My favorite Mexican food in the area is the funny little place on Highland Avenue called El Mexicano (formerly Chela's Place). I've had Mexican food in California, Chicago, New York, New Mexico, Yucatan and the Baja Peninsula. (The only real place missing is Texas, and if it’s actually the Tex Mex you find in most American cities, so be it.) And drawing on my experience and my affection for the cuisine, I can tell you that their big-as-your-head burritos could go mano-a-mano with the best of them.
Their hours are scratched out, so I can’t tell you when they’re actually open, but it seems to be a lunch-only joint. (If the comida Mexicana mood strikes you at dinner time, Guapo's is a satisfying enough option.) El Mexicano's “menu” is displayed on paper plates taped up on the wall, and you can choose from a vast array of burritos, including a few kids’ meals. You can select various combinations of beef, chicken, beans, rice, sour cream, salsa, cheese, etc., etc. I think, if you’re lucky, you can even eat right their on their porch. The only thing missing is cerveza bien fria and/or a nice Cuervo margarita. But margaritas are so hit or miss, you’re better off concocting your own anyway.
(Thanks, J, for correcting me on the name.)
El Mexicano, 4708 Highland Avenue, Bethesda, 301.654.7887
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