The other day I was looking at the North Columbia Heights Civic Association’s list of businesses and noticed a place I didn’t remember: La Cabana Restaurante at 3614 14th Street NW, a Salvadoran and Mexican place run by the same folks who own Las Placitas on 8th Street SE. Their website looked new and says “grand opening” so I decided to get some friends and check it out. Turns out I don’t think it’s a grand opening and I don’t think the place is new, maybe new management or something. Here’s what we thought.
For one, the place was empty except for us and two guys drinking beer at a table. It was about 7:30 on Thursday, so I guess they aren’t doing very well. The atmosphere is fine, nothing special. There was a bit of a language barrier with the waitress until my friend who speaks Spanish took over.
We ordered margaritas, and the first pitcher was great. For some reason the second pitcher seemed a lot stronger and wasn’t so good. Food-wise, I had the tipico, which is a chicken tamale, pupusa, plantains and yuca, plus beans and rice. Pretty hearty, pretty tasty, and $10. My amigos’ meals were similarly good — nothing special, but solid and well done. I like El Rinconcito II better, but not a bad option or a good start for hitting the Red Derby.
Here’s their Yelp page. 2.5 stars.
