overpriced (paid close to $70 total). They also added a small portion of rice which i didnt order and didnt make the meal any more filling. I shouldve cooked instead

I love love love Puerto Rican food so I was very excited to go here. Recommended by a few friends. Food was amazing; the restaurant is tiny but I love the atmosphere; it gets loud but it reminds me of our family parties and dinners. Felt just like home. Once it got really busy, the service slowed down quite a bit but our server was very sweet.

Nestled on the second floor above a bar on 7th St NW in DC, Qui Qui is an absolute hidden gem that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of San Juan. As you ascend the stairs, the rhythmic beats of Latin music set the mood for an unforgettable dining experience. Upon entering, you're greeted by Puerto Rican decor all over the place that ties in nicely with the atmosphere, exuding a feeling of warmth and charm. Qui Qui is definitely lively and inviting, perfect for a casual night out or a special occasion. The service was impeccable, with friendly and attentive staff who made us feel right at home. We started our culinary journey of the evening with the Carne Frita con Tostones and Lechoncito appetizers. Both dishes were packed with flavor and served with a side of nostalgia for us. The Carne Frita was crispy and tender, while the Lechoncito practically melted in our mouths, setting high expectations for the main courses. For our entrees, we indulged in the Pollo Asado and the Kan Kan. The Pollo Asado was succulent and perfectly seasoned, a true delight for the taste buds. The Kan Kan, however, was the star of the evening. This massive dish came with its crispy pork around the edges while tender and juicy on the inside, it was cooked to perfection and was accompanied by generous portions of rice and beans. Even though it doesn't say on the menu, in our opinion this dish would be ideal for sharing. This was especially an excellent value for our money. They charge 20% automatically on top of the bill for the staff (so don't be surprised) but given the level of food and service we had absolutely no problem with this as it was well deserved. Qui Qui is a great spot for an authentic Puerto Rican dining experience with exceptional food, great service, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just visiting DC, if you're interested in Puerto Rican cuisine this is one spot you don't want to miss. We will definitely be returning soon!

If you're looking for an authentic taste of Puerto Rico, Qui Qui is a must-visit! The food is absolutely amazing—every dish bursting with flavor and expertly prepared. From savory appetizers to satisfying mains, each bite reflects the vibrant, rich culinary traditions of Puerto Rico. The sangria was also a standout—refreshing, well-balanced, and a perfect complement to the meal. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. I highly recommend Qui Qui to anyone craving delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. Can't wait to return!

Food - ordered Pastelon , Rellenos Beans & Rice! Shared the Pastelon, Rellenos with table . The Pastelon and Rellenos were a big hit! Fried pork bites are seasoned, juicy perfection! Loved the pink beans reminded me of pinto beans. And the rice was perfect guy and fluffy! Service - attentive and friendly. Our waitress was eager to please Ambiance - Cozy but roomy. Loved the colors and art! We are visiting DC so we will get another awesome dinner in @ Qui Qui DC. PS my Dad's nickname was Quiqui

Lovely, cozy little spot for outstanding Puerto Rican food! This cute, hole-in-the-wall spot is located on the second floor of a long row of townhomes-turned-businesses in Shaw. My friend and I snagged a spot in the window bay, and it was so nice to be able to look out over the street as we ate and chatted. For our appetizer, we split the grilled shrimp with smashed plantains, which was outstanding. The shrimp were tender and juicy, and the garlic sauce was super flavorful. You can never go wrong with a good smashed plantain, and Qui Qui's were no different -- they were slightly chewy and very lightly sweet, with a lovely crunch on the outside. My main was quite similar; I ordered the shrimp mofongo, which was just another amazing iteration of shrimp with plantains. The shrimp were once again perfectly tender, with a slight snap as you bit into them. The shrimp, as well as the mashed plantains, did a great job soaking up all the flavor from the broth. They topped it off with a few pickled onions and herb oil, which was a great hit of freshness to brighten up the otherwise heavy dish.

The food is delicious and definitely authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and I loved it. We started with 2 beef empanadas which were absolutely amazing. Then we moved on to dinner and I tried the Pollo Guisado which is a tomato based chicken dish with rice on the side. I loved it. My husband had the Bistec Encebollado and he loved it as well. I do feel like the portions are small but the food is good. The place is cute and the music matches the vibe. My issue with this place is the reservation situation. Online it says they aren't taking reservations but when we got there the first thing they asked us for was a reservation and they weren't going to seat us because we didn't have a reservation even though there were plenty of open tables. So we ask can we sit at the bar and I felt like the bartender and the waitress had an attitude. In addition to the waitress had her belongings sitting on one of the two seats available at the bar. Eventually the bartender seemed to lighten up but I definitely wasn't feeling it at first.

Qui Qui is my favorite place to order mofongo from. I've ordered their shrimp mofongo multiple times on Uber Eats and have never been disappointed. Not only is the tomato broth rich with flavor, the portion is generous with ample amounts of shrimp to balance the starchiness of the dish. The dish is quite heavy so I never get to enjoy other items but am looking forward to trying other things when visiting their location with a group.

Solid food, solid drinks, solid prices. Parking is a nightmare in this part of town so get here early. I think the pictures speak for themselves... enjoy!

The food was fantastic. If you're craving Puerto Rican cuisine that feels like a wonderful home cooked meal made with love, then try Qui Qui. The restaurant is located on the 2nd floor and is cozy and inviting atmosphere with music buzzing. The hostess/waitress Tiana was kind,m and attentive, even with a packed restaurant. And the food!!! OMG I ordered the tomahawk pork chop (Chuleta) it was sooo good and flavorful. It came with tostones and red beans and rice. We devoured the plate lol. We also ordered the Mofongo carne with platains which was equally delicious. The sangria was perfect, strong and tasty.

¡Espectaculár! From the moment I stepped in and saw the staircase this Boricua felt right at home. Food was on point. One of us ordered the perníl with arroz mamposteao and tostones and the other got the alcapurrias with a side of white rice. My cocktail was also lovely. Service was not just great but also super fast for a weekend afternoon and the ambiance was Boricua-chic. Thank you for giving me a taste of home.

I would definitely come back again for the food. We got a shrimp appetizer and I got the pastelone for the entree. The shrimp was cooked well and the sauce was great. Plantain chips were a nice crunch. I ordered the pastelone bc I've never tried a dish with plantains as a main ingredient and it was good! I realize I don't enjoy the taste of plantains as much as I thought I would but that's no fault of the dish. The beef was cooked well and overall a tasty dish if you like plantains.

DC is a dry spot for Puerto Rican food, we are very lucky to have Qui Qui. As a Puerto Rican, their food is the closest I've gotten in the area to authentic PR food that my family makes! Came on Valentine's day where they had a pre-set menu and really enjoyed the food and cocktails. So much so that I came to visit again the following weekend. I got the pollo empanizado (breaded fried chicken) with rice and beans both times and it's just so good. The service is great, the restaurant is a bit small but decorated very nice. One thing to note when you are making a reservation is you have to put a $10 deposit per person down. The only real downside is that the prices are hefty but I guess it's in par with DC prices.

After all the rave reviews and hype about this place, I was shocked to be left underwhelmed on the food. Gouda Bites These were phenomenal, the absolute best item I got. Cheesy with a great cheese pull, golden crunchy outside and the guava sauce add a nice flair. Empanadas They were perfectly golden brown and flavorful. A little dry and cousins used more filling. Carne Frita Mofongo The pork had some tender and some over cooked pieces, sadly it was bland in flavor. The smashed plantains was also very garlicky with no other flavors. The whip dish with no sauce was too dry. I've had better representations of Mofongo this was not one that I enjoyed, it could be your cup of tea though. Side note: the table next to us got a pork chop meal that looked like it was good. They were repeat customers and admitted they thought it was the best item on the menu. So maybe follow there lead if you go? Location Reservation is the best method since it is a very small space with limited tables. Inside a bar and upstairs, look for the Puerto Rico flag outside the building.

Visited DC recently and ended up at Qui Qui. I got carne guisada and my partner got pernil. The food was pretty good. We tried a little of everything. The service was great, everyone was very attentive. The decor is cute and the music they played was good too. Overall, I recommend you check them out.

Authentic and the provides the comfort Puerto Rican Pastelon I craved. The Parchita was refreshing and sweet, just like the personalities of the owners. I'll surely return to try out more on the menu.

This is an authentic restaurant that brings you the Puertorican flavor to the DC area. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the listed address. The decoration brings memories of the island. Each area has a detail decor depicting a signature of Puerto Rico culture. Don't be fooled as the water is served in a unique bottle of one of many rums of Puerto Rico. . The host, was attentive and was very friendly. Be mindful the restaurant closes for one hr. 3-4 pm as they transition for dinner. Overall great experience.

The Kan Kan (tomahawk pork chop) was absolutely spectacular - the texture was really crispy on the outside but then it would melt in your mouth because of the fat. I really liked the plantains that came with it. The pitorro flight was fun. I would also recommend the pegao as a starter. Qui Qui is warm and cozy inside and the staff were kind and speedy. This was a good intro to Puerto Rican food for me!

Perfect stars because when you take a cuisine with such heritage, but also such bold and heavy flavors and do it unabashedly....I gotta sound the alarms and bring business to your door! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO FRY SO MUCH PORK PERFECTLY EVERY TIME!!! Pork is King, Queen and the Court Jester in PR Food and when combined with plantains, onions, garlic and herbs, the preparation can take on infinite forms. Monfogo, one of my all time favorite PR dishes was boiled, mashed and refried to perfection, then smoothened in an amazing stew AS IT SHOULD BE!! But the star of the night was the GINORMOUS pork rib plate. It easily can feed 3 starving men or a normal family of 5. Fried perfectly to leave the pork tender and juicy inside. Just...get...this...dish! With strong and sweet cocktails, fast and kind service and the soul of PR pumping through the walls, Qui Qui is a rare treasure in a city of Chefs swinging for Michelin Stars or obsessed with small plates!

Loved this place and will certainly be returning for more goodness. Love the atmosphere and the music of qui qui and staff was great. Had the beef empanadas which were awesome. The beef was seasoned to the max. The steak with peas and rice and the pork starter. I apologize I only took one photo as by the time I thought to take pics I was half way through the rest! The only critical thing I would say is the steak was overdone if you are looking for a medium rare, but they also didn't ask the temp I would like so maybe that is just how it is served!

Yummy! I don't get a chance to eat Puerto Rican food often, so this was a refreshing delicious meal. I recommend El Jibaro - my favorite entree of the night. We also got the Carne Frita Mofongo, which was also tasty. The ambience is casual and cozy. Nothing much to complain about the service. An overall nice dining experience.

So disappointed... ordered pollo guisado through u we eats and the food comes with absolutely no flavor... like no seasoning what so ever in the stew. The carrots a crunchy as if they rushed the food and didn't allow everything to cook well. I've been here before and had the khan khan which was good but this truly disappointing especially after paying $20 for this. Tried to save it with whatever seasoning was in my office.

This is a cute restaurant located upstairs with a bar called The Passenger downstairs. The restaurant is very small and seems to be very crowded at night. The staff were very friendly and apologized for the wait because they were so busy. I went by myself and they let me sit at the bar, even though they usually don't serve people at the bar. I ordered the Soncocho soup. The beef was very tender and fell off the bone. The soup itself was very under-seasoned and lacked flavor, but the side of rice was soft and was seasoned perfectly.

Wow, wow, wow! A bit of la Isla del encanto in DC. 1. Food - You'll love how deliciously and expertly cooked everything is! 2. Service - The staff is incredibly attentive and genuinely cares about making your experience the best it can be! 3. Atmosphere - It might not be exactly like being on an island, but it's a place you'll want to bring your whole crew to enjoy! Handle: @thefoodpreacher I highly recommend this restaurant!!!

We came here for early Mother's Day Weekend dinner, as we had a reservation and my girlfriend had been here before. There are a few things worth mentioning before I go into full detail with my review. 1. Parking is like anywhere in DC, so it's best to look up parking garages if you have a time crunch or arrive 20 to 30 minutes early in the hopes someone is leaving close by. 2. This place is actually located on the SECOND floor with The Passenger being on the FIRST, so just go up the beautifully themed steps. We arrived at the time of our reservation and were seated within minutes by Carla, then actually served by Veronica who was great! We ordered some appetizers Beef Empanadas and I ordered some corn fritters. The empanadas were crispy on the outside and packed with flavorful and delicious meat. They arrived very hot and fresh as did all of our dishes. We also got an order of both sweet and savory plantains. They were both very good, one was crispy and mashed flat and fried and the other was sweet and soft. The corn fritters were light and airy with a good chewiness to them and not too sweet. They reminded me of hush puppies but more long. We then moved onto our entrees. My girlfriend got chicken with beans and rice. The rest of us got steak with beans and rice. The beans had great flavor to them, as we all talked about how much we liked them. The steak was also good, however, it's going to be hit or miss for some for two reasons. 1. It seems they have different opinions on temperature options. We ordered ours medium well and mine came out still a bit rarer than I would have expected for medium well but it wasn't the same all the way through, parts were more done than others. 2. It has a very smoky flavor from the way they cook it so this could be very polarizing for some. One of our guests was not too fond of said flavor. We ended the night with what I would consider the best part of the meal, dessert! We got the Tres Leches cake that was pretty to look at but even tastier to eat :) tres leches has different versions and as such different firmness levels. We all appreciated the fact that while the cake was moist and was clearly soaked at the bottom it wasn't drenched to the point that it was soggy. It maintained its density and it's moistness at the same time. It reminded me of homemade cake and the bottom was soaked but there was a bit of pushback on the fork as you cut into the cake which we loved along with the flavor profile. We would all definitely get that again as I was thinking about getting one to take home! This part of the review is where I talk about the decor and ambience. The decor was actually very cool as they had water in recycled liquor bottles and you pour into your glass but it would be in like a rum bottle. They also had paintings and flowers all throughout with a totem pole at the bottom of the beautifully painted steps which you can see the Puerto Rican flag as you go up the steps and it is lighted nicely to show the steps by the handrail. The storefront is also cool looking from the outside but confusing at the same time because nowhere on the storefront doesn't mention that Qui Qui is within the same building, it's almost like a Hidden Gem as the bottom section is The Passenger which is completely separate from the restaurant portion upstairs. (See Pictures) This often causes people to question if they are in the right place so I would suggest some signage maybe sing outside of the passenger pointing to the stairs so you know it's upstairs and in the same space. Overall the whole family enjoyed our outing here and we give it a four out of five. Definitely a place that you should check out in our honest opinion.

We love having a bite of home so close to us. My husband feels like he's at home in his parent's kitchen eating at Qui Qui. The food, atmosphere, and service was great!

The aesthetics of this place is def giving Puerto Rico Island in the City. The stairs is painted as the PR flag which goes up to the second floor where the restaurant is actually is. This spot was designed beautifully and has many intricate things all throughout, I loved it so much. Oh yeah, this isn't my first time (it's been 2 years since I last came) but I forgot to do a review the last time and this time I was determined to leave a review. The people here are nice and friendly, also you can get assistance from any worker walking around instead of just relying on the assigned waitress. So MANY Vegan/Vegetarian options ***MAJOR BONUS POINTS*** it's so hard to find restaurants esp with traditional foods that contain meat to have a vegan option. This alone stole my heart and grew my love for this place. DRINK "WATER" There's a Don Q alcohol bottle with WATER inside on each table. So cute yet funny, it was def a cute touch to dining. MEAL "PERNIL DE JACA" So Pernil is traditionally a garlic infused pork that tastes amazing but they managed to make a vegan version made out of Jackfruit. OMGGGGG from the texture to the taste, it was incredible. It comes with white rice, pink beans and cilantro & red onion decor. I added sweet plantains and avocado to my meal (additional charge). Rice was good just a tad bit sticky but paired well with pink beans that were fantastic, omg finally found beans that's vegan and full of fresh ingredients and well seasoned. The plantains were over fried but ironically that's the way I love them, I swear this was prob not intentional but perfect for me. Everything paired so well with each other and I thought I was gonna save some for later but couldn't resist eating everything on my plate. ¡Que Rico! I definitely need this in my life weekly (wishful thinking). I swear someone's grandma was transported from PR & is cooking in the back with all her love bc the food was so authentic and homemade. Hands down, definitely worth coming to like for real. DESSERT "FLAN" So I had to get dessert, the flan was a good texture but not that sweet I guess since there was no caramel topping but let me say that the Guava topping added a unique touch and just the perfect amount of sweetness to the flan. **Rolling my eyes back in pleasure** soooooo freaking delish, now that's the only way I wanna eat flan lol. I love Guava but this on Flan is a whole new level plus the whipped cream Mmmmm hmmmm. What added to this experience was a live band with instruments from PR, performed and was a beautiful experience while dining. Beautiful people, I forgot I was in DC while I was there lol. Oh I forgot, I wish they had empanadas with cheese only, I was looking forward to that but sadly it's just ones with meat. I was definitely craving this and sad I couldn't get it since i don't eat meat. And I wish they had a version with Guava and cheese too Urg! Tbh I didn't care for the gratuity added on bill but mb it's a DC thing. They would've gotten a tip regardless, I just feel that tips should be optional not mandatory but I ain't mad at it since I was fully satisfied. Overall, I will definitely be back sooner than later. If anything I'm mad I didn't order food to go lol, def next time.

Qui Qui is a beautiful Puerto Rican restaurant with an American twist. The restaurant is a little difficult to find because the restaurant is on the second floor above a bar. Thankfully when you walk through the door a Puerto Rican flag will guide you up the stairs to the restaurant. Food: I'm in heaven! The bright island flavors made me forget about the plummeting temperatures outside. I started my meal with a passion fruit margarita. As a passionfruit fan, it was love at first sip. A small section of the glass rim is dipped in a spiced seasoning. The combination of sweet, tart, and spice will delight anyone. Normally margaritas are way too sweet, but that's not a problem here. NEXT UP: The chicken empanadas are the real deal here. The version I'm accustomed to eating at home is fried. The empanada dough has wafer-thin bubbles around on surface of the empanada. These empanadas are stuffed with marinated chicken that is super tender. Do yourself a favor and enjoy every bite paired with the green sauce. The avocado salad is light and fresh. If you are going to eat Puerto Rican food this light salad is a must before your main course arrives. My final appetizer: Chicharron Con Tostones is a crispy pork belly served on top of tostones. YUM! For my entire, I split the fried red snapper and the Pollo Guisado! The Pollo Guisado has TWO chicken thighs simmered in a light adobo sauce. The chicken is so tender it falls apart with just your fork. It comes with white rice and some stewed vegetables. This is perfect on a cold winter day. The Red snapper was crispy and came with more of the green sauce! I'm telling you that sauce should be bottled. Service: Just a reminder there is a 20% gratuity. DC is an expensive place to run a restaurant so this ensures all the staff has wages that keep up with inflation. The gratuity is on the menu so I I'm happy I knew about it before the meal. Our waiter was extremely friendly. Ambiance: Bright and colorful. There's beautiful artwork on the walls and your table's water is served in repurposed rum bottles. There's also a bar by the entrance. Overall: Bring a group, you'll want to try all the appetizers. Fabulous Cocktails. Nice portions. 20% Gratuity

I've never had Puertorican food before so we came here on a Saturday night and tried the vegetarian options. Online it said reservations were required but there were a few tables free for potential walk ins. It can be easy to miss so if you find yourself at the bar, just head up the stairs. There weren't many options for vegetarians but we made do with the Pernil De Jaca (jackfruit), Que Pollo! (faux chicken), and the plantains. The jackfruit was well seasoned and an interesting twist on the fruit, the plantains were nice and firm, and the faux chicken did leave something to be desired but still a solid choice. The meat dishes looked so good. I'm looking forward to coming back to try them!

Hard to find place. It sits on the 2nd floor of bar where you have to take a narrow staircase up. Was barely if any outside advertisement or sign. I had to drive around the block a few times. Customer service was outstanding. Young lady was extremely courteous and fast. Food...I had the Chuleta Kan Kan with rice, beans, tostones and a side order bacalouitos and a can of Kola Champaign. Bill came Out to $84!!! That's including a MANDATORY 20% gratuity/service charge. The Chuleta Can Can was $54 dollars alone.... Rice and beans were bland. Not bad flavor but was really bland. The Chuleta Kan Kan was good. Well cooked with crispy/chewy chicharoon. The Tostones along with the bacalouitos was a little on the overcooked side. I also think they need to change the oil. That or use separate oil from what they cook other stuff in cause my fried food was dark. I can't get over the pricing. I understand the area and they being think the only ones in the area with a Kan Kan but geez,...the cost topped off the 20% gratuity just doesn't match the quality of food. One thing I forgot to mention was the seating. The seating is tight....

If you're looking for delicious Puerto Rican food, this is definitely the spot to go to. The customer service was great and I enjoyed the ambiance.

I loved this spot! Best Boriqua spot in DC, such great comfort food with amazing flavor. Quite pricey but well worth it. The Chuleta Kan Kan is the best item on the menu!

We went here ages ago, but I still think about the giant tomahawk pork steak. It's huge, decadent, and the best thing on their menu. Highly recommend!

I'd give this 3.5 if I could, but I'm rounding down because, despite the service being good, the food wasn't up there for me. I went with a group and between us we tried the carne frita con tostones, pastelón (my main), arroz con gandules, mofongo con camarones, and mofongo con carne frita. I've had mofongo before at other restaurants, and this was pretty standard - the portion honestly seemed pretty small for the price, and while it tasted fine it didn't wow any of us. I also missed the crunch I'm used to getting from the kind that has chicharrones in it, but it still hit the spot. The carne frita was well-cooked but not that flavorful, and we ended up using a lot of the sauce on the table (delicious!) with that and the tostones because they didn't have much to them on their own. The same is true for the pastelón. I love plantains and cheese, so I still enjoyed the dish a lot, don't get me wrong, but there could definitely have been more cheese and better spiced meat/more flavor in general. We didn't finish the arroz con gandules for a similar reason. I had a coquito, which was good but not particularly strong - I'd try something different next time. We split the tres leches cake for dessert. The passion fruit made it unique when compared to other tres leches we'd had. I absolutely love passion fruit, but oddly I think I would have preferred the classic tres leches - something about it didn't quite work for me (maybe I'm just too used to strawberries, I don't know). I'm also not a big sprinkles person, so I'm sure that was part of it. Still, it was tender and unique and really tasty, so I'd still recommend trying it! Overall, I think I would have liked this place more if I felt like the prices matched the quality of the dishes. Granted, I moved here from an area with more options for Puerto Rican food, but I just didn't feel like this place had outstanding flavors. Small portions + high prices + just okay food. Service was great and I liked the variety of options and the overall cozy feel of the place, though! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be back, but I'm glad to have tried it.

Qui Qui took me right back to my time in Puerto Rico. This unsuspecting DC spot in Shaw has delicious food and island vibes! It's a DC hidden gem that's a must try. The door can be easy to miss, but you'll be glad you found it! Just follow the Puerto Rican flags up the stairs. The service is super friendly and the food is even better! Pina Colada - super refreshing! Beef Empanada - flaky and so delicious with the sauce! Carne Frita con Tostones - I could eat this carne frita all day long! Garlic Sauce Shrimp - garlicky and tasty Chuleta Kan Kan - the tomahawk pork chop was fatty, juicy and fall off the bone delicious! It could easily feed a family of 4, so bring friends! Mofongo con Pollo - a classic Puerto Rican dish that's a must try Tres Leches de Mayacuya - loved the passion fruit in this light and tasty cake!

Went on a Saturday night for dinner. I had already looked at the restaurant online and the pictures and descriptions were accurate: it's a small but cute upstairs restaurant with brightly colored decorations and an intimate (but not crowded) feel. For appetizers my party ordered the pork chunks and beef empanadas. I loved the beef, especially because it didn't have raisins or olives or other things you find in empanadas (I like to keep it simple). But they were very flavorful. The pork was flavorful too, and the smashed plantains were salty, but the pork was cooked a little too much so tough to chew. For mains my party ordered chicken mofongo, pernil and chicharron. The pernil was perfect! The chicken was also cooked a little too long but had good flavor. The plantains didn't really taste like much, but was good with the chicken. Chicharron isn't really my thing, but it was flavorful as well. I recommend this restaurant, especially if you like Puerto Rican food and a cute ambiance!

Qui Qui DC offers a beautiful representation of Puerto Rican cuisine. This small restaurant is brightly colored and has a fun ambiance. It's also extremely popular. Service has always been fantastic, and I appreciated their COVID protocols during the height of the pandemic. The food is amazing. You can taste why Qui Qui is so busy--it's the best Puerto Rican restaurant in the area. I've had the empanadas, mofongo, tostones, rice and beans, and chuleta kan-kan. Everything is excellent and well-presented with pretty herb and microgreen toppings. However, the chuleta kan-kan is an absolute standout. It's a gorgeous Tomahawk pork chop, with outer edges approaching lechon-levels of crispness and more tender inner section. It's accompanied by tostones, rice, and beans. I would never say skip the mofongo, which is one of my all-time favorite dishes, but if for some reason you can't order both, go with the chuleta. Also, their house hot sauce is fantastic and you must ask for it. The drinks are on point. Their cocktail menu heavily features Don Q and the Frederick-based Clandestino (pitorro), a local fave. Everything I've tried had been strong and well-made. I'm currently loving La Isla Bonita, which is as pretty as it is tasty. I cannot recommend Qui Qui DC highly enough. Make the reservations and go.

My friend is from Puerto Rico, so she wanted to try this place. It is upstairs and there is a separate bar downstairs. I don't drink, but I got the Virgin piña colada. It was very delicious! The only thing I have a problem with in this item is that it's 12 dollars but the alcohol virgin is 14 dollars. Which means the alcohol is only worth two dollars. The table we had was very sticky for some reason. The food overall was delicious. Our main issue was the service. The waitress had a TERRIBLE attitude. She was very short with us. I had to ask for ice in a cup three times. When it was time to leave we asked for boxes. She walked past us a few times and hadn't said anything. 10 minutes later she did give us our boxes. The restaurant has an automatic 20% service charge for all dine in guests. I had ordered a tres leches to go but she accidentally forgot it. So she had to ring it up on a separate check. Even though I paid my service charge for my dine in food, she put another service charge on my to go tres leches. I told her she ran my card with this new added charge and she said "I've already ran your card and my manager isn't here to change it. Sorry‍" I believe what she did was very shady. I felt like since she knew there was a guaranteed service charge she didn't have to be nice or attentive. The POOR SERVICE, is the only reason I would not come back.

Mmm mm good! I'm so glad Qui Qui became a permanent restaurant and not just a pop up. The service was friendly and the food was great and authentic! I wish they had more cocktail options but maybe there's more to come.

Absolutely amazing food, this is a must try place! Came here after seeing it on social media. A little hard to find, look for the painted staircase inside the bar and take it to the second floor... Had to try the Carne Frita/Pork Mofongo. This was hands down some of the best pork I have ever tried. It was juicy and tender, cooked to perfection. The seasoning was great with just the right crunch. The mofongo itself was good, nothing out of this world, but the pork was the star of the show. Pork can often be bland or easily toughen up, but they absolutely crushed this. Definitely recommend this place, and the pork mofongo!!!

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough! The habichuelas tasted JUST like Mami's and the chuleta kankan tasted exactly like mine. It was such a wonderful experience eating amazingly made Puerto Rican food that I didn't have to make myself. As if the food wasn't enough the and the service were absolutely fantastic! Whether you are a Boricua missing home or someone wanting to see what Puerto Rican cuisine is like, THIS is the restaurant for you! I cannot wait to return!

I've been here about three times in the past 5 years and today abuelita was definitely not in the kitchen maybe next time...

Malta & Maduros are a Puerto Rican staple, am I right? I was looking for just that on a recent trip to DC and got to secure the goods at QuiQui Their Pastelon dish was one the best things I have tried, imagine lasagna but replace the pasta with sweet plantains. The Bistec Encebollado was also bomb but def get their Pastelon!

The chicken was great!! Flavorful and perfectly cooked; was supposed to be deboned but still had a few.

Everything is fried - the Puerto Rican label is a misnomer... the tres leches is simply a boxed yellowcake with milk pour over it But if you are not looking for authentic flavors- the food tastes good ...

For starters, 5 pm is the time to go! They have a special happy hr for about 2 hrs and the food is super fresh and phenomenal! I felt back at home with all the great flavors and dishes! Everything was executed beautifully, from the staff, the flavors to the way the table was set to the drinks! I was so happy with the food and my picky four year old was able to sit down and enjoy the delicious food. My husband finished his meal completely! In the end we enjoyed the delicious flan and did not regret a thing it was rich in flavor paired with a guava topping that was delectable. Highly recommend will absolutely come back and do not forget to make a reservation folks!!

Came here to celebrate a birthday. They didn't disappoint! Atmosphere, food, drinks and vibe were everything!! Will definitely return.

Came here for dinner with my friends and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Alex was a great server and was very attentive during our meal and made sure to answer all of our *many* questions. This place isn't cheap, but it is pretty affordable if you are looking to treat yourself for dinner one night. This was my first time trying Puerto Rican meals and I enjoyed each meal that I had the option of tasting! The rice and beans were yummy as well and the beef empanadas were my favorite! The portion sizes are reasonable, but not enough to split for lunch the next day. My sister got the pastelon which is their version of lasagna so except a heart meal. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying something else on the menu!

Thee place to visit anytime your in dc !!!! I never thought I would say it but as a Dominican woman I have to say this Puerto Rican spot better than most if not all Dominican restaurants I've been to in the city. I have been to Puerto Rico as well and this food here is like your back in Carolina. The empanadas were so freaking juicy and flavorful with a perfect amount of filling and the dough perfectly crispy. The mofongo had checked off everything it's supposed to taste like and more. Their drinks omg their drinks absolutely amazing. Service was excellent with giving great suggestions and attending to our every needs. Food came out quickly and nothing seemed like it was rushed. The place is small but cute for a date night or get together with a friend. I will be coming here whether it's for takeout or sit down and order and try at least everything on the menu once. Love it ! Hope they are here to stay and keep up with consistent good and authentic food.

Everything we tried here was excellent. My favorite were the gambas and rice and beans 10/10. Will 100% be back!!

Okay qui qui! I hadn't heard about this place before but a couple of my foodie friends found out about it and wanted to try together. And it's legitimately fantastic. Hence why all the pics I remembered to take already had bites taken out of them! The space is located on the second floor of the building space, so when you get in, you'll see a bar on the first floor and you walk up the stairs. Right now, they are checking vaccine cards so make sure you bring yours! The restaurant itself is intimate; you hear all the conversations around you, you hear the music playing, you hear the sizzling of food in the kitchen, but it doesn't feel too loud and the tables are still well distanced. The main attraction is absolutely the food. Everything was amazing! So full of flavor, the crispy things were crisped to perfection, the soft things were buttery and moist, the drinks were flowing. The coquito here is amazing, really well spiced and you barely taste the rum in it. The tostones appetizer was delicious but the Mofongo was a real stand out. Full of garlicky butter and a slight smoky flavor from the seared pork on top. I haven't had enough coquito or Mofongo in my lifetime to rank Qui Qui's but I will say I really enjoyed it all. Above all, the servers were super friendly and attentive and kept their masks on the entire time!

The Best Authentic Puerto Rican restaurant I've been too in the entire DMV, You must make your reservation prior to coming. Place is small but comfortable. The staff here is super friendly our waitress was Haizy and she was very attentive and came to check on us periodically. For appetizers I ordered the carne frita and tostones, both were super tasteful, the flavor of the carne was perfect! The rice was fresh and the Beans were absolutely amazing. The empanadas were my favorite with some of the sauce and some of the red onions on top yummmm Perfect combination. For my meal I had a pastelon I've never tasted anything so flavorful and delicious. Let's not forget about my homemade coquito súper delicioso! But please don't forget to taste the Pina colada I had to order a second after tasting it as well. For dessert I was looking forward to the flan but I went with the a temple que which was okay, my favorite part of it was the cocino y, slashed a few of the coconut chips inside my piña colada the taste was outstanding! If your in the area make sure to stop by and taste one of the Best Authentic Puerto Rican If your visiting make sure to stop and you'll be addicted!!! A good way to bring folks back to visit!! Thank you to the chef for making the best dishes, I can't wait to come back again and taste the rest of the menu. Btw I ordered two desserts to go the pudding and also the tres leches so iill make sure to leave my review on those two when I digest my earlier meals.

Hands down! Qui Qui DC was 5 star from start to finish. It was so good we ordered one of the meals for the next day's lunch. Authentic and reasonably priced I highly recommend Qui Qui DC if you are native to Puerto Rican cuisine or on a cultural adventure. The desserts we ordered were on point and we made sure not to leave anything behind. Reservations are a must but I did see that they accommodated a couple who didn't have one while we were there. The staff at Qui Qui DC are equal to the food they serve - excellent!